And three years later here we are. It's been a long journey, but it's been exactly three years. I really wanted to get this posted today when I realized this story was first published September 14th. I think it seemed fitting. But anyway, it's been so long. When I first started this, I was brand new to this website and so excited to have a well-received story. I have to say it's been more well-received than I thought it would be, so I want to wish from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you to those who have been here for years sticking it through, and to those who have only recently found this story. All the support is wonderful, so thank you so much. And sorry again, for the random and scattered updates...

Anyway, I wrote this up pretty quickly, but I think it turned out okay. So enjoy this short little epilogue.

7 Months Later

A loud smack reverberated around the room. Donnie and Mikey winced at the sound of their older brother hitting the dojo mat. That would leave a mark. Raph groaned as he sat up, rubbing his head. He shot a scowl at the older teen standing above him, but it didn't faze Leo. "Nice try Raphael." He said smugly. "But you'll have to try harder than that."

"Well done Leonardo." Splinter's humored voice interrupted the two. "But do not become too arrogant. It will only cloud your mind."

"Hai Sensei." Leo said, bowing respectfully. He turned to the still downed Raph and held out a hand, which the younger reluctantly took.

Raph grumbled at the slightly taller teen as he was hauled up to his feet. "Smug bastard." He grumbled under his breath.

"Language Raphael." Splinter chided. "I do not want to cause further harm to you than what Leonardo has already done."

Mikey and Donnie laughed, causing the green-eyed teen's face to heat up. Leo smiled and rolled his eyes fondly. It was hard to remember a time when he hadn't had three troublesome younger brothers.

"Now would either of you two like to spar against Leonardo?" Splinter asked Donnie and Mikey, turning towards them.

Both quickly shook their heads. "No, I think I'm good Sensei." Donnie said quickly.

"Yep. I'm feeling all sparred out." Mikey agreed.

Splinter chuckled. "Then I believe we are done for the day."

"Hai Sensei." The four teenagers chorused, bowing and leaving the dojo.

As soon as they were out, Mikey rushed towards the living room. "I call TV!"

Raph growled, charging after his brother. "No way! You got it yesterday after training. I am not going to sit through another one of your stupid shows."

"Hey!" Donnie exclaimed, following after them. "I've got this documentary on the research of heterotrophic organisms that I've been waiting to watch."

"Nobody wants to watch whatever that is over the best cartoon ever!" Mikey shouted. Leo could hear the three quickly begin bickering from the other room as he stood outside the dojo. He rolled his eyes fondly at their antics.

"You do not want to participate I take it?" Splinter said, walking up to him.

Leo turned to the man. "Nah. I've never been a big fan of TV. The only thing I've cared to watch is the news."

Splinter nodded, but noticed unease in the teen. "What troubles you?"

The black-haired teen tensed. It didn't take much to alert the older ninja. "It's nothing."

"It is not if it troubles you. Do not be afraid to speak your mind."

Leo bit his lip. "It's just...My father. The whole Oroku corporation has been out of New York for months and there's hardly been any word of it. It's like he's gone, but I know he isn't. I'm just afraid he'll come back..."

Splinter laid a hand on Leo's shoulder. "I understand your fears Leonardo. But do not forget that you will always have us there."

Leo smiled gratefully. "Thanks. That means a lot."

A sudden screech and loud bang startled the two. Splinter sighed. "I believe we better sort out this problem."

Leo laughed. "Yeah I guess so."

The two walked to the living room and were met with chaos. Leo rolled his eyes at his brothers while Splinter shook his head. "Boys..." He mumbled exasperatedly, moving to stop their fighting.

Leo watched, amused. A slight tendril of worry still clutched his heart over the thought of his father, but standing in the company of his new family overshadowed it with warmth. Yes, no matter what would happen next, he would always be able to count on them. And they could count on him.

Well I hope you enjoyed Leveled. My first complete story on this site. I do want to say, that I am working on a couple of other stories at the moment, but I won't have them up for I'm guessing months. Writing this has sort of been a learning tool, and I'm trying to get as much as I can out of it. Planning my stories out is definitely the big thing I've gotten.

But regardless, once again thanks so much to you readers who have reviewed, favorited, and followed. So until next time, thank you and good luck!