Chapter 1: It's just a cold!

Leo charged forward, his katana held high.

"Awww yeah," Mikey cheered, spinning his nun chuck as he sprinted forward. "Michelangelo is on the move!" he flipped over Leo's blade as he swung. "I'm over here," flip, "I'm over there," flip, "I could be anywhere!" he smiled. Looking up from where he had landed he screamed before rolling out of the way of Leo's attack. Leaping up he twirled his weapons under his arms. "How can you stop what you can't even see?" he mocked.

Leo sighed as his younger brother rushed forward. Flipping his sword around he jabbed the hilt into Mikey's stomach, causing the younger turtle to gag and fall on the floor.

"Like that?" Leo questioned blankly.

A shaky finger was lifted into the air. "Good one Leo." Mikey gasped holding his stomach.

Giotto snickered from where he was sitting before turning towards the other pair of turtles sparring.

Donny had just finished an elaborate display of his weapon. Raph rolled his eyes and cracked his neck. He had yet to even pull out his Sais.

"Alright Donny, put down the staff and nobody gets hurt," Raph smirked.

"Yeah, you said that last time, and then you hurt me," Donny snorted, glaring at him.

Raph shrugged innocently. "Yeah, but not as bad as I would have."

"Yeah right." Donny swung at him, causing Raph to leap out of the way. He made sure to keep up a steady stream of attacks, not wanting to leave any openings. With a harsh strike downwards Donny smirked before realizing his staff was gone. Looking forward he paled as Raph twirled it around and broke it in half.

"Should of dropped the staff?" Donny questioned weakly. He was met with a smirk.

"Should of dropped the staff." Raph began pounding on his brothers back with the broken pieces of wood.

"Ow, ow! I'm out, I'm out!"

Gio patted Donny on the shoulder as he came to sit by them. He gave Gio a slight grin before glaring at Mikey for sticking his tongue out. With a chuckle the older turtle turned back to the spar between his remaining brothers. The familiar blue and red masks of his brothers were tied firmly in place. Leo was blue and Raph was read, obviously. Donny had purple, Mikey had his favorite color orange, and Gio had his usual white. It was just another day of training, nothing special. Father had forbid Gio from sparring today after he had sneezed at breakfast.

"Really?" Gio thought angrily. "A sneeze? Its not like I was bleeding or anything. Sure, that usually signifies me getting a cold but not letting me train?" Gio frowned in annoyance before brushing it off. Today was a special day. He would not allow it to be ruined.

He was brought out of his thoughts as sai came flying past his head. Glaring at his brothers he crossed his arms.

Raph and Leo smiled sheepishly for a moment before attacking each other. Rolling his eyes, Giotto smiled lightly as Raph caught Leo's hand with his remaining sai and threw him to the ground. He was improving.

"Yamae!" Splinter called from where he had been standing in back of the room. The five brothers came forward and kneeled in front of him.

"You all did very well," Splinter commended. Gio resisted the urge to mention he hadn't done anything.

"But I did better," Raph boasted, ignoring the angry look Leo sent him.

"This is not about winning or loosing, Raphael," Splinter lectured. "It is about improvement."

Gio smiled knowingly.

"I know sensei," Raph smiled, crossing his arms behind his head. "But I won and they lost."

Splinter sighed and pinched the turtle on the neck.

"Ow, ow, ow! But what's really important is that we all did our best. Good job everyone!" he cried, falling in relief once he was released.

Gio coughed to cover his laugh as Splinter chuckled. He didn't cover his laugh well enough apparently; seeing as how once Raph had recovered he glared at him menacingly.

"And just what is so funny, Gio?" he hissed.

"Oh, nothing." He smiled innocently. "I was just coughing. You know, cause of my 'cold'."

None of his brothers believed that for a second.

"Anyway, isn't it time to eat?"

Mikey leapt into the air, and excited grin on his face.

"Yes! Food!"

Splinter sighed as his sons shoved each other out of the way to reach the kitchen. He glanced over at his oldest who was watching them in amusement.

"Giotto," he called, motioning for his son to come over.

"Hai, sensei?" he said in apprehension. "You know I was just kidding about the cough thing right?"

Splinter chuckled. "Do not worry, my son. I know when you are faking."

Gio tried his best not to pout.

"I merely wanted to ask how you were feeling."

Gio smiled. "I feel fine, sensei. Really, this morning didn't mean anything. I probably inhaled to much dust or something."

"If you are sure," Splinter stared at him intently for a moment before smiling. "Now I believe it would be best for us to join your brothers. Michelangelo seems to have something planned."

Gio frowned. Most of Mikey's plans ended up in some kind of disaster but Splinter didn't seem worried. With a shrug he decided to let it be. He also had a surprise for his family, so he had no place to judge.

Mikey smiled as his older brother and father joined them at the table. He gave them both a bowl of healthy algae and worms.

"Eat up!"

Leo ate his food calmly while Raph stabbed at his and Donny failed to use his chopsticks. Splinter was the mirror image of Leo and Gio… just grabbed a fork. His brothers paused to stare at him.

"What?" he asked, fork halfway to his mouth. "It's easier to use."

Mikey smiled as his brother's bickered, stirring the remaining food in a large pot.

"There's a little bit left if anyone wants it!" They stared at him blankly. "Anyone? Aaannnnyyyoonnnee?"

"No thanks."

"I'm good."

"All yours."

Mikey turned to Gio. "Humph, at least Gio appreciates my cooking."

"Ummm," Gio muttered.

"Don't tell me you don't want any either?!" Mikey cried.

"Sorry Mikey."

He glared at his brothers. "Fine, then I guess you guys don't want… cake!" With a flourish he lifted a large cake up onto the counter.

They all gaped at him, quickly surrounding the cake.

"It is a cake!" Donny gasped. They hadn't had cake since they were six!

Raph leaned forward, running his finger along the side before licking it. "Made of… Algae… and worms."

"Good job Mikey!" Gio cheered.

Leo frowned suspiciously at the green and purple surface. "What's the frosting made of?"

With a nervous smile Mikey pulled the cake back. "You don't want to know. Happy Mutation Day!"

The four brothers threw their arms up into the air. "Happy Mutation Day."

"Ah yes," Splinter murmured nostalgically. "15 years ago, today, our lives changed forever and we became the unlikeliest of families."

'Oh on,' Gio thought despairingly. 'Here we go.'

"Tell us the story Master Splinter." Mikey begged, resting his head on his hand.

"Michelangelo, I have already told it many times."

Leo sighed. All the other times they had been this story it had been after Mikey had begged for hours. By the end of the day they all had migraines the size of the city.

"Please," Mikey started. "PLEAAASSSEE-!" Raph leaped forward and slammed his hand over the turtle's mouth.

"Please," he asked. "If only to get this moron to shut up."

Their father normally scolded Raph for his insults but he to realized what… problems, the youngest could bring.

"Very well," he conceded, smiling as his sons leaned forward. They may say they were to old for stories but he could see the glimmer in their eyes. "Many years ago, when I was still human, I was leaving the pet store with five baby turtles."

"That's us," Mikey leaned in to whisper.

Gio rolled his eyes.

"Yes, don't interrupt," Splinter frowned. Mikey pouted but sat down. "I passed a strange man on the street. Something felt off about him. I decided to follow."

"Now we know where Raph gets his lack of planning from," Gio whispered to Donny. The ninja snickered.

"The man met with another, who soon handed him a container filled with a mysterious green substance. However, my position was soon given away when I accidently startled a nearby rat. The two men approached me, saying I could not be allowed to leave alive after I had seen them."

Mikey began to chew on fingers as Raph and Leo leaned forward.

"I began to defend myself. Unfortunately, after I had hit the man holding the container, it fell and broke open. The green substance covered me and the turtles I had been carrying. I transformed from a human to a rat, and the turtles grew to the size of a human infant. I took those turtles down into the sewers and made a home." Splinter pulled out a broken canister. "That was the beginning of our new life together. It was the substance in this canister that, in a way, gave birth to us all."

"Mom!" Mikey sighed, grabbing the canister and hugging it.

Donny and Gio laughed at their brother's antics.

Leo coughed, gaining the groups attention.

"So sensei," he started. "Since we're turning 15, I think it's about time we went up to the surface don't you?"

All five turtles looked at him hopefully.

"Yes."

"Yeah! Whoohoo!" They cheered, high-threeing each other.

"And no."

"Awww man," they groaned, face planting on the table.

"I hate when he does that," Raph groaned.

"You have grown powerful, but you are still young," Splinter began. "You lack the maturity to use your skills wisely."

"So isn't that just a no then?" Donny questioned. Gio shrugged, it sure sounded like a no to him.

"Yes," Splinter nodded. "And no. Wisdom comes from experience, and experience comes from making mistakes."

"In order to get wisdom we need to make the mistakes," Donny pondered. "So we can go."

"No."

"And yes?"

"No!"

They sighed despairingly. Leo looked at his brother's faces before turning to Splinter.

"Sensei, we know you're trying to protect us, but we can't spend our whole lives hiding down here," Leo pointed out.

Gio frowned. "How are we supposed to get experience if we are never given the chance?"

Splinter hummed in thought, stroking his beard. He glanced at his sons only to be met with five pairs of puppy eyes.

He sighed. "You may go tonight," he decided, ignoring their cheers. "But you must be careful."

"High three!" Mikey crowed.

Gio glanced at Splinter in silent curiosity. Would he be allowed to go as well?

Splinter smiled and nodded at him.

"Yeah!" he cried joyously, joining his brothers. With a blinding grin he took off to his room. "This is going to be awesome!"

Gio hummed happily to himself as he walked out into the main room. A small bag was attached to his hips and his hook blades crossed over his back in the shape of an x.

"You seem happy," Raph called from his spot on the couch. He had a magazine in his hands.

"Of course," Gio chirped, leaping over the couch to sit next to him. "This is the first time we get to go outside."

Raph's lips twitched. "It is pretty cool," he agreed.

The sound of dramatic music made them look forward. Leo was glued to the TV screen as his favorite show, space heroes, began to get intense.

Gio smiled widely at his brother when he stood up and began talking in a deeper voice.

"Gentlemen, I have a bold and daring plan," Leo mimicked the man on TV. He had one hand on his hip and the other held up in front of him. "There is no time for hesitation. My orders must be carried out without question."

Gio snickered into his hand. Ever since Leo had first seen Space Heroes he had been hooked. This was not the first time one of his brothers had caught him mimicking his idol. Gio found it absolutely adorable.

"You know that show is stupid right?" Raph questioned, not bothering to look up from his magazine.

"Space Heroes is a great show! And Captain Ryan is a great hero!" Leo argued. "Some day I'm going to be just like him."

Raph peered over at him blankly. "Well, you do like to hear yourself talk so, you're on your way."

Leo frowned at him.

"Don't worry about him Leo," Gio comforted, getting up to pat him on the shoulder. "I think it's cute."

Leo spluttered at him. "W-wha-?! I am not cute!"

Gio just chuckled, patting his head.

"It's go time!" Mikey called as he and Donny slid over. They posed dramatically.

The turtles got into a quick line in front of Splinter.

"You are going into a new and hostile world. You must maintain awareness at all times." Splinter advised.

"Hai Sensei," they replied, turning to go.

"You must stay in the shadows!"

They paused, "Hai Sensei."

"Don't talk to strangers!"

"Hai Sensei."

"Everyone is a stranger!"

"… Hai Sensei."

"Where is your coat Giotto?"

With a sigh, Gio quickly grabbed his coat and adjusted his weapons.

"And your hat?"

A black cap was quickly thrown on.

"Do you have your medicine?"

Gio tapped the bag on his hip. "Hai."

After a quick pause the turtles began to head out.

"Make sure you go before you leave! The restrooms up there are filthy!"

The brothers turned to him in exasperation. "Sensei."

Splinter sighed. He could not keep them young forever. "Good luck my sons." They cheered and began to run out the entrance. "Look both ways before crossing the street!" They were already gone.

With a heavy sigh, Splinter went to his meditation room. Hopefully his sons would not get into any trouble.

His thoughts drifted to his oldest`. His main concern was how the surface would affect his already unstable health. It had been two years since his last dangerous illness but who knew what could happen to him up there.

"Keep him safe, my sons," he prayed.

Leonardo's P.O.V.

I cracked the manhole open, peering out into the night. There didn't seem to be any danger nearby so I climbed out, motioning for my brother's to follow. They scrambled out in a rush. I couldn't blame them, I was just as excited to finally be leaving the lair.

Whoooaaaa," Mikey breathed, looking around in wide eye wonder. "It's beautiful!"

I agreed. The crisp night air, the tall looming structures, even that weird man sleeping in the corner were all so knew and amazing.

"The city is just full of possibility," I marveled. We began walking, trying to take everything in at once. "There could be adventure around this corner," I smiled peeking around before running to the next. "Or this one. Or this one!" A small cat leapt off of a trashcan and ran off. "There's not, but there could be!"

Donny was running from store window to store window, Raph trailing behind, while Mikey swung from the light poles. I didn't even feel the need to tell him to knock it off, I was so excited. Gio was following behind me with a bright smile.

"Look at all the computers!" Donny drooled, smooshing his face into the glass of a nearby store. The lights of the electronics bounced off his skin. He gasped. "Is that the next generation Cadmium Processor with quantum encryption?!"

"I don't know Donatello," Raph mocked, "is it?"

The sarcastic tone not even registering in his brain Donny practically squealed. "It is!"

"What does it do?" Gio questioned, coming up behind him.

"Well," Donny started and I quickly made myself scarce. Once you got him started Donny wouldn't stop. I don't even know how Gio can understand half of what he says. I glanced back, noticing the blank expression on his face. Okay, maybe he doesn't understand any of it.

"Guys, guys, check this out!" Mikey called. He ran up to a store with neon lights. "It's a hand made out of light!" The light filter on the window changed. "Now it's an eye made out of light! Now a hand! Now the eyes back! Now the hand!"

"Come on genius," Raph sighed, dragging Mikey away by his mask.

"The eye!"

I rolled my eyes. Leave it to Mikey to come to the city for the first time and be distracted by a simple neon light. Donny walked over, trembling with excitement over the new technology he had discovered. Gio trailed behind him, pressing a hand to his head. Probably got a headache after trying to understand all of what Donny had said to him.

Raph threw Mikey in to the group, crossing his arms.

"Now what?" Donny asked.

A bright light made us freeze as some kind of… motorized vehicle stopped in front of us. A small human man stared at us in shock, his face pale.

"Grah!" Raph growled, making a creepy face. The man screamed, turning around and speeding away.

I frowned at him as he laughed. We weren't supposed to be seen by people. What was he thinking?

"We're to exposed," I stated looking around. Glancing up I noticed the high rooftops. Surely not many people would be up there, right? "Come on, follow me."

I found a nearby ladder and began to climb up the nearest building, my brothers following after me.

"Wow," Gio smiled, looking out over the city. "It looks even better up here."

I looked out as well and couldn't help but agree. The city seemed so peaceful yet mysterious. It was amazing.

"Where's Mikey?" Raph questioned, looking around.

"Almost there, dudes!" he called, flipping onto the roof. We all stared at the box in his hand. "That guy dropped this."

Placing it on a ventilation shaft, he stepped back to join us.

"What is it?" I asked. I've never seen anything like it before. Why was there a picture of a man on the front?

"Piza?" Mikey read in confusion.

"Should we open it?" Donny wondered.

I frowned. "Careful, it could be dangerous."

Gio frowned down at it. "It looks like a box though."

Rolling his eyes, Raph reached out and opened the lid. We stepped back in shock.

Some kind of circular… thing, was in the box. We all stepped closer. It appeared to be steaming and had these weird red circles on it.

"I think its some kind of… food?" Donny said.

"It's not like any food I ever saw," Raph retorted.

I looked at Gio but he just shook his head.

"I'll try it," Mikey volunteered. I didn't know whether to commend his bravery or curse his stupidity. I watched with bated breath as he took a bite. His eyes grew wide and he seemed to freeze. I was beginning to worry when he practically shoved the rest of the food in his mouth with a pleased grin.

"Uhh, yuck," he shook his head. "This stuff is gross. You guys wouldn't want it. I'll just take the re-"

I wasn't fooled and neither were my brothers. We lunged forward, snatching a piece for ourselves. I took a hesitant bite. The moment the 'piza' or whatever touched my tongue I felt like my brain had just exploded from the flavor. I think Raph was speaking, something about worms and algae, but I didn't care. With this kind of food I don't think I'll ever be able to look forward to our regular meals ever again.

"I love it up here!" Mikey cheered.

Raphael's P.O.V

After we finished eating the rest of the pizza we decided to explore more of the city. I flipped from building to building, relishing in the feeling of the wind on my face. I felt amazing, like I could do anything! This place was amazing. Why hadn't I come up here sooner?

With a final flip I came skidding to halt next to my brothers. We were all panting lightly from the adrenaline. Looking them over I saw Gio breathing a little harder than the rest of us. Before I could say anything Leo sighed.

"Alright guys, it's getting late," he said sadly. "We should probably head back."

Normally I would argue. This was our first time out here, and we've barely explored! But I held my tongue. Gio seems pretty wiped out already. I may hate it when the guy teases me but none of us want him to get sick again.

"Guys, look at that!" Donny shouted.

I rushed over expecting to see… well, I don't know what I was expecting to see, but some old guy and a girl were definitely not on the list.

"She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen," Donny drooled.

I gagged. There were practically hearts in his eyes. Mikey looked weirded out, Leo looked confused, and Gio was… laughing? Weirdo.

"Isn't she the only girl you've ever seen?" I questioned, bringing him out of his daze.

He huffed, turning away from me. "My point still stands."

A loud screech sounded below us as a large white van pulled to a stop next to the two humans. Some tall guys that looked scarily similar hopped out of the back and began to advance towards them.

"We have to help them!" Donny demanded, about to leap forward.

Leo pulled him back. "Splinter's instructions were very clear! We're supposed to stay away from people," he pointed out before bringing his arms in and giving some kind of weird, wide-eyed look, "and bathrooms."

That… was weird. But more importantly-

"I thought you wanted to be a hero," I pointed out. "Since when do heroes ask for permission?"

"Since they were still teens," I heard Gio mutter behind me. I glared at him.

"Well, they don't but-" Leo started.

"Well I'm going," Donny interrupted, leaping down.

I smiled and rushed after him. Now this is what I'm talking about! A little action! I landed near one of the creeps and kicked him down. A little more resistance than I was expecting from a human but I've never fought one before so whatever.

Jumping back I ran into Leo.

"Watch it," I growled.

"No, you watch it."

We rolled away. This kept happening for the rest of the fight. Mikey kept hitting me in the head, Donny kept tripping me, Leo was just a pain in the ass, and Gio… wait, where was Gio? I glared at the guy in front of me. Catching his arm like had with Leo's this morning I spun around and threw him over my shoulder. Or at least tried to.

"Oh, come on," I groaned before I was punched away. Ah well, at least now I had a chance to look around. Leo was still fighting off some of the creeps, Donny was helping out that girl, Mikey was being an idiot- there he was. Gio was in the van trying to rescue that other guy. He was lifting the guy up when one of the creeps spotted him.

"Gio!" I yelled, running forward.

Gio whipped around, barely blocking the coming blow with one of his blades. The creep kicked him in the stomach and threw him out of the van.

I lunged forward just in time for him to slam into me. We rolled back before slamming into a wall.

"For the love of-" I groaned. Pushing myself up I pulled Gio to his feet. The van began to speed away. "Come on Gio, they're getting away!"

He wheezed for a moment before running forward.

"Well then what are we doing just standing here? Lets go!"

I bumped into Leo as we ran.

"You stabbed me with your swords!" I glared.

He glared back. "Well I didn't know you were going to be where I was stabbing!"

"Guys!" Gio barked back. He had gotten ahead of us and was now almost next to Donny. "Hurry it up!"

The van turned a corner and we dashed forward, but when we got there it was nowhere in sight.

"No!" Donny cried.

"Damn it!" I cursed. This could have definitely gone better.

We all stood there for a few minutes, trying to catch our breaths.

"Whe-where's Mikey," Gio wheezed, his hands on his knees.

I looked around but saw no sign of our dumbass brother. Great. First we lose the bad guys, and now we lost Mikey.

"He didn't pass us," Leo panted. "He must be back a ways."

I stood up straight with a sigh. "Let's go get the moron," I sighed, scratching my head. It didn't sit well with me that we had lost. I gave Donny a quick pat on the shoulder. "Come on, man. Let's head back."

He didn't say anything as we started walking. The silence was tense. It was beginning to get on my nerves.

"Guys! Guys!" Mikey screeched, running from around the corner. At least the silence is gone. His eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his head. "You'll never believe this! That guy, that creepy guy had… a BRAIN!"

We stared at him blankly.

"We all have brains, Mikey," Leo explained.

"Not all of us," Donny pointed out.

"In our chest?!"

Leo sighed. "No Mikey, not in our chest."

"You're not listening to me!"

Leo slapped him. Gio and Donny stared at him in shock, as I tried no to laugh. Oh, man. Mikey's expression. Ha!

"Did you just slap me?" he questioned dangerously.

"I was calming you down!"

"Why would that calm me down?!"

Gio was snickering behind me. I turned to him in confusion.

"What?" I whispered.

He pointed at Leo. "It always works in Space Heroes."

Oh, that was sweet. Fearless was mimicking his 'hero' even now. That is priceless. I fist bumped Gio.

"I think he's delusional." Donny noted.

"J-just come here. I'll show you!"

We all followed behind Mikey slowly. Honestly, this was pointless. A guy with a brain in his chest? Yeah right. The chances of that happening were like if I were to ask Donny how technology has advanced over the last 50 or so years. Not likely.

A soft sigh behind me had me twisting around. Gio was at the back of the group and was putting something in his bag. I caught a glimpse of white.

"Is that your inhaler?" I asked, dropping back next to him.

He twitched, smiling up at me.

"No?"

"Gio." I hissed.

"Alright, alright, keep your voice down," he hushed, glancing worriedly at Leo and Donny. "Yes it was my inhaler. I'm just not used to running around this much. That and this damn cold-"

"You have a cold?!" I demanded, ignoring his frenzied look. "I thought you said you were fine!"

He growled at me. "I am fine! It's just a cold!" I gave him a look. "I've had them often enough that I know when to take it easy. This will go away in a day tops," he stated.

"Gio, if you got sick again-"

"I know, okay? But really, I'm fine. I promise."

I stared at him intently, daring him to lie to me. He looked me straight in the eye, his gaze unwavering.

"Fine," I ground out. "But if it gets any worse I'm telling Donny."

He laughed lightly. "Thanks Raph." With a grin he flung and arm over my shoulders. "You're so caring," he cooed.

I growled, throwing his arm off. "Shut up!"

"Awww, come on Raphie. I think it's cute how flustered you get when you're mad."

"You have a twisted sense of cute," I raged, feeling my face heat up in embarrassment. God, did he always have to do that? What's so cute about being punched in the face, huh?

"Just you wait and see," Mikey called out in front of us. "He's this creepy robot thing with an alien in his chest. You've gotta believe me!"

"I'm not sure we do," I said, sending one last warning glare at Gio. He smiled innocently back.

"Oh yeah? Well you'll believe me when you see this!" he pointed down an alleyway. "What? He's gone?"

The alleyway was devoid of any signs of life or movement. Great, so this was completely pointless.

I glared at him for wasting my time and began walking away. I grabbed Gio's arm as I passed. There was no way I was letting him out of my sight now. The irresponsible idiot. Colds can get worse.

"Wha- Raph, what are you doing?"

"Come on guys," I called back. "We're going home."

We made our way back to the sewers in a tense silence. Leo was his usual annoying, silent self, Donny was upset about that girl, Mikey was upset over some imaginary alien thing, Gio was praying I didn't tell the others he was sick, and I was pissed.

Today sucked and now we had to go face Splinter and tell him about our failure.

Fan-fucking-tastic.

Donatello's P.O.V.

That poor girl. What must she be going through right now? She looked so scared, and I couldn't even do anything about it. Why wasn't I faster? She was reaching for my hand! She was going to trust me to keep her safe! And what do I do? I blow it! And none of the others seem to understand just how bad this situation is!

Mikey was going on and on about his delusional idea that alien robots attacked us, paying no attention to the fact that two people were just kidnapped! And Leo and Raph were constantly arguing about who had been more at fault in the battle. Maybe Gio understood a little bit, but even he seemed lost in his own thoughts.

Now Master Splinter was angry and all they could do was pass the blame.

"Well maybe if I hadn't of had to waste time arguing with hero boy I could have saved them!" Raph sneered.

"Hey, if you hadn't gotten in my way I could have done it," Leo defended. "And you went flying off on your own! How smart was that?"

Oh no. I was not taking the fall for this one. Not after I had been the one to actually want to help those people.

"Well it would have worked great if somebody hadn't hit me in the head with their nun chucks!" I barked, glaring at Mikey. That split moment when she had reached out for me and I had had to turn away because that idiot wasn't paying attention.

"Guys, come on," Gio placated. "We all made mistakes during that battle and-"

"No!" I interrupted, ignoring his surprised face. "If Mikey hadn't hit me we would have at least saved the girl!"

"Well, somebody shouldn't have trusted us to go up there in the first place," Mikey spluttered, confused at all the accusations.

They all gasped, turning to their master.

"Sensei, I didn't mean-"

"No, Michelangelo. You are right." Splinter sighed, turning to face us.

"He is?" We all questioned. That never happens.

"I am?"

"You were unprepared for what was up there. I trained you as individuals, not a team. As your teacher, and your father, that responsibility falls to me." He explained.

I felt terrible. Master Splinter had taught us everything we know. Knowing that our, my, lack of ability was being pinned on him was… awful. I felt ashamed.

"Perhaps," he continued, "in another year, we can try again."

"Another year?!" we all balked.

"Has everyone forgotten that people have been kidnapped?" I snapped. "They don't have another year! We have to do this now! Sensei, you weren't there. You didn't see how that girl looked into my eyes." It was an image I wouldn't soon forget. "She was scared and she was counting on me, on us, to save her."

Splinter frowned, facing away from us. He was looking at the picture of his family when he was human with an odd look on his face.

"Yes," he finally murmured. "You must save her."

I nearly cheered. I had failed that girl once before. I would not do so again.

"I agree, sensei," Leo spoke up. "But in that fight we weren't exactly a well oiled machine."

I frowned. It was true. How could we possibly save those people if we couldn't even avoid hitting each other?

"Like that robot with the brain thingy." Mikey piped up.

"Mikey," Gio called. "Let's discuss that later."

The youngest pouted.

"Hmmm," Splinter thought. "If you are going to fight more effectively as a unit you are going to need a leader."

We all froze. I saw this day coming, sure, but not for a long time.

"Can I be the leader?" Leo asked, raising his hand.

"Why should you be the leader?" Raph questioned, cracking his knuckles. "I kicked your but, I should be the leader."

"Hey, I'm smarter than all of you guys put together, even Gio. It should be me!" I said.

"No way, I think the leader should be me!" Mikey yelled. There was an awkward silence. "I don't have a reason, I just think it should be me."

Splinter stared at all of them blankly. "And you, Giotto?" he questioned.

I turned to look at the eldest. Personally I think he would make a great leader. He's level headed, and smart. I don't think I've ever seen him get angry but he's no pushover. Gio likes to listen more than anything else but when he talks it is always well thought out. His strategies are good to. He gets along with both Raph and Leo, and knows how to talk to Mikey to get him to understand. But-

"Not me, sensei," Gio shrugged. "A leader needs to be constant and, though I hate to admit it, my health can fall at random times and I won't be able to be with the team. It's not a good idea to keep switching the leader so I'm instantly out."

We all looked at him sadly. His illness has held him back so much. I have tried to find a cure so many times but nothing has ever helped. I see the way he looks at us sometimes. Envious that we can do things he can't. It hurts to watch.

"Ahh, come on guys, I thought you all wanted to be leader. What are you getting so upset about," he smiled.

"I will need time to think about this decision," Splinter stated, walking towards his meditation room. "This is a difficult choice, I will need to meditate on it." He closed the door. With a sigh, I began to stand up before the door opened again. "It's Leonardo." The door closed.

We all stared at the door in shock.

Well then. That was fast.

"No hard feelings Raph?" Leo asked, a small smile on his face.

"Psh, go stuff it down your shell," he growled, storming away.

I frowned. It didn't really matter who was leader, as long as we saved those people.

"Don't let him get you down Leo," Gio smiled, patting their new leader on the shoulder. "You will be a great leader."

Leo smiled widely. "Thanks."

Sometimes it was hard to tell who was the oldest. Whenever Gio was sick or even looked unhealthy he was instantly treated like the baby of the family. Even when he wasn't those actions would sometimes cross over. But there were times like this, when Gio would smile at them and tell them that 'everything would be okay' and that 'we'll do great' that showed exactly who was the big brother. Donny loved those moments. And he knew by the happy, proud smile in Leo's eyes that he did to.

"Should we get ready to head out? Or should we wait?" Gio questioned.

Leo's back straightened. This would be his first decision as leader.

"We should get ready now. I think I have an idea of what we should do." He said, a strong undercurrent to his voice.

I nodded. "Great, lets grab Raph and go."

We began to head out of the room, Leo in the lead, when I heard Mikey start whining behind me.

"But what about the robot aliens?"

"You know Mikey, you never actually told me what happened. Why don't you explain on the way?" Gio asked kindly.

I turned to shoot him an incredulous look. He couldn't seriously believe him, could he?

Gio caught my eye and winked before looking pointedly at Mikey.

The youngest's face had lit up at the idea of finally telling someone what happened.

"Okay, so I was getting ready to chase after you guys when you ran after that white thing-"

"A van Mikey."

"Right, the van. Anyways, before I could one of those creeps jumped out of no where!"

I turned back around with a sigh. As long as it kept Mikey occupied and out of trouble I had no complaints. Instead, I decided to focus on the battle ahead, and the red headed angel waiting for me to save her.

Michelangelo's P.O.V

"Soooo, explain to me what we're doing again?" I asked.

They all groaned.

"Mikey, we've been over this!" Leo groaned.

It's not like I was ignoring him on purpose. I was busy telling Gio about that creepy robot alien! Whether they believe me or not, it was definitely there. I can still feel it's slimy brain thing on my face. Blegh.

"The logo on that building," Leo continued, pointing across the street, "is the same one that was on the van that kidnapped the family. So, if we wait here long enough, one of the kidnappers will eventually show his face. When he does," he cracked his knuckles, "we'll make him tell us where he took them."

Cool! We get to totally highjack a van! I've always wanted a van. Well, not a van, I had no idea what that was before Gio explained it to me, but something with wheels that moves really fast. This was gonna be awesome.

"The we got ourselves a van!" I cheered.

Leo face palmed. "Just hit the guy I tell you to."

That was simple enough. Why didn't he just say so in the first place?

"Will do!"

Raph walked up to Leo. Uh-oh. That's never good news. I scrambled over toward Gio. He was the safest hiding place.

"Soooo," I whispered to Gio. He looked at me and smiled.

"Yes, Mikey?"

"I was just wonderin… do you believe me?" I felt nervous.

"About what?"

"Those alien robots. They're real I swear! One had me by the face!" I shivered at the memory.

Gio chuckled, patting me on the head. "I'm not so sure about the alien part, but I believe you saw something. Maybe it was an animal that you've never heard of before?"

I frowned, thinking it over. "What kind of animal lives in people's chests?"

"I don't know, but it's not impossible. What kind of turtles are the size of people and know the ways of the ninja?"

Huh. That kinda makes sense.

"Alright," I conceded. "I get where you're coming from. But I still think it was an alien!"

He laughed. "Alright, whatever you say Mikey. It looks like we're gonna be here for awhile." He pulled out a book full of blank paper. Weird. Why would a book have no words on it? Gio ripped out a piece and folded it into a small triangle. "Why don't you take this and go play that new game with Donny?"

"Alright!" I pumped my fist. "I love that game!"

Snatching it from his fingers I was about to run away, but something caught my eye. Reaching forward, I readjusted Gio's hat. It had been about ready to fall off.

"Careful, dude. You don't want to get cold," I smiled before running over to Donny. I missed the bitter smile Gio sent my way.

"Hey, hey Donny." I poked my bro's arm, trying to get his attention. "Donny, hey! Yoo-hoo! Donny! Donatello! Bro! Don-!"

"What?!" Donny barked, glaring at me.

I held up the piece of paper. "Wanna play with me?"

Donny looked over at Leo, who had yet to move from his spot. With a sigh he looked back at me.

"Fine. It'll make the time go by faster at least."

We played for about 30 minutes before Don gave up. It's not my fault his face is a paper magnet! I always aimed the triangle towards his fingers but it would, like, curve up somehow.

"How long is this going to take?" Donny huffed, crossing his arms.

Gio looked up from where he had been hunched over that weird book of his.

"Why don't you do something to keep your blood flowing Donny?" He asked, closing the book for a moment.

"Like what?"

Gio hummed thoughtfully before rooting through his bag. A few seconds later he pulled out a roll of rope. "Use this."

Donny walked over and took it from his hands, sending it a skeptical look.

"And just what exactly am I supposed to do with this?"

Gio shrugged. "I have no idea, but you're the smart one. You'll figure something out." He opened his book and hunched over it again.

Donny sighed, looking over at me.

"You could use it like a lasso," I suggested. "Try catching Raph."

We both looked over at the brooding figure in the corner of the roof. He growled at us.

"Ummm, no. I don't think so," Donny laughed nervously. He swung the rope around for a bit before smiling. He took one end of the rope in each hand and started to use it as a jump rope.

"I still think it should be a lasso," I grumbled. Man, I as so bored. Maybe Gio has something for me to? I bounced over and sat next to him. "Hey, Gio. Watcha up to?"

He glanced at me from the corner of his eye but didn't stop scribbling something in his book.

"Just doodling," he shrugged, leaning away a bit so I could see.

"Whoa," I breathed, taking in the sketch of the city. "Dude, that's awesome! I didn't know you could draw that good!"

Gio smiled lightly. "Thanks, I've been working on getting better in my spare time."

I frowned. Gio has more spare time than he should. He rarely gets to train with us, and when he does he has to take it easy. I always try to get him to play video games with me but sometimes we get a little to into it and Leo stops us.

Gio nudged my shoulder, bringing me out of my thoughts.

"What's on your mind?" he asked, but I could tell he already knew. I felt bad but he just smiled at me.

"Nothing," I replied, leaning into his shoulder. All thoughts about asking for some kind of entertainment long gone. "You mind if I watch?"

He seemed a little surprised. "Not at all, but it's pretty boring."

I shrugged, not really caring. He smiled, but soon got a concentrated look on his face as he went back to drawing. I watched in awe as one seemingly random line became a detailed building. The shading made the city look even more mysterious than it was. I leaned my head on his shoulder to get a better look but he barely even registered it. He was focused intently on the pencil in his hand.

The sound of pencil scratching on paper and the steady 'thwack' of Donny's rope had me dazing out. I felt my eyelids getting heavier and tried to shrug it off. Not even a minute later I was dozing lightly against my big bro's shoulder. He paused in his sketching after finishing the shading on a building and glanced at me. He smiled affectionately, patting my head, before going back to drawing.

"Hope he doesn't drool on me," was the last thing I heard before I drifted off into sleep.

Giotto's P.O.V

The sound of someone falling drew me from my drawing. Mikey jumped awake, his eyes dazed and a bit of drool on the side of his mouth. Great. I rubbed the drool off my shoulder as I turned to look at Donny. He had tripped on the rope and had fallen on his face.

"You okay Donny?" I called, standing up to help him. I walked over and held my hand out.

He groaned and rubbed his face. Reaching out, he grabbed my hand, lifting himself up.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Donny grumbled.

I glanced around. About an hour or so had passed since I had last looked up.

"Maybe you should take a break," I suggested. "You've been at this for awhile." He nodded, handing me the rope I had lent him. "Mikey's awake now. You two could play another game?"

"Not football," Donny snapped before Mikey could even say anything.

"How about eye spy?" Mikey offered, a wide grin on his face. He was wide-awake now.

"Why eye spy?"

He crossed his arms, pouting. "You got any better ideas?"

Donny rolled his eyes. "No." I began walking away when he grabbed my shoulder. "Why don't you play with us, Gio?"

"Yeah!" Mikey cheered. "That'll be way more fun."

I stared forlornly at my sketchbook. I had all the basic outlining done, and I didn't need to finish here necessarily. Mikey was giving me the puppy eyes again. It was a lost cause.

"Sure, I'd love to play with you guys." We all sat down on the roof, back to back. "So, who goes first?"

"Oh, oh, me me me!" Mikey waved his hand frantically. Donny and I nodded. Why not? "Okay, I spy something… green!"

I looked around amusedly. It was definitely one of our brothers. Mikey couldn't see me or Donny with his back towards us and Leo was pretty far away so…

"Is it Raphael?" I asked.

"Whoa, on the first guess to!" Mikey marveled. Oh my poor, naïve little brother. He always says green, and it's always the closest brother.

"Alright, my turn then. I spy something white."

"The billboard sign?" Donny guessed.

"Nope."

"Oh, OH! The pizza box!"

"There aren't any pizza boxes around here Mikey."

"Oh yeah."

I chuckled as my brothers guessed wrong for a few minutes. Was it really that hard to guess?

"The moon." Raph grumbled, tired of them guessing the same things over and over again.

"Correct," I snapped, giving him the thumbs up.

"Ah, why didn't I guess that?" Donny mourned. "It was so easy!"

"Apparently not, shell for brains," Raph mocked.

"Well now it's your turn Raph," I pointed out, settling back further into my brother's shells.

"Oh no, I am not play some kid game with you morons."

Mikey glared at him. "It is not a kid game! And you can't break the rules. You got it right so it's your turn!"

"Ugh, fine. I spy something stupid."

Donny didn't even waste a breath. "Mikey!"

"Ding ding ding! We have a winner."

"Good one Donny." Mikey smiled before frowning. "Hey, wait a minute."

"I spy something of the color that doesn't reflect light."

We continued our game for another half an hour, our voices growing duller with each round. I love hanging out and playing with my brothers but when one always chooses the same thing and the other creates some kind of riddle for all of his turns, it gets kind of mind numbing.

"Give it up already!" Raph finally shouted. "The guys not gonna show! We're wasting our time."

"We have to be patient," Leo spoke for the first time. Even he seemed a little doubtful.

"No, you have to come up with a better plan." Raph argued. "Us sitting here with our thumbs up our noses-"

"I don't think they'd fit," Mikey whispered to Donny, staring at his thumbs closely.

"Is getting us no where."

Leo looked about ready to agree when his attention was drawn below.

"You sure about that Raph?" He smirked. I sighed, packing my things back in my bag. It was time to get this show on the road.

"He just showed up didn't he?" Raph deadpanned. "Gah, I should have complained two hours ago!"

I patted his shoulder as I walked by. Even I had been ready to just head back and go to bed. Glancing over the ledge I saw the van from before park in front of the building. A small, skinny man stepped out and was looking around.

"Gentlemen," Leo spoke, thrusting his finger in the air. "I have a bold and daring plan. There is no time for hesitation. My orders must be carried out, without question."

He glanced up, realizing our brothers were gone. I pointed over the ledge, watching as they surrounded the man.

"Wha- guys?! Hang on!" Leo panicked, leaping over the edge. I quickly followed him.

"… We can do this the easy way," Raph was saying as I landed next to him. "Or, my vote, the hard way."

"Yeah, look at this logically," Donny boasted. "There's five of us, and one of you. What are you gonna do?"

"Donny," I sighed in despair. You never as that question. It never turns out well.

The man stared at us angrily before pulling something out of his pocket. He aimed it at us and started shooting … pink laser things? Weird, but I wasn't about to stick around to find out what they did.

We rolled out of the way, watching in shock as the man jumped back into the van.

"You had to ask!" Raph growled.

Donny didn't bother to comment. Instead he pointed at the van that was rounding the corner. "He's getting away again!"

"No he's not," Leo glared. "Let's go!"

I climbed up the nearest building alongside Leo as we ran after the van. There weren't any sudden turns around so it would be far more difficult for the man to lose us. A thud came from the car and I watched as Raph tried to get a firm grip on the top of the van. It swerved violently, throwing Raph off. I jumped down, catching Raph as best I could before we slammed into a wall.

Déjà vu.

"Thanks man," Raph pulled me up. "You okay?"

I laughed, loving the feeling of adrenaline coursing through my veins. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just returning the favor."

We fist bumped before running after our brothers. We found them in an alleyway, peeking around at the crashed van. I whistled. That took some good precision. Nice one Leo.

Said leader started making hand gestures that I am sure made perfect sense in his mind.

"I don't understand what this means," Raph mocked, waving his arms around.

"Go around back!"

Oh, well then.

"Why didn't he just say that?" Mikey asked. I agreed. It wasn't like we were to far away and we wouldn't have been able to hear him. Ah well, whatever makes him happy.

Cautiously approaching the van I kicked some of the boxes that had fallen out of the back away. Raph opened the top door, knocking something lose. It clanged as it hit the ground and rolled toward Mikey. I felt my stomach drop at the familiar canister. I had seen it numerous times before. Today even. The only difference was that this on wasn't empty.

"Mom?" Mikey asked in shock

I face palmed. Only Mikey.

Yay! End of chapter 1! What did you guys think? I'm not to sure about changing the perspectives that often but I like how it turned out. Any comments, questions, concerns? Please be gentle, this is my first fanfic.