Next chapter :). I'm just gonna list my reviewers and thank them this time, in an attempt to not forget anyone.

koko(guest): I will do my very best!

EpicThunder101: He will tell them, but not for a while.

Crystal013: Thanks!

WaterSumo: I'm hoping you mean the first half of the original episode and not the first half of the story. Was the last half okay to? And thanks.

Loving Leo: Sorry but Gio won't be running away, at least not anytime soon. Maybe later but I haven't really given that aspect too much thought.

coldblue: Oh my god, I love you. I always look forward to your reviews, they're awesome. You have no idea how excited I am about your oc. I need a character like her but I didn't really know what to do for it, and you've solved the problem for me you beautiful person you! Answering some of the things from your previous review

I laughed when I read your suggestion about Gio being a 'shadow'. I'll give you a hint and say that that has to do with how he meets Shredder. Not completely but pretty damn close.

For if Splinter notices, just think about the meditation thing from last chapter.

For the poisons, they won't be his main weapon but he will rely on them a lot. If you'll remember, there are some hidden boxes he has yet to retrieve ;).

Your second guess in your first review for meeting Shredder is the closest.

Things will really start moving along after they first meet Shredder. That's when I'm planning the major stuff to happen.

I haven't thought about the explosive thing, but now I am! That would definitely help in the future.

Your idea for him taking down the Kraang is good, and also has to do with Shredder. I'm gonna have to stop telling you how close you're getting or you'll know everything!

Quick question of my own since you're a guest and I can't pm you, how long is Amy's hair and what color are her eyes? How would she respond to being forced to work with people to find and take down the turtles?

Genbu (guest): Thank you so much, that really means a lot to me. I'm always worried that my writing isn't good enough to portray the ideas I have in my head so to hear (read) that really helps.

Al-Abbasi (guest): Glad to hear it! I'm happy you like it.

And finally, to GirlforGod99: Thank you so much for all of your feedback. You've helped me think up some fantastic ideas. I am touched that you like my story that much, it makes me wiggle in joy (I seriously wiggle. My roommate is starting to realize what a weirdo I am). Here's the next chapter, I hope it meets your expectations :)

Thanks so much for everyone's feedback, I'm really grateful. Constructive criticism would also be great, so if anyone has any I would love to hear how you think I could improve this story. Not making any guarantees to change stuff, I'm completely in love with most of the ideas, but I would definitely take it into consideration.

Enjoy the next chapter and please review!

Chapter 8: Leo stole my bed

Giotto's P.O.V

Well, this is boring.

My brothers were off going after Stockman and I had once again been left behind. After forcing Donny to sleep and eat Leo had told me that under no circumstances was I to come with them. Apparently, I'm only allowed to come out when we just want to have fun; heaven forbid I help out with anything important.

I think he was suspicious about how little resistance I put up but I could always just play it off as a side affect of the concussion even though I was basically healed.

Anyways, I didn't really see the need to go with them this time. That Stockman guy didn't seem like too much of a threat and he was using Donny's technology. I'm sure he built some kind of fail safe into the T-Pod and they would no doubt be home in a matter of hours. While they were gone and Splinter was busy meditating in his room I would take this time to train (quietly of course).

No one ever let me take it 'to far' in training so my improvements were minimal at best. If I wanted to get better I would have to do it when no one was around. Originally I had planned to train when everyone was sleeping but I found a concussion is not the best partner to work with. No matter how eager I was to get stronger it was dangerous to work with a head wound. I had to wait and heal before I could do anything and it was causing me more annoyance than I thought. That damned dream had already reoccurred three times and it was beginning to get to me. Over the last few days I had begun to get more and more anxious and it had become increasingly difficult to hide. Thankfully I was well enough now that I could take advantage of my brother's absence and hopefully relieve some stress.

I focused on the weight of my blades, attempting to teach myself some of the moves I had seen Leo perform. Our weapons were very similar so a lot of the techniques were virtually the same. I was planning on adding to the moves once I had them perfected, to make them more suitable for a hook blade. I would never be as strong as my brothers, that much was obvious, so I decided to focus on stealth and speed instead.

Whirling my blade around again I frowned at my aching wrist. I must be weaker than I thought. Leo could do this for hours on end and I can barely go twenty minutes. Pushing the ache to the side I continued. If I wanted to get stronger I couldn't let something like this stop me.

I lasted another thirty minutes before my wrists gave out. I was panting and covered in a thin layer of sweat.

"Damn it," I cursed, hunching over. This was ridiculous! How could I be so weak?

I scrubbed my face wearily. A different approach then; stamina first, then weapon.

For the next few hours I practiced various taijutsu katas (none of them new unfortunately. I learned my lesson with the blade.), sit-ups, push-ups, meditation to cool off, and a few stretches. All in all, compared to my brothers, it was nothing (especially with my frequent breaks) but it was far more than I have ever done in such a small amount of time. I was practically passed out on the floor wheezing like some sort of dying animal. It wasn't pretty.

Digging through my bag I pulled out my inhaler and took a few deep breaths. This was supposed to help me become stronger and more confident in my abilities to protect my brothers. All it was doing was making me feel ashamed and depressed. I knew I was weak but to this extent…

I shook my head. This was only the first session and I've only recently recovered from a severe concussion. I would do better.

Checking the clock I scrambled to my feet. Splinter would be done meditating any second and my brothers would be home even sooner. I needed to shower.

Limping out of the dojo I made my way down the hall as silently as I could, fighting off a cloud of depression.

(A few minutes later)

Stepping out of the bathroom I rubbed the towel over my head. Gah, my body hurt. I would have to do some light stretching before I went to bed to help my muscles. I walked into the main room only to stop when I realized how dark it was. Why were the lights out? I cautiously maneuvered my way through the pitch black towards the wall with the light switch.

"Shhh, shhh!"

"Watch where you step."

"Be quiet!"

"Ow!"

I jumped when the lights flickered on. Blinking rapidly I looked to my left only to be met with the dark blue eyes of my immediate younger brother.

"Ahhh!"

We lept away from each other in shock.

"Gio! What are you doing?"

I frowned at Leo. "What am I doing? What are you doing? Why are you guys just walking around in the dark?"

Raph and Donny shrugged and I looked down at Mikey. For some reason he had been crawling on the floor like a spider.

"Yes, why are all of you walking around in the dark?" Splinter questioned blankly from behind us. Seriously, he has got to stop sneaking up on us. It's gonna make me even more paranoid.

"…Training?" Raph offered weakly.

Splinter rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I see, and how did you get so hurt?"

I took a closer look at my brothers. They were all covered in cuts and bruises and they looked exhausted. What happened? Did they get in another fight on their way back?

Leo smiled sheepishly. "Oh, that! Well, um, you see, we were-"

"Hit-," Raph slapped a hand over his black eye.

"By a-," Donny looked around for inspiration.

"Bus?" Mikey smiled. Splinter raised an eyebrow when he spat out a tooth.

Donny leaned down to whisper angrily into his ear. "Hit by a bus?!"

"Well what was I supposed to say? Meteor? Cow? Giant building?!"

The two youngest glared at each other and I swear I saw sparks flying. It was rare for Donny and Mikey to fight like this but when they did even the smallest of things would set them off. Donny could usually brush Mikey off but he must still be pissed about the T-Pod.

Splinter slammed his staff on the ground to get their attention. We all straightened and stared at him with wide eyes.

His face softened but his eyes were harsh. "Tell me what happened."

My brothers slowly moved towards the dojo. They were so not looking forward to this.

I stayed were I was. Surely this didn't include me, seeing as how I didn't even leave the lair. I will always have my brothers' backs but when it comes to Master Splinter its every turtle for himself. Maybe if I just carefully edged my way to the kitchen I could make a run for it when the doors closed.

"You as well, Giotto," Splinter ordered. "I have no doubt you had some part in whatever happened."

Damn it.

Third Person P.O.V

"…and then I threw hot pizza in his face and ran away!" Mikey smiled proudly.

Splinter nodded at him. "Very resourceful Michelangelo." He turned to look at his eldest. "And you Giotto?"

Gio shifted nervously. "Uh, well I didn't go out with them."

Splinter sent him a pointed look.

"…But I may have know what was going on."

His father didn't look away.

"…I might have also planned on them leaving in the first place and made them take me with them the first time."

Leo, Raph, and Mikey turned to face him in shock.

"You planned for all that to happen?"
"No, of course not! At least not all of it. I knew you guys wouldn't be able to last long down here and I really wanted some fresh air."

They glared at him while Donny just shook his head.

Splinter frowned harshly at them. "I am still highly disappointed in you all."

They bowed their heads in shame, anger momentarily forgotten in the face of their fathers wrath.

"The first rule of being a ninja is 'do no harm'. Unless you mean to do harm, then do lots of harm."

"You're right Sensei," Leo sighed. "We really messed up."

"So what do you think would be a fitting punishment?"

The four turned to their leader. Leo looked at each of them, feeling pressured by their expectations, before he sat up straighter with a determined look.

"We need to clean up our mess."

"Yes," Splinter agreed. He felt proud of Leonardo's growth as a leader. He had successfully given his brother's determination while learning a lesson himself. "You need to stop this 'Stockman-Pod'."

Donny seemed unsure. "But Sensei, that guy already kicked our shells and now he's even more powerful. How can we stop him? It doesn't seem logical."

"I agree," Gio spoke up. "It's to dangerous for them to go after him right now. They are injured and who knows what could happen."

Raph snorted. "Please, don't be such a worry wart. I'll just hit him really hard."

"Brute force is not the answer," Splinter scolded. "You will need to rely on your ninja training."

Gio held back a scoff and looked down at his hands. He had seen just how 'successful' his own ninja training could be.

"Um, Sensei?" Mikey questioned. "Ninjas never had to go up against guys in armor."

They all stared at him blankly. Mikey looked at the paintings on the wall behind Splinter that depicted various groups of ninjas fighting against armored samurai.

"Uh, I mean ninjas always had to go up against guys in armor."

Raph rolled his eyes. "Nice save."

Leo stared at the pictures. The samurai were obviously much bigger than the ninjas and it didn't look like their weapons would even dent the armor. "Sensei, what was their secret?"

"They understood that you do not fight the armor," he walked along the walls and pointed to a picture of a samurai being defeated and a dark soul flowing out of the armor, "you fight the man inside it."

The brothers were hit by a sudden realization. They turned to look at each other, seeing the understanding in one another's eyes.

"Why are we all lookin' at each other?" Mikey smiled. Donny slapped his head.

"Sensei I still don't think they should go tonight," Gio repeated. "They are injured."

Leo turned to his brother. "If we wait he could get even stronger and he might hurt someone. It's just a few bruises and we need to take him down now."

"Yeah dude, relax. We got this all taken care of." Mikey reached over to pat him on the shoulder.

Gio shrugged it off, glaring at them. "You do not have it 'all taken care of'. What if something goes wrong? You need to be at full health to even think about beating him."

Raph scoffed. "Please, he's some skinny little stick man with the confidence the size of an ant. It'll be a piece of cake."

"You said that the last time and you got the crap kicked out of you. You can't beat him."

Gio knew that was the wrong thing to say when Raph growled at him. He never like being told he was weak. "I could take him down with both hands tied behind my back. I'm not gonna let some flimsy little suit get in the way of a good head bashing."

Before the argument could be taken to far Leo laid a calming hand on his older brother's shoulder.

"Look Gio, we get that you're worried but we need to do this as soon as possible. Everything will turn out fine, I swear. Trust me."

Gio knew he was fighting a losing battle. They would go, no matte what he said, and he could see the logic in what they were saying. Stockman could seriously hurt someone if he wasn't taken down before the morning, where people would start wandering the streets, but he was allowing his feelings of guilt to cloud his judgment. He should have gone with them, even if they didn't know he had come. If things had gone worse and one of them had been seriously harmed he would have never forgiven himself, and now they want to go back out for more.

Well they weren't going alone.

Gio sent his brothers a small, uncertain smile. "If you're really sure about this."

"I am."

Gio nodded. "Alright then, there's nothing I can do to stop you. Just make sure you guys stay safe, okay?"

"We will."

Gio watched them get up and leave with a blank face. Once they had left he turned to his father and bowed.

"If you'll excuse me Master Splinter, I'm still feeling rather worn out from my concussion. I think I'll go rest in my room until they get back."

Splinter nodded and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Do not worry to much for your brothers, Giotto. They will win this battle."

Gio sent him a small smile, hoping Splinter would take it as quiet gratitude instead of a silent apology. Stepping back he walked calmly towards his room, his mind settling into the same state it had the night Mikey was captured. He had about twenty minutes before his brothers would make it through the sewers and on to the surface. He needed to get there before them so that he could follow them to Stockman. He wasn't sure what he was going to do but there was no way in hell he was leaving them on their own.

Strapping on his weapons he paused when he caught sight of the bag at the end of his bed. April had given it to him, both as a reminder of the fun they had and as a chance for future events.

Pulling out the large hoodie and pants Gio frowned contemplatively before starting to put them on. If he did have to jump in to help his brothers then he could at least try to lessen the chance that they would recognize him.

With a final tug Gio rolled his shoulders. His body still ached from his earlier training session (if it could even be called that) and he knew that whatever happened tonight was definitely not going to help.

With careful steps Gio glided through the main room to the exit. It would take him about ten minutes to get to the manhole he normally used and then he would need to book it to his brothers location.

Turning around, Gio inclined his head a bit. "I'm heading out," he whispered.

A second later he was gone.

Michelangelo's P.O.V

"We'll wait for you here and ambush him, alright?" Leo told me.

I folded my arms and turned away. "Why should I be the one to get the Stockman-Pod? Why not Raph?"

Raph loomed over me and glared down into my eyes. I gulped when he growled at me.

"…Donny?"

He hissed at me angrily. Come on, was he still mad about that? It was an accident! I didn't mean to drop it.

"You."

Leo shook his head. "I need to be here for my part of the plan."

I groaned. I mean, I totally get why they want me to do this. My mad skills would make it a cakewalk, but the dude already chased me earlier. Sharing is caring, and I totally shouldn't be going again.

Leo snapped his fingers in front of my face. "Pay attention Mikey! Look, just go out there, insult him a little, then run back here. That's all you have to do. Nothing could possibly go wrong as long as you follow the plan."

I muttered under my breath. "Fine. But you guys have to give me your pizza slices!"

"You're the reason we have to do this in the first place!" Donny fumed.

"Yeah," Raph agreed. "If anything, we should be getting your slices."

Noooooo! Not my pizza!

"You know what guys? Don't you worry about a thing. I'll go get this guy and we can all go home and have our very own, not to be touched by anyone else, pizza slices."

They rolled their eyes at me.

"Just go," Leo rubbed the bridge of his nose.

Flipping back I silently made my way through the night. My orange mask tails fluttered lightly in the breeze and my body was cloaked in shadow. Yes, it was just another night for Michelangelo, the greatest ninja to ever live. None could compare to his awesome ability and mad rapping skill. His brothers only wished that they were even half as cool as him. In fact-

"It's you again!"

I skidded to a stop and hopped back just in time to avoid running into a wall of metal. Baxter Stockman glared down at me from inside his suit.

"Here to try to stop me again? Well it is far to late, I am to powerful," he boasted, placing his hands on his hips. It was a weird look for a giant robot. "Soon, this entire city will be under my control and never again will people laugh at the name Baxter Stockman!"

"Uh, dude? I don't think it was the name they were laughing at." I pointed out.

"You dare mock me?!"

Uh oh, probably shouldn't have told him that.

He roared angrily at me and I pulled out my nun chucks. What was I supposed to do again? Insult him (taken care of), and what?

"You will regret crossing me turtle. Prepare to tremble in terror!" Baxter's shoulders parted to reveal some kind of rocket launcher.

Donny should make a rocket launcher. That would be so cool!

Hmmmm. Donny, Donny… Donny.

Oh yeah! I was supposed to lead him back to my bros! Haha, and they said I wouldn't remember.

A missile went flying past my head and exploded upon impact with the wall. I gulped at the size of smoking crater.

I should probably start heading back right about now.

Vaulting over the edge of the roof I booked it as fast as I could back my brothers, Stockman right on my heels.

I didn't even notice the missile that almost hit me, or the shuriken that knocked it off course just enough that it crashed into the wall instead.

"Guys! Guys!" I cried, seeing three turtle shaped shadows on the next roof. "Stockman-Pod's got missiles!"

I heard the sound of the missile launcher and flipped over them as they dove out of the way. Running up the side of the water tower that had been behind them I threw my nun chucks around the cable above it as the water tower exploded.

That was a close one. I was almost turned into roasted turtle (high on protein, whatever that is).

I jumped down as the others started throwing chains at Stockman and running around him. In seconds he was held down by the chains in my brothers' hands.

"Who's trembling in terror now?" I grinned.

His face tensed as he strained against the chain. I gapped as he snapped them in half, sending the others flying off. I barely had time to breath before he grabbed me by the face and threw me into the wall. I crashed through it and into the next wall before falling to the floor with a painful thud.

For a second or maybe longer I blacked out. I couldn't breath. Everything hurt. Going through walls was nothing like in the movies.

"...ak…ke."

What? What was that?

"…ak…u."

Whose voice was that? It sounded familiar.

"…ake…up!"

I lifted my head, flinching at the pain. My vision was blurred but I could barely make out a shadowy figure leaning over me.

"Wake up!"

I could feel hands on my shoulders, lifting me up to my feet. I stumbled but the person held me up.

"…Have to move… Stockman… the plan."

The plan. The plan. What was the plan again?

I was dragged around the room, the person keeping their arms under my shoulders.

"Who are you?" I mumbled but the words slurred together drunkenly.

The figure just continued pulling me along, out the door and onto a different roof. My vision was beginning to come back and I recognized the slightly destroyed green house from the other day.

I groaned as I was lowered to the ground. Something was forced into my mouth and I choked on the sickly sweet liquid. Taking deep breaths I felt my head begin to clear and I blinked my eyes open.

My vision wasn't blurry anymore and my body wasn't as sore. What the heck just happened? I looked around for the person that helped me, expecting to see Donny or Leo as Raph distracted Stockman, but no one was there. A slight buzzing noise made me look to the right.

A small beehive rested against the floor.

"Oh crap, the plan!"

Scooping it into my hand I rushed over to the edge of the building and leapt over to the other side. I tripped over my feet a bit but was able to keep going. I scaled the wall onto the next building to see Stockman looming over my brothers menacingly.

"Any last words, turtles?" he laughed.

Leo glared up at him and I waved to get his attention. He looked over at me and I lifted the hive up. He nodded.

"Yeah," Leo smirked. "Bees."

"Bees?"

I swung up onto the same cable as before and slid down towards them. "Bees!" I cheered. Landing on his shoulder I shoved the beehive into the face opening of his suit and flipped away, landing unsteadily on my feet.

Donny came up behind me as Stockman flailed around violently. He didn't notice how close to the edge he was. We each took turns smacking him closer and closer and I winced in slight sympathy as he went barreling off the edge.

"Dude, that's got to hurt."

I saw Leo look over the side and jump down, Raph soon to follow. I was about to join them when Donny grabbed my arm.

"Uh, dude, what're you doing? We gotta go."

I gulped when I met his narrowed gaze. That look was never good.

"You're words are slurring together, its not overly noticeable but it's there. You're movements are also off. You usually back flip after you attack but you just landed and stepped away."

I blinked at him. "Uhhhh."

"You're hurt, numbskull."

I shrugged. "Turtles and walls do not mix well. Now come on! We're gonna miss the epic defeat of the Stockman-Pod!"

Donny frowned at me but released my arm. "I'll give you a check up when we get back to the lair. Don't even think of trying to get out of it."

I groaned.

Together we jumped down just in time to see Leo stab the T-Pod at the center of Stockman's armor and slash it to pieces. Good-bye T-Pod. We had some good times together, and some bad times but I'm willing to forget the Polka thing. May you move on to that great place in the sky where all music players go. Make them all jealous.

Stockman crawled out of his suit covered in soot and bee stings. He looked up at us with slight fear in his eyes.

"So, uh, we'll call it a tie?"

Leo smirked and nudged Raph. "You wanna call it a tie Raph?"

Psh, as if he would say no. Oh wait, that was one of those retoricabable questions wasn't it?

Raph cracked his knuckles. "Not quite."

We each grabbed one of his limbs and dragged him off the building and into a nearby alley. Heaving him above our heads (seriously, this guy needed to gain some weight) we ignored his pleas for mercy and tossed him in a dumpster.

"Now we're even," Raph sneered. He slammed the lid shut and we all high fived.

"Yeah boy!" I cheered, dancing.

"Alright guys, lets grab some pizza to celebrate and head home," Leo smiled.

I pumped my fists in the air. "Pizza!"

We started heading home and Donny came up next to me, asking about a bajillion questions about stuff.

"I see. And what happened after you landed? Did you hit your head or anything?"

I tapped my chin. It was all kind of blurry. "Uh, I think I remember someone talking and then moving around. I'm not really sure."

Donny nodded. "Slight hallucinations, probably due to the pain and disorientation."

"Yeah, whatever you just said."

I tuned Donny out. I could have sworn someone was there, helping me out, but I couldn't remember who. Was that really a hallucination? It sure didn't seem like one.

"Hurry it up Mikey!" Raph called, holding the manhole open.

I pushed the thoughts from my mind. It was probably just my brain messing up, don't know why Donny thinks they're so important when all they do is make things complicated. I'm sure it was nothing.

Maybe.

Third Person P.O.V

"You all showed great wisdom and skill in defeating the Stockman-Pod," Splinter smiled proudly at his sons. They all knelt before him, smiles of victory on their faces. "I am proud of you all."

Leo shared a look with his brothers before looking up at him hesitantly. "Does this mean we're not grounded anymore?" He had already missed four, four, episodes of Space Heroes.

Splinter stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Yes."

They all grinned at him.

"But first," he pulled out a wooden blade, "Randori!"

"Ahhhhh!" They scrambled away frantically. Splinter watched them go with a fond look on his face. His sons were growing up.

"Leonardo," he called, right before the turtle could escape alongside the others. He froze and turned obediently.

"Yes Sensei?"

"Go check on your brother. He was very worried about all of you."

Leo nodded and closed the screen door behind him. He hoped Gio hadn't gotten to worked up, the stress would negatively affect him. He walked up to the eldest's bedroom door and knocked.

"Gio? Can I come in?"

There was a long, stilted silence.

"Gio?"

"What?" a quiet voice called out. "Oh, yeah sure."

Leo opened the door to reveal his brother sitting with a hunched back on his bed.

"Sorry, I didn't know you were sleeping."

Gio shook his head with a small smile. He patted the spot next to him. "Don't worry, I wasn't. I was meditating."

Leo flopped onto the mattress with a relieved sigh and closed his eyes. Now that everything was dying down his muscles were beginning to ache.

"When did you get back?" Gio questioned, taking in his tired appearance.

"Not to long ago. I just got done telling Master Splinter what happened."

Gio nodded, turning his head to stare at the wall. "I see."

Leo cracked an eye open. "You don't want to know what happened?"

Gio chuckled. "Of course I do, but right now you look exhausted. As long as I know you guys are safe I can wait for the details." Leo felt his lips quirk up and Gio reached over to pat his head. "You should really get some rest. Do you want anything to eat or drink?"

Leo closed his eyes again and shook his head. "No, not really."

His brother stared at him affectionately. "Alright, well, I'm gonna go check on the others real quick. Do you mind staying here so I can talk to you when I get back?"

"Of course."

Gio stood slowly, trying not to groan in pain as his limbs protested the movement. He subtly stretched his arms as he turned back to look at his bed. Leo was breathing deeply through his nose, his body in its usual tense yet relaxed position. Gio gave it less than a minute before he fell asleep.

Moving lightly to his door he opened and closed it without a hint of sound. Now out of view he stretched the rest of his body. All that moving around earlier had not done him any favors, and carrying Mikey just about killed him. His little brother really needed to start cutting back on the pizza.

It also didn't help that he ran all the way back when he really didn't need to since Splinter had been in his room doing who know what and his brothers had gone to get pizza.

Shrugging it off as best he could he went to Raph's room first. The door was cracked open so he pushed it just enough so that he could see into the room. Raph's lower body was hanging out of his hammock while his upper body was sprawled every which way. Loud, echoing snores emitted from his partially open mouth.

With careful footsteps Gio approached him. Lifting his legs up he carefully maneuvered the hot head's body until it lay more comfortably on the swinging net and he grabbed the discarded blanket from off the floor and gently draped it over him. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do about the snores.

Lightly placing a hand on his head Gio took a moment to focus on the life coming for his brother before backtracking and moving on to the others.

"Well if you didn't move around so much it wouldn't hurt."

"Well I'm pretty sure it wouldn't hurt if you didn't touch it!"

"Don't be such a baby, I have to touch it to assess the damage and we would have been done by now if you hadn't moved every time I tried to clean it."

Gio looked through the lab's doorway. Mikey was tugging weakly at his arm while Donny finished wrapping it in a bandage. Maybe he should wait till they were done and on their own. He was not looking forward to his confrontation with his baby brother.

"Gio?"

He looked up into dark red eyes. Donny was staring at him in confusion while Mikey was still focused on his arm.

"What are you doing?"

To late now.

"I was just checking in on you guys. I heard your mission was a success." Gio went into the lab and took a seat on Donny's desk chair. It was by far the most comfortable.

Donny frowned at him for stealing his beloved seat before sighing when he realized that until Mikey learned to keep still he wouldn't be sitting down for a while.

"Yes, we destroyed the T-Pod. That guy won't be bothering anyone anymore."

Gio nodded, crossing his legs and leaning his arms against them. "How are you feeling Mikey? You look pretty beat up."

Mikey snorted. "Puh-lease. I'm fine, better than fine, I-"

"Was thrown through a wall at a speed of at least 15 miles per hour. Thankfully, his shell took most of the impact though he does have a sprained wrist and a few bruised ribs. A week or so and he should be back his normal idiotic self."

Gio nodded, trying his best not to let his dread show on his face. "That's great, I'm glad. You where thrown through a wall Mikey?"

The orange-banded turtle turned to him with a grin, allowing Donny access to his arm. "Yup! But don't worry, as if a wall could take down the mighty Michelangelo! I was up and ready to go instantly."

Gio looked shocked. "Really?"

"Yup," he nodded. "I jumped back and threw some bees in Stockman-Pod's face."

Gio searched his wide blue eyes for any signs of deception but it looked like Mikey truly didn't remember him being there at all. He internally breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

"Done!" Donny crowed in victory. Mikey's arm was fully bandaged and the rest of his wounds were disinfected and wrapped accordingly.

Mikey jumped up from his seat. "Finally! Jeez Donny, way to take forever."

Gio smiled as Donny simply rolled his eyes and began to clean up. It looks like things were back to normal between the two.

"Hey Gio, since you're here why don't I give you a quick check up?" Donny turned around in time to see the trailing end of a white bandana as it disappeared around the door. He sighed. "Of course not."

Mikey laughed at him and plopped down on his desk chair.

"Uh no, I don't think so. Get up."

"Awwww, but Donny-"

"No! That's my chair, now get up!"

Gio leaned against the wall in the hallway massaging his legs. Moving that quickly had stressed out his already torn up muscles. There was no way in hell that Donny was getting anywhere near him until his aches had gone away. The turtle was way to observant sometimes.

Stretching his shoulders one last time he walked back to his room. If his original guess had been correct then-

Leo hadn't moved from the last time he'd been there. He was still laid out on the bed sideways but his breaths were deeper. Gio had to be very careful when moving him, he didn't want a fist to the face like last time (but damn did Leo have a mean right hook). Deciding it was better not to wake him Gio pulled the blankets over his little brother and left the room once again. He would just sleep in Leo's room tonight. Gio's bed had always been the softest (the one thing he never complained about when they were coddling him) and the brave leader deserved the best tonight.

"Giotto."

Gio paused mid-yawn as Splinter appeared before him.

"Master Splinter."

His father looked at him curiously. "It is getting late my son."

Gio sent him a sheepish smile. "I know, don't worry. I'm just going to sleep in Leo's room tonight."

Splinter smiled, instantly know what had happened. This was not the first time he had watched the young turtle trick his brothers to sleep. "I see. I am glad you are feeling better."

Gio paused. He couldn't be talking about the training, he was actually feeling worse in that respect. "Feeling better?"

Splinter nodded. "I have noticed you have been in a near constant state of emotional distress as of late. It pleases me to see that your mood has improved, though it has not completely calmed."

Gio looked to the ground. He had felt a sense of accomplishment after saving Mikey tonight. It had showed him that he could protect them, at least a little for now. He still wasn't anywhere near strong enough but he was not helpless and that realization made him feel a bit better.

"I… am sorry for worrying you father. I had a lot on my mind, I still do, but I think I'm working it out. I don't feel as confused anymore."

Splinter nodded and patted his shoulder. "I am glad, though I would be happy to help you with whatever is troubling you."

Gio shook his head and sent him an apologetic smile. "This is something I have to do on my own, at least for now." At least until I'm strong enough to prove to you that I can handle it.

"I understand. I am proud of you Giotto. Your concern for your brothers shows a kind heart."

"Thank you sensei," he bowed, feeling touched.

"Goodnight, my son."

"Goodnight father."

Gio watched him until he turned the corner before continuing on his way to Leo's room, a large grin on his face. When he collapsed under the covers of his little brother's bed, taking in the scent of calming incense, he was still grinning even though his body was throbbing with pain. Today had been a great day, a fantastic day. He would continue training until he reached the needed amount of strength and he would actually be of use to his family. He would no longer remain at home, safe, while his brothers were out risking their lives. He would no longer be a burden with his weakness. He wouldn't cause his family to come to harm. Everything was going to get better.

He was sure of it.

Sorry this chapter took so long guys. I just moved up to college and started band camp (12 hours everyday, gah!) and everything was kind of crazy for a while. Hope you guys enjoyed this one, I'm finally getting more into the plot I have planned for Gio, though I'm still pretty far from the main life changing event. Please review!