Chapter 48; Elizabetta

                                    

                                          
Song: Heartbeat - The Fray

                          
I stand in front of Leonardo, both of my daggers extended in front of me. I fix him with a determined stare, proving to him that I am ready for a challenge. I make sure that I'm in the stance he always orders me to be in.
                          
   I remembered when I first learned this position. It made the muscles all throughout my legs ache. But now it's as easy as standing like I normally do. It's strange to see how far I've come since I met him, even if I'm not an expert.
                          
   While Leonardo continues to study me for what I need to learn, I finally decide to throw out a suggestion. "Learning a bit of offense would be much appreciated," I say casually.
                          
   Leonardo smiles a bit. "Fine, if you think you're ready for such a big challenge," he replies, whipping out his katanas.
                          
   "Game on," I mutter, tensing my muscles.
                          
   Leonardo's smile turns into a smirk. "Game on," he agrees. He then proceeds to show me some very complex fighting techniques. It takes me several tries just to get the first movement down, let alone the whole trick.
                          
   I have to admit that my ballet skills are the only thing keeping me in control of my movements. Otherwise, I fall on my face far too much. Not that I don't do that, anyway.
                          
   The thing that throws me off the most is my audience. Michelangelo, Raphael, and Edmund are observing from the sidelines. Donatello went back to his lab, saying he needs to get the Shellraiser fixed up for the road trip. Leonardo tried to convince him to stay, but the purple-clad turtle refused. Oh well.
                          
   Don't get me wrong, I'm not totally distrait by a crowd. Michelangelo and my brother shout encouragements, so they don't bug me that much. Raphael, on the other hand, stands there with a judgmental expression on. His green eyes critique every little mistake I make. He never says it out loud, but I know he doesn't think I'm doing too well.
                          
   And that only makes me want to get better.
                          
   As I attempt to master another offensive tactic, I start to wonder what it would be like to practice with Raphael. He could probably take me down, no questions asked. But that doesn't stop me from wanting to try a few Ninjutsu moves on him. We had walked into the dojo talking trash at each other, after all.
                          
   Still, I never find the guts to challenge him. I'm not skilled enough to even stand a chance against him, so it would be stupid of me to try. When I'm better at Ninjutsu, however, I am going to fight him and win. I am sure of it.
                          
   Leonardo suddenly jumps at me while I have my leg in the air. He knocks one of my daggers out of my hand and it slides across the dojo floor. His other katana clashes with my last blade, but I am ready this time. I groan and push my weapon against his, struggling to keep it away from my face. My arms burn with the new strength I have to provide.
                          
   Leonardo looks me right in the eyes as he pushes on his weapon more, nearly setting me off balance. "You're good with a surprise attack," he says, his voice so low and deep that it makes my heart leap. He leans on his katana even more, forcing me to bend my knees to stay in the running.
                          
   Without warning, he releases my dagger and takes a few steps away, his voice normal again. "But you should never drop your weapon. Or daydream," Leonardo adds with a knowing glance.
                          
   I pant and wipe away the perspiration that the battle brought to my upper lip. "S-sorry," I stammer, embarrassed. He's right. I need to focus on here and now, not the future.
                          
   Leonardo gives me a forgiving smile. "Go sit down. You've had enough for today." He turns to our audience. "Raph and Mikey, it's your turn."
                          
   Relieved, I do as he says.  As I pass Michelangelo, he high-fives me.