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"Don't go in there! Why is she going in there?" Mikey squealed as he hooked his elbows in Raph's and Donnie's arms who were sitting on either side of him on the couch.

The lair was dark, as it was part of the brother code that you had to turn off all the lights when watching a scary movie, and no one argued lest he be called a chicken.

Leo turned to his brothers from the chair and commented nonchalantly, "Guys, I've seen this before, I think I'll go practice for a while."

Though completely ignored by Mikey who couldn't spare a glance from the glowing screen, Raph rolled his eyes and Don gave him a quick "ok".

It wasn't uncommon for him to put in extra practice time and so he didn't think his brothers would give it a second thought. Fighting the urge to run, Leo walked to the dojo. Stepping inside, he opted to light a few candles rather than flip the switch for the harsh electric light. A little giddy, he felt candlelight ambience more suited to this important moment in his young life.

Walking slowly but purposely to stand in front of the weapons wall, he could feel his skin begin to tingle. His heart was racing as it pounded on his eardrums. He was beginning to sweat and he huffed impudently, trying not to admit to himself just how ungrown-up he was now feeling. Leo squeezed his eyes shut, as much to listen for his brothers who he could hear in the great room, as to bring his breathing under control. Satisfied his brothers weren't going anywhere, he snapped his eyes open. Taking one more unconscious glance to the side he reached up with something less than grace and quickly snatched one of the katana from its place of honor on the wall.

Eyes wide, he looked down at the katana in his unsteady hand. The handle was more solid than he had imagined and was covered in gold inlay, intricate swirls and loops creating its design. It's steel blade glinted and shown even in the dim candlelight and looking at it gave Leo back his own reflection. He stared into his own amber irises, not sure how to decipher the mix of emotion he saw there. But he had already crossed the line and, he rationalized, this wasn't about him. He was really just doing this for his family, to be a better fighter for them. Not truly believing the lie it was enough to spring him into action, as he didn't want to waste the precious little time he had.

Bringing the sword to the middle of the room, Leo began to go through the same katas he had been taught for bokken. Noticing immediately how much more careful he had to be of the blade but also smiling as he felt he was adapting quite well. Continuing to go through the movements for several more minutes, he could almost imagine his father correcting his form and making small adjustments as he had when he was first given a bokken to train with. He had been so elated on that day and hadn't missed the pride that had shown in Father's eyes. He wished it was that way now, instead of having to sneak around. But quickly shaking the thought from his mind he slashed at an invisible foe. He reasoned his father would see his readiness soon enough and when he did he would amaze his father and his brothers with his skills. With that, he threw himself into another epic imaginary battle defending his family. Sweeping his sword up to defend against an invisible enemy coming to attack from behind, he accidently grazed the razor sharp blade across the back of his left hand.

"Owww!" he yelped instinctually before remembering to extinguish the sound.

Shocked at the stinking pain he dropped the katana and came to his knees on the mat, his now free hand flying to grip the injury tight.

He kneeled there for a few moments stunned and frozen. Straining his ears, he listened, his brow deeply furrowed. The sounds of the TV drifted to him and the faint sound of his brothers' snoring as well. "They fell asleep," he realized.

He released the shuttering breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. Lowering his gaze he brought his hand out from where he had been hunched over cradling it to his gut. Seeing it now he sighed, it was a small cut, barely bleeding and only an inch or so. It was the shock more than the pain that had really caused him to be so shaken. Even so, Leo was not relieved in the least, he immediately knew there was no way to hide even this small injury from Father's inquisitive and masterful eyes. How could he explain this? Father mysteriously knew, just by looking at them, if they had brushed their teeth or if they had eaten. There was just no way he could hide this during tomorrow morning's practice session. Suddenly feeling very heavy and a bit nauseated, Leo mentally lamented, "I'm going to be in soooo much trouble." Feeling unshed tears begin to sting behind his eyeballs, Leo gathered all of his thirteen year old fortitude and tried to get control of himself. Blinking his eyes, he was determined not to be a baby. And maybe all wasn't lost just yet.

TBC (I'm only getting started)