Zoe

"Come on Z, come on!" Mikey grins, bouncing on the balls of his feet, ducking and weaving and I haven't even moved.

I glance at Raph who rolls his eyes.

Michelangelo's feet are giving him away as he inches his way closer with every bob and fake punch. Once he's within arm's reach he spins around and goes for a leg sweep. I growl and reverse his attack sending him to his shell with a grunt. With my teeth clenched I stand over him, "Stop goin' easy on me. I had a baby I'm not a beginner."

His playful smile gives way to a frown that doesn't belong on my beloved brother's face, "Sorry Zoe, but you had three babies and you were just short of gutted on a table where you nearly died." He rolls to his feet and stands over me with one hand on my shoulder, "I know you're no beginner Sis but I don't want to hurt you."

Snatching his hand from my shoulder I whirl into him, twist his arm and give him a flip that sends a pain shooting through my lower back. I hiss against the daggers that snap around my lumbar before jolting down my right leg so sharp I have to bend my knee.

"I told you Raph! I told you she was hurting. Look at that." He points to me while looking to Raphael.

I cover my face, not realizing my animal side is releasing an audible snarl until Raph's hand came down on my biceps. "Look at me Z."

Shaking my head I try to turn away from him, but it's useless. He tries to put a finger under my chin but I swipe him away. "Stop it Raph, I'm fine. I'll be fine."

"This is not fine. Have you talked ta Donnie about it?"

I thrust a hand into his plastron, "Back off Raphael. I am fine and I already know what you're thinking but it's not happening."

He sneers at me, "What, what am I thinkin'?" He throws his hands up, his voice escalating with his temper. "Tell me Zoe, since no one can tell you anything, and you know everything! What am I thinkin'?"

"Fuck you Raph." I turn to leave but he spins me around at the same time he's yelling at his brother, "Get out Mike and don't let anyone near this dojo until we come out." He flings me over one shoulder then marches over to the crash mats while I smack his shell. Somehow he makes quick work of restraining me while he piles up the thick mats. Then, right as the barn door closes behind Michelangelo, I find myself flying up in the air.

I tuck and land on my feet in the middle of the thick blue wedge while he stands on the edge of it glaring at me.

"It seems like we need to get some things straight in here." He crosses his arms over his plastron and his eyes harden like green glass.

"Like what?"

"Respect for one. Who am I to you when we are in here?"

I glare at him.

"Answer me Zoe."

My teeth clench so hard I fear they might break. "You aren't benching me Raphael."

"Wrong answer," he shakes his head, "Try again and I want you to think carefully, because if I have to tell you, you will suffer for it."

Staring into his eyes I know there's no out. I can look for a weapon, there are plenty around, I can get off the mat and fight him, I can bolt for the door, I have options, but what I know is the truth and there's no way around that. Raphael wants me to be safe and we both knew that if I let him, he'll get me there and in one piece.

"You're my Sensei."

"Better." He rubs his face and tightens his mask. "So do we both understand my job and yours?"

"Yes, Sensei."

"Good, now get off the mats and come over here."

I do as instructed and he guides my body into a series of stances, touching the base of my lumbar spine and asking me if I feel any pain or weakness. Then he spars with me, watching for flinching and bracing. Once he's satisfied with that he puts me through a full workout. I have no problems until I pike on a back layout and would've missed my landing if he hadn't caught me.

"You're bracing." He shakes his head and I nod in agreement.

"See Donnie, but I think if you spend an extra hour a day on yoga and keep conditioning you'll probably be alright." Running his fingers down my spine he goes on, "We need to strengthen these muscles." Then he leans down to look me in the eye, "Zoe, don't be so quick to think I want to put you on the bench." He grins and I want to fight him and fuck him right then. "I've missed having you with me in a fight."