I stood in the center of the ring, my 'students' on all sides of me, ready to attack. Mila with her new bow, Bryce and Mercy with Daggers, Levi with a bladeless staff, and Theo with his sword.

Levi charged first. His staff came down, aiming to strike me on my left ankle. Guessing already, huh? Unfortunately for him, my left ankle wasn't my weakness, so I easily avoided it.

I did a quick jump, letting the staff stream under my feet. The momentum of the charge, however, kept him going. He was flying full speed at my body. With a catlike twist, I easily avoided him, letting him charge into Mila.

"Never take the first swing!" I yelled, watching Levi take down Mila.

Now, it was my turn. I charged Bryce, pretending to take a punch at his face but pulling back at the last second. Not that it mattered. His twin daggers were already there, protecting him. I hated to admit it, but he had a bit of skill.

"I thought you said you weren't going to attack us!" He complained, pushing me back. I did another twist as Mila charger with her new bow. It was sloppy, and easily avoidable.

"I don't remember hitting you!" I yelled back, ducking as Levi tried to hit my right shoulder. "Actually, I believe I pulled back at the last second."

I laughed as he gave out a grunt of anger.

Bryce charged again, faking a strike at my left arm while trying to hit my stomach. Close, very close. Even if he didn't realize it. I blocked by simply pushing the dulled daggers away. Bryce wasn't expecting the simple return, so I used it to my advantage. I charged forward, bringing my face a few inches from his own. If it was a real fight, I could've stabbed him then and there, while he was distracted.

He stumbled over his own feet. He almost fell, but caught himself at the last second. Levi was already at my left side. He swung. I had no choice but to bring my right hand up and protect myself. I caught the staff in my hand, using its reach to pull him closer. I used the same move on him as I did Bryce, bringing my face close to his. He stumbled, letting go of his weapon.

"Don't get distracted!" I yelled, tossing the weapon back at him. "There're very few people who'll head butt you these days! Worry about my hands and feet!"

I turned to Mercy and Theo, who stood to the side, weapons drawn, but didn't move. Good for them, if they wanted to watch me. Glad to see I had at least two thinkers on my squad. Though three would be much better, beggars can't be choosers.

Mila caught my attention once again. She was charging, using the end of her bow like a short staff, like I taught her. I couldn't help but be a little proud. Still, the charge was sloppy. I couldn't tell where is exactly the blade was pointed, her hands were shaking too much. She easily fell to the ground when I slid out of her way.

"Are you two gonna attack," I teased, "or just stand there?"

Mercy came first, taking aim at my right arm with both of her daggers. Now that I had a front row view, I could see that one was slightly longer than the other. Strange, but possibly effective.

I moved my right hand, catching her by the left wrist and moving myself to her left. Her arm came with me as I forced it behind her back.

"I thought you said you wouldn't attack?" She groaned.

"Ah, right, my bad! Sorry, it's a bit of a habit." I let go of her arm and gave her a gentle push forward, distancing us.

I had a bit more to remember about her now. I noted that her right dagger was longer than her left. Good to know. She also knew how to use the size difference to her advantage, even better.

I looked at Theo. He took a step forward and charged, using his whole body to swing the sword at my left shoulder. My knees buckled as I fell to the ground. That sword was dangerously close to slicing my ear.

Did he have it? No, impossible. It's too soon.

Either way, the swing held incredible force as it passed over me. I quickly stood back up, instinctively keeping my knees bent and ready. He was already coming at me again, his left hand coming up for a punch as his right hand held his sword, far from his body.

I used my right hand to grab ahold of his. With a flick of my wrist, I sent his left hand away, leaving his chest wide open. Though, true to my word, I didn't attack. I backed off, giving him room to prepare. He stopped, however, and talked with Mercy. This wouldn't end well.

"Give us a minute?" He asked.

I shrugged, not really caring. Plans were always nice, though I didn't know many attackers who'd give them the chance to talk. I did though. I guess that made me nice.

I turned back to Mila, Bryce, and Levi. They were sitting outside the ring, watching carefully.

"Did I say you could take a break?" I asked.

"No," Levi replied, "but you didn't say we couldn't."

"Good point. You're free to continue."

I turned back to the ring, watching Theo and Mercy finish their conversation. When they finished, they looked back to me.

"Finished?" I asked.

They both stood, weapons raised and at the ready. I took that as a yes.

Mercy charged first, swinging at my right arm. They didn't have it, I knew it.

I blocked using my right hand to, once again, grab hold of her wrist.

"I expected more from you," I said, smiling. She fell for the same trick twice.

"You should've," she said, even as I pulled her down. As she ducked down, I could make out Theo's figure behind her, swigging his sword from his right, my left.

Shit.

I couldn't let go of Mercy's arm or she'd be free. I had no choice. I brought my left calf up until my knee was even with my shoulder. It hurt like a bitch, but I stopped the attack from hitting my arm.

They jumped back, both of them smiling.

"If you have it, just say it," I complained.

"We had to confirm it," Mercy answered. "We weren't sure."

"It wasn't until that final block that we were positive," Theo continued.

"So," I said, "are you gonna say it or do I have to start fighting more seriously?"

They both looked at each other, lopsided grins crossing their lips.

"Your left arm," they said in unison.