"I find it to be my duty"

"Bring it on," Pyrrha said with barely any hints of fear or doubt.

Liliannas eyebrows made a small arc (She's brave and determined, I'll give her that. But it hardly means anything. I have met countless fools like that throughout my years. The real question is-

How tough is she?) Liliannas mouth corner just barely but moved upwards (Lets find out.)

"You're about to be hit." Lilianna sudenly proclaimed.

Breath almost locked, muscles tensed and a dangerous sparks ran all over Pyrrhas body.

Danger level-Max

As fast as she could, Pyrrha tried to step away and avoid her foes attack before she even moved, yet after just half a step, amazon was stopped in midway as her collar was grabbed in a mostrous grip of Liliannas.

(With just one hand, it's not like you can just-what?) Pyrrhas expectations about her foe now being able to pull her whole body back flew out of the window as she was in exactly such situation. As much as redhead tried, she wasn't able to get away and was being pulled over to her enemies figure. With her right fast already launched back, Lilianna was ready to prove her physical might to Pyrrha in a much brutal way. And as her fist was already half way to her target, redhead crossed her face with her arms as an attack with such a long wind up could never connect on her.

But it was never supposed to in a first place.

A brutal shockwave of pain ran all over Pyrrhas body as her midsection was smashed with Lilianna's knee. Not only was redhead's body bent over from the pain, but the attack even dulled her senses and of course, made her knees weak. And as much as she tried to not fall down, the damage was too severe and Pyrrhas knees soon touched the floor.

I should have learned from the first time

Was the thought running through amazons mind as she found this experience to be very similar to the one with Jaune. A feint which was followed with an attack to the body. And she fell for it again. Though this knockdown spoke not so much about Pyrrhas lack of ability to learn from her mistakes, but much more about her opponents more than impressive physical attributes.

Speed, first class. Lilianna wasn't a step slower than Pyrrha herself but fortunately at least, wasn't on the level of Jaunes. So maybe amazon could cope with that. But raw, physical strength? Now that was just something beyond ones comprehension. To think that she with just one hand could pull Pyrrhas entire being to herself was already a noteworthy achievement. And the knee to her midsection spoke volumes as well of how dangerous Liliannas power was.

Pyrrhas instincts were correct alright. Lilianna with a single landed blow proved to be way above anything the redhead had ever fought in her life.

"Done already?" Lilianna asked as for her it wouldn't be a big shocker if Pyrrha was. She had won a fair number of duels in a quick fashion before so it wouldn't be a new experience. Though something about her foe already sort of hinted that there would be a little continuation. An aura, her gaze or something else but Lilianna felt that her opponent wouldn't be done, only yet though.

Pyrrha forced a smirk on her lips "As if." And then tried to get up. Even if it proved to be fairly challenging she was able to get herself back on the feet, though her legs were still slightly trembling. Raising her fists, Pyrrha tried to show that she was ready to continue. Though her opponent seemed to think differently.

"Why aren't you using an aura to heal the damage?" Lilianna wondered since Pyrrha could fairly easily do that, under certain conditions of course.

Pyrrha took a breath and wiped the little spit on the side of her lip "Because it's hard to do it in real time combat, especially in a one on one duel. Takes too much time and concentration and since I don't want your pity," she clenched her fists "don't you dare to underestimate me." And then she faked a smirk again. But Pyrrha had to, otherwise the pressure would slowly brake her apart.

"Solid and determined answer." (But let's see how long you will be able to hold onto those words.)

(And if you wouldn't regret them later.)

So Lilianna dashed forward.

Pyrrhas eyes flashed (Brace yourself!) With her gaze strongly locked on her target, amazon followed Lilianna's every move and prayed to her talents and greater beings above that she could withstand whatever was coming her way. And boy did she needed that luck on her side more than ever.

Surviving storms isn't easy you know. Especially when there are hundreds of sledgehammers caught up in it because that is an exact way Pyrrha felt like at the moment. Lilianna's speed combined with her monstrous power, plus the fluidity of her attacks and Pyrrha found herself in a complete deadlock. It wasn't like Pyrrha tried to play it defensively, she was forced to do so. It took everything out of her to just block all of the incoming attacks, so much that there was no room to try and attack on her own.

(Sh-gawrrr…she's amazing-argghh) Redhead had to admit. (E-even if…hmm..her speed isn't on par with Jaunes-arghh…her mixed attacks still force me to be…hmm-defensive, damnit…damnit…..wait….defensive? What am I saying…) The colors in redheads eyes changed (I-if I will stay like this-ghnn-It's already over. Even if I have to risk everything, I have to attack. Otherwise-ghnn-it's p-pointless.)

Risk everything for a chance to strike back. Such was the answer amazon found.

And with her mindset now being like that, Pyrrha covered up as much as she could and forced her way in. Two solid jabs sunk in to amazon's cheek but she finally got her chance to strike back. Solid left hook missed Lilianna's face as it was time for the redhead to show what she is capable of. Letting her hands and legs go, Pyrrha became a dangerous storm herself as her unarmed combat wasn't to be taken lightly as well. Not even to Lilianna who was now on a defensive mode.

But not a forced one.

Using a lot of lateral movement and head slips, Lilianna's defense was elegant and calculated to every bit of detail. A master in a completely controlled motion.

It wasn't clear if Pyrrhas offense just wasn't on par with Lilianna's, hence the reason why older woman could move a lot more freely, or Lilianna's defense was just that extraordinarily good. Or maybe even both. But whichever it was, a line of sweat travelled down redhead's forehead as the battle only continued to prove that the situation at hand was the grimmest Pyrrha had ever been in yet. But even so, her resolve would not falter and she would push her creeping fears and doubts aside. And continued to deliver the best she could.

But nothing was landing. As much as amazon tried everything she could, nothing could connect on her foe. Two solid jabs, Lilianna head slipped those. A combination of high kick and one two, older woman ducked all three, redheads knuckles barely grazing her opponents skin. Low kick and high kick, didn't matter, blonde woman evaded those as well, only a few disconnected strands of hair being her minor casualty. Even mixing in faints didn't help much. Their usage only changed the fact that Lilianna used her hands and legs to block the real attacks.

Simply put, it was rather humiliating. Pyrrha by no means had a massive pride or ego to carry around, but not being able to land cleanly a single strike, irritated even someone as modest as her. And yet, as unimpressed as amazon was about the results of her attacks, older woman was left thinking quite differently.

(She's quite something.) Lilianna wasn't shy to admit as she felt how Pyrrhas knuckles just passed her cheek, leaving tiny, red trails on her skin. (Truth be told, your sheer talent in combat could perhaps rival even mine. Had I been your age now, who knows on which of our shoulders victory would lean on.) Lilianna evaded few more attacks (Unfortunately though, that's the best I can say about you. You're talented, but clearly missing an important weapon in your arsenal which will ultimately cost you dearly.)

Pyrrha again, dashed forward to earn her chance to strike at her foes figure. To her surprise though, older woman suddenly stopped in her tracks and started to fire back again. A powerful jab did sank into redhead's cheek, but with the momentum on her side, amazon was able to get in and her shoulder soon touched Lilianna's chest.

Never underestimate JNPR team's strongest combatant.

(Now's my chance!) Pyrrha snapped, her fist already cocked back as she was ready to gauge Lilianna's insides out. With all her might, her fist traveled in incredible speed to its target. And then-

Pyrrha gulped hard. Her fist, it stopped at nothing as there was nothing in front of her. Only through the corner of her eye did she manage to notice something blonde flashing past her until it disappeared altogether.

(She's behind!) Amazons instincts desperately tried to warn her. Pyrrha of course turned her body as fast as she could in hopes of evading her opponent's attacks and…succeeded? Or not? Something was odd. For some strange reason, the whole world seemed to be turned sideways in Pyrrhas vision. She also felt weightless. Funny. Then amazon thought that she felt something. Perhaps. She wasn't sure. All of her senses were dull and unresponsive. Amusing. Oh but Pyrrha did feel something after all. Her ear painfully ringed and the other side of her face felt really, really hot. Weird. She was floating, in the air. Like a leaf trapped in a dance with wind.

And then she finally realized it. Only when a static sound in her ears stopped for a short moment, and her vision became more focused did Pyrrha realize that she was hit with a perfectly timed high kick. Few moments later though, she again felt how her senses became dull. Maybe because she landed back on the hard floor. And stayed there.

At the sight, Jaunes heart almost teared through his chest. His eyes filled with agony, he looked intently at Pyrrhas now motionless body. As much as he hoped otherwise, blonde knew that this would have turned out like that.

"Old pops…" He said with a hurt tone "You know right…you…y-you just know it right?"

Old Arc slightly tilted his head to his sons figure "If it's about the obvious outcome of this duel, yes, I do know. Your sweetheart has no chance. Not when her opponent is her. As talented and strong as young love may be, and I am sure she is, your sweetheart doesn't stand a chance and for a very simple reason.

Years of experience.

In her 38 years, my sweet girl has fought against the worst this world could offer. Starting from lowly, desperate thugs and ending with merciless mass murderers and strongest of grim. Young love on the other hand doesn't have that valuable asset in her arsenal. And it really is backfiring to her right now."

Old Arc finished, now paying full attention to Pyrrha herself.

"When why?" Jaune's fingers almost ripped the skin apart from the force they sank in. "When why continue this? It's obvious that Pyrrha can't win so why let her continue this fight?" Jaune turned his face to old pops, clearly searching for an answer.

"2 and a half years ago, 'Golden gloves' finals, you too didn't have a chance of winning. Yet you still fought on."

"It was different. I….I had my reasons to continue the fight."

"And young love doesn't?"

"What?"

"She challenged my sweet girl despite not knowing how strong she could be. Young love didn't back off after having a taste of my sweet girls brute force. And lastly, despite probably knowing herself that she has no hopes of winning-" Old pops pointed at Pyrrhas figure which despite shaking badly, was slowly getting up "is still giving it her best. Do you really believe in your heart that young love would go through so much without having a solid reason?"

Jaune turned his look to Pyrrha who just as old pops said, was slowly getting up despite how damaged she already looked.

"But what reasons could she have?" Was then a question to be asked." Really, what? There can't be any….none…..right?...Wait…is it….could it really be?" Jaune's eyes went slightly wider. He could think of only one reason behind Pyrrha's actions and struggles. "For me? Is she really doing this for me?"

(So at least I would believe.) Old Arc thought.

"Indeed, you could be that reason why she keeps trying so hard."

"But even so…" (It still hardly makes any sense. What would Pyrrha want to accomplish by this? Revenge? No, no way. Pyrrha wouldn't be that type of a person. But when why?) Jaune wondered as he still couldn't fully understand the reasons behind Pyrrhas actions. And with those questions lingering in his mind, he focused on the scene in front of him.

Even if it took a lot more than she would like to, Pyrrha was able to get back on her feet, her knees still slightly shaking as the damage was still there.

"Truth be told, I wasn't expecting you to be able to get up after that one, but you did and have my respect for that." Blonde woman was truly surprised that the redhead was able to stand upright.

"Of course," Pyrrha said raising her fists. "I couldn't just let it end like this." And the emotions in her face spoke exactly the same.

(It's easy to tell that she hasn't given up yet. Even if I have landed only a few clean hits so far, that should have been more than enough to finish her. And yet here she is. Still fully determined to continue even if she should know by now that she will only suffer more.

And I would like to know why.)

"Young girl," Lilianna raised her voice.

"What?" Pyrrha said after a few deep breaths.

"Tell me, what for did you challenge me?"

To that, Pyrrha didn't say anything. She simply turned her head so her eyes could meet Jaune's. Of course, seeing him worried like that was to be expected so she made a reassuring smile to ease his heart if at least a little bit. Then she turned back.

"Pardon me, but I will keep that to myself for now."

"Fair enough." Lilianna shrugged it off. (So should I assume that her reasons are connected with Jaune?) She wondered. After all, that's what that little side glance told to her. And it perhaps could even make some sense. So for now, Lilianna would just make it her best bet.

"Then let's just end this one sided struggle." And Lilianna dashed forward.

Pyrrhas entire figure tensed. (Here she comes again!) Taking as solid pose as she could, amazon was once again ready to block everything. And again she was overwhelmed with fast, fluid combinations coming from all angles. (The gap…hnrr….in experience is unimaginable-whoa) Pyrrha barely managed to side step as half of her face was at the danger of being torn apart from Lilianna's front kick. (Yet even so, I have to remind her that I'm a threat too.) And so Pyrrha threw a solid jab at her foes face.

With relative ease, Lilianna slipped by it and delivered a blow of her own. Pyrrhas body almost folded in two, painful tears glazing over her cheeks as a monstrous kick sank into her midsection. Barely stumbling forward, she miraculously didn't fall down though. With her body heavily bent over, Pyrrha turned around as fast as she could since she knew that there was an attack coming to her.

And she was right about that.

A spear like front kick flew exactly straight at her. Dodging like her life depended on it, though one could argue that it did, the sheer adrenaline dose in her veins gave that so much needed extra speed and fortunately, Pyrrha was able to evade it.

Lilianna's first attack that is.

Her fist already cocked back, the exact moment Lilianna's foot landed back on the floor, she leaped forward in incredible speed and delivered a nightmarish, full body right straight. Her eyes speaking of only one intent with that attack. To end her opponents suffering.

…..

…..

…..

…..

Endure it.

Was the last, desperate thought Pyrrha could think of before her face would meet with unstoppable force.

A connecting sound which could rival Yang's bazooka gauntlets filled the entire space in the room. Pyrrha didn't simply snap back. No. Her ENTIRE figure flew backwards from the force she crossed with. Flying through the air, amazon would have travelled a lot more ground if not for the wall which stopped her flight. Few droplets of blood left Pyrrha's mouth as her body slammed into the hard surface, making a few cracks in there. Bouncing off from it, redhead was now moving forward, her toes barely touching the floor, her legs sort of imitating a walking motion though it wasn't really intentional. Couldn't have been since Pyrrhas green emeralds were now a few shades paler, reflecting no emotion in them. And as her half dead 'march' continued, Lilianna stepped sideways so she wouldn't bump into her defeated opponent. Saying one last thing before this would end for good "You can just stop now. There won't be any need for you to suffer anymore," She said right as Pyrrha's figure passed her. And after a few groggy 'steps', redheads half dead 'march' ended and her figure, like some metal which was being pulled by a magnet, came closer and closer to the floor.

(I'm sure that Jaune too, doesn't want to see you struggle anymore.) Lilianna thought and waited for that last sound of her foes body crashing against the floor. That one, final sound.

…..

…..

…..

…..

It didn't happen.

Miracle like that can't exist.

With her eyes wide open, Lilianna slowly turned around. "No…there's..there's no way that she could ha-" Even her mouth corners moved slightly apart.

Miracles like that can exist.

Trembling like a leaf in a wind, barely, just barely hanging in there, Pyrrhas state was miserable. But she was still standing.

And she shouldn't have.

(I….I-I lost it t-there. F-for a few seconds…my mind went blank.) Pyrrha realized as she couldn't remember a few seconds of what happened after the impact. But one thing she did know for sure. It really was a miracle that she was still standing. But was that even a good thing one could argue. Jaune in particular couldn't bear to watch the one sided onslaught anymore. He gave them a fair chance to 'talk', but he finally reached his end point. They had to be stopped.

"I won't let this continue," Jaune said through clenched teeth and was ready to move forward. At the sight, Old arc wanted to interrupt and stretched his arm out. But with just a single glance of Pyrrhas figure, his hand stopped midway. He hesitated. Even great Arc thought for a moment that Jaune's partner was taking just too much at this point. And so, with grandfather out of the way, it should have been fairly easy to stop this right?

Well, like always, Jaune never had it the easy way since his tracks stopped midway as he heard his partner's voice.

"We haven't finished yet!" Pyrrha tried to shout but it came off like a muffled plead.

"No Pyrrha, enough is enough! You have suffered way too much, this has to be stopped. This whole thing was almost pointless to begin with." Blonde had to fight back this time. Even if it meant to go against what his partner wanted to do.

"Jaune…." Pyrrha's voice now was calm and soothing "Please, I know it's hard for you to watch but please" She locked her eyes into his "Please, let me finish this on my own." Her words, her eyes, the smile, just all of her aura begged Jaune to let this struggle continue.

Was there any way to say no? Most likely was.

Yet Jaune found himself stuck in a place. His heart ripping apart in so many ways, thoughts racing at incredible speed he just had so many questions which needed to be answered.

What should he do?

What he shouldn't do?

Should this be stopped?

Let it continue?

Listen to Pyrrha?

Listen to himself?

He just didn't know.

So even if Jaune by no means wanted to let the fight continue, he couldn't bring himself to stop it either. And curse that he couldn't.

Seeing how hurt Jaune was over his partner's pain, Lilianna bit her lower lip once. She wasn't soft enough to just back away from such a direct duel. Especially considering her opponents relentless will to continue and her feelings as a whole. But on the other side, blonde woman by no means wanted this to drag on any further. She wasn't a sadist, but even more so, Lilianna didn't want Jaune to have that expression any longer.

And so she leaped forward in her best speed, left fist already launched back. Considering her opponents state, Lilianna knew that one, full power attack could be considered an overkill even, but after witnessing a miracle just few moments earlier, she wanted to make sure that this would end. And without a continuation. And miracles.

Pyrrha barely managed to turn her head as her foe was already right in front of her. (I need more time!) Redhead panicked as her body was not ready to evade anything. But it seemed that such blessing wouldn't be granted to her so amazon was left with one option. Suck it up.

Goddess of victory isn't smiling on you right now-

"This is the end!" Lilianna declared as her left fist began its frontal motion. And as it traveled the distance to its target, Lilianna couldn't help but to gaze at Jaune in those final moments.

His face drenched in agony, it was obvious what he was thinking about. His lips barely moved and a single, desperate plea left his mouth.

Please, don't hurt her.

Was all it took to completely mess up Lilianna's plans.

Pyrrhas eyes went slightly wider when she felt how her foes knuckles lightly sank in to her cheek. There was no speed, no power, no intentions behind her fist. Just nothing.

Her own face twisted from shock, Lilianna quickly came back to her senses and launched her right fist.

Please.

And again, Pyrrha's skin got slightly distorted as Lilianna connected her over glorified love tap.

Goddess of victory isn't smiling on you right now-Lilianna.

And of course, hesitance.

An emotion one should not feel during a battle. Lilianna knew that perfectly well. And yet she hesitated. And older woman of course knew that with mistakes like that comes a price.

And this time it was a heavy one.

Pyrrha's own senses kicking back in gear, she knew that such opportunity wouldn't come twice. (It's now or never!) Pyrrha screamed as an explosive waves of energy traveled through her veins which led her battered body to perform miracles.

Grabbing her foes collar with both hands, amazon soon launched her knee in the solar plexus area of Lilianna's.

Finally, her first, successful hit.

Blonde woman's face twisted in pain and shock as it was mind perplexing how someone as damaged as Pyrrha could still have so much strength left. Feeling as if there is a black hole in her stomach, Lilianna's body was completely bent over. Even her lungs were crushing apart as they shrank and expended in overly big motions, trying to suck some air back. Older woman knew that she was in no state to deliver an immediate counter attack so she tried to back away for now. But since her knees were effected as well, the speed reduction was more than evident.

"Oh no you don't!"

Pyrrha declared as her fingers wrapped around her foes long hair. With all the might she could muster, amazon pulled Lilianna's figure back while simultaneously launching her upper body forward. And in few mere moments, her forehead crashed right into Lilianna's eye region.

Nasty, painful sound echoed and Lilianna's face winced greatly as she felt the crushing head blow. And as she tried to snap her head away from any further damage, Pyrrha's fist was already in motion and soon, a devastating left hook sank into Lilianna's face, an elbow with equally rough power finishing the combo, making the older woman stumble backwards.

Revenge, your taste can be truly sweet.

"Finally, I caught you clean." And as Pyrrhas eyes ran over her foes face, she flashed a bloody grin as the sight was rather 'pretty'.

Covering her face with a palm, Lilianna soon felt how something was dripping down her face. She of course knew what it was but still checked her hand just to make sure.

And make sure it did that her palm was completely drenched in her own blood. A sight she hadn't seen in quite some time. But bleeding itself wasn't even the worst of it. It was the place she bled from which really made the older woman's situation grim.

Her region just above the eyeball. Several arteries were torn apart which made the cut just so much worse.

The charm of Pyrrha Nikos "The goddess of victory"

And of course her talent and quick thinking. Though that was part of the charm either ways.

(She's quite amazing.) Older woman had to admit for a second time. To think that she would actually target her eye region instead of the nose. Quite remarkable. After all, nose is a very good mark to land your shots at, but those with more knowledge in combat knew that eye region was even a better target. For a rather simple reason actually. A reason Lilianna was experiencing right now.

Blindness.

Red carpet was completely covering Lilianna's left side of face. Blood dripping down nonstop, blonde woman couldn't see a damn thing from her left side.

About 40 percent's of sight gone to waste.

(Oh well….at least my right side is….is….oh, so that's how it's gonna be.) Her mouth corner went slightly upwards as she felt how the blood was dripping down her right side as well. That left hook and elbow left its mark as well. Maybe not as severe as the head blow, but the blood still forced Lilianna to almost shut her right eye. (My vision is about 30…no, more like 15 to 20 percent.) And it could easily become worse than that.

The price of hesitation and redheads talents as well.

(Pyrrha Nikos, I will definitely remember your name.) Lilianna noted to herself and realized much like Pyrrha that for the first time ever, they were standing on somewhat equal grounds considering their disadvantages. Which of course led to a simple question-

"My severely damaged vision." Lilianna regained her fighting stance.

"Against my severely damaged body." Pyrrha did so too.

"Let's see," blonde stepped forward.

"Which one," redhead stepped as well.

Lilianna and Pyrrha "will come on top."

And with that one question lingering in the air, they both dashed forward.

Lilianna was the first one to attack and surprise her opponent. Even if her vision was severely damaged, her offense was still fair cut above the average. So ultimately, her offensive abilities were not be taken lightly.

(Sh-she's beyond amazing.) Pyrrha was again left mesmerized by her opponent's skill. Whatever the kind of person Lilianna was, her combat abilities were to be admired. But admiration had to be pushed aside as Pyrrha had much more important things to think about. Even with Lilianna's shots being blocked, the realization of how dangerously close she was to her limits creeped all over Pyrrhas mind. She knew that there was only, and only one option she had left.

Full, frontal assault.

Pyrrha knew it was beyond reckless and dangerous. But more than that she knew that there was no time to spare anymore before her body would give up on her. And since she hadn't said a single word to Lilianna yet, amazon just couldn't let it end like this. Not without giving it her absolutely everything.

(It's..grrr…now or never!) And she went completely offensive. Leaving all of the fear and doubt behind her back. If only she could have done the same to pain.

A nasty kick sank into Pyrrha's ribcage. With her teeth clenched tight and tears daring to come out, she at least was able to slip to Lilianna's blind side and delivered her own kick. Sadly though, Lilianna perfectly understood where redhead would aim her attack at so she covered the left side of her face.

As it turned out though, Lilianna was completely wrong about her foes intentions as she felt how her ribcage snapped in a weird way. Twisting to the side of the impact, she wouldn't allow Pyrrha to get away with this unscratched so she threw her leg forward.

But again, Pyrrha sucked it up with agony written in her face and delivered a right hook, aiming at her foes blind eye.

Or at least so would have Lilianna thought but again she was fooled. Her head snapped from right to left as it was the left hook which connected on her and what's even worse, right where the cut was. Blood sprawled everywhere and Lilianna's situation got even darker. Quite literally as well since she lost a few more percent's of her sight.

(I-if this continues, I'll become completely blind.) Was the grim situation older woman could imagine to herself if nothing would be changed. But thinking of a plan was not an easy task when you had such a persistent predator right in front of you, its claws ready to tear you apart no matter the price.

At first, Lilianna thought that maybe using a footwork and lateral movement would work so she tried that.

(This won't do.)

However she quickly figured out as navigating in a space when you barely see anything proved to be nearly impossible, wouldn't be, but her annoyingly persistent foe made it to be way too challenging. The tactic even backfired at her when she tumbled on the table and lost her balance for a moment. Not a long one but just enough so that Pyrrha would be able to tear her fangs into her flash.

(Just block for now!) And so Lilianna obviously covered her most vulnerable spot. Face.

Leave one place guarded, the other one will open up.

Even Lilianna felt how the corners of her eyes were watering up from how mercilessly Pyrrha pounded her midsection. Redhead didn't care where to land, she instead focused on bringing all of her force with each hit landed. All of it.

After all, you never went easy on Jaune did you?

And Pyrrha continued to pulverize her foes defenseless body.

Lilianna felt how the blood on her face was mixing up with the tears as the pain started to become unbearable. If her ribs were not broken yet, then soon they would be. Even if not by attacking herself, older woman had to stop Pyrrha's relentless assault.

And there actually was a way. Brute, raw strength. A clinch.

Without a second thought, Lilianna wrapped her arms around Pyrrha's figure and locked her offense off for some time being.

(Being defensive won't work.) Lilianna could easily figure out from the price she had already payed for it. Her ribs especially. (It will only prolong the unfavorable outcome. Damnit…..if being defensive won't work then…wait, what am I thinking? Defensive? Why would there even be any need for me to be defensive?) Lilianna snapped in realization. And the more she held Pyrrha's battered body, the more that realization dawned on her. Her opponent, she was on her last legs. Yes, it was a miracle that Pyrrha was able to move at all but it didn't change the fact that she is still a human. And every human has his limits and Pyrrha was clearly close to hers. Simply using the last bits of strength she had.

(I on the other hand am not.)

Lilianna was even ashamed that she couldn't figure out the right way to deal with the situation faster than she did, considering how simple the solution actually was.

Full frontal assault. The same tactic redhead used right now. Of course, using it in normal situations could backfire but this wasn't one at all. Pyrrha's body was so close to its limits that a few good shots would lay her down for good. And combine it with Lilianna's talents and experience. Even if ending up completely blind, she could still fight back using her other senses. It was that simple.

(I guess since I haven't been in a pinch for a while it made me irrational. But sadly Pyrrha Nikos, this is it for you. It's over.)

Now being sure of what to do, Lilianna pushed Pyrrha away from her.

It was time for a heavy payback. Lilianna let herself loose.

The expression on Pyrrha's face changed. Her instincts and her foe already warned her what was coming to her. A deadly storm. But would it change amazon's tactics? No. Pyrrha simply had to continue going all out. So instead of backing off like most would, amazon leaped forward with her fist pulled on the trigger.

Unfortunately though, Lilianna did the same and countered Pyrrha with a right straight, making amazon's jaw almost snap in half.

You're right, I didn't, but are you saying that I should have raised him to be a coward or a weakling?

Pyrrha's legs buckled. She felt it. A lot. But there was more to be said so redhead launched forward and managed to land her own right hand.

No, but it isn't just about that. It's about you deeming him worthless just because he wasn't blessed in a ways other Arc's were.

Lilianna's knees shook. Blonde felt it a lot as well. But she was tougher than that so a deadly combination of left hook and uppercut soon crashed against Pyrrha's jaw.

And how should I have reacted to that? Him being an Arc yet being so useless in armed combat.

Pyrra's entire world was rocked from the combination. Her head now averted to the ceiling, she soon noted how two, small objects flying over her head. Since amazon's vision was starting to blur it was a bit difficult to make it out what those were. But with a little bit help of the tongue, she soon realized what they were. Her teeth. Two of them leaping over her head, thin blood trails following after. Though upon closer inspection, amazon also noticed that she could barely, if at all, move her mouth and it was difficult to touch the lower part of her jaw with the tongue. And then it hit her. She wasn't simply missing her teeth, her entire jaw was broken in several places.

But giving up was not an option yet. Just yet.

(P…p…please…I have to hold on. Just a little bit, a little bit longer.) And as if being granted that wish by the illusion of her nickname "Goddess of victory" itself, Pyrrha regained her balance and landed a solid one two.

Maybe you could have just supported him on his boxing path? Did that ever cross your mind?

Her whole body snapped back, Lilianna winced in pain as her nose got completely destroyed. The taste of the blood in her mouth wasn't a pleasant sensation, but it was far from stopping her answer to Pyrrha so she landed a one two as well.

Arcs….don't have dreams of their own so there was no point.

Pyrrha came back with left, right hook combo.

What nonsense. Everyone has rights to have dreams of their own. Even Arcs.

Lilianna's nerve snapped. She simply grabbed Pyrrha by the collar and started to pound her fist into her foes face.

You barely know Arcs so don't speak as if you would know a damn thing! The cruelty of being an Arc!

Much like her opponent, Pyrrha grabbed Lilianna by the cloth and started to smash her fist into her foes face as well. With this, both of them were locked in a close, vicious battle. No tactics of any sort were involved anymore. Just straight up trading of blows.

You're right, I don't. But what I do know is that there is absolutely no excuse to treat your child the way you did!

Lilianna's heartstrings almost tore apart and her throat got chocked up.

And….and you think I don't know. You…you think that I don't know that I am the worst!

And she landed such vicious right hook that Pyrrha's mind went blank for a second. Though amazon managed to stay on her feet from how strong her grip was around her foes collar. But this was it. Pyrrha perfectly knew that at the very best she had about a minute or so before her body would break apart. So her fist clenched and she crashed it once again into Lilianna's bloody face.

If you knew about it when why didn't you change?!

Because it was too late for me to change and fix anything by the time I realized it!

And so you just continued to bring pain in your own son's life!

I didn't want to!

And yet you did! All you had to do was change yourself!

As If it's that easy to change yourself!

Now it was Pyrrha's nerve which snapped.

He…..Jaune suffered, so much did he suffer.

Yet you didn't change.

Pyrrha's punches became stronger.

Always being hard on him.

Yet you didn't change.

And stronger.

Not loving him the way mother should have.

Yet still you didn't change.

Even stronger.

Deeming your own child useless.

And even then you didn't change.

And again, even stronger.

Though not only did Pyrrhas punches become stronger, but Lilianna's seemed to weaken. Or at least from the outside it seemed like it witnessing how amazon shrugged her opponent's attacks off and even managed the older woman to lose a bit of ground with each strike landed. And every single one of them still carried her words and her feelings.

Jaune tried so hard with boxing. And not just because he loved the sport but because he wanted to prove to himself, to your father and to you as well that Arcs can have dreams of their own. But even more importantly…..Jaune tried so hard because he simply wanted you to acknowledge him, praise him, hear you say words like 'good job' or 'I'm proud of you.' That's it.

But you never did, did you?

And why? Why?

'Arcs….don't have dreams of their own so there was no point.'

'Because it was too late for me to change and fix anything by the time I realized it!'

'I didn't want to!'

'As if it's that easy to change yourself!'

Excuses.

And before continuing, Pyrrha took a heavy, heavy breath. Her eyes flashed, heartbeats started to increase, blood boiled to inhuman levels. Waves and waves of explosive energy rushed through her body several times until it all stopped in a single part of her body. Clenching it so hard that skin started to rip itself apart, Pyrrha cocked her fist back.

Because….because you worthless bitch could just make excuses and pretend that there was nothing you could do about it.

And then Pyrrha released it.

You damn idiot! It's never too late to change and do things differently!

This was Pyrrha's everything.

Lilianna shook to the damn core itself. The force which rushed through her body from the impact felt like a lighting strike. Knees buckled harder than she ever remembered them to and her body stumbled backwards. And since she couldn't regain her balance, the stumbling stopped only when her back connected with the wall behind her.

Pyrrha on the other hand completely lost her balance as her whole body followed with the swing, making her fall flat on the floor.

Lilianna slowly rolled her eye up as the exhaustion she felt was beyond describable. And not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Much like Pyrrha, she too left her everything and anything in the duel. Expressing feelings and thoughts which she never had before. Which oddly enough… was really refreshing. Older woman felt so empty that she only had two more things to say. A conformation, and a very simple question.

Pyrrha Nikos, you still there? She wasn't sure if her duel partner had already lost it or not.

Amazons body twitched.

Somehow.

Lilianna felt slightly relieved.

Good, because there are two more things I wanted to say. A conformation, and a very simple question.

Dragging her almost lifeless limbs across the floor, Pyrrha tried to get herself up. Why for? She didn't even know.

Go ahead.

Then I will start with the conformation. Which would be that you wanted revenge after all right? I don't know which one told you, Jaune himself, my father, or even both of them but after hearing how I treated Jaune in the past you decided to pay me back for it, isn't that right?

I'm not that shallow. But I would be lying if I told that it isn't one of the major reasons because it is. But there are two more. One of which is obviously how precious Jaune is to me and how much I care about him. And then, there is the last one which I realized only when I saw your face.

Yes, I hate your guts, I hate what you did to Jaune, I hate what you didn't do for him but also…I am grateful for it as well.

.What?

Pyrrha had to shallow hard. After all, she wasn't as empty as Lilianna yet so to admit what she was about to was no easy task. And to think that out of all the people, Lilianna would be the first one to hear it. But it made the most sense as well so as much as her pride and very soul would be hurt over it, Pyrrha continued.

You see, if I would have the power to erase all of Jaune's pain from the past in an exchange of never meeting him….I wouldn't be able to do it. He has become too precious and needed to me to bear a thought like that. Do you understand now? All the pain you caused upon Jaune which in the end made him quit boxing and come to the Beacon academy. It is for that reason that I am able to be by his side and he, able to be besides me.

And for that…I am grateful for you. Because in the end, I am barely any better than you, if at all. I am disgustingly selfish, the same as you.

Lilianna flashed a smile.

Pyrrha….you're an idiot. And a naïve one at that.

W-what?

You're a naïve idiot is what you are. That meaningful talk you gave about how precious Jaune is to you and how you would not erase his pain if you could in exchange of the time you had spent together, all of it is complete nonsense and child's talk. The statement of how you would not be able to erase Jaune's past pain for the price you mentioned was especially laughable. Empty. It holds no value of any sorts. Since there are no powers like that in this world, what's the point of even speculating of what you could do in a never happening scenario like that? Past after all is just that, a past. No semblance in this world could grant you a chance to change the things in it. But time you have right now? Even the simplest of actions can alter it. And that's what matters the most. Instead of worrying how you wouldn't be able to change Jaune's past even if you could, think more of how you can alter the time he has right now. That's it.

After all, judging from how much Jaune worries about you and holds you dear, I think it's safe to say that he appreciates your presence and the things you have given to him a lot more than regrets the pain of his past and how you couldn't do anything about it. Wouldn't you agree?

Pyrrha smiled. Genuinely, honestly, brightly.

And also, at your age you maybe haven't realized it yet but everyone is selfish at certain points in life. Everyone. The point is not be selfish all the time and how it effects those close to you. Which is one more good reason why you shouldn't be so hard on yourself. At least your selfishness has brought joy in my son's life. Mine however, is a completely different story.

Pyrrha chuckled lightly, still trying her best to lift herself off the ground but any more than her upper body she wasn't able to pull off from the floor.

I'll take it as a compliment.

Lilianna chuckled lightly as well.

It is a compliment.

You know, for someone who has made so many wrong decisions in her life, you're really good at giving helpful advices.

Lilianna's chuckle became a single note louder.

To be honest, I would be much happier if it was the other way around.

Pyrrha's chuckle grew ever so slightly louder as well, though she kept her smile as small as possible. Since….ya know, her ENTIRE FUCKING jaw was broken. Something like that.

Lilianna?

Hmm?

When I was little, my mother used to sing this one song before the sleep. I can still remember it clearly. And one of the sentences in that song was –

'You can change yourself if you want to.'

So here is a simple question for you, do you? If an answer is yes, then start from exactly there. If you truly can't fix the relationship with Jaune, then don't. Build a new one.

It is never too late to do that.

At first, Lilianna's smile disappeared. But then it returned, slightly brighter this time.

Your ass is grass if it turns out that it was too late after all.

Pyrrha felt a chill ran down her spine at first. Somehow it felt like the older woman meant it quite seriously. But seeing how she actually laughed really lightly after her statement, Pyrrha's heart relaxed and she too just giggled ever so slightly.

And as they kept snickering at the little joke, Pyrrha soon realized that Lilianna had a question she wanted to ask, but seemed to forget.

Hey, Lilianna?

Yes?

You had a question you wanted to ask.

Oh, you're right. There actually was one.

Lilianna remembered too.

I…well I most likely know the answer but still, I am curious to know for sure.

So?

My son….why do you care so much about him?

At first, Pyrrha didn't know what to say, or more like how to phrase it correctly. But she quickly figured out. And before Pyrrha answered, she smiled gracefully and honestly, even despite the pain. She did that because she perfectly knew what was about to happen to her in just a few seconds.

Well…as his future wife, I find it to be my duty.

And Pyrrha's arms completely gave out. Her consciousness following right after.

At the sight, Jaune finally pushed all of his restrictions aside and rushed to his goddess side. Wrapping his arm around Pyrrha's battered body, he carefully pressed her against his chest. With the other hand holding her face with utmost care and gentleness. His blue orbs spoke of so many emotions at once that it was hard to tell the dominant one, if there even was one.

"Pyrrha…" he quietly mumbled, pressing his cheek against her slightly cold forehead, few tears daring to break out from the corners of his eyes.

At the sight, Lilianna smiled slightly though her eyes spoke of a completely different emotion. Blinking, she dared to imagine if Jaune would ever hold her like that as well, if she were to fall badly injured on the ground. But even more so, Lilianna wondered if she even deserved to be held like that by him.

'You can change yourself if you want to.' Lilianna remembered. A statement she perhaps would even deny before, but after her duel with Pyrrha, new possibilities started to open up to her.

(Who knows.) Was the neutral answer she decided to lean on for now. With slow, groggy steps she dragged herself to the exit. And just before Lilianna went through it, she one last time turned her look at her son and his partner.

"Jaune…..treat her well, protect her, and love her. She deserves it." She quietly mumbled even if she knew that there was no point in reminding it. After all, Jaune was doing it just this moment.

And then Lilianna left.

Thus, placing the final point to the duel and the conversation they had. The obvious outcome proving to be right. But in all honesty, it mattered very little. What really held great importance and value was the words and feeling which were exchanged.

And just perhaps even slightly more than that, what Lilianna and Pyrrha learned from each other.

Authors note: Well, that's the end of the duel I guess. If I would say so myself, I am rather satisfied how it turned out. Not to say that I think it is with-out any faults because there are some. At least I have noticed a few. But that is me. Who knows, to some of you this maybe will be a complete bullocks and bullshit and…well that's okay as well. Anyways, if you want you are more than welcome to leave your thoughts about it and I will happily read them. And try to correct the future chapters.

So that's about that.

Now I will move onto the new segment of the chapters and that is leaving responses to your reviews. So here it goes-

brandon2071-Aw man, thank you so much. As far as I can tell, you're really enjoying the story so far and I really, genuinely appreciate that. And I really hope that you enjoyed this chapter and it didn't disappoint you. Anyways, looking forward to hearing from you with all the next installments.

Jkdelta38-Well, if you read this chapter then I think it answered your question of how well our favorite redhead did against a fully trained hunter pretty well. As for Jaune incorporating the boxing moves with a sword and a shield…well, I actually have a few options with that. I can't say for certain but there is a possibility that Jaune will…..well let's just say have a change of weaponry. I can't say for certain since it's only a possibility at this moment, but it may happen. After all, I am not sure if Jaune will have any fights with weapons at all. But we will see about that. Anyways, hope that I will see new reviews from you as well, so thank you so much.

And that's all. With responses answered, I have said everything I wanted to. So I guess until some other time.

And as always-

Have a nice one;)