01/25/20
This chapter has been rough, like most present day chapters its not that long but it took me much longer to write than any of the recent ones XD
Unfortunately it seems the the slew of fight scenes has been wearing me down, cause aside from this chapter there are three coming up all close to each other with big, long, important fights and its killing my forward progress. I'm trying my best but with Tokyo Mirage Encore and the KH3 DLC and work its not the best combination. Also my stomach didn't feel well this morning so editing this took far longer than it should've. All that out of the way, enjoy. Please.
(Preposition) Against (especially in sports and legal use); as opposed to; in contrast to.
Chapter Twelve
Versus
Jaynix woke the next morning, more determined than ever to be at her best. With Lyla by her side she began her workout routine in earnest.
Tai was the first to return from breakfast, entering the room he raised an eyebrow at all the effort Jaynix was clearly exerting.
"Are you training? In here?"
"Today's the day Tai!"
Jaynix called out as she continued to do pushups while Lyla sat on her back and encouraged her. The woman looked over to Tai.
"I think she needs more weight Captain Hook!"
Tai couldn't help but laugh.
"I think she's fine."
As he approached their voices he asked.
"What's so important about today?"
Lyla stood up and helped Tai into place, there was a grunt from Jaynix upon him sitting on her back. Taking a deep breath continued her pushups.
"Elma and I are gonna spar. All out."
Tai hummed, clearly interested.
"You think you can beat her?"
"We'll see, won't we?"
Jaynix continued her routine, eventually switching to situps as Sagis and Alto entered the room, this time Tai filled them in on what was going on. There was a shine in the eyes of the Blood Brothers. They had the same idea and took off almost immediately.
Jaynix, Tai and Lyla knew that when the time for the spar came, there would be a bit of a crowd.
At Alpha Wolf's lab, Kruse and Constantine sat alone. The rest of the group was elsewhere working on the plans outlined by Vandham. Constantine took the time off to pull out two small game consoles.
They were handheld systems, nothing special but they allowed him and Kruse to fish in a setting where that was otherwise impossible.
Constantine glanced over at Kruse, the young wolf had a very focused gaze on his game. Constantine chuckled.
"You don't have to try so hard, Kruse."
"Yeah I do, Ahab."
Constantine shook his head.
"You do know Ahab didn't capture his prize in the end right?"
"Your point?"
Constantine put his game down, smile evident on his face.
"You read the book right?"
Kruse looked over to him.
"Of course. If I didn't I don't think I'd ever be able to understand you."
The older man chuckled.
"Well, then maybe you should realize calling me Ahab doesn't make much sense because I catch everything. You should-"
"Call me Ishmael. Really?"
Constantine began laughing as Kruse let out a heavy sigh.
"Ishmael didn't catch the whale either and the joke isn't funny…"
Constantine continued to laugh, Kruse returning his attention to the game.
"Alright, alright. I've got a game to win c'mon, Constantine."
Satisfied with the temporary diversion, Constantine retrieved his game.
"I do appreciate these games for allowing our fishing trips to continue but...you're far better at the virtual version than the real one...you beat me every time."
Kruse looked over at Constantine with a wide smile.
"Well, when we get to where we're going and we can fish again for real, I'll go back to losing all the time. Let me live it up while I can."
Constantine smiled warmly.
"Of course. Well then, I should try to close the gap at least a little."
Sharing a laugh, the pair turned their attention back to their games, they were at peace.
The door to their lab opened, someone walking in and talking excitedly with a few of the engineers.
Constantine turned over to see that his workers looked very excited about...something. Standing he walked over to them.
"What's going on?"
"Oh! Voliff...it's nothing…"
Constantine crossed his arms, the engineer chuckling while another spoke up.
"It's the Corporal. Apparently she and the Colonel are going to go at it in the training room in a few hours."
"Jaynix and Elma? Hmm...yes, I can see why that'd be interesting."
Constantine looked over all his engineers.
"Ah. I see...well, if we can put the foundation in place and get this plan started, I'll call it a half day. I think we've all earned it."
The engineers cheered and got back to work. Constantine turned to find Kruse at his side. He had a hand on his chin, thinking about Elma and Jaynix. He knew, most people knew that with or without weapons, both women were second to none.
"Trying to predict who'd win?"
"I don't think that's possible."
Constantine nodded as Kruse returned to work, the older man couldn't help but feel a bit of excitement at the thought of the impending match.
Elma sat in the middle of her room, legs crossed, in the silence she was meditating. She was thinking about all the times she's seen Jaynix fight. From their first meeting in 2050, to the multiple fights against the Lawless in 2053 and everything else in between. She'd seen Jaynix train many times over the years since they met, but the pair never thought to spar again. This was a long time coming.
She remembered Jaynix's speed, while Elma was sure she could outmaneuver her, speed wasn't the only thing. If she wanted to bring Jaynix down, she'd have to outlast her. When it came to combat, Jaynix was far more determined than anyone else. Where most people would fold from exhaustion, Jaynix had a second and even third wind in the waiting.
Elma remembered some of Jaynix's hospital reports, all the injuries she sustained, yet she kept on fighting. Forcing her to stop when all she wanted to do was win was nearly impossible.
Couple all of that with Jaynix's immense strength, Elma found herself filled with a little doubt. The other woman has grown over the years, this would be a test.
Opening her eyes, Elma stood up. She hadn't spent the five years since they met sitting on her hands. She knew Jaynix would never consider underestimating her, she would avoid that as well.
"Aeon. I wish you were here…"
A smile came to Elma's face as she tried to imagine Aeon and Jaynix meeting.
"I think you'd like her. Love her even. Just as I do."
Eren sat at a table alone in the mess hall, reading over all her notes. Thanks to what Jaynix told her, everything seemed sensible...it all worked. But she couldn't get over one last detail that kept confusing her. She's sure that if she went to Kriss with this information, Kriss would give her that answer but that's not how she wanted it.
"Why am I so stubborn about all this…"
Eren's eyes strayed from her notes to the pictures of Kriss in the field.
"...oh...right…I hate it when Jaynix is right…"
"Strategist."
Looking up, Eren spotting the General.
"Sir. Sorry if I don't stand up to salute you I'm...well I'm occupied."
Kumon chuckled.
"No worries Eren…"
There was a silence before Eren sighed.
"I'm not going to say anything about what I discovered to anyone."
"I know...I just…"
Eren looked back at the man, seeing hesitation on his face for the first time.
"What happened...keeping it from you, Tai, Sagis and Alto. Trust had nothing to do with it. We all trust each other with our lives every day. Our bonds grew over the years...there is nothing I wouldn't do for all of you."
"I know, sir."
Eren smiled.
"It's because of our bond that I know Jaynix did what she had to. You and Lyla agreed with it...I'm in no position to say otherwise…"
Kumon returned her smile as another person drew near.
"Ah, am I interrupting?"
The pair turned to see the Professor. She nodded her head to Kumon before looking right at Eren, with a smile of her own she waved at the Strategist.
Eren stuttered with her response as Kumon spoke up.
"Nothing to interrupt Fowler. I'll leave you two...though Eren, I think you'd like to know that Jaynix and Elma are preparing to spar in the training room. We're about three hours out...if you're interested."
Eren snapped back to reality.
"Yes. Sir. Of course. Sounds good!"
Kumon raised an eyebrow before bidding the pair farewell and stepping away. Kriss slid into her place across from Eren, still smiling.
"...why are you looking at me like that?"
"I'd like to ask you a favor."
Eren tilted her head.
"Me? A favor?"
"There are no intellectuals on this ship that I believe can effectively aid me in my quest and my comrades are lost to the stars. But you are here, Ms. Hills."
"You think I trust you?"
Kriss laughed.
"I don't need your trust...only your mind, Ms. Hills. I've come across a question I can't hope to solve alone. I need another point of view, someone who doesn't think like I do and of everyone I know of in this quarter of the White Whale, you are the only one I'm confident in recruiting."
Eren leaned back in her seat.
"I still can't believe you're asking me for help...is this real?"
Kriss rolled her eyes.
"I wouldn't be here if I had any other choice. Believe me when I say...you are going to want to see what I have…"
Eren looked away, thinking this over. It'd be a good chance to get Kriss in private and confront her with all the information she gathered, get some answers.
"It's not like I have any other urgent plans...alright Kriss. What is it?"
Jaynix took a swig from her water, Lyla and Tai still with her as she continued her rather extensive warm up.
"Are you sure you won't tire yourself out before you even get there, Jaynix?"
The other woman put her water bottle down and smiled.
"Of course not! I'm so excited I can't sit still! If I wasn't working out I'd just be a nervous wreck!"
Jaynix returned to her stretches as Tai shook his head.
"If you say so...I've sparred with you enough to know how strong you are. I can only imagine what this is going to be like…"
Lyla nodded.
"The only other time they went at it, Jaynix was on the floor in minutes."
"I'd say I wasn't at my best but I'm not gonna make excuses when its Elma. That's just poor sportsmanship. This time though!"
Tai stood up.
"As much as I'd like to hang around for your continued improvement, I feel I should track down the Blood Brothers before they start taking bets."
Jaynix laughed.
"Too late for that Captain Hook. I'm pretty sure that was their first instinct."
"Can't blame a man for trying."
With that Tai turned and left the room, leaving Jaynix and Lyla on their own.
It wasn't much longer after that when Jaynix decided to complete her workout, finishing up with a few more stretches.
On the couch nearby, Lyla watched her wife, a dreamy sigh escaping her and catching Jaynix's attention.
"Have I told you how much I love your back? Your arms? You?"
Jaynix laughed as she turned around.
"Yeah. You kinda have. A little bit."
"A little bit? I'm going to have to fix that."
Jaynix threw herself onto the couch next to Lyla and put an arm around her.
"You should shower first."
Jaynix shook her head, pulling Lyla in and kissing her cheek.
"Join me?"
Lyla waited a moment, searching Jaynix's eyes before leaning in and kissing her. Soft and gentle before whispering.
"Of course."
Elma stood in the training room, anyone who passed by would not recognize her as for the first time in a long while she shed her familiar red armor for baggier, simpler, athletic wear.
Her fists striking at the air, legs making long sweeping motions as she tripped up enemies that didn't exist. She closed her eyes and imagined Jaynix as best she could.
While the other woman was prone to emotional outbursts and became something wholly different when seized by anger and hate...she had control.
Their spar wouldn't be about proving a point, it was two people who care and respect for each other competing in a physical test. Jaynix would be in full control and with her might, her speed, her skill...she'd be at her peak.
Elma understood control, she had for her entire life. Everything was controlled, regimented. Logical. Then she traveled across space with her brother to Earth and was exposed to so much more.
Earth's history was filled with as many heroic figures as it was with monsters and through it all there was humanity. A species she'd done her best to learn about and recognize since the day she and Aeon had arrived.
She picked up many things from how humans interacted with one another. At first it was just the officials who knew of her, Nagi, Vandham and Chausson key among them though a few other world leaders were made aware.
Nagi was the one that told her she couldn't only rely on their point of view. As much as Nagi recognized he was just another person, he was also burdened with more responsibility than the average man.
He wanted her and Aeon to learn from the humans who lived out in the cities and towns. Together.
And so they did and the experiences Elma had, never failed to surprise her.
Her view on humanity was more positive than her brother's but regardless of that, they came to do a job and had to do it.
Elma's fists came to a stop. Letting out a long sigh she shook her head.
"Things were so much easier before I got...involved with all of you…"
Elma thought about the people she's met, the friends she's made. Irina, Gwin, Jaynix, Lyla, Kruse, Nagi...for three decades it was a small pool but she had many more people that she looked on fondly and trusted.
She couldn't help but laugh.
"Vandham would probably get offended if I didn't add his name to the list...Chausson?"
She thought about the other man for a bit, probably not friends but she understood the position he was in.
Taking a deep breath, Elma walked over to her gear and retrieved her datapad, checking the time.
Entering the Professor's room, Eren couldn't stop herself from looking around, taking everything in. What was Kriss up to when she was here all alone? Was she building something? Researching something? If so, what?
"Ms. Hills, if I may direct your attention…"
As Kriss approached a whiteboard, Eren spoke up.
"Wait."
The Professor sighed.
"Really? I called you here for-"
"There's something else we've got to cover first. If you really want my help with whatever it is you've got here, you'll hear me out."
Kriss waited a few moments before stepping away from the whiteboard and gesturing. There was a long silence before Eren let out a heavy sigh.
"Thanks."
Kriss gave the other woman a strange look.
"Thanks? To who? For what?"
"To you."
Eren let a small smile form on her face as she addressed Kriss.
"2052...you were able to get that warning to us...get us out of the facility before it was bombed to hell. Thanks."
"That wasn't me."
"Jaynix told me."
Kriss turned away and cursed.
"How did you know? About the missiles?"
Kriss knew there was no point in denying her involvement in that anymore.
"Our facilities had a lot of safeguards. The Lawless were able to sidestep them all thanks to the help they got."
"From Benton."
Eren couldn't fight off a smirk at Kriss' look.
"I did my research.
"Yes you did...well, the Lawless didn't turn off our systems, merely circumvented them which left the aerial surveillance to give me the warning while I was making my way to Elma's residence…"
"How'd you know we were there?"
Eren was amazed to see a form of uncertainty in Kriss' eyes. Her lips tried to make out different words but she didn't seem satisfied with any of them. Letting out a sigh, Kriss looked at Eren.
"Because you were there."
Eren was not expecting that answer, she tried to form words as Kriss explained.
"The needle I injected you with to protect you from Dark Mirror also let me keep an eye on you. You intrigued me, Ms. Hills…"
"Intrigued you?"
"Perhaps you are unaware but your reputation precedes you. I'd heard about the Reaper's daring Strategist, a sound logical mind and a great tech developer. I've read several of your works and looked into the tools you armed your team with. Isn't that how we scientists get to know each other?"
Eren wanted to argue but that's exactly how she first learned of Kriss before she even knew her name.
"I would've brought you into LAST in a heartbeat but from your work I could see that your ideals didn't exactly mesh with ours…"
Eren laughed.
"I guess I should take that as a compliment."
"You should. It's one of the reasons why I'd like your help here."
Eren crossed her arms, as Kriss again reached for the white board.
"Why did you let the Coalition do what they did to you, Kriss?"
The Professor tilted her head.
"I have the feeling that you didn't actually come with me to see what I had to offer."
Eren shook her head.
"That doesn't matter. Answer the question!"
Kriss sighed.
"I don't care what other people think of me. If I can do my research, I'll do anything."
Eren shook her head.
"So you threw away any reputation you could've had?"
Kriss shrugged as Eren continued.
"Beyond that, I found out it wasn't just Benton. He may have had it out for you but he was least of your problems and yet you continued to operate with your name. A name the other-"
Kriss held a finger up, cutting Eren off.
"That's where you're wrong. The others? Dead. Thanks to the honorable Colonel."
"What?"
"It is as I say. Elma uncovered all of this and well...maybe the exact details I should keep to myself but they're all long dead and she even managed to free some of my compatriots."
Eren still looked lost, Kriss smiled.
"That expression on you...it's very appealing."
Eren tried to piece this information together as Kriss sighed.
"We've gone completely off track from why I brought you here in the first place...but I will admit this is far more fun."
Eren took a deep breath.
"Okay...so if all this is true. Why not correct me every time I accused you of being a terrorist? Why not tell me from the beginning? You may be amoral and a developer of terrible weapons. Possibly crazy but you-"
Kriss laughed, a genuine laugh that Eren greatly enjoyed.
"Where would the fun in that be? Besides, look what some of my scheming has brought us. Time alone."
Eren smiled, a look of disbelief also present.
"It wasn't just me then…"
"No. Unlike you I don't spend unnatural amounts of time looking at pictures of you and so brazenly...but I do harbor great feelings for your mind, Ms. Hills."
Eren refused to accept that Jaynix was right all along.
"So...the challenge you gave me before we left Earth, everything...this was your version of flirting?"
Kriss walked past Eren, checking the lock on the door before facing her again and smiling.
"That depends. Did it work?"
Eren closed the distance between them in an instant, slamming Kriss' back into the door as she pressed her lips against the Professor's.
She could still feel that arrogant smirk on Kriss' face despite it all. Quickly she took Kriss' lab coat off before kissing her again. It all went according to her convoluted plan and that pissed Eren off just as much as it turned her on.
The buttons on Kriss' shirt popped off as Eren wrenched it open and spoke.
"Bed."
Kriss laughed.
"Right behind you."
Next thing Kriss knew she was on said bed, Eren hovering over as she pulled off her own shirt.
"You don't have to prove anything else to me at this point, Ms. Hills."
"Shut up."
Eren began planting kisses on Kriss' neck while her hands reached into Kriss' shirt, beginning to massage her breasts. The woman's breath caught bringing a smile to Eren's face. She had the upper hand now.
Just then, Kriss tangled her legs with Eren and flipped them over, pinning Eren's arms she saw the shock in the Strategist's face and smiled.
"That's-"
"My room, my rules. Ms. Hills."
Kriss leaned in and whispered in Eren's ear causing her to shiver.
"Any complaints with tonight's lesson plan?"
Eren could only shake her head as Kriss' lips found her neck and her hands began to wander.
The hour finally arrived, Elma turned upon hearing the doors open. She watched as Jaynix entered the training room followed by Lyla. Jaynix's eyes went right to Elma and the pair smiled at one another. Elma noticed that much like her, Jaynix was wearing simple athletic wear, a jacket hanging loosely over her shoulders.
Lyla placed a kiss on Jaynix's cheek before stepping aside. Elma put her hands behind her back as Jaynix approached.
"You always look so different out of your armor."
Elma raised an eyebrow.
"How so?"
Jaynix looked her over.
"I'm not sure how to put it...I like it."
A smile came to Elma's face as Jaynix stepped back and tossed her jacket over to Lyla who caught it with ease.
Tai entered shortly after, followed by the Blood Brothers and General Kumon.
"What are the rules, Elma?"
Jaynix asked as she did a few more stretches.
"Knowing you'll never surrender there is only one rule."
Jaynix raised an eyebrow.
"If you can't stand back up...you lose."
The Corporal laughed.
"I see...well then, I've gotten up from far worse before."
Elma recalled a few moments in particular. Returning to her gear, Elma pulled out some bandages and began wrapping them around her arms.
"So...anything goes? Really?"
As Elma finished up she nodded to Jaynix.
"We'll call it a spar, but for all intents and purposes...this is a fight. Try to knock me down with everything you've got, Jaynix."
"I'd hate to scuff up that face of yours Elma."
The Colonel chuckled.
"I was about to say the same to you."
Irina, Gwin, Boris, Danny and Kruse entered shortly after, seeing the Reapers they walked over to them and began speaking softly.
"Jaynix."
The woman looked to Elma to see her smiling.
"Show me how you've grown since 2050. Show me everything."
Jaynix took a few steps towards Elma, the other woman doing the same. As the pair met in the middle of the room, everything else started to fade. Even as Constantine, the rest of Alpha Wolf and everyone else that the Blood Brothers could find began to fill the room, they heard and saw nothing but each other.
Jaynix smiled.
"You have beautiful eyes, Elma."
The other woman couldn't fight off a chuckle.
"Distraction? Really?"
"Just saying."
Elma nodded.
"Of course...you as well, Jaynix. Beautiful."
There was a beat before Jaynix roared, her first strike coming out far faster than Elma was expecting. Barely moving out of the way, Elma watched Jaynix's fist brush past her cheek.
With the sudden start to the event, the crowd was filled with all sorts of sounds, anticipation and excitement. None of which either woman noticed.
Clenching her own fist, Elma returned the blow with a furious yell of her own. Seeing Elma's fist coming, Jaynix's other hand grabbed it, stopping the assault.
Elma's free hand took hold of Jaynix's outstretched arm just as one of Jaynix's legs left the ground, Jaynix landed the first blow, her leg striking Elma's exposed side.
Freeing her arms from Elma's grasp, Jaynix followed up with two blows, Elma using one arm to block them as best she could.
Feeling the impact of Jaynix's fists, she clenched her teeth. Her goal was to avoid as many of Jaynix's strikes as she could or there was no hope for her winning.
With Elma on the defensive, Jaynix began stepping forward, Elma saw a twitch in one of her legs and moved aside, the kick missing.
Raising her own leg, Elma yelled as she struck at Jaynix's planted leg. The other woman cursed, while the strike was as strong as Elma could make it, she wasn't able to break Jaynix's balance.
Both women planted their feet firmly on the ground again, Elma moving behind Jaynix as quickly as she could, clenching her fist she struck the other woman in the back.
Jaynix smirked despite the pain and swung around, her leg coming up and striking Elma's torso, pushing her back.
Seizing the stumble, Jaynix moved forward and roared, her fist shot out with all its might and struck Elma in the face.
That sent Elma to the floor, and the room fell silent. Jaynix returned to her fighting stance as Elma shook her head, regaining focus.
Standing up, Elma turned to Jaynix, there was a shine in her eyes. A shine that was no doubt in Jaynix's as well.
Elma took up her stance, unshaken she closed the distance between them, ducking under Jaynix's first strike. Her right fist shot up and into Jaynix's torso followed up by her left, two strikes in rapid succession landing squarely on Jaynix's body.
Clenching her teeth, Jaynix reached out and took hold of Elma's arm pulling her about before jumping and kicking her in the back, sending her stumbling forward.
Jaynix pursued, Elma let herself fall, catching herself and rolling away from Jaynix's following attacks.
Springing to her feet, Elma charged at Jaynix again, diving low, her fist made contact with Jaynix's leg, a powerful strike.
Growling, Jaynix grabbed Elma and lifted her up. Roaring Jaynix threw herself back, slamming the Colonel into the ground before rolling to her feet.
The impact knocked the wind out of Elma. Rolling aside she got back up, far slower. Being too methodical didn't work, being too aggressive wasn't working either. It wasn't that Jaynix had some impossible strategy...simply put, Jaynix was strong.
Unstoppable force. Immovable object. Which ones were they? Elma closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She heard Jaynix move, fast.
Elma stepped forward, moving her upper body out of the way of another savage kick. Bringing her arm up she yelled as she brought it down, a fierce chop against Jaynix's leg, slapping the limb back down to the ground.
Clenching her fist, Elma went for the next strike she needed, connecting with Jaynix's other leg with as much strength as she could muster. Then she braced herself, raising her arm as Jaynix struck.
The fist connected once again, the force drew a gasp from Elma. Jaynix roared as she went for another strike right at Elma's chest.
Elma swung her leg out, tangling it with Jaynix's she tripped them both up, saving herself from the strike. Elma rolled to her feet quickly, taking another deep breath as Jaynix flipped over and onto her feet, stable as ever.
Elma took this chance to begin the assault on her terms, charging at Jaynix.
The other woman brought her arms up, Elma's fists striking with all the force she could muster.
She knew it wasn't as much as Jaynix's, but that didn't matter, she had the lead this time and had to keep it.
Jaynix made a move to step aside, Elma swung her leg out, striking one of Jaynix's to keep her in place.
Cursing, Jaynix dropped her guard and swung, striking Elma's shoulder and pushing her back. Elma put all the force she could into her feet to stop herself from stumbling back. With a growl of her own she swung forward, this time it was her fist that found Jaynix's face.
There was a triumphant grin on Elma's face as the blow landed, the shock in Jaynix's expression was brief as her knee shot up into Elma's stomach.
A ragged gasp escaped Elma as she fell to her knees, Jaynix stumbling back but otherwise remaining on her feet. Wiping her face, Jaynix advanced as Elma did her best to raise an effective guard against the Corporal's assault.
Elma saw Jaynix's knee coming this time and caught it with one of her hands, using it as an anchor to pull herself up and off the ground.
Elma's other fist tightened up as she swung, connecting with Jaynix's chin, snapping her head back and sending her stumbling before she fell on her back.
A growl escaped Jaynix as she stood up again, Elma narrowing her eyes and dropping into her stance.
The two women were growing dirtier by the minute, bruises would surely form along every single impact and sweat was evident.
Despite this, they shared a smile. It was matches like this that brought Jaynix and Lyla closer and eventually together. Having a similar bond with someone she treasured and respected as much as Elma, no matter the result, she loved this.
Elma began moving back as Jaynix charged, Elma knew her chosen strategy to defeat the Corporal wasn't a guarantee and it was risky but she had to try her best.
Jaynix's strike came in wide, fierce, Elma moved enough to get out of range and grab Jaynix's arm before sending her leg into Jaynix's lower torso.
The force of the impact caused Jaynix to gag before Elma pulled on her arm to break her balance. It worked as intended the other woman stumbling away enough for Elma to spin back around and kick in the back of her legs.
Down on her knees, Jaynix growled before turning back around, standing again and charging Elma.
As the fight went on, Jaynix became more and more aggressive. While Elma found that made her easier to read it also made her a bigger threat.
Jaynix raised her fist, Elma preparing to move aside and thinking of which counter to go with, only for Jaynix to switch hands, bringing one in from below and slamming it into Elma's torso.
The Colonel felt the wind knocked out of her by the powerful impact before Jaynix grabbed her arms and threw herself back, flipping Elma over her and tossing her away.
Slamming into the ground, Elma coughed, Jaynix standing up again behind her. The Corporal took that time to catch her breath as Elma struggled to her feet.
Jaynix brought her fists up again, Elma taking a deep breath. No trick would work twice, of course it wouldn't. Elma moved forward, Jaynix doing the same. Ducking under her first strike, Elma caught the second, feeling the force of the blow reverberate up her arm.
Jaynix then responded as Elma wanted and swung her leg up, crashing into Elma's side. Grunting, Elma brought her free hand down and held Jaynix's leg in place.
The Corporal was surprised as Elma's other hand released Jaynix's fist and delivered a savage chop to her restrained leg.
Jaynix pulled her limb away from Elma, the second it hit the floor, her other leg left and slammed into Elma's opposite side. With a grunt, Elma took several steps away from the blow before letting out a powerful yell and swinging about, her own leg striking Jaynix's side.
It became a battle of blows, Elma refusing to back down as her fist found Jaynix's shoulder.
Jaynix returned the blow with a strike to Elma's torso. Elma reeled back and punched Jaynix in the face, pushing her back. With a roar, Elma swung her left leg into Jaynix's right, catching her right at the side of her knee. Jaynix's leg buckled causing her to stumble again.
Elma seized the chance and followed with another body blow, despite the fierce impact, Elma found a fist in her own stomach moments later, Jaynix returning the blow despite the situation.
Both women reeled back from each other, breathing harder than ever. Elma could feel a thrill run through her body, she hadn't had a contest like this in so long. Others would insist they were going too far, but this was exactly what she wanted.
Jaynix was even more excited by their fight, a tired smile on her face. Bringing her arms up she slapped them to her cheeks and yelled.
Elma needed to end this soon, her strategy was still in effect but Jaynix was hard to topple. The Colonel did her best to will away the pain all over her body but it wasn't working.
Jaynix had to be in a similar state, if she could somehow hold on for a little longer, the bout would be won. Elma knew what was coming so she decided to meet it head on and charged forward just as Jaynix did.
Her fist hit nothing but air, Jaynix ducking under it. Elma responded in kind, leaning her head back, Jaynix's fist brushing past her chin.
Taking that chance, Elma swung one of her legs out, striking Jaynix's torso only to feel Jaynix grab her other leg. She could barely curse as Jaynix pulled her leg out from under her, causing her to fall.
Elma's arms quickly came up to block Jaynix's next, fierce punch. If that had connected, Elma would be done. However, blocking it simply kept her on the ground, beneath Jaynix. Not an ideal position in this situation.
Elma brought her arms up to now cover her face just in time, Jaynix's next strike was once again blocked.
There was still something she could do, moving one of her legs, she tangled with Jaynix's and caused her to fall on her side, now it was Elma's chance.
Rolling over, Elma was on top of Jaynix now, breathing heavily she brought her fists up and struck the other woman who was now on the defensive.
There was a yell from Jaynix as she dropped her guard to deliver a savage blow to Elma's face, however with her guard down it allowed Elma's next strike to hit its mark.
Elma rolled aside on the ground, clutching her face before standing, Jaynix doing the same with noticeable difficulty.
This had to be it.
Elma was right in front of Jaynix again, ducking under one of the woman's wild strikes, she dropped to her knees and delivered one chop to each of Jaynix's leg before sliding underneath and behind Jaynix.
The other woman spun around as Elma got to her feet. Jaynix swung, Elma moved out of range, Jaynix's fist hitting only Elma's hair.
Jaynix could see Elma open her palm and knew what was coming. Just like five years ago, Elma slammed her palm into Jaynix's chest with all the force she could muster.
In response, Jaynix grabbed onto Elma's arm, refusing to let the other woman lift her.
With Elma trapped, Jaynix brought her other fist up, ready to deliver a powerful blow only for Elma to step closer, tangling one of her legs with Jaynix's.
Pulling back, she took Jaynix off balance and carried her palm strike through, instead of lifting Jaynix though, she simply slammed her onto the ground with whatever force she could muster.
Jaynix made a move to get up, Elma apologized silently as she reeled her fist back and struck Jaynix in the face. The back of the Corporal's head striking the floor beneath her. Dazed, Jaynix could only groan from all the hits she took as Elma stumbled several steps back but maintained her footing.
The room could either be silent, or people could be cheering, Elma still couldn't tell. All she could see was Jaynix and all she could hear was her ragged breathing.
Cementing her arms on the floor, Jaynix used them to push herself up. Then she tried to do the same with her legs, however the moment she put weight on them she groaned in pain and fell back down.
Elma finally took that chance to let out a long sigh of relief. Jaynix did her best to catch her breath before trying to stand again, and once more finding herself incapable.
She slammed one of her fists into the floor and cursed before her eyes found Elma.
Jaynix brought her hands up, palms open.
"You win, Colonel."
The haze of focus broke immediately, Elma catching her breath as cheers and roars rang out all around her. Despite everything, Elma smiled. She looked down at Jaynix who wore a similar smile.
Elma approached her slowly, kneeling down next to her.
"I see what you did...smart."
"I was hoping it would work...if you were able to get up, it'd be over for me. We both know that."
Jaynix kept her eyes on Elma.
"Disheveled, bruised, sweaty. You're still a feast for the eyes."
Elma laughed.
"I think I hit you in the head too hard there Corporal."
"Nonsense, I'm just being honest."
Jaynix finished her statement with a wink, Elma looked away, feeling a joyous sensation within her.
Holding her hand out, Elma waited till Jaynix took hold of her.
"Hey Lyla! Be a dear!"
As Elma hauled Jaynix to her feet, Lyla ran towards them, with one of Jaynix's arms over her shoulder, she helped support her wife.
"Jaynix. That was incredible."
"I guess I even lose with style."
Lyla shook her head.
"You did your best. Both of you. Nothing to look down on, the match was spectacular."
Lyla looked to Elma, the pair shared a smile as Irina approached.
"Need a hand, Colonel?"
With the bout over, Elma allowed herself to acknowledge the pain and exhaustion. With a nod she let herself relax, Irina helped to support her just as Lyla did with Jaynix.
Irina sighed.
"Are you sure you two didn't go too far?"
Jaynix shook her head.
"Elma told me not to hold anything back. So I didn't. Same goes for her."
Elma smiled.
"We haven't gotten a chance to have a contest like that in too long...forgoing rules may have been a bit of an oversight...but I also think it was worth it."
Jaynix and Elma chuckled. Lyla placed a kiss on Jaynix's cheek.
"I was worried that one of you would accidentally Overdrive."
Jaynix tilted her head.
"That'd be interesting. I have no doubt we'd trash this room."
Elma nodded.
"Let's save the more insane demonstrations for when we make starfall."
Jaynix looked over to Elma.
"Is that a promise to spar again?"
"Of course. Only this time...let's not wait five years."
Elma reached over, holding one hand out before clenching it into a fist.
Jaynix nodded, striking the fist with her own.
"It's a promise."