Fair.

Doll and the samurai stood facing each other in the clearing, the sun shone bright but neither felt it, this was to be a battle they would both regret, regardless of the outcome. In the short time that they had known each other they had made a connection, perhaps the strongest connection possible. Regardless of their opinions of the other, they both respected each other more than any they had met before.

The leaves at this time of year were just starting to fall, and a couple blew between the silent warriors in the breeze as they waited.

They both savoured the breeze, the last thing that they would share together before the battle that would tear them apart.

“I think…” started doll.

“I agree.” the samurai nodded, “we should make it as quick as possible.”

Doll looked at the floor, then into the samurai’s eyes, he was already looking into hers.

The samurai dashed first, he was rapid, almost instantaneous, Doll was of course using her Qi to block it, she was exceptional, the only person who could have blocked such an attack, but as a Qi ability her will faltered, she didn’t want to defend with all her heart.

The samurai’s attack was not full strength either, Doll was cut across her torso, but it was nothing that could kill her.

They stood shoulder to shoulder, facing opposite directions.

“We have both… dishonoured ourselves… and my final dishonour, is for yours redeemed.”

the samurai closed his eyes.

“thank you.” said Doll, tears forming.

She made it quick, and the samurai didn’t defend, he fell to the floor, with a smile on his face.

The glow in the samurai’s bracelet faded, and it passed to a clear bead in Doll’s.

The samurai had chosen a new master. And Doll had lost a love, at least until she was bested.