Conquering a Storm (Aqua/Savior)

[SwordSavior1]

Any hit Hinoka landed before was a tickle compared to what she just experienced, the equivalent to being struck by a lightning bolt. Midst all of this pain, it was still somehow only the first. "Just...g-go..." Insisting that she didn't deserve any more handicaps while her eyelids continued to drip.

Having granted her opponent permission to land the final strike, the most devastating punch collided into Hinoka's chin at a specific angle, almost severing the redhead's breath entirely. The fire inside of the tomboy was finally quenched as the strike resulted in Hinoka flying onto her back, eyes shut and arms spread. Without any other response, Tifa didn't even need to say the count to decide whether to continue.

[Aqua]

The uppercut Tifa landed felt good on her fist. Which was a bad thing for Hinoka as that meant Tifa felt the full damage of the punch through. Wincing for a quick moment landing it, feeling sorry for Hinoka. Shooting the Hinoka's head upwards, making Tifa think that maybe protective gear should've been used.

Watching Hinoka fall onto her back, Tifa was more than prepared to start the count. But Hinoka remaining motionless told Tifa all that she needed to know. Electing not to count and declare herself the victor in this mini fight of theirs. Not wanting to move Hinoka as to not make any injuries worse. Tifa asked for some help from the staff nearby to tend to Hinoka. Applying the any aid they could after the fight. Bandages and all, once the work was close to finishing. Tifa thought it would be better to get herself and Hinoka some water.

[SwordSavior1]

It was a miracle that Hinoka wasn't permanently disfigured by that final attack, although what it didn't damage the face dented deeper. Her usual stubbornness usually would have warranted a little shaking from the floor, but there was no response. Tifa finally broke thorough. The staff were able to perform their task uninterrupted, masking any wounds with bandages and tending towards bruises.

Eventually the plenty of hands touching her body would awake Hinoka from slumber. Eyes opening slowly and barely able to determine her surroundings. "Did...I lose? Tifa..." Sounding awfully demure than usual, almost like a different person was behind the wheel. She was still left paralysed because of earlier blows.

[Aqua]

Tifa had let the medical staff tend to Hinoka. Seeing as how their spar needed that kind of attention, at least for Hinoka. Tifa left the spar with some minor bruising and soreness, but that was the extent of it. Tifa only knowing Hinoka for the extent of one match, one workout session and one spar. Tifa knew that Hinoka was bound to get up again.

Coming back with water it looked like the staff was close to finishing, taking a sip of hers. Tifa looked at Hinoka's body and felt somewhat guilty it was because of her. But those types of feelings would have to wait. Hinoka would start to wake up from her slumber asking if she lost. Hmmm yeah? Yeah you did, it was a great effort considering what you had before to this Tifa said as she placed the water near Hinoka so that she could possibly take it.

[SwordSavior1]

After hearing Tifa's response and acknowledging that this wasn't some dream, Hinoka just laid on the mat, remaining silent for minutes. Her face occasionally twitching as if another force scolded her for practically everything. Not acknowledging the water nearby, she would speak up and address the recent comment.

"You don't have to butter me up. I couldn't last one round. I barely did anything to you. It's really just the same thing, me rushing things and leaving in pieces." Her tone sounding awfully gloomy as if this problem didn't exclusively reside in battle. "You don't really need somebody hopeless like me in the ring or around you." Even declaring herself unworthy to be a friend as she basically considered an early retirement.

[Aqua]

Tifa and Hinoka were in a awkward silence together now. Tifa is used to having her partners get back up and keep things moving. Be it in the form of another spar or leaving things on good terms. Tifa didn't want to be the person who forced something in this situation. Especially when it means so much more to Hinoka.

But Hinoka would finally respond to Tifa's comment from before. Butter you up? Not at all, think about it I am sure you haven't recovered from our previous match. Then to do something like boxing, something you haven't done before. Listen things didn't go your way sure, but is that any reason to stop? Don't forget you were flying in our last match like no one has seen before The tone here trying to detract what Hinoka was saying. All of which was true, things in this bout didn't favor Hinoka in the slightest. So this outcome was only natural.

Hinoka would then declare herself to be hopeless. Which in fighter talk is a one way trip to an early retirement. Sitting down next to Hinoka, Tifa wouldn't have that talk. What are you saying right now? You are amazing in the ring. If your issue is rushing things, isn't that an easy fix. I mean look you were able to put what I taught you into practice to quickly... Just try to slow things down.

[SwordSavior1]

Only in the moment she was quiet, Hinoka felt more tense than ever before. It was just like that embarrassing short match all over again. To her it felt like only somebody bribed or stupid would be willing to stay.

Yet Tifa wanted to stay in the ring and encourage the redhead to do the same. Hinoka already went a bit far experimenting in areas she never reached like a new form of combat today, even if the end results were obvious. She couldn't fly but was able to walk. Past accomplishments still held their weight according to her trainer. Perhaps she wasn't completely irredeemable midst her flaw, even if it was something to never be annoyed.

Taking into the other party's words into account, Hinoka thought for a while before finally coming to a conclusion. "Alright...I am not going to retire, but I am going to need to wait a bit longer. Maybe if I step too far just yank on the leash..." Affirming that she won't walk away entirely, but needed more assistance before she could tame her habit. "...Thank you..." And finally showing her appreciation for the other woman's dedication to keep her up.

[Aqua]

Tifa meant every word she said to Hinoka. One thing would be to retire because of injury or age. But HInoka was going to hang things up because of a bad habit of rushing things. Hinoka wouldn't be retiring any time soon, at least if Tifa was involved. Somewhere inside Hinoka though she found truth in Tifa's words. Tifa's face would light up in happiness noticing Hinoka's expression change.

With that expression change came some words following it. Hinoka would not be retiring, not only that she was focusing on her flaws. Asking Tifa to keep Hinoka stable. A smile on her face Tifa extended her arm out to Hinoka. It'll be my pleasure, don't get to mad if I yank to hard. laughing it off while glady giving Hinoka a helping hand.

[SwordSavior1]

Hinoka was only a few steps away from full recovery and only in her early twenties. From this perspective, she had the means put herself on the right path, but only if she truly committed to it. At the same time, her friend would be willing to stay at the sidelines and throw a lighter punch to prevent even worse injuries. "I don't mind a brick thrown at my headeither!" Accepting Tifa's hand and finally pulling herself to the stand.

The boxing spar finally coming to an end. For the remainder of this workout, Hinoka didn't set foot in a ring, only building on technique and physique, at a slower pace to compensate for Tifa's blow taking a toll. The tomboy took a vow to reshape herself so only the earlier positives remained, a new storm shall grace LAW again someday.

End for now