I could not have done it

Paula took a deep breath and sighed out the tension, the sadness, the sorrow, and the pity, this was what Miamoto taught her.

When in combat no emotion should be involved that might hinder your ability to fight, your life might be on the line in many occasions so you need every advantage you have, and a clear mind helps you focus on the movement of your enemy.

She opened her eyes again, the woman in front of her, now her opponent and nothing more, she slid herself sideways and readied her stance, even the voice of Deno behind her faded to the abyss of absolute serenity.

"I am ready" she said and Deno scoffed.

He moved in between them and held his hands out to block "Enough! I won't let the two women I care for most in my life fight each other!"

This was a distraction Paula didn't even see, she will not be lured from her opponent by anything, even if Deno stood between them Paula's eyes saw through him, watching Astrid's every move.