Stormbringer vs Strongest woman in the World. [Hope vs Taboo Sho]

Jaxx couldn't help but admire Lilith's resolve in her answer. Not that she was surprised. She could have recited the other girl's stubborn nature by heart at this point. After having seen it time and time again in their youth, and the many conversations they had while Lilith was in captivity. Even these past few months of chasing her, Lilith was always as stubborn and resilient as ever. Jaxx could tell that Lilith truly believed she could change the world. It could almost be inspiring if Jaxx hadn't seen the world for what it truly was. If she hadn't lived through so many battles where she saw the true nature of her people and man kind. The evil that the Titans had brought and the corruption their followers still plagued the lands with, and the devilish outsiders who threatened the safety from their borders. Lilith's resolve was strong, and her intentions were pure. But that purity was, in reality, her biggest weakness. By the time she learned the truth of things, it would destroy Lilith. It might even turn her into a bigger monster than Jaxx or her father. The idea of it bothered Jaxx somewhat, though she had long convinced herself that her concern was for her country and not for Lilith.
As Lilith drew near to attack, Jaxx jumped back to try to avoid the explosive attack. Still, Jaxx's reaction was a fraction too slow and she was showered by a barrage of rubble and energy from the attack. It added to the already large gash that was across her hairline above her left eye. Silver blood ran down the side of her face and dampened her hair a little. Another good sized gash opened by her right rib area. The jagged stone had cut through her clothes in that area and it was noticably deep. She was starting to feel the effects of how much blood she was loosing. But she did her best to ignore it as she landed on the ground and pushed herself forward through the explosion. She slashed out her swords in both directions as she darted toward Lilith to somewhat clear away some of the rubble that was still flying through the air toward her. After a few steps, her body transformed once again into a bolt of electricity that branched out in three directions, one from her and the other two from each of her swords to either side.

 

Jaxx regained human form just far enough away to avoid a counter attack and quickly rounded back toward her opponent, prepared to defend herself. What she saw, though, was much more gruesome than she had expected. Her expression fell instantly, and she watched Lilith struggle to her feet. She had seen Lilith take powerful hits and stand up time and time again. But this was different. The look on her face was different. The lack of fight was different. It was wrong. Jaxx knew if she pushed this any farther, Lilith wouldn't be able to keep going. Again, her mind was flooded by ghosts of the past.

"An emperor's personal desires do not matter when compared to the good of the people of the empire. You must be prepared to sacrifice that which you desire."

"She isn't your friend, daughter. Even if she is kind to you, even if you care for her. She is a threat to your realm. Too weak to make the hard decisions to protect our people... they will never accept you. You can not save them. Not while she breathes..."

Jaxx steeled herself, holding on to her weapons tightly she darted forward one last time. "Lilith... I'm sorry."

"You think that because you're daughter to the Emperor you don’t have to own up to your mistakes! You think you’re above basic common decency!? Considering who your father is it wouldn’t surprise me!"

"Jaxx... there are worse ways for a person to fall than death. This is murder. You don't come back from that..."

For the first time, Jaxx's vision was clouded with tears. But she pushed forward in spite of a majority of her instincts trying to weigh her down. She had made up her mind and there was no going back. Not when she had more than just herself and Lilith to think about. With both Katana running parallel in her firm, but reluctant grip, Jaxx struck to deliver the final blow.

 

Jaxx dropped both katana and staggered backward, feeling completely drained. Just like that, the wind quit howling and the constant lightning came to standstill. There was only rain that remained of the storm in Jaxx's control. Her eyes were glued on Lilith's and the look within. Again, it reminded her of that day in the dungeons Do what you think is right, Jaxx. I believe in you.
Suddenly she understood. Those eyes and those words would haunt her for the rest of her life. As Lilith fell forward, Jaxx was almost unprepared to support her weight. She had to do her best to support her old rival while the both of them slowly sank until Lilith was lying on her back on the ground. Jaxx's eyes were wide and her hands numb. "Don't say that. Don't forgive me. Damn it Lilith this can't be the end..." her words were broken by a sharp breath in, holding back a sob "Prove me wrong. Get up." she begged.

 

Jaxx's eyes closed with Lilith's touch. "You were the strong one... and you deserve to find your paradise." Jaxx held back yet another sob "Go, find your father. Tell him the daughter of his enemy has been changed by you. You did make a difference here, Lilith. Don't you dare leave here without knowing that. I'm sorry it had to go this far before I could understand that."
She still believed there was no other way. Still, it broke Jaxx to see Lilith suffer. Remembering a spell that she learned from her mentor years ago, Jaxx placed a hand on Lilith's chest as it glowed with a faint golden aura. The spell was not for healing, as that was out of Jaxx's power. This one would, however, take away Lilith's pain in her last moments and give her a more peaceful passing into the spirit world. She leaned forward, resting her forehead against Lilith's "None of this will have been in vain. I will make your dream a reality as importantly as my own. And then, I will cross over as well and come find you. Until then... goodbye Lilith. I love you." Lilith's face drained completely of life as those last words were spoken and Jaxx kissed her before sitting back up.
That last statement was more for Lilith's benefit than an actual truth Jaxx believed in. After everything she had done, in the wars, on this island and in the village. And after everything she knew she would have to do, Jaxx was sure she would not see Lilith again even in death. No, they would spend their eternities in very different places. This was goodbye forever.
When Jaxx knew Lilith was dead, and she was completely alone. She couldn't hold back her sorrow any longer. The pain that resulted from Jaxx's decision felt like her heart physically tore in half in that moment. Her abdomen tightened and she rocked back and forth, her hands balled into tight fists pressed against her thighs. She held her breath as long as she physically could, feeling as though the air in her lungs was the only thing holding her together. Of course, it couldn't last forever. When she finally let it go, it was a scream that escaped her. Tears and rain soaked her face and one last stroke of lightning struck from the sky.

When it was gone, Jaxx had disappeared with it. Lilith's body had also vanished as Jaxx had decided she couldn't allow Atticus or his men to claim it. Instead, she saw to it that Lilith's friends would find it to give her a proper burial somewhere that he would never find it. She never attended the service, though she visited Lilith's memorial a few times in the years that followed. Jaxx died in her own way that day on the island. Without realizing it, Lilith was her everything. From her motivation to, deep down, her heart and soul. Alone, Jaxx failed her mission to save her country and change the world. But she gave her life trying, to keep her promise to Lilith.
Still her death in Lilith's name sparked a fire in the people who finally stood up and started a revolution. The people saved themselves because of the sacrifices of Lilith and Jaxx. Their stories were remembered in the hearts of their subjects for years to come.

 

[OOC]

Sho and I have decided to put this up for open Judging/Critique. If you've been keeping up with it, feel free to let us know your thoughts. For example how we both could have improved and also who you think the winner is.