Her sensei had taught her how to fight, physically, mentally, and spiritually. She knew how to draw on her inner reserves to strengthen her blades (as she had done with the robots) empower her body, and speed her reflexes. Her anger had given her a drive to become the best, and she had surpassed even what she believed was possible. And now came her ultimate challenge. Could her natural skill beat out her mother’s technological advantage?

She thrust her blades forward, alternating left, right, left, right. Elizabeth casually, almost apathetically, slapped the attacks away. Tabitha had expected that. She was testing the waters. Now, it was time to dive in.

“Is that the best you can do, my dear?” Elizabeth laughed. “Here. I’ll go easy on you.” Her hands became a blur, lashing out faster than an normal person could follow.

And to her utter surprise, Tabitha turned aside every attack. The ring of metal on metal came so fast, it seemed as one continuous tone.

“Play time’s over, mother. No more holding back.”