It hurt. Bulla knew it hurt, and kept going because she knew he wouldn't want her to stop for something like this. Her instincts as a loving daughter warred with her innate and long-buried battle instincts. She had to remind herself that until he was down and stayed down for a few seconds, he was fine and didn't need a break. In fact, he'd probably be disappointed if she followed through once, but not a second time.

She may have met the initial challenge, but now this was about testing the full extent of what she was capable of, with someone who was more than capable of withstanding it. Bulla whirled around and lashed out a spinning kick at his side.