Duel to the Death: Culminating Showdown

"Duel to the Death: Culminating Showdown" is the twenty-third episode of the Queen's Blade anime and the eleventh episode of the second season.

Story
Tomoe demands to know why Aldra had the Kouma Ninja attack Hinomoto. Aldra says that she has been searching for her sister, and Hinomoto is the only area outside of her rule. She says burning the country to the ground would be worth it to find her sister. Aldra's past is revealed: she and her sister were outcasts for being of mixed demonic descent, and were forced to wander. Her sister mysteriously disappeared one day at the edge of a forest, and Aldra, in desperation, found a spirit without a body. The spirit inhabited Aldra's body in return for giving her great power and eternal youth. Aldra offers Tomoe rule over Hinomoto in exchange for her servitude, promising peace for Hinomoto if her sister is found, but Tomoe rejects her offer, remaining loyal to her Empress. Nanael has mysteriously returned to Heaven, and Leina and Risty finally fight. Leina fends off Risty's aggressive style, and eventually causes her to hesitate when she shows her the lucky coin she gave her. Leina scores a hit and Risty falls. Leina rushes to tend to her, and Risty temporarily breaks free from Aldra's control. Aldra's evil spirit then possesses Risty directly, however, and Risty begins strangling Leina. Leina is about to pass out when Melona appears in Aldra's throne room and coils up her body, shaking her control over Risty. Leina uses the opening to break free and eventually defeats Risty, shattering Aldra's control over her for good. Melona and Aldra fight, with Melona managing to dump what remains of the sacred milk on Aldra, weakening her, but Aldra manages to drive Melona off anyway. The final battle is set to begin: Leina vs Aldra.