Sanae Saitou vs. Lyra Heartfield - Apex Qualifier Match

[CaptainL]

The sensation of her forearm against Lyra's sternum sent ripples through Sanae's bones, and the sound of a loud thwack rang out through the arena. Even as the green-haired girl took a few steps to get some distance away from her foe, she needed to rub at her arm to dull the sensation of the collision. But as the pain cleared, Sanae clenched her fist, looking up with a look of pride on her face. She knew that that had been a glancing blow against her opponent - if she could keep that up, she was sure she could take Lyra down!

However, Lyra was quick to shoot back, throwing a forearm at Sanae that was just as hard! This one hit the aspiring idol by surprise - she hadn't expected Lyra to jump so quickly into matching the same tactics she had used, blow for blow. When she staggered backward from the impact, her jaw dropped in a gasp, and she stared back wide-eyed at her foe. She teetered on the edge of her heel, threatening to lose her balance before she managed to right herself. But as Sanae then looked back at Lyra, her eyes narrowed into a glare. She knew just what this meant. In matching a forearm with one of her own, Lyra was issuing a challenge to a duel - and Sanae couldn't let her be the one to get the last word in. She needed to show her she wouldn't take this lying down; she could rise to that challenge!

Throwing herself closer with a lunge that sent her hair billowing behind her, Sanae smacked Lyra even harder with an elbow. But the fortune teller matched her just the same with a strike of her own. Now locked into close quarters, the two were embroiled in a back-and-forth war of trading forearms. A good portion of the crowd cheered for every blow Sanae landed, but Lyra was beginning to accumulate a loyal fanbase of her own that celebrated her retaliation just as much - after the effort she had put in in this match, few could deny she had spirit. The strikes kept coming, whipping each of them backward in an arc with each one they took, but each time they were ready to throw themselves right back into the fervor afterward!.

The blows were coming faster and faster, too quick for either of them to keep up with. Soon, the measured back-and-forth pace of one chop after the other gave way to a flurry of blows as each of the two girls struck at the other as quickly and as hard as possible, regardless of what the other was doing - even causing a few of their strikes to clash into one another and be deflected back. The smack of a successful impact began to turn to the sounds of wet slaps as they worked up a sweat, and each hit they traded against one anothers' skin caused some of that sweat to be thrown into the air. Sanae began to feel the fatigue catch up to her. Her body was growing sore and bruised, and she gasped and panted for air; her muscles felt hot and heavy, and her vision was beginning to blur. She had forced herself to keep up with the pace even when she was taking as much damage as she dished out, and she couldn't keep that up forever. But she had to keep at it! She couldn't fall behind!

Lyra would be the one to break their deadlock, as she swung her head forward to land a headbutt straight to Sanae's face! The green-haired girl let out a scream, falling backward as her hands shot up to cover her face. She too dropped to one knee, and for a moment, she was left there, clutching at her face and heaving for air with every heavy rise and fall of her shoulders. But...when Sanae at last collected herself, when she spread her fingers enough to peek out with one eye, she could see that Lyra was in a similar position. That encouraged her. She could still win this - she just needed to take control!

Sanae leaned closer, the muscles in her legs coiling tight as she pressed the sole of her boot into the canvas. Then, letting out a battle cry, she shot herself straight toward Lyra, attempting to tackle her to her back with a spear!

[Pegasus]

The crowd was behind both women on this match as Lyra was slowly gaining favor after displaying her heart in this sport. No one could deny her and she probably surprised people when she proved Sanae could be defeated easily. Jonathan is the man that taught her a lot when they were younger and she was just starting. Lyra owes a lot of her accomplishments to the Instant Classic and whether or not she won or loss her matches, Lyra always made sure the impression was left on the crowd. It sure did attract a lot of customers to have their fortunes told so pro wrestling had it’s benefits on her side business.

Lyra then met Sanae in the middle of the ring as both women took more then they could in this match. Being so young, they had very small limits, but they exceeded them which truly impressed the crowd. Sanae proved herself to the crowd here tonight if not on any other. From almost taking the biggest loss in her career to almost winning the match, Lyra couldn’t help, but feel a little attracted to her spirit and determination. They were both modest celebrities and they were both more than just pretty faces. Give them a match and they would give you a show! Sanae had to be impressed a little bit with Lyra.

Lyra closed her eyes wiping blonde locks and sweat off her forehead as she breathed heavily. However, Sanae wasn’t done just yet and took off after Lyra hoping to drive her down into the canvas with a Spear. Lyra couldn’t take no more damage and her whole body hurt. If Sanae hit this, it was over. The idol would be the victor. Lyra would be down a peg even if she had a chance to better herself in other qualifiers. This meant too much to lose when she had control of the match.

Sanae ran close beginning to hit her Spear and the crowd cheered knowing this to be the end, but Lyra had one last trick to show her: the ability of dumb luck. Lyra latched on her legs around Sanae’s body and started wrapping her arms around Sanae’s head locking the idol in a Modified Triangle Choke. Lyra had wanted her to hit the Spear! The crowd, mostly Sanae’s portion, felt on edge as Lyra executed a bait and switch routine on their beloved superstar!

[CaptainL]

Sanae knew that the match was building to this moment. Her heart pounded with anticipation, and her fists clenched as the adrenaline ran through her body. It had gone on for some time now, forcing the two young women to their limits and testing everything they had in them - but even still, both had risen to the challenge and given it their all, and the crowd had been wowed with every narrow reversal and high-impact move they pulled off! Now, it would all come down to whoever could strike first, and strike harder. But the same adrenaline that kept Sanae going was also emboldening her to take risks; it made the aches and pains seem to fade away from her body, and in their place her heart blazed with confidence that she could succeed! Without a second thought, she sprung off the ground, her fists held in front of her as her body took off like a torpedo. As she sailed toward Lyra, getting closer and closer with each second, Sanae was already anticipating the moment the two of them would collide - a moment, no doubt, that would take her opponent out!

But just before the blow hit, just before Sanae could smack Lyra down with the momentum of her charge...suddenly, the blonde fell to her back and kicked her legs in the air, ensnaring Sanae in place just as she passed overhead! At once, the confident look on her face turned to a wide-eyed gasp. Lyra had performed her manuever with split-second timing; it seemed almost too perfect that she would be able to act at just the right time to turn her foe's momentum against her! It was as though she'd known that the green-haired girl was about to charge...yet Sanae had decided on it on the spur of the moment, seeing the opportunity and feeling encouraged by her success! It seemed like a million-to-one chance that Lyra could have gotten herself in the right position - but yet, she had!

Now, as Lyra went on to tighten her arms around Sanae's head, she could feel the pressure coming down around her, tightening into place around her throat. Her breaths grew hot and stifled as she tried to keep in air, but she started to cough and wheeze the more Lyra cranked down, and the more her airways narrowed inward. She tried to twist back and forth, kicking her legs and forcing her shoulders from side to side, but now the fatigue was finally starting to catch up to her! Whether the adrenaline had passed, or Lyra's choke was working its magic on her, Sanae's body felt heavy, and her motions slowed. She tried to reach up to pull at the hands encircling her neck, but she could only do so much...

[Pegasus]

Lyra managed to pull one last trick from the magic bag of wrestling moves and anticipated a Spear from Sanae only to lock her in one last time. Lyra choked down Sanae’s neck trying to get the idol to submit to her as the ref girl went to one knee checking on Sanae. Sanae was failing her arms and legs without any chance of making it out without her strength being depleted or finding herself on the verge of passing out. The referee checked Sanae’s eyes fluttering open and close seeing her grab Lyra’s hands to break the hold, but Sanae’s hands would be seen falling at her sides trying hard not to fall asleep.

The ref took one of Sanae’s arms lifting it high and watching it drop counting “1!” She grabbed the arm up again and dropped it at her side counting “2!” The referee went for the arm again giving Sanae one last chance to break free or fall into defeat once more. Lyra kept the hold in hoping she could hang on a few minutes longer for Sanae to pass out.

[CaptainL]

Sanae tried to gasp and groan against the pressure that was bearing down on her. She was fighting just to keep her mouth open long enough to take in enough air, but with Lyra firmly secured against both her throat and her waist, she could barely move it past her diaphragm, and all that came out was a low rasp. Her brow was furrowed and her eyes were squeezed shut as she focused all her energy into escaping, yet even when her fingers hooked around Lyra's arms with a white-knuckled grip to try and pry her off, the fortune teller held firm - and Sanae's strength was dwindling too quickly to make them so much as budge. Her lungs felt like they were burning, and the pressure around her waist tightened more and more, as though it could cut her in half. And, at last, the pressure grew to be too much to bear - the lights dimmed in Sanae's eyes, and with one last hoarse gasp she fell limp in Lyra's arms.

The referee was quick to move in to investigate, and the crowd watched with anticipation as Sanae's arm rose and fell once, then twice. And then, when it was held up a third time, it fell slack to the ground below! With a cry of "3!!" and the ringing of the bell, it was official - Sanae was out!

While a few fans booed, hoping for a victory for the fan-favorite idol, they were quickly drowned out by cheers. For as popular as Sanae was, and for as much as she'd put up a good fight, so too had Lyra proven she was every bit as capable of keeping her on her toes! She had fought valiantly and displayed some breathtaking coordination - and it seemed no surprise that she would make a few new fans tonight!

[Pegasus]

Lyra held on as the third call would be made and she took a quick peek seeing Sanae out like a light from the pressure. The bell rang and Lyra released her opponent allowing Sanae to be fully spread eagle on the canvas. Lyra was helped up by the referee and her left hand was raised with a few cheers in the audience while some fans sulked about Sanae losing an important match.

“Your winner as a result of knockout: Lyra Heartfield!” The announcer’s voice came as Lyra leaned against the ropes.

Jonathan grabbed a microphone and bottle of water from ringside as he handed Lyra the water to cool off with. The trainee of the Instant Classic accepted it as Jonathan got on the apron and headed inside. Lyra drank like the water would go nasty in a few minutes and she dropped it feeling a little energy return to her sweating body. Her hair felt icky and her sweatband was soaked bringing a testament to the battle she had forged with Sanae. Jonathan grabbed the bottle of water and poured some over Sanae’s face to wake her up. No doubt Sanae would cough and be shocked awake, but once Jonathan had her attention, he raised the mic to his mouth.

“In all my years of wrestling, there are so few people that can claim they have it made and can be the best. Here in LAW, the usual suspects are Astrid Ostberg or Cyber Widow or Katherine Hart….but Sanae….I don’t know what possessed you tonight…you freaking belong, girl,” Jonathan explained as the crowd went into a cheering frenzy.

[CaptainL]

With the sound of the bell, the match had officially come to a close. Lyra stood tall over a Sanae who was plastered to the canvas, breathless and dazed as she stared up at the ceiling through glazed-over eyes. Yet no one could deny that it had been a close and even-handed match from beginning to end. Both girls had given it their all, and at more than one occasion both had looked like they were going to be the one to bring home victory. It had forced both of them to draw on every bit of energy they had in them just to keep up with the pace - but in the end, Lyra's had won out. Now that the dust had cleared, it was up to Jonathan to tend to the weary competitors.

When the green-haired girl felt the water splashing over her face, she sputtered, her eyes fluttering back to life as she jolted straight up into a seated position. "Huh? Whaa? Where am I? Did I..." Though she was confused at first, it didn't take long for Sanae to assess the situation - seeing that she was groggy, on the mat, and had just lost track of consciousness - and figure out what the outcome had been. She let out a sigh, settling back into her seat with a bit of a pout. She'd tried her hardest, but it hadn't quite been enough...

But then, Sanae listened a little closer. Even if she'd lost, the fans were still cheering her. Even in defeat, she had given them all a showing worth being proud of - one they'd been eager to see! She sat up a little straighter, and the smile began to widen across her face.

And then, as Jonathan stepped in to commend her on her efforts directly...Sanae let out a gasp. Her face flushed a vivid red, and she clasped her hand over her mouth. She was used to putting on a good show no matter if she won or lost, and she could live with even her defeats if she put a smile on someone's face in doing so. But to hear such praise coming from Jonathan Steele, someone she understood to be an established name...that had to mean something.

"You...really mean that?"

[Pegasus]

“I wouldn’t have said it if it weren’t true. For someone your age, to be putting on these spectacles, and already have an adoring fan base. That’s incredible, kid,” Jonathan commented.

The fan base chanted “SANAE!” all over the arena and the hearts of her biggest fans cried out to her praising her for her efforts even in defeat. Lyra blushed a little bit as she stayed back and hoped Sanae wouldn’t notice her. She couldn’t deny it. Seeing these fans cheer on Sanae and her looking strong yet humble when wrestling, it honesty made her heart flutter. Lyra never knew this could happen and she’s the fortune teller. Lyra managed to have a crush and actually developed feelings for a girl.

Off from her little thinking spree, the crowd chanted “TRAIN HER! TRAIN HER! TRAIN HER!” knowing Jonathan took on young talent of all kinds as demonstrated by Lyra alone in this match. Jonathan smiled as he brought the mic up to his mouth.

“You all want that?” Jonathan asked as the crowd cheered continuing the chanting. “How about you, Sanae? Would you like me to train you further?”

[CaptainL]

As she listened to Jonathan's words, Sanae's eyes went wide, and so too did the smile across her face. She stood up a little taller, puffing out her chest as she looked him in the eye. Her cheeks were beginning to flush at the thought; she didn't know how to react to such flattery. But she knew she deserved every bit of it. She couldn't deny what Jonathan had said - even if she'd lost, even in all the matches she'd lost in, she had done her best to put forth her best efforts and to wow her loyal fans with what she could do, and both the press and the public had taken note. In just a short amount of time, Sanae had risen from obscurity to stardom - that came across in how loud every cheer she got was, and how much hype the announcements of her matches generated. She had come into the wrestling business in the hopes of making a name for herself as a star - and now, there was no question about it. It had worked!

And now, not only had her hard work attracted the eye of a trainer who could only hoist her higher, the fans were all but begging them to go through with the plan! They knew it as much as Sanae did - mentorship under an established name like Jonathan could only help her develop more and more into the superstar she was always meant to be. And she deserved every bit of recognition she got. The green-haired girl raised a hand to her mouth, at first overwhelmed by all the attention she was getting. But she realized, all the same, that every bit of it was earned.

She nodded her head, and the smile on her face grew further into an eager grin. "Yes!!" she cheered, taking a step closer - and when she did, the fans joined in with an even louder chorus of applause. "Yes, of course I will!!" Sanae knew she'd be a fool to let them down. But she would also be a fool not to go through with an offer like this one!

[Pegasus]

Winner by knockout: Lyra Heartfield