Michiko Shimizu vs. Hinoka Taiyo

[CaptainL]

With a groan of exertion through her clenched teeth, Michiko put her upper body strength to the test as she hoisted Hinoka up onto her shoulders - but she managed it nonetheless, and it was enough to make the crowd cheer at such a display, as she began to parade the red-haired girl around the ring in what she thought was setting up for a sure victory. From there, Michiko turned to the corner, keeping Hinoka slung over her shoulders as she began to climb the ropes!

She came to the top, taking one last moment to gaze out onto the crowd, with Hinoka on her shoulders. A good portion of the audience was cheering her on now, and she met it with a grin and a wink. "Whooooo's ready?" she cheered, hoping to get the crowd behind her before she would leap off to deliver a superplex - if everything went according to her plan, that was!

[SwordSavior1]

Hinoka decided to be a good girl and not struggle while holding onto Michiko's shoulders. Anything else could lead to a fall or the other wrestler acting a bit too early. She gulped as Michiko climbed up the ropes, as if preparing for some big slam. This was probably the ideal time to make an action as moving to the front would most likely lead to more stalling.

The cheer was the perfect signal for her to spring into action. Pressing on the other woman's neck, Hinoka was able to gather the strength to raise her herself high enough so she could tilt slightly, causing her body to become upright. Slipping her legs forward, the redhead would be now sitting atop of Michiko's shoulders. No time for any other delay, otherwise she would be shaken off. She pulled away from the corner, causing both women to fall towards the centre. Hinoka let her body hang back, but before she would hit the ground the hi-flier thrust her legs backwards, throwing Michiko behind her for a Reversed Inverted Frankensteiner. If this move succeeded, Michiko would land with a harsh thud while moving across the ring. As for Hinoka, she softened her landing slightly by pressing her hands against the canvas.

Afterwards, Hinoka crawled along the mat to where Michiko's body lied. Forcing the other woman onto her back, the redhead lied atop of her chest and hooked a leg for leverage as counted started. "1.....2...."

[CaptainL]

Michiko was brimming with confidence and control. She was sure she was already triumphant; this would just be the last little show she needed to wow the crowd before she would really keep Hinoka down. But now that she was on the top turnbuckle, holding her over her shoulders, she didn't see any reason Hinoka could possibly escape from this. She just needed to throw her backward...

Michiko, however, would find out a moment too late that Hinoka wasn't as out of the game as she had thought! Her eyes went wide and she let out a gasp as the redhead suddenly lifted herself into a sitting position, her triumphant expression switching to one of shock. She tried to raise her hands to pull at her thighs, but it was too late - Hinoka had the advantage, and Michiko went sailing backwards, striking the mat with a thud!

"Uuuughh..." she groaned under her breath, her head spinning as Hinoka rolled her over to get into position atop her. Time seemed to slow down, and nothing around her would sit still; it was all a blur. Soon enough, Hinoka had hooked her leg, and the count was on! Michiko was weary from the fall, shaking the cobwebs out of her head as she was coming down from the surprise of the reversal. Just then, she realized she would need to kick out, when-

"THREE!!"

Before Michiko had even known it, she had been counted out - and as she was shaking her head, trying to sit back up, the bell had rung! Hinoka was the winner!

[SwordSavior1]

As the referee counted for the second time, Hinoka prayed that her hard work would ultimately pay off. It was enough as the official was able to slap the mat for a third time.

DING DING DING
"Here is your winner by pinfall Hinoka Taiyo!" the announcer shouted through the mic as the spectators went wild after a thrilling match.

With it finally over, the redhead breathed a sigh of relief and let go off Michiko's leg. Sliding her body of off the other woman's, the referee would then help Hinoka up to her feet and raise her arm for being the victor of today's bout. She was feeling rather drained herself and only had the energy to form a half-smile on her face while everyone chanted her name. Looking down at her fallen adversary beside her, Hinoka made careful steps and bent over with an outstretched hand. "Hey...are you alright? Just grab my arm!" she called out to the lilac haired wrestler, feeling the need to help a worthy opponent.

[CaptainL]

Michiko did manage to kick out, bringing her body back up into a seated position. She propped herself up, panting - but by that point, it was too late. When she looked up, she saw the referee was holding Hinoka's hand high in victory, and the realization hit her. Michiko had lost - and what's more, she had lost in what was, she was sure, about to be a moment of triumph for her. But she had let one moment too many pass while she was celebrating, and that was time enough for Hinoka to counter!

She let out a sigh, disappointed at first. However, Hinoka was still gracious enough to offer her the hand up, and Michiko, looking over, took it. She felt like she was good enough to stand regardless, but accepted the gesture anyway; she was at the least proud to see her foe was willing to help her back to her feet, rather than gloating. She smiled and nodded to Hinoka as she picked herself up to her level. "Ah, yes, I'll be fine...thank you," she said. "You did good. You deserve the credit for that."

[SwordSavior1]

Both women were now standing face to face. "You weren't too shabby either. I almost got my neck busted" she said rather casually regaining her full smile. Her opponent was certainly no pushover so another match with Michiko could turn out much differently, although Hinoka's playing possum could prove important for future matches, especially against even tougher opponents.

Hinoka still held the other wrestler's hand, despite being able to stand up on her own for reasons about to be revealed. "Now it is your turn!" she tugged on Michiko's arm moderately to grab her attention. Once she facing her directly, the redhead raised her arm up for all to see. Now the fans would now
be chanting Michiko's. After both ladies received their fair share of attention, it was time for them to leave, setting the stage for the next pair of wrestlers.

The high flier would be first to stand at the edge of the ring. "If you are up for a rematch, just give me a call. However don't be surprised if I kick your butt again" she waved briefly signalling her farewell and hopped off the apron. Hinoka walked up the ramp with her head held high. Hopefully the other woman felt the same way.

[CaptainL]

Now that the match was over, all hostilities seemed to fade from the discussion, as Michiko laughed along with Hinoka in recollecting the match's events. She looped her arm around the girl's shoulder, pulling herself in closer. "Yeah! I thought I had you there, I have to say."

And soon, Michiko would get the recognition for how hard she had fought, as Hinoka lifted her hand to draw on the cheers. Even if she had lost, the fans still had Michiko's back. She'd definitely put forth the effort to prove that she deserved it, and their support hadn't wavered. Her grin grew wider as she listened to their praise, pumping a fist in the air as well as she flashed a wink out towards them. "And thank YOU!" she said. "I couldn't have done it without you all...and I know you'll be there for me again!" With the promise of another match in the future, Michiko only felt herself reinvigorated, and she looked forward to the day it could come to pass!

But while that offer was on the table, for now, it was time to go. Turning one last time to the stands to wave to the crowd, Michiko followed Hinoka out. She wouldn't let this slow her down - things were only just beginning.

Winner by Pinfall: Hinoka Taiyo