Kanata Yamamoto vs Astrid Arvidsson - The Stoic Fighter Meets the Golden Dragon

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Kanata could feel the pain to move her limbs even slightly. She knew she's pushing her limits and she doesn't intend to stop. She wants to see if her opponent is even more stubborn than she is. Gritting her teeth as she raised her fists up. She then stepped straight towards Astrid! As she approached, she pulled her fist back. She could barely guess Astrid's movement, but she couldn't really change up her momentum as she threw her fist forward. It was all or nothing for her as she banks on her straight punch!!!

But she only grazed the back of Astrid's hair and mostly struck the air. Realizing this, she was already too late to react to the elbow that is coming in hot straight to her face!! "Ghhhkhhh!!!" Kanata's head rocked back as her legs fell weak. Her arms dropped down as she stumbled backwards with the force Astrid put in the elbow strike! Sending her straight to the corner.

Kanata's back crashed onto the corner pads! Stepping forward slightly in recoil as she arcs her back slightly in pain. She was about to drop down to her knees, but stopped herself from falling as she hooked her arms onto the corner. Beneath the mess of blood and bruised on her face, Kanata shows that she's holding onto the last bit of her strength left as she shot a glare towards Astrid. It was a look of desperation and wanting to have her body to move yet it felt like the biggest hurdle to even move an inch.

No, this isn't over, not yet. And as much as it hurts for her to move, Kanata slowly emerges out and unhooks her arms from the ropes. "Motto!!!" She shouted out as she approaches Astrid once again! She then pulled her right leg back. Readying for a kick when she gets close. "URAAAAA!" She yelled out as she then turned her body to the left slightly along with swinging her right leg forward! Retaliating back towards Astrid with a strong kick to the side of her waist!

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When Astrid's elbow crashed into her opponent's jaw, the blonde staggered so much that she was forced to bring her knees together in order to find balance. The light began to fade in her eyes. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so exhausted. Kanata was not the first outstanding woman she met in the LAW ring. But since the signing of the contract, the Golden Dragon has never received as much damage as today.

And, nevertheless, the force she put into the elbow strike was enough to throw Kanata back. The Japanese woman crashed her back into turnbuckles and almost fell. It was only thanks to the fact that she grabbed the ropes that she managed to stay on her feet. Astrid caught the furious look of her rival and for her it became something like a red rag for a bull.

The audience looked at both fighters, unable to understand where they were getting their strength from. Both women were beaten and their bodies looked as if the butcher had taken overtime for today. But none of them was going to back down. Wanting to finish her rival off, the Golden Dragon took a step forward. One more blow and Kanata won't be able to offer her any resistance. One more blow and she can finish the match.

But as soon as she took her step, Kanata rushed forward. For one brief moment, Astrid's eyes widened in surprise. Where the hell did this woman find the strength? But instead the answer, the blonde got something else. Kanata abruptly turned to the side, simultaneously raising her leg bent at knee. And before the Golden Dragon could do anything, her foot slammed into blonde's bare stomach.

"GUUAHH!!!"

The Norwegian woman's mouth opened wide and saliva mixed with blood flew out. Completely out of control, Astrid bent in half. Her breathing was completely knocked out. For a brief moment, there was nothing but darkness in front of her eyes. Unable to bear the pain, she fell to one knee.

At this point, the audience gasped as if it was the end. Was it? Gritting her teeth, Astrid closed her eyes for a second. Agony. Every cell of her body seemed to be on fire after all the wild attacks of her rival. It was painful to admit, but the blonde was honest with herself. Kanata was her equal in strength and maybe even superior to her. And so it's time to ask the main question.

"How to defeat an opponent who is equal to you in strength or even superior to you?" Sounded in her head.

The Golden Dragon let out a low growl. She knew the answer to that question. But it's one thing to know the answer and quite another thing to do the necessary. In order to defeat an opponent who is equal to you in strength or even superior to you, you have only one right way. Become stronger. Not in a week. Not tomorrow. Right now. At this very second. In order to win, you need to do just one simple thing...

"GO BEYOND!!!!!" She roared.

Pushing off from the mat, Astrid straightened to her full height, at the same time taking a step forward. Despite the terrible pain caused by muscle spasms after Kanata's kick, she filled her lungs with air. Her mind screamed in protest. But if she was going to get to the top and earn a place in Valhalla, then she was ready to overcome this pain. She was ready to get stronger right now.

Clenching her right fist, she strained her arm so hard that her veins seemed to burst. Thanks to the step she took, she got an impulse. However, she was going to do a lot more. The blonde intended to throw her right arm forward, at the same time slightly turning her torso to the left side. Her reserves were empty. Even the power of her inner dragon was exhausted. But she was going to win this match not as the Golden Dragon, but as Astrid Arvidsson, the descendant of the great Vikings.

Having put absolutely all her willpower into her right arm, Astrid intended to send a right cross into Kanata's face. And if usually it were flames that danced around the Norwegian woman, this time there was nothing around her but a truly cold aura. This punch did not carry with it a searing heat no. Only the cold. Only death. It was her Helheim!!!

Helheim

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Kanata retreated back and stumbled slightly before doubling over after landing her leg across Astrid's belly. Gasping and letting out rugged breathing as blood dropped down onto the canvas from her face. Grunting out as she closes her eyes tightly, holding out her aching body from fully giving out. She knew she had to finish this, if this goes on for much longer... Her body would've give in. And thus, she pushed herself up to stand fully once again.

But to her surprise, Astrid refused to stay down as both women stood to their full height once again at the same time. A wry smile could be seen from her lips, truly impressed at how Astrid kept surprising her with her refusal to let Kanata win. And then, once again, the two stepped forward... Astrid readied her fist, Kanata readied her fist as well with both their right arm pulled back. Getting close to each other... It seemed both of them had the same idea in their mind. And that is to give the strongest right they could muster straight to each other's face. It was all or nothing for both of them as the two swung their fist in!!!

After a resounding sound of a punch... The crowd stood silent as they saw the two stood still with their right arm swung out. Though... It was evident that Astrid's fist connected to Kanata's cheek as her head turned away while Kanata's were barely reaching onto Astrid's face. "Khhhhhh...." Kanata let out as the two stood still like a statue, though Kanata's legs wobbled as her eyelids slowly lowered... Her arms dropping down as she then collapsed. Falling sideways with a resounding thud to the canvas! Causing the crowd to cheer loudly to the sight of the strike off decided once again!

Although, as if Kanata doesn't want to give up that easy... Her hands weakly reaches forward and grabbed onto Astrid's boot. Clutching it as much as she could as she gazed up. Grunting out weakly as she doesn't want the match to end in a knockout or stoppage. Even though she already looked like she would fade out, she tried her best to glare towards Astrid. As if telling her that she's not going to let her win even with her body already telling her to stop.

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Astrid saw it. She saw the step Kanata took. And she saw the fist coming towards her face. The actions of both women were like a reflection of each other. Astrid knew that if Kanata hit her first, it was the end. However, she was willing to take the risk. A true warrior knows that every battle can be the last. Her great ancestors went into battle without a shadow of fear and doubt. Astrid intended to prove that she was worthy of carrying their legacy.

Their movements were almost perfectly identical, thanks to which many viewers were sure that they would hit each other at the same time. But Kanata's fist stopped a few millimeters from the Golden Dragon's face. The reason for this was that Astrid's fist crashed into the Japanese woman's face first. And it was a truly cinematic moment.

Literally for one second, Kanata seemed to freeze. And then her eyes rolled back. The Japanese woman's arms went down. The brunette knelt and then collapsed on the mat at Astrid's feet. The arena seemed to explode at that moment due to the deafening screams of the audience, who had just witnessed the end of another exchange of blows between those titanic women.

"Pha... pha... pha..." Astrid gasped.

A shiver ran through her body and she staggered. Out of control, she leaned forward with her hands on her knees. Blood and sweat dripped from her face onto the mat. It seemed to her that every breath she took only burned her lungs instead of saturating her blood with oxygen. The blonde just wanted to fall on the mat and fall asleep. After everything Kanata had put her through, she was almost unconsciousness.

"By Gods..." she thought, realizing that her body had never been so beaten up before, even after matches with women like Alison, Karen and Kyoko.

And then she felt something strange. What is this pressure in the area of her foot? Forcing herself to open her eyes, through tears and fog the Golden Dragon saw that Kanata grabbed her boot. The Japanese woman could not move, but her head was raised and she looked straight into the eyes of the descendant of the great Vikings. And perhaps no one except Astrid could understand what exactly was in those eyes. Kanata didn't want it to end like this. Even though she was lying on the mat, unable to get to her feet.

For one second, a smile appeared on Astrid's bloody face. But then her brows furrowed and her gaze became focused. Yes, Kanata was right. The match shouldn't end like this. After all the pain they had caused each other, there was only one way to end it all. They both knew it from the beginning. Therefore, ignoring the pain and fatigue, the Golden Dragon intended to give her rival the last honor.

Abruptly raising her leg, she intended to snatch it from Kanata's hands, and then take a step to the side and stand over her opponent lying on her stomach. Leaning down, the blonde intended to put her hands under Kanata's armpits and join her palms on the back of the brunette's head. Yes, it was a full nelson hold. However, she wasn't going to use this as a submission hold.

Even through clenched teeth, groans of pain began to escape from Astrid at the moment when she strained her body. Puffing and snuffling, she intended to straighten up to her full height, thereby lifting Kanata to her feet. It seemed to her that her muscles were going to burst, because at that moment the brunette did not give her any help. And yet, even in her exhausted state, the Golden Dragon lifted Kanata, literally forcibly holding her upright thanks to the hold.

"For all worthy warriors there is only one road..." she said in such a tired voice that it was more like a whisper.

Removing her right hand from the back of Kanata's head, she intended to wrap her right arms around the brunette's waist. Removing her other hand from the back of her head, Astrid intended to bend over and place her head under the Japanese woman's left arm. The last stage of preparation was that she intended to use her free left hand to grab her opponent's left thigh.

The noise in the arena began to increase exponentially. The audience saw it only once. The reason for this was not that Astrid didn't see the need to use it in every match. The reason was that not every opponent deserved to go through this. Before Kanata, this honor was awarded only to Kyoko, whom Astrid recognized as a real warrior. And now it's the Japanese woman's turn. Like Astrid, she was a warrior. A warrior who today gave everything she had in the pursuit of victory. She was worthy.

"Road to Valhalla!!!" The descendant of the great Vikings shouted.

Her reserves were empty, but her will was stronger than ever. Kanata pushed her beyond her limits. And thanks to that, Astrid knew that even though she was exhausted, she wouldn't let this match end wrong. She strained absolutely every muscle of her body. The blonde felt a lump form in her throat, and now dark spots appeared before her eyes. But it wasn't something that could stop her. Not now.

With a roar full of pain, the Golden Dragon intended to straighten up to her full height, lifting Kanata above the mat. And even though it was only her imagination, for a moment it seemed to her that her bones would just break. Her body seemed to be screaming in agony. But to end this match, she intended to handle it. Overcoming these painful sensations, Astrid was going to direct all her available strength into her arms in order to throw Kanata into the air, exerting a little more pressure on her hip so that in the end the brunette's body turned out to be in a horizontal position with her back to the mat.

Under the deafening chants of the audience, the descendant of the great Vikings intended to do the last thing she had to do. Holding her breath, the blonde was going to fall on her back, at the same time pulling her knees up to her chest. Remembering all that they had gone through in this match, Astrid could only hope that when Kanata fell, her willpower would finally be broken, if at all possible. Well. That was exactly what she was going to find out with this attempt to send Kanata to Valhalla!

Road To Valhalla

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Kanata wriggled around weakly as she kept her glare up towards Astrid. The smallest of fire inside her have yet to be snuffed out. Clinging dearly onto that boot as she struggled to get herself to stand up. No, she's not giving up, and she let her opponent know this well. And that is if she were to be defeated, then she have to be put down like a warrior.

Kanata grunted out as Astrid lifted her feet up and shoves her grip off. Falling back down with arms upright as she lost her crutch. She then felt Astrid's arms coiled around her shoulders and her hands gripped firmly behind her head. Trapping her in a full nelson. Kanata tried to get her off but she couldn't put up much of a fight to shake Astrid off the grip.

Kanata was pulled up back to her feet and stand. She couldn't fully stand up if Astrid wasn't holding her. And then she heard it, the whisper that were true to Astrid's descendants and not as a mere dragon. One that was true to the mighty warriors of the North. Kanata couldn't help but to let out a weak grin as she heard it, feeling that it should be her to say that Astrid was worthy instead...

And with Astrid letting go of the full nelson, Kanata hunched down slightly as she lost the hands that helped her to stand up. But it was quickly changed to another hold that kept her standing up. There was no mistaking it, Kanata knew that this move would be something to finish her off. And with Astrid's roar, Kanata was then lifted up!! Getting tossed up into the air as she was then turned aside slightly... Her back fully in line to fall against Astrid's knees...

CRRRRRUNCH!!!

"Guhhhhkkhhhhhhhhhaaaa----" Kanata widened her eyes, her mouth agape as she felt those knees digging against her back. She could feel some cracks as she laid there against Astrid's knees with an arc. Skidding down Astrid's knees and to her feet slowly as she then laid onto the canvas. Her arms and legs spread out, barely able to move her fingers as she let out long drawn breaths. Her eyes closing as she couldn't disobey her body much longer... The scarred warrior have put to rest with this blow to her back.

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They will fight forever. It was this thought that stuck in the minds of most viewers. There were many outstanding fighters in LAW, thanks to whom literally every day the audience had a chance to see a truly amazing match. But although they expected a lot from this match, they clearly did not expect Astrid and Kanata to fight as if it was their last match in their lives.

This definitely wasn't the first time Astrid's rival was strong enough to wake up a dragon. But, to Astrid's incredible surprise, Kanata turned out to be capable of something much more impressive. She not only woke up the dragon, she withstood all the fiery power that woke up with this mighty beast. Time after time, the Japanese woman stubbornly continued to get to her feet. Time after time, she continued to throw Astrid not only to the edge of defeat, but also to the edge of confidence in her abilities.

What should have been an ordinary match turned into something much bigger. After each exchange of blows, new wounds appeared on their bodies. Each of them was covered in blood from head to toe. But none of them stopped. None of them accepted defeat. Both Astrid and Kanata wanted to go beyond their abilities in order to find out which of them would eventually be able to earn the right to win today.

But nothing can last forever. No matter how much the audience wanted it. No matter how much Astrid wanted it. Today she had to fight not only with Kanata, but also with herself. The brunette forced her to accept the fact that she didn't have enough strength to win. But if for most other fighters such a thing was tantamount to despair, then for the Golden Dragon it became nothing more than a motivation to become stronger. Not someday, but right now.

The Norwegian woman had enough heavy moves in her arsenal. And considering the state Kanata was in, any of these moves had the same chance of bringing Astrid victory. But she chose the most difficult one. This move required much more effort from her than any other. Yet, she believed that it was the only way to finish the match right. Someone might have thought she just hated Kanata. And there was some truth in this, because she did not enjoy some of her opponent's actions. But she was grateful that it was thanks to Kanata that today she was able not just to take a step forward, but to open new boundaries of her abilities. And so Kanata undoubtedly deserved the highest honor that Astrid could give her.

The Japanese woman's back landed on Astrid's knees and arched so much that many were sure that the spine simply could not take such a shape. Simultaneously with the long groan of agony that escaped from Kanata's mouth, many spectators rose to their feet. Some of them threw their hands up in a fit of emotion because of Astrid's incredible move, while others grabbed their heads, clearly not believing that the brunette was okay after this. They really had cause for concern, because after her groan, the only thing Kanata did was, like a slime, slip off Astrid's knees. The Japanese woman found herself on the mat with her arms and legs spread wide. With her eyes closed and without a single sign of movement.

At the same moment, Astrid's legs fell and she also sprawled on the mat. At the moment of Kanata's collision with her knees and shins, her face was distorted in a painful spasm. Like her rival, the Golden Dragon let out a prolonged groan. She practically lost any desire to breathe because even the shortest breaths caused painful sensations in her lungs. She continued to breathe only because she was sure that if she succumbed to the pain and missed at least one breath, she would plunge into darkness.

No. She couldn't let that happen. With tears in her eyes because of the agony her body was going through at that moment, the blonde turned over on her stomach. She wanted to get up on all fours, but she just didn't have the strength to do it. And so the descendant of the great Vikings threw her left hand forward. Using her forearm as a fulcrum, she pulled herself forward. Kanata was no more than a meter away from her. But for Astrid, this meter was more than a mile. And while she, resisting the fatigue pulling her into the abyss, crawled towards the Japanese woman, the audience began to increase the noise. The reason was obvious. They were looking forward to the coming moment. The most important moment. The moment that will answer the question, was all this enough for the match to come to an end?

"Uuuggghhhmmmm!!!!!" Came out of her mouth despite all her attempts to prevent it.

With one last sharp movement, Astrid jerked forward and finally reached her rival. Exhausted, she pressed her chest against Kanata's chest and hooked the Japanese woman's far leg under the knee. The referee, who clearly didn't expect to be part of such a tough and uncompromising match, didn't take long. Considering how much blood had been spilled today, she intended to do everything in her power to ensure that it wouldn't last a single extra second. So the striped shirt lay down next to the women. For one brief moment, everything seemed to sink into silence, and then she slapped the mat for the first time.

"ONE!" The audience shouted.

Someone would probably call it masochism, but even though right now the Norwegian woman was beaten like never before, she felt incredible. Why? Because she lived for matches like this. Since childhood, Astrid has been wondering where the limits of her capabilities lie? And when she reaches these limits, will she be able to overcome them? Today's match gave her the answers to both of these questions. Today she found out where her limit was. And today she found out that she was able to overcome it.

"TWO!!" Sounded louder than thunder in the midst of a terrible storm.

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Kanata laid there on the canvas. Barely moving a finger yet still heaving her chest up and down. Taking long, drawn out breaths with her eyes closed. Her raven black hair turned into a shade of crimson with the amount of blood she let out. It was clear that she is in no state to get up and fight again. The crowd watches on as both women laid there, raising their voice as they saw Astrid started to crawl and turned around.

For Kanata, it felt that she achieved what she intended to get out of Apex. A chance to prove that she still got a decent chance to fight for a title. And to see the younger talent bringing her to her limits and go beyond that. She knows for sure that she can trust Astrid to bring women's wrestling to the next level. She could see that this woman of a northern lineage would find her way to the top and lead by example.

And it was then, Kanata could feel Astrid's weight above her. Making her breathing even harder to do. Heavy pressure on her lung as she gasped out and opened her eyes in pain. Though, she expected at least this much as she wanted the match to end properly. She was surprised that Astrid even reaches to hook her arm under her leg. She doesn't have to do it, yet that last touch on Astrid wanting to make the pin in such proper form. Kanata would just settle with a standard cover pin without hooking the leg in matches this intense. As she knew that most of the time she'd be in this state where she struggled to put up a pin like this.

"ONE!" Kanata could hear the referee immediately slapping the canvas near her along with the crowd counting along. Of course, Kanata didn't put up much resistance on the pin attempt. Not because she didn't want to, she couldn't.

"TWO!" Another slap on the canvas with the crowd getting even more excited with the coming climax. Kanata closed her eyes and let out a slight smile. She really can trust this women to bring wrestling to the next level. That much is obvious...

"THREE!"

DING! DING! DING!

The crowd exploded in cheer as the bell rings signaling the match was over. Ringside helpers immediately entered the ring and grabbed Astrid's shoulders to separate her from Kanata. Each of them equipped with iced water packs and some cloth. Two of the helpers tends to each women. With them wiping off the blood and covered each women's wound with a white cloth in a quick first aid, the white cloth would eventually turned red as time goes, but at least it stopped them from bleeding any more until proper care was done backstage. One of them rolled Kanata slightly to press the iced water pack onto her back. Freezing the pain even for a little bit. While the helpers were tending to her, Kanata looked towards Astrid with a pained smile, grinning slightly as she slowly pointed to the blonde. Turning the point into a thumbs up slowly as she couldn't let her voice out loudly. Showing a sign of respect in defeat. She then bowed her head down slightly, she knew that she did some wrongs in the match. Though it was all to bring that motivation to overcome her. "Gomen..." She let out.

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Some things are very hard to believe. And after the referee raised her hand for the third time, Astrid just couldn't believe that this could be the end. Every time she was close to winning, her opponent surprised her. During this match, Astrid asked herself many times when Kanata's strength would finally run out. And each time Kanata found a way to turn the game in her favor, throwing Astrid to the very edge of defeat. So was there anything surprising in the fact that the blonde just couldn't believe that this match was as close to completion as ever?

"THREE!!!"

Ding-Ding-Ding.

A loud sigh of relief escaped from Astrid's mouth. As soon as she heard the bell ring, her body went completely limp. She let go of the brunette's leg, but that was the only thing she did. Having no strength, the Golden Dragon remained lying on her opponent. All she wanted to do was fall asleep in order for the pain to leave her body. However, there was one reason why she couldn't do it.

The deafening screams of the audience continued the ringing of the bell. As in Astrid's case, it was hard for them to believe that the match of these titanic women had come to an end. When in front of your eyes two fighters go beyond any conceivable limits in order to get a victory, it is almost impossible to forget. Today they have witnessed what real fighters, whose life is forever connected with the ring, are capable of. To the last drop of sweat. It wasn't just words. That was their essence.

The most amazing thing was that despite the fact that the winner was determined along with the third slap, the audience continued to shout the names of both women. And Astrid, who could barely find the strength to breathe, smiled as she listened to the crowd chanting both her name and the name of her rival. Yes, despite the fact that the brunette allowed herself to do several more than dirty and disrespectful things towards Astrid, she deserved that her name sounded no less loud than the name of the descendant of the great Vikings.

"Gghhhh..." Astrid groaned at the moment she felt someone's touch.

It were several medical workers who were closest to the ring. Considering how much shit Astrid and Kanata beat out of each other today, they made sure to arrive in advance. Trying to act smoothly, one of them helped the blonde to roll off Kanata's body, as a result of which Astrid ended up on her back. In the same second, the Golden Dragon and her opponent received several ice packs on those parts of the body that were most affected. In the case of Kanata, it was her back, and in the case of Astrid, it was her neck.

"We need stretchers!" One of the medics said to someone outside the ring.

The reason was obvious. Looking at Astrid and Kanata, it was hard to believe that a human body could withstand so much damage. Literally the entire skin of each of them was covered with both bruises and wounds. Their clothes, faces, and even their hair were stained with blood. Perhaps their faces looked the worst at least for the reason that both women had torn lips because of their punches. However, despite all this, the descendant of the great Vikings shook her head negatively. No, she wasn't going to leave the arena on a stretcher.

Completely ignoring the helper's protests, the Golden Dragon gritted her teeth and took a sitting position. Breathing heavily, she could feel every wound on her body. Damn. She thought she was ready for anything. When she arrived in Japan, she was sure that she knew what was waiting for her. She thought no hardcore would stop her. Yes, Kanata turned out to be just an insanely tough opponent. However, it was a standard match. A standard match, after which there was not a single living place on Astrid's body. Yes, she definitely didn't expect this. It was unlikely that she would admit it out loud, but she still couldn't believe that she had managed to defeat Kanata.

With a little help, Astrid got to her feet. She staggered violently and was forced to lean forward, placing her palms on her knees. All her thoughts were focused on not losing consciousness. She had to take a few more deep breaths, but it was enough for her to straighten up to her full height. Why did she get to her feet considering her condition? Because she deserved this moment. And she wasn't going to give it up. The referee approached her and, taking her by the left wrist, raised her hand up, officially recognizing Astrid as the winner.

A smile appeared on the blonde's exhausted face as the audience once again filled the arena with noise, welcoming her as the winner. That's exactly what she wanted. No, not fame and fortune. These are just nice bonuses. She always wanted only one thing. Fight against the best. This was the meaning of her existence. Astrid firmly believed that everyone is capable of a lot. But not everyone knows what exactly they are capable of. That was her goal. Astrid has always wanted to find out what she is capable of and how far she can go. Without strong rivals, she would never have had a chance to find out. Without women like Kanata. And that's why...

Astrid turned to her opponent and took a step towards her. Lavender eyes looked down at the Japanese woman. How did Astrid feel? She still felt that fire was dancing in her soul. The emotions that Kanata awakened in her will stay with her for a while. However, there was no hatred in Astrid's gaze. She looked at Kanata with respect. It couldn't be otherwise. Yes, Astrid was an infinitely proud woman. But a real warrior will never treat a worthy opponent with contempt.

"Huh..." Astrid chuckled faintly when Kanata gave a thumbs up and apologized.

Somewhere deep down Astrid knew that Kanata did what she did in order to get the blonde motivated. During the match it was literally impossible to catch. But now Astrid saw that Kanata was looking at her with no less respect than Astrid herself was looking at her rival. At the beginning of the match, Kanata looked down on her, but now they were equal. And how could the Golden Dragon react in any other way than to bend down and extend her hand to her rival?

"Accepted," she said, smiling slightly. "And I want to ask the same."

Astrid extended her hand for three reasons at once. She wanted not only to offer Kanata a handshake and help her get to her feet, she also wanted to apologize for the words she said at the very beginning. Be that as it may, Astrid also treated Kanata in a bad way because of her age. But this match changed everything. Perhaps strong enough for Astrid to forget about age prejudice forever. And wasn't that the most important thing? Yes, many people think that the most valuable thing in a match is a victory. But in this match, both women got something much more valuable. Today they both earned each other's respect. And that's why, if Kanata accepted Astrid's hand, the Golden Dragon would first help her to her feet, and then hug her, because it would express her feelings much better than any words.

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Kanata could tell, she and Astrid had brought one intense match that even in her loss. There were battle of chants in her name and Astrid's. One that would happen in a very close match where both women could win. Where each of the wrestler were brought beyond their limits. Not just the crowd that were affected, both women grew respect towards each other. Kanata looked up to Astrid and saw that she extended her hand towards her. It wasn't quite as evident with how bruised she was and some small stains of blood on her face. But Kanata blushed slightly at the gesture.

Kanata closed her eyes and let out a chuckle as she then reaches up, grasping onto Astrid's hand for a firm handshake. Her other hand then reaches back to grip the ice pack that is currently soothing the pain on her back. "Nmh..." Kanata grunted out as she was slowly pushed herself back to her feet with the help of Astrid. It was quite painful to do so with how much she let out and taken in the match. But Astrid gave her a proper help and crutch to get herself back to her feet.

Though, what happened next after she got to her feet surprised her. The sudden warm, embracing hug at the center of the ring. Which the crowd cheered out loudly as it happened. Excited to see the two fighters hugging it out after such intense match. Kanata widen her eyes in shock for a bit before she embraced Astrid. Smiling warmly as she pats Astrid's back in the hug. "Anata... Tsuyo sugiru..." She whispered warmly as she let the hug continues on for a while before she lightly pushed Astrid off from hugging her. Though before the two separated, Kanata grabbed Astrid's wrist and turned to face the crowd.

With a smile, Kanata then raised Astrid's hand up to the air. Honoring her as the winner of the match as she pointed to Astrid with her other hand. It was quite a sight, seeing the deathmatch veteran acknowledging the Golden Dragon... No, Astrid Arvidsson as one to watch. Letting go of her wrist a while after, Kanata turned to face Astrid with a grin... Walking backwards towards the ropes. "Go on, enjoy your victory. Next time we meet in this very ring... You better rock a belt." She asked as she then slowly lowered herself and lay down before rolling under the ropes. Stepping out of the ring, Kanata made her way out with her head held up high.

No, there's no shame in losing, especially to this match. She brought her all and she already accepted that her chance to make it big were low given her status and the limitations of her battle scarred body. But she can help elevate the more able bodied ones to the next level... Which, this was her goal. Matches like this and nurturing younger talents with potential with her sister.

She stumbles a bit here and there as she walked out, though the medical helpers were quick to aid her as they let her rest her arms over their shoulders and helped her walk out. She felt that she should leave to let Astrid have more space and attention. Though as she walked out, the crowd gave Kanata a praise in loud cheers and claps as she makes her way out. But the crowd would then took their attention back towards Astrid.

[skip-stop]

It was difficult to describe the reaction that the fans gave them at the moment when Kanata responded to Astrid's hug. Just a few minutes ago, these women were literally trying to kill each other. But now, after the ringing of the bell, ones emotions have given way to others. The audience felt it. Every fighter strives for victory. There is always a competitive spirit in the ring. But this doesn't mean that real fighters are not able to respect each other. This does not mean that real fighters are not able to appreciate the fact that thanks to each other they learn something new and become stronger.

That's exactly what Astrid felt at that moment. What started as a generational conflict has turned into something completely different. Kanata made her doubt her powers. And Kanata pushed her to put aside all doubts. Thanks to this woman, Astrid became stronger right during the match. Thanks to this uncompromising match, she was able to take a step forward, straight into the unknown. And it helped her to open up new boundaries of her capabilities.

"Anata to onaji youni..." she said in response to Kanata's kind words.

And it was true. The Golden Dragon couldn't even remember if she had ever fought a woman as experienced and strong as Kanata. Yes, she managed to defeat the brunette, but only an imbecile would say that it was an easy victory. No. Kanata's strength and skills were amazing. Literally just a few moments would have been enough for everything to end differently. Astrid knew that better than anyone.

It seemed that nothing could make this moment even better, especially after Kanata broke their hug. Astrid was ready to accept the fact that the match was over and that it was time for them to go their separate ways. At least for today. But then something happened that made her eyes widen. Instead of leaving the ring, Kanata took her by the wrist and raised her hand, recognizing Astrid as the winner.

Under the hubbub of cheers, the Golden Dragon was forced to hold her breath. Even so, her lower lip trembled. Emotions surged through her like a tsunami. Why? Therefore, at that moment there was nothing more valuable for Astrid than to be recognized as such an outstanding warrior as Kanata. Not everyone would make such a broad gesture. Not everyone would admit defeat with the same dignity as Kanata did. Astrid's body began to tremble. There was a smile on her lips, and tears of gratitude and pride rolled down her face that she deserved such praise from her rival.

When the Japanese woman released her wrist and turned to her, Astrid did the same. Kanata began to move back to the ropes, clearly intending to leave the ring. But even so, she left parting words for Astrid. And although many people may not have heard anything special in it, for Astrid everything was completely different. Yes, perhaps it was not a passing of the baton between generations, but at that moment the blonde felt that great hopes were pinned on her.

Passing her hand over her face, the descendant of the great Vikings wiped away her tears, and her gaze became serious again. She didn't like making promises. However, there was one promise she could make. No too loud words. Only the truth. Empty words sound too often in this ring and she frankly hated it. That's why her promise was very simple.

"Will do my best for that, huh!" Astrid said with a cheeky smile on her face, pointing at herself with her thumb.

After receiving an approving nod from Kanata, the blonde nodded back at her. The Japanese woman turned around and headed up the ramp. And even though her body was wounded here and there, she walked forward with her head held high. Applause and shouts from the audience accompanied her. She deserved it. A match can never be outstanding without two outstanding fighters. That is why the audience will remember this match both thanks to Astrid and thanks to Kanata.

The Golden Dragon held the gaze on her rival until the brunette disappeared behind the curtains. And perhaps only after that she realized that this match was really over. Astrid took a deep breath in order to curb her emotions. Yes, it's time for her to leave the arena too. Almost her entire body was covered in blood, and the pain in her muscles didn't let her forget that she definitely needed a medical examination.

When she reached the ropes, Astrid rolled under the bottom one. When she landed on her feet, her face contorted for a moment. She seems to have underestimated how much damage she took. This proved once again that Kanata had forced the blonde to go far beyond her limits today. Taking another deep breath, the Golden Dragon gathered her strength and raised her head.

When she headed the ramp, she received no less loud reaction than her rival. Did she like it? Definitely. She wasn't going to lie about it. Yes, fame and fortune were never her goal. But that doesn't mean she was ready to give it up. Besides, listening to the audience shout her name, the Norwegian woman felt an incredible connection with them. Her journey here began not so long ago, but their support has become truly priceless for her. Of course, the fan base of most federation top stars was much larger than hers. Many people constantly reminded her of this. But the fact remained. With each match, she received more and more support. That was the most important thing for her.

Stopping at the top of the ramp, Astrid turned around. To the loud shouts of the audience, she raised her fist above her head. Her gaze went up as if she were looking through the ceiling. Every warrior should live their life in such a way that their ancestors could be proud of them. It was Astrid's dream. Today she took a big step forward. She learned an important lesson today. Today she was able to go beyond her limits. But this is not the end. Her Apex is not over yet. And although she didn't know what lay ahead, she knew for sure that she would meet it with fire in her heart. This is the way. Her way.

Smiling for the last time, knowing that right now her great ancestors were looking at her, the Golden Dragon disappeared behind the curtains.