the first defense of Aoi (aoi vs yuki

[CaptainL]

Yuki looked up at the lights, her chest rising and falling as she took in a few pants for breath. Her head was still in a haze, and even as she tried to focus, she was having a hard time seeing through it through the fatigue. At last, the ref's hand came down a third time, and the sound of the ringing bell roused Yuki back to reality. With Aoi letting go of her, Yuki fell flat, shaking herself and catching her breath.

What soon followed for Yuki, however, was the knowledge that she had come up short - and as Aoi helped her up, she sighed, looking down. Even if she'd tried her best, Yuki still didn't quite do enough. After getting to her feet, she looked over, scanning the crowd to see her fans, her classmates, and Mayori, and her shoulders slumped, dejected. Yuki knew full well that a good number of people in the crowd had expected to see her leave with the belt, and even when it looked like she might have a chance, fate intervened at the last moment, keeping victory just out of her reach. Even if she and Mayori could find it hard to communicate, she was sure the intent was well understood.

However, before Yuki could walk over to her friend to explain things, she realized that Aoi wasn't letting go - and, in fact, the blue-haired girl looked at her with a smile! "Huh..?" Yuki muttered, looking up at her with confusion. Even if she had lost, Aoi was still congratulating Yuki on her efforts. And soon enough, she nodded with recognition, as the smile spread over her face.

Aoi was right. Yuki might not have won, but she proved something in that match. Even if she wasn't quite the champion, she was still well on their level. Coming from a champion herself, how was Yuki to doubt what she heard? "Thank you..." Yuki said, taking a short bow. "I'm honored you think I have what it takes!" Yuki smiled wider to Aoi, clenching a fist in front of her in a show of strength. "I promise I won't let you down!" As Yuki looked back around her at the stands, she listened to the reactions of the audience. She soon realized that they weren't just chanting for Aoi, but for her as well! Yuki felt her heart swell in her chest just thinking about it.

She promised, too, that she wouldn't let them down.

Winner by Pinfall: Aoi Fukiwara

Continued here