>>18933469Like a starry sky on a clear, cloudless night, the peppering of lights on the fixed rigging above the ring bathe the two contestants underneath pillars of their white glow. Only one of them is gazing upwards, staring down the incandescent beaming. The bell rings and there's a weight lifted off of the downed phoenix. The lingering dull ache of the big boot spreads like a fire across Ash's chin and cheek. She shifts her jaw, tongue swirling the moddest dash of blood from her lips, a sickening taste of iron.
She rolls onto her stomach, hissing as she reaches for the bottom rope and uses it to pull herself up onto her knees. Her hands land on her hips as settles near one of the corners, watching as the official returns the championship to the victor - the longest reigning Intercontinental champion.
She's disappointed... but not devastated.
She thinks of the dojo.
Of her students.
Of her friends.
What can Ash teach with this moment?
Ash's lips curl, pearly white teeth emerging in a grin that refuses to sharpen into a violent expression. She shakes her head and brings her hands up as she joins the crowd in applauding their champion.
