50 - Forged in Flame

The match was decided.

At the final clang of the bell, one woman was left standing. Still overcome with the rush of adrenaline, the full weight of the situation had not registered yet in the Nova Striker’s mind. In the neutral corner across from her fallen opponent, she stood on tense legs, her powerful muscles trembling. A moment later, the announcer came on overhead to announce the victor.

“…And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen! Your winner, by way of knockout, Jessicaaaa “Nova Striker” Hawke! In a thrilling display, the Nova Striker surged forth to decisively end a bone-crushing fifth round that saw both combatants giving it their all, and then some! The debut match of Izuna’s Beat Rush Boxing was definitely one for the record books!”

As a wave of relief and exuberance washed over her, Jessica sprung from the neutral corner, beaming brightly while she trotted over to take her place at ring center. There, she lifted her right arm in triumph, smiling for the cameras. Though undoubtedly filled with joy at her win, a nagging twinge at the back of her mind gave her pause, brought to the forefront when she heard a soft moan coming from behind her.

Her warrior instincts subsiding to a different, more compassionate force, Jessica glanced back to see Valerie, finally beginning to come to. The Ripper shifted and turned as she lied prone, struggling to pick herself back up. Without another thought, Jessica sharply turned from the flashing camera lights and rushed urgently to Valerie’s side. As Jessica’s looming shadow cast over Valerie, the blonde turned her head up slightly, but not quite enough to make eye contact.

“So then, Hawke…” Valerie sputtered. “…Have you come to gloat over me? Wha--”

Then, the next thing Valerie felt caught her by surprise; a gentle lifting force took hold under her arm and shoulders that turned her and picked her upper body up from the canvas.

“No, Valerie. I haven’t.”

Opening her eyes, Valerie first saw the brightly shining gym lights, which in turn cast a shadow over the form kneeling next to her. As things came into focus, the next thing she saw was the red glove which moments ago struck her face and stomach so violently now caressing her cheek and forehead precisely in the exact spots where the pain had been at its most intense and throbbing, working steadily to assuage the agony. Then, Jessica’s smiling face came into view as she propped Valerie’s head up against her thigh. As they finally met eyes again, Valerie’s facial expression seemed to show confusion about why Jessica was even doing this.

“Looks like you won’t be needing that stretcher after all." Jessica said. "I wanted to make sure you’re alright. And, to thank you for such a hard-fought match. I enjoyed it.”

“Hmph…” Valerie scoffed, still somewhat incredulous at the turn of events. “Easier said when you’re the one who won.” Still, she had to concede; although Valerie probably wouldn’t admit it openly just yet, she’d never felt more alive in her entire life than she just did in that fight. Even though she lost, the thrill of battling against Jessica trumped any other match she’d been in by far, win or lose.

“Maybe so…” Jessica trailed. “But we both gave it everything we had. There’s no shame in that. In fact, you came very close to beating me quite a few times. I had a really hard time keeping up with you…if not for my second wind at the end there, I’m sure things would have been very different.”  

Valerie sighed as Jessica helped her to her feet, but at the same time, she realized the honesty in Jessica’s humble words rang true.

“Well, I suppose you have a valid point…Jessica.”

At that, Jessica’s eyes widened just a bit, as it seemed that perhaps she’d finally begun to crack through Valerie’s icy exterior. Though it was subtle, Valerie's choice to refer to her by first name had considerable significance. She smiled again, and noticed Valerie glance past her for a moment.

“Go on then, the adoring fans are waiting for you to soak up the limelight, luv.” Valerie said, as she began to turn away to exit the ring. Before she could get too far away however, Jessica reached out, grabbing at her arm to pull her along back to the center of the ring.

“Come on…” Jessica said with a slight grin. “…You deserve this just as much as I do.”