HEALING HANDS (Bayley x OC)

1.23 - The Final Showdown

The arena was alive with electricity, fans buzzing in anticipation as the NXT Women's Breakout Tournament reached its climax. Jade Sabin stood backstage, her mind racing yet focused. She had made it to the finals. She had taken down every opponent in her path, including Blair Davenport in the semifinals—a match that left both women battered and bruised but with mutual respect.

Now, she was only one match away from glory. The Unhinged Rose was ready to bloom fully.

Her final opponent was none other than Lyra Valkyria, another rising star who had blazed through the tournament with an unrelenting ferocity. Jade knew this wouldn't be easy. Lyra was fast, agile, and technically sound in the ring. But Jade had something different—years of experience overcoming adversity, not just in the ring but in life. She had learned to channel her pain into power, and tonight, she was prepared to leave everything on the mat.

Jade adjusted her gear—her signature dark roses stitched along the sides, the symbol of her transformation from the life she left behind. Her eyes burned with determination as Bayley appeared beside her, that familiar glint of pride and encouragement in her eyes.

"This is it, Jade," Bayley said, her voice steady but filled with excitement. "Everything you've been working for—it's all led to this moment."

Jade nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm ready."

Bayley smiled and gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "No matter what happens out there, remember—you've already won. You've reclaimed yourself. Now go out there and show them who the Unhinged Rose really is."

With one final breath, Jade stepped toward the entrance curtain. The sound of her music began to build—haunting violins over heavy guitars. The lights dimmed, and the announcer's voice echoed through the arena.

"Making her way to the ring... the Unhinged Rose... Jade Sabin!"

The crowd erupted as Jade strode through the curtain, her every step deliberate, her presence undeniable. She scanned the sea of faces, feeling their energy feed into her own. This was her moment.

As Jade stepped into the ring, she caught sight of Lyra already waiting in the opposite corner. The two locked eyes, and the intensity was palpable. There was no trash talk, no animosity—just mutual respect. They were two warriors about to give everything they had.

The referee called for the bell.

The match started with a flurry of fast-paced exchanges. Lyra's quickness was on full display as she darted around the ring, landing sharp strikes and trying to keep Jade off balance. But Jade had studied her, knew her patterns. She countered Lyra's moves with a mix of power and precision, grounding her when necessary, using her strength to take control.

The crowd was on their feet as the momentum shifted back and forth. Jade hit a devastating spinebuster, nearly securing the pinfall, but Lyra kicked out just in time. Frustration flickered across Jade's face, but she pushed it down. This wasn't over yet.

Lyra retaliated with a flurry of kicks, each one landing harder than the last. Jade staggered, but she wouldn't stay down. Every time Lyra tried to capitalize, Jade found a way to fight back. The two were locked in a battle of wills, neither willing to give an inch.

Jade managed to catch Lyra in mid-air after a risky top-rope move, slamming her to the mat with a thunderous impact. The crowd roared as Jade signaled for her finishing move—the devastating DDT she had perfected.

But as Jade went for the finish, Lyra reversed, rolling Jade into a quick pin. The referee dropped down.

"One... two..."

Jade kicked out just before the three-count, and the arena erupted in relief and excitement. The tension was at a fever pitch. Both women were exhausted, but neither was backing down.

As the match wore on, Jade found herself on the defensive. Lyra's relentless speed was wearing her down. But just when it seemed like Lyra had the upper hand, Jade dug deep, summoning every ounce of strength she had left. She fought back, landing a series of brutal strikes that sent Lyra reeling.

With a final burst of energy, Jade lifted Lyra for a power move, but Lyra slipped out of her grasp at the last second. In a flash, Lyra hit her finishing move—an aerial assault that left Jade stunned on the mat.

The referee dropped down again.

"One... two... three!"

The bell rang, and the arena exploded with cheers as Lyra was announced as the winner of the tournament. Jade lay on the mat, her chest heaving, the sting of defeat mixing with exhaustion.

But as the cheers for Lyra filled the air, Jade slowly rose to her feet. She watched as Lyra celebrated, the culmination of their hard-fought battle. And despite the loss, a sense of pride welled up inside her. She had made it to the finals. She had given everything she had, and she had left her mark on NXT.

Lyra turned and met Jade's gaze. Without hesitation, she extended her hand. Jade, still catching her breath, smiled and shook it. The crowd roared in approval, acknowledging the mutual respect between the two warriors.

Jade raised Lyra's arm in victory, the crowd's cheers ringing in her ears. This wasn't the end for her—it was just the beginning.

As Jade made her way up the ramp, Bayley was there waiting for her, clapping proudly.

"You were incredible out there," Bayley said, pulling Jade into a tight hug. "You gave it everything."

Jade smiled, her body sore but her spirit unbroken. "It wasn't my night, but I feel like I won something bigger than the tournament."

"You did," Bayley said, her voice filled with confidence. "This is just the start of something great, Jade. You're going to go even further."

Jade looked back at the ring one last time before turning to Bayley. "I believe that too."

As they disappeared behind the curtain, Jade felt the fire within her still burning. The Unhinged Rose had bloomed in the NXT Breakout Tournament, and she knew that her journey had only just begun. There were more battles to fight, more victories to claim, and a future that was brighter than ever.

COMING UP

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL - Published: October 29th 2024