Fight For You

Chapter 6: The Rival's Threat

The atmosphere in the arena was electric, charged with anticipation and the faint scent of sweat and adrenaline. The tournament was reaching its peak, and Ling could feel the pressure mounting as she prepared for her upcoming match against Mint. The tension between them had been palpable since their first encounter, but this time, it felt personal.

Ling stood in the dimly lit waiting area, her heart pounding in her chest. Thoughts of her father's expectations and her own insecurities weighed heavily on her mind. She had trained relentlessly for this moment, but a lingering fear gnawed at her—what if she wasn't good enough?

"Hey," Orm's voice cut through her thoughts, warm and soothing. Ling turned to see Orm approaching, a reassuring smile on her face. "You've got this, Ling. Just remember everything we've trained for."

Ling took a deep breath, allowing Orm's words to wash over her. "Thanks, Orm. It just feels different this time," she admitted, her gaze shifting to the ground.

"Different how?" Orm asked, concern lacing her voice as she stepped closer, closing the distance between them.

"Mint... she knows how to get under my skin. She'll use anything she can against me, especially our past." Ling's voice was barely above a whisper, haunted by the memories of her tumultuous relationship with Mint.

Orm reached out, taking Ling's hands in her own. "You're stronger than you realize. Focus on the fight, not her words. You've trained too hard to let her get to you," she said firmly.

Ling met Orm's gaze, a spark of determination igniting within her. "You're right. I won't let her win. Not today."

With one last squeeze of their hands, Orm released Ling and stepped back, allowing her to gather her thoughts. As Ling prepared for her entrance, she couldn't help but glance at Orm, who stood at the sidelines, a beacon of strength and support. The warmth of their earlier connection lingered in the air, fueling her resolve.

The announcer's voice boomed through the arena, calling her name. Ling took a deep breath, stepping onto the stage with purpose. The crowd erupted in cheers and shouts, but all Ling could focus on was Mint, who stood opposite her, a wicked smile plastered across her face.

"Ready to lose, Ling?" Mint taunted, her eyes glinting with malice. "I've heard you've been spending quite a lot of time with Orm. Does she know what a loser you really are?"

Ling's heart raced, but she quickly suppressed the wave of anger rising within her. Mint's words were meant to provoke, to draw her into a trap. "I'm not here to lose, Mint. I'm here to win," Ling shot back, her voice steady.

The match began with a fierce intensity, both fighters exchanging blows with remarkable speed and agility. Mint, known for her aggressive style, came at Ling with a series of rapid punches, each one aimed to hurt not just physically, but emotionally. Ling dodged and countered, her body moving on instinct, but each of Mint's jabs seemed to find a way to hit home.

"You think you can just walk away from your past?" Mint taunted between strikes, her voice dripping with venom. "You're nothing without me. I made you who you are!"

Ling felt the weight of those words pressing down on her, threatening to unravel the hard-fought confidence she had built. But she remembered Orm's encouragement and the bond they were forging. "You don't define me, Mint!" she shouted back, channeling her emotions into her movements.

With renewed determination, Ling launched a powerful kick that connected with Mint's side, sending her stumbling back. The crowd roared with approval, their cheers igniting a fire within Ling. She could feel the adrenaline pumping through her veins, pushing her forward.