Nikki blocked the first two. The third wrapped around her staff and pulled .
Jade tilted her head. “That was my warm-up.”
Jade’s eyes opened. Pale silver. “We’re here to find out who ‘BEST’ actually means.” Jade Imohara Vs Nikki Knowlesl BEST
Jade’s style shifted. No more evasion. She advanced like a slow eclipse, each step eating the light. Her weapon—a collapsible chain-sickle—unfurled once, twice, three times, each arc drawing a perfect geometric line toward Nikki’s vital points.
Jade fought like deep water. She absorbed. Redirected. Waited. Nikki blocked the first two
She overcommitted on a haymaker—because she wanted to end it, because she always wanted to end it. Jade slipped inside the arc of the punch, caught Nikki’s arm, and executed a throw so perfect that Nikki’s spine hit the mats before her brain understood she was falling.
Nikki stared at the offered hand. The crowd held its breath. “That was my warm-up
By now, both bled. Nikki’s left eye was swelling. Jade’s ribs had a hairline crack—she’d know tomorrow, but tonight she ignored it.