Feening - Rhea Ripley

Prologue

2013...

The wrestling mats in the training club were spread out like an all-girls' version of an ancient battlefield, with young warriors ready to test their skills and courage. The air was thick with sweat and determination, as the girls, some small and delicate as flowers, others big and strong as oaks, moved gracefully around the gymnasium. They stretched their muscles, limbered up their bodies, and shared words of encouragement with each other, forming a tight-knit sisterhood that was as fierce as it was supportive.

Lily Taylor, a petite girl with a mane of auburn hair and a pair of bright blue eyes, was carefully tying her shoelaces. At only 17 years old, she was one of the shortest and most promising wrestlers in the club. Today, however, she felt anything but confident. She was about to face off against another 17 year old, Demi Bennet, the tallest of all the girl, a giantess who intimidated even the most seasoned of wrestlers with her size and strength. Her bright blonde hair covered half of her face.

As the girls lined up, Lily could feel her heart pounding in her chest. Demi glared down at her with cold, unblinking eyes, a cruel smile playing on her lips. The match began, and Lily sprang forward, throwing a swift kick to Demi's stomach. To her surprise, it connected, sending Demi staggering back. A glimmer of hope flickered within her. Maybe she could actually win this after all.

With renewed determination, Lily began to circle around Demi, looking for an opening. She dodged a clumsy swing and landed a sharp jab to Demi's ribs. The bigger girl grunted in pain, but did not yield. They circled each other for what seemed like an eternity, each girl testing the other's limits. The crowd began to grow louder, their shouts and cheers filling the gymnasium.

Suddenly, Lily saw her chance. She feinted left, then dashed right, aiming a kick at Demi's knee. The kick connected with a satisfying thud, and Demi's leg buckled beneath her. With a cry of triumph, Lily pounced, pinning Demi to the mat. The crowd erupted into cheers as the referee quickly slapped the mat.

1!

2!

3!

Lily's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to catch her breath. Her mind was awhirl with disbelief and elation. She had done it! She had beaten Demi Bennet, the girl everyone thought was unbeatable. As the crowd continued to cheer, Lily slowly climbed to her feet, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. Demi, on the other hand, glared at her from the mat, a mixture of anger and defeat in her eyes.

The other wrestlers in the club surrounded Lily, slapping her on the back and offering their congratulations. Even Demi's supporters couldn't help but nod their heads in respect as they acknowledged Lily's victory. As the excitement began to die down, Lily's coach, a tall, broad-shouldered woman with a shaved head, walked over to her. She placed a firm hand on Lily's shoulder and looked her in the eye.

"You've got potential."

Lily looked up at her coach, feeling a mixture of surprise and pride. She had never expected to hear those words from her, of all people. The older woman had always been tough on her, pushing her to her limits and beyond. It was a testament to her skills that she had even managed to win this match. As the other girls returned to their warm-ups, Lily found herself reflecting on what had just happened. She knew that Demi would be out for revenge in their next match, and that she would have to train even harder to defend her title. But for now, she allowed herself a moment of triumph, basking in the glow of victory and the respect of her peers.

After training had ended and the girls made their way out the building, Demi pulled Lily aside, her eyes blazing with anger. Lily gulped, the anxiety crawling is way up her body,