Masane's big announcement!

Masane's music began to play as Masane stepped out onto the stage. She was holding the Friction title over her shoulder as she looked around at the crowd. Most were cheering her on, some were booing at her now. She sighed softly before walking down the ramp, and climbed up through the ropes. Once she was in the center of the stage, her music died down, and she was handed a microphone when she motioned for one.

"Well... first things first. I want to start by congratulating Kirin on her big win as #1 contender!" She called out to which the crowd cheered loudly in response. Once she quieted down, she continued to speak. "Now... lately I've been going through a bit of a tough time, mainly with one single woman, who I'm sure you all know." She said, to which some of the crowd started chanting Sarah's name. This irked her a little bit, but she continued to speak. "Yes... as you are all aware, I've fought.. and lost to her twice.. but due to bullshit technicalities, I still hold the title over my shoulder. This... really hasn't been sitting well with me." She declared. The crowd started to murmur a bit,

"I've been really thinking about what constitutes a champion here, and I've come to realize that.. the way I am now.. I am undeserving of the title. There's another woman who's more qualified, and while it pains me to do this..." More of the crowd started to chant Sarah's name, but Masane ignore them. "I've decided to relinquish the title. Sarah Gatt... blow me. I've decided to relinquish the title to Kirin Sumomo!!" She called out, the crowd responding with louder cheers.

"Kirin Sumomo, could you please come out to accept the title?"

Kirin's music "Unlimited" played as she made her way towards the ring. She moved at a brisk, businesslike walk at first, but relented at some screaming fans and gave out some hugs and kisses. grabbing three at once in one case.

She made her way up the ropes, smiling widely to the crowd before reaching Masane, giving her a quick hug before holding a hand out for the microphone.

The ref would suddenly hand her one of her own, thanking the young girl quietly and smiling playfully at her. "Really now, the language of some of you girls..." Kirin tisked calmly, getting a quick laugh from the crowd. "But Masane-chan... you can't expect me to take this."

Murmurs came from the people and the occasional boo or the like. "I'm sorry if you think that winning is what earns you the title, but I told you, you're every bit as deserving as I am." She'd pat her supportively on the shoulder and leave her strong hand there for a moment. "Keep the belt, dear. Believe me, I'm happy with this new position."

Masane shook her head. "It's not winning that earns the title, I know it takes a little something extra to be considered worthy of the title. I haven't discovered this yet, but I feel that you have." She said, and then smiled a little. "At the very least, consider it a payback to the debt I owe you for throwing our first match." She added.

Kirin opened her mouth to object to these reasons, but shut it again after a moment. "Masane, I can see your point..." she said with reluctance. "But you earned it. I'll earn it from you fairly if you want in a match, but I don't know about this..." She was visibly faltering, realizing her point and understanding that the girls did have much to learn, especially compared to her. With more experience on top of their youth... well, she'd feel like she'd done her job if they earned the belt from her...

Masane shook her head. "I didn't earn it. I won it through a technicality. I won by disqualification and you know down in your heart that's not a real way to win this thing. So here. Please accept the title." She insisted. She didn't even seem torn up about it. She had made up her mind about this, and felt it was the right thing to do.

"When I feel I'm ready, I'll challenge you for the title again."

Kirin frowned at her choice of words. "Well you certainly didn't just 'disqualify' your way to the finals through a bunch of the most powerful women in the league," she insisted. "And I'm perfectly sure that you could have won it under the right circumstances, but tournaments are tricky things left up to chance."

She looked at the extended belt thoughtfully, the fans cheering in a way that made her feel guilty. A small but significant chant "Take it!" started up, Kirin finally looking up at Masane and smiling. "I guess this'll have to be refitted to get around a waist like mine." Kirin wrapped a strong but soft hand around its center at last. "But only so that I'll keep it safe and warm for you when you're ready."

She'd leave the belt between them for a bit and smile again imploringly at her. "If you're SURE about this, then at least agree that you'll be my new contender. If you don't feel ready to be a queen, you can at least be a princess..."

Masane considered her condition for a moment, although didn't really like the way she worded it. "Not that I would ever want to BE one, but I'll agree." She replied.

"Then I accept," Kirin said with a smile, taking the belt at last. "So long as the ladies in charge say it's alright, of course." She laughed a bit. "But I'm sure they'd have said something by now if that were the case."

She'd hug Masane tightly, hoisting her off her feet for a few seconds in a much more pleasant bearhug than she exposed her to earlier. She kissed her on the lips, though quick and affectionate. "I'm still proud of you, sweety. But you'll have to prove to me you've earned this belt back just like anyone else when that day comes."

Masane nodded a little, then gasped as she's lifted off her feet, and grunts a little as she squeezes. She blushes a little as she's kissed, and nodded a little. "I would expect nothing less, Kirin." She replied.

"I'll do the title proud," she promised into the mic and to Masane all at once. "And I expect you to do the same and do me proud, and work hard on your little vacation. And to all my girls in this league, this doesn't change a thing. If you want to mess around or spar or train, or just talk, never be afraid to come see ol' mama Kirin. " She passed back the mic to the ref and patted Masane on the cheek. "And let me know if you need anything," she added on a more personal note.

It felt good to hold a title again... she had her share of belts in the old days, and it made her feel.... well, a bit younger. And like she deserved to be the mother figure to these girls.

And she couldn't know it, but at home, her girls were once again waking the neighbors, though with the loudest cheers they could muster, as if hoping Kirin would hear them all the way at the arena.