Given the suspicious lineup you faced in the preliminaries and the hassle Lu-sensei was put through by the tournament's backers on your behalf, you feel it wiser not to tempt the officials by bending the established rules, even if the match is already over for all intents and purposes. So it is that rather than receiving assistance from you, Cordelia is helped back to her feet by her opponent, who does not seem at all upset about how their match turned out. Well before the officials finish their review of the replay, Kasumi and Cordelia are chatting away like old friends.
"I'm getting the impression that Kasumi is the personable sort," you say to Ayane.
"Your powers of observation are astonishing," she tells you dryly.
Finally, the Announcer makes the call. "After careful review, it has been decided that both contestants hit the ground at the same time. Therefore, it is indeed a double ring-out!"
Neither of the girls appears terribly put out by the ruling. Kasumi simply shrugs, while Cordelia sighs and shakes her head. Then they both bow and withdraw from the field.
"Good fight," you say as the two brunettes return to the waiting area. "Both of you."
"Thank you, Alexander," Kasumi says graciously.
"And Cordy? Nice to see you embracing the Way of the Rampaging Boar."
"Razorbacks rule," she retorts, quoting one of the rallying cries for Sunnydale High's football team, whose seasonal games are one of the highlights of your hometown's social calendar - such as it is - and whose cheer squad Cordelia has made clear her intention to one day rule. Despite the draw and elimination, Cordy is much happier than she was a few minutes ago. "Now why are you still standing around here, dummy? You're up! Go, go!"
Chuckling, you bow before the queen and head for the ring.
Your ugly opponent is waiting for you.
RAVENOUS HALF-TROLL: WILLIAM MARSH