The intensity was unbearable. Both fighters were sweating profusely, glaring daggers at each other as the match went on.
And then Claude blinked. Maya cheered triumphantly in victory-
right before Claude Mirror Slashed her, ending the actual fight.
-------
"So what was the staring contest about?" Rena asked, sipping on some milk as she watched Claude curiously.
"Oh, she said that she knew the fight would be a loss, so she wanted to get into a staring contest instead. Just so she could claim some small victory. She equipped Artemis beforehand so I could finish her easily as thanks."
"...that's silly." Rena made a face. "Why bother with such a silly thing?"
"I don't know, honestly." Claude shrugged as Chisato came in.
And proceeded to beat Claude's face in.
-------
"So you didn't tell Chisato that the match -wasn't- going to be decided by the staring match?" Ellen asked a grinning Maya, who took a ginger sip of her margarita.
"Nope. So to her, it looked like I won... and then Claude stole the victory." Maya giggled.
"You are a vengeful one." Ellen mused, sipping her vodka.
"Hey. Gotta get my kicks outta those lost causes somehow." Maya smiled. "Now, to find something to occupy myself until the next season I get in..."