A Hegemonies' Housewarming

[winner3]

In the halls and corridors backstage in the LAW arena, one of the most decorated and famed stars known in the company and around the world was warming up near the locker room.

"Huff...huff..." Deep exhales escaped the lips of The Super Kitty, Katherine Hart.

Her gloved hands were pressed against the ground, shoulder's width apart. Her breathing was steady. The brawny, buxom, beautiful masked woman exhaled deeply with each push off the ground. The camera would pan out to show that these were no ordinary push-ups. The toes of Hart's boots pointed skyward! Her arm and back muscles flexed visibly as she pushed herself up with another handstand pushups! One of the two LAW World Tag Title belts was laid out in front of her. The gold was as lustrous and as sparkly as ever as Kat warmed herself up backstage with a quick workout!

Katherine "Super Kitty" Hart

Down the hall, well-known interviewer Lexy Alan was approaching.

"Oh my! See this is why I've built up some resentment towards her and those catgirls! Always showing off and doing crap like this! It's so unnecessary!" Lexy whispered to the camera crew that was following all this. Of course, Kat was out of earshot. The two of them had a mutual working relationship and Lexy had no desire to jeopardize it. At least, not yet. Being able to interview a beloved reigning champion like this was too good for ratings and for Lexy's popularity!

"Katherine Hart! So sorry to bug you like this. Can we get a few words?" Lexy would say with a microphone in hand as she walked up to the handstanding heavyweight.

Kat would look up with a surprised expression that quickly turned into a smile. The Super Kitty would effortlessly bring her legs forward and move from a handstand to a bridge to a standing position in less than a couple seconds. The luchadora looked as capable and as toned as ever! Kat looked to be in fighting shape as she collected her title belt from the ground and turned to Lexy to place a hand on the interviewer's shoulder!

"Lexy! Always a pleasure! I see we have the cameras rolling. What's up? Another interview?"

"A short one, if that's okay with you, of course, Kat!" Lexy responded before bringing a hand to her earpiece. The cute, tanned, green-haired girl's lips puckered as she seem to concentrate on information that was being relayed to her.

"It was public knowledge that you'd be in action tonight but we've just confirmed your opponent, Kat. LAW management received a request from the up-and-coming House of Hegemony stable. Tonight, you're up against none other than Karla Ray Reinhardt." The crowd in the arena was watching this interview play out on the big screen in the stadium. They cheered as they recognized the named opponent for The Super Kitty.

"That match is actually up next. So the question on everyone's minds right now is: how prepared does The Super Kitty feel?" Lexy would finish before holding the mic up towards Kat.

The luchadora draped her title belt over her shoulder. Kat's eyebrow raised upon hearing the stable name in particular. She'd nod for a second before answering.

"How prepared do I feel? Well, I'm definitely intrigued. I've got no beef with Karla and her House. I was going to be out there against someone, tonight, right? I'm happy that I'll be throwing down with a lady that I can at least call interesting."

"You know me, Lexy. I like to do a little homework on my opponents beforehand. I like to do my due diligence. But this is every bit as much news to me as it is to everyone else. I'll be real with you, I don't know a whole lot about Karla. I've seen highlights of her matches, clips here and there. I've heard rumors. But I don't go around judging people or fellow wrestlers prematurely. Everyone deserves a fair shake."

"But here's what I do know and what I am willing to say. She's an eccentric one, to say the least. A little lady with a big personality. From what I know about the H.O.H., little Karla likes to surround herself with some big ladies. Well, tonight you've got yourself a date with one, Karla. And something tells me that I'll learn everything that I need to learn about you in our match." Kat finished with a wink. Her words earned some cheers and approval from the fans. But anyone paying close attention could see in the background of the shot that two larger, redheaded ladies were fast approaching the famed Katherine Hart from behind!

[Monsy]

There’s one thing she learned; how to slither like a ghost. She disappeared and re-appeared wherever she liked, but always had someone in tow... And a goal in mind...

To find Katherine Hart was like trudging inside a dark room with a central cone of light. You couldn’t move in her direction. All these mannerisms like public push-ups, a look of a feline and gold welded to her person. This woman certainly doesn’t hide, and well, neither will the House of Hegemony. Admiration was a fickle thing for this former wrestler, Adelaide Reinhardt, but perhaps for types like these, some fumes can be spared. She and her daughter Johanna are the two that approached. One a chameleon, with eye-rings numbered in its Infinitum, and a snake-like smile, dressed impeccably in her black and white suit, with notable muscle creases scattered around her shoulder, arms and legs. Johanna was much worse in that regard. A full head taller, built off the concept of a humanoid boulder, with longer hair and paint markings under her face. She hung back as Adelaide advanced, leaning against the wall and crossing her arms. Not too far away.

only had time to get one ref so don't hurt me

Adelaide intended to stop between Kat and Lexy in a triangle, cued after Kat’s last line, which she applauded slowly. “Wow…” Adelaide said, “That was incredible.” A finger wagged to both of them. “You two are amazing. Great chemistry. Love it.” That digit perked, and she took a step towards Lexy. “However, I think you’re missing the real questions that people, especially me, would like to hear. May I?” There wasn’t much asking in this case. Adelaide already reached to take the microphone, force if need be, and if she did, she’d give it a flip, curling her fingers around the handle, then turn to Kat. “Pardon this, but can you spare me a question as well?”

[winner3]

Kat carried herself well. She gave off an air of confidence and a strong presence, all while still being approachable and warm to any and all that would meet her with positive energy. When she had her live interview with Lexy Alan interrupted, The Super Kitty remained composed. Her usual confident smile and her solid stance were preserved even as Adelaide had come between Hart and Alan.

One look at the Adelaide and a passing glass at Johanna told Hart and many of the savvy fans watching from the arena all they needed to know about how and why the suited redhead and the more imposing redheaded woman behind her saw it fit to cut in here. When Adelaide snatched the mic, it was plain to see that she had a statement in mind. The suited woman asked a question in a tone that made it come across as entirely rhetorical. There was no permission granted and none needed. When Lexy's microphone was snatched from her, she began to quiver with fear. The hostess realized that with Adelaide and Johanna present, and possibly more Reinhardts keeping tabs on Kat, Lexy could very easily become a casualty here!

Kat would mouth to Lexy to assure her that all was well and it was okay for the interviewer to take off. Lexy nodded slowly and backed away for her own sake. And after she did, Kat slung her title belt over her shoulder and made eye contact. The famed luchadora stepped up and stood almost nose to nose with Adelaide before answering her proper.

"Floor's all yours...what do you need to ask me, Miss....?" Kat trailed off intentionally in the hopes that Adelaide would finish the sentence and introduce herself. And when she did, Kat would look past her at Johanna to inquire about her as well.

"I see. We'll get to that but first....your muscle here looks impressive enough to be deserving of a name, too, yeah? Please! Don't be shy. Introduce yourself, sweetheart." Hart would motion to Johanna to encourage her to set foot front and center in front of the cameras. Kat did like to talk, but this was also her means of investigating. Not everyone around LAW was knowledgeable about the House of Hegemony. The Super Kitty took this interview gone off the rails as her chance to learn more about the rival stable.

[Monsy]

No mind is paid to those who stuttered. There was no blood in the water or pleasure to be reaped from someone who already resigned. The way they reacted made them invisible. Adelaide’s yellow eyes now locked on the greater prize, who seemed eager to combat her presence with her own. They inched so close that Adelaide can feel their breath. Adelaide didn’t move. Nor flinch. From now on, she even refused to blink. Just this plain stare that didn’t shift. Raw focus in one glance and Adelaide’s head dipped just a tad in count for the four-inch height difference. “Adelaide Reinhardt. I am the CFO of Reinhardt MNC. Or. What’s more well known in this community. Adela. I am present on the behalf of the House of Hegemony, as it seems you’ve already inferred. I have inquiries to make if you’ll be so kind to not fuss…”

The conversation moved on quickly with the noting of Adelaide’s daughter. Johanna’s brow quirked while Adelaide turned her head. Johanna and Adelaide exchanged glances, the former unknowing how to proceed. A small lul rested in between, with Johanna eventually taking a step for herself. A move that prompted Adelaide’s finger to lift and stop her cold. “I don’t believe she’s part of this discussion. But if you must know…” Her head turned back to Kat. “She’s not my muscle. She is my child. Johanna Reinhardt.” Adelaide’s finger turned into a beckoning that summoned Johanna to take a few steps into the camera’s view. Her size dwarfed them both, with biceps bigger than their legs, face-paint stripes and trademarked red hair, dressed in black tights that curved and weaved over every muscle. An exposed mid-riff, with each ab like a fist. Johanna didn’t spare a grin for the camera, but a deep stare for them both to devour. No hint of aggression, but one of slight annoyance that she’d been brought into play. No words are spoken. The permission nor desire existed.

“Are you satisfied, Katherine Hart? Or shall we introduce the whole family to you before we proceed? They’re all nearby. Or… You can answer my two questions. And I’ll leave. We will all leave.”

[winner3]

Adelaide's cold and calculating tone and presence were unnerving. The woman minced no words. She dressed, looked, and acted like she was very much here to do the business that she set out to do. She did not flinch or hesitate, and neither did Kat.

The luchadora's smile persisted when she noticed Adelaide subtlety measure the difference in height between them. As introductions were made and as Adelaide explained her presence here on behalf of the Reinhardts, Katherine curled her finger underneath her chin and nodded. Promoting Johanna afterward and derailing things slightly didn't seem to go over well with the titaness of a woman. But Adelaide obliged Kat's request to introduce the towering, redheaded Amazon.

A whistle escaped Kat's lips as Johanna stepped forward. The woman's presence and build alone made Kat look like she couldn't possibly share a weight division with this Titaness.

"Man, if you Reinhardts are all built like this, I might have to petition the boss to add another division above heavyweights..."

Thankfully, Johanna's body language communicated no animosity. Though Kat soon realized her comments weren't earning her any favor with this wrestling dynasty, or with any others at LAW for that matter. The champion adjusted the belt on her shoulder as she continued to hear out the well-dressed Reinhardt mother. Having heard the final prompt, her eyes would shift quickly as she turned her head towards both ends of the hall. Of course, the other family members were hidden. The veteran wrestler quickly realized there was little point in trying to unearth them. She refocused her attention on Adelaide and answered her.

"I'm quite satisfied. Thanks for indulging me, Adelaide." Kat began.

"I think I've read the room. As much as I'd loooove the chance to get to know each and every one of you Reinhardts personally, I've already incurred the wrath of another wrestling family at this company, and finding trouble with another one so soon feels like quite a lot on my plate." Kat began, referencing the current rivalry brewing between The SWAT Cats and The Akans, not to mention The Ashfords. The Super Kitty refocused her attention on Adelaide and made eye contact with the taller woman.

"If you have questions you're comfortable asking me on camera in front of the many thousands of fans watching this all over the world, I'll hear them. Tell me, what is your first question? What can LAW's Super Kitty do for Adelaide and The Reinhardt Family?"

[Monsy]

Three was already a large crowd for Adelaide’s taste. This woman was rather busy, that much she inferred, aware and experienced. If she were in their position, faced with two women of large stature, she’d also not wish to see what else lay behind that curtain. It would’ve been much better to find it out herself and not be spoon fed. And that comment made her smile. It was funny, knowing what she knows of just whom they’re facing. And she soon waved Johanna off with a flicker of her four fingers. The monster-sized Reinhardt returned to her prior post and Adelaide returned attention to Kat, with that commanding hand now dropped at her side, microphone tipped beneath her chin.

She only had to listen to them, learn what she could and sink her teeth into the kind of collected woman she found herself with. Rather professional if she might say. Unwavered but not stupid. A champion, and one with many enemies as that usually entails. Ashfords and Akans, other dynasties alike. All things she took mental note of. Their posture too and tone, which she read with a few subtle flicks of her gaze that looked them up and down.

“I can assure you there is no animosity or covert ill-intent between us. We’re all professionals and we will keep it that way. This little interview was just my impulse, so I apologise for its abruptness. What I wanted to ask the Super Kitty, Katherine Hart, was about her confidence going into this match-up. Out of ten, perhaps. How sure are you that you’ll walk out the victor? And, if I may add little add-ons to this question, by what method? Knockout? Pinfall? Submission? You’re a Champion, so I am certain you have a plethora of ways to win a contest.”

[winner3]

Both women tried to get a read on each other. It was certainly an interesting first-time meeting between the two of them. Kat watched carefully as Adelaide waved Johanna off. She paid careful attention to make sure this wasn't some sort of feint or trick. Kat could feel eyes on her. Eyes beyond that just of Adelaide's and her daughter's. A hotheaded wrestler in The Super Kitty's position certainly would have made the wrong move by now. Kat was indeed a professional. One worthy of being dubbed the "face" of this company.

"Hmmm..." Katherine mused as she returned her attention to the suited woman. Adelaide's body language was subtle.

But paying close attention to her helped Hart pick up on the idea that she was collecting information. She managed to lock eyes with Adelaide when she noticed the redhead's gaze drift. The two had found some sort of common ground. In Kat's mind, she reached a conclusion. A conclusion that The Reinhardts were there to do business, as business folks and aristocrats do. Kat listened to the woman's words carefully. The brawny luchadora averted her gaze for just a couple of seconds before answering, and as she did, she contemplated and nodded once more.

"I appreciate your rather direct approach, Miss Adelaide. You conduct yourself like a professional, so I'll treat you as such." Kat began, and as she did, she gestured towards Adelaide.

"Anyone that knows me well enough knows that I like to talk and get into it. But you're a rather busy woman operating on behalf of a rather busy family. So I'll keep it short."

"I've already explained that my intention tonight is to get to know my opponent. After all, there's no shortage of rumors surrounding Karla and I've heard my fair share. But I'll reserve judgment until I actually fight her. There's a lot you can learn from sharing a ring with someone. Especially in an official match, as I'm sure you and your family are well aware."

"I explain that as my intention because I'm already sure of myself and confident about everything else concerning this match. I've been known to tap many a woman out, but I won't be so bold as to declare how I'm going to win before I go ahead and wrestle someone that I've never wrestled before. But make no mistakes, Miss Reinhardt...." Kat would lean in. She once again locked eyes with the suited woman.

"I don't need to give you a confidence level out of ten. I'll state it very plainly and succinctly for you: tonight, I will defeat Karla "Ray" Reinhardt."

"To me, it's just a matter of figuring out what the family heiress is made of as I do her in." Kat finished in a serious tone before backing up slightly, back to her prior positioning.

"Will that be all? Have you gotten everything you need out of this little "interview" of ours?" Kat lowered her title belt from her shoulder down to her midsection. She began fastening the belt around her waist. It wasn't obvious at first, but she did this in preparation for her entrance to the arena and the ring.

[Monsy]

This woman was something. Confidence poured out, but not in brash droves or an obnoxiousness that she’s come to bear from others. It was proud and genuine. Adelaide found some pleasure in concluding that as she listened to them speak on, nodding. The woman still refused to blink once. Her head tilted just a little to the side. “As you wish.” All that gusto. Total assurance in her own ability. Adelaide came from a place where such words against Reinhardt were a rare-spoken taboo. A mistake that often gathered the ire. They had the money and influence to lord, yet this business had no shortage of competitors who would spit in the face of self-proclaimed blue bloods.

When they finished, Adelaide nodded a few times, “Hahaha… Well, you didn’t hear it from me - but I’ll be rooting for you now. You have a strong spirit, Katherine Hart. You’re a champion, and a beloved one at that. It’s been a pleasure. So yes, I am very much satisfied.” Adelaide paused, tapped her chin with the microphone then postured it again. “But. I’m afraid there’s another matter. Not so much a question, but a courtesy we’ll extend to you.”

“Blaaahhh blahhh! Do you have to put it so professssssssionally all the time!” Maria shouted from a little ways down the hall, dragging her shoulder on the wall. She mocked it with a little hand gesture where the four fingers clamped on the thumb, open and shut like a mouth. Another woman was beside her. A tall stature donned in a tight fitting jet black suit and trousers, made of the finest silk, smooth to the touch and velvet on the inner layer. She had folded back wrist sleeves about two inches, pinched by diamond cufflinks. Her shoes were also black, and she had a golden tie fitted tight over her perky chest, with gold fixtures surrounding it. Crowning it was her scarlet cape that draped on her shoulders and down the arms to her calves. And with perfect-cut hair cloaking one eye, a razor-sharp glint of her second, and the straight-lipped expression of pure stoicism, Adelaide had nothing but a smile. “Ah, there she is. Allow me to introduce Karolina Ray Reinhardt, founder and CEO of Reinhardt MNC.”

Spoiler

Karolina grabbed Maria’s scarf with a fistful and yanked her into a stumble. She folded her arm up to forcefully correct Maria’s posture, who whined with the tug but obeyed with scampering feet and fleeting energy to really keep up with Karolina’s pace. Soon they joined the pair. Johanna wasn’t too far away either. She looked away after Karolina glanced at her, and stood away from the wall, tall and proper to cast a large shadow. Now they joined Adelaide and Katherine Hart, taking up one side. Karolina kept her hand on Maria’s scarf, but unfurled her arm so Maria could slouch.

“Have they been informed of tonight’s stipulation?” Karolina asked, looking at the side of Adelaide’s head. Adelaide answered with a slow head shake. “Tell them that tonight’s contest will have a decisive finish. Anything else is unacceptable and will be severely punished.”

Adelaide nodded, “Tonight-”
Maria interrupted, “Hear that, kitty-kitty? We’ll be watching the who thi-NNG.”
Karolina’s arm folded up and the scarf pinched Maria’s neck. “Silence.”

[winner3]

With confidence and poise in her words and body language, with her convictions and her esteem peering through in the way she stood her ground and answered Adelaide's questions, Kat Hart carefully and unapologetically straddled the line between asserting herself and being confrontational. The luchadora had a legacy to protect both in and out of the ring. And she did so without the need to put anyone else down. Katherine's energy and her spirit, her belief in herself and what she represented all helped her find her way into Adelaide's and the viewer's good graces.

When the dapper woman divulged that she'd be rooting for Kat, The Super Kitty stifled a chuckle and winked at Adelaide. She nodded when her interviewer said she was satisfied. All seemed to be well. They had gotten off on the right foot. At least, it seemed that way until the mention of one final "courtesy" came up.

"Oh?" Hart responded to Adelaide's trailing words with a raised eyebrow.

A bewildered look came over The Super Kitty when she heard Maria's ranting from all the way down the hall. Even from a distance, the girl gave off the impression of equal parts whiner and loafer.

"Uhhhh...." Kat looked for words to reply to the woman with. Her gesturing and dragging against the wall did not make a good first impression. But the presence of the taller, much more imposing Reinhardt demanded Kat's and everyone else's attention much more so.

Just one look at the well-dressed woman confirmed very many of Kat's suspicions. A less seasoned wrestler in her position, a woman with an itchier trigger finger that would have resorted to trading verbal or physical barbs by now, would have been subjected to the task of dealing with this redheaded behemoth, not to mention all the other Reinhardts.

Kat laid eyes on Karolina with an expression that somehow communicated that she was both impressed and concerned, even with the mask over her face. Karolina seemed to have no issue physically reprimanding Maria and forcing her to assume a position that saw her carry herself with more esteem. After Adelaide offered her brief explanation of who the woman was, Kat didn't inquire about Maria, despite her talkative nature. Karolina was the more stifling presence.

"Enchanted, I'm sure." Hart replied to Adelaide.

After Karolina explained the terms, it became apparent that if there was any figurehead calling the shots in the Reinhardt dynasty, it was this woman. After silencing Maria, Kat saw it fit to reply to Karolina. She figured she wouldn't find any other openings. This family seemed to be quite the handful.

"Yeah, understood....." The Super Kitty began.

"I don't intend to leave room for ambiguity or doubt. Just be sure to tell your heiress, Karla, the same would you?" There was no hesitation or faltering in her tone of voice. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Kat looked up at Karolina and spoke to her with the same tone and the same confident smile she wore on her face with most everyone, for better or for worse. She then looked to Maria, Johanna, and then Adelaide to be sure they all got the message

[Monsy]

The Reinhardts had Katherine Hart encircled. They netted around her on all sides, so an escape would be contested in any direction. Most were bigger and saw over her head, with each woman athletic in a way that they offered prowess to stack onto the woman that was bound to face one of their own. Adelaide was the most entertained, watching where their eyes lay and what they had to say. Addressing Karolina directly was just the sort of wrestler thing that Adelaide came to miss. The concept was still foreign to Karolina, who felt her brow twitch at such a negligence for their etiquette.

One simply didn’t just talk to a woman like her without being addressed by her first. But what was blasphemous to Karolina, fed the smile of Adelaide’s. Maria raised a brow at that word. Heiress. She scoffed, “I’m-” The scarf was yanked up again to silence her eldest daughter, and Adelaide’s gaze flickered between Karolina and the interviewee. Johanna had eyes for Katherine as well. There was an itch in her bones that they’d strike, and punish this overconfident non-Reinhardt. Maria felt it too. Adelaide as well, unsure as Karolina continued to look down the hall and avoiding giving them her eyes. Their cue rested on one simple gesture.

Karolina raised her hand, slowly, then started to laugh. She patted Adelaide’s shoulder, and nodded. “Very well.” She then turned her head to Kat, grinning ear-to-ear in a way that showed her teeth. That eye continued to twitch subtly. “You have my word. Second-born will know.”

She returned to a low chuckle, releasing Maria’s scarf as she marched on past Adelaide, with Johanna moving to not interfere with her path.

“Well. That. Was lame. I thought we were going to beat her up. At least, like, shove her or something. Call her names. Ask how many times her cat tail has been pulled. Uhhhh…Yeah. Like. Get her.” Maria rambled with a voice that trailed off and slowly lost its confidence as she hid her mouth behind the scarf. Then she lifted a brow, staring at Adelaide, who shrugged, then Kat, to whom she shuffled back from. She looked beside herself where Karolina no longer stood, and it dawned on her, “Hey, Mom, wait up!” She broke off into a small jog down the hall.

“Sheesh.” Adelaide spoke with a sigh, shaking her head as she watched them both leave, “Always glued like a puppy.”

“You can go too, dear.” Adelaide said to Johanna who left in turn as well. Now it would be just them. To which, Adelaide bowed her head. “Thank you for your time. We look forward to the contest.” She rose up, “Good luck.”


Now it was her turn to stride along with her Queen Bee and did so with a quick pivot on her ankle and a steady and firm pace as she went down the wall. But before she got too far, she turned around, “Oh. And by the way. Karolina’s heiress is actually the one with the scarf. Thought you should know.” And to that, she kept walking. Tonight was going to be a busy night.