The Shadow Comes Back to LAW

[Vc0m]

It was almost two years since the Shadow Lord, Clara GASTER, has been in LAW.

Her last televised match has been the Lightweight title match, the loss to which was said to have broken her spirit, the Brit requesting the company for a hiatus from wrestling while still under contract as she left for her home in Newcastle.

From there, it were very sporadic appearances on house shows run by LAW in UK, most of them solely run in order to promote the Shadow Lord on the card...but the accessibility to these matches for the fans has been extremely limited at the Brit's request. Outside of that, she actually made a good number of appearances in UK independent film productions, even scoring a lead role in one, as well as a good number of paychecks.

Someone who was endlessly asked about her had been her sister, who herself took a sabbatical from wrestling, though staying in Japan, taking on an occasional big LAW match, well in her off time, fighting in various fight clubs and independent tournaments around the country, her loss in her match at We Are LAW 2019 also having been a discouraging experience for the lightweight.

And yet, in November 2020, LAW head office received a call.

Within a minute of insiders reporting on it, a "Surprise appearance" ad was launched for LAW on social media, hyping up a return of someone...

...though naturally, between the insiders, and the rumored names, everyone knew who was coming back.

The creepy song Clara debut at We Are LAW 2019 played as the audience erupted with cheers, the Shadow Lord appearing without her mask, but with a yellow hoodie and jeans, peering into the crowd, wearing a neutral expression on her face as she simply stood on the entrance ramp for a good few minutes...

...before she smiled into the distance.

Clara Gaster has been a nervous wreck the last few weeks, having returned to Japan only 5 days ago, after sorting everything with her old landlord over in UK. She's been gone for 21 months. In some cases, absence made the heart go yonder...but with how she disappeared, she worried the fans would see her as they did when she first debut again - weak comedy lady.

And yet, with her smile to the audience's loud cheers, it was confirmed to her that they did indeed miss her.

She made her way down the ramp, and slid into the ring, microphone already in hand, as she stood in the middle of the ring. Her theme grew quiet...

...as she realized she forgot her entire speech she had planned for the next 10 minutes of time she had planned for herself:

"Keep calm keep calm keep calm..."

"Ok, let's go by notes: greeting the crowd, getting them on my side, announcing my stuff for We Are LAW...that sort of thing...ok let's do it"

The song went completely quiet as Clara got the microphone to her lips:

"Hi---"

"WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK!"

The loudness of the chant took Clara by complete surprise. It was even louder now than when she made her way onto the entrance ramp. Were the crowd not sure that who they were seeing were real?

The crowd went through their paces, chanting "WE HAVE MISSED YOU", along with general "GASTER" and "SHADOW LORD" chants. Clara wanted to cry with happiness, wearing a wide smile on her face. Her speech was once again a mess in her head, but the moment the crowd got quiet, the words came naturally to her mouth:

"You know, it would be weird of me to say "I am back" to greet all of you guys. Like I am now...without this...", she waved her hand around her face, simulating a mask:

"...besides We Are LAW almost 2 years ago now, most people didn't see me like this. So, quite simply, introductions are in order."

"My name is Clara Gaster. Even without my mask, even without my alter ego, I am still the Shadow Lord. I will tie my foes in knots, and laugh about it maniacally. And I am here to prove beyond the shadow of a doubt, I am not only the best lightweight, not only the best in LAW, but I am the greatest wrestler in the entire multiverse!", she confidently declared

The crowd perked up as she paced around the ring, Clara soaking the cheers in:

"And there is no better way to start than with the upcoming We Are LAW. And to prove my superiority in wrestling, I declare an open challenge for the event! Anyone, anyone who I've ever beaten, anyone who I've never even faced, are welcome to fall down to me! Mwahahaha!"

"Not only that, in fact, but you can choose the stipulation for the match as well! Just...just...just keep it above the belt rules please...", she giggled as the crowd laughed with her, as she lifted the microphone to her lips once more...

[thesteedman]

Much to the dismay of the watching crowd, "Fantasy" by 'I Will Never be the Same' begins to explode with high base and volume on the PA system within the arena. The audience who had been so excited moments ago over the much anticipated return of GASTER found their mood making a complete 180 turn. It was all too clear why moments into the song when upon the top of the ramp, a familiar presence soon appeared.

Normally the Baroness was accompanied by at least a dozen maids during her entrance, who all took part to prep the French Tyrant as she entered the ring, however... today it was just the woman herself. She stood, clad in a dark cloak that was befitting of royalty, with ornate shoulder pads that almost made her seem like a comic book villainess. The silver haired wrestler walked with a leisurely pace, taking her sweet time as she did not even acknowledge the presence nor dismay of the jeering crowds all around her.

Her eyes remained on Clara Gaster as she made her journey, her expression was stoic, her demeanour as calm and as sinister as ever. Finally she reached the ring, climbing the steps and elegantly slipping through the ropes to join the fan favourite Shadow Lord within the ring. By now the crowd were chanting for Gaster, wanting their heroine to strike down Baroness as she had done so once before. There was somewhat of a standoff, as the Baroness remained in one corner, wearing a glare within her eyes as Gaster stood opposite.

There was a long pause when Baroness' entrance music finally eased down. Neither wrestler moved, leaving the crowd to speculate what would happen next. The crowd were more active than usual despite this, all cheering and jeering the respective parties. No doubt finding the Baroness' mere presence an insult upon the return of Clara Gaster to the ring. A long minute would come to pass, and the crowd only grew more present with their ambience. Soon enough however, a sly twisted smile appeared upon the lips of the Baroness. It was a strange sight to see such a beautiful woman morph into something so sinister with a mere expression.

Slowly one of her arms came out from under the cloak, indicating she was wearing royal-esque elegant clothing below. What was more of note however was the mic that was within her hands. It seemed the French Tyrant had come down here to say something, slowly rising the mic to her lips. She was about to speak before the crowd began to roar out in rage... not even wanting to know what the heel had to say. The Baroness paused... waiting... She had more patience then was reasonable, as it took a few minutes for the crowd to settle, realising they would discover nothing with jeering, and knowing too well the Baroness could remain in place all day and wait. She would only speak when there was absolute silence... and eventually it came.

During the rants of the crowd her eyes never left Gaster.
"Oh... do not mind me. By all means 'Shadow Lord'... please continue with what you were saying." The Baroness finally spoke, her enthralling French accent ever present within her tone. There was an evident condescending tone whilst she spoke, especially when she stated Clara's ring name, and slowly the Baroness seemed to ease back against the corner for a moment, once more... her eyes never left the lightweight wrestler. Those watching from home began to realise that the moment she entered the ring, she had not blinked once.

"Something about an open challenge I believe? Surely I misheard such a bold statement from a petite lady such as yourself. That would be ridiculous would it not? Please... just continue as if I was not here. Do not let me interrupt you. Just make sure that when you speak... you speak sense." The Baroness whispered, still holding a glare and a intimidating stance to further uphold her menacing presence in the ring. As the Baroness lowered the mic, she slowly began to walk around the outside of the mat surface, as if slowly circling Gaster, like a predator surrounding and watching its prey. It seemed now that it was Gaster's time to speak, but already the crowd were showing their displeasure for Baroness' arrival and condescending tone.

[Vc0m]

An unknown tune would interrupt Clara as she turned to the entrance ramp...while keeping her eyes on her sides as well. By the time her hiatus started, she had too many women who she would consider her enemies...and ones that would want to ruin her return by ambushing her from behind her...

...but the woman who would be approaching her didn't need anything of the sort. She could simply ruin Clara's return with her presence alone.

Clara's heart skipped a bit as she saw the Baroness, Stephanie Renaud, make her way to the ring, slow as she could. She knew that all of this was to get at her, get her fearful, get her scared of her...but Clara was determined to not let it show on her face. Besides, while this woman attempted to turn Bodyscissors into an actual pair of scissors, she ultimately failed as she fell to a single angry punch from the Shadow Lord. She didn't have to be afraid of the Baroness. She wouldn't let her ruin today. As she walked down the ramp, Clara kept determined gaze on her nemesis, Baroness's cold gaze clashing with Clara's determined one. Soon, she climbed in, and the two women stayed at the opposite sides of the ring for a good minute, the fans carrying the show for a little while with clashing chants, half the audience determined to hate on the Baroness, while the other half did not forget about the other lady in the ring.

Finally, a minute passed, and the Baroness would twist her lips into an evil smile, as she got a microphone from under her robes, Clara catching glimpse of an expensive dress underneath, making her believe, at least for the moment, Baroness did not come to fight physically. Right as she was about to speak however, fans broke into the chant for Clara, and showered Baroness with angry rants. Clara smiled warmly herself, unbreaking the line of sight with the Baroness, but more than happy that literally everyone in the arena was behind her tonight. Baroness let the crowd rage until they tired themselves out, before Baroness finally spoke with her icy voice. As she spoke, she circled the ring, Clara moving in a similar motion to the icy Frenchwoman to keep her fully in her line of sight.

"Hm...sense...Interesting. Those are some bold words from a woman who got knocked down with a single punch the last time we met...and one who couldn't accept the idea of losing to me..."

Clara took a deep breath, and exhaled: "But, as you requested, I will speak sense. Our match wasn't a win for me. The punch was a lucky, angry shot. And I understand why you wanted the rematch after that..."

"...but here's some more sense, Stephanie."

Clara marched towards Stephanie, measuring up to her rival face to face as she spoke into the microphone once more: "There is not a trace of the scared girl I was back then that's left in me now. You are here for your rematch, and whatever you want, I will grant it to you....and I will make you pay for our last match. I will force you to tap out, and force you to admit I am your better., the Shadow Lord would confidently finish.

[thesteedman]

There was a measure of truth to Clara's words, that could not be denied. The Lightweight Fan Favourite squared up to the French Tyant and returned the intimidating gaze with no signs of backing down. In the past, GASTER may have done such a thing, but truly be cowering her fears behind the ugly expressionless mask she was known to don. There was a look of determination upon her beautiful features this time. No mask to hide behind... it was all Clara... Quite a nice change as now the Baroness was able to take in her alluring appearance.

Still, the Baroness couldn't help but smile once more for all of GASTER's defiance. Time had passed since her defeat to Clara, and that anger that had once long boiled within had finally settled, especially now that a chance had come to return the favour. That was not to say it was gone, but patience is a virtue and soon its rewards would be reaped... Baroness expectantly didn't move when Gaster approached. Nothing changed at all in her stance, she didn't tense up or ready herself, nor did she rise to the challenge... she stood as if Clara was not a threat to her, and also possessed quite a height difference. The crowd by now were all on their feet, all backing up Clara with chants of her name. She had the crowd tonight, she had it every night, helping push her confidence.

The sight of their hero standing up to the 'bully' as it were was awe inspiring. Baroness didn't have to look at the crowd to know that... the constant blinking of flashing lights and the noise of cellphones snapping pictures said more than their incessant rejoicing ever could. The Baroness managed a small giggle however... Sure... Gaster stood her ground with determination, but the watching audience couldn't see what Stephanie could. Up close and personal with the British beauty, Baroness could take in everything. The ever so slight tremble in the wrist of her hand that held the mic... and that look deep within those stunning jade eyes betrayed her true feelings. She was afraid...

Baroness realised that Clara had merely traded one mask for another. There was still fear there, it had existed since the two first clashed heads, and it seemed that fear had not subsided in all the time that Clara had been away. Not even her victory over the Baroness had shifted that true feeling in her core. The crowd didn't know... as far as the Baroness was concerned they did not need to know. She would reveal it all to them in time... the trap had already been set, and Clara had unwillingly sprung it. Her outburst would be costly. It was time to swing things around...

"Then it is settled... Perhaps your absence has given you at least some measure of sense after all." The Baroness whispered into the mic, a grotesque and wicked smile slowly began to creep upon her attractive lips. Given the volume of the device, all could hear her words clearly despite her low tone.
"At 'We are LAW'... The Baroness challenges Clara GASTER, to a wrestling match. Knockout or Submission only..." The Baroness spoke, her voice now loud and commanding. Once more she began to circle Clara, now much closer to her then before with Clara closing the distance. She smiled as she walked behind her, tracing a hand delicately over her shoulder for a brief moment... no doubt trying to get a reaction from her would be opponent for the upcoming PPV. The crowd were calling for Stephanie's head by now.. desperate to hear Clara accept... but the Baroness had one more card to play before Clara could even answer.

"Knockout.... or Submission only... Bikini Match..." Baroness made sure to add and stress. Her smile seemed to somehow grow more, her trap had been set. The crowd began mixed reactions to the sudden addition of stipulation to the match. For Baroness it meant nothing, given she wore very little during a wrestling match anyway... but for Clara Gaster, it changed things. The Baroness was looking to force her hand... tilt the match to her own favour with her usual deplorable minds games. Could Clara really deny the challenge after her brave words?!
"We'll fight on the same level... and we'll finally prove if last time was just... a lucky punch." The Baroness whispered, almost snake like with venom in her tone.

[Vc0m]

Clara felt her head pounding inside her skull in the face of the Baroness, determined to not let a single motion, no matter how small, give away her true emotions inside of her, the fear she had over fighting against Stephanie Renaud once more. The fans made this easier to do, the confidence in their voice empowering Clara's heart to ignore the fear!

The two women standing, staring at each other, made for a perfect pic for both the fans in attendance, and for official LAW photographers at ringside, who now had perfect advertisement material for We Are LAW.

Finally, the crucial moment came, as Baroness slowly let her terms for the match be known. Clara stood still as Baroness walked behind her, her breathing getting irregular as she felt her nemesis's cold hand tracing her shoulder. Submissions and Knockouts sounded reasonable, she did want to force Baroness to submit to prove herself better than her. Right as she moved the microphone to her lips to reply, Baroness added the last word.

Bikini match.

For Stephanie, this wasn't a factor - her attire was a bikini...for Clara however...

This wouldn't be the first time she fought in a bikini...but those were either in private affairs or during smaller shows. We Are LAW was the biggest show of LAW, with millions streaming it, and 10000s people in attendance.

There was no other way around it. The bikini stipulation was solely for Baroness to psyche her foe out even more outside of her general attitude towards the Brit...

...but, she laid the terms. They weren't unreasonable, so she either accepted or be viewed as a coward. And for her, those days were done. She turned to Baroness with the mic to her lips:

"You are acting as if me in a bikini is something evil...all that means is that I'll make you submit, and look stunning doing it!", Clara said to cheers, despite an obvious blush appearing on her cheeks: "You are on!"

[thesteedman]

Stephanie knew all at once that she had perhaps underestimated the resolve of Clara. Despite the evidence of fear from the smallest of telltale signs, it seemed the young woman was able to overcome such feelings, keeping that brave face for the watching audience who were now in an uproar of appraise for their would be champion. Clara had accepted the challenge, and that was cause for celebration from those present as lungs were emptied loudly and feet were stamped along the ground in deplorable unison. Not one to normally acknowledge the existence of the peasants beyond the ring... even the Baroness could no longer ignore them as she looked around the arena with a clear hint of distain.

Clara had not even hesitated when the challenge was laid bare... and that notion disappointed the Baroness somewhat... perhaps she should have went a step further and doubled down to make their upcoming match a POW stipulation if Clara was so willing and eager for a rematch. A victory was still a victory none the less however... Clara had bit down on the bait, and now the Baroness finally had a chance to take revenge upon the lightweight wrestler that had the audacity to defeat her.

When the watching crowd finally began to settle down... (as long as it took them) the Baroness raised the mic to her lips once more.
"Then it's a date." She whispered with an elegance to her French heavy tone. The Baroness could not deny that there was a temptation to lash out upon the Shadowlord. Give the watching crowd a taste of what to expect when the PPV came around. It would be so easy to storm and overwhelm the smaller wrestler... no doubt her guard was up somewhat, but given Stephanie's current attire it would not be hard to assault her... wrap her up in a gruelling squeeze and display her to the crowd.

She near shuddered with delight at the thought... at the very notion of it all.... but it could wait, she would have her chance. The PPV was not far away, and soon enough Clara would be forced to fight the Baroness on her own level. Stephanie made no effort to hide her perversion as she looked Clara up and down eagerly, biting on her lower lip as she was already undressing her with her minds eye.
"I will see you soon... Belle Femme." The Baroness teased, before tossing the mic away towards an idle staff member at ring side. The French Tyrant began to slowly back away from Clara, never taking her eyes off her until she gracefully exited from the ring.

The crowd began to jeer the Baroness as she blew a kiss towards Clara, before fashioning a expression of twisted delight. Clara vs the Baroness was certainly going to become one of the highlights of the highly anticipated upcoming PPV!

[Vc0m]

Clara looked carefully at Stephanie. The smallest hint of her going at her, trying to give her a taste of the match in a few weeks, and she would not hesitate to fight back. The Baroness was not a foe she would ever underestimate, in and out of the match. Even if the Icy Frenchwoman was here to steal her thunder, she was going to make sure she had even a shred of the same fear that the Brit held for Baroness right now.

And yet it didn't happen, as Baroness said her farewells, appraising Clara with her eyes, and giving her a compliment (from what little French she knew). She quickly shook her head in response to that, knowing Stephanie was just trying to get into her head.

Baroness's new theme blared on speakers as Clara's time for her challenge came to a close. Cameras went blank as the crowd continued chanting her name in spite of Baroness's dissipating song, smiling despite the heavy worries on her heart.