The Perfectionists: Gwendolyn DuPont Bettencourt (D) vs Kyo Akamatsu (D)

[Underdoggo]

Kyo took a deep breath. A lot had been happening for him in the last few days.

Tonight was his big debut on LAW-- a first match in a new league, with a new audience, against new opponents. He wasn't scared, but it would have been dishonest to say he wasn't nervous. He had cut his teeth in a lot of the Indie leagues; he was no stranger to the squared circle, and if he was honest with himself, he had gained quite a lot of skill through both training and experience. But all the same, he didn't expect anyone here to recognize him for any of that. And while he had fought before large crowds before...he had never done so in an arena quite this big. So yes, he was definitely nervous.

He immediately went into a breathing exercise. In. Out. In. He focused inwards, allowing his emotions to settle. Slowly but surely, icy calm returned to him. Meditation, as always, served him well in his pro wrestling career. Hopefully it would serve him here as well. Even as he had this thought, his theme music blared; knowing that was his cue, he entered the arena.

Spoiler

The crowd burst into surprise as he strode down the arena, pumped up by the fast energy of his theme song. Kyo smiled and nodded at the cheering fans, but didn't do much to acknowledge them otherwise. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate their applause, it just wasn't his way to show a lot of hype or emotion when he entered the ring. Some wrestlers indulged in fanfare and emotional energy when they made their entrances: Kyo was reserved, quiet, and focused. In that way at least, he thought to himself, he was not his father's son: Dad had always exalted in the crowd's applause. More than one way I've taken after Mom instead, I guess, he thought to himself. He didn't dwell too much on the memory, although he deeply wished that both of them had been here to see him now.

Sliding under the ropes, Kyo hopped up to his feet. He had no idea who he was facing tonight, so he readied himself for anything. Rotating his shoulders, he he leaned against the ropes, watching the opposite ramp to see what new face would come striding down to face him...

[killcarrion]

Lost amidst a world of heavenly primping and attentive beautification from within her palatial private dressing room, Gwendolyn took note of a certain sense of rejuvenation now swelled within herself ever since astounding the wrestling world once news broke of alleviated clauses within her contract now enabling her to dabble in federations long thought forbidden to her. In actuality, these contract negotiations were a trifling matter for her considering the heiress conducts multi-million dealings before her afternoon tea and crumpets. Although in all fairness she scarcely anticipated the deluge of other recognizable wrestlers following suit soon afterwards. However she did find this intrepid venture most exhilarating as it were. A quaint change in scenery, profitable dealings with LAW furthering benefiting the Primol brand and Bettencourt name as a result. All alongside a fanbase salivating at the mere concept of possible matchups all doing wonders in convincing Gwendolyn that this adventurous endeavor was indeed the correct one. Gwendolyn arising from her chair once the finishing touches had been applied to her freshly polished finger nails and making headway towards beginning her approach towards the gorilla position.

Overture

The arena becoming illuminated in a palette of blue and gold from the stadiums internal lighting as her royal theme heralded the snooty high-borns illustrious entrance. Soon afterward striding outside clad in her frilly blue and gold outfit that clung tightly to every curvaceous contour of her flawless physique and accompanied by several track-suited attendants. The snobbish sophisticate adorned in a resplendently sparkling robe, arms extended to her sides as if allowing the teeming rabble around here the privilege of basking in the presence of premier wrestling royalty of this or any other generation. Exuding smug superiority with every prim and poised step taking her down the metallic ramp and inside the ring itself via a gap in the rope widened by her employees. Gwendolyn taking an initial assessment of the rather strapping young man before her on her ways towards the middle of the ring. "Hmm...Quite the quandary as to how we've yet to cross paths before this day considering our extensive tenure's within AFW. Still, subjugating the patriarch of such a venerated wrestling family will prove to be quite the feather in my metaphorical cap, wouldn't you agree~..." Gwen elegantly stated with one of her elbow's propped atop the palm of her other hand and index finger touching the side of her lips.

Gwendolyn Dupont Bettencourt

[Underdoggo]

Kyo hadn't known what to expect from his opponent or their entrance. This was all new territory for him, with a new arena, new audience, new everything. He absolutely did not expect Handel to suddenly start playing on the loudspeakers, filling the arena with an elegant concerto of trumpets, woodwinds and violins. He expected even less that his opponent would arrive with an entourage.

But arrive she did: clad in a sparkling robe, her immaculately curled hair trailing all the way down to her lower back, and with several attendants following her, the newcomer moved with a haughty grace, showing nothing but arrogant disdain for the audience as she made her way to the arena. Little by little, Kyo recognized the newcomer. He had seen quite a few of her matches in the past. Oh no...

A sour feeling entered his gut. This woman wasn't a cheater or even a particularly bad heel, but her attitude, and her overbearing arrogance, didn't exactly make her a pleasant person, either.

Kyo watched and waited as Gwendolyn made her way into the ring, and listened to her opening taunt. All the while, of course, Kyo gauged his opponent: for all of her frilly attire, immaculate makeup and pompous finery, one didn't get to the level she had gotten to by being a poor wrestler: even with the size difference between them, Gwendolyn was not to be underestimated. Of course, since Gwen had started the banter, Kyo was obliged to respond: courtesy required courtesy in turn...even if it did carry a veiled insult.

"I assure you, Madam Bettencourt, if we haven't faced each other until now, it hasn't been because I've been avoiding you," Kyo replied, placing a hand on his chest and giving a short, polite bow. "Your reputation precedes you, Madam, in more ways than one. That being said, I fear the only thing you will be subjugating today is whatever drink gives you comfort after you lose this match."

[killcarrion]

Although Gwendolyn would attest to possessing scant influence as to whom her scheduled adversary would be this night, the snobbish socialite deemed this stoic combatant to be an acceptable challenger given his aforementioned wrestling pedigree, honed physique, and competitive fire within his eyes that she caught fleeting glimpses of. The Akamatsu name becoming so ingrained within the previous establishments foundations that bandied about matchup possibilities were frequently considered but subsequently disregarded due to scheduling conflicts or other unfortunate circumstances. In all likelihood this contest was specifically scheduled in order to rectify this baffling omission within the annals of wrestling history and determine if the illustrious Bettencourt regality can subdue the tenacious Akamatsu ferality. A quandary which Gwen remains supremely undaunted in obviously reigning victorious, although she was nevertheless taken aback by her foe's cordial demeanor and rakish wit.

"...*giggle*...How intriguing. Courteously addressing a noblewoman of such dignified refinement as myself speaks most highly of you, Master Kyo. Allow me than to offer you the same assurance of abject innocence in regards to playing any hand in our proverbial ships having never crossed paths until this most auspicious day. Whatsay we forego any further idle prattle considering how obscenely delayed this clandestine bout has become. Educating you on the folly of underestimating my cultured superiority may take an equal amount of time as updating your apparently dated and subpar choices in alcoholic beverages~..." Gwendolyn coyly remarked with a coquettish smile and elegant bowing curtsy, afterward her attendants dutifully disrobed her cape and hurriedly exited as the ring bell signaled the commencement of the match. Posh verbiage and flippant retorts aside, Gwendolyn began circling the ring alongside Kyo. At first seemingly engaging and locking arms, but adjusted into a snug side-headlock with a protracted stance of her toned leg.

[Underdoggo]

Well, if there was one thing that could be said about Gwendolyn, she was certainly a talker. With a smile and a coquettish giggle, she proceeded to make a long winded remark about Kyo's comment, about how and why they had never crossed paths until now, about her obvious superiority...all the while inserting so many needlessly flowery words that Kyo was starting to wonder if she had swallowed a thesaurus. Kyo's blood was blue in its own right, but even then, he had never had need to take refinement to this ridiculous degree.

Of course, he remained as stoic as he could, and hid his irritation as best as he could. It was a blessing when the bell finally rang.

Rotating rotating his neck muscles, Kyo moved into a casual circle, taking a quick glance to note Gwendolyn's movements; as expected, his golden haired opponent moved with a practiced, confident ease, motioning for a lockup. It was as expected: behind all of that refinement was an experienced and skilled wrestler.

Seeing Gwendolyn's motion for a lockup, Kyo eagerly accepted and darted in. There were a few seconds of pushing and twisting, of Kyo and Gwen testing one another's reactions...and then suddenly Gwendolyn was spinning to the side, snagging his head. He grimaced as his head was suddenly pulled tightly in a side headlock, squeezed between Gwen's encircling arm and the warm roundness of her bust.

He gritted his teeth as Gwen squeezed into him. "Very generous of you to take the lead, madam," he said, "but I'm quite familiar with this dance." So saying, he would twist at Gwen's wrist with both hands before pulling his head backward; if he managed to free his head, then he would waste no time before wrenching Gwen's arm behind her back in a chickenwing hammerlock, countering Gwen's hold with one of his own as the two engaged in some classic chain wrestling...

[killcarrion]

Eloquence, at its highest pitch, leaves little room for reason or reflection, but addresses itself entirely to desires and affections, captivating the willing hearers, and subduing their understanding...or in more layman terms, Gwendolyn can sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves. The heiress' verbose nature ensures her ability to beguile and persuade those possessing feeble intellects into believing whatever she says. A particularly handy character trait of hers when it comes to assuaging the concerns of weak-minded board members or delighting fellow figures of the societal elite with charming repartee and mirthful witticisms at posh country clubs. Refined elocution lessons since she was but a young nipper showcasing itself thusly to the elder Akamatsu sibling who appeared not particularly taken with Gwen's scintillating syntax, therefore she ultimately came to the conclusion that actions would indeed do her far greater justice instead when it came to impressing upon Kyo the level of grappling skill he was contending with tonight.

At first seemingly engaging with her crimson eyed adversary by locking horns with Kyo, muscles flaring within her svelte physique alongside a sustained stance of competitive resistance. Gwendolyn assigning no more than just the right amount of strength to ensure a stalemate considering she'd swiftly abandon the venture altogether to ensnare Kyo within a stifling side headlock betwixt her bicep and heavenly abundance. A position of control regrettably shortlived once Gwen noticed Kyo's coy retort accompanied by him fidgeting his head free and pinning that same arm between her shoulder blades. The Snobbish Socialite stifling the shrill discomfort but showcasing it anyway via pained winces and balancing herself on her tip-toes, Gwen spying her foe over her shoulder with a hazel eyed glare. Some nimble footwork and using the elbow of her free arm to break one of his hands off her wrist allowing Gwen to pivot in the direction of his other arm, Kyo's limb now torqued into an Arm Wringer as the chain wrestling continued with a snide retort. "And it's scarcely my first dance, either~..."

[Underdoggo]

Gwendolyne was deceptively strong-- strong enough that the side headlock from her put quite a bit of pressure on his skull and neck. Had it gone on for any longer and Kyo was certain that he would have gotten fairly red-faced (and not just due to the close proximity to Gwen's cleavage). As it was, however, he was able to expertly twist his way free, wrenching the socialite's arm behind her back in a chickenwing. To Gwen's credit, of course, she did not cry out in pain-- merely giving a short but sharp wince-- but Kyo could tell that his hold was having its desired effect.

It wasn't to last, of course.

Moving quickly, Gwen used her elbow to bat one of his hands away, before spinning around and locking in an arm wringer. Kyo barely suppressed a hiss of pain, clutching his shoulder with his free arm as Gwen began to twist at it cruelly. His description of this as a dance hadn't been idle wordlplay, of course: this bit of chain wrestling was a formality, the two of them testing one another out before the true battle began.

"I...noticed...." Kyo hissed through clenched teeth. . "You...are a very graceful dancer...in that regard, Miss Bettencourt." Without waiting for a reply, however, Kyo would suddenly duck low, trying to get under Gwen's arm and unbalance her...and then swipe one of his boot's at hers, trying to complete the act of unbalancing her by swiftly judo tossing her to the mat! It wasn't meant to her or even stun her, but it would force some breathing space between the two of them...

[killcarrion]

Kyo could indeed rest assured that his irksomely well-applied chickenwing hammerlock brought about torrents of prickled pain all throughout Gwendolyn's angled arm. The heiress merely having become accustomed to keeping a stiff upper lip after such an acclaimed wrestling career such as hers, even with her pampered upbringing having shielded her from life's pain-inducing dilemmas. Gwendolyn maintaining that sitting through laboriously dull presentations at the helm of her company being a far more torturous ordeal than any submission maneuver. Instead Gwendolyn channeled her vexations into thinking of escape solutions before maneuvering herself into attempting one, the heiress reversing her misfortune back upon her scruffy-haired adversary with a twisting arm wringer compelling Kyo to slouch over himself.

"And you may just yet prove yourself to be a suitable dance partner, Master Kyo~..." Gwendolyn smugly preened while placing an arm on his shoulder and maintaining what she wrongfully assumed was a predicament Kyo would need more time to circumvent. The smack at her legs unsettling her stance in the preamble to being hefted off of her feet, yelping briefly from the seamless judo throw...that the nimble aristocrat leaned into enough to wind up gracefully landing on her marble-white boots!! The chain wrestling continuing onward as Gwendolyn started dashing to the adjacent ropes using the judo flips forward propulsion as a starting base, turning to bounce off the tethers and sprint back towards Kyo with a nimble leap situating herself upon his shoulders. Kyo partaking of a view most would only dreamily envision before becoming catapulted off his feet in an attempted hurricanrana.

[Underdoggo]

If there was one thing that Kyo could claim that he had in ample supply, it was technique, especially when it came to grappling. As he managed to escape from Gwen's headlock and winch the heiress' arm tightly behind her back, he didn't make the mistake of staying in the hold for long, as it was one that she could have easily escaped from: instead, he maintained his momentum, moving to knock her leg out from under her and flip her, hoping to slam her down hard onto her back.

Except, his quip about Gwen being a graceful dancer quickly came back to haunt him, as the blonde elegantly landed on her feet, and did so with more than a little hauteur in her step. With Kyo still holding onto her arm, Gwen suddenly dashed up against the ropes, stepping lithely on the middle and then top ropes, balancing perfectly. It was so impressive that Kyo, for a brief moment, neglected to yank her back down again: sometimes, even if it wasn't to your advantage, you just had to respect an opponent's skill.

And then she leapt off, smooth thighs suddenly latching tightly around Kyo's head as he found himself with a very close view between her legs. He didn't even have time to go red with embarassment before alarm bells rang in his head and he realized he was about to be hit with a hurricanrana.

And a split second he was, flipped over heels by the expertly applied throw. But he had given him just enough time to throw himself backwards as Gwen threw him, accelerating the throw enough so that he was able to affect a smoothe landing, hitting the mat legs first and rolling, springing upwards against and rebounding off the ropes back towards Gwen, matching her skillful counter with one of his own.

"As may you!" he breathed as he hurtled towards Gwen, arm raised for a lariat.

[killcarrion]

Immaculate finesse and balletic poise were being artfully displayed by the Haughty Highborn all throughout what was swiftly becoming a masterclass showcase of seamless grappling between the dueling competitors. Instinctual and practically reflexive though her counterplay was, Gwendolyn willfully admitted that this could only be achieved thanks to the same focused concentration she utilizes whenever performing her fiscal duties within the corporate boardroom setting. Understanding the options available to her, no matter how stressful the situation is, was a honed skill that her enabled her family company to be comfortably in the black thus far and has produced equally beneficial results when it comes to the squared circle. Gwendolyn spying the ring ropes within sprinting distance and committing herself to the newly concocted plan of action with little hesitancy, Kyo joining the rest of the audience in being equally gobsmacked by her tightroped stance before pivoting into a snug seat atop her foe's shoulders.

Heavenly though her supple thighs assuredly felt once tightened all around his head, both this delightful experience and the accompanying viewpoint would be upended by the hurricanrana spiraling him backward head over heels. Gwendolyn gracefully landing and observing the outcome over her shoulder with a haughty huff that Kyo had already skillfully recovered. The breakneck pace of the match continuing unabated with the agile aristocrat perplexingly dashing straight towards the lariat which practically had her name cursively signed on it. Ducking underneath Kyo's arms and performing a nimble sideways leap that brought the pompous snob astride horizontally against Kyo's back while grapevining her smooth legs around his left arm with Gwen's arms hooked around the other. A split-second being spent holding that piggyback position before a snapping backdrop completed Gwen's Imperial Cross crucifix pin attempt with a slam back down to the canvas, the heiress locking her taut legs as the referee collapsed to the floor which she commenced slapping her palm against!!!

"1!"