A I R A vs Cecilia Lombard - Apex Qualifiers

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A I R A vs Cecilia Lombard
Standard Match
Win via Pinfall, Submission, or Disqualification
This match is an Apex Qualifier bout, completion will count to each characters' required matches

Aira sat down on the locker room bench. Taking a deep breath as she had a match that would be her qualifying match for Apex. She was already in her ring gear, done her pre-match warmups. But she knew that her giving her 100% isn't going to be enough to be qualified for Apex. As she intends to reach that title early in her career. The young upstart stood up and tied her hair to the side. She put on her respirator before taking her light sticks with her out of the locker room.

Heading to the backstage, there were thoughts and doubts on how her performance would go... What if she's not good enough to be a standard for Apex? What if she would face something that she have never experienced before... And what if she's not the bright young star she's meant to be? With those thoughts rolling around her mind. The arena then starts playing her intro throughout the speakers. Shaking off the thoughts as she noticed that, she walked out.

Walking out to a dark arena with a shade of blue. Aira stood at the center of the stage. As her theme kicks up the spotlight goes towards her as red and white smoke sprays out beside her. She walked past the smoke and points to the LAW Apex Logo with her light sticks that shines with the color red and white respectively. The crowd let out a roar of cheer as she made her presence known. Aira took a sigh of relief as she looked around to the crowd before making her way through the entrance ramp.

She walked near the front crowd and lend her hand for some high fives to the front crowd as she passed them. Passing the light sticks over to the ring crew when she's nearing the ring. She hops onto the apron and turn herself around leaning her back against the ropes. Hopping up as she flipped over the top rope. She spun around and pointed to the crowd while walking towards her corner. Climbing up her corner as she heard the announcer announcing her...

"Coming out from Jakarta, Indonesia... Weighed in 70 kilos and 1.67 meters tall... Explosive Color... AIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"

She took out her respirator as the announcer shouted her name and smiled confidently as the crowd continued to cheer for this upstart. As her music slowly fades away, she hops down and tosses over her respirator to the ring crew to take it away. She turned around to face the entrance and leaned back to the corner as she waited for her opponent to come out.

Appearance

[CaptainL]

From the moment she entered the ring, Aira stood out as a crowd-pleaser. Her entrance was brightly colored and full of motion and movement, whipping the fans up into a fervor as though she were the star of a pop concert. Not only was she eager to show what she could do and to prove herself a worthy contender for the Openweight Championship, she was ready to energize her fans and to get them to rally behind her.

For her opponent, that couldn't be further from the truth.

"And her opponent, from Detroit, Michigan! At 61 kilos and 1.68 meters tall, CECILIAAAAAA LOMBARD-!"

Spoiler

As soon as the ring announcer's call finished, the lights in the arena suddenly went dark. And, as Cecilia's music began playing, a spotlight shone down as the beat hit its crescendo, showing the silver-haired heel standing atop the entrance ramp. Her eyes were fixed in a disapproving glare, and her fist was clenched tightly at her side as she stared down at Aira, her other hand resting on her hip. Cecilia's entrance was more somber; even as she began to descend the ring, she was only lit by the lights overhead coming on one by one with each step she took in tune with the beat of the music. But she wasn't here to entertain anyone, or to put on a show. Cecilia was here to win. And when winning could bring her one step closer to the Openweight Championship, and to proving her place at the top of the company...she couldn't ask for anything less.

Many in the crowd booed her as she came to the ring. Others were simply too struck by her confidence and composure, which never broke; she held her back straight and her glare fixed on her opponent the whole way through, until she came to the ring and climbed in over the ropes. Even the judges, seated at ringside, were silent, keeping a close eye on the action - though one of them, none other than veteran journalist and LAW Magazine writer Eiji Matsumoto, leaned in close; he seemed particularly assured in Cecilia's chances after witnessing Aira's spectacle.

Once inside the ring, Cecilia crossed her arms and rolled out her neck, storming closer to Aira. "So you like flashy lights, big deal...is that going to save you when the bell rings?"

[LowDefinition]

Aira looked towards the entrance as the arena went dark. And as her opponent appeared, the staredown began. Her gaze sharpened as she was focused on her opponent. If their entrance were any signs... Aira was perhaps the hero in this match in terms of crowd reaction. Her gaze was fixated to Cecilia as she stretches her arm lightly. The match seemed to be made as a classic face versus heel. Clearly showing that it was a test for her to show if she can stand against a strong villainous adversary.

Aira stopped her stretches as Cecilia entered the ring. Placing her hands on her waist, taking a deep breath as she closed her eyes. Opening her eyes to gaze straight to Cecilia eye to eye in a face to face staredown. Unfazed with the threat, Aira let out a grin. "Think I'm that easy to beat?" She asked before the referee broke off the two of them and led Cecilia back to her corner. And shortly after, the referee took a check on Cecilia and make sure she don't hid anything. Though Aira's eyes don't seem to break off from the stare. And right after that, the referee went on to Aira. Raising her arm in compliance as the ref patted her legs and her outfit lightly.

When the referee is done, she then walked to the center of the ring, glancing at both wrestlers to see if they're all ready. Aira took on her stance, legs spread with her right arm raised slightly. "Let's do this." She let out, once the two are ready. The referee signals for the bell. Starting off the match, Aira started off by circling the ring and watching what Cecilia would do next. With her arm extended forward, inviting her for a grapple.

[CaptainL]

For Aira, this had to be a dream come true. She was still making a name for herself in this company, but this was her chance to truly put her skills to the test - and everyone believed in her. She had a hero's welcome, and now she was ready to show the fans what she could do against a woman who had earned nothing but their scorn. This was her chance to save the day.

For Cecilia...this was a day like any other. Aira barely even warranted her concern. Just another headstrong rookie, looking to bite off more than they could chew, and about to get demolished for their efforts. She'd seen it many times before, and she would no doubt see it many times since. As she was led back to the corner, Cecilia leaned against the turnbuckles, her arms draped over the ropes. The referee paid special attention to her to make sure if she was hiding anything, but even then, Cecilia maintained her casual and disinterested attitude. She shrugged her shoulders, staring up at the lights overhead. She had no reason to care - not when she was already so confident in how things would go.

At last, as the bell rang and the match began, Cecilia pushed herself off the ropes, closing in on her opponent. She huffed, shaking her head. "You really have no idea, do you..." she muttered.

Coming in closer to Aira, Cecilia took her invitation, the two meeting for a lockup. However, rather than keeping things even for long, Cecilia was quick to break the position in favor of one where she held the advantage. She would swerve to the side, looking to grab hold of Aira's arm to twist her hand back for a wristlock!

[LowDefinition]

Aira quickly met with Cecilia on the center of the ring with a lockup. While eager, Aira is looking carefully to see what Cecilia is able to do. Not really making a move to her advantage. And then to see Cecilia break off the lockup and quickly swerved to the side. Aira could see that she was aiming for her hand. Being taught in a technical move, Aira quickly pulled her arm back and spun around and quickly approached Cecilia's back. Wrapping her left arm around Cecilia's neck as she catches Cecilia's wrist with her right hand and twists her arm as she pulled her to the back and held her in a combination of one armed sleeper hold and hammer lock.

"Not bad I see, but seems like I caught your move." She said lightly as she wrenches her hold on Cecilia. Keeping her in place in the center of the ring as she tried not to let Cecilia escape in the hold. While thinking on what move to transition into after this hold.

[CaptainL]

Cecilia was willing to start things off on even ground, but she wasn't about to let that last long. At the first opportunity she saw, she went to claim the upper hand - and she was quick to break the lockup enough to circle around her opponent, grabbing for her arm. A sinister smirk crossed Cecilia's face with anticipation of the pain she was about to inflict on the eager rookie. This girl had no idea what she was getting into - but if she wanted to throw herself into the running for the Openweight Title, she was going to need a wakeup call.

But to Cecilia's surprise, Aira was more prepared than she'd anticipated. Her fingers only reached out and snapped at thin air, while the Indonesian girl swerved behind her! Cecilia barely had time to gasp before she found one arm thrown around her throat, while the other twisted her arm behind her back. Now, her back pulled in against Aira's body, Cecilia was getting a taste of her own medicine!

Her teeth clenched in a grimace, and her face contorted in rage the more Aira put pressure on the hold, the pain building on her arm. Hearing her brag about it only made it worse. "I know that," Cecilia shot back, growling under her breath. She coughed and gagged as Aira squeezed harder on her neck, while her free arm reached out and grabbed at the air, but found nothing. Still, Cecilia wasn't about to give up now. The last thing on her mind was submitting to someone so far beneath her.

Cecilia still had her legs free, and she was willing to put them to good use. Kicking out behind her, she went to throw her ankle around Aira's own; if that worked, she would try to sweep her leg out from under her in the hopes of bringing her to the mat below!

[LowDefinition]

Aira took her pride in her skills, she really wanted to show that she got what it takes to be the best that there ever was. She kept the hold tight as she squeezed her arm onto Cecilia's neck harder with her other hand gripping Cecilia's wrist and twisting it around her back. Stepping around slightly as Cecilia struggled in her hold.

And to her surprise, Cecilia used her legs to sweep onto Aira's ankle. Causing Aira to lose her balance, but she doesn't want to let go of the hold just yet. She fell to her back as her leg latches onto Cecilia's thigh. She also let go of Cecilia's wrist as she fell on her back. The other leg latches onto Cecilia's thigh as well and utilizing her quick thinking, she find herself into another hold that put her into her advantage.

Aira gasped out as she landed on her back with Cecilia's weight on top of her. But with her still squeezing Cecilia's neck, her free arm immediately goes to reinforcing the arm. Transitioning the hold into a rear naked choke with legs hooked. She surely took a risk in letting Cecilia's arms free, but this is the only option in her mind to keep the hold in her favor. "Ghh... Ain't letting you go that easy." She let out, starting to sound more serious as the match goes.

[CaptainL]

Aira was proving that she was capable of more than Cecilia had bargained for when it came to her technical wrestling skill. But, as a submission specialist of her own, and above all else as someone with a stubborn refusal to let herself come out of a match with anything short of victory if she could do anything about it, Cecilia wasn't about to let this be the end of her. She knew how to gain control, and she knew she had to do it as soon as she could - lest this nobody actually pose a threat to her, something she had no intention of allowing!

With Cecilia sweeping Aira's footing out from under her, the Indonesian girl began to topple backward. The two of them struck the mat, with Cecilia on top of her foe - but Aira was quick to restrain her legs, applying the pressure of her hold! With a snarl, Cecilia's teeth clenched, and she hissed in pain, her body buckling from the growing pressure and her back bending into an arc. Aira applied more force to her neck while at the same time holding her in place by the legs. With Aira applying force from either end, Cecilia's back was forced to bear the brunt of the assault, her vertebrae straining to brace herself against both holds.

Cecilia was even more frustrated that she could have an opponent so insignificant compared to herself gain the edge on her with such ease. But even if her last escape hadn't worked, she still had another trick up her sleeve. She grabbed for Aira's arm with both hands, attempting to pry it off her throat. Not only was that part of her bid for freedom, it would also conceal her true intentions to the referee; Cecilia would attempt to sink her nails into Aira's arm, hoping the pain would get her to let go!

[LowDefinition]

Aira twisted around as she kept herself latched underneath Cecilia. She had Cecilia locked firm in both neck and legs, she's glancing towards the free arm trying to see if she could bring up some more creative ways to outsmart her opponent. And then seeing that Cecilia gripped her arm, Aira strengthened her grip and making sure that Cecilia is unable to pry her arm off her neck. Unaware of Cecilia's real intention in her action, Aira kept her hold firm for some time until...

"Hhhh... Ahhh..." Aira's grunting started to broke into a painful groan. Loosening her grip as she felt a painful sharpness digging into her arm. She should've expected this considering the narration of the match that was set right on the stark difference of the two's entrance. But the eager rookie overlooked this, she glanced to the referee in her distress but it seemed that she didn't notice the act at all. The sharp nail kept digging on and on until eventually...

"Gaaahh!!!" Aira broke off the grip on Cecilia's neck and legs as she quickly backed away from her opponent. Her hands gripping onto the hurting arm as she rolled herself on the canvas and laid face down as she tend to her arm. "Hhh... Damn cheat..." She muttered out as her gaze turned to Cecilia in a hateful gaze. She hated the fact that she could've expected this but instead she didn't do something about it, breathing in and out lightly as she slowly pushes herself on all fours and back to her feet...

[CaptainL]

Aira was confident in the thought that she had Cecilia under control, keeping her legs and neck restrained with even more force than she had applied a moment before. Cecilia herself didn't know how much longer she could last if her opponent kept this up, putting on the pressure at either end of her body and compressing her spine in the middle. But what Aira didn't know was that Cecilia had her own tricks lined up to keep herself out of trouble, and she wouldn't see it coming, up until the points of Cecilia's nails dug deep into her flesh!

But the Indonesian's response was...not exactly what Cecilia had anticipated. She didn't shriek in agony, or barely even react at all, which caused her to huff with disappointment. She could at least make this fun - though, then again, it was probably better served that she wouldn't alert Cecilia's tactics to the referee. But if Aira wasn't going to let go...Cecilia just had to try harder. She bit her lip, her grasp coiling tighter and tighter into a white-knuckled grip that caused the skin of her opponent's arm to bulge between her fingers - until at last, Aira was forced to release Cecilia, rolling aside!

It wasn't long after that Cecilia rolled herself to her hands and knees, and as she lifted her head from the mat, flicking hair out of her eyes, she looked at Aira with a smirk. Chuckling to herself, she whispered a taunt of her own, one low enough that only Aira could make it out. "No one's going to save you now..." she said. She could see that Aira was struggling to get up, but Cecilia would lift herself up too - she rubbed at her neck and her leg, still aching from where Aira had compressed them, but ultimately, it seemed that the pain of her nails raking her arm was a greater concern for her opponent right now. Cecilia smiled wider. That would suit her purposes quite well.

Getting to her feet before Aira could, Cecilia stood over the girl with her hands on her hips. "Sorry, too slow!" she taunted, raising her foot to stomp it down against Aira's back hard so that she would fall face-first against the mat! If that worked, Cecilia would keep her foot in place, pressing it down into her foe's spine and grinding her heel back and forth. Then, she would bend down to grab at her arms, giving a sharp tug back to hoist Aira's upper body off the mat for a surfboard hold!

Spoiler