Akari Ito vs Charlotte Ravel

[winner3]

Standard Match
Victory to be awarded via pinfall, submission, knockout, count-out, or disqualification. All standard match rules apply.

[Misfit_Alien]

This was it.

Akari Ito's first-ever PAY-PER-VIEW match. Chills and tingles ricocheted throughout the body of the Sea Turtle as she jittered all around the backstage locker room. Second by second, minute by minute, and hour by hour...the time ticked closer and closer to her match against Charlotte Ravel. Akari made her public declaration, being answered by the woman herself and setting the scene for their battle in Austria. Akari had never taken a trip abroad to Europe. The furthest she'd even been outside her home country was a prolonged trip to the States. It was on account of her pursuing a higher education in music production. However...this trip wasn't just for sightseeing or educational purposes. No, no-...This country, this stadium...this BATTLEFIELD would go down in the annals of LAW's history books, for it would serve as the location where the Sea Turtle makes her triumphant stand against one of LAW's most formidable talents in the form of the Sand Lizard, Charlotte Ravel!!! This epic, story-defining clash of middleweight titans would be the Japanese joshi-wrestling DJ's WORLDWIDE debut to a massive audience, putting on the performance of a lifetime and showing EVERYONE what kind of wrestler she was...not just an enthusiast...not just a passionate fighter...not just an entertainer!!! No. Akari Ito would show everyone tonight that she was...-without a doubt-...the FUTURE of LAW itself. An icon in the making. A legend drafting the beginning of her historical journey. A star about to be born into existence, bringing with her a never-before-seen ray of light so bright, it would illuminate all across the heavens!!! Before this point, Akari hadn't EVER felt such pressure. Her senses were sharpened. She could feel EVERYTHING as her body trembled with anticipation, waiting for that call to head out to the arena. Never before had her nerves been so challenged before...This was intense. This was overwhelming. This was...This was-...!!!

!!! -A DREAM COME TRUE- !!!

And now...it was time...a short call from the backstage staff would see Akari snap out of her intense, passionate stupor, breaking free from the shackles of suspense as the tiger was finally being released from her cage...Akari finished her stretches and prep work before grabbing her things and walking through the maze-like hallways and corridors, arriving at the gorilla position, awaiting her cue...As she neared the entryway, she could feel the arena beginning to SHAKE more and more the closer she got. The walls and floors were rumbling with the chants, cheers, and movement of the stadium's massive crowd. This presence was far grander than anything she had experienced before. This was beyond monumental. This was an ungodly amount of people Akari would have to fight in front of...Could she do it? Could she pull it off and take home a win with all this mounting pressure? Akari couldn't answer that question honestly, but she did know one thing...

She would sure as hell TRY.

Spoiler

HEY YOU!!! DON'T YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE!?!?

Spoiler

As the sound of a record scratch and an upbeat hip-hop singer's voice rang out through the stadium, the dimly lit arena would soon be awash in a vibrant display of green hues and sheens as dozens upon dozens of brilliant, dazzling lights would ricochet all around the building. The crowd, having mellowed out somewhat in between matches, soon erupted into a veritable frenzy of cheers and excitement, rising to their feet all of a sudden as the passion on display moved them to their cores. Akari Ito emerged from the haze of fog, bathed in the emerald auras cast upon her by the tinted spotlights as she stood tall and proud, posing for all to see as she invigorated the crowd with her infectious energy. Her smile and upbeat attitude were as contagious as the plague. Her confident, passionate attitude couldn't be denied or ignored as she rushed down the ramp, barreling toward the ring as the volley of pyrotechnics burst out behind her!!! One after another, fireball after fireball would emerge and explode, sparkling and bursting into so many different shades of green and white before things finally settled down, the music continuing to rage on in the background as Akari slipped under the bottom rope, sliding in with style before vaulting up the nearest corner and posing from atop the turnbuckle, garnering a HUGE wave of praise from the adoring audience, setting an impressive first-time impression upon the Austrian natives scattered throughout the crowd.

Spoiler

"Entering first, fighting out of Tokyo, Japan, standing at 5'6 and weighing 132 lbs...Fighting with a one-of-a-kind, jaw-dropping rhythm and making waves across the world from coast-to-coast, shore-to-shore, sea-to-sea...an ICON in the making...THE SEA TURTLE...AKARI ITO!!!"


Akari's intensity was undoubtedly UNMATCHED as she hyped the crowd up something fierce, infecting them with this overwhelmingly passionate amount of vigor. The hyper-animated Japanese woman continued to entertain the crowd with her never-ending swagger and persona, breaking out into a quick showcase of breakdancing power moves, displaying her incredible talent and skill while the audience cheered with delight. Afterward, Akari removes her jacket and headphones from her person, handing them to a nearby stagehand who rushes off to the side with Akari's accessories in tow. From there, the Japanese woman would begin her usual round of pre-match stretches as she moved toward her designated corner, keeping herself ready and warmed up while awaiting the arrival of her opponent...The 'Sand Lizard'...Charlotte Ravel...

Spoiler

[skip-stop]

"Amazing..." Victoria muttered, not taking her eyes off Charlotte.

"What?" The pink-haired woman asked, continuing to send punches into the punching bag.

"You're smiling," the manager said, adjusting her glasses. "I've never seen you smile before a match, not even before your Apex match."

Charlotte didn't understand what her manager was talking about. She spun around sharply and sent a hard kick into the punching bag. The punching bag shifted a few meters, which meant that Charlotte's warm-up had come to an end. She took a deep breath and only then turned to Victoria. She was surprised to see the way the brunette was looking at her. It would be fair to say that there was something like admiration in Victoria's gaze. Although... the pink-haired woman still didn't understand the reason.

"What do you mean?" Spreading her hands slightly to the sides, she asked.

Instead of answering, Victoria shook her head in the direction of the mirror. Charlotte rolled her eyes, but took the hint. She went to the mirror, not understanding what Victoria expected of her. However, when she stopped and looked at her reflection, she blinked several times in surprise. There was indeed a smile on her face. The most amazing thing was that this smile was so natural that even Charlotte herself did not notice it. Victoria was right. She never smiled before a match. Before any match she always remained focused, not letting anything into her heart except the upcoming fight. Therefore, even for Charlotte herself, the smile on her face came as a surprise.

"It looks like she's really special..." Victoria giggled slightly.

"Victoria, you..." Charlotte's cheeks became noticeably redder and it was definitely not about her hot warm-up.

Despite the fact that Charlotte and her manager were very close, the Frenchwoman was not ready for such conversations today. It was a real conflict for her. She was a fighter and the strict discipline she instilled in herself obliged her to put absolutely everything out of her mind except the match. But the other part of it is… the one that brought a smile to her face because of the anticipation of meeting Akari... this part urged Charlotte to think about just the match for at least a second.

"Yes..." the Frenchwoman said finally. "She's really special..."

Victoria, who had truly maternal feelings for Charlotte, nodded approvingly. As a manager, she always wanted Charlotte to stay focused because it helped her during a fight. But as a person to whom Charlotte was dear, she wanted her ward to at least sometimes allow herself to forget about strict discipline. Therefore, now she was sincerely glad that Charlotte did not suppress her emotions as she used to do.

"Then I dare not detain you," the manager said in a deliberately businesslike voice. "Go, there's a match waiting for you."

Charlotte nodded gratefully and left the locker room without saying anything else, since it was not necessary. As she walked down the long corridor, she was not thinking about the upcoming match itself, but about the woman she would soon meet face to face. Even when the Frenchwoman entered the waiting room, she still felt a slight blush on her cheeks. Turning her head to the side, she looked at the monitor. Akari has already arrived at the arena and, of course, she did it as effectively as possible.

Why did Charlotte feel so unnatural? Because meeting Akari had changed if not her whole life, then just too much. Of course, Charlotte has met several truly unique people, some of whom she even felt and continues to feel sympathy for. However, in the case of Akari, everything was different. This woman was not only bright and confident. Charlotte still couldn't explain it, but in Akari she saw a person with whom she could share anything. Today they will to share the same ring. So when the time came, the Sand Lizard took a deep breath, regaining her concentration. She was ready.

Entrance Music

Attire

The light completely left the arena, leaving only a few dimly lit areas at the top of the ramp. It was only enough to see how the space began to fill with thick fog. It was then that Charlotte's dynamic music began, which caused a wave of excitement. However, this was only the beginning, because after the first chords, a bright spotlight turned on, illuminating the silhouette of a real sand lizard among the fog. Just for a moment, the spotlight went out, and when it lit up again, the silhouette of the lizard changed slightly. The projector began to turn off quickly and turn on again, so that the silhouette of the lizard smoothly turned into the silhouette of a woman standing majestically with her back to the audience.

As soon as the music changed tempo, the woman, still hidden in the fog and shadows, turned to face the audience and took several confident steps forward. The dim lighting was enough to see that she bent both arms at the elbows and clenched her fists. When the music changed tempo for the second time, gaining aggressiveness, Charlotte pulled both elbows back. As soon as she struck the pose, pyrotechnics went off behind her. Flames and sparks in all their glory illuminated both the top of the ramp and the Sand Lizard that arrived for the match.

Under a flurry of applause, the light completely returned to the arena. The warmth of her welcome made Charlotte smile a little. She started down the ramp, confidently approaching the ring. Despite the fact that she had already participated in major matches, including her Apex match, where she earned the right to be a contender for the openweight title, this was her first official PPV. And although, as she has said many times, popularity itself was not the thing she aspired to, she could not deny that she enjoyed seeing all those admiring glances fixed on her at that moment.

Several times, the Frenchwoman even had to stop for the sake of the most devoted fans, for whom she agreed to take several selfies and sign several posters. She just couldn't help but respond to the support of those who followed her career. It was a magical feeling that made her feel alive.

However, she hastened to return her attention to the ring. She cast a brief glance at Akari, after which the corners of her lips lifted a little higher. Without wasting any time, the Sand Lizard rushed forward, accelerating with every step. After taking enough speed, she pushed off the floor and jumped onto the edge of the ring. Trying to maintain momentum, she grabbed the top rope and made another jump. Jumping over the ropes, she rushed to the center of the ring. To the enthusiastic shouts of the audience, she took a deep breath, and then pushed off for the third time. Soaring into the air, her body gracefully performed two rotations, and then her foot cut through the air with such force that it seemed like a powerful wave swept through the arena. When the martial artist landed on her feet, the ring announcer took the floor.

"And her opponent! From Paris, the city of love! Six feet one inch tall! Weighing one hundred and fifty-four pounds! Traveled the world and the seven seas! The noble fighter of LAW! Please welcome! Charlotte! Sand Lizard!! Ravel'!!!"

Greeting the audience, the Sand Lizard pushed her left elbow back and raised her right fist above her head. It was hard to describe how much she was looking forward to this day, this match. And finally her wait came to an end. Without leaving the center of the ring, she turned to face Akari. In the bright eyes of the Frenchwoman, some could see how excited she was by what was happening. It's just like Akari said the day she challenged the martial artist. Like her opponent, Charlotte knew for sure that they could show the audience a lot more than they showed each other during sparring. And now all they have to do is meet in the center of the ring, so that they can greet each other first, and then start a match that will surely steal the hearts of the audience.

[Misfit_Alien]

When Charlotte's music hit, Akari's heart skipped a beat before almost synchronizing its rhythm with that of the Sand Lizard's music, feeling her heart pump and pulse along to the beat of Charlotte's theme...the pink-haired woman certainly left an impact on Akari, same as the Sea Turtle did in return for Charlotte. Akari could feel her lips shaking with anticipation as they curled into a brighter smile, her eyes sparkling with pure excitement as adrenaline coursed through her veins, her heart beating faster and faster as the pink-haired fighter made her entrance. The display was incredible. It was dazzling and breathtaking-...It was simple, refined, and yet earth-shaking all at once...it encompassed everything that Charlotte was a wrestler. Quick and to the point with a bit of flash, along with a hard-hitting impact. Akari could feel Charlotte's aura from over in the ring. For a moment, it felt like nothing else mattered except for Charlotte who appeared in a stunning pose, her figure on full display as she showed off the wonderful muscles sculpted across that goddess-like body of hers. Akari had to stop herself from drooling with excitement and glee as she hopped on her feet, a little too eager to get things going.

With every step Charlotte took, Akari felt her body trembling as she couldn't keep still. Then suddenly, in a flash of red and pink, Charlotte rushed toward the ring and vaulted up and over the ropes, entering the confines with a stellar display of agility and athleticism that had the crowd cheering and clapping...as for Akari, she watched in amusement, reclining back in her corner and allowing Charlotte to soak up all the spotlight that she had rightfully fought for. It was about time that everyone saw her for the star she was. Akari could see the greatness within Charlotte...the inner beauty and ferocity befitting of a future champion...she just wanted to highlight it so that everyone else could see Charlotte the way she saw her...The Sea Turtle wanted the whole world to view the Sand Lizard through her lens...When all was said and done, it was time for the pair to come face-to-face, officially meeting in the center of a LAW ring for the first time EVER. Akari stared into her eyes, looking up at Charlotte who loomed about seven inches over her. She felt intimidated, but she wasn't nervous. No, she was just excited...

And suddenly, out of nowhere, Akari was left speechless...She tried to open her mouth to speak but couldn't muster a syllable, let alone a word. She just-...stared at Charlotte, tilting her head and smiling with glee and adoration. She wanted to tell her so much and yet-...she was certain that nothing needed to be spoken between the two. Charlotte could likely tell what she was thinking just from a glance. And yet-...Akari couldn't just let this moment slip by without saying something. That's when she steadied her heart and opened her mouth-...

"...you look magnificent tonight, Charlotte~..." She muttered, the edges of her cheeks glowing red. "Let's tear the roof off tonight~"

[skip-stop]

The wait has come to an end. When Akari pushed off from the corner and headed to the center of the ring, the Frenchwoman had to put a lot of effort into suppressing the trembling in her body. She couldn't explain her body's reaction to this woman, perhaps because at that moment her body was controlled not by her mind, but by her soul. The Sand Lizard and the Sea Turtle were very different in many ways, because unlike Charlotte, Akari was an extremely open, bright and literally shining person. But even so, she saw in this brunette a kindred spirit. At least for the simple reason that before Akari, she had not yet met a person who fully shared her ideals regarding the ring.

They were finally face to face. And while the audience went wild at the sight alone, the two women stood in front of each other in silence. Despite the obvious difference in height, Charlotte did not feel taller at all. On the contrary, looking into the eyes of this Japanese woman, the Sand Lizard realized more clearly than ever that she was faced with a literally perfectly equal opponent. Even now, before the bell rang, she was well aware that in order to win, she would not just have to show everything she was capable of, she would literally have to become stronger right during the match. And that thought was the source of the flame in her soul.

It was a real holiday on the street for the audience, because despite the fact that there are many really outstanding women in LAW, today they had to see a fight between two women who were both top-class fighters and had a truly striking appearance. Charlotte completely shared their feelings. Perhaps that's why she hesitated to say anything. Nevertheless, looking into Akari's eyes, the pink-haired woman understood that there was no need for words now.

Having accepted this, the Sand Lizard prepared to just greet her opponent and then give them some free space to start the match. However, before that happened, Akari found the strength to break the silence. Charlotte's cheeks flushed at the same time as the brunette's. Not so much because of the compliment, but because of that magical voice. Without realizing it, the pink-haired woman slightly opened her mouth, and her lower lip trembled. For a second, she thought she had forgotten how to breathe. It was only after she swallowed involuntarily that she managed to piece together the string of thoughts that were in her head.

"And you... always look magnificent..." hardly anyone followed Charlotte's career closely enough to know this, but the truth was that this was the first time she had paid a compliment while in the ring surrounded by thousands of eyes. "They will never forget this match, and neither will I."

Akari was able to impress her the very first time they met. Charlotte still remembered how she was speechless when she saw a brunette in gym outfit. But this attire... this perfectly emphasized the beautiful body of the Sea Turtle. And although Charlotte always did everything in her power to leave everything personal outside the ring, she just wasn't mentally strong enough to do the same in the case of Akari. If the audience knew this, they could ask a fair question. Is she ready for the match? Yes, she's ready.

Even with all the emotions enveloping her at this moment, the Sand Lizard knew for sure that she wanted to give Akari the hardest challenge of her life. She didn't know or was even afraid to admit to herself exactly how she felt about this woman. But they both had the same desires and aspirations. They both wanted to be on top. This is their first official match. But even now Charlotte knew for sure that no matter how it ended, there would be more to come.

Clenching her right fist, Charlotte pressed it against her outstretched left palm, after which she respectfully bowed to her opponent. And when she straightened to her full height, she extended her right hand forward, offering Akari a more classic handshake. They both had warm feelings for each other, but Charlotte had no doubt that after this handshake they would do everything they could to win, because in the ring they were rivals first of all.

After shaking hands, the Sand Lizard intended to take two wide steps back, thereby creating a starting space between them. Moving her right leg back another half step, she turned slightly to Akari with her left side. Clenching both fists, she raised the right one to the level of her chin, and left the left one at the level of the middle of her torso. Anticipating the beginning, the audience began to buzz like a swarm of bees. Charlotte looked at the referee and gave a short nod, indicating that she was ready. When the striped shirt received the same confirmation from Akari, she raised her right hand above her head, and then...

Ding-Ding-Ding.

Accompanied by the roar of the audience, Charlotte immediately rushed forward. There was a cold determination in her eyes now. In most other cases, she would have preferred to start the match more smoothly. But this match was special. Her opponent was special. Therefore, after the second step, she intended to place her right foot slightly to the left of her left foot, thereby allowing her body to begin to spin. Throwing her left leg up, she was going to start this match in a spectacular and dynamic way, namely by throwing to Akari's head a fast and powerful spinning heel kick!

[Misfit_Alien]

Akari spotted the kick incoming like a bolt of lightning, barely managing to react to it in time...most people would've dodged it, but Akari wasn't most people. Instinct took over as her inner-showwoman took the reigns, looking to make an exciting moment right off the start by raising her leg for an equally powerful High Kick, shooting her foot upward like a cannon, using those toned and well-trained legs to their full capabilities as her leg crashed against Charlotte's creating an impressively loud -CLAP- sound as flesh and bone colliding!!! The impact sent chills throughout the crowd, even to those back home. Despite the gear they wore, it still sounded like thunder rippling through the clouds as the explosive collision sent ripples through the air. Akari stared at Charlotte, grinning with nothing but excitement and delight. Upon recovering, she stomped her foot onto the canvas, shaking out all the pins and needles she was feeling. Her head was pointed down, she was looking at the canvas, hands on her hips...was she okay?

No. No, she wasn't...She was better than okay.

She looked utterly awe-struck, an even brighter smile on her face as she grinned one of her signature goofy, happy-go-lucky smirks. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds with that soft blue color of theirs, goosebumps up and down her arms as she trembled with nothing but pure elation and excitement. She struggled to find the words at first, her heart overwhelmed with so much emotion before she managed to contain and control herself. "Charlotte...you are just...incredible!!!" She said. "I already see the difference...I already FEEL it. My heart's pounding and I don't want it to stop. I appreciate you for taking the lead in the first step of our little dance...now let's see if you can match MY tempo~..." She said, hopping on her feet, looking to exchange blows with Charlotte as the striking-based wrestler wanted to feel that electrifying feeling surge through her again. She'd race forward, looking to toss a quick 1-2 combination at Charlotte with her right and left respectively, trying to close the gap and pile on the pressure with a few quick concentrated jabs, each one shot out as blistering speeds as she wanted to truly FIGHT with Charlotte for a bit, go back and forth, test the waters, and really FEEL the passion for one another behind each and every strike...Whether blocked, dodged, deflected, or taken...Akari wanted to experience this moment for all it was worth.

[skip-stop]

During the match, the fighter must try to anticipate their opponent's actions in order to plan the next step. And although Charlotte was considering a variety of options for how Akari was going to start their match, she couldn't even think that the brunette had literally the same thing in her head as Charlotte herself.

At the same moment that the Frenchwoman rushed forward, the Sea Turtle did the same. At the same moment that Charlotte swung her leg, Akari did the same. Their legs crossed in the air, and at that moment, a shock wave seemed to roll through the arena, causing the audience to exclaim in delight, while many of them felt the hairs on the back of their necks.

For a few more seconds, the Sand Lizard tried to overpower Akari in order to win this clash of kicks. Her leg was shaking from both the pain and the strain. It soon became clear to her that there would be no winner in this confrontation right now. And it seems she wasn't the only one who realized this. Smiles appeared on the faces of both women because they had just shared a truly incredible moment.

Accompanied by applause, Charlotte and Akari returned their attacking legs to the mat. The pink-haired woman was surprised. Of course, she knew roughly what Akari was capable of, but this was completely different. The Sand Lizard had no ego at all, but the truth was that it was considered one of the best in the federation when it came to kicks. Moreover, her legs were her strongest weapon. And for the first time in her life, she felt pain in her muscles and bones just a few seconds after the start of the match. Akari and the strength of her legs were simply amazing.

“I feel it too...” Charlotte replied, despite the fact that she rarely spoke after the bell rang. “And I don't want this feeling to end... so attack with everything you have!”

The Frenchwoman wasn't lying. Yes, she was focused on the match, but her heart was beating so hard as if it was going to burst through her rib cage. After entering the ring, Charlotte always pursued the same thing, namely to become better than she was yesterday. This match was no exception. But this match was different from all the previous ones, because despite the fact that it was just the beginning, the Sand Lizard felt something that she had not felt for a very long time. She felt the pleasure of the match.

Akari followed the pink-haired woman's words and rushed forward at the roar of the crowd. As soon as Charlotte took her fighting stance, a quick left jab went to her head. At the last moment, she took a short step to the side, dodging the punch, but it seems the brunette was ready for this because the next second she continued the combination, sending a right cross into Charlotte's face.

Amazed by the speed of her opponent, Charlotte realized that she would not have time to dodge again. Taking another step to the side, she threw her left hand up, covering her head. And although it protected her from damage to some extent, she still let out a soft painful groan. Akari's pace was amazing and the martial arts master quickly realized that this was not a match where she could act like she was used to. If she wants to win, she must not smoothly increase her pace, but act as quickly and confidently as possible.

Continuing to attack, the Sea Turtle threw a new jab at Charlotte's head, which forced the Frenchwoman to step back. But when she threw another jab, Charlotte, instead of continuing to retreat, took a sharp diagonal step forward and to the left. Bending her knees slightly, she wanted Akari's jab to pass over her head. And at the same time, she intended to throw her right hand forward, aiming her fist directly at her opponent's chin in order to catch her off guard with a quick counterattacking right cross.

[Misfit_Alien]

-WHAM-

With her speed aiding her in taking over the match's pace following that impressive clash of kicks, many would've believed that Akari would have been able to score the first blow against the Sand Lizard, Charlotte Ravel...a woman known for transitioning slowly yet smoothly into an increased tempo, matching her opponent at first before swiftly overtaking them later on. However, at this moment, Charlotte pulled a move so erratic that it left fans of hers stumped...Akari was not a normal individual and she was CERTAINLY not a normal opponent. The redhead took this into account and THOROUGHLY cemented in her mind that her typical strategy would not prove fruitful in a fight against the Sea Turtle, so she began to let her instincts guide her, reacting as quickly as possible and striking even faster as her body and mind started to work in tandem against Akari's assault, slipping a punch and returning fire with a right cross, one which landed beautifully against the Sea Turtle's chin, knocking her head upward and sending her stumbling back a step as she grunted in response, feeling the stinging pain course through the bottom of her jaw.

Akari wiped the area with her fist, wincing a tad in the process...but the removal of her hand would reveal that she was still smiling. Hell, it appeared as if she was smiling brighter than before as her eyes SPARKLED with glee and excitement. "Heh-...I see you aren't taking it slow this time around~...that's good, I need my 'dance partner' to keep up if we're going to tango~..." She said, getting her stance back again and rolling her shoulders, beckoning Charlotte to come at her. "Well? Come on and hit me~..." She said. Part of it was provocation...but part of her actually WANTED Charlotte to pummel her. This fixation Akari had on fighting was already in full swing before the bell even rang...hitting and getting hit, the pain and the pleasure that she derived from it. The intensity and the passion. The bliss of dominating and being dominated...she felt such a wild spark when she shared the ring with Charlotte, and she wanted MORE of it. That right cross was just another reminder of how the redhead made the Sea Turtle's heart flutter with excitement!

[skip-stop]

Boom. Bam. Wow. Such emotions were in the hearts of both the audience and Charlotte. Her opponent's actions were fast, but there was a cold calculation in every move. Few people could boast of such a combination during a fight, even among those whom the Sand Lizard loved and respected the most. But this was not the day when she could retreat under the onslaught of her opponent's amazing skills.

Blocking and dodging Akari's swift punches, the Sand Lizard guessed the right moment and launched a counteroffensive, which neither the audience nor Akari apparently expected. The pink-haired woman took a diagonal step forward, both dodging her opponent's attack and gaining an impulse. The impulse that turned into an inescapable cross that crashed into the brunette's chin.

This punch made the Sea Turtle stagger back, throwing her head back. It might have seemed like a great chance for the Frenchwoman to continue building on her success, but suddenly Akari ran her hand over her chin as if nothing had happened. Moreover, a smile appeared on the brunette's face and she urged Charlotte to hit her again.

“Oh, Akari...” Charlotte shook her head, once again breaking the silence she used to observe during matches.

Damn…

This woman…

Yes, many of Charlotte's rivals allowed themselves to talk during the matches. Moreover, many of them also had a smile on their face at those moments. An endless number of them mocked the Frenchwoman. Many of them thought she was good for nothing. Some of them thought that her principles and aspirations were just nonsense. But Akari's smile was different.

“I see you still think you have time for talking...” said Charlotte, flashing her eyes and thereby recalling to the brunette their previous meeting. “But today I want to talk to you in a different language, the language of fists and feet!”

If they pause to exchange a few words after each strike, the audience will probably eat them alive. Besides, Charlotte didn't think either of them would like this pace. So she intended to fulfill Akari's wish because she fully shared the passion she saw in the brunette's smile. Taking a deep breath, the Sand Lizard rushed towards her opponent, this time not intending to stop after the first strike.

When her left foot touched the mat once again, the pink-haired woman was about to swing her right leg in a low arc, aiming for Akari's left knee with a low kick. However, this kick would not have achieved its target anyway, because at the last moment the Sand Lizard intended to bend her right leg at the knee, taking a completely different position. At that moment, lightning would run through her eyes, because if her feint had worked, then in the next second, she would have straightened that leg without any hesitation to hit Akari in the center of her bare stomach with a feint side kick!

[Misfit_Alien]

"Heh-...you know me, Charlotte~...I can't help myself. Not when I'm this excited~...but tonight, just for you-...I'll communicate how I feel about you without saying a word~" Akari replied, grinning brightly again as she got her stance. That's when Charlotte EXPLODED forward with a sharp low kick aimed at Akari's knee! Thinking quickly, the Turtle began to move and-...and-...

No. Wait...Akari saw it, visions of their entanglement back at the Sand Lizard's gym flashing through her mind...she knew Charlotte was more precise of a striker than anyone she had faced before. She had to look beneath the surface. She couldn't just take every one of Charlotte's moves at face value. Charlotte was so much more than just punching and kicking...and Akari knew that from first-hand experience. The Frenchwoman wasn't just a fighter, she was like an artist with how she moved her body. Each movement was a perfectly calculated brushstroke, the ring and her opponent serving as her joint canvas as she painted a picture so refined and sharpened. A punch may as well be an irrelevant understatement when it came to facing Charlotte. A 'punch' was never just a 'punch'...With the Sand Lizard, it carried different kinds of weight, power, and speed, flying in at all types of angles and trajectories. Would it change course? Would it make contact? Was it even a legitimate strike to begin with? So many possibilities across nigh-unlimited scenarios, with barely a second or two to think ahead and calculate a method of combating the redhead's assault...

...And Akari would have to identify as many of those slight changes in her movements as possible if she wanted to stand a chance. Quite the tall order, all things considered...Everything with Charlotte was as deliberate as it was impressive...or maybe it was so impressive BECAUSE it was deliberate. Akari almost lost herself in thought as she dreamed of the woman in her mind. Charlotte was just so fascinating to her, so COMPELLING. That grin of hers brightened, even as she felt for the feint, absorbing a sharp kick to the side of her body that shook her up a bit, sending a shocking vibration across her skin as Charlotte's foot tenderized the Sea Turtle's flesh, testing those abs of her. Akari inhaled sharply, having barely braced herself in time to handle the impact as well as she did. Staying on her feet, she'd drop her left arm down to grab Charlotte's right leg, not allowing her to slip away after getting another strike in. The urge to speak was damn compelling, but Akari kept her mouth shut, choosing instead to speak to Charlotte in a more 'personal' language as she lifted her right leg up to strike her knee against the inner part of Charlotte's right leg, looking to trade quick strikes with the woman, focusing on dealing some damage to those dangerous legs of hers.