Shades of Steele (Black Severin, Keira Robinson, and Renee Cooper vs Wild Rose, Starlight, and Nova Steele)

[DSX93]

***
Match Type: Arbiter Gauntlet Match (Trio Tornado Tag)

Victory Conditions: Calling for the match to end after assuming the status of "Arbiters". The match will begin as a one-on-one contest, with falls being scored via Pinfall, Submission, or Knockout. Each fall scored will allow another member of one's team to join the fray. In the event that one team builds a two-on-one or three-on-two lead and scored another fall, that team will become the Arbiters. When this happens, no members of the opposite team may interfere with the match unless the Arbiters express their permission to be present. Also, falls will no longer be counted, leaving the Arbiters' say-so as the determinant to the match's end.

Each contestant will be allowed to bring one foreign object with them to the ring that they may use freely. Otherwise, disqualifications are in effect. Hentai is allowed.
***

Terrell Hughes, or as the LAW Universe knew him,

had been waiting for a night like this for so long. With the wide variety of locales that LAW would find to host its matches -- beaches, bars, saunas, forests, dungeons, mansions -- it felt like it was only a matter of time before the job finally brought him to a BDSM club.

Enter

Exterior

(Imagine something like this, but larger.)

, a club that had been repurposed from a church, which had to have been repurposed from a castle or something, with how far underground it goes. It allowed for the floors to be given their own purposes: The one right above them was dedicated to private play, the one above that was for the exhibitionists, and the first floor was more of a lounge. The wrestling, however, was being housed here in the

(Imagine a mixture of this...)

(With this...)

(And this making up the tavern areas. With a larger space.)

on the bottom floor, which looked less like a wrestling venue and more like a fancier fight club. Behind the crowd barriers, top and bottom, were long taverns complete with dining tables, spanning across three sides of the ring on the bottom, and two up top: The owner of the establishment,

had a section to herself overhead, directly across from the stage. The Muscle Goddess was kicking back and relaxing on a throne, with Ishigami Yuto on all fours, serving as a footrest, and a pretty woman dressed up as a sexy nun standing at her side, bottle of champagne in hand, waiting for the command to refill the glass in the blonde's hand.

Standing in the ring already was another sexy nun, larger both in stature and status: Six-foot-one and two hundred and twenty pounds. Along with the announcing, "Big Sister"

would also be doing the refereeing. Gloria wasn't a woman who was going to tolerate any more shenanigans than the matches in her domain called for, and apparently, Big Sis had her trust to maintain order. The wrestlers here tonight had been told in no uncertain terms that defying her would be looked at the same as defying the Goddess. But even if she hadn't been granted such authority, Terrell couldn't imagine many people lining up to try that brickhouse.

This contest, a three-on-three gauntlet match, was the first on the card. Both teams had been chosen entirely at random and determined fifteen minutes ago, which had Severin feeling that this thing was meant to be. He had never been very religious, especially after discovering the concept of agnostic atheism in his early teens, but things have been working out in such a way in his short time in LAW that he's been reconsidering a few things. Is he a believer now? Not quite. But there's been too much happening for him to chalk up to mere coincidence and good fortune.

He comes into LAW lacking confidence in his ability to pleasure a woman. Then his first Hentai match -- and his third match, period -- ends up sparking the romance of his dreams. He came in afraid of doing so poorly in general, that he would be laughed out of the business. Now he's got an entire fanbase. His luck in his days prior to wrestling was abysmal, and as such, he stayed far away from gambling. But he took a chance at the Madison and became a millionaire.

And there was even tonight: The three of them were waiting in his locker room. Him,

and Emilia, who was competing as

(Ignore the tattoos.)

Things had started out a little crazy between the three with Daeva Asphodel's pointed karaoke performance, but Em turned out to be pretty cool. LAW's global stature made it all too easy for their schedules to misalign, relegating their hangouts to video chat, but The Rapture's opening would bring them together. Another seemingly celestial arrangement.

Terrell hasn't reached any conclusions. Doesn't know exactly what to think. But it's occurrences like this that convince him more and more that there's a force or forces of some kind at work. Plotting. Orchestrating.

Renee sat on a chair, with a cell phone in one hand and the

in the other while they waited for that summoning knock at the door. After such a solid performance against Starboy, there was no other choice to make here besides the latter.

Keira? She had the best seat in the house. It had strong limbs that were lined in black and gold. Was of strong make in general; it never gave up. And it was always there to provide some ready comfort. Exactly what a hardworking girl like her deserves after a long day. It was one of a kind, and she was the one and only person on this earth who'd ever get to sit on it like this without any resistance.

His hand came up to touch at the leather encircling his neck for the umpteenth time now. Keira had lost count of just how many. "You alright down there, T?" She was sure that he would've said something a long time ago if the leash was too tight or if there was some other issue, but it never hurts to be sure. Especially tonight.

"I am just dandy, my Lady."

For the entire time they were here, he had this dreamy look in his eyes. Like the one he had when they danced at the Madison. Their visit to Kyoto. When they had that barbecue with Beatriz, Emilia, and The Coterie at the Brooklyn Bridge Park for the Fourth of July, and the two of them worked the grill together, with him teaching her some tips and tricks. And leave it to him to somehow bring dancing into the mix!

"Dream." That was the word right there. Keira treated him to some head scratching. Full of affection, like one would do with their dog. Terrell took a deep breath in and released a deeper sigh of pure contentment. Like he was kicking back on the beach with a drink in his hand and about to say, "This is the life."

It is.

Keira's smile broadened. Brightened. That one breath said it all, and helped her breathe a little easier: She was making another dream of his come true.

"I've been fantasizing about something like this for a few years now: Being brought to a BDSM club. Walked into one, with a leash around my neck. Sometimes I'm on my feet. Sometimes I'm like this." On his hands and knees. "Because while we're in a place like this, I'm not a human being. I'm a...something. A pet. A possession. A toy."

"My pet. My possession. My toy." Her nerves had crept into the claim; this is going to be a first for her too. Roleplaying in the bedroom was one thing, but tonight, she's going to be Lady Kei in the ring too. She hadn't had many opportunities to experience or practice kink, and before Terrell, she hadn't dived very deep.

He'd stated that the six years they had between them was one of the things that he really likes about what they have. That he was a sucker for an older woman because it meant that he had more to learn from her. She wasn't sure how much she had to teach him, but that wasn't in the curriculum; she was learning right alongside him as they went.

And here they are, about to embark on their first match together as a team. In a BDSM club. An exciting prospect, yeah, but at the same time, she was worried about whether or not she'd be able to maintain the role to his liking. But as per usual, she had a way of masking her insecurities. Her aura emitted that strength that he thrived off of. Her tone was firm and possessive -- "Mine! All mine!" -- and he loved it.

"Always, my Lady." His was coy. Shrinking underneath her. But at the same time, there was something to it. Strength that he borrowed, that left no question of his devotion.

Why do these two always have to be so damn adorable? It was making Emilia jealous. If only a certain superhero were here -- she'd probably snap a few photos and send him a message telling him to come quick, before a certain evil vampiress enacted some depraved plot that involved rope, paddles, and maybe a St. Andrew's Cross.

As she buried herself in what was forcibly last-minute research on their opponents, she began to wonder if that factored into why she'd been chosen for this match. They were all superhero types. And Nova Steele in particular had certain...proclivities. A known weakness that could be exploited. Just like Starboy.

"Yo, lovebirds." Renee waited for their heads to turn her way before she continued. "I did some quick digging on our opponents: Two of them, I'm pretty sure are pretty fresh to the big league with just some indie cred or social media buzz. All three of them are doing the superhero thing.

One’s a rodeo girl they’re calling Wild Rose. Tough girl, Nashville background, used to rodeo competitions before trading that in for wrestling. Lassos, hog tying competitions, I’d expect her to be bringing rope. Bio said she wrestled a bull, pretty sure that's made up. She’s supposedly stiff with her shots so make sure you're bobbing and weaving if you're gonna go blow for blow.

The other’s brand new as far as I can tell. Goes by Starlight. Hailey Cho. Korean-American, gymnastics background, and she’s got that flashy K-pop entrance routine that’s already blowing up Tiktok. Lightweight, speedster package, if I had to guess. I couldn’t find much footage yet, but what’s out there? Vids of her showing off springboards, dives, and spinning kicks. She’s the wild card here.

And Nova Steele..." A dark grin formed on her face as her mind rewound to the match that she and Lacramioara had against Starboy. "If you get her, go for submissions."

Her red eyes focused on Severin. Both teams were allowed to choose the order they come out in, and her strategic mind had already found a pick. "I think we should start with Severin. Nova and Wild Rose are the biggest threats, and if I were on their team, I'd pick one of them to start the match off. You've got the strength to hang with them, and you're still pretty quick, and you can fly too. So if they send Starlight out there for whatever reason, I think you'd still be fine. Just be on the lookout for sudden roll-ups."

Look at her, sounding like a veteran! Keira was impressed, and she'd almost said as much before she remembered that Renee as a character didn't know them. Emilia would've done well just as an actress; she couldn't imagine juggling all of these different personas in a sport where people's goal is to kick your head in. She's over here putting Mick Foley to shame.

"That plan makes sense to me. What do you think, T?"

He was thinking that he felt pretty honored that they both had so much faith in his abilities. He responded with a nod. "I'm in."

"Good. Start strong like I know you can, and get us in there so we can own these chicks."

"Yes, my Lady!"

And right on cue, there was the knock. Meanwhile, in the ring...

"Ladies and gentlemen, saints and sinners, our most precious congregation...Can I get an amen?"

"AMEN!"

"For the time has come, and the contest before us is no ordinary struggle, oh no! It is a Trios Tornado Tag Arbiter Gauntlet Match! A trial by fire, a test of body, mind, and soul alike!

Now, hear me, church! It shall begin with one against one, a clash of chosen champions! But mark my words, all ye in attendance: Every fall scored, be it by Pinfall, Submission, or by Knockout brings another soldier into the fray! And woe unto the weary, for if you stumble, if you falter, you may find yourself standing all alone, surrounded by the whole host of the enemy! And the sins of the flesh may be visited upon thee freely; can you say 'gangbang'?"

The audience of kinksters made it known: They were all for that.

"WE WANT GANGBANGS!" Clap, clap, clap-clap, clap! "WE WANT GANGBANGS!" Clap, clap, clap-clap, clap!

"And should a team seize the lead -- two-on-one or three-on-two -- and claim another victory, they shall ascend! They shall become the Arbiters, the rulers of the ring until they see fit to show mercy! But mercy is rare in this land of wrath and perversion! And because this is The Rapture, brothers and sisters, the fire burns hotter! For each competitor may bring with them a weapon of choice -- an instrument of just punishment -- be it paddle, whip, strap-on, cuffs, double-ended dildos...even horses of bondage and the Cross of Saint Andrew may be implemented if our Goddess grants them the strength! Carry them if you dare, wield them if you must! But beware, for that which you bring may be turned upon you!"

And that. They were definitely down to see all of that.

"And now, without further delay, let the faithful bear witness as we welcome the first warriors to our battleground! At a combined weight of four hundred and fifty pounds...Give praise! Give honor! Give thunder for… Black Severin! Keira Robinson! And Renee Cooper!”

playing alongside the crowd's roars as smoke fills the stage.

"Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather
Whiplash girl child in the dark
Comes in bells, your servant, don't forsake him
Strike, dear mistress, and cure his heart."

Lady Kei would emerge through the smoke with Severin in tow, crawling on all fours, being led with a leash as though he were an animal. Her pace was of a methodical leisure, intended to show the world -- to communicate, without any room left for ambiguity -- who the fastest rising star in the men's division belonged to. Who had his willful submission.

"Downy sins of streetlight fancies
Chase the costumes she shall wear
Ermine furs adorn the imperious
Severin, Severin awaits you there."

That lifted the corners of his lips until he was grinning from ear to ear. Both his and his Lady's mind went back to the morning after their first match and their first night together. She'd asked about the ring name, and this very song came up in the conversation. It was the very thing that led to his discovery of BDSM. Then femdom in particular. And the rabbit hole got even deeper from there.

And to think, it all started with a single comment on YouTube, for an entirely different song in an entirely different genre from a different era. Just one mention that within RZA's "

" was a sample of this song. The longer Keira got to know Terrell, the more she'd realize just how powerful music could be. It had such an effect on him, in so many ways.

She would make no attempts to bump up her pace as she led Severin around the ring, making sure that no eyes missed the sight of him on his hands and knees. Then she'd finally stop at the steel stairs. "On your feet." And onto his feet he rose, that dreamy look in his eye having spread all over his face to form a dreamy grin.

Before they got the invite to this club, he hadn't imagined a night where Lady Kei would accompany him to the ring, let alone walk him to it. Their kinky practices were more of a private thing, which he didn't mind at all. To this man of sentiment, it would've been special either way: If it stayed private, he would be the only one to see that side of her at length. And now that she's bringing that energy to LAW? Well, he's the only one wearing custom-made neckwear, for one thing.

Keira's hands followed her eyes: Starting on that rock hard six pack, then they traveled north along his chiseled form. At the same time, Severin's arms moved under the control of his subconscious, coming round on either side to settle at the small of her back and bring her in close. Brown eyes started into purple. A soft, reverent gaze that always made her heart melt.

A pull of the leash closed the distance between their faces so she could get herself a quick, but sugary sweet smooch that lit up something inside of him. This entire entrance was already enough to have him amped up, but that kiss was like the cherry on top. To Severin, this wasn't a match anymore. This wasn't just the first time they were booked to compete together. This is another adventure for the two of them to embark upon.

"You know what to do. I'll see you soon." Keira would steal one more kiss, and then she was off. Back up the ramp and through the curtain again. Even if it was only temporary -- or such is the plan, at least -- he hated to see her go. Watching her leave, though, especially with the extra sway she was putting in her hips -- because oh yeah, she knew -- different story.

Once she was out of sight, Severin would hop into the ring. First onto the apron, then clear over the ropes, no hands. Bouncing on the balls of his feet, he made his way over to a corner, turning to the stage to await the first member of the opposite team.

Note

Keira Robinson is being written with permission from ThurmanMermanPlx.

[Parker]

The thrum of bass rattled faintly through the walls, a pulse that belonged more to ritual than entertainment. The dressing room was dim, bathed in a sinister red glow, leather straps and chains hanging from racks like silent witnesses. Nova Steele did not sit. Instead, she moved deliberately, her boots echoing across the concrete floor as she swept her gaze over every corner of the chamber. Her eyes were sharp, wary, as though the shadows themselves might be harboring enemies.

She finally stopped near the center of the room, turning to face her two younger partners. “Look around you,” Nova said, her tone low but commanding. “This place, this is a den of sin. A cathedral built to glorify indulgence and corruption. If you’re not careful, it seeps into you. It twists you.” Her eyes cut to the black-draped walls, then back to Starlight and Wild Rose. “We’re here to fight. Nothing more. Do not let the atmosphere make puppets out of you.”

, flashed Nova a smile and tried to keep the mood light. Plopped down in front of a makeup table, resting the kendo stick she brought with her across her lap. The rookie swayed cheerfully from side to side on the seat of the rotating stool. “I dunno, unnie… kind of a cool vibe, isn’t it? Red lights, smoke machines, the works. Makes it feel more like a movie set than a locker room.”

“Don’t get comfortable.” Nova’s voice snapped like a whip, snapping Starlight toa startled attention. Her eyes narrowed on the table, on the clutter of brushes and powders scattered across it. “Be careful with what you touch here. Not everything in this place is meant for you.”

Starlight’s grin faltered, peering at the items on the counter, unsure if Nova was being literal or if this was another bit alluding to the forces of evil at work. She thought it best not to tempt fate, though, and do as she was bidden. “Right!”

, leaning with her arms crossed, let out a sharp breath through her nose. She looked tough, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of unease. “Not fond of bein’ this far down, like we’re in the pits of Hell or somethin’. I don’t rightly care if it’s a cathedral or a dungeon, this place ain’t right. The whole fact that we’re here and not in the official arena sounds like trouble.”

“That’s the right instinct,” Nova allowed, her tone softening by a fraction. “But instinct without discipline is weakness. You two are strong of body and heart, but tonight you’ll follow my lead. I’ll start us off, and I’ll carve the first path through this gauntlet. When it’s your turn to enter, you stay sharp. No mercy, no distractions. We’re not just fighting people in that ring, we’re fighting the corruption of this place itself.”

The words hung heavy in the red-lit air. Starlight gave a spirited little fist pump, her grin returning though her eyes lingered on Nova for reassurance. Wild Rose gave a curt nod, her jaw set hard. Both of them, rookies though they were, clearly looked to Nova as the anchor that would keep them steady.
Nova straightened, a storm behind her eyes as the muffled roar of the crowd swelled outside. “Remember, evil wants us to stumble. But we’ll go out there and prove it doesn’t own us. Tonight, the first fall belongs to us.”

“This is ours to win!”

“We’ll hang’m high.”

----------

As Keira slipped back through the dark curtains, she found her opponents already gathered in the wings. Nova Steele stood at the front, posture upright, arms crossed over her chest. From the veteran came only a curt nod—a measured acknowledgment, neither warm nor hostile, but respectful enough to mark Keira as worthy of what was to come.

Leaning out from behind the taller woman’s shoulder, Starlight couldn’t resist a bit of rookie bravado. She jabbed two fingers toward Keira, then turned them back to her own eyes, fixing her opponent with an exaggerated glare. The mean-mugging was so over-the-top it was closer to cartoon mischief than menace, but it carried a spark of genuine challenge all the same.

Then Nova’s music hit, and the heroine moved forward, her towering presence slipping through the veil of curtains. With Nova gone, Starlight’s act faltered—her shoulders jumped with a tiny “eep,” and she busied herself tugging at the edges of her gear instead of inviting Keira’s notice.

Wild Rose loomed in the shadows, steady and unflinching, holding something out to the younger wrestler. Starlight’s kendo stick—forgotten in the dressing room. The rookie’s face lit with sheepish relief as she accepted it, gripping the weapon tight as if the wood itself restored her confidence. Only then did she glance back at Keira, the weight of the stick in her hands giving her courage enough to deliver a pointed warning.

“No funny business.”

----------

The basement air was heavy with smoke and perfume, the clink of glasses and low murmurs of the crowd mixing with the faint creak of leather restraints from somewhere in the shadows. When

emerged from the curtain, there were no flashing lights, no fanfare. Just the sound of her boots striking the narrow aisle that cut through the dungeon-like audience chamber.

She did not look left or right. Where in a normal arena she would have met the eyes of her supporters, raised her fist, or offered her fire to the crowd, here she walked straight ahead, face stern, posture unbending. The onlookers jeered, some laughed, others leered, but she gave them nothing. Not a glance, not a gesture.

In this place, Nova moved like an iron pillar driven through corruption itself, deliberate, cold, untouchable. The only energy she projected was forward, each step aimed squarely at the ring where Black Severin waited.

Once she climbed through the ropes, she resumed her routine, the heroin paused, looking skyward through the hazy rafters, muddied by lingering smoke. Her hand raised to the heavens, drawing in the unseen light and hope from those who believed in her, who resided somewhere far above this den of debauchery. With a roll of her shoulders and an energetic flourish, she brought her hand to her chest as if absorbing all of that power into her.

“From the edge of the galaxy to the center of this ring, Justice has called to me, and I have answered. Tell me, sinister puppet who dances on strings, what calling brings you before me tonight?” Nova lifted her chin, glancing around with a soft huff. “In this dark and foreboding place.”

[DSX93]

Keira wasn't surprised to see the three of them standing there, but that initial standoff was real tense. It was the potential three-on-one situation that Mary had warned about, seemingly ready to kick off right here, backstage. But she wasn't one to back down. One-on-one, two-on-one...Some months back, she was even ready to face a rioting crowd. Luckily, they found some sense, so it didn't come to that. But nothing's changed.

Then came that nod. One that she returned as she started to breathe a little easier. It was a gesture of intent, akin to a handshake at the Arena of Honor. They were gonna do this right.

The dark-haired one -- Starlight -- tickled her with that exaggerated posturing. No laughter came of it, though. She just met that challenging stare with one of her own as Nova -- the one with the pink hair had to be Nova -- started towards the ring. That's when Starlight started finding her pants and the belt accessory more of a concern, all of a sudden. Ha!

That confidence returned the moment Wild Rose passed her that kendo stick. The funny thing about that? Keira still wasn't worried. Because the six of them were kind of on the same wavelength: Severin hadn't gone in with a weapon. Neither did Nova. And Rose? A big, tough country gal? Those fists are her weapons.

"As long as there isn't any on your end..." Keira began, responding to her warning. "There won't be any on ours."

Some approaching footsteps caught her attention. They were coming from just down the hall: Renee walked up to the scene with an easy stride that she saw no reason to break. No fists were being flung around, and their opponents -- only the two of them by the time she closed in -- were keeping a respectful distance. In one hand was the Holey Driver, lifted to rest on her shoulder. In the other...

"Your weapon, madam." A black magic wand.

"Sup?" Her eyes scanned the both of their opponents, lingering a bit on her fellow blonde. Both girls were pretty cute, but Rose was appealing to both sides of the switch. The half of her that liked the thought of being rendered helpless underneath insurmountable strength, and the half that was intrigued by the notion of using her intellect, her cunning, and precise technique to cut down that larger foe. The lasso fueled the flames on both ends.

But she wouldn't make it too obvious. She wouldn't ogle. Much. "Nice chaps." Both had been sized up, and Rose in particular happened to have a little something to her that she liked. "You guys do this sort of thing often -- walk into the lion's den to round us deviants up? Try to bring us over to the Light Side?" Her tone was probing, but playful. This wouldn't be the first time LAW has seen superhero types looking specifically for freaks to battle.

She'd turn to a nearby screen that had been mounted on the wall, taking a quick peek at Nova's entrance while they conversed. "Damn. She looks like she could benefit from some Hentai action."

***

Ooh, this lady. Marching on down to the ring, all business-like. Straight forward towards the mission. No detours. No pit stops. No flash. Paid the fans absolutely no attention, whether openly or with subtlety. In a regular arena, Severin would've been thinking, "Oh no." An approach like that is like waving a big ass red flag that says "NO FUN ALLOWED." With every letter capitalized to make sure that nobody got it twisted.

In this place, though, and after seeing some other superheroes in action...Nah.

When he thought of that, he had the feeling that he understood the assignment. And when Nova had posed her question, he decided to borrow a page from Daeva Asphodel's strong opening against Starboy.

"No, no, no. That question is just flatout wrong." Severin said with a wag of the finger. All of that submissive energy that was on display when Keira brought him out was gone, replaced with the very same that one would've expected from her, had she been the one to step into the ring instead. He stood tall. His gaze was piercing, looking not just into her eyes, but into her very soul. No longer a puppet, but another puppet master. "It's coming out of the wrong mouth, and being directed at the wrong person." And his steps as began to circle her were measured. Methodical, just like his Lady's. He drank the pink-haired heroine in from every angle. Admired the craftsmanship. She had been blessed, and worked hard to build from what was already phoenomenal. "Looking at you, I'd say you fit in more with those of us who have made a home here than you realize."

The masked "villain" would stop to take another look into -- through those lovely blue windows of hers again. "Or should I say, more than you're letting on?" He didn't know Nova from Eve, but he's gotten good at gleaning a woman's truth through her eyes.

"So let's start over: What calling brings you before me tonight? What brings this bastion of purity to such a curious place to begin with, really? Or is that the word right there; curiosity?"

[Parker]

Starlight leaned lightly against Wild Rose’s side, kendo stick resting across her shoulders as if it were a baseball bat. She didn’t need to say a word; her narrowed eyes and sly little smirk did enough talking. Every so often, she tapped the stick to her shoulder, letting the soft hollow sound resonate from within.
Beside her, Wild Rose stood like a statue, the leather of her gloves creaking faintly as she flexed her fingers. The country bruiser didn’t posture or pose, her sheer presence, broad-shouldered and rooted to the ground, said enough.

“Don’t worry,” Starlight muttered, loud enough for Keira to hear. “No funny business from us… Unless you’re into that?” She gave Rose a playful nudge, and the big woman simply exhaled through her nose, her eyes never leaving their would-be opponents.

At Renee’s introduction, Wild Rose brought a hand up, giving a small tip of her hat to the blond woman. “Thanks,” The cowgirl chewed on that word before continuing with a wry smile. “If things don’t tumble downhill too fast, may I give you an up close an’ personal like view of the back end.” It was as much a treat as an invitation, one that got another pointed nudge from Starlight, indignant her own little musings had been ignored and here Rose was making her own.

“Nope.” Starlight chirped with a smile, catching herself almost immediately and putting on what passed to her mind as a more serious look. “You should totally come over to the light side, though. I can bake you cookies, braid each other's hair… also, I wouldn’t need to beat you up! Win-win!” Starlight gave a firm nod, looking quite pleased with herself

-----

For all his measured movements and masked bravado, Nova did not falter. She drew herself tall, shoulders squared, her chest rising with steady, even breaths as if she had already steeled herself for whatever storm was coming. As he moved, she followed him with her gaze, not so much as turning an inch, regardless of whether he circled behind her or not.

Severin’s voice cut through the dingy atmosphere, words sharp and deliberate as he circled her. Each phrase was measured, each step angled like he was dissecting her with his gaze. He dismissed her earlier words, turning them around, forcing her to face his supposed truth. His presence pressed on her, not with the weight of his body, but with the confidence in his tone and the intensity of his stare.

Nova’s eyes tracked him, following his circuit. When he finally stopped before her, looking deep into her, her head tilted just slightly, strands of pink hair catching the red light as they fell across her cheek.

“I am not blind to where I stand,” she answered, her voice low, steady, carrying through the crowd despite her lack of a microphone. “This place thrives on chaos. On shadows. On temptation.” She spread her hands, an open-palmed gesture to the arena around them. “It tempts me too. I’d be a liar to say it didn’t.”

Her fingers curled into fists, blue eyes burning again as she stepped in closer, her weight steps vibrating through the top of the canvas as she came to stand before him. Her chest brushed his as she stared him down. “But curiosity isn’t my calling. Justice is. And if I must walk into the depths of the void itself, then so be it.”

The crowd rumbled, with many cheers to match the calls for depravity. She was wrong about one thing at least; it seemed as though some who dwelled this deep still believed in her. “You were given a moment’s reprieve from the coming storm and you’ve cast it aside in an attempt to confuse and grandstand. Our time for words has ended. The time for action has now begun.”

[DSX93]

Watching the little things between Starlight and Wild Rose had Renee and Keira seeing different things: In Keira's eyes, Starlight was a new kid who just hasn't found her confidence yet. Not unlike the man they had in the ring when she first met him. It poked at her soft spot, the one that her own mentor, Sophie, had instilled in her.

She hadn't had many opportunities to pass her kindness forward to other rookie wrestlers. Just the two: The artificial blonde standing next to her, and Severin. If the rules of the match hadn't made it so that a fall would turn it into a handicap match first, she'd be looking forward to seeing her in the ring. Maybe she'd have to get a singles match set up.

"Depends. If it doesn't tickle me just right, there's a price you'll have to pay. I'm not a witch like my partner here..." She began, tilting her head towards Renee. "...But I can work some serious black magic." She pressed a button and let her "weapon" buzz for a few seconds before shutting it back off, leaving the possibilities hanging in the air. "Don't need a wand to cast it, either, but hey, if it works out that way..."

Renee's analysis was a touch detached, focused more on tactics. Starlight had been singled out, predicted to be the weak link of her group. Nothing personal, just a cold, hard prediction based on that seeming reliance on Rose's presence. The kendo stick helped, but that one moment she caught on the way over, where she was apart from her allies...it said something. Did it paint a picture that left her feeling confident in their chances even if Severin were to give up a fall? No. But if it were to become a tornado tag match...

The talk of big cowgirl booty in her face would cut off her train of thought -- push that lever that took her mind on a different course. She opened her mouth to speak -- to mention that as a witch, she had a variety of ways to create that view for herself -- when Starlight chimed in. And that was when her thoughts began to align with her partner's; it was a shame that this match necessitated wearing down the one or fewer and keeping them down.

"We've got cookies over here on the Dark Side too."

"With extra chocolate chips, because we like to indulge."

"And we could still braid each other's hair." Keira would set a finger underneath the single braid she had in her hair and give it a twirl.

"That would have to wait until after they're initiated, though."

"Of course."

"That won't be easy, though. Or maybe it will be. LAW reels good candidates in in droves." Renee's eyes would alternate between the two novice heroines, seeming to search for something in them. And without any confirmation of whether or not she'd found it, she turned to the nearby screen, looking to their leader now.

***

Severin nodded, giving Nova an approving smile when she made her admission. "You're honest. Good." Honest, and confident in her ability to fend off an attack from any angle, it seemed. Or maybe she just didn't care where he came at her from.

Either way, she wasn't giving up any ground. Invited herself to his, in fact. Not that he minded. Nah, not one bit. Her speech set the tone in stone. Hero vs Villain, and he was the villain. It was his first time playing the role outside of toy fights and low-intensity wrestling matches with Bea when they were little. And in this context? Yeah, he could get down with this.

And despite her stated goal and disdain for where she was, the fans were divided. But even in this place, Severin wasn't surprised: This is still within a female-dominated promotion, and he's a man. The day may never come when he has an entire capacity crowd on his side.

But he wasn't focused on that. With such a vision right there in front of him...

Right. There. Close enough for their chests to touch. Close enough to feel the warmth radiating from her beautiful body. Close enough to...

"I suppose you're right."

...Close enough to seize the initiative. Since she'd stepped into such intimate proximity, it only made sense to wrap an arm around her waist and pull her in close like she was his lover, swinging her to the side as he seized one of those shapely legs, sliding his fingers in to grasp the back of her knee, bending it. Rendering her totally off balance, with him being the only thing that was keeping her off the mat. That is, unless she were to hang onto him, playing into the suggestive image.

Either way...Severin always had a sweet tooth. So he'd get himself some sugar.

He was aggressive. Possessive, claiming Nova's lips as his without being brutishly overbearing. He knew how to make it a perfect mixture of deliberate and passionate, setting a goal and making it feel personal. It was the kiss of someone who cares. Not just about scoring points, but stoking the flames. Planting the seeds for the long game. Only his lips would be utilized here, unless she decided to give up ground and introduce tongue. Then he'd take the lead in the dance again. But if not, he'd let this be more of the "Hi, how do you do" he intended it to be. An introduction. A tantalizing taste of what could be.

The hand that he had at the small of her back would glide along a northbound path. A pleasure cruise that would see his fingers begin to familiarize themselves with her form the best they could in the brief time they had. As best as they could with cloth in the way. Until he finally reached the back of her neck.

The arm hooking her leg would continue to do so, but from an adjusted angle, using his inner arm to lift her leg higher. And then he'd utter a quick "Sorry, beautiful" in his head before giving her another sudden pull. Backwards, this time. Arching his back to toss her up and over; a release T-bone Suplex.

[Parker]

Both women gave the “wand” a look. Rose with a quirked eyebrow and a snort, and Starlight with wide-eyed curiosity. The cowgirl didn’t pay it much mind, turning her attention to the television screen. It seemed apparent to her that they didn’t need to worry about these two breaking the peace of the back room at the moment.

Starlight followed suit, turning to the television, but found herself leaning back to speak past Wild Rose with the other women, seemingly enjoying the banter. “They aren’t my cookies though.” She chirped, matter-of-factly. It was clear she thought very highly of her own baking and not so much of whatever dark and evil chocolate chip cookies were manifested in these women’s hellforges.
“Watch yourself. Being braid buddies is a sacred good girls thing.” Starlight warned, giving the kendo stick a light tap across her shoulders. She seemed to be serious.

------

Nova hadn’t flinched when Severin closed the gap, not when the heat of his body brushed hers, not when his chest pressed against her own, not even when that muscled arm coiled around her waist and drew her into him like they were about to waltz instead of wrestle. Her jaw tightened, her lips parted, and though every instinct told her to brace or break away, she held her ground, chin lifted proudly as though daring him to make the first move.

And then he did.

His pull yanked her in tight, their bodies clashing in a way that made the audience erupt, his fingers navigated her curves with vested interest, delicate but supporting. With a sudden shift in their weight, he dipped her back, leg riding high as he pulled it close. His audacity seemingly caught the warrior of Justice off guard, giving him just the inch he needed to scrap a few more feet out of their proximity.

She opened her mouth to retort, to throw his words back at him but then his lips stole hers.

Her eyes remained wide for a moment, quivering in disbelief. But her eyelids drooped as he pressed in, his confidence infectious and his technique well practiced. Nova’s body stiffened at first, muscles tense from the shock, only to betray her resolve when her lips softened against his. She felt a tingle in her body, a warmth in her chest as he held her like this in a sweet embrace.

If he had been worrying about his acceptance by the crowd, tonight it seemed he had it. They roared, feeding the heat of the moment, their cheers rumbling in her ears as his hand roamed higher, sliding up her spine in a possessive sweep. The luckiest man in the room, among hundreds in attendance.

He coaxed, but she never fully committed herself, only allowed herself to be subjected to his whims. She reached up, a hand finding his shoulder, the other his chest. With a jerk of her body, she tore herself away, separating their lips with a soft pop and a thin glistening trail of saliva between them. Her eyes hardened in indignation, pressing her palms into him, the fingers on his shoulders clamping down with what would surely be retaliation.

Thankfully for him, Black Severin had already laid his foundations. The hand hooked behind her knee wrenched higher, his body in motion all its own, and in an instant the warmth she’d been pressed against became a lever. Nova was whipped off her feet, her body launched skyward as her own weight betrayed her.

She arced through the air, a blur of pink and white under the harsh lights, before crashing down in a thunderous release T-Bone Suplex. The canvas quaked beneath her as she landed on her back and shoulder, a cry bursting from her lips as her body jolted and folded, bouncing onto her side with a heavy flop. She rolled onto her stomach with a frustrated groan, pushing herself up onto a knee. This heroine was made of stern stuff and didn’t intend to stay down long.

[DSX93]

This was surprisingly affable. Emilia was expecting more posturing. Hostility. Not that she was disappointed: Friendly alternative peeps and superheroes have provided her her favorite matches thus far. Perhaps tonight would be another page in that saga.

Renee turned to Keira with a conspiratorial grin. "They don't know about the gatherings.

"It's how I got this in the first place." Keira didn't have anything else to follow up with, but figured that she could rely on Emilia to take it from there. And surely enough, she was onto something as soon as she was done, apparently recognizing...something.

"I knew I recognized that braid!"

Ah, there it was. "And that outfit...That was you-know-who, wasn't it?"

"From the Detroit House?"

The two shared a knowing look, and a nod that acknowledged the other as a sister, sharing in a secret that was being built on the fly. Every word coming out of their mouths was another brick.

"The Dark Sisterhood is everywhere, cooking up the finest fits. You two should join us."

"Goths are in!"

"Especially if you make good cookies. Let's circle back to those real quick."

Keira tried not to laugh. She really did, but ended up snickering anyway when one of their hangouts replayed in her mind: She, Emilia, Beatriz, and Terrell were in Canada, taking full advantage of marijuana's legal availability for recreational use. Terrell had baked a batch of an experimental recipe of Reese cookies. One big platter of chocolate, peanut buttery goodness.

Emilia tore through about half the things on her own, like she was the goddamned Cookie Monster. Rapping about

until she fell asleep on the couch. Eating until she fell asleep. Girl was a hot mess.

Renee rolled her eyes and gave her a good-natured flip of the bird in response. "Anyway, about those cookies..."

***

The masked rogue rolled back onto his shoulders and kipped himself back onto his feet, using his hands only to beckon support from those fans who had his back. More than he'd initially figured; his daring had just won some more of them over. During those pleasant moments, he realized what Renee was getting at. A point he'd be returning to later. For now, he had to apply the pressure and keep it.

Severin played to the crowd, but kept an eye looking over his shoulder. He wouldn't dilly-dally too much here, taking off towards the ropes as Nova made her way back onto her feet. Bouncing back, he'd use the gathered momentum to go for some unorthodox pragmatism: Instead of the lariat, clothesline, shoulder block, cross body, and so forth that one would normally expect, he'd take aim at her knee with a nastier variant of the

[Parker]

Starlight tilted her head, her big eyes narrowing ever so slightly even as she smiled. “...Are you sure this isn’t, like, one of those spooky secret clubs where you have to make blood oaths or something?” She tapped her chin with one finger, thinking hard in her adorably scattered way. “Because, um, I’m not supposed to join those anymore.”

Wild Rose didn’t smile. Her gaze stayed fixed, sharp and steady on the monitor. “They are just messin’ with you Star.” Her tone was flat, unimpressed, though she didn’t bother to raise her voice. She adjusted her stance, arms folded across her chest. “People with real secrets don’t hand ‘em out for free. Not without wanting something back.”

Starlight fidgeted, her hands wringing the grip of her shinai. She drew in an exaggeratedly deep breath through her nose, puffed up her cheeks cutely like an angry child, and gave Emilie and Renee SUCH A LOOK. So they knew she was totally onto them and they should stop being evil and stuff because villains get beaten up by her! Her whole look was meant to convey that… Or that she might be constipated. Either seemed likely

Rose cut a sidelong glance at her partner, then back to Emilia and Renee. Her jaw set, and her words were low but deliberate. “Your man aint doing bad. Curious to see how things will look once she gits her hands on’m.”

----------

Inside the ropes, Severin’s shoulder clipped her clean, chopping her leg out from under her and slamming the brakes on her momentum. Nova crashed hard onto her side with a grunt, one arm instinctively wrapping around her knee as she hissed through her teeth. The crowd’s roar faltered, split between the ones who wanted more of the early dominance and those willing the heroine to rise again.

But Nova was never one to stay down for long. She planted her free leg against the mat, rolling her shoulders as she forced herself upright in one determined shove. Her weight shifted awkwardly, the wounded leg tucked back behind her in a guarded stance, careful and watchful.

She drew in a steady breath, then tossed her pink hair back from her face with a sharp snap of her head, defiance in the gesture. Her shoulders rolled, her fingers flexed, and her chest rose as she squared herself to Severin again. Even hobbled, she stood tall, eyes locked with his across the canvas.

Every line of her body said the same thing: he may have found a chink in her armor, yes but if he thought she’d give it to him again, he’d have to fight harder to take it.

[DSX93]

"He's as tough as he is talented." Keira looked on with pride and confidence as Severin took the initial lead.

"The biggest subs on the Dark Side can be dominant forces against anyone else."

"Nobody makes Switches like we do."

And speaking of training and influence...

"Let's circle back to what you said just now, Star." Renee took a couple steps forward, unfazed by her...constipated looking grimace. Her red eyes sparked with intrigue, remaining unblinking, like those of a predator observing new prey. "Not 'anymore', you say? What's the story there?"

"And what about you, Rose?" Keira didn't play this role often -- this corruptive influence that she was picking up on from Renee. Only in the bedroom before this. But their teammates in the ring had taken their roles, so it made sense that it reach the four of them as well. Felt like a fun change of pace. "That bit of advice there sounded like it was coming from experience."

***

Severin could've pressed the attack here. Zeroed in on that knee and went ham on it. Maybe he should've. After all, he's playing the villain here. But that was typical. He wanted to do something different. And so, he'd keep a respectful distance as she pushed herself back onto her feet. How he'd treat her the rest of the way? He'd just do what he does best: Figure that out as he goes.

The masked man made his approach when she got herself together. Arms raised, open hands, fingers wiggling at the ready. Then he'd make that first push. One hand reached around to the back of her neck, the other for the inner elbow. His weight was leaned forward, sculpted muscles flexing to power his push to the corner behind her.

[Parker]

"Starlight" The young lioness corrected both Renee and Rose, though her tone was a gentle one, not that of someone who had taken offense. "Sometimes people assume my name is two words. So they call me Star, or in at least one occasion Ms. Light… which was pretty cool but—yeah. It's one word, Starlight."

Starlight could totally sell this kind of story with her trademark bubbly charm — sounding just innocent and airheaded enough to make the whole thing believable while still keeping it hilarious. Here’s how she might tell it as part of a roleplay promo or backstage interview, dripping with that “I swear it wasn’t my fault!” energy:

Starlight grinned sheepishly, rocking on her heels as she began.

"Okay, so like, listen... It was this whole big mix up thing. I was just trying to find the locker room before my debut match. I had my earbuds in, I was jamming to my ‘fight me but make it fabulous’ playlist—which is absolutely fire—and I must’ve taken a wrong turn somewhere around catering because next thing I know—boom! I walk into this room that’s super dark and smells like incense and, like... old leather? Not the good kind, the wet kind, bleh."

She gestures animatedly, miming her confusion.

"There were candles everywhere, and everyone in there was wearing these black cloaks and chanting something about ‘embracing the abyss’ or whatever, and I just thought—oh my gosh, they’re doing like, a themed hype meeting! So naturally, I joined in! This is my first time in a big promotion and I heard some of these like, preshow meetings can get intense."

A nervous giggle escapes her as she pantomimes raising her hands dramatically.

"I’m there, arms up, totally going for it, trying to fit in, like, ‘Yes! Darkstuff! Passion! Whatever!’ and one of them turns to me all serious and goes, ‘You are one of us now.’ And I’m like, ‘Aww, thank you! That’s so sweet!’"

She pauses for a moment, glancing from side to side, lowering her voice.

"...Turns out they were a wrestling cult faction. You know, like the creepy ones that come out with fog machines and sacrifice pyrotechnics or whatever? I thought they were doing a cosplay group photo."

She breaks into laughter, hands over her mouth.

"Security had to come get me when I almost followed them out to the ring for their entrance. They had matching robes and everything! I just thought it was... coordinated branding!"

With an exaggerated shrug and playful smile.

"Been around enough to know there are plenty of snakes in the grass in this business and most of them ain’t kind enough to rattle as a warnin’." Wild Rose had remained mostly quiet through the story, paying Keira a casual glance back with a small shrug.

----------------

Severin’s restraint did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Despite whatever negative words she had for him and this hive of debauchery, she could recognize what he had done. So when he brought up his arms, she answered in kind and slammed full force into him, clamping down her hands to meet his collar and elbow lock up. She was strong, very strong, had this been their first exchange, she might have been able to handle him easily. As they pushed into each other her muscles flared, but her leg shuddered under the pressure. Her knee quivered at first but then she was forced to inch it back, shift her stance or risk it buckling completely.

She was losing ground now, a sidelong glance to the ropes on either side clued her in as they were nearing the corner. She couldn't afford to get locked down not after such a poor showing from her at the start. She bore down and leaned forwards, attempting to rip his grip away from him and throw her arms around his waist. She couldn't move him back while he had his feet under him, so she opted to attempt to take him off the