Post by Naughty Kat on Mar 27, 2016 20:49:50 GMT -6
Horsewomen Compound
Malibu, Ca
March 21, 2016
11:22am
Temp: N/A
Candi skips along happily through the corridors of the Horsewomen's Compound. What had been feelings of both fear and animosity for her surroundings have begun to change with pleasantry and acceptance. Of course, a few of her friends now would probably wish that Candi have her head examined if they saw her so cheery in such a gloomy and unacceptable place for her, and quite frankly her enemies would agree. Though they probably would have questioned the lateness over such tests. But the smile and the skipping show one thing; Candi has come to accept she's here now for the long haul. Therefore, she's working to try and make the most of it.
For now that involves skipping down the hall carrying a plastic suit protector over her shoulder while wearing a pink and white cheerleader uniform with a massive black letter “K” on the front of the expanded chest. No hints necessary on who that entails. The light reflects off the thin layer of glitter over the uniform as the blonds pigtails bounce around with each hop she makes. Her lips are painted a bright pink, her cheeks are a rosy red, and her collar...polished black. She no longer seems to mind it anymore as she lands both of her soft, white sneakers outside of a closed door and stands back up throwing her arms out as if awaiting applause. Nothing, not even surprising to Candi, as the cheerleader brings her free hand down and opens up the door to step inside.
Candi: Hi, Scemy!
Emma's unfortunate nickname. While she would accept Death, or one of its variants, she's come to accept it. Though only as a means that Candi won't be hounding her with different sorts. Besides, Candi was quickly becoming one of them. Even if she could just be, as Kat described her, a trophy of sorts then it would still be a waste to push the plucky blond away. Of course, seeing the sudden shift in Candi's attitude toward everyone within the compound, and even the compound itself, had Emma curious or just what Joanna did during her time with the young lion.
Candi: Got somethin' for ya!
Emma, seated down in one of the chairs of the lounge, looks up at the blond arching up a single brow.
Emma: So Strife let you off your leash. Seems like time with War has made you bold.
Candi stands there a little dumbfounded by the response. Having no idea what was said or the implication of it, Candi just blinks a few times. At about the sixth or seventh time, Emma speaks back up again.
Emma: ...never mind. Why are you here?
Candi: Oh! Tee-hee. Silly Scemy is silly.
What does it mean? Only Candi knows the true meaning behind her nicknames. Candi doesn't use them as a means of creating a conversation piece, because if Emma ever asked then Candi would say it was “Scary” + “Emma” + “Y” for cuteness. That's all. Of course, one could dispute the necessity of adding a Y in the first place when one was already present...but then why would you bother arguing such details with someone who believes that a cloudy day means the sun called in sick.
Candi: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa--
Emma: Any day n-
Candi: Nyway, I heard you were gonna be in Kitty Mistress and Tal-Tal's corner.
Emma: I will be, yes.
Candi: That's why I got ya this!
Candi swings out the suit covering hanging off of the coat hook in her hand. Emma looks it over, about to state the obvious but figures Candi's soon to realize it herself. Maybe.
Candi: You don't like it?
Candi asks with a troubled expression.
Emma: It would be helpful if I knew what ‘it’ was.
Candi: Oh.
Candi giggles and unzips the front showing off a different, yet similar, cheerleader outfit to her own. As opposed to a mostly pink affair, like the one Candi currently has on, this one is blue with a little white and a large black “T” on the front of it. Wonder who that could be associated with. But it makes sense, especially for this tag match. Although how Candi came to own such a suit so fast...
Emma: No.
Candi: Whaa? Why not?
Emma: Where should I start? My reputation? My personal taste? You’re asking me to dress up like a too-happy secondary school student on her way to the field so the leches at ringside can ogle me more than they already do. It isn’t happening.
Candi: But it's cute!
Emma: I don’t do ‘cute’.
Candi: But it's sparkly!
Emma: I do even less of that.
Candi: Awwwwwwww. Please? Pretty, pretty please?
Those doe eyes of Candi has hooked people in before, but Emma was different. Emma was...Emma. She wouldn't allow herself to fall for such cheap tricks. But Candi does look upset, really, really upset. Like her whole perception of reality was somehow crashing down upon her because she believed that much that Emma would accept the outfit with a giggle and a smile and already be wearing it by now. Maybe they'd even be skipping down a rainbow hand in hand singing songs of childhood joyousness. Unfortunately, Emma remains stoic. She's not backing down from this so Candi drops both her arm and her smile as she turns dragging the outfit along the floor on her way for the door.
Candi: 'kay. Guess I really don't fit in. Kitty Mistress was laughin' with you guys before, you're all friends. People just yell at me and make fun of me...I'm just gonna crawl under Kitty Mistress' bed and go to sleep til I'm needed. Not wanted.
Does it tug at the heart strings? Is Candi just playing? Hard to tell as she continues her way for the door. Eventually, Emma realizes she can't have Candi reporting back to her Mistress like this. Kat has been rather protective of the girl since her induction as Strife, so it might cause some ill feelings near the start of her run here. Not exactly something they need. So, against her better judgement, Emma rises from her seat and approaches Candi.
Emma: ...but I suppose nothing says I have to wear it to the ring. There’s...no harm in trying it on.
Candi turns back around with a few tears still resting at the corners of her eyes. Seeing this, Emma feels...something. Not exactly what she had wanted with Candi, to feel any sort of thing around her. What Candi would consider their rivalry was over and Emma held no plans in becoming the blonde’s friend, even now, but there was still that nagging inclination. Candi was weak before her and Emma didn't feel any sort of pride or glee with it. Even Candi's warm, growing smile doesn't spark any kind of major change one way or another. She didn't feel like hugging her or turning her away, her relationship with Candi suddenly felt...normal. Emma reaches out, forgetting the moment, or doing her best to sweep it under the rug of her mind, as she takes hold of the cheerleader outfit and turns her back to Candi. Candi smiles more, showing no desire to walk away now as she wipes her eyes.
Candi: Thanks.
Emma looks back over her shoulder about to say something in return but catches herself before really saying anything. She just glances toward the “lion” then back to the uniform hoping no one manages to catch this moment. Emma rests the uniform down onto the chair she was previously seated in and grips the bottom of her shirt with both hands. She begins to pull up as Candi's eyes widen at the sight of Death's fleshy back. Scars dotted and swept along it and Candi giggles. Emma turns her head pausing her undressing as Candi points down at her back.
Candi: You must'a saved a bunch of people for those.
Candi's innocence in her presenting the statement, notwithstanding, sparks a different sort of response from Emma who considers ignoring the comment but can't help but realize where it would lead. Candi prancing around considering her a savior, a hero, a...good girl. This was a perfect opportunity to put the playing field back to where it was previously as Emma turns around toward the blond.
Emma: Candi…
Death kept her cool here, realizing long ago that Candi was a special breed. She saw, heard, felt things differently than most people. She couldn’t be spoken to as Emma normally would to another person. It was all about delivery. Keeping her back to the perky “lion”, Emma just starts talking…
Emma: ...these scars aren’t good. They came from people who tried to turn me into a monster...no, scratch that...
Her voice softens another note.
Emma: ...who succeeded in making me a monster.
The woman known as Death among her allies and enemies alike sounded very much ashamed at that moment. She holds the uniform in one hand now, staring at it oddly with her back still to Candi. The scars are not limited to her back as is seen after she puts the uniform back down and slips the skirt she’d been wearing down to the floor. They extend down her arms and to her legs as well. Chances are they’re all over the other side of her, too...the main reason she seldom has any exposed flesh showing in public or anywhere else.
Emma: I don’t know what you think of me, Candi, and I don’t rightly care. You understand that we’re on the same side now, that there’s no more pain between you and I, which is good. But you need to realize that I’m not a good person. I’m barely a person at all. I am, as I said before, a monster.
It sounded as if she were like to break down but it didn’t happen. A few breaths after she stopped talking, she reached for the uniform and with some trial and error pulled it down over her head. It fit, if nothing else, but Emma was quite thankful that there wasn’t a mirror handy. Breathing out heavily, she turned around to face Candi, letting her get a look at it. Candi smiles a little to see the sparkles but still can’t help but feel a little troubled about the scars and the story that goes along with them. She brings her arms up a couple inches as if going in for a hug, but fights that away afraid of how Emma would react to such a thing. So instead, she licks the corner of her lips and nods.
Candi: It...looks good on you, Scemy.
Emma: …
Death approaches Candi, looking into the young blonde’s eyes directly. Emma has a piercing stare and it’s enough to make Candi back up a step or two, thinking she might be in trouble. But instead, Emma stops her, putting a hand on her shoulder and leaning in closely enough so that she can speak into the blonde’s ear without risk of someone else overhearing.
Emma: Candi, you don’t owe me anything. Ever. But I still want to ask a favor.
Candi: Um...okay?
Emma: Don’t ever stop being you. Not for anyone or anything. Understand?
Candi: Candi can only be Candi, Scemy.
Emma: I know that doesn’t make sense to you right now, but one day it will…hopefully before it’s too late.
Disengaging from the woman, Emma gathers her clothes from the chair and the bag from which the uniform came. She makes no move to take it off, sort of numb at the moment about someone seeing her, moving past Candi and toward her room on the Compound’s second floor. She reaches the hallway on the first floor leading to the steps up when she hears a voice come from the other direction.
Katalina: Candi, I...oh my. Um…
Kat smiles over the sight of Emma inside of the cheerleader uniform. For Kat it’s simply like seeing a speckled unicorn dancing the jig with the moon playing the fiddle, not exactly something she’d ever see. Or even thought about seeing, so having the pleasantry of it now…
Katalina: It...looks nice on you, love.
Stopping in her tracks, Emma says something under her breath which might have been a most uncharacteristic curse. Then she turns, facing Strife as she approaches.
Emma: I decided to...indulge your ‘lion’. To spare her feelings.
Katalina: I see.
Kat still finds it hard not to smile in this. Though she does give the effort of covering up her mouth in behind her hand as to not offend Emma further.
Katalina: Have you by chance seen her around?
Emma: Yes, she will likely be along shortly. I left her not three minutes ago.
Death turns to face the steps again, but not swiftly that the approaching Katalina cannot see the state of her face. Having only happened days prior, the wounds are still rather flesh and look painful. Kat reaches out as if to touch Emma’s scarred (which was already there) and bruised (the more recent wound) cheek, but relents.
Katalina: Are you quite alright, love? If there is inner turmoil, you know I can help to deal with it.
Hesitating for a moment, Emma shakes her head and turns fully to Kat.
Emma: The pain will recede. The wounds will heal. The hurt within will not, nor will the fear that led to the moment of weakness which brought War’s assault on.
There’s deep-seated anger there that Emma isn’t doing well at controlling, but she at least manages to not displace upon Kat.
Emma: It will not stop me from supporting yourself and Talon come Nothing Else Matters. You shall have everything you need that I am capable of offering.
Katalina: Thank you, love, but...if you’re not feeling it this week I’ll understand if you choose instead to sit this one out.
Emma: Personal suffering is no reason to not be at the sides of my sisters as they go into battle. And I will...survive. It is what I do.
Katalina: Well, if ever you need some time to recover both physically and mentally, don’t hesitate to ask, love. I do offer some meditative procedures to go along with...whatever I’ve been doing with Candi.
She might have just shook it off as Katalina being Katalina, but Emma instead stared at the dominatrix for a few moments before responding, her tone betraying some curiosity.
Emma: Perhaps…
At that moment, Candi comes bounding up to them, happy to see her Kitty Mistress. As this was what Kat came for, she links Candi’s leash in place and turns to Emma once more.
Katalina: Well, I suppose we’ll be seeing you out there then. Still, do take care. For all our sakes.
Emma: ...thank you. I...need to go change.
Flushing the tiniest bit, Emma heads up the steps, leaving Candi and Kat alone.
Outside of Kat's home
Malibu, CA
March 23, 2016 4:32pm
Sunny
As with before, Katalina is in the midst of packing up her belongings for the long trip ahead on her pay per view debut with Visionaries. Katie stands by watching as Kat takes the bags from Candi and places them in the trunk of her car. What type is it? Again, does it matter? It's a car, it goes vroom. To be honest Kat's much more proud of her carriages.
Katalina: There we go.
Kat finishes piecing the last bag into the trunk as Katie arches up a brow.
Katie: Is she better than me?
Katalina: Is who better, love?
The domina inquires as she closes up the trunk trying her best to ignore the over obvious tone of annoyance not exactly hidden in her submissive's voice.
Katie: You know who.
Katalina: We do a lot of things together, Katie, so it could be a lot of--
Katie: That Talon girl.
Kat kinda knew that, but she didn't want to approach the subject herself making Katie think she was pondering over it herself. She hasn't been, but she didn't want it being the first thing from her mind just in case Katie was testing her.
Katie: Is she the reason I'm stuck playing babysitter while you're out there?
Katalina: She isn't, and quite frankly,
She begins as she turns fully toward Katie crossing her arms over her chest. Perhaps if she were any other sort of dominatrix she would have Katie down on her hands and knees begging forgiveness of her Mistress. But contrary to a confounded belief, Kat prefers to keep an open relationship with some of her more veteran live-ins.
Katalina: I'm not appreciative of your tone right now.
Katie: And I'm not appreciative of being replaced.
Not only is Katie a submissive, one step above being a slave, but she's also Kat's primary. Her second hand woman, as it were, in her style of life. The one trusted with holding the reins when the dominatrix is away. But, unfortunately, Katie was also Kat's tag partner first. A relationship she's clearly had a hard time of in letting go.
Katalina: You're not being replaced.
Katie: Oh? Last time you told me that you were bringing her along because you needed a symbol of your efforts. A silent message to the masses.
”Her” refers to Candi, currently being pointed toward by Katie who brings her hand down before continuing on. Once again, in a manner not so pleasing to her Mistress.
Katie: And that's okay. She's new, she's fresh, people who know her either liked or hated her for her happy-go-lucky style. They would know me on licking your boots.
That's true.
Katie: But they also know me as your loyal tag team partner. Someone who you chose, who you molded, who you groomed into the sort of competitor you wanted. No, needed.
Kat can't help but arch a brow over that. She'd say something now, about the method in which that was brought up, but despite how and why it came out...it's true. Katie was a fireball that Kat needed to contain if she were to ever get what she wanted. Still, it's not a satisfaction for the domina to have such a thing thrown back at her like this.
Katie: So I need to know, once and for all, is she better than me?
Katie's jealousy was certainly making this a touchy subject for Kat who prided herself in keeping a peaceful atmosphere. So, as Candi reaches a hand up slowly to touch the base of her own collar, Kat fights to maintain her composure here. It isn't easy. She's on a hurried schedule, not to mention the match itself is the biggest one she's had since joining up, mix in her dinner plans with Zahara and you have yourself one stressful situation. So throwing in Katie's own personal feelings into the middle can potentially have everything spiral down the drain.
Katalina: Talon is my partner, Katie, she is someone of whom management has deemed that way. I'm certain she's just as anxious about this as you and I are.
Katie, probably, a little more so.
Katalina: She is not your replacement and asking you to remain here in my stead is not an act of abandoning you.
The dominatrix smiles as she reaches a hand out for Katie's cheek as the submissive allows it to be there.
Katalina: There are so many things you could offer the Horsewomen, Katie, perhaps one day I'll speak on your behalf in becoming a solid member.
Candi, still feeling out her own slave collar, looks a little put off by something when her fingers reach the copper “K” marking her ownership by Katalina.
Katalina: Until then I just ask that you assist me. Watch over everything here so I don't feel a sense of worry. Please.
It's certainly not a complete answer to Katie's problems, but it's something. The young submissive nods her head and smiles some bringing a brighter smile to that of her Mistress. The dominatrix strokes her thumb along Katie's fleshy cheek then brings her hand away and steps over for the car.
Katalina: I'll call you when we get there.
Katie nods watching as Kat opens up the door and goes to get inside. On the way in, though, the domina notes Candi standing there in silence slowly rubbing her index finger over the copper “K”.
Katalina: Candi, let's go.
Candi remains silent and still prompting Katie to touch hold of her forearm gesturing to the car with her head.
Katie: Go with Mistress.
Candi looks over at the car where her Mistress sits and waits. The blond slowly swallows and makes her way into the front passenger side before Kat pulls away.
Downtown Windsor
March 25th, 2016
Temp: Partly cloudy
It's a grainy opening on the dominatrix, but then again that's what you get when using a cell phone to record. Yep, with all the finances that could go into a promo, Katalina has opted instead on using a cell phone to record her promo. For this one, she walks along down the street letting the phone follow her along from just a few feet away.
Katalina: And so here we are, Talon and myself set to face off against another team. Honestly, what can be said about them? Tag team champions, they hold a victory over Emma and Joanna, so by all accounts and purposes we ought to be afraid of them.
If that be the case then why does the domina giggle the way she does right now?
Katalina: Well, let's just work over this, shall we? We'll start with their “win” over War and Death.
Air quotes, but as Kat brings up her hands to make them the white leather leash resting loosely between her thumb and index finger becomes visible. So...we're in Candi vision right now. Neat. Thought there'd be a lot more sparkles and unicorns and pink sky.
Katalina: Winning via a disqualification, ladies, is simply like tripping over your own feet to cross the finish line ahead of another. So, quite frankly, I cannot accept this as your terms to represent your own, ahem, greatness. Now, I know what you're going to say, a win is a win and shall always be a win, correct? Do you know who says that?
No, but I'm sure you'll be telling us.
Katalina: The weak. The ones who know they have nothing because they are nothing So they cling to whatever technicalities they can because they simply put understand that it's those questionable moments that will make the best of their career.
Um, but what about--
Katalina: However, you do have the tag titles that you can wave about in everyone's faces, don't you? The hard fought effort of climbing and grabbing things. Yes, that sparks a champion right there, doesn't it? And so congrats are certainly in order, ladies.
We don't get to see Kat's sarcasti-clap because the phone has now lowered down over the leash as it dangles and sways. Candi giggles from behind the phone and makes some exaggerated steps from side to side to make the item bounce around. Soon, Candi is singing a little song as she hops.
Katalina: Candi!
It is Candi vision because the phone quickly snaps back up to the dominatrix who, at first, looks rather annoyed with the young girl. But, with a slow count off in her head, she accepts that this is just Candi being Candi so she calms down and accepts it.
Katalina: Candi, focus the phone on me, okay?
Candi: Yup-yup!
Katalina: Yup-yup...
Kat circles her hand waiting for the rest to be delivered there while Candi lets out a prolonged “um”.
Candi: Yup-yup...okay?
Yep, best to just give up. Kat shakes her head and turns away prompting Candi to giggle out playfully.
Candi: Silly Kitty Mistress is silly.
Katalina: Thank you.
It's the best she's certainly gonna get.
Katalina: Now, can we focus back on task, please?
Candi: Kay.
Katalina: Now, where was I?
Candi: Kitty Mistress was saying she needed to focus back on task.
So, Kat, think you can inform the good people again why Candi is the better choice for this above Katie? Yeah, Kat just ignores Candi's comment and turns focusing back on things ahead of them as she gives the leash a little tug.
Katalina: Now, I was talking about the legacy of those belts. An impressive lineage, no doubt. Multiple champions, hard fought encounters, those titles have the history that any tag team should be proud of. Except...well, excluding the holders, of course. Perhaps it's just me but it seems that with zero defenses from any team save for the premiere holders...one really has to wonder about the merit. You see, you can certainly hold onto a title for as long as you wish, but when it goes something like ninety days with none or maybe one defense, people often question that champion. When a title goes years without a single proper defense...well, it's not threatening in the least when Gina or Nicole thrust their tag titles around as if to say “look at us, we matter”. To be honest, the two of you should be thankful you aren't defending them against us. Why, given the history of the belt...it would be us the two of you would have to fear.
Katalina laughs at her own little joke there. Candi laughs too, but it's really just to fit in with her Mistress.
Katalina: So my word to you is rejoice, ladies!
Hallelujah and all that ruckus.
Katalina: For you should have nothing to fear in our match.
Kat comes to an abrupt halt startling Candi as she does.
Katalina: Except, of course, the two hungry women looking to perhaps take advantage of the legacy. A win against you now would certainly present us with the opportunity later. Oh!
Something to worry about indeed before Kat is surprised by one of the storefronts she looks over. A flower boutique,.
Katalina: This looks interesting. Come along with me, Candi.
You mean she gets a choice? Kat doesn't give her much time to ponder on it as she's lead into the corner shop that does certainly invite the question; Invite, dinner, and now flowers? Is this how one treats a magician who entertains their child?
[/font]
Malibu, Ca
March 21, 2016
11:22am
Temp: N/A
Candi skips along happily through the corridors of the Horsewomen's Compound. What had been feelings of both fear and animosity for her surroundings have begun to change with pleasantry and acceptance. Of course, a few of her friends now would probably wish that Candi have her head examined if they saw her so cheery in such a gloomy and unacceptable place for her, and quite frankly her enemies would agree. Though they probably would have questioned the lateness over such tests. But the smile and the skipping show one thing; Candi has come to accept she's here now for the long haul. Therefore, she's working to try and make the most of it.
For now that involves skipping down the hall carrying a plastic suit protector over her shoulder while wearing a pink and white cheerleader uniform with a massive black letter “K” on the front of the expanded chest. No hints necessary on who that entails. The light reflects off the thin layer of glitter over the uniform as the blonds pigtails bounce around with each hop she makes. Her lips are painted a bright pink, her cheeks are a rosy red, and her collar...polished black. She no longer seems to mind it anymore as she lands both of her soft, white sneakers outside of a closed door and stands back up throwing her arms out as if awaiting applause. Nothing, not even surprising to Candi, as the cheerleader brings her free hand down and opens up the door to step inside.
Candi: Hi, Scemy!
Emma's unfortunate nickname. While she would accept Death, or one of its variants, she's come to accept it. Though only as a means that Candi won't be hounding her with different sorts. Besides, Candi was quickly becoming one of them. Even if she could just be, as Kat described her, a trophy of sorts then it would still be a waste to push the plucky blond away. Of course, seeing the sudden shift in Candi's attitude toward everyone within the compound, and even the compound itself, had Emma curious or just what Joanna did during her time with the young lion.
Candi: Got somethin' for ya!
Emma, seated down in one of the chairs of the lounge, looks up at the blond arching up a single brow.
Emma: So Strife let you off your leash. Seems like time with War has made you bold.
Candi stands there a little dumbfounded by the response. Having no idea what was said or the implication of it, Candi just blinks a few times. At about the sixth or seventh time, Emma speaks back up again.
Emma: ...never mind. Why are you here?
Candi: Oh! Tee-hee. Silly Scemy is silly.
What does it mean? Only Candi knows the true meaning behind her nicknames. Candi doesn't use them as a means of creating a conversation piece, because if Emma ever asked then Candi would say it was “Scary” + “Emma” + “Y” for cuteness. That's all. Of course, one could dispute the necessity of adding a Y in the first place when one was already present...but then why would you bother arguing such details with someone who believes that a cloudy day means the sun called in sick.
Candi: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa--
Emma: Any day n-
Candi: Nyway, I heard you were gonna be in Kitty Mistress and Tal-Tal's corner.
Emma: I will be, yes.
Candi: That's why I got ya this!
Candi swings out the suit covering hanging off of the coat hook in her hand. Emma looks it over, about to state the obvious but figures Candi's soon to realize it herself. Maybe.
Candi: You don't like it?
Candi asks with a troubled expression.
Emma: It would be helpful if I knew what ‘it’ was.
Candi: Oh.
Candi giggles and unzips the front showing off a different, yet similar, cheerleader outfit to her own. As opposed to a mostly pink affair, like the one Candi currently has on, this one is blue with a little white and a large black “T” on the front of it. Wonder who that could be associated with. But it makes sense, especially for this tag match. Although how Candi came to own such a suit so fast...
Emma: No.
Candi: Whaa? Why not?
Emma: Where should I start? My reputation? My personal taste? You’re asking me to dress up like a too-happy secondary school student on her way to the field so the leches at ringside can ogle me more than they already do. It isn’t happening.
Candi: But it's cute!
Emma: I don’t do ‘cute’.
Candi: But it's sparkly!
Emma: I do even less of that.
Candi: Awwwwwwww. Please? Pretty, pretty please?
Those doe eyes of Candi has hooked people in before, but Emma was different. Emma was...Emma. She wouldn't allow herself to fall for such cheap tricks. But Candi does look upset, really, really upset. Like her whole perception of reality was somehow crashing down upon her because she believed that much that Emma would accept the outfit with a giggle and a smile and already be wearing it by now. Maybe they'd even be skipping down a rainbow hand in hand singing songs of childhood joyousness. Unfortunately, Emma remains stoic. She's not backing down from this so Candi drops both her arm and her smile as she turns dragging the outfit along the floor on her way for the door.
Candi: 'kay. Guess I really don't fit in. Kitty Mistress was laughin' with you guys before, you're all friends. People just yell at me and make fun of me...I'm just gonna crawl under Kitty Mistress' bed and go to sleep til I'm needed. Not wanted.
Does it tug at the heart strings? Is Candi just playing? Hard to tell as she continues her way for the door. Eventually, Emma realizes she can't have Candi reporting back to her Mistress like this. Kat has been rather protective of the girl since her induction as Strife, so it might cause some ill feelings near the start of her run here. Not exactly something they need. So, against her better judgement, Emma rises from her seat and approaches Candi.
Emma: ...but I suppose nothing says I have to wear it to the ring. There’s...no harm in trying it on.
Candi turns back around with a few tears still resting at the corners of her eyes. Seeing this, Emma feels...something. Not exactly what she had wanted with Candi, to feel any sort of thing around her. What Candi would consider their rivalry was over and Emma held no plans in becoming the blonde’s friend, even now, but there was still that nagging inclination. Candi was weak before her and Emma didn't feel any sort of pride or glee with it. Even Candi's warm, growing smile doesn't spark any kind of major change one way or another. She didn't feel like hugging her or turning her away, her relationship with Candi suddenly felt...normal. Emma reaches out, forgetting the moment, or doing her best to sweep it under the rug of her mind, as she takes hold of the cheerleader outfit and turns her back to Candi. Candi smiles more, showing no desire to walk away now as she wipes her eyes.
Candi: Thanks.
Emma looks back over her shoulder about to say something in return but catches herself before really saying anything. She just glances toward the “lion” then back to the uniform hoping no one manages to catch this moment. Emma rests the uniform down onto the chair she was previously seated in and grips the bottom of her shirt with both hands. She begins to pull up as Candi's eyes widen at the sight of Death's fleshy back. Scars dotted and swept along it and Candi giggles. Emma turns her head pausing her undressing as Candi points down at her back.
Candi: You must'a saved a bunch of people for those.
Candi's innocence in her presenting the statement, notwithstanding, sparks a different sort of response from Emma who considers ignoring the comment but can't help but realize where it would lead. Candi prancing around considering her a savior, a hero, a...good girl. This was a perfect opportunity to put the playing field back to where it was previously as Emma turns around toward the blond.
Emma: Candi…
Death kept her cool here, realizing long ago that Candi was a special breed. She saw, heard, felt things differently than most people. She couldn’t be spoken to as Emma normally would to another person. It was all about delivery. Keeping her back to the perky “lion”, Emma just starts talking…
Emma: ...these scars aren’t good. They came from people who tried to turn me into a monster...no, scratch that...
Her voice softens another note.
Emma: ...who succeeded in making me a monster.
The woman known as Death among her allies and enemies alike sounded very much ashamed at that moment. She holds the uniform in one hand now, staring at it oddly with her back still to Candi. The scars are not limited to her back as is seen after she puts the uniform back down and slips the skirt she’d been wearing down to the floor. They extend down her arms and to her legs as well. Chances are they’re all over the other side of her, too...the main reason she seldom has any exposed flesh showing in public or anywhere else.
Emma: I don’t know what you think of me, Candi, and I don’t rightly care. You understand that we’re on the same side now, that there’s no more pain between you and I, which is good. But you need to realize that I’m not a good person. I’m barely a person at all. I am, as I said before, a monster.
It sounded as if she were like to break down but it didn’t happen. A few breaths after she stopped talking, she reached for the uniform and with some trial and error pulled it down over her head. It fit, if nothing else, but Emma was quite thankful that there wasn’t a mirror handy. Breathing out heavily, she turned around to face Candi, letting her get a look at it. Candi smiles a little to see the sparkles but still can’t help but feel a little troubled about the scars and the story that goes along with them. She brings her arms up a couple inches as if going in for a hug, but fights that away afraid of how Emma would react to such a thing. So instead, she licks the corner of her lips and nods.
Candi: It...looks good on you, Scemy.
Emma: …
Death approaches Candi, looking into the young blonde’s eyes directly. Emma has a piercing stare and it’s enough to make Candi back up a step or two, thinking she might be in trouble. But instead, Emma stops her, putting a hand on her shoulder and leaning in closely enough so that she can speak into the blonde’s ear without risk of someone else overhearing.
Emma: Candi, you don’t owe me anything. Ever. But I still want to ask a favor.
Candi: Um...okay?
Emma: Don’t ever stop being you. Not for anyone or anything. Understand?
Candi: Candi can only be Candi, Scemy.
Emma: I know that doesn’t make sense to you right now, but one day it will…hopefully before it’s too late.
Disengaging from the woman, Emma gathers her clothes from the chair and the bag from which the uniform came. She makes no move to take it off, sort of numb at the moment about someone seeing her, moving past Candi and toward her room on the Compound’s second floor. She reaches the hallway on the first floor leading to the steps up when she hears a voice come from the other direction.
Katalina: Candi, I...oh my. Um…
Kat smiles over the sight of Emma inside of the cheerleader uniform. For Kat it’s simply like seeing a speckled unicorn dancing the jig with the moon playing the fiddle, not exactly something she’d ever see. Or even thought about seeing, so having the pleasantry of it now…
Katalina: It...looks nice on you, love.
Stopping in her tracks, Emma says something under her breath which might have been a most uncharacteristic curse. Then she turns, facing Strife as she approaches.
Emma: I decided to...indulge your ‘lion’. To spare her feelings.
Katalina: I see.
Kat still finds it hard not to smile in this. Though she does give the effort of covering up her mouth in behind her hand as to not offend Emma further.
Katalina: Have you by chance seen her around?
Emma: Yes, she will likely be along shortly. I left her not three minutes ago.
Death turns to face the steps again, but not swiftly that the approaching Katalina cannot see the state of her face. Having only happened days prior, the wounds are still rather flesh and look painful. Kat reaches out as if to touch Emma’s scarred (which was already there) and bruised (the more recent wound) cheek, but relents.
Katalina: Are you quite alright, love? If there is inner turmoil, you know I can help to deal with it.
Hesitating for a moment, Emma shakes her head and turns fully to Kat.
Emma: The pain will recede. The wounds will heal. The hurt within will not, nor will the fear that led to the moment of weakness which brought War’s assault on.
There’s deep-seated anger there that Emma isn’t doing well at controlling, but she at least manages to not displace upon Kat.
Emma: It will not stop me from supporting yourself and Talon come Nothing Else Matters. You shall have everything you need that I am capable of offering.
Katalina: Thank you, love, but...if you’re not feeling it this week I’ll understand if you choose instead to sit this one out.
Emma: Personal suffering is no reason to not be at the sides of my sisters as they go into battle. And I will...survive. It is what I do.
Katalina: Well, if ever you need some time to recover both physically and mentally, don’t hesitate to ask, love. I do offer some meditative procedures to go along with...whatever I’ve been doing with Candi.
She might have just shook it off as Katalina being Katalina, but Emma instead stared at the dominatrix for a few moments before responding, her tone betraying some curiosity.
Emma: Perhaps…
At that moment, Candi comes bounding up to them, happy to see her Kitty Mistress. As this was what Kat came for, she links Candi’s leash in place and turns to Emma once more.
Katalina: Well, I suppose we’ll be seeing you out there then. Still, do take care. For all our sakes.
Emma: ...thank you. I...need to go change.
Flushing the tiniest bit, Emma heads up the steps, leaving Candi and Kat alone.
Outside of Kat's home
Malibu, CA
March 23, 2016 4:32pm
Sunny
As with before, Katalina is in the midst of packing up her belongings for the long trip ahead on her pay per view debut with Visionaries. Katie stands by watching as Kat takes the bags from Candi and places them in the trunk of her car. What type is it? Again, does it matter? It's a car, it goes vroom. To be honest Kat's much more proud of her carriages.
Katalina: There we go.
Kat finishes piecing the last bag into the trunk as Katie arches up a brow.
Katie: Is she better than me?
Katalina: Is who better, love?
The domina inquires as she closes up the trunk trying her best to ignore the over obvious tone of annoyance not exactly hidden in her submissive's voice.
Katie: You know who.
Katalina: We do a lot of things together, Katie, so it could be a lot of--
Katie: That Talon girl.
Kat kinda knew that, but she didn't want to approach the subject herself making Katie think she was pondering over it herself. She hasn't been, but she didn't want it being the first thing from her mind just in case Katie was testing her.
Katie: Is she the reason I'm stuck playing babysitter while you're out there?
Katalina: She isn't, and quite frankly,
She begins as she turns fully toward Katie crossing her arms over her chest. Perhaps if she were any other sort of dominatrix she would have Katie down on her hands and knees begging forgiveness of her Mistress. But contrary to a confounded belief, Kat prefers to keep an open relationship with some of her more veteran live-ins.
Katalina: I'm not appreciative of your tone right now.
Katie: And I'm not appreciative of being replaced.
Not only is Katie a submissive, one step above being a slave, but she's also Kat's primary. Her second hand woman, as it were, in her style of life. The one trusted with holding the reins when the dominatrix is away. But, unfortunately, Katie was also Kat's tag partner first. A relationship she's clearly had a hard time of in letting go.
Katalina: You're not being replaced.
Katie: Oh? Last time you told me that you were bringing her along because you needed a symbol of your efforts. A silent message to the masses.
”Her” refers to Candi, currently being pointed toward by Katie who brings her hand down before continuing on. Once again, in a manner not so pleasing to her Mistress.
Katie: And that's okay. She's new, she's fresh, people who know her either liked or hated her for her happy-go-lucky style. They would know me on licking your boots.
That's true.
Katie: But they also know me as your loyal tag team partner. Someone who you chose, who you molded, who you groomed into the sort of competitor you wanted. No, needed.
Kat can't help but arch a brow over that. She'd say something now, about the method in which that was brought up, but despite how and why it came out...it's true. Katie was a fireball that Kat needed to contain if she were to ever get what she wanted. Still, it's not a satisfaction for the domina to have such a thing thrown back at her like this.
Katie: So I need to know, once and for all, is she better than me?
Katie's jealousy was certainly making this a touchy subject for Kat who prided herself in keeping a peaceful atmosphere. So, as Candi reaches a hand up slowly to touch the base of her own collar, Kat fights to maintain her composure here. It isn't easy. She's on a hurried schedule, not to mention the match itself is the biggest one she's had since joining up, mix in her dinner plans with Zahara and you have yourself one stressful situation. So throwing in Katie's own personal feelings into the middle can potentially have everything spiral down the drain.
Katalina: Talon is my partner, Katie, she is someone of whom management has deemed that way. I'm certain she's just as anxious about this as you and I are.
Katie, probably, a little more so.
Katalina: She is not your replacement and asking you to remain here in my stead is not an act of abandoning you.
The dominatrix smiles as she reaches a hand out for Katie's cheek as the submissive allows it to be there.
Katalina: There are so many things you could offer the Horsewomen, Katie, perhaps one day I'll speak on your behalf in becoming a solid member.
Candi, still feeling out her own slave collar, looks a little put off by something when her fingers reach the copper “K” marking her ownership by Katalina.
Katalina: Until then I just ask that you assist me. Watch over everything here so I don't feel a sense of worry. Please.
It's certainly not a complete answer to Katie's problems, but it's something. The young submissive nods her head and smiles some bringing a brighter smile to that of her Mistress. The dominatrix strokes her thumb along Katie's fleshy cheek then brings her hand away and steps over for the car.
Katalina: I'll call you when we get there.
Katie nods watching as Kat opens up the door and goes to get inside. On the way in, though, the domina notes Candi standing there in silence slowly rubbing her index finger over the copper “K”.
Katalina: Candi, let's go.
Candi remains silent and still prompting Katie to touch hold of her forearm gesturing to the car with her head.
Katie: Go with Mistress.
Candi looks over at the car where her Mistress sits and waits. The blond slowly swallows and makes her way into the front passenger side before Kat pulls away.
Downtown Windsor
March 25th, 2016
Temp: Partly cloudy
It's a grainy opening on the dominatrix, but then again that's what you get when using a cell phone to record. Yep, with all the finances that could go into a promo, Katalina has opted instead on using a cell phone to record her promo. For this one, she walks along down the street letting the phone follow her along from just a few feet away.
Katalina: And so here we are, Talon and myself set to face off against another team. Honestly, what can be said about them? Tag team champions, they hold a victory over Emma and Joanna, so by all accounts and purposes we ought to be afraid of them.
If that be the case then why does the domina giggle the way she does right now?
Katalina: Well, let's just work over this, shall we? We'll start with their “win” over War and Death.
Air quotes, but as Kat brings up her hands to make them the white leather leash resting loosely between her thumb and index finger becomes visible. So...we're in Candi vision right now. Neat. Thought there'd be a lot more sparkles and unicorns and pink sky.
Katalina: Winning via a disqualification, ladies, is simply like tripping over your own feet to cross the finish line ahead of another. So, quite frankly, I cannot accept this as your terms to represent your own, ahem, greatness. Now, I know what you're going to say, a win is a win and shall always be a win, correct? Do you know who says that?
No, but I'm sure you'll be telling us.
Katalina: The weak. The ones who know they have nothing because they are nothing So they cling to whatever technicalities they can because they simply put understand that it's those questionable moments that will make the best of their career.
Um, but what about--
Katalina: However, you do have the tag titles that you can wave about in everyone's faces, don't you? The hard fought effort of climbing and grabbing things. Yes, that sparks a champion right there, doesn't it? And so congrats are certainly in order, ladies.
We don't get to see Kat's sarcasti-clap because the phone has now lowered down over the leash as it dangles and sways. Candi giggles from behind the phone and makes some exaggerated steps from side to side to make the item bounce around. Soon, Candi is singing a little song as she hops.
Katalina: Candi!
It is Candi vision because the phone quickly snaps back up to the dominatrix who, at first, looks rather annoyed with the young girl. But, with a slow count off in her head, she accepts that this is just Candi being Candi so she calms down and accepts it.
Katalina: Candi, focus the phone on me, okay?
Candi: Yup-yup!
Katalina: Yup-yup...
Kat circles her hand waiting for the rest to be delivered there while Candi lets out a prolonged “um”.
Candi: Yup-yup...okay?
Yep, best to just give up. Kat shakes her head and turns away prompting Candi to giggle out playfully.
Candi: Silly Kitty Mistress is silly.
Katalina: Thank you.
It's the best she's certainly gonna get.
Katalina: Now, can we focus back on task, please?
Candi: Kay.
Katalina: Now, where was I?
Candi: Kitty Mistress was saying she needed to focus back on task.
So, Kat, think you can inform the good people again why Candi is the better choice for this above Katie? Yeah, Kat just ignores Candi's comment and turns focusing back on things ahead of them as she gives the leash a little tug.
Katalina: Now, I was talking about the legacy of those belts. An impressive lineage, no doubt. Multiple champions, hard fought encounters, those titles have the history that any tag team should be proud of. Except...well, excluding the holders, of course. Perhaps it's just me but it seems that with zero defenses from any team save for the premiere holders...one really has to wonder about the merit. You see, you can certainly hold onto a title for as long as you wish, but when it goes something like ninety days with none or maybe one defense, people often question that champion. When a title goes years without a single proper defense...well, it's not threatening in the least when Gina or Nicole thrust their tag titles around as if to say “look at us, we matter”. To be honest, the two of you should be thankful you aren't defending them against us. Why, given the history of the belt...it would be us the two of you would have to fear.
Katalina laughs at her own little joke there. Candi laughs too, but it's really just to fit in with her Mistress.
Katalina: So my word to you is rejoice, ladies!
Hallelujah and all that ruckus.
Katalina: For you should have nothing to fear in our match.
Kat comes to an abrupt halt startling Candi as she does.
Katalina: Except, of course, the two hungry women looking to perhaps take advantage of the legacy. A win against you now would certainly present us with the opportunity later. Oh!
Something to worry about indeed before Kat is surprised by one of the storefronts she looks over. A flower boutique,.
Katalina: This looks interesting. Come along with me, Candi.
You mean she gets a choice? Kat doesn't give her much time to ponder on it as she's lead into the corner shop that does certainly invite the question; Invite, dinner, and now flowers? Is this how one treats a magician who entertains their child?
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