A Series Of Unfortunate Events (K. Kensington RP v Seville)

[British Body Shotz]

'I must begin by thanking you, Mr. Butcher.'

The latest video uploaded to the Lion's Den website opens with an uncharacteristically stern Katherine Kensington pacing back and forth in front of the mirrored wall of a gym. Behind the Brit, the mirrored panels reveal Johnny Ajax as the video's cameraman, his laid-back attitude contrasting sharply with his girlfriend's.

'Were it not for your callous interruption of my bout with Mr. Majima, I might not have felt compelled to attend the advanced classes here at the Academy, thereby improving my grasp on forearm and shoulder striking techniques. For yes, unlike some, I did pay attention, rather than simply fawn over the instructor...'

The dig at the Crimson Baroness, oddly unsubtle by Katherine's standards, is quickly shoved aside in favour of her next point:

'All this, Mr. Butcher, I owe to you. So, naturally, I assumed my next contest would be a score-settling of sorts. I was under the impression that was how such matters were dealt with in this industry...'

'Not always', Johnny cuts in. Katherine nods:

'...apparently not. For imagine my surprise when, upon perusing the card for the next Pride event, I find that I am facing, not Mr. Butcher, but Miss Laura Seville. An innocent bystander! Someone, might I add, with whom I will be more likely to start a friendship than a rivalry! I found it utterly baffling!'

'They're saving Butcher for the next big event', Johnny pipes up again. 'That's usually how companies operate.' 

Katherine nods once more.

'Perhaps so. Even still, I feel dreadful for Miss Seville. She is not at all involved in this situation between myself and Mr. Butcher - which is why it is absolutely wretched luck that she should be the first to feel the effects of this past week's sessions. All the frustration I have been feeling over this entire ordeal...all the hours of perfecting my elbow strikes...all the knowledge gleaned from Mr. Bond...everything I was holding in store for Mr. Butcher...shall now fall on her instead. It really is a pity, and I am genuinely distraught over how unfortunate this contest's timing is.'

The expression on the Brit's face indicates her words are, indeed, heartfelt, as Katie takes a moment to compose herself before continuing:

'For you see, Miss Seville, meek, non-confrontational Katie, who could barely speak to a camera without flustering...well, I'm afraid Mr. Butcher may have done away with her permanently. This past week has emboldened me, galvanised me, and made me into a stronger person than before. It is that person, Miss Seville, whom you shall encounter a week from today in Gibsonville. 

And you have Mr. Butcher to thank for that.'

Katherine smiles.

'Even still, I am fully confident in your ability to withstand whatever this 'new' Katherine may feel inclined to hit you with. Having witnessed a couple of your previous bouts first-hand, I am aware of both your ability and your potential. Which is why, despite apologising in advance for any unnecessary roughness, I shall be holding nothing back when we meet in the ring on Wednesday. I cannot help but feel that would be immensely disrespectful to you on both a professional and a personal level, as I am sure you would agree. I therefore solemnly swear to do my very best, and sincerely hope you will be gracious enough to do the same.'

With this, and a final smile towards the camera, the Brit signals for her boyfriend to cut the feed, effectively ending the video.

(FINAL WORD COUNT: 589)