Cutting Loose - [Sophia & Hangaku]

[thesteedman]

Sophia Wolfe was becoming increasingly impressed with the facilities at LAW's disposal. They had ownership and joint-ownership of varies gyms throughout Japan. Their grandest had to be their own situated just outside of the LAW arena where most of the shows and some PPV's took place. Within was state of the art gym equipment, swimming pools and massage spas for all manner of treatments. Each room was vast with enough facilities to allow all to use something, with no doubt a lot of wealth thrown at it. It was also well equipped with training rings and mat rooms which saw a lot of use from hopefuls and veteran wrestlers like... some open to the public, others more private and tucked away. On the other side of things, there were private bedrooms for that other side of LAW such as the bedroom matches, a notion that the German held distain for naturally. Sophia had managed to use most of the less than lewd rooms and facilities, but she had yet to see the room she entered now.

It was a replica of a Dojo like environment, clad with all the aesthetics such as the paper like walls and various pictures that represented tranquility. The place was candle lit in the night hours, but enough of them were lined upon the walls to grant quite an ambience to the room with more than enough visibility. Sophia had chosen to remain in this room, wearing a form fitting sports bra over her chest that left her arms and her alluring midriff exposed. Black training Gi trousers coated her legs, ending at her mid shin, leaving her feet bare. Around her hips was her Gi top tied loosely, leaving the sleeves to dangle behind her rear. For the first hour she had trained lightly, practicing her stances and strikes, barely doing enough to really work a sweat given the fine-tuned condition of her stunning body. Soon after she decided to rest, looking to find peace whilst she knelt in the center of the grand mat.

Her eyes were closed, and slowly Sophia let her mind drift, meditating and easing her mind, looking to take her thoughts away from the woes that had plagued her in recent weeks. All whilst quiet... silent even. The light flickering of the candles failed to even distract Sophia as she began to relax her form... though the quiet creak of the paper wall sliding soon brought her eyes to open. Someone else had entered the dojo, and slowly Sophia turned to see who it was who had joined her at such a late hour in the day.

[dlamp]

There was something about an organization like LAW having such a traditional facility that filled Nanase with a mixture of excitement and worry. She was curious to do a bit of training outside of either the Taishuya dojo or her own private pair of training halls in the Nakano household, but... Nanase was no fool. She knew that LAW gyms and backstage were prime areas for ambushes, brawls, and other unsavory tactics to get an edge on a rival. And while Nanase herself wasn't exactly a well-known fighter within LAW, the one she was curiously walking the halls with was. Maizono Reiko, AKA the Rascal Demon Amano-Jaku. The young fighter was definitely making waves since her PPV event, and it was starting to gain her infamy along with fame. And... well, Nanase felt it was her duty as the Bewitching Warrior and Pillar of her group to keep her team mates safe. So... her bodyguard duty wasn't limited to just the Princess, she'd also keep their little Hellion in her protection as she trained and worked on katas in the dojos of LAW.

Plus, Nanase was curious to see LAW's take on the setting.

And as the two reached the room in question she found herself a little shocked. The inside looked like the spitting image of one of her private training halls. Paper walls, tatami mats, candle light and all. The very look of a traditional training hall right outside the more modern halls and rooms of the training facility. The Taishuya building had a few areas like this as well, but seeing it in LAW was... a surprise. An impressive surprise at that. And inside she saw a woman meditating... well, finished meditating. "Oh-" Nanase turned to Reiko, about to ask her to be quiet when entering but-

"This place looks so cool!"

Reiko walked right in, her shout completely ignoring the mood.

Nanase held back a groan. "Rei-chan." Nanase grabbed Reiko by the collar of her gi. "Someone was meditating. Please be mindful of others." For their part, both women were also in proper attire. Reiko in a white gi top and brown belt tied around the waist with spats underneath, hair its natural dark brown as opposed to her usual blonde hair when in the ring as Amano, and her green eyes excitedly bouncing around before realizing the situation. Nanase was in her jiu-jitsu gi, complete with proper trousers and a black belt around her waist.

Reiko blushed, looking embarrassed before bowing to the blonde woman in question. "Sorry, ma'am."

Nanase pressed Reiko's head lower, bowing as well. "Yes, I apologize as well. We honestly thought this place was empty due to the lighting. Our mistake."

[thesteedman]

Tranquility and peace were such fragile constructs. So easily was water disturbed by a single drop of rain, rippling and becoming disturbed by a single motion. With so much ease could a silent and peaceful field of gold succumb to the chaos of a thunderous roar from an angered sky, washing away the quiet with a single strike. In Sophia's case... the disturbance wore the form of one Maizono Reiko. She followed after Nanase with all the grace of a freight train, her voice loud and booming, emulating her excitement as all previous ambience was swept away like a log being thrown into water rather then a single drop of rain. The very notion displeased Sophia to say the least... she had prepared for the arrival of other guests, but had not anticipated the brashness of the younger of the two arrivals to disturb her so.

Despite being annoyed, it was hard to tell given the stoic expression that remained upon Sophia's angelic but scarred features. Of the two women, Sophia was more than aware of Maizono Reiko. It took her a few seconds to piece together the puzzle initially, but Sophia could see Reiko was none other than the wrestler known as the Rascal Demon, Amano. It was a surprise to see her outside of the ring, appearing significantly different from her in ring persona. She was a young and unpredictable wrestler who battled with reckless abandon. Not someone you would imagine entering a dojo despite the clothing she was clad in. Sophia felt such a presence did not belong, and slowly she rose to her feet. The German wrestler was about to make her thoughts known when Nanase was quick to take control of the younger Reiko, grasping her collar and taking command. Soon enough apologies followed, which eased the apprehensions Sophia was developing.

The woman accompanying Reiko... Sophia had seen her once before and knew her by name, but not so much by reputation. She had not seen Nanase fight within the LAW personally, and so knew nothing other than what she could gaze upon first glance. Sophia made a small sigh when even Reiko was able to muster up an apology, though the German wondered if such a thing would have even crossed her mind had it not been for Nanase's presence and experience in such places.
"Apologies are not necessary, this is a public dojo after all, these seems to be no listing of rules so you did not do anything wrong. I appreciate the notion however." Sophia addressed, her accent a unique mix of German and English given the extended time she spent in the United Kingdom.

Sophia eyed up the smaller woman who went by the reputation of Rascal Demon.
"Amano I believe is it not? You have been making significant waves in the LAW. I am not sure I approve of your fighting style, mannerisms or even the choice of some of your matches, but I cannot deny you do manage to get some unexpected results. Given your aggressive style I never expected to see you set foot in a dojo... but having witnessed some of your techniques I suppose it makes sense. I think with some refinement combined with some experience you will go much further in the LAW. I assume that is what your colleague is here for?" Sophia spoke out, her expression remaining stoic throughout.

Her attention turned to Nanase straight after.
"We have not met either. I am Sophia Wolfe. Nakano Nanase if I am not wrong? I try and follow as many wrestlers as I can within the LAW no matter if they are in my division or not. I do not know much about you I must say." Sophia spoke, taking in Nakano, seeing that she too wore a Gi much like the younger Reiko.

[dlamp]

"Hm," Well, this was rather interesting. Nanase was so preoccupied with controlling Reiko she barely took a look at the person they interrupted. And now that the tensions seemed to smoothed over... this person was quite the foreign beauty. An elegant, noble look, blonde hair, blues, and a scar that looked more stylish than blemishing. And the accent... it was pretty intoxicating as well. And best of all, the woman seemed pretty knowledgeable, knowing not only about Reiko, but Nanase as well.

Reiko being known wasn't a surprise. She was already something of a rising rookie in the company and her even fought the Lightweight Champion in America. It was only natural her name would come up more. But... Nanase herself wasn't exactly well-known, so it was a surprise that this woman knew her by name. Maybe her participation at the PPV as Reiko's second got her name out a little better. Either way, it saved everyone some time with introductions.

And once she let Reiko rise the girl's face was a mix of excited and annoyance. Probably not use to the... harsher take on her, at least face-to-face. The little Demon's face pouted, but just as the young girl was about to speak-

"Oh, Rei-chan here has about 4 years of karate and aikido under her belt." Nanase said, patting Reiko on the back. "Granted, this has been her first year using those techniques on non-cooperative opponents of different fighting styles, but she's fairly disciplined outside the ring, I assure you."

Reiko said nothing, merely looking up at Nanase and taking in her calmer demeanor. "But you're correct. We were going to work on basic jiu-jitsu techniques, escape methods, and further counters." She gave the Sophia a kind smile, offering a hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Wolfe. Feel free to just call me Nanase." She said. "You're well-researched, but if I may speak my mind for a moment..." She paused a moment. "Please be wary to not make assumptions based on what matches a fighter chooses to enter. As someone in the hentai division, I can assure you a lot of us can be more skill in private than we come across in the ring proper." She ran a hand through her black belt, letting her words hang.

[thesteedman]

Sophia listened as Nanase began to describe the years of training Reiko had received in Karate and Aikido. By her account Reiko was far from a novice. It was difficult to comprehend the notion at first for the more disciplined Sophia Wolfe, given the aggression Reiko possessed in the ring from what matches the German had managed to attend and witness... that was until one gazed upon the younger woman as she stood right now. The young woman was a far cry from the persona that she became in the ring, all clad in proper and well maintained Gi trousers and top, giving the impression that she was somewhat organised if not for her easily excitable nature. It was hard to believe it was the same individual who was capable of pure aggression amongst other things.

Nanase continued to talk, kindly offering her hand with an honest smile spreading across her soft lips. With her full attention returning to Nanase, Sophia naturally greeted it, firmly shaking it with her own. Her expression remained stoic, but that was just Sophia’s own nature.
“Sophia is acceptable.” The German replied, managing to force a slight smile. Smiling did not come all that naturally to Sophia, but thankfully she pulled it off.
With Nanase stepping closer to her, she was able to further take in her appearance now that her form was more visible within the ambient candle light. Sophia was already aware of how alluring the woman's features were, but could now witness her beauty more up close and personal.

The first thing Sophia noticed was those striking red eyes. It was such a rare colour to see that Sophia wondered if she wore contacts to give off an impression of mystery. If they were contacts, they were very convincing. To look upon her eyes was captivating, and only complimented her stunning features. Visible upon her slender neck was the edge of the suggestion of an emerald tattoo, but little more could be seen as it slipped behind her Gi top away from sight. There was somewhat of a natural mischievous ambiance that came from her striking appearance… a subtle smile ever present even when her angelic face was at rest. Sophia could only guess a well-trained and conditioned form was concealed below her clothing.

"You mistake the intent of my words Nanase. I never questioned your abilities; I merely shared my own disapproval on the manner of matches you choose to partake in." Sophia stated, her tone very matter of fact. She was genuinely curious to know a little more about Nanase herself and where she fit into the picture between herself and Reiko. She knew the woman virtually by name alone, knowing nothing about her origins past what she revealed about herself thus far.
“That said… I am curious to see just how skilled you are. I feel belts do not truly paint the full picture.” Sophia added swiftly, becoming self-aware of how she was beginning to sound. The German knew she did not have the best social skills, often speaking her mind and coming across as unkind and uncaring. It was something she was trying to work on.. but it was a struggle.

“If you are willing… What would you say to the notion of a spar?” Sophia requested.

[dlamp]

"Hmhm~ Sophia it is, then." Thankfully, it seemed the tensions had smoothed over with words, a miracle if what Nanase heard of LAW gyms were even half true. And for as blunt as the German was it was just as obvious she wasn't trying to start a fight. Well, not a malicious anyway. Ah, I guess Germans do tend to speak their minds more.

The smile never faded from Nanase's lips. Watching the woman fluster a little as she explained her words and desire was quite the entertainment. She didn't seem like a bad person, rarely had Nanase seen a martial artist of any type purely act or speak maliciously. No, Sophia felt like one of those "actions over words" types, so the request for a spar felt nature. And Nanase had to admit, it had been awhile since she fought someone of her build. The last few sessions in the dojo was her either training Amano, helping Himeko, or doing private workouts. All helpful, and it wasn't like Reiko or Himeko were weak. But... facing someone more to her level would do some good.

"That sounds like a fine idea. I think Rei-chan could learn a lot from seeing us go at it." She said, moving to the center of the room. "Ah, Rei-chan, please turn on the lights and blow out the candles. I know the thought of a candle-lit duel is appealing, but... I'd rather not risk a fire."

"Aaaaawww..." Reiko did as instruction, slowly brightening the room with the ceiling lights.

"Now then, any rules we'd like to settle on before we start? My own personal request is that the match ends if one of us starts bleeding." Nanase paused, realizing her phrase. "Ah, not to imply I'd actively try to hurt you. It's just my policy to prioritize mine and my sparring partner's safety." She quickly added. "And... I'm sure you know that spars between black belts have a tendency to be intense affairs. Regardless of the art."

[thesteedman]

"Very good." Sophia replied when Nanase agreed to her offer of a spar. It seemed all parties present would benefit after Nanase's explanation. The German beauty was not opposed to Reiko's presence in the LAW dojo, so long as she did not distract herself or Nanase whilst the spar was active. Before Sophia could even request the lights, Nanase was already on it, instructing Reiko to blow out the candles and turn on the main light. Whilst the ambience of the candles and their scent was welcomed to the senses, it held no place when it came to the confrontation of a full contact spar. Bright light meant more visibility, and both could combat on equal grounds without the low ambience becoming an issue.

Sophia watched as the lightweight wrestler began to blow out each of the candles, before moving to turn the lights up, moving swiftly and promptly despite her audible complaint at the initial request. Despite her attitude, Amano at least seemed to respond to directions well enough. No doubt Reiko had a great respect for Nanase, making the young German all the more curious about their relationship. Soon enough Sophia's attention turned back to the splendour of a woman she had challenged. The rules of engagement were declared, with her sparring partner requesting only that the session come to an immediate end if blood is drawn. It was a reasonable request, and it hopefully would not be an issue. Sophia's scar had a tendency to open up on occasion if caught with a strike in the right place, but Sophia was confident she could protect her head and face given her ability. Likewise, it was not her own intent to draw blood from Nanase. Still… Sophia admired Nanase for her thoughtfulness on the situation.

She began to roll her shoulders, listening as Nanase further explained herself, though Sophia already knew her intent when she stated her rules.
"An admirable policy, but one cannot always guarantee safety. Do not fear for my wellbeing Nanase, I can handle myself well enough." Sophia would add with her unique accent, giving Nanase a stern look.
"Since this is a spar, I suggest we keep matters relaxed as opposed to official rules. We engage in combat until one can secure a throw or hold upon the other. After that we reset... we can go on to do as many rounds as desired for as long as you feel comfortable with." Sophia addressed her tone even more formal than normal.

The German approached the centre of the mat. She kept her Gi top tied around her hips, taking a moment to tighten the sleeves to keep it secured. She chose to fight in her Gi trousers with a dark sports bra coating her chest, leaving her arms and her alluring midriff exposed. Standing bare foot, Sophia kept position, waiting for Nanase to take a place opposite her. The moment when Nanase would take position would be when Sophia would bow formally towards her, before standing tall and taking a stance.
"How about your apprentice takes the honour in allowing us to begin?" Sophia would suggest, almost managing a smile. It was perhaps the first thing she had said that did not come across as serious and tight lipped. Dare Sophia even say it... but she was feeling a slight notion of excitement at the prospect of sparring with Nanase... desiring to see if she was as good as Sophia hoped.

[dlamp]

With the lights turned on the room much more visible Nanase could get a better look at her soon-to-be opponent's face. She was... beautiful. Not that the light hid the beauty, but getting a full view of her face, scar and all, really showed just how attractive this woman was. A foreign delicacy in almost very sense. Tall (taller than Nanase at least), fit, wearing her gi in unorthodox but wearing it well all the same. Nanase had seen her fair share of attractive foreign women pulling off traditional clothing, but... Nanase was tempted snap a picture to capture this moment. If only she didn't leave her cellphone in the locker room.

And Nanase watched as Sophia moved to the center and further amendments to their spar came to light the woman nodded. "That's fine by me. It let's Rei-chan see an assortment of moves as well." As well as keep the match a little less competitive. No real risk of heavy injury or harm when they were just keeping a basic score.

And as Sophia took her stance, Nanase took hers in turn. Feet apart, hands up, body leaned forward. A basic grappling stance. Then, turning to Reiko. "Feel free to start us off, Rei-chan."

Reiko's cheeks turned a slight red shade, moving herself to the edge of the dojo's center, one arm in the air.

"Hajime!"

[thesteedman]

Nanase took a stance before Sophia, her form and footing looking as perfect as can be. Even the basics were dangerous in the possession of a skilled fighter. There was a brief moment of pause as both women faced each other, waiting for Reiko to start things off as requested. Sophia eyed her sparring partner, taking note of what she was up against. The woman was certainly a beauty to behold upon the eyes, but Sophia would not let such a reality distract her. Instead she took note of her size and her build, knowing well she had a height and weight advantage between the two. Sophia was confident she had the superior reach with her arms, but could not account for the legs, seeing Nanase's form was covered by her Gi outfit to conceal her body.

"Hajime!"

Reiko soon called out loud and clear, signalling the beginning of the spar. Given it was a spar, and given her temperament, Sophia was never in a rush to unleash a fury of attacks. She was a patient type, always watching her opponent and moving accordingly. It was a method that suited the art as it were. Sophia kept her focus upon Nanase's hips, to better judge her movement as she slowly circled around. After a few steps, the German began to edge closer, keeping her stance firm, keeping her legs and feet apart to ground herself. A well placed strike could easily drop an unsuspecting foe onto their rear. Sophia had done it plenty of times in the ring when her opponent rushed an ill-timed kick. She was certain Nanase was capable of doing the same.

What felt like a minute of Sophia sizing Nanase up was in reality only a few passing seconds, but finally the German went in. In a wrestling match, Sophia usually unleashed more fancy attacks... flying kicks and her infamous roundhouses with just as thunderous and hard hitting strikes. Though she couldn't wow a crowd with words like most, she could certainly get them entertained with her methods of attack, usually adding flare to help pop the crowds. In the dojo however, the basics were more than enough. Though Reiko was present and could be considered 'Crowd', Sophia was more focused on Nanase then trying to impress her student.

As such, her attack came in the form of a firm strike, aimed towards the chest area of Nanase! It would be the first motion of offence, and no doubt the first move on what could comparatively be a chess board.

[dlamp]

Nanase watched, waiting as Sophia maintained a still stance. She didn't move, didn't approach, only examining and observing as Nanase did the same. Given her opponent's more quiet and blunt nature she somewhat expected this kind of approach. But as Sophia finally started to move, circling around Nanase maintained her position, keeping herself facing Sophia as she moved. They watched... and waited.

And then, Sophia moved. Truly moved to strike.

A swift motion toward her torso. It was the usual lockup or grappling of a traditional wrestler, but-

"Grk-!" Nanase took the kick, her teeth braced and gritted as a quick jab of pain shot through her body. It only lasted a moment, and the moment Sophia's kick connected Nanase's eyes shifted, and she wrapped her arms around Sophia's foot, her eyes looking down at Sophia's free leg before moving her leg to try and kick Sophia's ankle out from under her and force her down.