Reunion In The Ring - Cloud Strife Vs Tifa Lockhart

[Cosmos]

Standard Match
Victory Conditions: Gained by either pin, KO, or submission from the opponent.
Normal rules apply.

Tonight was finally the night. His night. Cloud's debut in the notorious LAW federation had arrived after weeks of anticipation. He's come a long way from his humble origins back in the states. He doesn't like to dwell on the past, yet he can't help but reflect as he locks his fingers behind his head and raises his upper body up before lowering himself back down in a series of sit ups. It was pretty much tradition for him to get a good work out before a match, and if he was going to make a big impressive for his first one here, he had to be psyched and ready for action. The opponent didn't matter. Not did the setting. All he knew was that he was going to leave the ring victorious tonight. He wasn't anyone's support. Their partner. Carrying their agenda. No. Tonight, he stood for himself. And that was all the motivation he needed to go out there and hand someone their ass.

The Merc For Hire

The staff backstage signal for him to get ready. He's on his feet as soon as he hears his entrance theme begin, making his way from the backstage out to the entrance ramp as the roaring crowd and blinding lights meet him. This was it. The big leagues. His signature blonde hair sharp and spiky, he's wearing his dark grey pants and a pair of black combat belts. He's got some brown wrist bands around his waist, and a metal chain, but otherwise opts to go bare for his torso. The female audience in particular seems rather captivated, and he settles for a loose, confident smirk as he strolls down to the ring and slides under the bottom rope. Pushing himself up off his knees, he settles for a simple pump of the fist in a salute to the crowd in the centre of the ring, the audience cheering as he made his way to settle himself in the corner, the ref checking him over as he awaited his mystery opponent...

[Aqua]

Tonight seemed different for Tifa, yet she couldn't quite put a finger on it. Well it was a normal day so far and a normal match. Something was just bugging her. Not being able to figure it out, Tifa shook her head.No need in overthinking it, just focus on whats in front of me. Letting that bother go, Tifa thought it'd be best to try out some shadow boxing before her match. Ususally she looks to calm herself down, but today wasn't like that. At least she'd be warmed up for whatever was thrown at her. Something that also stood out to her was that no one was willing to tell her, who the opponent was. It is not normal for that type of information to be withheld. At least a name would be nice Tifa sighed. Next Tifa would hear music playing so that must mean that her opponent was already in the ring. Meaning she wasn't far behind. Keeping it classic and classy Tifa would put on her sleeves and adjust her waist. Didn't take long for officials to come fish for her.

Spoiler

Tifa would come from backstage waiting atop the ramp as her music played. Not electing to move until her song its highpoint. At which point she'd raise her fist and head. Showing the audience her appearance. Surely enough the reception was nice, most people cheering for Tifa. Wearing her classic white sports bra, coupled with her suspenders and patented battle skirt. Some of the male audience digging her attire.

Spoiler

As she made her way to the ring she'd notice her opponent in the ring looking very familiar. When Tifa entered the ring she just had to ask Wait... Cloud IS THAT YOU!!! She'd exclaim with a smile on her face. Recognizing her opponent. Now doing a fast pace jog to her friend she'd try to go in for a hug.

[Cosmos]

The music sounded, and Cloud kept his eyes squarely focused on the entrance ramp to get a first, clear look at the new arrival. Even from this far away, it was pretty easy to tell she was female...but he'd...seen her somewhere before. In the locker room maybe? No...he hadn't just seen her...he knew her. As she entered the ring the normally stoic and collected blonde did a double take at the familiar woman before him.

"Holy...Tifa? Tifa?!" Before he's aware of it, she's embracing him in a tough hug. Her chest presses up against his bare chest as he's unable to keep the blush from rising on his cheeks due to the close, personal contact. "It's...it's good to see you!" He manages to breath out as he returns her hug, his arms wrapping around her. "Surprising, yeah...but good all the same!" For a moment, he forgets he's about to undertake a wrestling match. The curt, sharp cough from the referee is enough to bring him back to his senses as the sound of the cheering audience reaches his ears again, and he releases the girl before stepping back. He's not stupid. If she was here with him...

"So...I'm guessing...that must make you my opponent in the ring tonight?" He cocks his head slightly, staring at her with intrigue. She didn't seem to have been expecting him either, so was it really all a crazy coincidence...?

[Aqua]

It really was Cloud Strife, not some conjuring from Tifa's mind it was really her good friend. To busy on the hug. It's been so long since I've seen you Tifa said smiling. Not noticing her friend's blushing from the close contact. She had so many things to ask him, things to say. But one thing at a time. Great to see you too Slowing down her thoughts and composing herself.Definitely surprising to see you here, still I am so happy!

Both parties at this point forgetting that they were taking part in a match. Didn't take much more than a sharp cough from the referee to bring them both back. Oh yes, so sorry Tifa said releasing Cloud the same way. Before Tifa could ask her questions Cloud was the first to speak. Making the easy guess that they were opponents tonight. Yeah I guess so, what are you even doing here. These sorts of things... well they are kinda my sorts of gigs Tifa asking genuinely

[Cosmos]

"It HAS been a while." Cloud conceded. He hadn't seen her since he left home a while ago, after the incident with Ba...no, he cleared his mind of that thought instantly. His emotions were conflicted enough right now without delving even more into his past. "This is definitely the last place I expected to see you again." The term 'small world' certainly cross his mind right now.

"Heh. Why else do people stand in the ring? They come to put on a show and a good fight, don't they?" A cocky smirk rose on the blonde's lips. "I know how good you were when we were younger. But I've come a long way since we last saw each other. I think if anything, these things are my kinda gig now." The words were a loosely veiled challenge, making it clear that Cloud considered himself the one more suited to the ring. "Not that I don't expect this to be an easy fight. But it wouldn't be fun for us otherwise, right?"

The crowd cheers, relishing in the verbal exchange between the pair. Cloud pauses, then gestures to the crowd. "Well, the audience is ready. I'm ready. You seem ready, Tifa. You are my friend..." His gaze hardened. "But you're my opponent first and foremost. And as my opponent, I have only one thing to say..." He bent his knees, arms at the ready to engage with her as the bell rang to signal the start of the match...

"You're getting pinned. So let's rumble."

[Aqua]

Tifa would laugh at Cloud who said the ring is the last place she'd be in. Well, you know what they say small world and all Tifa said laughing a bit. Not wanting to say something to rub cloud the wrong way. I guess that was a dumb question, considering our circumstances Tifa said nervously laughing rubbing the back of her head.

Thats when Tifa would notice a cocky smile come from Cloud. Talking about how good she was when they were kids. That he's also come a long way from back then. Even saying these are his types gigs. Getting another laugh from Tifa Oh? is that so. That sounds promising Tifa getting what Cloud meant in what he said. Speaking my sort of language now Tifa said in regards to a fun fight.

The crowd would love the entire exchange. Somewhat bringing Tifa back to the situation at hand. The crowd certainly seems ready. Of course I am ready. Seeing Cloud bending his legs and arms ready to fight. Prompting Tifa to stake a few steps back and give him some space. Watching Cloud get ready got Tifa excited. Even as he said she was getting pinned

Adjusting her gloves, looking at her opponent.
Lets rumble

Spoiler

[Cosmos]

"Heh, still got that fire I see. Just like the Tifa I remember." The black haired girl makes some minor adjustments to her gloves as Cloud shakes his wrists and roll his neck, the bell officially calling the start of the match. The energy in the arena is like electricity cackling through the air, the crowd eager to see these childhood friends go at it. Cloud would begin by circling Tifa, looking to test the waters. He knew she excelled at strikes, so he had to make sure he didn't get her any room or reason to land one on him. Otherwise, he'd be in trouble, hard and fast.

Then it came to him. The best way was to disable her arms. What better way to achieve that than a lock up? Cloud stood his ground as he rose his arms up, the fingers bending to invite Tifa forward. "Let's see who can out grapple the other, Tifa. I know you won't be offended if I don't hold back simply because you're a girl." He grants her another cocky look, keen to show her the fruits of his experience and training.

[Aqua]

That fire never left Tifa said getting her fists up, ready for whatever Cloud had to throw at her. Rolling his neck and shaking his wrists. Tifa felt as though Cloud was moving to the energy in the audience. Starting things off smart he would circle Tifa. Not wanting to stay an idle target and get pummeled by Tifa. It was no secret to anyone that Tifa knew how to strike better than most. Keeping that in mind. Tifa played along with Cloud's play, seeing what he could come up with.

Obviously a way to counter strikes is to grapple. That way you aren't striking, Tifa knew that and so did Cloud. Raising his arms looking to lock Tifa in a grapple. I'll take you up on that offer, If I had a dollar for everytime I heard that, I'd buy my own Island Tifa said quickly latching onto Cloud's hands. Looking to push him back.

[Cosmos]

"Glad to hear it." Meek opponents didn't really sit well with him - fortunately Tifa was anything but meek! As he hoped, the girl responded to his lock up challenge with her own hands, their palms pressing together. "So I'd get first invite to your island, right?" Showing her a little of his own fire as he gritted his own teeth. Both at the centre of the ring, Cloud grunted as he stood his ground firmly, yet Tifa was equally strong in her own right. She was trying her best to force him back, but he wasn't going to allow that! Still, it left the pair at a stalemate. Cloud pondered how best to break it. Then he got an idea.

"Don't hate for me this Tifa, okay?" The words were vague - until Cloud suddenly directed his strength elsewhere. Not to push Tifa back, but instead to throw her hands either side, with the intention to break her guard wide open! If the blonde was successful, he'd close the gap between them as he came low, aiming to lock his arms tight around the girl's waist as his head came under her arm. Then with a yell, Cloud would hoist her over him through the air, looking to drop Tifa squarely on her back for a Northern Lights Suplex!

[Aqua]

It was great to see that Cloud was seemingly not holding back against his friend. If anything he might be trying harder, as when Tifa went to push him back. Cloud met her with enough power for a stalemate. Well isn't this fun Tifa said with a smile on her face, looking at Cloud. Following that Cloud would banter on with Tifa, bringing up her island. Well see how the rest of this match goes before I say that. Tifa remarked.

Knowing this was going nowhere Cloud began to think quick and on his feet. I could say the same for you Cloud Tifa said as Cloud directed his power somewhere else. Leaving Tifa wide open, hence allowing Cloud to come in close and low. Grabbing Tifa by the waist (Getting some audience members jealous) lifting her up and flipping her backwards onto the mat for a Northern Lights Suplex. Tifa grunted in pain as she hit the mat with Cloud holding onto her.