Cutting Loose - [Sophia & Hangaku]

[thesteedman]

Some careful positioning and quick thinking from Nanase prevented Sophia was locking in the armbar and scissor combo she was aiming for. Nanase was deftly able to guard herself and catch Sophia's leg before it could lock with the other. It was a good move that probably saved the round. That said, the armbar was still applied, though Sophia did not have the leverage she desired to crank on the hold. No doubt it caused Nanase discomfort and pain, but given there was no sign of a tap or verbal submission from her Japanese sparring partner, she could not get enough pressure upon the strained arm and would not any time soon.

Nanase was unwilling to allow Sophia to keep the momentum or leverage either, as she began to get to work, shifting her hips, managing to position herself onto her knees. This elevated Sophia's form as her legs were still hooked onto her shoulder and side, even if she did not have the scissor hold upon her. Sophia knew she was losing the advantage. She had Nanase bound to be sure, and pulled on her arm and applied pressure to her shoulder and all the joints, but it was not enough, and Nanase was now positioned to stand and potentially escape or even counter from her current place. Biting on her lower lip, Sophia looked to try and take her off guard if she could.

All at once, the scarred but alluring German shifted her own form, throwing her leg from Nanase's shoulder, before loosening the armbar. Her intent was to use her legs once more as a weapon, attempting to try and wrap them around Nanase's core whilst she was on her knees. Sophia knew she would lose the armbar, but she looked to still keep Nanase’s wrist captured within her hands, before attempting a bodyscissors upon the enthralling Japanese beauty. It was more of a traditional wrestling move, but was often used in combination in other fighting styles such as chokes or other locks to further bind, but Sophia simply used the bodyscissor hold on its own.

If successful, she would lock her ankles together with a slap, looking to put a deep squeeze upon Nanase's midriff. It was a move Sophia could use with deadly efficiency as her legs were alarmingly powerful from all her capable kicks. She was known to be proficient in forcing a tapout from other wrestlers with a bodyscissors alone, and given her position with Nanase, it was the logical move to attempt upon her from here!

[dlamp]

It was a small struggle to get to her feet, but Nanase's plan was working. As she pushed herself up and forced Sophia's body to slowly go vertical it made the armbar harder to maintain. Her arm was still hurting from the painful pull, but the grip lessened as gravity started to ally with her. And better still the pressure around her head and neck was lessening. She could probably pry Sophia off with her own strength now. "Haa..." Her labored breaths stabilized as the pressure eased up now. All she had to do was get Sophia off her and then she could-

"Gh-!" Nanase gritted her teeth. In a swift motion, Sophia slipped her legs off Nanase's shoulder and instead immediately tightened them around her waste in a tight bodyscissor. A surprisingly amount of force constricted Nanase's stomach and core, turning her breaths heavy and having her wince as her upper waist suffered under the surprisingly powerful pressure as the air was slowly being forced out of her.

"... ... ..." For a moment, Nanase paused, debating her options through the pain. In truth, there were still a myriad of options available. Sophia, for as powerful as her legs were, was still in a lower position and practically on her back. Nanase still had an arm completely free now that the focused on her lower half. But... "... ..." No... I'd rather not. With a short and labored huff, Nanase lightly tapped against Sophia's leg, signalling her surrender.

[thesteedman]

Sophia had a good body lock upon Nanase, her Gi coated legs straightening whilst her ankles remained locked together. The pressure began to build as Sophia stretched her form for better leverage, whilst she watched to see what Nanase would do from her position. Despite the clear pain and discomfort, Nanase could visibly be seen thinking and considering her next move for a moment. To be certain, the bodyscissors Sophia had locked on was very dangerous, but the hold was still fresh, and as powerful as Sophia's legs were, getting a quick submission from such a scissor was a challenge unto itself. Nanase had time to explore options before the pain would become too much or the air entering her lungs too little. Naturally it surprised Sophia when Nanase tapped her thigh to signal a submission when options were available. Whilst Sophia was reasonably confident she could get Nanase to tap, it felt like Nanase was throwing in the towel far too early. It made her beautiful features sour a little at a realisation.

The moment she felt Nanase's hand tapping against her powerful leg, Sophia was quick to release her sparring partner. The German was as honourable as the comic book characters she adored, and when someone tapped, Sophia was always quick to release knowing it was over. As quick as her legs had captured the Japanese beauty, they seemed to retreat as Sophia shifted herself to rise and stand with some haste. Once more she began to dust herself off a little with her clothing unkempt from the fresh struggle, but her expression was much more stern than usual.
"Not good enough..." Sophia would finally speak her mind. From the first sparring round, Sophia had her suspicions that something was amiss during their session, but now she felt her suspicions were truth and reality.

This time, Sophia did not offer a hand to Nanase when she turned to face her.
"That is not good enough Nanase. I do not know what game you are trying to play, but if it is your intent to insult me then it is working." Sophia began. By the nature of her words, it was clear Sophia was not pleased, but in truth she sounded no different then before. Her posture and mannerisms however would indicate Sophia was not impressed.
"I am not a fool. You are holding yourself back..." Sophia would state, looking down upon Nanase with one half closed eye and a look of intent upon her other. The German with some reluctance would reach down after a brief pause, looking to offer Nanase a hand up finally. Sophia realised all at once the rudeness of her outburst, but it was not completely unfounded. Still... there were other ways she could have approached this.

"I know this is a spar at its origin, but we will gain and learn nothing if you do not take this seriously. Nor will your protege Reiko." Sophia explained, making a small sigh after speaking. Whether Nanase accepted her help up or not, Sophia slip back into position, taking a stance, looking to try and start the next round off. Sophia wanted to see what this alluring and captivating woman was capable of, the German could not help but feel there was much more hidden within her frame... Sophia frowned, waiting for Nanase to get ready for a fresh round. If these games continued... Sophia was prepared to make this the last round of the session... hopefully Nanase would begin to really spar and fight with her.

[dlamp]

"... ..." Oh my... Nanase was quiet for a moment. Sophia's words doing more to silence the room than Nanase and Reiko's lack of speaking. The harsh critique rang out like a gong for her, and Sophia's stone face was as stoic as it was when they first met, but the tone and body language made her annoyance clear. And... Nanase couldn't fake ignorance either, nor could she deny the truth to the German's words. Not going all out and show Reiko how to properly escape and endure certain techniques would do her career as a fighter much more harm than good if she focused too much on both her and her opponent's safety.

"Hm..." Nanase's eyes shifted to Reiko for a short moment, noting her saddened expression. No... it was more disappointed than sad. I see... While Nanase's lips frowned, it was more a childish pout than anything, as if annoyed she got caught in her act.

"Very well..." Nanase took Sophia's hand pulling herself up. "In that case, I hope you'll accept my apology through an earnest bout then." She straightened her gi jacket, rolling her shoulders as she took a breath, really more of a sigh. "I'll be serious then, but on three conditions." She rose one finger. "First, this match decides the spar. Since I'll be treating this like an honest bout and not a matter of making up points." If she was going to truly get serious, then they may not be in a decent enough condition for a fourth round. "And second..." She rose a second finger, her eyes narrowing to a more serious expression. "No complaints about how this ends or what condition our bodies are in afterwards. I've been consciously keeping both of our safeties in mind until this point, but I'll be solely concerned with my own from here on out. Please don't take back your own words about me wanting me to hold back after asking otherwise." It was more said for Nanase's sake than Sophia's, a reminder that her opponent would know her own limits and surrender if she was unable to endure the punishment Nanase put her through. "With that said, it's only fair to warn you that I might knock you out." As light and nonchalant as she said those words, the sharp glint in her eyes contrasted her airy tone. "But anyway, third..." She rose a third finger, giving a teasing smile. "If I win-" She started, but then her smile grew confident... even sinister. "When I win... you owe me a date!" It was said as if a playful tease, with all the childishness of a young woman throwing in a fun stipulation but Nanase's eyes... her eyes swirled with mischievous longing, glazing over Sophia's body as if an item to be truly eaten. She looked over her toned, glistening chest and abs, her glowing face and hardened features. She hadn't said it aloud, but Sophia was quite the foreign beauty. It'd be nice to take her right into her private chambers at her manor and-

"Did you mess around just to get a date, Onee-san?"

Nanase turned to Reiko with a sly smile and wink, putting a finger to her lips before turning to Sophia. "So... do we have an agreement?"

[thesteedman]

Even now there was a hint of aggravation upon Sophia's expression and body language as Nanase almost seemed to become somewhat playful when the German had finally revealed Nanase's game. The way in which the Japanese beauty reacted was not a desirable one, as if a school child had been caught during some mischief. Her expression was of a pout, which made Sophia sigh as her patience began to wear. She was in good mind to put a stop to the spar now, unwilling to take part in these games, especially if Nanase would not take this seriously. Upon glancing at Reiko on the far end of the room, it seemed the young protege was just as displeased upon the revelation.

Sophia's mouth opened about to speak her mind all the further and put a stop to the charade when Nanase finally said her piece. Sophia paused; taken aback that Nanase would no longer hold back, but only if three of her conditions would be met. Sophia folded her arms, tilting her head slightly as it began... the first being that this would be the last round of the spar and would ultimately decide it. In truth, Sophia had no intention of keeping scores or such, but it seemed Nanase wanted to make this the be all and end all of their session together. Given how things had gone so far, Sophia was more than willing to agree to that first term. The second condition was an odd one for Sophia... The German was never one to back down on her own requests, nor was she one to complain. If Nanase had it within her to best Sophia, then that was how it is.

Sophia placed her hands upon her hips, listening to Nanase mention about potentially knocking her out, the notion almost made her smile as she shook her head... but it was the final condition that would take Sophia aback. All at once her demeanour changed, her half closed eye almost opening as wide as her other.
"What?..." Sophia whispered, the words taking a moment to sink in when the third and final condition was a date if with Sophia if Nanase prevailed in this last round. A slight shade of pink began to form upon Sophia's cheeks, as the German was taken completely off guard by the prospect. For certain, Nanase was a captivating sight, her alluring face a feature to behold. No doubt an equally beautiful form was hidden below the Gi she wore, but Sophia was not one to linger on such thoughts... but Sophia never imagined asking such a request from Nanase, knowing what form of wrestling she took part in, and assuming she had bedded a variety of more interested and likeminded suitors.

"I..." Sophia uncharacteristically stuttered, still shocked. The scarred beauty had very rarely dated, her personality enough to drive most away. She had always been the one to ask, but never had anyone asked her, albeit the unusual stipulation. Taking a deep breath, Sophia retook her ground, a frown forming upon her brow as she realised her thoughts were wandering.
"... accept." Sophia addressed firmly. It was not as if Nanase was going to win anyway, so none of this would matter. The wall that had broken down was quickly replaced by the Sophia Nanase was no doubt used to by now. All firm looks and seriousness.
"You were right the first time.... 'If' is a more suitable word for your situation." Sophia was quick to try and correct Nanase's wording, before she would take a stance. Once more she was only waiting for Reiko to signal the last round of the spar.

[dlamp]

"Oh?" Nanase's eyes lit up, every detail of Sophia's reaction caught right before her. The sudden shock, the slight nervousness, the light blush on her face. It was as if watching a young school girl get her first taste of romance.She even took a moment to look over Nanase, as if debating if the lost might not be that bad. Or... perhaps she was wondering what a hentai wrestler would do to this straight-faced, straitlaced woman now that future intimacy was on the line. She was so confident at the first two conditions, only to go silent and blank at the third. Nanase couldn't help but chuckle a little. There was finally a crack in the stone-faced German. At least for a moment.

"Hmhm~" Nanase's smile and short giggle was all the teasing she'd give the German, at least verbally. After all, while Nanase's own goals we're likely more tame that what Sophia was probably thinking, she'd have give the woman some credit for accepting the conditions. For all she knew Nanase might be truly devious now that she essentially gave her the okay to go all out in whatever way that would intend. "It sounds like you plan to make me really work for my reward then~"

Reiko, however, audibly groaned at the situation. "Can't believe you actua-"

"Rei-chaan..." Nanase head nearly made an audible noise as her neck snapped to Reiko's direction. Her words were light and airy, but eyes sharp. "Please signal the start."

There a short pause, Reiko clearing her throat before raising an arm and Nanase quickly got into her stance.

"Hajime!"

And this time, Nanase sprang forward immediately, giving her body a twist before jumping right off the ground with a flying roundhouse for Sophia's head, throwing her whole body into the movement for the extra weight. It was more flash than anything, a big movement that be easy to dodge for someone attentive and prepped like Sophia. But getting hit by a kick with this much weight behind it was a death sentence for even larger foes. It was a statement. She had to get serious now.

A date was on the line.

[thesteedman]

A look befell Nanase that spoke more than a thousand words, a smile visible within her eyes when she caught the cracks in Sophia's wall. Sophia was all too aware herself how she reacted to the initial challenge and its consequences in the unlikely event of her defeat, causing her to look a little out of place and a little aggravated as she struggled to make eye contact with Nanase. Fortunately, Nanase would show mercy beyond the cheeky expressions and a brief giggle, not stoking the fires further with a war of words. There was probably no need too, Sophia had regrettably given her more information than she desired in the seconds she let her guard down (or rather had her guard torn down).

Sophia's half closed eye widened slightly in unison with her other when Nanase sprang into action the moment Reiko called for the round to start moments after their exchange. The difference was already greater in Nanase's movements, her speed and deftness a significant step up being the understatement of the year. Before Sophia could really read what kind of strike would come her way, Nanase was already in the air, leaving little room to form a counter as she went for a roundhouse. Fortunately, Sophia had been prepared for anything, and thankfully she was both ready and not disappointed. Nanase sailed over her, leaving no opportunity for a quick counter strike as Sophia was able to slip below with a quick reaction and a roll.

That said, she was unwilling to let Nanase have the run of the dojo grounds. The moment she rolled herself out of the way of the dangerous flying roundhouse, Sophia was quick to spring herself into a new position. Her intent became clear to try and sweep kick towards Nanase after she landed whilst Sophia was low down. It was a small window to strike at her, and Sophia was aware her follow up was an obvious one, but it still made the most sense! Sophia was expecting Nanase to leap upwards over it, and with that in mind she looked to rotate deftly once more, this time rising on one leg as she tried a roundhouse with her other as a quick follow up to her sweep attempt should it fail.

Already this spar was feeling more intense... This is what Sophia had been after from the start.

[dlamp]

Nanase only got a small glimpse of Sophia's surprised expression, and it was all she needed to know the woman didn't expect her to go this far with the aggression. Though the moment only lasted a moment. The kick missed, as she had expected. Sophia's shock was only moment sbefore getting back into the action and she dipped under the high kick with swift movements. The near gust of wind that followed the arc of Nanase's kick nearly caused the the paper scrolls on the wall to tilt. And Sophia was quick to react.

No soon did Nanase's feet touch the floor Sophia tried to sweep them. "A-" Nanase's ankle slanted at an odd angle and her feet weren't firmly planted yet, the low strike had Nanase forcing out a small gasp as she tipped back, off balance.

It only lasted a second.

"Hup!" Nanase didn't fight the fall, gritting her teeth and dipping her shoulders back. She hit the tatami with a slight thud, but immediately kicked herself back up, her feet rocketing right for Sophia's jaw to knock her back and get distance as she hopped to her feet in a single smooth motion.

[thesteedman]

Sophia's sweep hit Nanase cleanly, managing to take her feet before she could properly balance. No sooner did Nanase go down , that she was already springing back into action. Sophia had barely finished her attack when Nanase managed to kip up towards her own feet, purposely coming as Sophia with an attack of her own. Like Nanase only a moment ago, Sophia was not exactly poised to take the blow, and it was all she could do to get her arms up, managing a defence albiet not a great one given what few seconds she had.

As Nanase's foot clashed against her, she was able to absorb the worst of the impact and deflect the strike from hitting her head, but Sophia was ultimately still driven back as desired, sent stumbling a few steps before she could regain her own balance. Sophia shook her arm, an expression of slight discomfort befalling her scarred but otherwise beautiful features. Nanase had earned herself a reset, now on her feet despite being caught out a moment ago. Sophia retook a fighting stance, slowly side stepping.

She did not look deterred despite Nanase picking up the game as it were, rather Sophia looked determined, her eyes becoming focused, dare it even be said that the German looked eager to continue. Not looking to let up for more than a few seconds, Sophia would advance this time, looking to put Nanase to the test as she began to throw a flurry of strikes and knees towards Nanase's body and head, hoping to swing the momentum and put Nanase on the backfoot this time.

[dlamp]

Nanase felt her feet slam into Sophia's flesh, but she the weight and feedback immediately told her the surprise attack failed. Still, she kicked herself right up to her feet in a standing position, hands up and ready to keep going. And from the things, Sophia was just shaking off the hit herself. Not much damage was done, as Nanase figured. Still, the slight change in expression on Sophia's face was a sight to see. She looked... excited. If only a little. My, that's quite the look. She noted, a small smile on her own face.

Then, Sophia moved, coming in hot with a fast series of strikes. "Hm-" The first punch lightly grazed her cheek, but Nanase was alert after that. She dipped back, hands up as she blocked and deflected the incoming blows. It was almost karate-like in its form given. A rush like this was difficult to avoid. Even as she blocked and deflected Nanase still felt the recoil of each strike and punch thrown her way. The pain was small, but it piled on. Okay then- With a sharp breath and narrowed gaze, Nanase went for something daring. She darted back further, her back slowly reaching the wall as the series of strikes continued. At the rate things were going, she'd be cornered against the wall and helpless to only turtle up and block...

Except-

"Hah-!" With the little space she hard, she jumped back, her foot pressing against the wall before kicking herself forward. A spear, a sudden lunge forward right for Sophia midsection. It was a risky gamble, hopefully she could push past Sophia's offense and cut right into a more grounded style of combat.

A style she thrived in.