Eliza Harenwood vs Tomás Ferreira - Stride Forward

[Deus001]

Match Rules: Standard

Eliza was preparing for her match tonight, since coming to Japan the dancing passion had gotten a rather warm reception there. She had concerns that the people of law might have held a dislike towards her since arriving, however the opposite had seemingly occurred. She was getting warm fan mail and many asked her for tips on dancing or making their own dresses. Eliza was a skilled tailor to boot and made her wrestling and entrance attire. The dancing passion had been given another match request and had chosen to accept it, to better display her prowess in the ring and prove her dancing techniques could match well against any foe that dared to step into the ring against her. Her opponent was to be a man known as Tomás Ferreira with all else unknown.........

She finished her elegant stretches before donning her entrance attire, the dancing passion took one last glance at herself in the mirror. Letting her regal visage etch itself into her vision before stepping out. The crowd wouldn't have long to wait there, the lights of the arena dimmed out there and the bright white spotlight shined on the entrance ramp to reveal Eliza there as Bailie De Battla would blare from the speakers, Eliza regally adorned with a fluffed up black ballroom skirt with red lace that fully concealed her lower half. With the upper half her of her attire being what seemed to be a maroon red dancer's top with feathers around the neck area. Gracefully Eliza spun down the ramp with rose petals even flying from her dress to add to her beautiful entrance~

Before long however Eliza would leap onto the apron and stepped into the ring, whereupon she gave another pirouette to the middle where she bowed to the audience before standing in her corner. Where she calmly relaxed and leaned on the top rope as she waited for her opponent!

[GoingBananas]

"It's about damn time...Santo infierno..." Tomás Ferreira sighed, rolling his shoulders. He'd signed onto this league a long while ago and it was only just now the powers-that-be decided to give him a match. Though he couldn't really blame them though. With so little to observe, no gather information from, they had to be cautious with who they let fight, hmm? The Portuguese fighter put a towel over his shoulders, running his eyes along to the native tattoo on his shoulder and arm before wrapping the thin black tape. It had been a while since he'd roughed someone up... Granted, he wouldn't have his irmãos to help him this time but it mattered not. He just needed to get back into the swing of things again.

It had been some kind of difficulty to learn Japanese compared to his native Portuguese, the man barely able to speak fluently in his time here. Had the time he had to use gestures and tone to assert his needs but now? Now he might not look like some paciente mental com morte cerebral...In fact, he might even make an impression tonight. It was his goal anyway... He needed a new line of work and if his old one had taught him anything, it was to impress the boss.



Tomás was the next to step out, the man appearing from back stage before the crowd, a small... slightly nervous smile upon his lips as the audience cheered the newcomer. He waved briefly in each direction, acknowledging their praise before walking down the ramp towards the arena, running his fingers through his silver hair.

"Oh garoto, aqui vamos nós...." He muttered under his breath before slipping into the ring, the Portuguese fighter crossing his arms casually across his chest as he approached his rival. Someone who...really didn't look like a fighter, in all honesty. Not necessarily in terms of a woman, the silver haired nak muay had seen ladies train and go hard, but what she was wearing. Perhaps it was a gimmick? A ridiculous gimmick, that. Tomás didn't look impressed, but he tried not to show it on his face as he approached the blonde. He didn't expect this to be anything like the fights he had to take on in the past, the jobs he had to do for the family but hey...Here he was in Japan eating sushi and reading manga...Anything was possible, he supposed.

The man looked at his opponent up and down before a lone leg hooked on Eliza's shin, casually lifting her leg up while she was in the corner. Not meant to trip her up or do anything underhanded...but instead he took the leg, with her ankle in his hand before she went to inspect it. Almost as if he was holding a blade. His eyes scanned and studied whilst he wordlessly does his own examination.

[Deus001]

Eliza wouldn't have long to wait here as her opponent made his way to the ring there, compared to Eliza's elegant and grandiose entrance there his was more subdued. Respectful at the very least in regards to the people at least, still Eliza was most focused on the man's build. About her height oddly enough, most of the men she fought usually were taller. No matter. He was clearly in the prime of himself with a build like that, lean and mean with a tattoo to boot. The dancing passion kept a serene expression on her features as her opponent walked down to the ring, then as he neared her she tilted her head slightly. Was he coming to trash talk her? It wouldn't be the first time that happened. But rather something else occurred, he grabbed her leg and held it up with his own.

Even a composed aristocrat like Eliza couldn't help but give a slight grunt of surprise there, but she stayed fully poised. Her dancing background was clear and she could pose on one leg for minutes on end if need be. Eliza decided that if her opponent would be so bold then she ought to return the favour. Grabbing the top rope while in the corner with both hands Eliza would leap upwards into a backflip using the grabbed leg as leverage to make it easier and the end result was Eliza having poised herself standing on the top rope turnbuckle!

"Hmph. Well aren't you bold Mr Tomas." Eliza huffed as she placed her hands on her slender waist, then a zipping noise was heard as it became clear that her skirt was indeed removable. With one fluid motion around her waist it was removed to fully reveal her corset/leotard combo topped with her elegant stockings. The crowd had roared in approval of Eliza's movements in all of this, it was clear that she was the darling of the audience tonight! Eliza then casually tossed her skirt to the mats outside and bowed to the right to the crowd. "I trust you were merely checking that my legs to see if they were no myth. If you have less than savoury intentions planned I assure you that I am no harlot, you'd have no trouble there elsewhere I'm sure." Eliza said as she raised her right leg backwards into the Arabesque pose to display her masterful balance on such a narrow spot!

[GoingBananas]

Credit where it’s due. This lady has quite the balance. At least that dress isn’t too tight. Although from the movements Tomás had seen during her entrance, a tight-fitting piece of clothing wouldn’t do for such a passionate style of dance. It reminded him of his previous amor. Oh, how she used to dance…

Although Tomás was more fixated on the leg that he had a hold of, he inwardly complimented Eliza’s flexibility. Anyone other than her would have slipped and fell on their butt, yet Eliza managed to keep her serene composure while he inspects away. “Você está fazendo isso há muito tempo...” Tomás muttered to himself, his fingers tracing along the contours and lines of the elegant muscle, which, given a light squeeze, didn’t have much give either. Tomás knows of the sacrifice a dancer’s body endures and no doubt Eliza shares the same proof of blood, sweat, tears and effort over the years. But those muscles told him something else. Something more dangerous.

He wouldn’t get much longer to ponder as Eliza backflipped onto the top turnbuckle. An impressed, yet slightly lazy smirk from the Portuguese Nak Muay as he would look up at the Briton standing above him. Craning his head up just to get a look at her sanguine eyes, she would reveal that she wouldn’t be fighting in that dress. That’s a relief. Tomas wouldn’t feel too guilty fighting her then. His thumbs would hook on the waistband of his shorts while Eliza talked on. While Tomas harboured no salacious will to what she’s implying, there’s no denying Eliza is a looker. Beautiful even.

“Não vou mentir, senhorita... I don’t know of any myth.” Tomas scratched his head as he looked up. “And don’t mistake me for some…pessoa pervertida. If you were a harlot, then I’d say you’re in the wrong place.” He scoffed before placing both hands on his hips. “You’re a fighter, aren’t you? Essas pernas provam isso.” His hand gestured at Eliza’s legs. "Ali como o velho bastão do André. Feito de titânio, muito próximo. Oh, and you can just call me Tomas. Mr is too formal for my taste.”

[Deus001]

Eliza was rarely one to indulge in this kind of showmanship and trash talking, she often took to the ring and let her explosive and elegant moves do the talking for her. The dancing passion glanced down at Tomas with a serene expression, showing how relaxed she was even when balancing upon this precarious position. Her opponent could easily shake the ropes and perhaps remove her from it, even then Eliza would have been confident in developing an escape plan for it. Tomas spoke broadly of himself in both English and his native tongue, Eliza gave hardly a reaction to it. She got the general gist of his statements.

"Why yes I am a fighter. Ask any wrestler in Britain of my name and they'll tell you of my ability. Ils frissonneront de peur." Eliza said at the end of it all with her French roots showing, a gleam then shined in her right eye as she then suddenly lept from the turnbuckle! She'd flip partway in the air and perform a handstand right on Tomas's shoulders, her lithe frame balancing itself right atop him as her legs were perfectly upright and straight laced. Her gaze should Tomas look up would be again a serene one, one who elegantly could stride from one space to the next without an inch of hesitation.

Then her legs would move into the end of a forward flip transition and landed easily on her feet, after putting her arms outstretched to the side Eliza then bust into a pair of cartwheels and flips and rested on the opposite corner in the exact same posture she had earlier. "That was just an example of what I can do. I'll be ready when you are." Eliza said with a casual tone, as if the acrobatic display she did just now was an everyday occurrence.

[GoingBananas]

Tomás could only speak truthfully, and that is what Eliza deserved. He knew not of the supposed ‘myth’ or ‘legend’ of this lady, and would have brushed it aside as pompous braggadocio. However, he hasn’t been putting his ear to the ground and listened to the rumblings of what goes on in LAW. Then again, he doubted he would get a debut to start with, so why bother?

However, Tomás could not look past the fact of what he felt for himself. The kinds of muscles sculpted and formed packaged in black pantyhose. Eliza’s earlier acrobatics showed that this was someone to not look over. This was a fighter. And Tomas will give her the kind of fight she seeks. If only he could get past whatever assumptions the Dancing Passion was throwing at her.

“Except we aren’t in Britain, senhorita.” Tomás looked up at Eliza, balancing on his shoulders so elegantly. “So you’re gonna have to prove it with actions, not claims.” He didn’t understand what the blonde had said but he can recognise French-sounding words from a mile. So she’s also bilingual. This lady just keeps surprising him the more this goes on.

The only surprise he’d be looking forward to was the fight itself. Considering how Eliza moved, landing on her feet and in the opposite corner, there was much to be excited about. Which is funny since Tomás wasn’t so excited before all of this. “Pronto, francesa. Let’s dance.” He chuckled to himself as he got into a muay thai stance, bringing his hands up as the bell rang to signal the start. Tomas began to move away from the corner and to the center of the ring. Fists tight, body tensed, not letting Eliza think he’s taking her lightly.

[Deus001]

Eliza was poised for her match now. Tomas had proven to be........vexing in a sorts for the dancing passion, granted Eliza had fought her fair share of lads similar to him. Cock of the walk as the saying went back home. And when Eliza was brought to face them they were usually humbled by the end of it, assuming they retained enough self awareness of the fact that they had lost to her that is. The dancing passion however sensed a bit more there out of Tomas, an air of genuine confidence. A guy who knew what he could do, this was more the sort you needed to be careful against........

The British aristocrat had settled into her stance, a poised look of elegance all over her. Eliza assessed Tomas's stance, a classic muay thai it seemed. Eliza had fought her fair share of strikers in the past, she'd have to watch out for his kicks most likely. But he'd have to look at that also, because Eliza's legs and kicks were the stuff of legend back in the British indies. Miss Harenwood would hear the bell ring shortly.......DING!

"Prepare yourself." Eliza calmly stated shortly after......

Eliza wasted no time in getting out the gate, she never wasted time starting a bout and this was no different. Eliza would burst into an elegant series of spins, each time feinting a kick before going on the third one and blasting out a right legged kick aimed straight at Tomas's midriff and commence the duel!

[GoingBananas]

Tomás didn’t know if he had done something or it was just him, but he sensed something not quite right with the lady in front of him. It wasn’t as if he said something out of line. Eliza seemed to have come in with some pre-proposed idea about the nak muay right out of the gate. Was she looking down at him? It would make sense, given the aristocratically aloof air that Eliza exudes. Or maybe it is the Portuguese himself that’s jumping to conclusions.

It seems the only thing that could solve it is through actions and not words. Whatever misconceptions the British Aristocrat had, Tomás had to put it aside and get ready for action. His stance would have shown it, especially the look in his eyes if Eliza took notice. His steps were careful, calm and composed as he approached the Dancing Passion. Tomás would give a nod towards Eliza, his body tensing up for the opening salvo.

Though what Eliza introduced left Tomás befuddled, pausing for a moment as she spun round. The nak muay would see a leg brought up, and he shifted back to react to it in time, but it turned out to be a feint. Or at least that’s as much as he could guess since those movements aren’t like anything he’s seen before. Not even the second one. At first, he thought of taekwondo, but that’s not right at all. She didn’t move like a martial artist, neither did she look like one to begin with.

“Ghhk!”

But she hits like one. Eliza’s stocking-clad foot struck at Tomas’s midriff, somehow getting through and underneath his elbows and guard. Tomás would grunt out, stepping back a few steps as he tried to keep his eyes on the blonde opponent. His earlier thoughts were true. Those legs were no joke. He thought as such when he felt those legs and feet in his hand, capable of dealing a decisive and fatal blow. And this was the first one. “Droga…”

[Deus001]

The battle was on now! Eliza's strike connected, she felt her elegant leg blow connect and slip past Tomas's guard there. The crowd roared in approval at the display, one thing that was certain in any match involving the dancing passion was the audience would often clearly have her be held as the favourite. Eliza quickly assessed the follow up there, Tomas clearly knew what he was doing from his stance and his guard was just inches from having blocked her strike. The Harenwood would swiftly move her attacking leg away from her opponent there.........

And proceeded to rotate her right leg away as her left foot spun slightly in place, demonstrating her elegant dancer background as she had a serene expression on her face. Eliza however wasn't one to relent in her gameplan as her penchant was to try and bring the offence to the enemy. This shuffle was just the transition to her next attempt as she'd attempt to spin to the left there and tucking her right leg in, then at the end of the spin Eliza would attempt to leap into the air and bring the dancing passion's legs up with a left and right pair of can can kicks aimed at Tomas's pecs to either try and stagger him or force his guard up!

[GoingBananas]

It may have been the first decisive blow, but not as debilitating as it could have been. With his experience, Tomás has experienced getting hit before, having been in the squared circle for a long time before he would take his talents to a wrestling promotion like LAW.

However, as much as he could say he’s been through much worse, there’s no denying the apparent danger Eliza can bring. Her movements were a mixed bag to the Portuguese Nak Muay. On one hand, the effect and power generated in that attack was evident with how he had to take a few steps back to retreat. Though said movements proved to be irregular, not something that he’d be used to seeing.

Regardless of the method, the results were the same. Tomás would have to move past Eliza’s pairing with dance as a way to confound and mask her attack patterns and adapt from there. Especially as the British Aristocrat didn’t stop moving after that first opening shot. His feet shuffled on the coarse canvas, maintaining distance, with Eliza still on the chase. Tomás hadn’t been paying attention to the blonde’s serene expression, but keeping an eye on when those legs came up. Watching them move is quite the sight in and of itself, just seeing how those feet glide along the ground so elegantly…

…Though Tomás found himself admiring a bit too long as soon as one of those legs of hers raised, she was already to his right side and with only a millisecond to move. Her left leg slipped underneath his elbows, smacking his guard up higher as it struck his chest. Another alternating leg would land on the same spot, leaving the ashen-haired opponent gasping and staggering backwards. His loins burned as the action has already got to a fever pitch!