"Sumo do…" Banzuke Sumo Beya part 23

"Wow, this is great…I….I… r..really appreciate you letting me sit here, Sir…".

"Think nothing of it…", beamed Mr Kuma, to the grateful, Norwegian Polar Bear, he’d allowed to sit in the Masu –seki with him.

"I’d better go back stage, ready to tend to anyone wounded "In battle"…..", Hissed Dr Zhou, who’d briefly sat in the boxed ring side seating area with them, watching each Wrestler walk up to the dohyo and back, with marginal interest.

"The views great, and the atmosphere…I had no Idea the "Ring entering ceremony" on its own, could be so exciting….." Bob gushed excitedly to Mr Kuma, as the Black Panther finished excusing himself and left.

The wizened Panda, smiled at the other Bears, youthful enthusiasm.

"You must be very proud of your Son, Sir…….!".

Mr Kuma, nodded solemnly, "Yes, of course I am, but he has to remember this isn't "Forever" and he has to face up to his responsibilities, eventually….". Bob gave him a curious look, and with a sigh the Panda continued, "He has to take over from me at "Kuma Motors", one of these days…. When I retire….".

A little further down, Mr and Mrs Zakirov had their own, Masu –seki, which they shared with Maximillian, their Son’s "Trainer". The Old Kodiak Bear, sat cross legged on his Zabuton cushion, as comfortably as any native Japanese. But Ivan, fidgeted around uncomfortably on his.

"Settle DOWN, dear !!", whispered his wife, Ursula.

"I’m sorry, "Honey cake", I guess I’m just a little apprehensive…..",

The other two Russian’s gave him knowing looks, and Ivan continued, "I can’t help thinking of my comrades, back on the Oil rig…I expect they are betting on the outcome of the matches……".

"OHH…YOU !!", snarled Ursula, elbowing him in the ribs, "Our Son is back there… A bundle of nerves, I expect !… And all you can think about is your work mates gambling !!". Mr Zakirov’s jaw just gapped, and he lowered his head in shame. His wife wasn’t the sort of female you’d want to argue with………

"SOUVENIRS !!", called a wandering vendor, carrying a tray laden with items. Mrs Zakirov’s attention turned from scolding her husband, to the goods on his tray, and she regally held up a hand, to get his attention, and stop him.

"Will you look at THAT !", she cooed delightedly, "They have little cuddly toys of some of the Wrestlers, including OUR Rasputin……..!", and she tenderly picked one up, grinned practically ear to ear. Ivan rolled his eyes, and reached inside his jacket for his wallet, ready to pay the vendor.

Mrs Zakirov held the soft toy lovingly in her hands, and carefully examined it. The plush toy had gritted teeth, a characture of the expression Rasputin, wore in the brief seconds before each bout, and the musculature was pronounced by a series of stitches, it had its own neatly tied Mawashi as well.

"Maybe I should go back stage and see how he is……?", the Motherly Bear, continued, starting to get to her feet.

"MRS ZAKIROV…….PLEASE DON’T !!!", emplored Max, wide eyed with fear, "You really shouldn’t…..", he added in a softer voice.

"Why ever NOT ??, I’m his Mother !!", She protested.

"Maximillian, is right dear, besides it’s a Males Dressing room…..", added Ivan, taking the elderly Bears "side".

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"G'd luck....." Morita beamed a broad smile to Rev head, giving him encouraging slap on the back, "Y'up first....".

"Yeah, I know...." the Tasmanian Wolf sighed, waiting for his name to be called, as the first bout of the Basho was due be announced. The ring entering ceremony had not long finished, and all the lightweight had gathered at their respective sides of the arena, so they could enter from opposite sides, the Heavy weight's meanwhile stood around their team mates supporting them, or were already warming up. He could see the Australian Group gathered nearby, but knew to distance himself from them a little, to keep up the "Charade", of his being a "New Zealander". He focused on Travis in particular. Deep down he felt cheated by him.... Cheated out of a place on the Australian team.... But they were destined to meet in the ring, later on that day.....

"G'd Luck, Rev's......" Called Colin, noticing the Tasmanian Wolf, looking at them.

"Yeah, Good luck, out there...." Chorused the others, Ralph, Travis and Bowser.

"You're on first !!" Ruffert cooed to the Black and White, Husky, as they waited across on the other side, of the arena.

"Yeah, against that Stripy Tasmanian Wolf...." hissed Mush, apprehensively waiting to hear his name called. "He seemed to keep to himself, at practice yesterday...So I'm not quite sure what to expect !!".

"J'st do ya BEST !!" Growled Decker, in his deep voice, "A' least it ain't ya firs' time, like meself....."

"REV - HEAD V'S MUSH", Crackled through the loudspeaker, as he spoke.

"You'll be fine, Deck’ !!" Called Jasper, who stood nearby, in his Red Silken Mawashi {Which was easier to see against his White Fur, than his Cotton "Practice" one}. The Husky forced a smile to the rest of his team mates, and ducked under the curtain, to walk into the ring.

"You'll NOT be the only "First timer" out there...." the Polar Bear, continued advising the Tiger, "So try not to let it bother you, No doubt Nameh will be watching it, back home...you want to make him proud, don't you ??"

"Ah wouldn’t mind s’ much…..if only ah didn’t have ta wait thr’ ALL these Lightweight B’ts first…… It’s makin’ me REAL nervous……!!".

The Black and White Husky mounted the Dohyo, at the same time as his opponent, he knew it was the Tasmanian Wolves "First time", and despite his best efforts to hide it, it showed. Bowing to each other, they grimly lowered themselves into the tachiai position. A hush of anticipation, filled the packed Tokyo Dome arena. Causing the pair of Canines to break into a sweat, partly through fear and because of the hot lighting. The seconds seemed to drag on forever, as they stared into each others eyes, across the small gap which separated them, waiting for the signal…..

"HATTCHOI !!".

Instantly the Two Canines sprang forward, both reaching for a secure hold on the others belt, they grappled briefly, in a kind of tug of war in the centre of the ring. Mush sensed that the Wolf was starting to tire slightly, having concentrated so much strength in trying to heave him out of the ring by brute force.

"I can’t watch !!", gasped Colin, from where he was watching backstage, dramatically covering his eyes, but leaving a gap between his fingers that he could peep through. Ralph nervously wrung at his large ears with his hands, while Bowser, covered his Muzzle with his hands in surprise.

The Husky then decisively lent into him, hoping to back him out, or cause his tired legs to buckle from under him. Rev Head desperately yanked sharply on one side of the Dog’s belt as they got dangerously close to the edge of the ring, summoning up a last reserve of strength, hoping he’d over balance HIM instead. But Mush, stood his ground!, digging his heels in, he pulled the sweaty Wolf, hard close into him, and bending back slightly, twisted sending him sprawling out of the Dohyo, with a perfect Utchari.

"Come on, now !", scorned Colin, as the crestfallen Tasmanian Wolf, slunk backstage.

"RACK OFF !, It was my FIRST TIME, out there! I was all nervous, an’ shit……It was the first bout, as well……", blustered the Wolf.

"He’s right, Col’….", added Ralph, "Lay off him, huh ?".

"Bad luck…..", added Travis, who stood next to Bowser, waiting apprehensively for their own bouts. Rev head just furrowed his brow, glaring at him, "Your turn’ll come, Otter…..I’ll be ready, for "Our" Bout, later…..SO DON’T YOU WORRY…!!".

"Did I say I was worried ?", shrugged the Chocolate Brown, Mawashi clad Sea Otter, with an ease that angered the Tasmanian Wolf even more. With a snort, Rev head, brushed past him to seek the company of Morita instead.

"You were GREAT !!", Beamed Ruffert, gleefully rushing up to the Husky, as he returned to his side of the arena.

"Yeah, Whatever……", he sighed, in a matter of fact tone.

The German Shepherd, looked bewildered by the icy response, but then a realization, washed over him, "Is this "About" last night ??".

"Huh, check out the "Happy couple". Randell, sneered, evilly to Lyro deliberately loud enough, so both of the other Canines could hear.

"I’m up next !, aren’t you going to wish me luck ?!", pleaded Ruffert, to the indignant Black and White Husky, both of them, deliberately ignoring the Two Wolves.

"Good luck, then….", pouted the Husky, indifferently.

"TRAVIS V’S RUFFERT".

"You’ll be fine, an’ old timer, like you !", encouraged Jasper, to the German Shepherd. As he headed for the curtain, he looked woefully over his shoulder, hoping Mush would have a last second change of heart, but…….

"Well, this is my first bout....." Travis smiled to his group of friend's, over at the other side of the arena, "Wish me luck....".

"Ruffert's Pretty good !!" Ralph warned him, "Did you get to practice with him yesterday morning ??" he added, just as the Otter's name came out over the loud speaker. "No...he mostly sparred with the Canadians, and the Kuma Motors team..." Travis muttered, as he ducked under the curtain, beginning the "Long walk", to the ring. The Alsatian reached the ring before him, and stood confidently in the centre of the packed Clay Doyho {Ring} as if he'd done it MANY times before. Travis reminded himself, that the Canine OBVIOUSLY had. Travis had studied the Video's of the previous Two Basho's, and had took the time to observe any of his potential competitors at yesterdays Practice. But actually walking up to a REAL Sumo ring, amongst countless spectators, and under the watchful eye of several TV Cameras was an ENTIRLY different matter. They "sized" each other up, mentally for a few seconds, bowed, then both crouched down into the starting position in silence, awaiting the signal….

"HATTCHOI".

The Otter and Alsatian, sprang forward instinctually at the signal. Both reached for the others belt, desperately trying to gain the advantage over the other in the short time it would take before one of them, found themselves outside of the ring. Ruffert glanced down, over his opponent’s shoulder at the Otters thick tail, as they struggled and strained against each other. Was it possible he could use it as a form of counter balance ?, as he’d heard it rumored the Australian Kangaroo did. Travis continued his unrelenting assault against the German shepherd, both of them where beginning to sweat and tire. Ruffert let his guard down slightly, and relaxed, as the Otter surged forward, the Dog seized hold of his right arm. Bringing his own up, sharply to the Otters arm pit, swinging his own body outward, and pushing his other hand, down between the Otters shoulder blades. Travis gritted his teeth, trying to maintain his balance, and fighting against the momentum which was swinging him, out and down……

"Oh, Bad luck…..", fawned Bowser, making his way over to the saddened Otter, hoping to console him as he returned, from his first loss.

"Judgement call, I guess….He’s a lot more experienced than me, I suppose nerves must have come into it a bit too……".

"Not much of a "H-otter", now are you ??", rasped Rev-head, with his arms folded across his chest.

"I guess not !, that’s one bout each, that we’ve lost !", replied Travis, casually, as if he was talking to a very small Cub, "You’re right about WHAT it’s like out there though…..".

"Yeah, it’s FREAKY alright…but I guess it’s a first time, thing….".

"BOWSER V’S RUSTY", crackled the announcement, of the next bout.

"Oh, great, I guess it’s MY turn to find out now……", sighed Bowser, feeling his stomach lurch with first time nerves.

"You’ll get over it……", advised Rev Head.

"Just imagine the audience "Naked", or something !", teased Travis, reverting to his usual bubbly, fun loving self. He was the kind that never seemed to be sad, for very long. Colin and Ralph offered advice, but the Dog, hardly heard them, as he ducked under the curtain with some trepidation.

"You all psyched up for this ?", asked Dennis, to the slender Fox, over at the other side of the arena.

"As, I’ll ever be..", Rusty whispered, as he self consciously checked his Mawashi was on securely enough, and peeped over his shoulder to check his tail looked alright, he then strolled out towards the ring.

Axel, Syd and Tonneau wished him luck too, but the sound of the exuberant crowd muffled them out, and the Fox was partly lost in his own thoughts.

The Australian Golden Retriever wandered up to the ring from the other side, the eastern entrance. The pair of them arrived at the Dohyo at practically the same time, and mounted it by the few steps at the side. A shudder ran down Bowser’s spine as he took his place behind the Shikiri-sen, the two lines, set three feet apart, which was all that divided them, within the fifteen foot circle. The pair of them both wished they hadn’t met socially before hand, as it would certainly make the bout they were about to have a LOT easier. But the pair of them, were too good natured, to arrogantly ignore others.

A polite bow, and then they silently crouched down, into the Tatchai position. Bowser wanted to whisper something, to lighten the mood…. But he wasn’t sure if it was allowed, he couldn’t think of anything to say, anyway…..

"HATTCHOI",

In a flash, the wiry Fox lunged towards him defensively. Grinding his teeth in surprise, Bowser did his best to stand his ground, both pairs of hands went for a belt hold. As they began to grapple with each other, Bowser glanced down, and noticed the Foxes leg dart inside and entwine one of his own. Bowser quickly whipped his leg free as Rusty had already started to lean into him, deftly side stepping him and bundling him out of the ring.

"Hurrrayyyy!!!", Cheered the Golden Retrievers team mates, as he returned victorious!. Huddling around to pat him on the back, Travis wrapped his arms around him, and hugged him.

"That’s the first win for OZ !….Team A.S.S !!" Whooped Ralph, punching his fist up into the air.

Over at the other side of the arena, the "British Knights", weren’t quite so happy. "It was pretty stupid of me!, I tried to get him with a Uchi gake…….", confessed Rusty, to Dennis, Syd and Tonneau, "I should have played it safe, with a more straight forward technique….I guess I was over confident. I don’t think I’d really dedicated enough time to practice, before hand….".

"Don’t be so hard on yourself…..", consoled Tonneau.

"Yeah, you were busy with your work, back home as well…..", Dennis reminded him, "It’s only one bout, you’ve got a few more yet……".

"Yeah, only that "Randell", is winning every bout he’s been in so far, with that German, not far behind…….", bemoaned the Fox, not holding out much hope, "And Bowser…… He’s a "First timer"…… Remember…Umm, No disrespect, guys !". Rusty added, remembering it was the St Bernard and Weasels "First time", too.

*********************************************************************************

"He's beaten me once before", whined the Raccoon with a sad look. Beginning to doubt himself, slightly, as the time for his bout drew near.

"Oh, don't worry about it, I think he's just full of hot air, he always seems a little over confident", advised Morgan, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder.

"He’s right, my friend !", beamed Daikonran, smiling to himself.

"COLIN V’S AXEL", came the announcer’s voice over the loudspeaker. Drawing breath sharply and letting it out in a sigh, the muscular, cubby Raccoon's chest heaved up and down. As he headed towards the curtain, his English friends gave him a thumbs up, as he wandered past and headed out into the packed Tokyo dome. His Opponent, the confident looking Koala, was already swaggering towards the ring, with a very self assured air about him.

Eventually, the pair of them reached the Dohyo. The crowd cheered, most of them aware that the Raccoon and Koala had won one bout against each other at the two previous tournaments. It promised to be one of the Basho’s many, anticipated "Best of Three" type, Bouts.

Silently, the pair bowed, and took their places behind the Tachiai lines. Colin glowered evilly at his opponent. Axel knew not to let it unnerve him as it was supposed to, and gave the cocky Koala a withering stare back.

"Huh, nice try,…."Bandit"….". Sneered Colin. Axel just furrowed his brow, he hadn’t heard that one…. In years !!!. The seconds drifted slowly by until.

"HATTCHOI !!".

At the sound of the signal, Colin lunged forward, hard and low. Before Axel could hope to side step him, and whack him hard on the back resulting in a classic Hataki komi. The Koala came at him with a flurry of Tsuppari, {Slapping and thrusting} Axel valiantly bore the onslault, but it started to daze him and weakened, he felt himself becoming dizzy. Stopping for a brief second, Colin drew back, preparing to….. Axel knew it was now or never, so he threw himself bodily, up against the Koalas upper chest and the pair of them tumbled out of the ring.

"Flaming ‘eck !!", snarled Colin, his face screwed into a hideous angry grimace, at having lost, as he stormed back to confront his teammates, they offered their condolences, but the Koala practically ignored them, his head darting around looking for...."Where’s that big dope, Ralph disappeared too ?".

"Oh Hi, Col’…How’d you get on ?" asked the lithe, Mawashi clad Kangaroo innocently, as he emerged from amongst the other waiting Wrestlers.

"YOU WHEREN’T EVEN WATCHING !?!!".

"Umm, sorry Mate, musta’ missed it. I was trying to see where Natsuko is sitting….. I’ve not spotted her yet, I wonder what she thought of that Shiko I did in my ring enter….".

"WILL YOU GET OVER HER !!", Roared the Koala, his Fur matted with sweat. "We’re here for the SUMO !, So just concentrate on that! Or do I have to knock some sense into you !!", it was the anger talking, as Colin felt quite hurt, that the Kangaroo, he’d known practically all his life hadn’t even bothered to watch his Bout, which only lasted a scant few minutes.

"Bet y’ think you’ll bring out the "Mothering instinct", in EVERY female that claps eyes on ya’ lookin’ like THAT !……", he added with a sneer, referring to the fact that Mawashi’s couldn’t help looking like Nappies, in a way. As he wandered, still pouting over to a drinking fountain.

*********************************************************************************

"Nah….it’s no good !, me "Bottles" [nerves] gone…", wailed Syd, pacing nervously on the spot, as the scant few seconds before his bout was to be announced, ticked by.

"Come ON !, you’re only saying that because you’re up against an unknown opponent, and it’s your first time in the "Big Leagues"…..", Scoffed Dennis, who stood nearby.

"Yes, Mr Brock, is right….", added Tonneau who was also waiting around for the Heavy Weight bouts, which where due to start once the Light Weights had finished.

"SYD V’S TRAVIS".

"AHHH, it’s TOO late now !", bleated the Weasel, as his bout was announced.

"If only Bruno and the others could see you now……", sneered Rusty, with his arms folded lazily across his white chest fur, as he casually leaned against a pillar. Syd glared angrily at the Fox, twisting his muzzle into a slight snarl.

"That’s the "Sumo face", now GET OUT THERE !!", insisted Dennis.

Angered by the comment, Syd strode determinedly towards the ring. All fear and paranoia of the crowd, eluded him, as the thoughts of the others from his Sumo class, huddled around a television intently watching his every move, possibly willing him to failure, out of jealousy or sheer spite plagued him.

The Australian Otter, had reached the ring before him, and quickly performed a few shikos, much to the admiration of the crowd, who where already behind him. Syd then realized the Otter was a lot more imposing close up and in the flesh, his fur sleek and glistening with sweat, made his perfectly developed body, an awesome sight to behold. Syd knew he wasn’t much to look at, compared to him…for a Weasel, he was pretty average. Nodding a quick bow to each other, the pair of them crouched down in readiness to clash with each other…….

"HATTCHOI".

As the signal was made, the two slender Wrestlers sprang forward, seizing each other’s belts with grim determination. They fought each other for a short while, but Syd let his guard down for a brief second, and Travis seized the opening. Hooking a leg around one of the weakened Weasels, and scooped an arm under Syd’s other leg, sharply yanking it up. Thrusting the startled Weasel away from him, he hit the ground with a bone jarring thud !.

"Huuurayyy!!, Travis…..TRA-VIS !!".

As he headed back, exuberant at having won, the Otter noticed a White Samoyed, cheering for him and calling his name, Travis smiled to himself. Happy that he’d gained a few supporters, even with it only being his second bout, with many more yet to come. Syd on the other hand, slunk back miserably to the other entrance he had entered from, ready to face the others scorn.

*********************************************************************************

"No prices for guessing, who'll win THIS one...." moaned Rusty, rolling his eyes. As the Lightweight competition eventually began drawing to a close, a scant few bouts remained now, and as he’d previously predicted Randell was in the lead.

"RANDELL V’S LYRO".

Randell, marched out proudly, towards the ring, amongst all the calls and cheering from his fan's, some waved pictures of his "Sheath Briefs" adverts to show their support. Lyro entered from the other side of the arena relatively unnoticed, and swaggered upto the ring his tail hung down low. As he reached it, Randell scrambled up the few steps first, raising his arms, triumphantly to another tremendous roar of approval from the audience. He’d won every bout, he’d been in so far, just like the previous two Basho’s.

Randell glared at his opponent and team mate, each Wrestler was expected to fight, each other competitor in his weight class. Even members of their own team.… The confident sneer on the more dominant Grey Wolf's face, served to remind him of his "Place", and what was expected of him. Wordlessly, the pair of them nodded a slight belligerent bow to each other, and lowered themselves down, awaiting the signal to fight. A deadly hush of anticipation filled the air, until…….

"HATTCHOI !!!".

Confidently Randell surged forward, expecting only minimum resistance from his Beta, and just enough fight to make it "Look good". Within a few seconds, Lyro was on his way to being bundled out of the ring, but suddenly he leapt forward, wrapping an arm around Randell’s neck, in a Kubi-nage and the pair of them toppled to the ground.

A stunned silence filled the arena, then a few cheers of support for the Black Wolf, who'd been one of the few who'd ever beaten Randell. Resulting in "One loss" on Randell's up until now, undefeated "record", at this Basho.

The realization of what he had done, washed over Lyro, sending a shudder down his spine, as he nervously bowed to his, "Fallen Opponent" who's eye's glared up at him, fires of rage burning behind them, all consuming vengeance practically written all over his face.

Lyro quickly took his leave to go, and hurriedly made his way back the way he came, whist Randell was still getting to his feet, and walking back…..

Once he was backstage, the frightened Black Wolf, dashed to his locker, if he could just quickly change, lose himself in the crowd or something. Maybe get back to the Hotel first, grab his stuff, and plane ticket home.…..

His mind raced, in a total fear induced panic, his hand's shook, he could feel all the sweat on his body turn icy cold...

"YOU IDIOT !!!" Roared Randell, he'd thundered around the back stage corridor from his own side and threw himself at him, his yellow eyes still burning with rage, as he clamped his hand against the Black Wolves throat, slamming him bodily against the nearby wall. "You Mindless, FUCKING idiot !!, that's blown my chance of a "Straight" undefeated win" He snarled, jerking his muzzle and face as close into the others as he possibly could, intimidating him as much as possible. Lyro wined, pitifully, he hadn't really considered the consequences in the "Heat" of the moment out there, "I....It...was an accident..." he lied, "I didn't really ....you'll beat.....", he gushed. Thoughts of the events of the previous day or so, flashed through his mind, like a strobe light, particularly the two German's and the incident with Randell's Phone/Tazer……….

*********************************************************************************

"REV HEAD V’S TRAVIS".

The startled audience settled down as the next pair of Wrestlers, walked up to the Dohyo.

"Huh….."New Zealand" against "Australia" Eh ?", Sneered the Tasmanian Wolf, as he took his position opposite him, "Remember the last time….?".

Both of the Australians, cast their minds back, to the time when they fought each other, for the chance to be one of the four members of the Australian team, and represent their Country. {See "Preparation H"}

"Still a devil, aren’t we ?", Travis replied simply, as he limbered up his legs, and squatted down, remembering how he’d teased the striped Wolf before.

"HATTCHOI…..!!!".

Instantly, the Otter and Wolf, flung themselves at each other, making a grab for each others Mawashi Belt in the same, instant, Rev head heaved up his Right arm with all his strength, hoping to put the Otter off Balance. But Travis broke himself free of his grip, with a snake like move of his sinuous body. The Tasmanian Wolves hands were sweaty with both nerves and anticipation of the bout, and before the Wolf could gather his thoughts, his opponent had darted behind him in the blink of an eye. Whirling around, before Travis could slap him hard out of the ring, Rev head, assumed as strong a defensive stance as he could, but the Otter lowered his centre of gravity, and lunged forward pushing the Tasmanian Wolf, squarely out of the ring, with a Oshi-dasi.

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A arm hooked down between Randell's, just as the Grey Wolf was about to strike the quaking other lupine. Randell whirled around to see who had DARED to stop him, he'd noticed the other hand was also Grey furred, so it couldn't be Mr Yamamoto, instead he found himself confronted by a stern looking, Japanese Akita, Clad in a familiar Yukata.

"You not take out anger on woof friend !!" muttered the Canine, in poor English, with a heavy Japanese accent.

"WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU ?, GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE !!!" Roared the Grey Wolf, turning back to give his full attention to Lyro again. "No!, YOU get "Fuck" out there !!" insisted the Dog, clamping a hand, firmly on Randell's shoulder, yanking him away from the terrified Black Wolf, "Or else you lose basho, by not going !!".

"Only once I've laid out this, Shit...." Randell ignored him completely, drawing back his fist once again, intending to knock Lyro out or beat him senseless.

"I not NEVER repeat MYSELF" warned the unmoved Akita, seizing hold of Randell's muzzle, and violently yanked him to the floor by it. Before the started Wolf could respond, his nose was on the floor, and the Akita's foot was placed squarely between his ear's, pinning him in that position, the other jammed down on his tail. "I advise you not fight back...." he warned Randell as he flailed his limbs, intending to fight for his freedom, " I am Yamamoto - Sensei's, "Number One", as you would say.....". Lyro just remained with his back to the wall, pinned by his own fear, for once. Randell's eyes flashed up at him, pleading with him for help...but the Black Wolf did nothing.....

"YOU GO !!" Barked the fearsome Grey Akita, noticing Lyro's indecisiveness. Swallowing hard, Lyro did as he was ordered, backing away slowly...then turning and running !!. Leaning down until his own muzzle was close to the still pinned Wolves ear's, the Akita hissed "Do you want to run after him, take out your anger and lose chance become Champion ?!?" He demanded. "Or you going to be good Woof ??, Yamamoto - Oyakata interested in you !!, maybe giving you chance to learn at his Stable, if you so wish ??"

"I'll be GOOD !!" Sneered the humbled Randell, with a hint of sarcasm, "...And it's "WOLF" not "Woof".....".

"YOU WHAT EVER I SAY YOU ARE, IF I TEACHING YOU !!" insisted the Akita, applying a little more pressure on Randell's skull, which he held firmly underfoot.

"As Both Randell and Shlank, have won an equal amount of bouts each....."

the Announcers voice came through the backstage loudspeaker.

"Ggahh...ON YOUR FEET !!" Ordered the Dog, distastefully releasing Randell from his clutches, and standing back, watching him, get to his feet. His eyes focused on his every possible move. "NOW, get in there, against German !!..Come see me and Yamamoto - Sensei ...AFTERWARDS !!".

"Sensei" ?, Oyakata?, make up your bloody MIND !!". Pouted the Grey Wolf, as he tried to regain any of his lost dignity, as he made a dramatic show of brushing himself off.

"Teacher !!, Stable - Master !!, HE IS BOTH !!, as you should well know!, you really as arrogant as everyone say !!" called the Akita, as Randell turned his back on him, heading for the nearest entrance to the ring.

Slank stood defiantly in the ring, waiting for his opponent to confront him. Randell emerged, back out this time to a lesser applause, more of an apprehensive cheer this time. Glancing around, he could see the Akita, was standing like a sentinal, in the entrance way, he'd just emerged from.

"At least that Asshole, has got me all psyched up an’ fighting mad !", Randell resolved to himself, as he wandered back out, and wandered slowly towards the ring. Around him, his supporters and fans cheered his name, but the Grey Wolf found himself oblivious to it, as he focused all his mental energy on defeating one of the Germans he despised.

"Year has gone fast, yah ?", coughed Shlank, full of self importance, as the handsome, muscular Grey Wolf stepped up onto the Dohyo, "I’ve not wasted ANY time, trained VERY hard……".

"Shut the fuck UP !", spat Randell, glowering at him with his piercing yellow eyes, "I’ve "NO TIME" for your bullshit……". Without any further ceremony. Randell grimly took his place behind the Tachiai and mechanically crouched down, all the while, his eyes literally burning holes through his opponent. The Doberman wasn’t in any hurry, he glared back, contemptuously at the Wolf, as he slowly mirrored the maneuver. Both of them knew they were evenly matched. Shlank knew Randell had perceived him as a "Threat" since they’d first met, and he relished every second watching him "Sweat", in the last few seconds before……

"HATTCHOI".

Snarling, the pair of them tore up from behind the Tachiai lines. Randell came up with his arms bent, aiming for the Dobermans upper chest, they collided with a dull thud of flesh and bone. Shlank was winded for a second, so Randell drew back slightly and whacked him squarely on the chest again, with a few well aimed Tsuppari {Slaps} intending to force him out of the ring, while he was dazed. Determinedly, Shlank brought his arms up, blocking him, and deftly got in close so Randell could no longer pummel on him like a drum, instantly the Doberman’s sleek furred hands went for the Wolves belt, and grasped it firmly with a steely grip. Randell’s lighting fast reflexes, meant his own hands were on his opponents, in practically the same second. They struggled valiantly, in the centre of the ring for what seemed like an eternity to both of them, dead locked in a viscous struggle. As soon as one tried to yank one side of the others belt up, the other would counter it, rocking to and fro, they decided to turn their attention, from "Belt" Sumo, to the lower extremities. Each tried hooking and tripping the other, but still nothing, as they just kept resisting and counter moving each other. Coated in sweat, the pair of them knew they couldn’t keep it up for much longer, one of them had to finish it. Randell let go of his weakening opponent, and drew himself back, to bodily….. But as his arm came thundering towards the Muscular Doberman, the Canine seized hold of it, pulling him towards him, with his own momentum, unable to stop himself in time Randell practically flew out of the ring !!.

"FUCK !!!" Roared Randell, once he’d returned, dejectedly, to the deserted spot backstage where the Akita had confronted him, and Lyro had ran off…. "FUCK, FUCK…..FUCK !!!!" He screamed, angerly punching his fist against the nearest steel locker door, buckling it.

"That NOT help !!" hissed an icy voice behind him.

"YOU AGAIN !!!" Screamed the Grey Wolf, as he span around in the direction of the sound. Walking determinedly towards him was the Japanese Akita,

"It seems I finding you, first !?" he hissed, narrowing his eyes in the dim light, as he fixed his glare on the fallen champion.

"Just piss off an’ leave me alone !!" pleaded Randell, his anger epping away, as the brutal truth began to sink in.

"You lose fight, Woof ! …maybe you not have what it takes, be Champion…?!??".

"Look, I’ve got no time for your reverse psychology an’ bullshit…." Muttered Randell, doing his best to ignore the powerful Japanese Wrestlers presence.

"Then I NOT have time for you then, I was going to offer you place, regardless…..!"

"Look, DO you have ANY idea, how I’m feeling right now ?!" Quipped Randell, scrubbing his face with his hand.

"YES !!, of course I have lose bout’s, before !!, my "Road" to get where I am now, has not been easy !"

"THEN, you’ll understand,…I DON’T NEED YOU IN MY FACE, spouting all this CRAP !!"

"NOW YOU LISTEN TO ME !!" Snarled the Muscular Canine, clamping his large hands around the startled Wolves shoulders, and slamming him back against the metal lockers, it shocked Randell to his senses, the angry Akita’s glare just burned into his eyes. " I believe you have good single mindedness to MAKE IT, as Top ranking Wrestler….Oyakata, think otherwise, has more time for those Bear’s, but he respects MY opinion……"

"Bully for you…" sneered Randell, before he could finish. "If YOU serious about Sumo, you would BEG for this chance, given you….." Continued the Akita, unperturbed.

TO BE CONTINUED…..

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