Practice makes..... Banzuke Sumo Beya Series 3 Part 16

As the St Bernard and Silver back Gorilla, crouched down into the Tachiai position. Tonneau, desperately racked his brains, trying to remember anything about his bout's against Marlon [the Orangutan] back home, and how he could apply his knowledge of them, to .....

"Y' ready ?!" Rumbled his burly opponent, furrowing his massive eyebrows.

Swallowing briefly, the Dog nodded, and they slammed their fists down behind the Shikiri-sen lines in practically the same instant !. Throwing themselves forwards, they collided like two Freight Trains, winding each other slightly. Without giving the Gorilla much chance to recover, Tonneau instantly went for a belt hold......

Just then, Dennis, and Rusty wandered into the "Practice area"……

"Hey!, Badger !!" called a voice, as they entered the room, Dennis whirled around on the spot, as a foot slammed on the ground........Issuing a challenge.

"Y'all ready ??......LETS GO !!" ordered the voice, instictifully Dennis mirrored the others frantic foot movements, it looked as though the pair of them were dancing around invisible handbags, to silent music.

{Well, to the tune of "Kung Fu fighting", but it's in their heads}

"Now here it is, one to make you move. Something with a funky, "Sumo" Groove. Something that'll make shout, make you play to the crowd and make you wanna turn it out !. So c'mon gather round, I'll pick you up take you on, go pound for pound, Cos I'm the only one who'll please ya, I've gotta little something that'll tease ya!". Sang the Mawashi clad, Golden Retriever, his face screwed in thought, as he sung the tune from memory, and concentrated on his steps.....

"So throw those hands up high, shake your body, move from side to side !. Cos we've just begun, party people in the place, yeah were having fun. Oh yeah I'm gonna be a big star, I'm gonna lay it on and go.... "HOO....HAAAA!!!",

Because the mood gets exciting...when everyone's....."Sumo" Fighting !!"

Dennis, gave him a rye smile, as they "Battled", each other, as they had done on the "Dance Dance Revolution" machine, the previous night, but this time without the aid of the music, flashing lights, and pads on the floor....Thinking for a second, he "Impromptued" the next verse.......

".....A Sumo Wrestler in the Disco !!, he's out to take his chance, sees everyone looking, checkin' out his "Stance", He's got a White Mawashi one, Eight O' Clock, the day's practice has just begun !! Then he lay's it on with Style, an English Badger, with a nice smile !, and right before his eyes, an Australian Dog, thinks he's real fly, wants to settle a score, so he takes him on, and they head onto the dance floor, Give him line after line, can't believe his dancing's so fine...but unknown to him the Badgers got perfect timing.......Just like when he's..."Sumo" Fighting....

Eventually the sweating Dog, started to lose the syncro of his steps, and stopped, "YOU.....Are the perfect dance machine !!", he puffed, mimicking the congratulatory message, of the Arcade game.

"One more time !," Encouraged the Badger…" Shiko, Sonkyo, Chiri-chozu too, I'm going to teach you all "Sumo", it's an Eastern thing, that's what I'm sayin' while the retro Disco tracks playin'...Gonna make you shout, make you beg for more, so get your body on the dance floor, so everybody, you know what to do...slam those fist's down, an' do the "Sumo"……

Dennis finished the song and dance, triumphantly with a "Saturday night fever" pose, beaming a broad smile, "Alright, Bowser !!, you already for practice then......??"

"Yeah.....I'd like to introduce you, to one of my fellow team mate's, Travis.."

The slender Otter, stepped forward at the mention of his name, Dennis and Rusty each shook his hand, in turn.

"VERY English !!" grinned Travis, sweetly, "I'd have met you last night, but I was in the Hotel's public bath, ........"

The Fox and Badger both exchanged knowing glances at their OWN private recollections of the night before.....

"Wasn’t very pleasant, though, as I had to share it with two rather arrogant Germans…" continued the Otter, sadly.

"Do we HAVE to learn that "Dance routine" too, THEN ??" Muttered, Syd as he continued doing his Mata-wari, under the watchful gaze of Axel.

" 'Has this one been "Behaving" himself ??" Growled Dennis, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed for the brief spectacle he’d made of himself,

"When I did that pose, when I beat Bruno , you told me off !" Syd complained,bitterly.

"When will you learn to DO WHAT YOU ARE TOLD !!, It’s not your place to question the actions of your instructor is it ??, now drop and give me twenty press ups, FULL ones !!"

Syd was about to protest again, but bit his lip, as he wearily crouched down.

Suddenly, a familiar sweating hulk, appeared behind them, causing Dennis to fall silent. Syd's mouth gapped, at the sight of the fearsome Giant Panda who glared down his nose at the slender squatting Weasel. "Discipline problems, Mr Brock ?? !!" Tonneau's advise, rang through his mind, so Syd stood up and mechanically bend forward in a deep bow,

"G'd mornin' Mr Kuma, Sir !!, ….."

"Look's like we finally got "Through"… !!" Rusty grinned, nearby, folding his arms, casually, across his White chest fur. Smirking at the sight of the humbled Weasel .

"Ummm, I've been limberin' up, wid Axel, 'ere….Tonneau's been off fightin' some huge Gorilla….." Gushed Syd, fearful of what Daikonran, had planned for him.

"Good morning, Mr Kuma, Sir ! ," beamed Tonneau, as he returned, victorious from his first practice Bout.

"WHAT have you learned ?" Snapped the Panda, as the St Bernard rose from his polite Bow, a little startled, the large Dog, took a moment to gather his thoughts, "Umm, I remembered how I’d fought a similar opponent back home, and assumed he’d use…."

"NEVER "assume" ANYTHING !!," instructed Daikonran, his eyes darted back to Syd, "I believe Mr Brock is still waiting for his Twenty "Press ups", from you !!, you can keep him company, as well, Tonneau !!" Obediently, the two English new comers did as they where told, Rusty meanwhile had wandered off to practice against Axel, and Bowser and Travis decided to see what Colin and Ralph were up too, as they’d just arrived .

"I hope you two, had a "Pleasant" nights sleep?" Sneered Colin, Sarcastically, as the Dog and Otter, wandered over. Ralph dug him him in the ribs, with his elbow. "Lay off, RALPH !, I wus only jokin’ !!"

"And, you had a "Good night" as well, ?" Travis, replied innocently, unmoved by the insinuating comment. Bowser just cringed….

"Yeah, once I got ol’ square eyes away from all those anime, an’ game shows……" Sighed the Mawashi clad Kangaroo, "As if, telly back home, isn’t ropey enough….. AND he snores, like you wouldn’t believe !!"

"NO WAY !!,"Battling Seizure robots", is the COOLEST !!" Snapped the Koala, "An’ what I wouldn’t give to be on that, "Takahashi’s Castle" game show…..wonder if we could get on it, as International Sumo Wrestlers…?"

"IF YOU want to go on, in a foam rubber costume, and make a prat of yourself, feel free !" Sighed Ralph, wearily folding, his slender, but muscular arms across his chest.

"Don’t THEY sound like an "Old married couple", Teased Travis, pretending to whisper it to Bowser, but it was obviously aimed at Colin.

The Koala scowled at him, wrinkling his large nose, as he often did, "That’s enough lip, out of you !!, get in that ring, an’ GET WRESTLIN’ !!, I DON’T want to see either of you stoppin’ until your soaked in sweat !!"

"Shouldn’t they at least "Warm up" with, Koshi-wari an’ that first ??" Advised Ralph.

"LOOK !!, who’s the trainer here, Ralph, YOU or me ??, But yeah, yeah you’re right of course……"

" ‘Won more tournament bout’s, than you’ve EVER, an’ ALL !!", scoffed the Kangaroo, he was used to Colin’s attitude, but their were times, when it grated on his nerves.

" ‘Wonder what’s up with that "New Zealand" Wrestler," mused the Koala, "I bet he’s still sleepin’ the lazy sod !!…."

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"Nineteen, TWENTY !!," puffed the Weasel, and Dog, as they completed the exercise. Dai’ nodded his brief approval, flanked by Dennis who did the same, "Very well,….Tonneau, you practice with Dennis, Syd, you’re against me !!".

Syd’s eyes went wide, the Giant Panda was easily twice his weight, and could easily snap him like a twig, or squash him flat….With a shudder, he followed the muscular, Heavyweight, to the nearest practice ring marked out on the floor, and took his place behind the Shikiri-sen line…..

Silently, Daikonran fixed his eyes on the wary weasel, crouching down opposite him.

"THIS has got to some kind of SET UP, or Joke….." Syd reassured himself. The sweat on his body turning cold, with abject terror. Dai’ kept his unblinking stare on him, whispering, "When I give the word, you are to attack me !!" in an icy tone. Syd steeled himself, "Maybe if I dart out the way quick enough, he’ll…..Nah, he’ll be ready for THAT one, maybe if….." The thoughts ran through the panic stricken, Weasel’s mind in seconds,….

"HATCHOI !!" Barked the Panda, snapping Syd from his thoughts, instictfully the Weasel sprang bravely forward, as he’d been taught. The Burly Panda stood, unmoved by the assault, seized Syd's Mawashi belt, firmly, and yanked him off his feet, to chest height.

Syd’s eyes crossed in pain, as he hovered a metre off the ground, wincing against the tightening of his Mae-burkuro {Crotch piece} he valiantly struggled, his legs flailing, wildly….. Dai’ simply walked him to the edge of the practice ring, and unceremoniously, dumped him out of it.

Feeling a little foolish, Syd picked himself up, remembering to bow to Daikonran {Even though you didn’t always have too, in practice, but didn’t want to risk it}. The stern Panda had already returned to the start position, in the ring, and waited patiently for his slender opponent to rejoin him.

" ‘Ow d’ya expect me, to defend against THAT ?, if yer just gunna pick me up like that, EVERY TIME ??" Snarled Syd, as he took his position, opposite.

"I was about to show you that……" Beamed the Panda, in a patient gentler tone, "Doesn’t your instructor, have your class Wrestle, opponents, from opposing weight classes ??"

"Umm, n’t really, Sir…..Although, Mr Brock is an excellent Teacher !!"

"OH YES !!" Snarled Daikonran, "That reminds me, Didn’t YOU, protest that Axel, might be representing, "Your Country", after he’d been good enough to help train you, while Rusty was busy with his work….."

"Yes, YES !!, " Wailed Syd, "You can’t honestly blame me though, ‘e IS American, an’ I didn’t want to be robbed of my chance to be on da team !!"

"Understood !" Nodded the Giant Panda,……"HATCHOI !!!"

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Axel, and Rusty wandered over to Morgan, while Dai' was grilling Syd, and the Raccoon, whispered, "What's got into Dai' ?, I've not seen him being that strict in a LONG time..."

"He said something about, "Oyakata" being here today......" the Brown Bear, whispered back, stopping abruptly as he noticed Daikonran's attention, turn to him. "MORGAN !!!" Commanded the Panda, "Get over here !, you are to fight Tonneau !!, "Axel, and Rusty, you too !!, we’re going to have a little game of "Sanban".

"That’s when everyone goes against, someone who’s left in the ring !, one after the other" Added Morgan, in case they hadn’t heard it referred to, by the "Japanese term" before….

"Guess, it’s Syd for the lightweights, an’ Tonneau for the heavies !!" Muttered Axel, guessing what Daikonran, had planned….

"Hi guy's, are we missin' the fun ??" Called Jasper, as he wandered into the practice area, closely followed by the other Canadian Wrestlers, Decker, Ruffert and Mush.

"Forgive my "Intruding" on your "Private party", Bellowed a sarcastic gruff voice, striding angrily through the crowd, until he was face to face with Daikonran.

"Well, "Hello" Rasputin..." Beamed the Panda, as the fearsome, Mawashi clad Grizzly, glowered at him, fires of rage, burning behind his eyes.

"Don't try being "Funny" in front of your "happy little band", you may need their shoulders to cry on.....Like last time !!" Spat the muscular Russian, trying not to be swayed by the Pandas carmness.

"What DO you mean ??, Oh yes, I lost to you last time didn't I ??"

" You act like you'd forgotten, BUT I bet you've lost many a nights sleep over it, and that it nearly tortured you to MADNESS......!!" Scoffed, Rasputin, rapidly losing his short temper, "You won the first Basho, and I won the second !!, that's "One All"...BUT who's going to win the third ??"

"Guess we'll have to wait until we meet in the ring tomorrow, I'm a little busy at the moment..." Whispered Daikonran, before the Grizzly had a chance to offer the obvious challenge.

"WWWHHHAAAATTTTTT!!!!!" Valdis, stepped in to try and calm his partner down, but Rasputin, shooed him away with his muscular right arm, and nasty snarl...

"DO AS HE SAYS !!" Ordered an elderly Kodiak Bear, Rasputin's head, whirled around to see his, self appointed "Teacher", Maximillian, stood there beside the Black Bear. "If he wishes to wait until tomorrow, you should respect his wishes....."

"He's just a COWARD !!" Spat Rasputin, indignantly. Instantly Max wielded his trusty cane like a rapier, and lashed it across the backs of the Grizzlies legs. Rasputin momentarily winced in pain, and his right hand, instictifully clenched into an angry fist, Max just stood his ground, defiantly.

"Go and practice, with Valdis !!, have him on your back, as you do deep squats !!, I want to see your Tail touching that floor !!" Commanded the Old Bear, angrily pointing to a free space, nearby.

"I apologize for my "Students" unruly behavior..." Max, announced to Daikonran, with a slight bow.

"Umm, that's Ok, we're kind of used to it..." Daikonran, replied, returning the bow, he was more than surprised to see that someone had finally "Tamed" the Russian Grizzly, as were all his friends. But in the corner of his eye, the Panda was aware that all that had passed, had not gone unnoticed by the "Oyakata", who stood beside his Father, and Dr Zhou at one side of the large room.

"That Doctors g't 'is eye on me again...." Decker hissed to Jasper, as they warmed up, ringside, waiting to fight Tonneau, once Morgan had finished.

"Well, he's a Feline too?, maybe he's rootin' for you....." muttered the Polar Bear, as he stretched his legs.

"Meebe, but 'e sure, makes me....." Decker, seriptisiously glanced over his shoulder at the Black Panther, in the long White coat.

"Trust me, you'll be glad of a Medic if you hurt yourself, I twisted my ankle pretty bad last time......"

"Yeah....." The Tiger replied, dryly.

"You must be the "Russian" Trainer, that I've heard about ?" Beamed Mr Kuma, Bowing as the suited Kodiak Bear approached him.

"Nothing bad, I hope....." Muttered Maximillian, as he returned the bow, and reached out his hand, for the more "Western custom" of "Shaking hands".

"Didn't you used to be an "Iron-Bear"?, "Once-upon-a-time" added the Panda.

"Once-upon-a-time"....Is right, Sir !, 'does seem an AWFULLY long time ago...." As he spoke, the Old Bear, put his hand to his chest, his "Iron Bear" Medal, was there under his shirt, as it always was, suspended around his neck, by a Leather cord. {The Ribbon had long since worn away}

"Oh, where are my manners ?" Spluttered Mr Kuma, "This is Dr Zhou, our English Speaking Medic......"

"Pleased to meet you....." once again, the Kodiak Bear, repeating the formality of Bow, then shake hands.

"Charmed!", Mused the studious, Black Panther.

"...And this is "Mr Yamamoto" a visiting "Oyakata", from a nearby....." Continued Mr Kuma. Max looked at the fearsome looking Shar-pei Dog, who stood solemnly, in his ornately patterned Yukata, as if he was on guard duty.

After a moments hesitation, Max duly bowed to him, Mr Yamamoto courteously returned the Bow, his beady eyes, fixed on the Kodiak Bear the whole time, taking in every detail.... Max' then offered out his Right hand, the Wrinkly skinned Shar-pei looked at it with disdain, then with a snort, shook his hand.

Mr Kuma, then spoke, briefly to him in Japanese. Max couldn't understand a word of it, but guessed he must be telling the Sour faced Dog, who he was.

The Fawn colored Dog, replied to the Panda, in a low rumbling Voice.

"Mr Yamamoto, says, he's delighted to see another instructor who's not afraid to properly discipline his students!" Translated Mr Kuma.

"How long, you train him ?, Ras-pu-tin ??" Rumbled the fierce looking Oyakata, in broken English.

"Umm, Not long,..... He's pretty much self taught, I just sort of "stepped in" one day, and got him "Toeing the line" so to speak,.... Valdis is a really promising student as well, but he just doesn't have that fiery temper or "drive"...that Rasputin has......"

As Mr Kuma, translated the Russian Bears words into Japanese, Dr Zhou moved forward, straining his neck to watch a nearby "Bout".

"That....Umm, "Tiger" is just about to take on that burly St Bernard !!" Dr Zhou, whispered, as Max wondered, what he was so intent on seeing.

"Is he your "Favorite" then ??" asked Maximillian, as Mr Kuma, continued speaking to the "Oyakata".

"Ohhh, you "Could" say, "I've got my eye on him" fawned the Panther, idly fiddling with the collar of the Pink Polo shirt he wore under his white Medics coat.

"Who you think going to Win, Basho ?, Daikonran or Raspu-tin ??" Questioned the Shar-pei Dog, with a heavy Japanese accent.

"Well, I'd like to say, Rasputin, but who could say?, they are both evenly matched......" Max' murmered, aware that he was stood right beside Dai's Father.

"You very, Di-plo-matic !!" beamed the Shar-pei Dog, breaking into a grin.

"But I study both of the Basho's they appeared in !, it is as you said......"Both are evenly matched" !!"

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{Song}

Don't you know we will always be around you ?.

And there really isn't anything you can do !.

We will always be around, no matter where you are !.

Don't wanna let you go.

We just wanna tell you.

Just wanna let you know, that we're stayin', 'round.

So what else can you do ?.

You've said all you have to.

We're coming after you, so don't make a sound !!.

Randell sang to himself, as he groomed his fur, posing and admiring his naked muscular body, in the full-length mirror, behind the Hotel door as he did so. Lyro meanwhile, was folding and preparing their Mawashi's on one of the Bed's.

"Haven't you finished with them, YET !?!" snapped the Alpha Wolf, impatiently.

The Black Wolf Shuddered, and gathered up one of the lengths of Material, hurrying over to the Grey Wolf, and obediently kneeling before him, offered it up for "approval"….

"Yeah, it'll do !!" Randell sneered, wearily, "Start "Wrapping me up" !!".

Without hesitation, the naked Black Wolf, did as he was ordered, until eventually Randell's Mawashi was immaculately in place. Shooing his underling away, Randell adjusted it, and tied the flat knot securely at the back. Lyro meanwhile, started putting on his own Mawashi.

"I ought to beat you to a pulp, after your cowardly "Display" last night…" announced the Grey Wolf, turning to admire himself in the Mirror once again, "You just stood there like a fuckin' idiot, when you knew full well what the plan was, once we caught them alone….."

"Yeah, I know…only……"

"ONLY…….WHAT !!!", Randell span on his heel, glaring at him with his piercing Yellow eyes, his muzzle wrinkled into a nasty snarl.

"I…..I.I.I.I….I…Didn't think it…you…where….." quavered the Beta Wolf, unable to make eye contact with his partner, and his tail hanging submissively low.

"What ?? Fry the Fuckers "Brains" !!, I ought'a do the same to YOU, if I knew you'd learn from it !!" He obviously glanced across at the bedside table where it was plugged in, it's small charge light blinking……..

"NOOOO, Please…it's just…you could have killed him, if he had a weak heart or something…." Pleaded Lyro.

"Yeah ??, that's as maybe !, BUT what would HE be doing here if he had a "Weak Heart", Shithead !!!" Randell drew back his right hand, to strike him, but stopped himself, "BAH, I'll save my anger for downstairs !!" he sneered.

Lyro breathed a poorly hidden sigh of relief, and shaken, continued putting on his Mawashi.

"Here !!" Randell, pulled two neatly folded pale yellow silken robes, from his suitcase and tossed one distastefully on the bed, next to Lyro. "Mr Deltoid, gave us these, to wear…they've obviously got the "Sheath Briefs" logo and that on the back though, still "it's a "Livin'…"……"

"They've got our names embroidered on the front too…." Cooed Lyro, as he admired his, holding it up against himself.

"That's in case you forget your name !!" Randell sneered, as he threw his on with a florish, "C'mon let's go, an' kick some shit, up…." he rasped, as he headed out of the room, into the corridor.

"HEY YOU !!"

Rev-head, who was on his way to practice, turned, to be confronted by the Two Wolves he'd "Interrupted" last night.

"You'd BETTER not have told ANYONE what you SAW…or else I'll be making a "Call" t'you…." the Grey Wolf made his thumb and finger into a pretend telephone handset, and glowered at him, making sure the message was clear. The Black Wolf stood beside him, just grinned evilly.

"No…..your business, ain't none of mine….." Muttered Rev-Head, trying to disguise the unease in his voice, he could probably handle them, but NOT two at once. "Yeah, that’s RIGHT, It's on charge in my room at the moment !" Snarled Randell, "But that's NOT to say I'll have it with me later on….and IF I do hear or catch you……"

"Y'a'right ? Rev ??" Morita, lumbered down the corridor towards them, "J'st had t' fetch my "Lucky Towel"…..I left it inda room"

The Tasmanian Wolf, breathed a sigh of relief, "Yeah, I'm "Alright", um…."Big Guy"…..Just….er, speaking to some fellow Lightweights !!"

"Nice Towel" Sneered Lyro, sarcastically, it predictably had a print of Bananas and Banana leaves on it !!.

"Y….esssssss!" Hissed Randell, throwing one arm around the startled Tasmanian Wolves shoulder, "We were thinking of practicing together, WEREN'T we?, I'm Randell, the reigning Lightweight Champ, No doubt you've HEARD of me, an' this is my team mate, and "Side kick" Lyro !!"

"Well, actually…I'm training with my…I mean the Australian Sumo Squad…"

"Oh yes, Team….ARSEHOLES !!, Oh well, NEVER mind, no doubt we'll get to compete in the ring at some point, what with us being in the SAME weight class, an' all !!!" the handsome Grey wolf, added, maliciously.

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

"Vere ARE they ??" Complained Knall, wiping the sweat from his brow, with a Towel.

"Pacience, Freund !!" Rasped the Doberman, who lent against a nearby wall, briefly catching his breath, "Ve just wait....."

The Sweaty Rottwiler, guestured with a jerk of his head, towards the Kodiak Bear, Panda, and Shar-pei, that provided a ever vigilant, watching "Audience"

Shlank showed his understanding, with a simple sneer, "I expect zhey "Have eyes on us", after last time !!

"They can't stop us "Wrestling" American Wolves !!, maybe they get HURT, "Accidentally", We make it look like Accident....."

"QUIET !! else someone vill overhear YOU !!" Hissed Shlank, lurching angrily towards him. Instantly his expression changed as he caught sight of...

"AUFMERKSAMKEIT !!!, It's...."Zhem" !!!"

"Oh, "Bonjour"......" Randell, sarcastically announced, with a dramatic wave, as he entered the room, noticing the two Germans eyes transfixed on him. "I'm "SURE" you remember, "Rev - Head" from last night.......I'm going to "Show" him a few moves....."

"You get AVAY from zem !!" Advised Knall, who deep down was grateful, the Tasmanian Wolf has stumbled upon the scuffle in the Corridor, from the previous night.

"Maybe you using him as "Shield" ?, Afraid to face either of us, vhen ve just vear simple vraps of cloth, fighting vith NO weapons !!"

"You'll be Shitting Sausages, when I take you on in the Ring, tomorrow, "Slim shady"......" Taunted the Grey Wolf.

"VHY NOT NOW !!" Roared Knall.

"Well, you're not my "Class", In "More ways then one", Shithead, an' you're little Bitch, is just going to have to wait like a good little "Pup" until, tomorrow comes......."

"Not, "Tomorrow".....NOW !!" insisted Shlank, defiantly, marching over to the haughty Grey Wolf.

"You must not have heard me ? "No comprende, Eeenglissh ???" I'm showing this "Newbie", a few "Tricks", today......."

"More likely, you hurt him, get back at him for witnessing last night....."

Snorted Knall, standing close to his partner, backing him up, in much the same way, Lyro stood in Randell's shadow.

"No "THAT" sounds like "YOUR" Plan, "For Me" Dum Ass !!" Rasped Randell, relishing the vacant expression that washed over the muscular Rottwillers face, as he realized he had just been "Rumbled".

TO BE CONTINUED......

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