"Sumo Don’t…" Banzuke Sumo Beya part 24

"Huh ! Look at those Germans !" sneered Rasputin, to his partner,Valdis.

In the back of the room, Shlank and Knall were cheering and celebrating the Dobermans victory in taking the Lightweight title from Randell.

"I not know you had it in you!" boomed Mr Yamamoto, wandering over to congratulate the sleek furred, muscular Black and Tan Dog, "Well and bravely done, there’s place for you, maybe, at my Beya if you wish it ??" the Shar-pei added, with a slight smile.

"I haven’t got time to worry about them now !" Hissed Valdis disinterestedly, as he limbered up with a few koshi-wari’s, "My bout’s going to be announced, any second !".

"Do you think he’s going to……ask….me ?!", whispered Rasputin, still watching them, intently.

"Probably….Yeah!", snorted the Black Bear, growing impatient in the remaining time before he was due to go on.

"You don’t think he’s going to JUST ask that Panda, and not me ??" continued the Grizzly.

"NO !" hissed Valdis through clenched teeth, as he continued his squatting exercise, then softened as he realized how "snappy" he sounded, "Look, what do you think Max would say, if he heard you talking like that ?".

"Now you’re starting to sound like my Mother !!" growled Rasputin, whirling around to confront him, "I’m JUST wondering, alright !!".

"WHY ?, do you…. Want to stay here and train ?!?" was the meek reply.

"Perhaps……" whispered the Grizzly, quietly "I’m sort of "half and half" about it, part of me would, if it meant I’d become a truly great Wrestler…but on the other hand I like training with you, and Max….and those times when it’s "Just the two of us", he gave Valdis a crafty wink punctuating what he meant by that, "But…. My Father likes me being around home, you know…"Keeping an eye on my Mother" why he’s away at Sea, on the Oil rig….".

Valdis wasn’t sure how to answer, and racked his brain, formulating a reply but then…..

"TONNEAU V’S VALDIS", crackled through the loudspeaker.

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"You must not be giving up !", the Akita consoled Randell in a gentler tone. As the rugged Grey wolf sat down, dejectedly on a backstage bench, "We all losing important bout once in awhile, it happen !" he continued.

"Look, JUST how little "Engrish" do you understand ?, P-I-S-S O-F-F !!".

WHACK!!. Enraged, the Akita cuffed the Wolf, literally knocking him off his sorrowful perch. "Quick Japanese lesson, for you "Woof".."Kawaigatte".

"Like I know what the SHIT that means !", sneered Randell, rubbing the side of his muzzle that had been abruptly slapped.

"Well, if you learning, Sumo "Proper", YOU WOULD !!".

"Oh…..You’re good !….. REAL smart……", rasped the Wolf with a slight evil grin, as he continued rubbing his stinging jaw.

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"You're up against that shorter Russian, get out there an' KICK 'IS ASS !!" Syd encouraged Tonneau, over at the other side of the arena.

"You've done a real "U" turn, Syd !, d'you know that !!", smiled the St Bernard, as he knew the time for mentally psyching himself up was over, as his name was called. The puzzled Weasel, just looked at him in surprise, not really catching on to what he'd just said.

Tonneau glanced apprehensively at Dennis, "Mr Brock ??" he asked, hoping his Teacher would have some last minute advise. The Badger chewed his lip, apprehensively, and just gave him a "Thumb’s up" signal, nodding a quick bow to him. Tonneau returned it, silently understanding what his Teacher was thinking and feeling, as he ducked under the curtain.

The crowd was already cheering for the Black Russian Bear, as he walked proudly towards the ring from the Eastern side.

"Maybe its because he’s the team mate of Rasputin, who’s looking to retain his Heavyweight title……..", Tonneau thought to himself, then swallowed hard as he remembered he’d have to confront the current Champion, himself, later!. As everyone had to wrestle, everyone else in there weight class….

As the pair of them reached the ring, they clambered up the few steps, taking their places three feet away from each other, behind the Tachiai lines.

Valdis, systematically "Sized up" his opponent, with his beady eyes. Tonneau knew he presented a bit of an enigma, as most Canines fought in the Lightweight class, although the German Rottwiller was a Heavy weight too, and no doubt he’d have to fight him, later on as well.

Tonneau, just stood there wordlessly, as the slightly shorter Bear warmed up, he could see traces of well defined musculature, beneath the course Black fur, and "V" shape, of White fur that crossed his well developed pectorals. Casting his mind back to the video of the previous Basho he had studied, it was obvious that the Russian had obviously been training VERY hard over the past year. Apprehensively, the St Bernard lowered his fists to the line, awaiting the signal as his opponent did the same.

"HATTCHOI".

Surging forward, the Dog and Bear both instinctually went for a belt hold, heaving and straining at each other, their strengths quite evenly matched. Tonneau broke into a sweat, as the Black Bear fought him with unexpected ferocity. Grinding his teeth as he doubled his efforts, the St Bernard decided to maybe switch tactics. But as he did so, a muscular Black arm hooked under his left kneecap and practically crow bared him off balance, the big lumbering Dog crumpled, toppling over onto his back.

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"Ma first Bout's against a Kangaroo !?!" Decker mused to himself, after several more bouts had taken place and the time for his first, drew close. nervously he checked his Mawashi was fastened securely enough.

"You know, if your Mawashi comes off, during a bout, you’re automatically declared the loser….." Jasper pointed out to him.

"Huh !" Snorted the Tiger, "Least dat w’d give "Someone" ah treat, back ‘ome !!"

"DECKER V’S RALPH". Crackled through the small backstage speaker.

Steeling himself, the muscular Tiger ducked under the curtain and headed out, towards the dohyo. His opponent, the Australian Kangaroo approached the ring from the opposite side, amidst the cheers of support from the exuberant fans. The pair of them, both reached the Dohyo, mounted it by the few steps at either sides, and took their places behind the White lines which divided them. Smugly the Kangaroo performed a few Shiko’s, limbering himself up in the scant time that remained before the first bout.

"J’st CAN’T ‘elp, showin’ off, those BIG feet, o’ yours……." Sneered the Tiger, dryly, he’d noticed the ‘Roo had almost made it his "Trademark", seeing as it drew him such rapt attention from the crowd.

"No worries, "Mate"…" Scoffed Ralph, pretty much unmoved by the comment as he slammed his large foot down for the last time, and maneuvered himself into the starting position. Giving his opponent a contemplative stare, Decker did the same. Chewing his lip as he did so as he felt some trepidation, what with this being his first bout.

"HATTCHOI"

Bursting forward with explosive force, the Tiger and Kangaroo collided with each other. Decker pulled Ralph tightly in towards him, giving him less room to maneuver and pulling up on his Mawashi, the Tiger determinedly started to walk him backwards to the edge of the ring using a combination of his strength and slight weight advantage. Decker could feel the Australians hot breath on his neck, as he got closer and closer to his goal. But suddenly, Ralph readjusted his grip and span the Tiger around, forcing him out of the ring instead. A call from the nearby Gyoji {Referee} made them shudder, pointing with his Gumbai fan, he indicated that Ralph’s heel had in fact stepped outside of the Dohyo first. Decker had won !.

"You Drongo !!, You’re really, really rotten…. Ralph !" Scolded Colin as his crestfallen team mate returned to his side of the arena, "Strutting around like the Cockerel in the Hen house…..’Don’t take much guesswork to see who YOU’RE trying to impress……" the Koala continued, wrinkling his large nose in anger.

"Rack off, Col’….I’ve got PLENTY of bouts yet….." Rebuked the Kangaroo.

"Yeah !" added Bowser who stood nearby, as Travis handed Ralph a towel.

" ‘Don’t remember you doing much better than last year !, an’ that Raccoon kicked your butt for starters……" Ralph continued as he wiped the sweat from his eyes.

"Ahhhhh, whatever !" Rasped Colin, disparagingly, "I’m going to see what’s up with Rev head, an’ that big lug he’s hangin’ out with……".

Ralph just gave Bowser and Travis a knowing nod, he’d made Colin uncomfortable, so he’d excused himself so he could "huff" somewhere else…. "Let him", the ‘Roo thought to himself.

"Thought ah’d lost it f’ a second, out there……" rumbled Decker, to Jasper who stood waiting for him as he ducked back under the curtain over at his side.

"Luck mostly….. Don’t let it go to your head" advised the grinning Polar Bear.

"Ah won’t….." Replied Decker, wiping the sweat from his fur with a towel, "W’nder what, Nameh thought of it, back ‘ome ?".

"I expect he….." started the Polar Bear

"JASPER V’S KNALL"

"That’s my bout…." Whispered wide-eyed Jasper, without finishing what he was about to say.

"Hochstehend !", hissed the German Rottwiller. Slapping his broad chest to psyche himself up as he headed towards the curtain at the other side of the Arena, as he did, he looked to his team mate for encouragement. But the Doberman was grinning inanely, seemingly lost in his "own world".

"Unt you going to ve coming off zat "Cloud", unt wishing me luck ?", he asked, expectantly. Shlank was still lost in his own little dream world

{In German} "Are you serious about staying here to train?, your becoming Lightweight Champion has possessed you !!", Snarled the burly Rottwiller in his native language.

{In German} "PERHAPS !", Shlank snapped back at him ferociously.

"Great, unt just vere do I figure in zis "Master plan" ?!?…..", Spat Knall, reverting back to heavily accented English, "Zeem’s it just be including YOU !", he added pointedly.

"You good Wrestler too !, Oyakata must have zeen zat, vhen he "Puppy sitting", us…..??" The Doberman replied, hoping to console him.

"YAH, Only I not "Champion", unt maybe not much chance either, looking like it to ve zat Grizzly against Panda, again……". Rumbled Knall, referring to the Bears who where both on there usual winning streak.

"Just ve getting out zheir, unt FIGHT !" Shlank rebuked him, wearily.

Rolling his eyes, Knall just gave him a sour look, before ducking under the curtain and starting on his way, marching confidently to the ring.

The Muscular Rottwiller cast a haughty eye over the Polar Bear, as he reached the Dohyo, climbing the few steps at its side in readiness to confront his opponent. Jasper looked unperturbed, so the German just scowled at him some more, as they took their places behind the shikiri sen lines sizing each other up, as they did so. The burly Rottwiller's prominent musculature easily showed under his sleek fur. But the Polar Bear’s build was more deceptive, due to this thick white fur. Knall looked his opponent up and down. The Bear was obviously very solidly built, and would obviously be no pushover. The pair of them just kept glowering at each other, as they awaited the signal.

"HATTCHOI".

The Big Dog and Bear dived out of the Tachiai position, colliding chest to chest. Jasper quickly grabbed hold of the stocky Rottwillers Belt, pulling him in close to him, restricting his movements. Knall instantly started working his legs, trying to trip the Polar Bear by hooking one of his legs with one of his own. Jasper felt the sweat building on his forehead, starting to run down towards his eyes. Determinedly the rugged Bear tightened his grip on his opponents belt, twisting it and pulling it hard and sharply towards him, pulling the German off balance and too his knees in the centre of the ring with a Sabaori technique.

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"DENNIS V’S RALPH".

The Badger headed proudly to the ring. His opponent, Ralph bounded up from the other side amongst the roar of the crowd. Mounting the Dohyo, the pair of them took their places behind the Tatchai lines, and crouched down.

"Well, this'll be the "REAL" decider !!" Scoffed Dennis, "We've both fought at the last two Basho's, winning against each other once each….So NOW ..WHO'S going to make it "The best of Three"..?!?!!". Sweating with anticipation, he lowered his fists to the line awaiting the signal…..

Ralph did the same, but then with a smirk, broke off to perform a few shiko’s. Dennis knew he was doing it to antagonize him, proponing the inevitable. As the Kangaroo’s large feet came stamping down hard on the Clay, much to the delight of the crowd.

"I hope Natsuko’s watching !!", Ralph thought to himself, his eyes searching her out amongst the crowd. An impatient snort from Dennis, brought him back to his senses, and as the crowd settled down, the signal rang out….

"HATTCHOI".

As the signal reverberated through the air, the Wrestlers flung themselves at each other instantly grabbing the others belt. They drew themselves up to each other’s chest, gritting their teeth at the strain. Struggling valiantly with each other in the centre of the ring, neither of them showed much sign of weakening…yet. So Dennis knew it was time to switch tactics. As he moved his head down and his right arm up, Ralph slapped him hard, stunning him momentarily, but the dazed Badger managed to keep his balance. Ralph whacked both of his hands down between the half-crouching Badgers shoulder blades then, hoping to fell him with a Hataki komi. But again the rugged Kangaroo’s opponent, managed to stand his ground, thanks to his now well developed, muscular legs.

"Damn you….FALL !!" Snarled the sweating ‘Roo. Keeping his hands where they were, leaning himself forward from his ankles, so his full bodyweight was pressing down on the Badger who was bent double, dangerously close to the clay of the Dohyo now.

"GGGRRRRAAAHHHGGGGG", rumbled Dennis, painfully. To touch the ground with any part of his body other than the soles of his feet, would mean he’d lost! . Summoning up every last bit of strength he had, he bore the weight of the Kangaroo on his back, like the legendary "Atlas" of Greek myth, held up the Earth. Clenching his fists against the effort and pain, he made sure he kept them close to his chest, and away from the ground….

Ralph started "bouncing" his weight, aiming to pile-drive his opponent down HARD, from the seemingly inescapable position. Biting his lip against the extra effort, Dennis broke the skin tasting his own hot salty blood ooze back over his tongue, inside his muzzle. "UUUUGGGAAAKKKKKKKK!!!!!!" Snarled the Badger, summoning up every last bit of strength he could muster, he jerked up sharply. The startled Kangaroo nearly rolled off the Badgers broad back and on the ground, so he quickly floundered to regain his balance. Lurching forward, Dennis seized hold of one of Ralph’s inner thighs, as the ‘Roo struggled to steady himself, wrapping his arm around it, he drew the tan furred leg up, sharply, and Ralph fell over backwards into an undignified heap.

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"Don’t be so self-defeating !!", advised Rusty, "How can you expect to win, if you’ve already lost the battle, in your mind !".

"Yeah, wot ‘e said, it’s ‘profound dude !" added Syd, in his own colorful way, sort of popular American slang delivered with a Cockney {London} Accent.

Tonneau forced a smile to his friends, just as the bout was announced…..

"TONNEAU V’S MORGAN".

"Go in their and give it EVERYTHING you’ve got !!", added Dennis, as the St Bernard made his way to the curtain, "I don’t care about who’s won what or whatever, treat each bout as a "One off", alright…..?!".

"Yes, Mr Brock….", swallowed the Big Dog, nodding his Trainer a customary Japanese style bow.

"GET IN THERE !!", Roared Dennis, like a Sgt Major in the Army.

"If their was an award for politeness, who’d win it?, Tonneau or Dai’ do you think ??", Rusty asked his partner, casually. Once their team mate was well out of earshot.

"Dunno….. maybe it would be a draw ?", quipped the Badger, gazing out toward the diminishing figure, intently watching his every move.

"Yeah, ‘e does watch ‘is "P’s an’ Q’s", don’t he !!", added Syd, " ‘e should be cool like me an’ shit ! chill out!, know wot I mean ?!".

"I don’t think theirs much chance of that, Syd !", grinned Axel, who had been listening nearby, "You’re one of a kind !".

"It’s no wonder theirs so many Bears in Sumo…" Tonneau thought to himself, as he got closer and closer to the ring. He watched his opponent, mount the Dohyo from the other side, "They seem almost purpose built for it….". Admittedly, Morgan wasn’t the most formidable of the Bears in the Competition, but he still had massive shoulders and pectorals, as well as well defined chest and arms. Tonneau reached the raised hard clay ring, and trotted up the few steps at the side, taking his place opposite the light Brown Bear, as the crowd cheered and applauded politely. Eyeing each other, with contemplative stares, the large Dog and Bear slowly got down into position, behind the twin Tatchai lines that divided them, awaiting the signal.

"HATTCHOI"

Surging forward, Morgan made a heavy slap to the big Dogs chest, winding him slightly, but the brawny St Bernard stood his ground. Shifting quickly to one side, Tonneau tried shoulder charging the Bear out of the ring, but to no avail. The light Brown Bear just flashed him a contemptuous look, and unleashed a volley of Tsuppari {Slaps} at him. Tonneau darted to one side grabbing his opponent’s wrist and elbow as he did so and tried heaving him off balance. Morgan relaxed a bit, and pulled his sweaty forearm free from the Dogs grip, countering the maneuver, making it a Saka tottari, swinging and throwing him forward with a sweeping circular motion as he did so. Tonneau found himself slung bodily out of the ring, hitting the ground hard.

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"MORITA V’S DECKER".

"Dat’s ME!, ah’m up against d’ Big Ape……" Signed Decker, as he made his way to the curtain, upon hearing his bout announced.

"Don’t be downhearted because you haven’t won many of your bouts……", Mused Jasper as the Tiger brushed past on his way to one of the few remaining bouts of the tournament, "It’s only your first Basho, and your winning just under half of your secluded Bout’s isn’t bad….." Continued the Polar Bear.

" Guess n’t…." Snorted Decker, as he readied himself, to duck under the curtain, "Ah just wanted t’ do REAL well, so Nameh w’uld be real proud o’ ME !!".

"I’m sure he will….." Smiled Jasper, "Good luck, yeah ?".

Walking down from their respective sides, the Wrestlers slowly approached the Dohyo, as the crowd cheered and applauded them. Decker took his place behind the Tatchai line, and lowered himself, crouching down. His opponent, the Silverback Gorilla did the same, stifling a laugh as he did so.

"W’ts FUNNY !?", snarled the burly Tiger, from between gritted teeth.

"Ah was just thinkin’, looking at ‘cho, meybe I should be ah "Hidden Dragon"….", quipped the giant Ape, with an idiotic grin.

"Oh…"Ha ha !", rebuked the bemused muscular Tiger, with a indignant snort. Narrowing their eyes, each of them glared at each other in a moment of judgement, until…..

"HATTCHOI".

Furiously the pair of them threw themselves at each other, as Decker collided with the Silverback Gorilla’s bulk, Morita side stepped, slightly and brought his large hands slamming down HARD, on the Orange and Black striped back as the Tiger had charged forward from the Tachiai line. Decker’s eyes went wide with pain, as his legs flailed open into almost "The Splits" position. A sharp sheering shot up his leg, and he grimaced in agony as he crumbled, painfully to the hard clay of the Dohyo, the Ape had won! .

"AAAGGGHHHKKKKK!!!" hissed the Tiger through clenched teeth, as he finished limping back to his side of the arena. Once he was under the curtain. He collapsed in pain, clutching at his upper thigh.

"DECKER !!!" Cried Jasper, running over to him, as the other startled Wrestlers began to huddle around to see what was going on.

"Ma leg….hurts !!" Winced the muscular Tiger, his eyes screwed shut in pain, "Musta dun somthin’ when ah fell, alwquardly, out there…..".

"And of course, YOU were too proud to call for help when it happened !" scolded the Polar bear, as he propped him up.

"Ah didn’t want…….to see me…….y’understand" Croaked Decker, like a dying Soldier.

"MAKE WAY !, Medic coming through !!".

The apprehensive crowd parted to allow the Doctor through.

"Oh…. Grrrrrreat !" snorted Decker in disbelief, rubbing the cold sweat from his brow with a large orange and white furred hand. It was Dr Zhou !.

The White lab coated Black Panther got down on one knee so he was level with his patient, placing down the old fashioned Leather case which contained his first aid kit, he looked his patient up and down. "Well now, what seems to be the problem ?", he asked dryly, as if addressing a Cub.

"IT’S MA BLOODY INSIDE LEG !!!", Roared Decker, twitching his ears in disbelief.

"Re-ally !", hissed the feline, with a hint of sarcasm. "You,… "Snowy", can you help him get to his feet?, get him over to the room set aside for this, so he can have some dignity…. Away from these…… GAWKERS !!".

Suddenly feeling a bit uncomfortable, the milling crowd dispersed, and resting an arm across Jasper’s broad shoulder, Decker half limped and hopped over to the door with the Red Cross sign pasted on it.

"They expect me to work in what’s probably a converted "Broom cupboard !", hissed the Doctor, throwing his arms up in despair as he looked around.

"Ah dn’t CARE wot it WAS !", growled Decker, impatiently.

"Whatever !", snorted the Panther, "Set him down on the bed, over there !".

Jasper helped Decker to the cot bed, helping him sit down on it as gently as possible, the Tiger winced in pain as he did so.

"Ok, "Snowball" that’ll be all…..!!", sneered Dr Zhou to the concerned Polar Bear in the Red silk Mawashi, dismissing him.

"You alright, Deck’ ?", whispered Jasper ignoring the abrupt Doctor, and looking to his friend, for leave to go.

"Ah’ll be fine…….".

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"It’s come down to this again….." Morgan whispered proudly to his partner, the Giant Panda.

"You’ve both beaten an equal number of opponents each…." interrupted Axel, excitedly.

"Just come over to wish you…. "The best of British" beamed Dennis, closely followed by the rest of his team, offering his hand to shake the Pandas, to wish him luck.

"Umm, how very "English"…" smiled Dai’, with a slightly nervous grin, "I thought you’d have become accustomed to Bowing by now, my friend ?".

"We’ll always be "True Brit’s" at heart…." Smiled Rusty, taking his turn to warmly shake the Pandas large Black hand.

"That’s not to say we don’t fully respect the Japanese Culture, Mr Kuma, Sir…." Said Tonneau humbly, managing to combine a bow and handshake.

"This one’s got the Heart of a Japanese, I think !" joked Daikonran, causing Rusty and Dennis to break out into laughter, leaving the St Bernard with a puzzled look at the joke, made at his expense.

" G’d luck, Sir….", gulped Syd as he offered his right hand in turn.

"Best of luck, Bud !" Jasper patted Daikonran warmly on the back, as he finished shaking the Weasels hand.

"How’s Decker ?", asked the Panda, simply.

"Groin strain I think?, or a pulled muscle….?. ‘You saw how he fell……The Doctors tending to him now, anyway…otherwise he’d prob’ be here…..

"DAIKONRAN KUMA !!…" Crackled the loudspeaker, a silence fell over the group of friends, as that was the Giant Pandas call to go on.

"Nuke that Ruskie back where he came from !!", cheered Mush, as Dai’ began solemnly walking to the curtain.

"G….Good luck !!", panted Ruffert, breathlessly, patting him affectionately on the shoulder as he brushed past.

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"Why won’t they hurry up and announce my bout !!", snared the Russian Grizzly, impatiently at his side of the Arena, as he clenched and unclenched his hands into fists in nervous anticipation.

"It won’t be long now, I don’t think….." whispered Valdis, soothingly, but he felt nearly every bit as nervous as his partner.

"Alright you two?, thought I’d just sneak back here……".

"MAX !!" the Bears breathed a relived sigh, at the sight of the old Kodiak Bear, who was there self appointed Trainer, and former "Iron-Bear" twenty or so years, hence.

"You Father and I had quite a job keeping your Mother from coming back here……" Continued the elderly Bear, "Relax, Rasputin !, she’s not here !", he added as he noticed the Grizzlies eyes darting about.

"That’s good, I really don’t need her fussing around be like I’m a little Cub, right now……"

"Oh, Really…." Max broke into a rye smile, "She’s brought one of those Plush toy’s of you…Think she wanted to give it to you, now……".

Rolling his eyes, Raspuin just groaned, and gazed up at the ceiling in despair.

"RASPUTIN ZAKIROV !!"

"Remember everything I’ve taught you……", Called Max, as the Russian Grizzly, drew in breath sharply, and headed bravely to the curtain.

"ONCE AGAIN……", Started the announcers voice, in a theatrical tone, "IT IS TO BE A BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS!, A CLASH OF THE TITANS!….DAIKONRAN KUMA VERSES RASPUTIN ZAKIROV !!".

A tremendous cheer, filled the air of the immense Tokyo Dome. Everyone voicing their deafening support for either the Giant Panda or Grizzly. As the Audience settled a bit, the announcer continued…."EACH HAVE WON, ONCE EACH, AT THE PREVIOUS TWO BASHO’S……WHO IS GOING TO WIN THIS TIME, AROUND ??". Again the air was filled with a roar of screams and whistles. Camera flash bulbs started going off, like an illusion of twinkling stars in the night sky, as the Two Muscular Bears emerged from separate sides of the arena, slowly heading towards the Dohyo, as the Organizers had requested them to do. Sending the crowd into frenzy, the atmosphere was electric !!. The cries of support, ebbed away, into an anticipating hush, as the Panda and Grizzly confronted each other, neither spoke this time, it was too serious a matter this time around, to be made light of…… Each could feel the others hot breath across the short distance that divided them, they glared, intently at each other, unblinking.

Then with his usual serene smile, Daikonran calmly bent one leg at the knee, slowly raised his other leg, them slammed his foot down, HARD. Performing a Shiko, which ritualistically, was to demonstrate his eagerness to trample his opponent, and stamp out any evil that may lurk underneath. As the Giant Panda, was about to repeat the move with his other leg, Rasputin wearily copied him, mirroring what he was doing the Grizzly would have preferred they’d just bowed, and fought…But Daikonran…..

"I bet he’s doing this, to unnerve me !!", thought Rasputin, as the pair of them, finished stamping and lowered themselves into a Sonkyo posture, Rasputin’s peripheral vision, caught sight of his Parents and Max, as he did this, but he concentrated on matching the full ritual Daikonran was performing. They clapped hands, then raised their arms wide, in a crescent motion with their palms up, pointed them downwards with a flick of the wrist, and brought them back to their knees. The Audience, roared their approval for such a respectful display, and deciding the time was right, Daikonran lent forward, in readiness for Shiriki.

"Was that little display for the crowd, or the Oyakata’s benefit ?", snarled Rasputin, under his breath, he HAD to say something to break the retched silence… But Daikonran made no reply, he just kept his eyes fixed on his opponent, devoid of any emotion.

"You thinking of staying here to train, then ??", continued the Russian, hoping a second question, would get to him, but again no response.

"Huh !", scoffed Rasputin, with a dramatic flick of his head, and lowered himself down, in readiness for the signal…………………………………

"HATTCHOI !!!!!!".

Explosively, the two Bears sprang forward from behind the Tatchai lines in what was to be the final, decisive battle of the Basho. Rasputins hands went for a quick push to the Pandas throat, a Nodowa-zeme, which was an illegitimate Sumo move, designed to startle or distract attention. But Daikonran was unmoved by it and brought his hands up like lighting! between the mighty Russians arms, breaking the hold. Determinedly, both sets of hands went for the others belt, they grappled with each other, but remained deadlocked in the centre of the ring. Neither of them giving an inch!. Daikonran started to lean into Rasputin, utilizing his slight weight advantage against the sweating Grizzly hoping to maneuver him back out of the ring. Gritting his teeth, Rasputin tensed and steeled his legs against the bulldozing Panda, holding him back with grim determination. Realizing, neither of them could keep this up forever, Rasputin risked letting go of Dai’s Mawashi belt, for a split second and unleashed a flurry of hard Tsuppari {Slaps} to the Pandas chest.

"Is he toying with me ?!?", Rasputin thought to himself, as the Panda withstood his attack, and every "Trick" the Russian had hoped would fell him like a tree. Shaking his head, partly to rid himself of the sweat that plagued him, and to sober himself up in a way, the formidable Grizzly hooked his left forearm around Daikonran's neck, in a Kubi-nage, intending to bring him down and to his knees. Before Rasputin could grasp Dai’s belt with this other hand to reinforce his move. Daikonran had snaked his right arm, across to Rasputin’s right side, following with his right hip, he pulled himself into his opponent, turning his back to him. The crowd gasped in sheer disbelief as the Giant Panda summoned up every last ounce of strength, hoisting the Grizzly up onto his back and shoulders, firefighter style. Rasputin mouth gaped!, he was totally unprepared for a Tasukizori, a rare and seldom used technique. Daikonran held the position proudly, for a brief instant, as cameras hastily flashed, and before the startled Russian could struggle or offer any resistance, Dai’ let his Black legs, glistening with sweat, relax. Letting himself and his burden, fall backwards, his opponent hitting the ground first!!.…………………………………….. There was a disbelieving silence for a brief instant. Then the packed Tokyo dome erupted into a deafening roar, Zabuton cushions flew up into the air, thrown in support of the Pandas victory.

Rasputin, sadly made his way backstage, amidst the sounds of the crowd, still cheering Daikonran’s regained victory over him,

"How ??" kept drumming through his mind, he’d trained SO hard, and now he felt he’d let everyone who believed in him, down. His Parent’s who had traveled all this way to watch him, Valdis, his "Partner, in more ways than one, and Max of course… The walk seemed an eternity as he wandered back to face up to them, inside he felt like a naughty School Cub, who’d been sent to the Head teachers office. He feared Max’s scorn, and the sorrow and disappointment of the others. Eventually he got there, and lifted the curtain, timidly, not knowing what to expect. The Grizzly went wide eyed with surprise, as beside Maximillian and Valdis, was the Oyakata, who’d been present at the previous mornings practice. Right now he just wanted to be alone, more than anything else, to morn his loss. But he remembered Max’s stern warning to be Respectful……

"I….I…I’m….So..rry…" he choked. Unable to disguise the tremor in his voice.

"You fought, bravely….." replied Max, attempting to console him, but his disappointment showed a little, "Now, listen, Mr Yamamoto, wishes to speak with you…". Swallowing hard, Rasputin sadly nodded a bow to the solemn looking, wrinkled Sha – pei. Who just stood in his ever proud and aloof manner scrutinizing him through his beady eyes, set deep in their sockets amongst the folds of fur. "I feel your loss,…. But I am here to offer you place, training at my Beya, if you wish to…??".

"I…I think, you’ve got the wrong, Bear….." Wheezed the crest fallen Russian, "Shouldn’t you be asking that Pan.. I mean, Daikonran….".

"I already speak to him, and few others !!" Rebuked the Dog, and Rasputin decided not to protest any further.

"You want time to think about it ??" Mr Yamato snarled, a little angry that, the Grizzly had dared to question his judgement.

"I guess so…Yes….", Whispered Rasputin under his breath, just loud enough to hear.

"RASPUTIN !!!!" Roared the Elderly Kodiak Bear, stepping determinedly between him, and the wizened Japanese Oyakata. "DO YOU REALISE WHAT’S BEING OFFERED TO YOU HERE !?!!" he shrieked angrily, coughing a little, he resumed his normal tone of voice, his old lungs could no longer stand shouting and shrieking like they once could. "THIS…". "This" he repeated, "Is an opportunity, which you should grasp with both hands !!". "BOTH HANDS !!!, Do you understand ME !?!??" as he gazed up at the massive Grizzly, he clenched both of his elderly, boney fists and shook them up at him dramatically emphasizing what he’d been saying. "Look, I need some time to think about his….Please !!". insisted Rasputin. "Now you listen to ME !!" Max seized hold of one of the Grizzlies wrists and sharply led him aside, "You may not get another chance like this, he can teach you far better, than I ever could hope too………."

To Be Concluded…. {One more final = I need you}

Comments as usual to- [email protected]

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