Chapter 29
A week passed.
It was all Amai Mask would allow for the latest challenge. He accepted the pass from four bands, but has yet to learn who used their pass. Either way, those bands were now down their final trump card in case he throws another twist at them. But now he is curious to see what the combination of three bands made. He arrived early at the auditorium, he took a seat dead center where he could hear everything and see it all. The Orchestra was positioned in the back, a choir section set up on the right side of the stage. And then the heavy metal instruments were laying in wait. Everything was darkened so he couldn't see who would be going where, but, he also had one final twist for these bands that dared to defy him.
Above Amai was a prompter, he has one more trick to do but will wait until they are in the middle of the song. Perhaps they may be good thinking things over within a week, but how quickly can they think on the fly?
The lights darkened.
"To our gracious host, Amai Mask. We offer you this song in accordance with your challenge. We bring to you the Poet and the Pendulum."
He paused to the voice. "That sounded like Timber if I am not mistaken."
He could see the bands take their place. The Orchestra began to start up, playing a soft melody, and then, he heard a siren's voice.
The spotlight came on, and highlighted Whinny as she hit perfect tones. He smirked. "The wolves took over this, figures as much, glory hogs," he said to himself.
When her piece finished, the music began to change drastically, becoming faster and heavier. Much to his surprise, playing the electric guitars and drums were not the rest of the member of Raise by Wolves… but Zombie Apocalypse! He then saw Howlin come out and began to take over the song, Whinny sung backup to her, and the rest of the wolves were in the choir of all places!
"How on earth did they pull this together!?"
They were nailing every part of the challenge expect for the hidden talent. Suddenly, Whinny vanished and the lights went dark as Howlin got the stage to herself. When she finished, Cannibal of Zombie Apocalypse took center stage… playing the violin! 'Shit, there's the hidden talent' he muttered, but then smirked. It was time for the twist.
Before Cannibal could finished his solo, Amai's twist went up. 'Include a dance' was the final challenge. However, as quickly as it went up. Whinny took away Cannibal's violin, Howlin began to get close to Cannibal and the two began to dance! They finished their rather long song. It was over 13 minutes!
When finished, they stared at him, waiting for the verdict.
Amai sneered. "Challenge… complete" he announced.
They cheered out loud, they were actually cooperating with each other. He half expected these bands to try and take each other out at any given point. However, they refused to go down the path. They came together, played to their strengths and produced wonderful music, much to his cringe.
Amai wasn't about to admit it, but he met his match!
#
Tempest wasn't sure what to expect with those who asked to train with him. But the first thing they insisted upon was a good meal and that they treated to it. "It's the least we can do for Senpai!"
"It's not necessary, but I do appreciate the meal," Tempest said graciously.
As they ate, he got to know the four better. They have been training ever since they were children. Since then, they have upped their regiment, but found they have become stagnate in growth. "We saw how much you have learned in sumo, you are not afraid to take risks, also use methods that aren't well known. What is your secret?"
Tempest smiled. "I should at least know your names first," he insisted.
"Oh, sorry Senpai! I am Lok, this here to my right is Cho, across from us is Chan and Lou."
Tempest bowed politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you. As for my training, I have learned the manners and some fundamentals from Oni. However most of the harder regiment and technique, I learned from my father." He explained.
"Your dad must have been Yokozuna at one point!" said Lok.
He smirked. "Not exactly, but he didn't show me any mercy…"
"You four! Why are you here!"
Tempest froze as he heard a tough, booming voice come from behind him, yet it was quick familiar. "Haru…" Tempest muttered.
He stood up and slowly turned. Haru's face instantly shifted from angry to startled, back to angry once more. "Why the hell are you here!?" he demanded.
"Having lunch, also looking for new people to spar with, the four here have been kind enough to assist me. Is there an issue?" he asked gently.
Haru sneered. "Those four… belong to MY stable." He said in a warning tone.
"Indeed, but also is it not proper custom to train among other stables to better one's technique?" Tempest asked. "Rest assured, I am not here to take them from the stable. I am merely here to get some better insight to my own abilities."
Haru sneered. Tempest knew he got him, and by the sounds of it, the four were not his best men within the stable itself. Merely those who have yet to reach a respectable rank. "Don't hurt them too much… that's my job" he said in a warning tone.
Tempest bowed respectfully once more as Haru left in a huff. The four however froze when he turned to look back at them. "You… didn't even flinch to him." Whispered Cho.
"Nope, he doesn't make me, I took his strike to the face… I don't understand what the big deal is about him…"
The table went silent. "Wait… you took a strike from him… to the face?" demanded Lok.
Tempest nodded. "Yes… why?"
"NO ONE has ever gotten up after taking his strike! He made Raiden teeter with that blow! But that's it. He still hasn't beaten Raiden yet…"
"Good to know." Tempest said and finished his meal. "Well, I am done. Shall we go to the gym then?"
The four nodded.
The made their way to the gym the chairman booked for Tempest. It was state of the art by the looks of it, however it felt… rather soulless to Tempest. "Too much machinery… Oh good there's a ring. Let's start by seeing your strength. You are going to spar with each other once, then, you will spar against me. Sounds good?"
"But… isn't this your training time?" asked Chan.
"Oh I train all the time, I don't really use a gym. So, let's see what you have." Tempest watched closely as the four of them sparred. From a distance he saw their flaws, up close he saw their weaknesses. When they finished in about an hour's time he nodded. Disrobing, he took to the ring and stood in the middle. "Who is first?" They got nervous but Lok stepped up.
He stood across from him as one of the others served as referee. "Ready? SPIRIT!" he called.
Lok came charging right at him. He collided with Tempest but fell straight back and onto his backside. The room froze. "You became too keen to strike. That is a flaw I noticed with you. You won only one of your matches, when you are too quick to strike, you are quick to lose. I know being the first to make a move is important, but you have no method on how to back it up let alone how to take down your opponent. Again, up you get."
Lok nodded as he stood up once more, he took his position as the call went out. "SPIRIT!"
This time he didn't go for the quick strike, yet as he went to grab Tempest's belt, Tempest already moved out of the way and swept his legs out. "Right leg was up off the ground too long. You cannot let that happen. You need to learn to move with your feet on the ground. Slither like a snake, keep your feet grounded and you are less likely to be tripped,"
He worked with Lok for half an hour, and then did the same for the other three. By the end of it, they were tired, however, they smiled to the practice. "You taught us more in such a short time than our mentor!" said Cho.
Tempest smiled. "I like to see others grow stronger, that way I know I have done a good job in teaching what has been asked of me."
The four bowed to him. "Thank you Senpai!" With that, they took their leave. Tempest sighed aloud, it was an eventful day, but now he has to get his training done. He turned to leave but found the chairman waiting for him.
"Sir…"
"I never thought you would take time out to help those below your rank…" he said in a rather impressed tone.
"They asked me to help them, why would I refuse? As well, how can they be below me when I have yet to gain a rank?"
The chairman smiled. "We have been asked from a sports magazine for an interview and photo shoot. I was wondering if you would represent us."
Tempest paused. "You wish for me… Sir, I am honored, but I have no rank. I have yet to prove…"
"You have proven enough. I have been watching you and so has Raiden. You have slowly won him over with the way you carry yourself. You are not the least bit brash to your power, you remain humble and speak very kindly to those ranked above and blow you. That is rare in our industry especially when one wishes to make a name for themselves." He smiled warmly as his hand went on to his shoulder. "You have made this chairman very proud and I now see sumo has a bright future ahead. Will you represent us in this interview?"
He sighed, how could he refuse? Tempest nodded and smiled. "Yes sir, I will."
"Very good, please be ready in four days, you will be going to City R, they have a photo studio within a filming one. We will be using that." He left shortly after. Tempest wondered though, why put the focus on him?
