FA+
Shop
599
Views
Views
6
Favorites
Favorites
Category
All / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1280 x 896
File Size 255.6 kB
Report this content
More from Harlow
Listed in Folders
So, I feel I gotta apologize over the unnatural delay from the last part. Between inner turmoils and school work eating me away, there was barely any time I could dedicate to keep this arc rolling timely to a level i felt content to pull out. Nevertheless, I persisted. Stay tuned as Sterling Bengtzing goes in to a lifechanging event.
Special thanks to
Herr Wozzeck for proofing~
All characters belonging to the furrybasketball universe.
==============================================
“The hell’s with that shit in your eye? Is it a tumor or what?” Sterling commented to his phone, immediately on a video call with the badger he met five minutes ago.
“First of all, that’s fucking topical. Secondly, everyone tells me that. It's an injury, it’s an extra pupil, it's a tumor, it’s literal shit on me eye; that’s my favorite. Dude... It's a fucking freckle! Like a birthmark! Come on!”
The big polecat’s tail swished back and forth, his sight stuck on his phone; he wrote text after text to the white badger he befriended minutes ago, the driver and the adjudicator looking amused at the interested attitude the athlete took at this one fur.
“You said you were some big deal in your town’s parties?”
“I've been the main fur to see and play as the big warriors and Gods on the yearly Viking festival in Stallarholmen for years. Helps when you're 6’ 10" and the rumor you knocked out someone in school goes around in this small town.”
“I don't believe you fucking real man… Shit… You're the most interesting basketball player I know…” he grinned. “Guarantee ya, it won’t be the last time we see each other in this week.”
“Go get that fucking record first, else your detour here ain't worth shit! Hope they don't leave you locked up in the Hall where you belong!”
“Haw haw, fuck you, Lagerström…”
“...You still texting him?” Roland asked, yawning afterwards, clearly the toll of the long trip making its effect.
“So if I am? Eyes on the road, not on my fucking business, cousin…” Sterling chided, immediately going to another conversation to his contacts in Södertälje.
“It is a good thing and a good timing that game popped up. But there is not much time to waste, we got until 5 P.M to finish all the games, including Stockholm.” Alessio added, the mustelid looking expectantly out of the window, Mariefred looking closer and closer as time passed.
“Good thing we are here in game number thirteen… now!” Sterling exclaimed, sprinting out of the van. As soon as the polecat got on his feet, the dizziness and exhaustion came in a wave, causing his sight to blur out a bit, and lose his footing.
“Cousin, wait!” Roland shouted. Sterling leaned on the side of the van, uneasy at first, feeling faint, yet recomposing after a while of breathing.
“I'll be fine, guys. Only… three games to go.” the polecat huffed, trying to put his best brave face as he met up with the three players on the court on the outskirts of Mariefred. An Italian Wolf and two very similar honey badgers, clearly another set of siblings.
“The last pair of mustelid brothers I got here fucking rocked their joint, so you got your work cut out for you, understood?” Sterling said.
“They're fucking cool, eh?” the canine, by the name of Massimo Chiaramonte, replied.
“From the war in Syria to Sweden and then the world, eh?” the older badger said, the younger one nodding. “We're ready for this!”
Sterling blinked. “The fuck’s been this run of people with hardass stories?” the mustelid said to himself, shaking his head. “Hope you ready!”
13) Mariefred (12:45 P.M)
Team 1:
Sterling Bengtzing
Massimo Chiaramonte
Team 2:
Moustafa Fakhoury
Ibrahim Fakhoury
21-20, Sterling’s team
“When you’re dribbling, don’t look down. Shit can change in a minute, so eyes up...”
The younger badger’s eyebrows shot up towards Sterling. “Oh shit you know what I was trying to do? I was trying like… to look down and then up to intimidate ya or trick so you’d look away...” Ibrahim insisted.
Sterling chuckled at the teenager. “You got the mindset, but remember to keep your skill in check before you try to stumble on others’. You guys got a good chemistry together, and you got close only cuz… I’m fucking fried, alright?” his reaction amusing the other three players.
“This has been a highlight of the fucking year! Once I tryout for the Stormvind, I’m sure I'll own it!” Massimo cheered.
“I see, ya got the wants, good on ya...so… Fuck, like… you two fresh from Syria, you told?” the polecat panted, wiping the sweat off his forehead, listening to the guests he had just played a quick, yet intense game against. As interested as he was in the group, he couldn’t wait to rest up in the car.
“Yup. Thank God we managed to get out of here before the shit hit the fan; Swedish was easy enough...” Ibrahim commented.
“That camp might just help us to get all sorted out perfectly…” Moustafa added. “But being here and doing this… I can't explain how big it is for us, Mr. Bengtzing.”
“Call me Sterling, none of that mister bullcrap…” the mustelid scoffed. “And save the lip service. It’ll be way too tough to determine the spots already...” he nodded, before yawning and bidding the players goodbye, the engines alive, but not for long, as fuel was desperately needed.
While Roland was pumping gas, the polecat got a small camera (thanks, sponsors!) out and pressed the record button to film himself up, his heaving self trying to find time to recompose after another game added to his list. “So guys… There’s only, two spots guys! Two, two two. TWO! I shouldn’t yell, I’m tired as fuck… We managed to… replace the Nässjö bullshit… back on track… Okay, I can’t wait until the next game. It’s a secret I’ve been keeping from y’all for so fucking long and now it’s happening… you will fucking love it… It’s gonna be tough to decide which of these guys will win the camp passes. Sweden, you fucking rock. Till the next stop, see ya there!”
“Do remember to call Mr. Hansson, cousin...”
“Done AND done...”
1:50 p.m - 3 hours 10 minutes to cutoff time
The Anstalsen Prison was as tight of a facility as any other. Even if the reported articles of Scandinavian prisons being a much higher standard than others around the world were certainly much truth to them, the security still kept a vigilant eye and a sturdy grip over its inmates, who spent their energies on a plethora of activities, with sports were a big favorite, and for a few, the main way to pass the time (and their sentences).
“Over here, guys…” an elder bloodhound directed a group of seven prisoners to the recreational area, per usual, looking fairly empty this time around.
“Where are the other fellas, boss?” A big tattooed bear asked to one of the officers.
“Patience, Tuskaloski, things will be done a little different today…” The officer’s tone oddly less stoic than the average day, the inmate not missing that detail. Sure, he was with his usual court clique, but why were they let out early?
“What you mean different?” a markhor, evidently the youngest, asked. Before anyone else could ask again, a new figure entered the room directed by other officers, clad in a hoodie, and wearing the usual sweatpants they were required to.
“Who’s the new guy?” an inmate asked.
“No fucking idea Teddy, but looks he might be able to knock Darko out cold...”
The ursine scoffed. “Yeah right, Anan, keep believing that shit...”
The officer poked at the silent, hooded being. “So? Go and present yourself new guy. You said you loved basketball, so we got ya a team. They don’t bite… much...”
“Sup?” the figure said in a deep, booming voice, or at least attempted to, the rest just looking, either confused or amused as he walked towards the group.
“So this is the rising EFBLer whose career got fucked...” Teddy whispered at Pontus, a leopard seal and fellow prisoner.
“So, cat got your tongue, kid?” Darko defiantly asked, “Too embarrassed to show your face around? First day jitters, it’ll pass...” the brown bear elbowing the new guy, who in response, just popped the joints in his neck, and rolled up his sleeves, showing black fur on an arm, and a furless mess of scars on the other.
“Wait a second…” a cobra in the group peered at the figure, who saw the whole display suspicious. It all made sense once the figure got his hoodie down, digging out his ponytail and shaking his head.
“Who else could it be?!” Sterling let out an enthusiastic salute to the inmate group, Pontus and Anan immediately reacting and cheering excited, the rest slowly digesting the information, pushed by the cheering figures.
“Sterling fucking Bengtz… holy shit!” Hakan, the cobra, nodded enthusiastically, giving a handshake to the polecat. The policefurs grinned at the sight of the inmates cheering like crazy for the player, the first time they have seen anything like it.
While most of them were all smiles and salutes, Anan teared up, getting emotional, asking for a moment to the baller. “I need to tell you this, I’ve been the closest to rock bottom I’ve been in years, and you pulled me out of that… you don’t even fucking know what you did for me, and how you inspired mustelids like me and these other guys…” he sniffled, holding Sterling’s hand. “...I never thought I’d be able to meet you, you’re so incredible, I’m so sorry...” Sterling reciprocated the tayra with a quick one armed hug.
Darko addressed the polecat, nodding. “What Anan means is that we followed your route, and some of these older guys even know your father’s route! What you made for Sweden is huge, and what you made for us… We can't fucking explain it. It’s furs like you who allow us to aspire to be better… Fuck...” the tattooed bear got overwhelmed, the inmates offering a gentle clap for the guys.
Sterling was a bit taken aback at the reception the inmates had for him, not realizing his reach as an athlete has gone this deep into others. “I can say that, I’ve seen and took part in many different worlds and views of what basketball is, been on many courts and played versus many players, but nothing is more raw and passionate... than what you guys do. Streetball has been a chance for me to go crazy and regain a newfound respect and love for what the sport is. To know that you can be at your lowest point, broken, down...”
“Incarcerated?” Pontus added, deadpan, making the polecat snicker.
“Pft, that too. That the world of sports will always be there. To express yourself and give you guys means to make a statement. And while I told many furs that being on a low is not a deal-ender, felt like you guys could use that motto much better than anyone else.” Sterling grinned. “It's a privilege to give you a space in this world record.”
“You fuckin’ kiddin’ us? It's a privilege to US!” Darko laughed out loud.
“YES, BENGTZING!” Nicholas, the markhor, howled from the top of his lungs, the rest of the inmates joining.
“I'm the most fucking excited for this game, been a secret for MONTHS!” Sterling addressed the room, his tone now back to his boisterous self, clapping. “So, get the teams set, and ready to get this world record!”
As soon as Sterling tossed the ball to one of his assigned teammates and got close to the basket, Pontus attempted to drill him to the floor UFFL-style, the surprise sending the polecat to the floor, the seal snatching the ball and heading to hassle with the others
“Awwww, fuck man!” Sterling gritted under his teeth, helped up by the tattooed bear.
“Pontus is fucking insane, and well, it's how we do…” Darko cocked his head.
Sterling’s breathing became more pronounced, not anticipating how wild his last game could have been, while his body was not at his 100% after this kind of long run. “Then you doin incredible, let’s go get it!” he blurted out between pants. Sterling so wished he didn’t have the strain of multiple games on him, as his expectations of “prison balling” were more than fulfilled; no matter size, age or species, what happened on that court came from the heart. The polecat watched in awe how a near brawl and name calling was followed by fraternal camaraderie. It was honest, it was brutal, it was exactly what Sterling wanted to see.
“You’re fucking killing me Jaafar...” Pontus drew a long sigh after a failed shot. “Is age finally catchin’ up to ya?”
“Oh fuck off, yanno better than to pass me to the area I suck most at shooting!” the bat looked pointedly at the seal.
“Excuses. You gotta be like, big strong and... Alpha. Ain’t Barrett know and say that often, Sterls? Is what the old guy gotta be, ja?” the leopard seal looked a the polecat, who scoffed at the question.
“Of course I know the Alpha, he got it from me...” Sterling’s remark making the rest of the inmates howl and gasp, loudly jeering along the mustelid. “...They say it’s a Barrett thing, it’s actually a Bengtzing thing.” he grinned.
“Or is it generic mustelid bullshit?” Darko replied back, prompting the room to howl in laughter and yell impressed, Sterling being the biggest fan of the remark.
“He just fucking hung me to dry!” Sterling laughed out loud, patting the ursine’s back. “Yo, Nicolas, it’s your turn!” the polecat yelled at the younger ungulate, who immediately made his way to his team’s side. From the older thirty-year-old furs still showing they had enough spunk to put some other younger players to shame to the plays that would pretty much sentence the whole team out in flagrant fouls, Sterling soon found himself in a basketball atmosphere he never experienced before.
As he took a breather, Sterling’s eyes looked at one of the wards. “Holy shit… is it always like this in here?”
The officer shrugged. “Pretty much. As long as there’s no brawls for us to split, but we trust em to play nice enough. Buckle up, superstar…” he commented as he saw the mustelid head towards the game once again.
The polecat was forced to take it easier for all the strain he has put on himself, what caused the rival team to win over Sterling’s team, his second loss in the overall record stint. After the game and assessments were had, the conversations quickly became a bit more personal and laidback. Truth be told, Sterling was fully into that, feeling like it has been ages since he could talk the way he used to before getting in the FBA, the inmates finding the polecat great deals of fun and highlight of their stay. From the reasons of why each of them was locked up, to playful banter about the teams and each other, the polecat was happy to spend time with the inmates, themselves being more than content about the unexpected celebrity visit and record attempt inclusion. The mustelid brought them up to speed on the current situation of the league, in more ways than one.
“Foo-Foo?” Sterling asked, using his phone to show a photo of the general manager to the rest, passing it along. “Don’t dare steal it, ya hear?”
“Kill her…” Teddy shrugged.
“...Eh, kill her as well…” Pontus added. “Looks like she would never stop complaining about shit, be it choosing fuck or wife...”
Sterling rolled his eyes at the next picture. “Vicki Turner? Currently, not the past one from 50 years ago!” he stressed.
Pontus scoffed. “Course I’d kill her!” Darko and Hakan nodding. “Bring the young hot ones already!”
“I’d fuck her…” Teddy shrugged, the rest cackling and jeering the agama.
“You’d fuck Vicki Turner, that's exactly what doggie style was invented for!” Sterling quipped.
Nicholas shrugged. “Marry, disown the kid, get the money, run. Simple!"
The polecat slapped his knee, laughing so hard he was a bit breathless. “See, he gets it. He gets how it is 100%!”
“Of course he does, he got jailed for credit card fraud! He ain’t even 20!” Hakan replied.
“That’s called bein’ a playmaker...” the markhor winked.
The mustelid had to recompose himself at the jokes, devilishly grinning at the next picture. “Now… Sophie Occhilupo? Scoonie Barrett’s chick.”
Everyone in the room became pensive. “I would… I would marry… she looks like the kind to put a kid in her..." the ursine nodded, pursing his lips.
“Oh shit, Darko… I hope Scoonie ain't watching this!” one inmate said, between claps.
“I hope he is!” Sterling grinned, smirking.
“Let me see! Let m… Oh, fuck her stupid…” Awad waved dismissively. “You gonna show me cute weasels, expect that answer. Kinda question is that?”
“And Vera la Tierra? Misha Maxwell? Show her!” Darko asked.
“Fuck AND fuck.” Pontus’ booming voice took control of the room, the jeers and taunts following.
“Dude, literally everyone says fuck on those, I bet you won't even feel shit anymore!” Hakan exclaimed, causing Sterling to look away, caught off guard by the inmate.
“Fuck both, but Misha can't talk! Without talking!” Awad shouted. “Goddamn, this goes out you’d be decimated in the league! Ain’t you?”
The polecat thought a bit. “A lil’ bit, but yolo...” he commented, to everyone’s amusement.
Sterling was lost in the fun, so much he actually jolted up as he saw the time in his cellphone, reporting it was time to get driving to the next spot. “Fuckfuckfuck… Gotta run to the final event, time to seal this!” the mustelid walked towards the guards, turning to the inmates one last time. “...For your privacy, the names will be blurred out from the record report and the book, but the place will be referenced. Honestly guys… this is the most fun I had, ya gave me a fucking throwback to the times I was a teen on Rucker. Ten out of ten, would do again. May life in and out of bars be kind to ya...” Sterling bid his farewell, thanking the staffers for the time as well for the opportunity (them thanking him in return for the show)
Darko whistled sharply, bringing everyone’s attention to himself as he stepped forward slowly to address the polecat. “Bengtzing, with all respect, I gotta say that plan ain't gonna work for me, and for neither of us…”
Sterling looked perplexed, some inmates also in shock from the bear’s words, the bear continuing his quote. “You said ‘being in a shit situation is not the end-all’, so I want the world to know that. Fuck the safe censoring, I want you to put my name in there.”
The teenage markhor spoke up. “So, ya want the name drop, everyone will know you went to jail!”
“Course Nicholas, you persian rug! I want ‘Darko Fucking Tuskaloski’ in that book, make it textually. I want to tell the world that, I might have been in here, but I'm gonna own it and kick ass startin’ tomorrow.” the ursine nodded.
Sterling cocked his head. “Tomorrow?”
“The day I get out of here…” Darko attempted to keep his cool, but it was an obviously emotional deal. “To my family… You have changed my outlook for my future… I'm gonna tackle it head on as a free bear startin’ tomorrow, definite. For my wife, cub, and for Sweden. Thanks to ya...”
Sterling looked down, silent, noticing the bear’s guard. “...Who else here wants their name included?” he spoke to the group, a while of silence following.
“...I do.” Nicolas spoke up.
“...Count me in!” Teddy immediately followed. And slowly but surely, all seven prisoners soon wanted to be featured, all wanting to proudly display their full names.
Sterling shook his head, not expecting or knowing what to do. “There won't be any issue with that, right officer?”
“Hey, you got their consent taped up… We can figure it out later.” the officer shrugged. “Get going, there's not much time, go complete the record.”
Sterling quickly made his way out to the entrance. “Been fuckin rockin, people! Never forgetting this!”
“MOVE IT AND GET THAT FUCKIN RECORD!” a yell came out of the prisoner crowd, prompting a laugh from the polecat as he stepped out.
14) Södertälje/Hall (2:00 P.M)
Team 1:
Sterling Bengtzing
Hakan Özkaya
Darko Tuskaloski
Nicolas Yohannan
Team 2:
Badreddin Assour Jaafar
Teddy Düzgör
Pontus Hammar
Anan Awad
19-21 Rival Team
-
The polecat looked up at the sign that read that Stockholm was soon to be reached. “This has been one of the best experiences of my life… herrejävlar…” Sterling shook his head, his breath heavier than usual for all the time, focusing on the handheld camera which was too small for his paws, the level of energy and camaraderie he got from the game at the Hall got to him in another level. “I need to do shit like that again. I will… So...we got very little time, but we are gonna make it. Vägen Till Tokyo’s gonna be a success! Up next, the final game with the Stockholm Stormvind, Fifteen games. Twenty-four hours… all across the country… Tack Sverige. Seeya there!” Sterling shut the camera down, looking up at the windows outside… and immediately noticing something was off...
“Wait… Roland? Roland, this ain't the way to t- Roland!” Sterling yelled to the driver,
“You’ll see, cousin. You'll see…”
Special thanks to
Herr Wozzeck for proofing~All characters belonging to the furrybasketball universe.
==============================================
“The hell’s with that shit in your eye? Is it a tumor or what?” Sterling commented to his phone, immediately on a video call with the badger he met five minutes ago.
“First of all, that’s fucking topical. Secondly, everyone tells me that. It's an injury, it’s an extra pupil, it's a tumor, it’s literal shit on me eye; that’s my favorite. Dude... It's a fucking freckle! Like a birthmark! Come on!”
The big polecat’s tail swished back and forth, his sight stuck on his phone; he wrote text after text to the white badger he befriended minutes ago, the driver and the adjudicator looking amused at the interested attitude the athlete took at this one fur.
“You said you were some big deal in your town’s parties?”
“I've been the main fur to see and play as the big warriors and Gods on the yearly Viking festival in Stallarholmen for years. Helps when you're 6’ 10" and the rumor you knocked out someone in school goes around in this small town.”
“I don't believe you fucking real man… Shit… You're the most interesting basketball player I know…” he grinned. “Guarantee ya, it won’t be the last time we see each other in this week.”
“Go get that fucking record first, else your detour here ain't worth shit! Hope they don't leave you locked up in the Hall where you belong!”
“Haw haw, fuck you, Lagerström…”
“...You still texting him?” Roland asked, yawning afterwards, clearly the toll of the long trip making its effect.
“So if I am? Eyes on the road, not on my fucking business, cousin…” Sterling chided, immediately going to another conversation to his contacts in Södertälje.
“It is a good thing and a good timing that game popped up. But there is not much time to waste, we got until 5 P.M to finish all the games, including Stockholm.” Alessio added, the mustelid looking expectantly out of the window, Mariefred looking closer and closer as time passed.
“Good thing we are here in game number thirteen… now!” Sterling exclaimed, sprinting out of the van. As soon as the polecat got on his feet, the dizziness and exhaustion came in a wave, causing his sight to blur out a bit, and lose his footing.
“Cousin, wait!” Roland shouted. Sterling leaned on the side of the van, uneasy at first, feeling faint, yet recomposing after a while of breathing.
“I'll be fine, guys. Only… three games to go.” the polecat huffed, trying to put his best brave face as he met up with the three players on the court on the outskirts of Mariefred. An Italian Wolf and two very similar honey badgers, clearly another set of siblings.
“The last pair of mustelid brothers I got here fucking rocked their joint, so you got your work cut out for you, understood?” Sterling said.
“They're fucking cool, eh?” the canine, by the name of Massimo Chiaramonte, replied.
“From the war in Syria to Sweden and then the world, eh?” the older badger said, the younger one nodding. “We're ready for this!”
Sterling blinked. “The fuck’s been this run of people with hardass stories?” the mustelid said to himself, shaking his head. “Hope you ready!”
13) Mariefred (12:45 P.M)
Team 1:
Sterling Bengtzing
Massimo Chiaramonte
Team 2:
Moustafa Fakhoury
Ibrahim Fakhoury
21-20, Sterling’s team
“When you’re dribbling, don’t look down. Shit can change in a minute, so eyes up...”
The younger badger’s eyebrows shot up towards Sterling. “Oh shit you know what I was trying to do? I was trying like… to look down and then up to intimidate ya or trick so you’d look away...” Ibrahim insisted.
Sterling chuckled at the teenager. “You got the mindset, but remember to keep your skill in check before you try to stumble on others’. You guys got a good chemistry together, and you got close only cuz… I’m fucking fried, alright?” his reaction amusing the other three players.
“This has been a highlight of the fucking year! Once I tryout for the Stormvind, I’m sure I'll own it!” Massimo cheered.
“I see, ya got the wants, good on ya...so… Fuck, like… you two fresh from Syria, you told?” the polecat panted, wiping the sweat off his forehead, listening to the guests he had just played a quick, yet intense game against. As interested as he was in the group, he couldn’t wait to rest up in the car.
“Yup. Thank God we managed to get out of here before the shit hit the fan; Swedish was easy enough...” Ibrahim commented.
“That camp might just help us to get all sorted out perfectly…” Moustafa added. “But being here and doing this… I can't explain how big it is for us, Mr. Bengtzing.”
“Call me Sterling, none of that mister bullcrap…” the mustelid scoffed. “And save the lip service. It’ll be way too tough to determine the spots already...” he nodded, before yawning and bidding the players goodbye, the engines alive, but not for long, as fuel was desperately needed.
While Roland was pumping gas, the polecat got a small camera (thanks, sponsors!) out and pressed the record button to film himself up, his heaving self trying to find time to recompose after another game added to his list. “So guys… There’s only, two spots guys! Two, two two. TWO! I shouldn’t yell, I’m tired as fuck… We managed to… replace the Nässjö bullshit… back on track… Okay, I can’t wait until the next game. It’s a secret I’ve been keeping from y’all for so fucking long and now it’s happening… you will fucking love it… It’s gonna be tough to decide which of these guys will win the camp passes. Sweden, you fucking rock. Till the next stop, see ya there!”
“Do remember to call Mr. Hansson, cousin...”
“Done AND done...”
1:50 p.m - 3 hours 10 minutes to cutoff time
The Anstalsen Prison was as tight of a facility as any other. Even if the reported articles of Scandinavian prisons being a much higher standard than others around the world were certainly much truth to them, the security still kept a vigilant eye and a sturdy grip over its inmates, who spent their energies on a plethora of activities, with sports were a big favorite, and for a few, the main way to pass the time (and their sentences).
“Over here, guys…” an elder bloodhound directed a group of seven prisoners to the recreational area, per usual, looking fairly empty this time around.
“Where are the other fellas, boss?” A big tattooed bear asked to one of the officers.
“Patience, Tuskaloski, things will be done a little different today…” The officer’s tone oddly less stoic than the average day, the inmate not missing that detail. Sure, he was with his usual court clique, but why were they let out early?
“What you mean different?” a markhor, evidently the youngest, asked. Before anyone else could ask again, a new figure entered the room directed by other officers, clad in a hoodie, and wearing the usual sweatpants they were required to.
“Who’s the new guy?” an inmate asked.
“No fucking idea Teddy, but looks he might be able to knock Darko out cold...”
The ursine scoffed. “Yeah right, Anan, keep believing that shit...”
The officer poked at the silent, hooded being. “So? Go and present yourself new guy. You said you loved basketball, so we got ya a team. They don’t bite… much...”
“Sup?” the figure said in a deep, booming voice, or at least attempted to, the rest just looking, either confused or amused as he walked towards the group.
“So this is the rising EFBLer whose career got fucked...” Teddy whispered at Pontus, a leopard seal and fellow prisoner.
“So, cat got your tongue, kid?” Darko defiantly asked, “Too embarrassed to show your face around? First day jitters, it’ll pass...” the brown bear elbowing the new guy, who in response, just popped the joints in his neck, and rolled up his sleeves, showing black fur on an arm, and a furless mess of scars on the other.
“Wait a second…” a cobra in the group peered at the figure, who saw the whole display suspicious. It all made sense once the figure got his hoodie down, digging out his ponytail and shaking his head.
“Who else could it be?!” Sterling let out an enthusiastic salute to the inmate group, Pontus and Anan immediately reacting and cheering excited, the rest slowly digesting the information, pushed by the cheering figures.
“Sterling fucking Bengtz… holy shit!” Hakan, the cobra, nodded enthusiastically, giving a handshake to the polecat. The policefurs grinned at the sight of the inmates cheering like crazy for the player, the first time they have seen anything like it.
While most of them were all smiles and salutes, Anan teared up, getting emotional, asking for a moment to the baller. “I need to tell you this, I’ve been the closest to rock bottom I’ve been in years, and you pulled me out of that… you don’t even fucking know what you did for me, and how you inspired mustelids like me and these other guys…” he sniffled, holding Sterling’s hand. “...I never thought I’d be able to meet you, you’re so incredible, I’m so sorry...” Sterling reciprocated the tayra with a quick one armed hug.
Darko addressed the polecat, nodding. “What Anan means is that we followed your route, and some of these older guys even know your father’s route! What you made for Sweden is huge, and what you made for us… We can't fucking explain it. It’s furs like you who allow us to aspire to be better… Fuck...” the tattooed bear got overwhelmed, the inmates offering a gentle clap for the guys.
Sterling was a bit taken aback at the reception the inmates had for him, not realizing his reach as an athlete has gone this deep into others. “I can say that, I’ve seen and took part in many different worlds and views of what basketball is, been on many courts and played versus many players, but nothing is more raw and passionate... than what you guys do. Streetball has been a chance for me to go crazy and regain a newfound respect and love for what the sport is. To know that you can be at your lowest point, broken, down...”
“Incarcerated?” Pontus added, deadpan, making the polecat snicker.
“Pft, that too. That the world of sports will always be there. To express yourself and give you guys means to make a statement. And while I told many furs that being on a low is not a deal-ender, felt like you guys could use that motto much better than anyone else.” Sterling grinned. “It's a privilege to give you a space in this world record.”
“You fuckin’ kiddin’ us? It's a privilege to US!” Darko laughed out loud.
“YES, BENGTZING!” Nicholas, the markhor, howled from the top of his lungs, the rest of the inmates joining.
“I'm the most fucking excited for this game, been a secret for MONTHS!” Sterling addressed the room, his tone now back to his boisterous self, clapping. “So, get the teams set, and ready to get this world record!”
As soon as Sterling tossed the ball to one of his assigned teammates and got close to the basket, Pontus attempted to drill him to the floor UFFL-style, the surprise sending the polecat to the floor, the seal snatching the ball and heading to hassle with the others
“Awwww, fuck man!” Sterling gritted under his teeth, helped up by the tattooed bear.
“Pontus is fucking insane, and well, it's how we do…” Darko cocked his head.
Sterling’s breathing became more pronounced, not anticipating how wild his last game could have been, while his body was not at his 100% after this kind of long run. “Then you doin incredible, let’s go get it!” he blurted out between pants. Sterling so wished he didn’t have the strain of multiple games on him, as his expectations of “prison balling” were more than fulfilled; no matter size, age or species, what happened on that court came from the heart. The polecat watched in awe how a near brawl and name calling was followed by fraternal camaraderie. It was honest, it was brutal, it was exactly what Sterling wanted to see.
“You’re fucking killing me Jaafar...” Pontus drew a long sigh after a failed shot. “Is age finally catchin’ up to ya?”
“Oh fuck off, yanno better than to pass me to the area I suck most at shooting!” the bat looked pointedly at the seal.
“Excuses. You gotta be like, big strong and... Alpha. Ain’t Barrett know and say that often, Sterls? Is what the old guy gotta be, ja?” the leopard seal looked a the polecat, who scoffed at the question.
“Of course I know the Alpha, he got it from me...” Sterling’s remark making the rest of the inmates howl and gasp, loudly jeering along the mustelid. “...They say it’s a Barrett thing, it’s actually a Bengtzing thing.” he grinned.
“Or is it generic mustelid bullshit?” Darko replied back, prompting the room to howl in laughter and yell impressed, Sterling being the biggest fan of the remark.
“He just fucking hung me to dry!” Sterling laughed out loud, patting the ursine’s back. “Yo, Nicolas, it’s your turn!” the polecat yelled at the younger ungulate, who immediately made his way to his team’s side. From the older thirty-year-old furs still showing they had enough spunk to put some other younger players to shame to the plays that would pretty much sentence the whole team out in flagrant fouls, Sterling soon found himself in a basketball atmosphere he never experienced before.
As he took a breather, Sterling’s eyes looked at one of the wards. “Holy shit… is it always like this in here?”
The officer shrugged. “Pretty much. As long as there’s no brawls for us to split, but we trust em to play nice enough. Buckle up, superstar…” he commented as he saw the mustelid head towards the game once again.
The polecat was forced to take it easier for all the strain he has put on himself, what caused the rival team to win over Sterling’s team, his second loss in the overall record stint. After the game and assessments were had, the conversations quickly became a bit more personal and laidback. Truth be told, Sterling was fully into that, feeling like it has been ages since he could talk the way he used to before getting in the FBA, the inmates finding the polecat great deals of fun and highlight of their stay. From the reasons of why each of them was locked up, to playful banter about the teams and each other, the polecat was happy to spend time with the inmates, themselves being more than content about the unexpected celebrity visit and record attempt inclusion. The mustelid brought them up to speed on the current situation of the league, in more ways than one.
“Foo-Foo?” Sterling asked, using his phone to show a photo of the general manager to the rest, passing it along. “Don’t dare steal it, ya hear?”
“Kill her…” Teddy shrugged.
“...Eh, kill her as well…” Pontus added. “Looks like she would never stop complaining about shit, be it choosing fuck or wife...”
Sterling rolled his eyes at the next picture. “Vicki Turner? Currently, not the past one from 50 years ago!” he stressed.
Pontus scoffed. “Course I’d kill her!” Darko and Hakan nodding. “Bring the young hot ones already!”
“I’d fuck her…” Teddy shrugged, the rest cackling and jeering the agama.
“You’d fuck Vicki Turner, that's exactly what doggie style was invented for!” Sterling quipped.
Nicholas shrugged. “Marry, disown the kid, get the money, run. Simple!"
The polecat slapped his knee, laughing so hard he was a bit breathless. “See, he gets it. He gets how it is 100%!”
“Of course he does, he got jailed for credit card fraud! He ain’t even 20!” Hakan replied.
“That’s called bein’ a playmaker...” the markhor winked.
The mustelid had to recompose himself at the jokes, devilishly grinning at the next picture. “Now… Sophie Occhilupo? Scoonie Barrett’s chick.”
Everyone in the room became pensive. “I would… I would marry… she looks like the kind to put a kid in her..." the ursine nodded, pursing his lips.
“Oh shit, Darko… I hope Scoonie ain't watching this!” one inmate said, between claps.
“I hope he is!” Sterling grinned, smirking.
“Let me see! Let m… Oh, fuck her stupid…” Awad waved dismissively. “You gonna show me cute weasels, expect that answer. Kinda question is that?”
“And Vera la Tierra? Misha Maxwell? Show her!” Darko asked.
“Fuck AND fuck.” Pontus’ booming voice took control of the room, the jeers and taunts following.
“Dude, literally everyone says fuck on those, I bet you won't even feel shit anymore!” Hakan exclaimed, causing Sterling to look away, caught off guard by the inmate.
“Fuck both, but Misha can't talk! Without talking!” Awad shouted. “Goddamn, this goes out you’d be decimated in the league! Ain’t you?”
The polecat thought a bit. “A lil’ bit, but yolo...” he commented, to everyone’s amusement.
Sterling was lost in the fun, so much he actually jolted up as he saw the time in his cellphone, reporting it was time to get driving to the next spot. “Fuckfuckfuck… Gotta run to the final event, time to seal this!” the mustelid walked towards the guards, turning to the inmates one last time. “...For your privacy, the names will be blurred out from the record report and the book, but the place will be referenced. Honestly guys… this is the most fun I had, ya gave me a fucking throwback to the times I was a teen on Rucker. Ten out of ten, would do again. May life in and out of bars be kind to ya...” Sterling bid his farewell, thanking the staffers for the time as well for the opportunity (them thanking him in return for the show)
Darko whistled sharply, bringing everyone’s attention to himself as he stepped forward slowly to address the polecat. “Bengtzing, with all respect, I gotta say that plan ain't gonna work for me, and for neither of us…”
Sterling looked perplexed, some inmates also in shock from the bear’s words, the bear continuing his quote. “You said ‘being in a shit situation is not the end-all’, so I want the world to know that. Fuck the safe censoring, I want you to put my name in there.”
The teenage markhor spoke up. “So, ya want the name drop, everyone will know you went to jail!”
“Course Nicholas, you persian rug! I want ‘Darko Fucking Tuskaloski’ in that book, make it textually. I want to tell the world that, I might have been in here, but I'm gonna own it and kick ass startin’ tomorrow.” the ursine nodded.
Sterling cocked his head. “Tomorrow?”
“The day I get out of here…” Darko attempted to keep his cool, but it was an obviously emotional deal. “To my family… You have changed my outlook for my future… I'm gonna tackle it head on as a free bear startin’ tomorrow, definite. For my wife, cub, and for Sweden. Thanks to ya...”
Sterling looked down, silent, noticing the bear’s guard. “...Who else here wants their name included?” he spoke to the group, a while of silence following.
“...I do.” Nicolas spoke up.
“...Count me in!” Teddy immediately followed. And slowly but surely, all seven prisoners soon wanted to be featured, all wanting to proudly display their full names.
Sterling shook his head, not expecting or knowing what to do. “There won't be any issue with that, right officer?”
“Hey, you got their consent taped up… We can figure it out later.” the officer shrugged. “Get going, there's not much time, go complete the record.”
Sterling quickly made his way out to the entrance. “Been fuckin rockin, people! Never forgetting this!”
“MOVE IT AND GET THAT FUCKIN RECORD!” a yell came out of the prisoner crowd, prompting a laugh from the polecat as he stepped out.
14) Södertälje/Hall (2:00 P.M)
Team 1:
Sterling Bengtzing
Hakan Özkaya
Darko Tuskaloski
Nicolas Yohannan
Team 2:
Badreddin Assour Jaafar
Teddy Düzgör
Pontus Hammar
Anan Awad
19-21 Rival Team
-
The polecat looked up at the sign that read that Stockholm was soon to be reached. “This has been one of the best experiences of my life… herrejävlar…” Sterling shook his head, his breath heavier than usual for all the time, focusing on the handheld camera which was too small for his paws, the level of energy and camaraderie he got from the game at the Hall got to him in another level. “I need to do shit like that again. I will… So...we got very little time, but we are gonna make it. Vägen Till Tokyo’s gonna be a success! Up next, the final game with the Stockholm Stormvind, Fifteen games. Twenty-four hours… all across the country… Tack Sverige. Seeya there!” Sterling shut the camera down, looking up at the windows outside… and immediately noticing something was off...
“Wait… Roland? Roland, this ain't the way to t- Roland!” Sterling yelled to the driver,
“You’ll see, cousin. You'll see…”
Category All / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1280 x 896px
File Size 255.6 kB
Comments