DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Modern/Historical DUC: Durham University Campus Competition Monday: Round 1 knock outs

As you get closer to the gym, the excitement builds. Just to the right of the gym door along the corridor is a large noticeboard. A prminent notice sits in the middle.

Monday morning
Men's First Round:
Levon v Joshua
Guy v Russel
Amir v Keith
Daniel v James

Monday Afternoon
Women's First Round:
Kayla v Sarah
Skye v Grace
Donna v Natalie
Ashley v Miranda

So Levon is going to be first up this morning.

Everyone got to bed at a reasonable time last night though how distracted anyone was is anyone's guess. People appeared at varios times in the morning, some needing a lie in, some wanting to train but everyone managed at least a light breakfast before getting to the competition venue.

Inside the gym a large mat had been set up in the centre. There were tiered benches to the left for competitors and others to the right for spectators.

Those from York can see Mr Harding & Ben in discussion just to the left of the large mat.

Levon

He had spent the night with Skye nestled on his chest. He got up very early, an hour before dawn and gently moved her arm off of him and slid out of bed.

When Skye got up she would see his morning routine. It varied from day to day as he rotated from yoga to tai chi followed a light breakfast which was either oatmeal or bran with fruit, followed by a 10k or a 25k bike ride which was followed by an half an hour of strength and resistance exercises. He encouraged Skye to join him on the run and the workout.

Today it was yoga, bran and strawberries but before his run he hopped into bed and warmed up for his run with a tumble under the covers with Skye. They were like bunny rabbits in heat. When they were finally done, he laced up and did his run, came back and worked on his legs and back.

"If I don't shower, I may just sicken my opponent. Whatcha say? Good tactic?" he said to Skye.

[OOC: Just a reminder that the kids had been assigned to multi-bed dorm rooms:



I'm going to play with this to set consistency to the scene.]



{Skye}

She and Levon had stolen back to the empty room they’d found earlier in the day. At the end of the boy’s hall, it had been locked - but picking locks was just another skill she’d learned on base. It pretty much looked the same as the others - though unmade and disheveled. It was even more messy from their earlier romp, but she didn’t mind. She was happy to just feel good with someone in their arms for the moment.

Skye hadn’t wanted to share a room like her freshman year boyfriend and his roommate. Especially that time his parents showed up for the homecoming game to the room. She still couldn’t believe being buck naked as the mother, all dressed to the nines in school colors, looking at a young Korean girl with… well, that was a long time ago.

“I’m sure your roomie Ross doesn’t mind us stealing away - as long as he covers for Mr. Harding doing bed checks. The girls have my back.” Skye had conspired as they made their way back to the dorms for the night.

Not a morning person, Skye was annoyed with Levon’s regimen — until he returned for another romp. She did not want to go on a run. At least she’d been able to sneak over the boy’s WC to freshen up while he’d gotten a bite downstairs.

Skye still sweating, was wrapped in the sheets as Levon put on his running shoes. She pushed her foot against his back teasingly. “Oh. He’d know he was fighting both of us at that point! Don’t want to get us DQ’d - definitely clean-up and be classy!”

She pulled up, letting the sheets fall down, and kissed him on the cheek.

“See you on the Shiai-jo, hon. I have my own pre-match rituals - including a walk of fame over to the girl’s dorms it seems.” She started putting on her clothes from the previous night for the ninja mission to get back to her room - and a shower. She winked as she slipped out the door.

Emma

Emma showed up, face done tastefully in team colours... pom poms ready to cheer. It was clear which side she was rooting for. As she spotted the people that she knew, she waved, before taking a place in the stands.

{Skye}

Peloton Pilates with Robin. Nuun to replenish. Stretching. Shower. Bit of extra meditation in the shower to get her head straight and focused.

Skye grabbed a protein forward light breakfast downstairs. She’d missed the rest of the girls - which was good for now. She needed to get into a fighting zone. **Enough play. It’s time to shine - and polish your crown with sweat..like Robin says.** She pumped herself up mentally as she entered the gym in her gi - even though she had an afternoon match. Tradition and honor.

Em with pom poms almost made her lose it though.

“Love this!” Skye came up and gave the girl a big hug.

Ian

Ian woke in the dorm realizing it was going to be one of those days. His leg was stiff from the exertions from the days before. He rolled out of bed and attempted to do the exercises and Tai Chi that had been helping since the events at the mansion but it was of no use. Instead he took a couple of Aleve and then a long hot shower. He dressed for comfort since today was most likely going to be a day filled with sitting on the bleachers during the competition.

Meanwhile, his mind was going through the previous day and there was something niggling at the back of his mind. A lingering "What if?"

He went down and grabbed a couple of scones and a soda. He then stopped and grabbed a cup of coffee. He placed the scones and soda in the pockets of his long coat then sipped coffee on his way to the gym with a slight limp. When he arrives he looks around at everyone looking for any of the group. Emma was the easiest to spot.

Ian limps over to Emma and now Skye. "Emma you look positively American." he jokes as he joins them.

Henri

He wakes up hungover, and feeling quite lethargic. His memory of last night is a bit fuzzy, with lots of drinking, some singing, and lastly making out with Miranda in a quiet spot before he somehow managed to find his bed in the dorm.

Following Ian's good idea, he grabs a strong coffee along the way to the gym. Sipping his coffee as he walks, he saunters over to where Ian, Emma, and Skye are gathered.

"Matin. Eh, morning everyone." Doing a double-take at Emma's outfit, he adds, "Wow! Wish I had your energy this morning."

Henri sits down at the nearest bleacher, closing his eyes for a moment, leaning back, and silently wondering if drinking that much last night was worth it.

At this point Miranda rushes in, panting slightly from her run. She is feeling better than she did earlier, maybe one drink too many the night before and a slightly later night's sleep, delaying by her dalliance with Henri. She smiles to herself, thinking that even though she is nervous about the competition, last night was definitely worth it.

Her eyes immediately search for Henri and seeing him, she blows him a kiss, before reporting in to Mr Harding and Ben.

"Everyone feeling good?"

Mr Harding looks around his small team of 4 as Guy strolls over to join them.

"At this point, try to relax. All the hard work has been done. Just enjoy the experience and keep your mental focus."

Ben nods "Good luck everyone."

Mr Harding offers a high five to each of his team.

Levon

Ready to take on his first opponent after his rigorous morning workout, he returns Mr. Harding's high five and stepped up to the mat.

As Levon turns back towards the mat, he sees his opponent going through a warm up routine on the other side. He also realises from the scarves sported by those around him that he is about to fight their top guy from the home team. From the filling benches around, he might also be mentally fighting the crowd too.

Levon
Confident but focused he steps onto the mat. First he turns and bows to Mr. Harding. Normally the first bow would be to honor his mentor or instructor but Harding was the de facto leader of the team and so he showed his respect to him first. Then Levon turned to the judges and bowed to them too. Finally he bowed to his opponent, a stern and determined glare bored into his opponent's eyes as he rose and took his ready position, waiting for the judges to start the bout.

Ian

Ian checks under the bleachers for anything out of the ordinary.

Apart from a coke can, there is nothing under the benches.

Ian

Ian the dutiful recycler that he is (OOC: ) picks up the can and to put it in the recycling bin. Then joins Emma and whoever else in the stands. Occasionally getting bopped in the head as Emma cheers.

{Skye}

As the team gathered, Skye left Em and Henri. She was laser focused with the pep talk and Levon up first.

"Let's go!" High fives all around.

Henri

He waves to Miranda with a smile as she appears and heads over to the team meeting with Mr. Harding. Once Levon steps up to the mat, he will cheer along with Emma just as the fight gets underway.

As Ian picks up the can, he can tell from the weight that it is pretty full. A guy looks around.

"Hey that's mine!"

{OOC:You didn't mention people were camped out under the bleachers. You made it seem like discarded trash.

[OOC No biggie, it was just sitting there a little away from the guy claiming it.]

OOC: Altered the earlier post to not automatically recycle it.

Ian

"Sorry man I thought it was trash was about to recycle." He then heads to the seats to watch the matches and cheer for the team.

The guys just shrugs.

"No worries mate."

He turns back to his companions.

"If everyone will move to their starting positions...?"

One of the judges stands as he announces this. Several people move to sit down and very soon all eyes are on Levon and Joshua facing each other on opposite sides of the mat.

Silence descends.

Joshua bows to Levon.

[OOC Levon to make 3 rolls of a d6 + his rank of 6 ]

Whether Joshua is nervous, he is no match for Levon at the beginning but he warms up and the last round is very tight, both opponents trying to score against the other, both succeeding in deflecting the attack. It is really tense. In the end the time is exhausted. The first two rounds are called for Levon, the last is announced as a draw. So Levon wins the match.

Joshua bows to Levon with a good natured grin.

"Wish I'd fought as well at the beginning.. but that last round was epic. Well fought."

Levon

After dominating the firs two rounds, Joshua found a way to deflect many of the moves that worked in the third round. It was a sign of a good fighter that he learned during the match. Levon honors Joshua similarly with a bow.

"Indeed. You got found a way to close that opening I was exploited when we started. Good job dude. Not everyone can adjust mid-bout. It was an honor!"

Then Levon bowed to the judges and stepped off the map and headed towards his friends.

Miranda stands up, applauding as Levon approaches.

"Great fight."

{Skye}

She had watched very intently as Levon went through his fight. Each move and counter-move was noted and filed away. Skye could tell when he flagged a bit - and she really enjoyed the epic intensity of the final bout.

Skye bounced up and gave the sweaty young man a big hug as he came over. "Great battle, babe," she gushed and then teased. "I got some tips to take you down now...."

Henri

It was an exciting fight to watch, and says to Levon as he arrives, "Awesome win, Levon! Thought you had him early, but looked like the guy came back in the final round."

Ian

Ian sat back and enjoyed the show. It wasn't until the final round though that he took notice but was relieved to see that Levon came through with the victory. There were a few too many close moments in the third though.

Emma

Emma cheers, along with others, "WOOO! Way to go!"

The next bout is called. This features Guy, Levon's closest rival, also from York. He is fighting Russell another home boy from Durham.

Guy


Russel


Like Leven, the first round is a walkover for Guy. The next two rounds are closer but Guy holds his edge. Guy is the competitor that Levon expects to meet in the final.. but that depend on the draw.

Two more rounds this morning. The first between Amir from Newcastle and Keith from Teeside. From the talk amongst the spectators it seems that Keith is only a beginner but wanting to go up against those better than him so he can improve. He gets a lot of cheers from the Teeside crowd but is hopelessly outclassed, apart from the middle round which he started well but couldn't sustain. All 3 rounds are awarded to Amir.

Amir


Keith


And the last round of the morning is between Daniel from Teeside. Although he is ranked higher than Keith, he does not seem to have the support of the crowd. Considering his behaviour in the Pub Treasure Hunt and his general attitude and his lack of joining in with everyone, perhaps it is not surprising. He is fighting James from Durham and James, of course, gets a lot of support from the home crowd. James does look a little hung over and loses the first two rounds but the support boosts him and he does win the last round!

Daniel


James

Levon

As all the others cheer, he spends his time observing and assessing the potential competitors. Some are clearly better than others but he's concerned about their handedness and their go-to moves.

Hilary steps forward into the middle of the floor, flanked by the other two reps.

"I think we can all agree that we have had an exciting morning with Levon from York, Guy from York, Amir from Newcastle and Daniel from Teeside go through to the next knock out round on Wednesday. Congrats to all four and commisserations to those not progressing further."

She leads a round of applause. Mr Harding and Ben look very pleased and cheer their team.

"This afternoon is the turn of the ladies, starting with Kayla ans Sarah. We wish all the compeititors good sparring!"

"Before you all head for the canteen for lunch, let me tell you a little more of what is in store. Tonight the evening meal will be Chinese themed. If you don't like Chinese, then there are other options. The evening is free for you to rest, socialise or explore. Let us know if you want information about the area or campus."

"Tomorrow is a rest day but we don't want you getting bored and have some events planned. In the morning in the Science building there will be a 'Bake Off' competition and we invite a team of three from each Uni, with plenty of room for spectators. There will be prizes! And in the afternoon in the Arts Dance studio there will be a fun dance competition. Everyone is invited to join in.. just need a partner.. or you can watch if you prefer. Names to us by the end of today for those wanting to compete tomorrow."

"We will also post the draw for Wednesday on the Gym notice board, probably at lunch time."

"So the canteen is now open. Back here by 2pm please. Thanks!"

All three of the reps are smiling but before anyone moves, Mr Harding stands up.

"If I may say something..?"

Getting the nod he continues.

"I have been very impressed by the warm welcome we have received and the amount of effort made by many but especially from the three of you. I would like to invite competitors and audience alike to join me in a big thank you!"

He stands there and applauds loudly.

<nudge>

Henri

He joins in the applause with everyone, and standing up at the end in appreciation for Hilary organization efforts. Listening to the planned events, his smile gets larger at hearing about a dance competition.

Henri is a klutz when it comes to cooking, but dancing will be fun. Sliding over to where Miranda sits, he gently grabs her attention and asks in an excited voice, "Would you please be my partner for the dance competition, partner?"

"Love to."

She smiles happily at him.

"They are doing such a great job in finding fun things for us to do. Anyone else fancy either of the events?"

{Skye}

She reviewed the match ups for herself in order to plan the rest of the day. Skye wanted to be at her optimum performance level.

Dinner sounded fun though - but she wouldn't be distracted by food. Hopefully it wasn't the same level as going to PF Chang's. Maybe she could use her limited knowledge of Mandarin to score something special from the cooks -- though it was really mostly swear words she knew.

After applauding along with everyone else -- **What is this.. cheer camp?!?** Skye hooked her arm into Levon's. "I can't sing, but I can dance -- you with me, big boy?"

Levon

"Are you telling me you can dance better than you sing?" he said, teasing Skye. "I'll try not to make it too tough for you to follow. Just don't fill up on too much lo mein. It'll slow you down. And that bake-off sounds filling" he said rubbing is belly.

Henri

"I'm not much of a cook. Emma, Ian? Perhaps you can represent us for the baking competition?"

It sounds like it is not a must attend competition, but it would be fun to watch and as Levon said, there might be some goodies to eat.

Ian

Ian looked over the board and was stuck thinking. "I could do the "Bake Off". That isn't to say I regularly cook or bake but it does say that it is in the Chemistry lab.Sound like something you could captain Emma?" He started to wonder about the choice of venue for the baking competition.

"As for the dancing competition. Possibly with the right partner."

Still discussing the options for the following day, you all head for the canteen for lunch before the women's knock out bouts this afternoon.

Emma

"So what does everyone want for lunch?[/b]

Henri]

"Think I'll let my nose decide, but I haven't had a good poutine in a while."

He figures though the closest he will get here in the UK is chips and a side of gravy to dip them in.

"Well I am going for the salad bar"

Miranda points out a display off to one side with a variety of fish, meat and different salad items.

"As I'm competing I don't want anything heavy."

She takes a bowl and adds lettuce, tomatoes, egg and some cold cooked salmon.

On the servery are choices which include lasagne, steak and kidney pie, chicken curry, burgers and beer battered haddock. Side dishes include rice, chips, mash, peas, carrots and gravy.

{Skye}

She kept her meal light but full of protein: rice, smoked salmon, and egg. Skye was very tempted to steal a bit of the sauce from the chicken curry for a little punch, but knew that would just sit on her stomach. She needed to stay in fighting shape at this point.

Levon

"I can eat a horse!" he said but he stayed away from the heavy stuff and filled his plate with a heap of the leanest meats he could find and a salad.

Ian

Ian follows the group to lunch. He snags some fish and chips and joins the rest.

"So anyone else up for that Chemistry Cooking contest?"

Miranda turns to Ian.

"If you want to get a team together and are short, I could be persuaded to step in."

She smiles. She wouldn't call herself a great cook but her Mum taught her the basics.

Henri

He grabs a burger and fries with a side of gravy for himself. It is far from a healthy lunch, but figures the dancing competition later will help burn off the calories.

Listening to Ian and Miranda discussing the cooking competition he says to both, "Wonder if all the teams have to bake the same thing, or if you will have a choice. If everyone has a choice, what would you do?"