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sportyconnect · 1 year ago

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Introduction March Madness Men is an electrifying annual event that takes the college basketball world by storm. Because the nation's prime groups compete for glory, the match brings collectively compelling matchups, intense rivalries, and sudden upsets. March Madness Men captures fans' hearts, showcasing the sport's essence. The Origins of March Madness March Madness Men has a rich history traces back to its beginnings in 1939. "March Insanity" was coined in the 1980s and has since become synonymous with the match. Over time, it has become a cultural phenomenon, charming audiences with its compelling video games and tales. The Tournament Structure March Madness Men features a single-elimination format, where 68 teams battle for the national championship. The match is split into areas, with groups seeded primarily based on their efficiency throughout the season. The joy builds as every spherical progresses, culminating within Closing 4, where the remaining groups compete for a spot in the championship recreation. The Selection Process The choice course for March Insanity Males is meticulous because the NCAA choice committee evaluates groups primarily based on their regular-season efficiency, power of schedule, and different elements. The committee's task is to determine the teams that deserve a spot in the tournament, sparking debates and discussions among fans and analysts alike. Bracketology: Predictions and Excitement One of the most thrilling aspects of March Madness Men is the creation of brackets. Fans and enthusiasts eagerly participate in bracket challenges, predicting the outcomes of each game and vying for bragging rights. The unpredictability of the tournament adds to the excitement, as underdog teams have been known to upset higher-ranked opponents, shattering brackets and creating moments of basketball magic. Memorable Moments and Cinderella Stories March Madness Men has produced countless memorable moments that have been etched into the tournament's folklore. Cinderella stories, where underdog teams defy the odds and advance deep into the game, have become a beloved tradition. From buzzer-beaters to improbable comebacks, these moments capture the essence of March Madness Men, creating lasting memories for players and fans alike. Impact on College Basketball March Madness Men has a profound impact on college basketball as a whole. The tournament serves as a platform for players to showcase their skills on a national stage, often leading to opportunities at the professional level. Additionally, the exposure garnered during March Madness Men elevates the visibility of college basketball programs, attracting talented recruits and generating excitement for the sport. Media Coverage and Fan Engagement March Madness Men commands extensive media coverage, with every game broadcasted nationally and online. Television networks, sports websites, and social media platforms provide comprehensive analysis, highlights, and real-time updates, keeping fans engaged and connected to the action. The tournament sparks fan discussions and debates, creating a vibrant community of basketball enthusiasts. The Economic Impact March Madness Men is not just a basketball tournament; it's an economic powerhouse. The event generates substantial revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, advertising, and merchandise. Host cities experience an influx of visitors, contributing to the local economy and creating a festive atmosphere. March Madness Men has become a significant economic growth and tourism driver for the host regions. Community Involvement and Spirit March Madness Men brings communities together, fostering a sense of pride and unity. Fans rally behind their favourite teams, adorning themselves in school colours and passionately supporting their alma maters. The tournament becomes a shared experience, with watch parties, tailgates, and spirited celebrations, further solidifying the bonds between fans and their respective institutions.

Challenges and Controversies Like any major sporting event, March Madness Men is not immune to challenges and controversies. Academic integrity, player compensation, and money's influence on college sports have sparked debates within college basketball. These challenges present opportunities for reflection and improvement as stakeholders work towards ensuring the tournament's integrity and student-athletes well-being. March Madness Betting and Fantasy Leagues March Madness Men also inspires a flurry of betting activities and fantasy leagues. Fans and enthusiasts analyze the teams, players, and matchups to gain an edge in their predictions. From office pools to online platforms, the tournament's structure and unpredictable nature make it an ideal setting for friendly wagers and fantasy competitions. COVID-19's Impact on March Madness The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for March Madness Men. In 2020, the tournament was cancelled due to health and safety concerns. However, steps were taken to ensure the game's return in subsequent years, with precautions in place to protect the health of players, staff, and fans. The resilience and adaptability of the tournament showcase its enduring spirit and importance in the face of adversity. Conclusion March Madness Men represents the pinnacle of college basketball, captivating audiences with its thrilling games, unexpected upsets, and compelling stories. From the selection process to the Final Four, the tournament encapsulates the passion and spirit of the sport. March Madness Men is more than a basketball tournament; it's a celebration of the camaraderie, competition, and unforgettable memories that make college basketball a beloved tradition. FAQs How are the teams selected for March Madness Men? The NCAA choice committee evaluates groups primarily based on their regular-season efficiency, power of schedule, and different elements to determine the groups that qualify for the match. What is a Cinderella story in March Madness Men? A Cinderella story refers to an underdog team that surpasses expectations and achieves remarkable success in the tournament, often by defeating higher-ranked opponents. Can I participate in bracket challenges for March Madness Men? Absolutely! Many websites and platforms offer bracket challenges where you can predict the outcomes of the tournament and compete against friends or fellow basketball enthusiasts. How does March Madness Men impact college basketball recruiting? The exposure gained during March Madness Men elevates the visibility of college basketball programs, attracting top recruits who want to compete on the national stage and showcase their skills. What precautions are taken for player safety during March Madness Men in light of COVID-19? In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA and tournament organizers have implemented safety protocols to protect the health of players, staff, and fans, including testing, limited attendance, and other measures to mitigate risks. #SportyConnect

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watchpartygames · 3 months ago

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Three-Pointer Triumph: Basketball Card Games for Fans and Collectors

Basketball and trading cards have long been connected, with fans and collectors alike enjoying the excitement of acquiring cards featuring their favorite players. But did you know you can take your basketball card collection to the next level with fun and engaging games? Playing basketball card games not only adds a new dimension to your collection but also offers a chance to bond with fellow fans and challenge your basketball knowledge. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can get in on the action and make the most of your cards in fun, competitive ways.

The Basics: What Are Basketball Card Games?

Basketball card games combine the excitement of card collecting with the strategic gameplay of classic card games. Using basketball trading cards, players compete head-to-head based on player stats, game scenarios, or even custom rules that you and your friends create. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or organizing a more competitive tournament, basketball card games are a slam dunk for fans of the sport.

There are many ways to play basketball card games, depending on your preferences and collection size. Let’s look at a few popular formats that can bring your cards to life.

1. Stat Showdown: Player vs. Player Matchups

One of the simplest ways to play is by comparing stats between two players. Each player selects a card from their collection and chooses a category like points per game, rebounds, assists, or shooting percentage. The player whose card has the higher stat wins the round. You can keep score by awarding points for each win, and the player with the most points at the end of the game emerges victorious.

This format is perfect for quick games, as rounds can be completed in minutes, making it ideal for a casual get-together or an impromptu challenge during halftime of a real basketball game.

2. Fantasy Card Draft: Build Your Dream Team

Another popular game is the Fantasy Card Draft, which takes inspiration from fantasy basketball leagues. In this game, each player drafts cards to create a starting lineup of five players from their collection. You can set rules based on actual NBA game performances or create fictional matchups where players face off against one another.

For instance, you might simulate a game where two teams play a best-of-three or best-of-five series, using player stats to determine the outcome. A fantasy card draft adds a layer of strategy to the game, as you’ll need to carefully choose your lineup based on strengths and weaknesses. It’s a great option for long games and for those who enjoy the strategy of fantasy sports.

3. Collect and Conquer: Tournament-Style Play

For those who want to add an extra competitive edge, tournament-style play is an exciting way to involve more players and cards. This format can accommodate multiple people, where each player brings a set number of cards to the table and faces off in head-to-head battles. You can follow a single-elimination bracket system, where only the winner advances to the next round.

Alternatively, create a point-based system where players earn points for victories, big stat wins, or even creative plays. The player with the most points at the end of the tournament becomes the champion. This format works well for groups and can even be turned into an event with prizes or bragging rights.

Collectors' Edition: Adding Value Through Play

Playing basketball card games doesn’t just offer fun; it also deepens your appreciation of your collection. The competitive aspect of these games allows you to engage with the cards in a meaningful way, while still honoring the value and rarity of certain pieces. Whether you have vintage cards from legends like Michael Jordan or modern-day superstars like LeBron James, incorporating them into gameplay provides an opportunity to showcase your prized possessions.

For collectors, these games can even offer a unique trading opportunity. Winning a game could allow players to trade for coveted cards, adding a social and interactive element to the traditional collecting experience.

Game Tips and Tricks for New Players

Here are a few tips to get the most out of your basketball card game experience:

Balance Fun and Fairness: Make sure the rules are balanced to keep games fun and competitive. You can even mix and match different game formats to keep things fresh.

Adapt to Your Collection: Depending on the size of your collection, adjust the game’s difficulty level. If you have fewer cards, focus on simpler formats like Stat Showdown. For larger collections, try team-based formats like Fantasy Card Draft.

Play with Themes: Add unique themes like “rookie-only” games or “all-star matchups” to keep the excitement high and give everyone a chance to use a variety of cards.

Protect Your Cards: Use card sleeves or cases during gameplay to ensure your valuable cards remain in pristine condition, especially if they’re rare or valuable.

The Final Shot: Making Basketball Cards a Game of Their Own

Basketball card games are a thrilling way for fans and collectors to engage with their favorite sport beyond just watching the game or building a collection. These games bring out creativity, strategy, and competition while deepening your appreciation for both the sport and your cards. Whether you’re playing for fun, organizing a tournament with friends, or simply enjoying a friendly rivalry, basketball card games are sure to provide hours of entertainment.

So, dust off your collection, gather your fellow basketball fans, and get ready to experience the thrill of a three-pointer triumph—this time, with cards!

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nasa · 4 years ago

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Vote for Your Favorite Astronaut Picture: Tournament Earth 2021

It is that time of year again…Tournament Earth is back! This year, NASA Earth Observatory has chosen a new theme for the tournament: astronaut photography. Choose your favorite image here.

For more than 20 years, astronauts have been shooting photos of Earth from the International Space Station that highlight the planet’s beauty, complexity, and vulnerabilities. So which are the most unforgettable ones? Over the next five weeks (March 8-April 13), you can help decide.

How can you get involved? It's easy as 1…2…3!

1. Read and Vote.

Not sure which image to vote for because they are ALL so captivating? Read the intriguing stories behind the images to help you decide! You can access the stories by clicking on the image headlines on the voting page: https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/tournament-earth

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For instance, the Stars in Motion image is actually a compilation of 72 photographs. And some of the night lights around Bangkok, Thailand, actually show fishing boats as well as city lights.

2. Fill out your bracket.

Think you know which photo will win it all? Fill out a #TournamentEarth bracket with your predictions and challenge friends! Then share your predictions with NASAEarth on our blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or right here on Tumblr!

We can't offer a trip to the Moon, but bragging rights are forever if you can pick the champion. Download a more print-friendly version of the bracket here.

3. View the results…and vote again!

Tournament Earth will have five rounds, and round one is currently underway. Voting for the following rounds begins on Tuesdays and will be open for six days. We will update our social media channels (including right here on Tumblr!) with the newest matchups. Check this space to see how your favorite images did. Then vote until we crown a champion on April 13, 2021.

See all of the images and vote HERE. Follow @NASAEarth on social media for updates.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com

#tournamentearth #space station #astronauts #astronautphotography #nasaearth #earth #earth pix #blue marble

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saffron-nova21 · 4 years ago

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X. Meeting the Team Pt. 2

The Next Chapter Masterlist

< Previous Chapter • You Are Here • Next Chapter >

Warnings: Strong language, a depiction of a panic attack and the reader's panic, mentions of Oikawa having a knee injury and panic attacks, reader yells at Kuroo.

A/N: By the way, please don't hate me for giving Kuroo a Camaro, I know literally nothing about cars, I'll call myself out so you don't have to.

Stepping out of Kuroo's sleek black 2013 Camaro, your eyes look at the large gym, the sound of volleyballs hitting hardwood floors bringing back memories for you. Glancing out of the corner of your eyes, towards your taller friend, you remembered the last time you'd walked into an unfamiliar gym. You'd met people who you'd made life-long friends with and he'd helped you get out of an awful situation.

Kuroo, Kenma, Lev, and... Well, really, the majority of the Nekoma High and Fukurōdani Academy volleyball clubs... They'd helped you realize when you needed to put your foot down and start looking out for yourself, rather than worrying about stepping on people's toes. While yes, you had lost two of the most important people in your life, by doing so, you also met quite a few people who truly were looking out for you and your happiness.

Did you hate Atsumu and Suna for the way they treated you? No. They both did a lot of damage, through their words and actions. But, at the end of the day, you'd all been so much younger and you weren't going to waste the rest of your life, hating people who weren't even in the picture, anymore. Or so, you thought.

You didn't ever intend or want to see them again, after the emotional turmoil they'd put you through. Little did Kuroo know just how badly you would respond to seeing them again.

"Are you going to stand there and keep reminiscing over when you met me, or are you going to walk inside and make some new friends?" The teasing smirk on Kuroo's lips only reminded you of the fact that even though he was pretty much a mother to you and Kenma, he was a teasing asshole. He knew how to press all of the right buttons and it would never fail to piss you off.

Walking forward, Kuroo walks forward and grasps the handle of the door, opening it for you. You don't hesitate to begin walking into the gym, flipping Kuroo off on your way. "You talk to me like a preschooler, y'know. And you wonder why Kenma calls you mom behind your back."

Stepping into the gym, you were in awe of your surroundings. Sure, this was an Olympic-level gym, but it looked far too pretty and clean to be a place for as grueling a training regimen as you could assume these athletes were put through.

What you were most pleased to find was that it didn't reek of sweat and floor mats. Instead, it had an almost fresh smell to it. It was partitioned up into three different rooms, as far as you could tell. The largest room was the one you were standing in currently, a weight room; different machinery is scattered neatly around the room and you notice that several ceiling-to-floor mirrors are lining the walls for the boys to observe their form while they work. Across from the door you'd just entered through was a wall of glass, which you could only hope was reinforced, and on the other side was a true volleyball gym, where you could see a few people working on their spikes, even if you couldn't quite make out who they were yet. The last room was closed off and much smaller than the other two, so you assumed it to be where the showers and changing room were located.

"Your highness!" You hear a familiar voice, turning to see Iwaizumi approaching you with a snarky grin, a small white towel hanging from around his neck. He wore a sleeveless grey shirt, only bringing more attention to his defined biceps. Sweats drip down his temple and you find yourself a bit embarrassed when you notice his lip still shows signs of the damage you'd done, the day prior. "So kind of you to finally join us."

Despite the lack of a real smile on his face, one of your own tugged at your lips, knowing that he was only teasing you. "You know, Iwa, you could always just admit that you missed me." Sending a wink his way, you notice that a few of the men are stopping what they're doing to look towards you, their attention captured by how loud Iwaizumi had previously been.

"Baby owl!" You can only brace yourself as you hear the former captain shout to you, knowing he was one for hugs. You didn't quite expect to be scooped up off of your feet. Laughter escapes you as Bokuto spins you around, practically bouncing up and down in joy that you were here. "You missed my spikes, earlier! They were so good, they were so good! They even would have made Akaashi proud!"

As Bokuto places you back down on the ground, some of the other boys are starting to approach, a few looking concerned by the way you gripped Bokuto's shoulder to steady yourself. And though you weren't paying attention to who it was, the three who'd been in the area of the gym and net had entered the weight area and gone for their towels and water bottles.

After you manage to shake yourself out of your dizzied state, you look at Bokuto with a smile. "Yeah, Bo? Well, you'll have to show me some more, later, yeah?"

Feeling a hand on your shoulder, you spot Iwaizumi staring at you, brows pinching together in slight concern for your wellbeing. He places a bottle of water in your hands, before looking a the excited, silver-haired volleyball player, "Let's be careful, Bokuto. It's only their first day."

"They're looking a little dizzy, Bokuto. You might want to refrain from doing that in the future." The deep voice catches you off-guard, eyes flicking towards the very, very tall, scary man, now standing beside Bokuto.

He wasn't just tall, but he had quite a lot of muscle to his frame, giving him the build of a fucking giant. With wide eyes, you look him over. Despite his size, upon closer examination, he seemed a lot gentler than you might've previously mistaken him for. Kind eyes like that didn't belong to someone who would snap you in two... Right? Your eyes move away from his face, trailing down his body. From strong-looking biceps to defined thighs, the man seemed like a machine, more than anything. He couldn't actually be real, right?

"The fuck are you guys feeding him? Holy shit, hi there, B-F-G." You nod towards him, "Is your hair green or brown, because I'm looking at it and I'm gonna be honest, it's confusing me about as much as that Karasuno kid's did. Holy shit, I think I'm haunted by those memories." A mock shudder runs down your spine.

While Bokuto and Kuroo are used to your trailing off-topic, Ushijima looks confused, the poor thing. "What is a... B-F-G?"

"Big friendly giant. It's what they used to call this tall-ass first year who went to volleyball club with us, as well. You should feel special, Ushiwaka."

"Oh my fuck, Yaku, is that you? You got taller! That's criminal. You were my short king!" A pout graces your lips, while you step forward to give your old friend a large hug.

While Yaku hasn't found himself looking an insane amount taller, he did gain a bit of height since his time in high school. He stood in front of you, a hand resting on the back of his neck and his shoulders drawn back. He'd always had this feel-good, confident aura about him and it was something you'd always deeply respected about him. It was good to see that hadn't gone away.

After a brief hug, Yaku opens his mouth to speak, only for Kuroo to beat him to it. "I thought that was Kenma?"

Sighing, you roll your eyes. "I had to put Kenma in a different bracket, or else he would very easily surpass all of you in everything. I mean come on now, this is Kenma we're talking about," you muse with a self-satisfied smirk, making Kuroo raise an eyebrow.

Though, unbeknownst to you were the thoughts going through Kuroo's head. If only you knew why Kenma did all of the things that he did for you.

"I'm so excited to be working with you guys," a grin makes its way onto your lips as you clasp your hands together in front of you in excitement.

The smile that spread over your lips was contagious, even making Ushijima crack a small smile of his own. Out of anyone Kuroo had known, even with your aggression and the talking you'd do when you got excited, you were one of those people who people couldn't help but find themselves drawn to. And none of the men in the gym were able to quite explain why they found you as endearing as they did. Maybe it was the fact that you most certainly had no filter, whatsoever.

Bokuto places his hands on your shoulders, looking at the others on his team, "They're such a good player, guys! They could have gone pro if they wanted to! They have the best jump-float I've ever seen!" His loud bragging unknowingly catches the attention of the three final members of this group, who'd been caught up in conversation and getting a drink of water.

Yaku juts his chin out a bit and if you hadn't known him as well, you'd have thought the look he gave you was downright scrutinizing. But, being the person you were, and him being the person he was, you knew that he only took Bokuto's words as a challenge. "Oh yeah? Then that should be good practice for our receivers and I."

"If you needed service aces to practice on, you could have just asked, Mori! I wouldn't have minded helping you out, outside of my work hours." You smile as you look towards the libero, "I've been needing to get out of the apartment, for a while. Even Kenma can only handle so much of my dumbass."

Ushijima's curiosity gets the best of him and he cocks his head to the side, wondering what profession you'd chosen, rather than a career in volleyball. And so, yet again, Yaku is beaten to the chase, Ushijima speaking before the smaller man can get his mouth open. "What do you work as?"

"Youtuber some days, but twitch streamer, more often than not." Shrugging your shoulders, you continue to smile, "My roommate got me into it, actually, and from there, it became a profession for the both of us. Though he's got a dozen other jobs as well, it's pretty amazing."

A hand comes to ruffle your hair and after quickly identifying it as Kuroo's you lean into the display of affection. "We're talking about you, not Kenma."

"Speaking of," Bokuto speaks, even though it has nothing to do with the topic at hand, and his hands come up to guide your shoulders in the direction of the gym, "You need to set for me!"

Iwaizumi raises his eyebrows, looking impressed, "You can set, as well?"

Nodding excitedly, you dive into an explanation, stopping before Bokuto can steal you away, "Yeah, I play a lot of different positions, actually. My ex-boyfriend was a middle blocker, my childhood friends were a setter and a spiker, and my older brother was an outside hitter - plus, he was amazing at defense, so he helped me a lot with perfecting my service aces when I played in high school. So you can say I was always a well-rounded player."

"Not to mention that you and that ex-boyfriend of yours were almost unbeatable, together. Almost." A warily familiar voice came from behind you, making you look back and grin from ear to ear.

The germaphobe had hardly changed, since high school. He was as tall as ever with a good build to him - only befitting for a volleyball player. As well kept as ever, he stood in front of you, reminding you of the number of times you'd ended up facing him across a net, years before. Though, unlike back then, now you were able to look towards one another for a friendship rather than a healthy rivalry.

"Why if it isn't Sakusa Kiyoomi. It's been forever!" With a questioning glance thrown your way by none other than Bokuto, you explain. "When I was at Inarizaki, we played against Itachiyama all of the time. Kiyoomi and I traded numbers after we bonded over our hatred of large crowds."

Sakusa lets a small uncharacteristic smile slip onto his lips as he glances towards Bokuto, "We haven't really kept in contact, but they'll be a welcome challenge, on the court, again."

"Is that a certain germaphobe of ours... Smiling? Omi! I didn't know you could do that! I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks!"

That voice. Why was he here? Your body goes stiff underneath Bokuto's touch, making the large male draw back to check on you, eyebrows pulled together in concern, until he spots what, or rather who you're staring at.

Because there the two are, standing in all of their glory. Suna Rintarō and Miya Atsumu. They didn't look all that different from the last time you'd seen them. Even though, it'd been what? Nine years?

By the way you go rigid, Suna's eyes drop to the floor, almost guiltily. It had been nine years and you still hated them. Though, he supposed they both deserved it. When you'd told them that you were leaving Inarizaki, they made your life even worse than what it had been. They gave you absolutely every reason to leave, rather than try to convince you to stay.

Before anyone can say anything, you catapult yourself into the air in an attempt to flee the building, much resembling a cat. You just, bolted in the first route you saw working and that was apparently through the air. Kuroo had to jerk you into his chest before you could face-plant to get you to calm down for a second. Sakusa narrowed his eyes as he looked between Suna and Atsumu - had they really been so awful to you?

"I quit. I'm not gonna do it." Your words sounded childish, you knew that but you didn't care, shaking your head as you pull yourself away from Kuroo, having half a mind to leave and not talk to any of the men here ever again. Well, more two of them, than anything else. Though, as you pull away, it dawns on you: was this why he had been so dead-set on you coming to 'help the team out?' With this question in mind, you turn around to face Kuroo. "Did you know they were going to be here?" When he doesn't respond, you feel your breath catch in your throat. The air you were breathing felt heavy inside your chest. He couldn't do that to you - he wouldn't. You flex your hands a bit - everything wasn't actually crumbling. Just remember what Kenma said... Breath...

You can't find the words or guts to continue until he reaches for you, anger quickly rising. What made him think he had any right to comfort you when he'd put you in this situation? "Do you not remember any of what happened in high school? Do you not remember how he," pointing a dramatic finger at Suna, "manipulated me? How bad he hurt me, more than once?"

"Do you not remember what he let happen?" After pointing towards the faux-blonde briefly, you drop your hand back to your side, "Oh no, I forget, you weren't there to see the damage they did, right? Because you went off to University and forgot all about Kenma and me, until we got out of high school, as well, right? Right?" You were hardly able to speak, trying to catch your breath in between words. Your voice was growing faint and strained, due to your lack of oxygen in your lungs.

You knew that everyone's stare was on you, only worsening your panicking. Your hands come to your shirt, wringing the ends of it as you try to ground yourself. But you couldn't stop. You just kept talking, needing Kuroo to understand why you were angry, why you were upset. He needed to understand what you were feeling and what he had done.

"You left me, with strangers, in a big city, after promising me it would all be okay. I wasn't welcomed back with my grandmother and brother, after the falling out. But did you even bother to check up, once, after you left? Did you even care, after promising me it was going to be okay? Come on, give me an answer, huh?" You weren't quite sure what brought up all of these old feelings. Maybe it was having to see the two that caused you all of that distress. "Fuck you, Tetsurō."

Kuroo couldn't deny the fact that he was surprised by the way you lashed out at him. He was wondering where all of this anger had been, years ago. Why hadn't you or Kenma ever said anything to him about this? He was fumbling, no words would escape him, no matter his efforts to get something out.

An uneasy silence hangs in the air for a few long moments, everyone looking between you and the former Nekoma captain. Truthfully, you'd never really dealt with everything that had happened, emotionally. You just kind of shoved it down and distracted yourself with being at a new school and video games.

"Bokuto, take Miya, Ushijima, and Suna and go and practice on the court, for a while." A firm voice saves Kuroo from having to respond, making everyone look towards the athletic trainer. "Yaku, I think you should escort Kuroo out. I'll take Y/N home, today." Iwaizumi walks over to you, looking at Sakusa, "Go get me a cool, damp towel, okay?"

You aren't quite sure if Kuroo leaves willingly, or if Yaku has to force him out, but you don't really care, at the moment. Iwaizumi places an arm around your shoulders and brings you over to a bench to sit on, uncapping a water bottle for you. He crouches down in front of you and hands it to you. "Hey, look at me. It's going to be okay, can you focus on breathing for me, right now?"

You weren't crying, were you? Why was it so hot in here? Why couldn't you just calm down? Everyone was looking at you, weren't they? Had you acted irrationally? They were going to hate you for being so dramatic, weren't they? So much for a good first impression with the boys...

"Did you hear me?" Iwaizumi's voice cuts through your thoughts, making your eyes shift to his. Without a word, you move your eyes back down to the water bottle in his hands, "Breath, Y/N."

Easier said than done. "Al -," you swallow shakily and nod, "Alright."

You move your eyes away from him - bad idea Y/N. When you spot the men glancing over at you while they distractedly get to work, you don't quite register that they wanted to check on you, because they were worried about you, mistaking it, instead, for judgment. You opt for closing your eyes, tapping your fingers together rhythmically to help you calm yourself down.

Looking you over, Iwaizumi is reminded of all the late practices that he would find Oikawa collapsing from exhaustion or due to his knee injuries. Though, Oikawa only got this bad when he held the weight of not making it to nationals on his shoulders. Was this a panic attack that you were having, like Oikawa use to have? Or was it something else? He noticed you reach out to him, after a moment of his thinking, and he offers you a hand, silently nodding when you flash him a grateful, weak, but grateful, smile.

Slowly, your breathing mellowed out and the tears pricking your eyes slipped down your cheeks, your head hanging as you attempt to withdraw your hand from Iwaizumi. Though, your eyes move back up when he gently grips your hand, holding it in his, still. It isn't long after that when you feel nimble fingers grip your chin, tilting it up so that Sakusa can gently pat your cheeks and face with the cool cloth. You knew he didn't like touching people much and you were tempted to tell them that they didn't have to do this for you. But their touch was so gentle and their presence so calming that you couldn't bring yourself to open your mouth.

Instead of saying anything, you relax against Iwaizumi and Sakusa's touch. Normally it was Kenma who'd be doing this for you, just as you'd do it for him, but Kenma wasn't here, right now. And you were left to depend on yourself and these very kind, very gentle men.

It doesn't take Yaku long to make his way over, sitting on the bench behind you and gently rubbing circles against your back. "You okay there?" He asks you after a few moments of silence.

Letting out a breath, you open your eyes and nod. You pull your hand away from Iwaizumi and pull your head from Sakusa, turning from them, "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine."

Though, you aren't expecting Sakusa to grasp your chin once again and tilt your head in their direction again, "You aren't and we all know it, so cut the act."

Yaku sends a glare towards the taller man, "Sakusa!"

"What?" He snaps back. "I'm right, aren't I? They're not okay and they have every right to express it."

Iwaizumi sighs and looks at you, ignoring the other two, "Drink some water, okay? Look, after today, you don't have to return, I think we'll all understand if you don't want to... But, and you can ignore what I'm about to say if you want, I think that you need closure. Even if that comes from just having to tolerate occupying the same building as them."

Glancing over his shoulders, you find Suna and Atsumu both glancing in your direction. They looked so guilty... Why did you care? You frown and give him a shrug, "Whatever..."

Looking at you, Yaku nods slowly, "We'll try and keep you away from them, alright?"

After a nod of confirmation from Sakusa, you sigh and take a sip of the water bottle Iwaizumi had offered you. "Okay. Fine, yeah, I'll... I'll keep helping out." You confirm. "But, I'm going to bring Kenma for the next few days, just to make sure... This doesn't happen again." Gesturing to where the three sat, doting over you, you lower your eyes again.

"Whatever is going to make you feel most comfortable," Iwaizumi tells you, bringing a hand to affectionately ruffling your hair, watching the way you immediately lean into the affection.

"Let's get to work, what do you say, Y/N?" Sakusa hums, tone surprisingly gentle with you.

You finally stand up, capping your water bottle. "Yeah... Yeah. What can I do for you boys?"

Kenma and you both have a history of having panic attacks and you both are very good at calming one another down, due to your years of experience.

The boys might have just met you, but they all quickly developed this sense of 'I need to protect them' after what happened in front of them.

Atsumu let someone blackmail you, while you were both in high school and Suna continuously used you for his own amusement after he lost his memories and before he got them back. And they both said hurtful things when you announced you'd be leaving.

I am so sorry for how late this was, honestly. I just couldn't get it written how I wanted it. And even still, I don't really like the end result. But no matter, here it is, now, I hope you guys enjoy it. I hope you guys are having a great day, as well! Remember, sweetheart, I'm proud of you. You deserve to eat, get a good amount of sleep, and drink some water, I am so proud of you. Have a great day, alright! I'll have another chapter out tomorrow 🤍 I love you guys.

General Taglist:

@kookie-doughs @halesandy @ermahgerd-larry-and-ziam @its-the-aerieljeane @onlyonew @kac-chowsballs @saltylettuce @thathoneybee3 @daninaninani @akkeyomi @vintagexparker

The Next Chapter Taglist:

@anime-meme-sanctuary @nachotrash @haijkk @maadaaaa @prettyinblack231 @sakusasimpbot @kellesvt @bebetiny @ash-levi @calumsfringe @z3ld4 @erinoikawa @bandaged-despair @chaseyui @atria-avior @just-that-bi-girl @one-simp-more @hxked @universalmay @himboos

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thosepeskysens · 4 years ago

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2021 Bracket Challenge

Hey, if any sens fans, or fans of other non playoff teams want to join my League of Bitterness and fill out a bracket for the playoffs, here’s the link: x. It is a private league, but the password is sensrule. Just use your tumblr username as your bracket name. I’m not sure on a prize other than bragging rights, but anyways, have at it!

#i went with vegas bc i really want mark stone to win tbh #also it should be fun bc i watched 0 non north division games #and also did 0 research

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krakenbait · 8 months ago

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bragging rights bracket challenge update #2

g'day, bracketeers! waited an extra day on the update because i was hoping to have five series ends to report on today. alas, there are only three. congrats to the panthers, avs, and canes! bruins and canucks fans, hang in there.

commentary and roasts are under the cut.

46 points

win for quinn ( @morganfrost) - nice to see quinn get the norris nod!

43 points

abeja's bracket - avs server contingent looking pretty good right now...

40 points

Le $$ Beans ( @stromesquad) - ...unless i just jinxed us.

36 points

homer like the iliad (me) - i'm still a better commissioner than bettman!

33 points

Been Bragging ( @natashastarkk) - what do you do all year? i feel like you show up for the bracket and then i never hear from you

ki's bracket - how much do you actually believe in your picks

t-birds for the win ( @shea-theodore) - what random sports man do you have heart-eyes for this year?

cause chaos ( @andreisvechnikov) - which is more chaotic, nhl playoffs or f1?

eldest daughter w ( @puck--off) - what question do you wish i asked you instead?

30 points

Rats! (aaaahwhoah) ( @circle--of--confusion) - your blind faith in the jets continues to let you down

brack that et ( @nastybastian) - and your blind faith in the oilers has that potential

20 points

Pizza Rats (aokayinspace) - your jinxing ability is two for four. hope it works on the rangers.

kindanerdy's bracket 1 - that bolts loss tanked your eastern conference (also, who are you?)

jt's kombucha tap ( @assistantcaptainmitchmarner) - you're still in it ...for at least another game

13 points

please happen. ( @builthebobder) - rumors of your demise have been greatly exaggerated

10 points

hellybracket ( @arsonandhockey)

my prediction was, in fact, correct. sorry corwin.

Do It For JEdwards ( @patron-saint-of-boston-hockey) - you should be as disappointed in this placement as you are in the bruins. at least both have decent potential.

#bragging rights bracket challenge #brag-cket updates #scp24

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youcouldmakealife · 4 years ago

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Bracket Challenge Contest 2021

Sports fans! It’s that time again! Sort of. After a weird year. And at a weird time. And post 2020 bracket lull because what even was the bubble. But it’s the postseason!

THE BRACKET.

Usually a big explanatory post would follow, but I am lazy and also rushed because I, citizen of the North division (formerly known as Canada) kinda...forgot playoffs were starting tomorrow...here’s an explanatory post from yesteryears for those not used to bracket challenges. The divisions are wibbly-wobbly and contest prizes are different (more below) but the drill’s pretty much the same.

The prizes, which are PALTRY because I’m juggling publication and catch up from leave, but also I miss the bracket challenge? So this is my middle ground.

bragging rights

a sense of smug superiority

a fill of 500+ to a prompt of your choice for one of the SOTWs (first, second, third round winners)

a fill of 1000+ to a prompt of your choice and the SMUGGEST of bragging rights (Stanley Cup Champion)

When there are multiple correct answers (as there inevitably will be), good ol’ random.org will be my assistant to determine the winner.

Because of my own lateness, I’ll keep this open until Sunday at 12pm Eastern, but in order for your vote on the Washington-Boston series to be eligible, it’s gotta be in by 7pm EST on Saturday.

#BRACKET CHALLENGE CONTEST

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phandomphightclub · 5 years ago

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PHANDOM PHIGHT CLUB 2020 INFO MASTERPOST

By popular demand, @dannyphandump and @babypop-phantom return to the one and only Ghost Zone Denny’s to host the annual Phandom Phight Club! Get ready to face your friends, acquaintances, strangers, and enemies in immortal combat an organized shitposting tournament!

So what the heck is the Phandom Phight Club?

The Short Explanation: It’s basically a Danny Phantom shitposting tournament, involving 64 entrants and 6 total rounds of posts. Rounds are single elimination, leaving one ultimate Phight Club Champion.

The Backstory: In fall 2018, @ectopusses and @rayhoosier (x) challenged @lexosaurus to fight behind Denny’s. Mod Tali started as the betting booth runner on the lexx vs. ectopusses fight (before a lovely anon officially coined the term “phight.” After these fights, multiple people expressed interest in some kind of Phandom showdown. @catalystofthesoul provided a good boost to the idea and came up with a lot of the core concepts on how the tournament would work. Vic and Tali worked together to bring the idea to life. In the 2019 Phight, @reallydumbdannyphantomaus was victorious with @heyheyitsstillgay in second place and @lexosaurus in third.

The Detailed Explanation:

Please read even if you participated last year, as some information has changed!

For Entrants:

Registration begins SUNDAY DECEMBER 1ST at 1pm (afternoon) EASTERN STANDARD TIME. Use this calculator if you need to to find what time that is in your time zone.

Entrants will be sorted randomly into a single-elimination bracket. This bracket will be posted on December 31st for everyone to view.

ONLY 64 PHIGHTERS CAN ENTER. We are not sure how quickly spots will go, but we recommend signing up earlier rather than later.

Each entrant will get an ID badge made by Mod Vic with the answers to some of the questions entered on the signup form.

Please only sign up if you plan to participate in the Phight, not just to get an ID card. We don’t want people taking up slots for people who actually want to compete.

The Phight™ will take place Thursday, January 9th through Friday, January 31st. More details on the schedule will be posted on the comprehensive calendar to be released November 30th.

A new round will take place about every three days, with a couple “dead days” scheduled in the earlier rounds for phighters to prepare their shitposts and our writers to catch up on the round results writeups.

Please be sure you’re able to submit your entry on each entry day. Participants will be disqualified if they do not submit an entry by the deadline.

Competitors will create their posts on their own blogs. This is to ensure that all Phighters get credit for the shitposts they create. Phighters will paste a link to their post in a google form that will be created for each round. You may create your posts as far in advance as you would like, but the google form will not open until the day before submissions are due. (It’s recommended that even if your post is ready beforehand, you wait to post it until the submission date, to keep each round organized and in case you are eliminated beforehand.)

Posts will be reblogged to @phandomphightclub throughout the day submissions are due.

Voters decide the winners of each round. The winners will move onto the next round. The phinal round occurs when only two competitors are left. The semiphinalist phighters will also compete in the phinal round prompt for third place.

Last year’s winner @reallydumbdannyphantomaus will phight this year’s winner in a bonus round to take place in February.

You can not ask people to vote for you! This may result in disqualification! Try reblogging the voting polls to get people to vote, instead!

Limit of one vote per person. You do not need a tumblr to vote, but the form will require you to be logged into a google account to prevent duplicate votes.

Prizes for winners will be announced as we find people willing to provide them. So far @wastefulreverie has offered a fic to the 1st place winner. There will also be ceritificates for the top 3, plus bragging rights. Who would not want to brag about winning the Phight?

For Voters:

Voters are crucial to the success of this competition. A poll to vote for the winners of each round will be open the whole day after the submissions are due.

Anyone can vote, whether you are a competitor or a spectator (Technically, you can even vote for yourself, but there should be enough voters that this won’t matter much).

Follow @phandomphightclub for the links to the voting polls.

Other Information:

There is no phight the day of voting. @dannyphandump, @lumanae, and a few other chosen writers will create mafia/RP-style summary of how everyone won/lost, based on the results of the polls. (Read last year’s compiled round writeups here for an idea of what this will look like.) Writeups will be crossposted to AO3 for easier reading after the Phight, but will originally be posted on @phandomphightclub.

People will be able to place bets on who will win the Phight. Prizes will be awarded to those who correctly bet on the winner. The betting google form will open when stated on the calendar.

Results will be posted on @phandomphightclub according to the calendar.

PHIGHT CLUB RULES:

The first rule of phight club is you don’t talk about phight club.

All entries must be SFW (No sexual content or excessive gore). People who submit this kind of content may be disqualified at the discretion of the mods.

Submissions are meant to be shitposts, don’t worry too much about artistic or writing quality. This is meant to be open to anyone who wants to enter, regardless of perceived talent.

No direct personal attacks in your submissions or towards other entrants, please. This phandom is pretty good about that, but just remember to keep it clean, folks. Lighthearted trash talk is allowed; use your best judgement here.

Please do not take losing as a personal attack.

When voting, try to be as unbiased as possible. The submissions will be posted in the poll without the competitor’s name attached in order to help facilitate this.

Competitors are allowed/encouraged to advertise the Phight on their blogs, but please do not ask followers to vote for you specifically.

If you’re confused about anything, don’t hesitate to send an ask to @phandomphightclub!

Don’t eat food off the ground in the Denny’s parking lot. Trust me, please.

Thank you for your interest in the Phight Club! Order an appetizer at the Denny’s, place your bets, and get ready to watch the greatest Phight this side of the ghost portal!

#important #phight 2020 #phight club #2020 #mod tali #phight club 2: electric boogaloo

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jeserai · 5 years ago

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bits and pieces (5/7)

catradora week 2019 day 5 - promises/lies

She’s so fucking proud—and at the end of the day, as they sit slumped next to each other in the back of the bus together, with a gold medal heavy around her neck and the silver tucked safely in Catra’s bag, Adora knows there’s no place she’d rather be.

When Adora is eight, she joins a fencing club, partially because her older sister does it in high school, and mostly because she thinks it looks cool. While her grandma signs her up for classes, Adora peeks through the window separating the lobby from the fencers, and despite having seen some of her sister’s matches, this is different. Her sister’s matches were always just one school against another, but there are easily twenty matches going on right now. There are people in full gear, milling around the room, doing stretches, running laps or watching matches, and then there are people that Adora assumes are coaches or parents watching as well. But there’s no one her age.

“Adora, dear,” Razz calls out. When she has Adora’s attention, she beckons her closer, and Adora immediately obeys, taking her hand and following her and the lady from the front desk around the length of the room to a door that she hadn’t seen from the lobby.

Down the hallway are locker rooms, changing areas and showers, and beyond that is another gym. This one is much quieter; a crowd of kids her age are sitting in a scattered semi-circle as an adult talks to them. None of the kids are in full gear, just t-shirts and shorts, just like her.

The lady from the front desk turns to look at her and says, “A class is just starting now, but Adora, you don’t have to join if you don’t want to—”

“Yes! I want to, can I please?” Adora looks first at the lady, then at the class, then to her grandma, who just nods and smiles and follows Adora over to the circle of kids as the lady introduces her to the rest of the class.

Adora sits next to a girl with her hair tied in a messy bun and the prettiest eyes she’s ever seen. When the girl glances at her, Adora smiles big, and after a moment, the girl smiles back.

Later, they pair up for stretches, and when Adora shyly asks the girl if she wants to be partners, she shrugs and nods. “My name’s Catra,” she says, sticking out a hand, “but don’t call me Cat. Everyone calls me Cat and I hate it.”

“Okay, Catra. I’m Adora—your eyes are really pretty, by the way.” And they are, one blue and one hazel.

Catra’s eyes turn into crescents with how big she smiles.

As the day goes on, Catra teaches Adora everything she needs to know about the coaches, their classmates, and the older fencers. This is her first year too, but she’s been coming for about two months longer, so she’s basically an expert, she tells Adora. She even knows what weapon she wants to fence.

“Sabre,” Catra says with satisfaction when Adora asks, “it’s the fastest, and the coolest.”

Adora makes up her mind in that moment that she’s going to do sabre too.

(When her grandma picks her up after her own practice, she ruffles Adora’s hair before asking how class was. When her giggles subside, Adora looks back to wave goodbye to Catra, and then says, “It was good! I made a new friend—we’ve already decided to be best friends.”)

Fencing classes are two hours every Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Adora looks forward to it even though the soreness in her muscles only grows after each practice. They’re not using weapons yet, mostly just stretching, running and practicing footwork. “Conditioning is one of the most important parts to fencing,” their coach tells them seriously when Lonnie asks why they don’t have weapons yet, “there’s no point in giving you a weapon if you don’t have the endurance and strength to fence properly yet. Be patient, okay?”

Pretty much the whole class grumbles, but the bad news is quickly forgotten with the promise of a game of dodgeball at the end of class. (As usual, Catra wins the game, and is rewarded with ten whole dollars, to the envy of the class. She buys herself and Adora ice cream from the truck when it passes by outside, and they sit together as they wait to be picked up. They pinky promise then that they’ll always be friends, that they’ll even go to the Olympics together. “Or, I’ll go to the Olympics—you’ll be in the crowd watching me win gold,” Catra brags. Adora shoves her, giggling, and declares that they’ll both fence at the Olympics. “We’ll get gold and silver, ‘cause we’re the best in the world.”)

Every Friday is a mock tournament. Sometimes it’s King of the Hill, other times they’re separated into different pools, other times it’s a direct elimination—but one thing that remains constant is that in the locker room before they head out together, Adora braids Catra’s hair. She doesn’t know why, and she’s not sure Catra knows why either, but it’s become something of a tradition for them: after they change into their gear, Catra sits down on one of the benches in the locker room and Adora stands behind her, running her fingers through her hair before twisting it pretty and quick before they head out together, always together. If Catra had her way, she’d just pull her hair back in a messy bun or ponytail, but Adora quite likes the way she looks with her hair pulled back. Likes that she’s the one that did it.

(“It’s just going to get messed up anyway, stupid,” Catra grumbles, but she’s tilting her head back into Adora’s touch, just like always. “You don’t have to make it perfect.”

“I know, but I want to. It’s... “ Adora pauses, tries to think of how to say that it’s her mark on Catra without it sounding weird. “I don’t know, I just want it to be good. It’s like your good luck charm.”

Catra scoffs, but obediently sits still as Adora finishes the fishtail. “I guess I’ll have to keep you around, then. Since you’re my good luck charm and all—I’ll need that for when I get to the Olympics.”

Adora is glad that Catra can’t see the way she flushes pink.)

Catra, Adora, and Lonnie are chosen to represent the sabres in this year’s Junior Championship; it means staying later and working that much harder, but as Catra reminds Adora, this is just the first step to going to the Olympics together.

They’re each assigned a high schooler to work with after regular practice is over—Adora is with Mara, one of the sabres that had switched over to foil just a year ago. Mara is nice, but she pushes Adora hard enough that she wakes up sore in new places every day. “I don’t really mind that much,” Adora confesses to Catra as she braids her hair, “we haven’t really done any bladework though, just lots of weight lifting and conditioning.”

Catra makes a noise that is somehow sympathetic, disgusted and taunting at the same time. “I’ve pretty much only doing bladework with Octavia. It’s pretty fun.”

“I thought you hated her?”

“Oh, I do. But she’s on the varsity squad at her high school for a reason. But hey, look.” Catra pulls up the leg of her shorts and proudly shows Adora a nasty bruise on her thigh. Adora’s gaze lingers until Catra twists around to look at her, frowning a little.

“Oh! It’s—did it hurt?”

“Only when I touch it,” Catra shrugs, “I’m used to it though—Octavia just hits hard. I have no idea how she hit my leg, though. That’s not even our target area. It looks pretty cool though, doesn’t it?”

Adora rolls her eyes. Of course Catra would be proud of her bruise. “Come on, stupid. Do you want to come over after?”

“Is Razz cooking?”

“I think so, I can ask if you want. If she knows you’re coming over, she will.”

“Oh, good. I’m spending the night too, then.”

Adora bites her lip to hide her grin, ties off Catra’s braid and then tugs on her hair to tell her she’s done. “Sounds good.”

The Junior Tournament goes well—they’re all in different pools, so they can’t watch each other fence, but as soon as she’s done, Adora pushes through the crowd to find Catra on the other side of the gym. She’s not fencing yet, but she’s focused on the match going on now, so Adora stays quiet and bounces on her toes, full of adrenaline. She stills though, when it’s Catra’s match; the girl she’s against is huge, tall and intimidating—but, Adora thinks, if Catra could survive with Octavia, she’ll be fine.

Her hair is braided too, so nothing can go wrong today.

(Catra wins the match, 5-0.)

As she unhooks herself, Catra looks up—meets Adora’s gaze, and smiles big. Adora feels like she’s going to burst with how proud she is of her friend, not only for winning, but for having such a clean match. “You did so well,” she calls out, “lunch is on me.”

“Olympics next, Adora,” Catra mumbles. She reaches out and Adora finishes the pinky promise before leaning more into Catra and closing her eyes to nap on the way home.

Somehow, Catra finds Adora in the crowd and with a lazy grin and, eyes on her all the while, salutes first her opponent, then her coach off to the side, and then—Adora. The quirk of Catra's lips turns challenging, almost like she's daring Adora to get flustered, and though Adora does blush, she rolls her eyes in response to Catra's nonverbal challenge.

But she does nod, and silently will Catra to win her bout.

(She does. Her hair is not braided, and somehow, that means more to Adora than anything.)

It seems almost inevitable, but they both move up to the direct elimination round, and of course, of course, they're in the same bracket. But that's for after lunch, and—almost accidentally, Adora finds Catra in the crowd and reaches out for her, pulling her close enough to ask, "Do you want to sit together?"

And Catra, gorgeous infuriating Catra, looks from Adora's eyes to where their hands are joined and back up with a raised brow before giving her a familiar cheshire grin. It's a moment before she answers, and Adora is sure that she'll say no, but—"Sure. I'll grab us seats if you get us food."

They're still holding hands, and Adora's heart stutters in her chest. She tells herself that it's from the adrenaline of the tournament, and she nods. "I'll find you in a bit."

"Of course," Catra drawls. After another moment, she shakes free of Adora's grip and follows the crowd of fencers upstairs to the balcony.

When Adora finally gets out of the food line, she's got pizza, sodas and doughnuts for the both of them, and she finds Catra sitting far away from their respective teams. She lifts a hand when she sees Adora, but she doesn't do anything to help her carry all the food. Typical Catra—it's somehow endearing even if Adora wants to roll her eyes.

Adora sits next to Catra, sitting criss-cross with their food between them. It's both comfortable and familiar, and Adora laughs a little as she remembers when they used to fence together. "Remember all of the mock tournaments? We used to sit together just like this."

"Course I remember, dork." Catra rolls her eyes, but Adora can tell she feels the same warm nostalgia that she does. "Kinda miss it, honestly. Beating you, I mean."

Adora scoffs. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

"Fine then, what do you miss?"

Adora sits back, chewing on her lip and watching Catra pick at her pizza as she thinks. What she misses...everything. Being close like this, practice matches and staying late together, watching Catra from the sidelines, having Catra watch her. Fooling around and laughing together, braiding Catra’s hair, sitting close together as hot and sweaty as they'd both get after practice. Being able to just - look at Catra. "You, I guess."

Catra glances up at Adora through her bangs, grinning at her as Adora squirms in her seat. "Me, huh?"

"I take it back-"

"Hey. I miss you too, Adora."

"What, beating me?"

"Well, of course. But..." Catra leans back, rolling her eyes up to the ceiling as she thinks. "I miss the little things. Beating you was fun, but that wasn’t as important to me as being with you was.”

And that's. Far more honest than Adora had been expecting from Catra. "Catra, I—"

Catra looks back at her, one brow arched, and Adora shuts up. She doesn't know what she was going to say anyway—I think I'd fall in love with you if we were still on the same team, I miss you more than you can even imagine, I wish I hadn't moved away?

“Can I braid your hair?”

Catra squints at her, cocking her head in an oddly birdlike motion as she looks at and through Adora. After a moment, she looks away, mouth twisted with some unreadable emotion. “I guess, yeah.”

And somehow, sitting on the bleacher behind Catra and combing her fingers through her hair feelings more natural than anything despite the silence. Catra has an undercut now, and if they had more time, if things were different, Adora knows she could spend hours just running her fingers along her buzzed hair. But as it is, all she says is, “I like your undercut.”

“Thanks, nerd. I didn’t know if I’d like it, but I do. It was kind of an impulse thing.”

Adora finishes the braid, ties it off, and then sits across from Catra, regarding her silently as Catra does the same. “Do you remember the promise we made when we were little?”

“Which one? To go to the Olympics together, or to stay best friends? I’m surprised you remembered, actually.”

Adora winces. “Both, I…” I’m sorry I went to a different school, I wish you could’ve been there with me, I want to be friends again, I still have your old number but I’m afraid to text it because what if you don’t answer, but what if you do? What would we say? What if you hate me?

“You…?”

"I—uh. Never mind. We should eat."

Catra looks almost disappointed and amused, but not surprised. "I guess we should. And hey, I'm not gonna go easy on you in the DEs just because we had this...little talk."

For as light as her tone is, and as lazy as her smile is, Adora can tell that Catra is being fully serious. And that's—Adora's heart thuds, and she tells herself that again, it's just adrenaline. "I won't go easy on you either," is what comes out automatically. "But Catra, can we...save all of that for later? I just...I like this too."

Catra sighs, like the very idea of staying with Adora brings her pain, but she nods. Then she leans back on her hands, observing Adora through lidded eyes, and Adora does not miss the way her gaze steadily and slowly travels down and back up. She’d think it was almost mocking if not for the way her lips curve up into that lazy grin. "Anything you want, princess. But just until the end of the break, okay?"

Two hours. It's not nearly enough time, but—for now, it'll have to do.

(5.5.)

from Catra: hey adora

from Catra: hope this is still ur number

from Catra: ur chapstick tasted rly nice

from Catra: also jsyk i gave u a huge hickey

to Catra: oh my fucking god i hate you

from Catra: >:3

from Catra: ill see u at districts adora

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - x - 6 - 7

#she ra #shera #catradora #catradoraweek #my writing #fencing au #catra fencing saber ??? with an undercut ???? im gay .

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picorihero · 6 years ago

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COME ONE, COME ALL!

The annual Picori Festival is fast approaching, as is the highly anticipated Picori Festival Tournament! Test your power, wisdom, and courage!

The tournament will be held April 25th through 27th, hosted by none other than the Hero of Hyrule, himself---Link! (With assistance from Minister Potho).

Each contestant will be split up into a bracket and combat against one another until only one remains victorious! Consolation prizes will be given to the runner-up and 3rd place.

The champion shall be awarded: 500,000 Hyrulean Rupees (*currency is exchangeable to participants’ place of origin), the traditional blade hand-crafted by Hyrule’s own Master Smith, and a seat as the guest of honor at the King’s Banquet!

Second Place: 250,000 Hyrulean Rupees, a decorative shield made of silver, and an invitation and honorary mention at the King’s Banquet!

Third Place: 50,000 Hyrulean Rupees, a bronze arrow, and an invitation to the King’s Banquet!

HOW TO ENTER:

You must fill out the appropriate forms prior to the 25th of April. ---That means the deadline is April 24th, 11:59pm (PST). You must send this as an ASK to @picorihero. These will not be published, but an IM will be sent to confirm to the contestant that the ask has gone through.

I, Muse Name (@url), hereby announce my participation in this year’s Picori Festival. My weapon of choice is: (Choose one of the following: Sword, Shield, Bow).

Example: I, Captain Linebeck (@beckonedcall), hereby announce my participation in this year’s Picori Festival. My weapon of choice is: Shield.

HOW IT WORKS:

Contestants will be randomly assigned to a bracket. Based on the chosen “weapon,” a challenger may have a percentage-roll (0-90%) in advantage. Shield > Sword > Bow (>Shield) --- (similar to Rock, Paper, Scissors.)

From there, contestants will roll three times. Once out of 20, and twice out of 6. Each number will be added up (multiplied by advantage if applicable), and a winner will be declared to move on to the next bracket. * You may not change your weapon of choice during the course of the tournament.

PLEASE NOTE:

1) You must be following @picorihero for tournament news and updates.

2) Absolutely MUST be an RP blog. (Sideblogs & Multimuse are welcome, though please only admit ONE muse!)

3) Multiverse applicable; doesn’t matter what universe your muse is from, what timeline, etc.

4) No physical prizes will be offered, but your muse may receive the aforementioned prizes and bragging rights. ;)

5) Your muse does NOT need to know how to fight to win! It's all RNG!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU FOLLOW THE TAG #FestivalTournament FOR UPDATES AND INTERACTING WITH FELLOW CONTESTANTS!

For any questions, please forward a correspondence (Ask) to Minister Potho @picorihero!

#( *yeets this out into the world* )#FestivalTournament #zelda rp #legend of zelda rp #( feel free to spread this around i'll be reblogging it... a lot )#( -sHRUGS?- )#Event: Festival Fever #▲; mun art

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megamanmodelaaa-fanstories · 6 years ago

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Alpharad’s CPUCS - The Novel, Chapter 1: Welcome New Smash Brothers & Sisters! (Part 1)

7th December 2018, long awaited... has finally arrived!

In a Realm far from our reach, a special event called the “Super Smash Bros Games” opens up every few years where the best come together for a series of duels & competitions to reignite relations & create new ones. This particular one is the 5th in the line of many, marking the 19th Anniversary of these games.

Among those games, a particular set of Tournaments are organized to pit the best of the best against each other for supremacy & bragging rights called the “CPU Championships”, fully sponsored by a one “Alpharad”. No one really remembers why they were labelled with the abbreviation “CPU”, but the name stuck out of respect to those old traditions. The first of the CPU Championships (CPUC for short) is about to begin.

The sun rose to a huge crowd converging to see the first of the CPUCs take place. The streets were packed, some conversing, some running stands or shops, others organizing & watching over the festivities. Sometime later, a familiar voices echoes through the speakers to the masses’ ears… it was Mario!

Mario: “Thank you so much everyone for joining us today! We are-a happy to begin these Championships as we have always done for 19 Years! To begin & for a warm welcome, today’s Challengers will be this season’s Returners &-a New Comers! Let’s-a GO!”

The Coliseum Doors open as everyone rushes in to take their seats. While medieval in design, the Smash Coliseum houses the latest in recreational technology, allowing it to emulate almost any Battle Stage with various Hazards & Features. So it begins, the first ever CPUC of this season pits new comers & returning veterans against each other!

CPU Championship No. 1 Rules & Players:-

-Normal Stages

-FSM Allowed

-No Items

-No Hazards

-Tournament Bracket:

With spectators so excited you could hear them cheer thousands of miles away, Mario strikes the Smash Bell signifying the beginning... of the Tournament!

Match No. 1- Pichu vs. Incineroar

The battle started with both Fighters sizing each other up as they tried to fixate their footing on the moving stage “3D Land”, a very odd start for an opening Match. In reality however, one of the Competitors was a little uneasy about the match-up.

Incineroar: “(Is the audience gonna be OK with me pummeling this little guy?)”

Incineroar did his best to keep things even between him & Pichu to avoid any backlash, especially when you consider that most of this fan base are young passionate fans. All this wasn’t helped by the fact that Pichu was doing sloppily at first, and when he opened with a Headbutt Attack, he missed… nearly throwing himself out-of-bounds.

Pichu: “T-That was close… Sorry Mr. Incineroar!”

Incineroar: “Watch your positioning boy! (I need to handle this fight carefully…)”

Incineroar continues to pull his punches on Pichu, literally staging acts like nearly going out-of-bounds himself by falling behind & missing a Lariat Attack on purpose. But much to his surprise as soon as Pichu started landing a few hits, his momentum kept building up & eventually, he started showing acrobatics that are on par with the likes of Sheikh & Zero Samus! Even Incineroar couldn’t keep up with him!

Pichu wasn’t known to be the most capable Fighter many years ago because he never measured up to all the other competitors. But this time, it was clear to Incineroar & everyone else that this is a new Pichu standing before them!

Incineroar: “Have you been training?”

Pichu: “Y-Yes! Every day since I was invited again.”

Incineroar: “Then show me the new fire in you!”

They clashed without hesitation, sparks of fire & thunder flying with every punch, every kick, every grab, showing a passion for competition that is exactly what followers of these tournaments look for! With full vigor, the two unleash their Final Smash Arts, “Max Malicious Moonsault” & “Volt Tackle”! Incineroar tries to hold Pichu with his bare hands, but then Pichu slips right through sending a flurry of electric charges everywhere! Finally, the burning wrestler flies off the stage unable to recover back. The winner is… PICHU!

Incineroar: “N… Nice one boy. *Wheeze* should’ve known you had it in ya all along...”

Pichu: “S-Sorry Mr. Incineroar… & thank you!”

Match No. 2- Ridley vs. Ice Climbers

Nana: “Uuuh Popo, why does this guy look like the Pterodactyl who keeps stealing our vegetables??”

Popo: “Isn’t he the one people have wanted in these games for years? He looks kinda silly up close, haha!”

That last statement… could not be far from the truth; Ridley isn’t just vicious, but also has a troll like demeanor. The battle started out normally with both sides equally exchanging attacks… until.

Ridley suddenly grabs Popo by the face & drags his body on the ground towards the stage boarder… along with himself?! He then makes a hard stop at the last second, walking away from Popo with a wide grin on his face as if holding back laughter…

Nana: “Are you OK Popo?!”

Popo: “I-I-I’m fine… Come on, let’s get this maniac…!”

The two climbers reform & charge on ahead, but it’s becoming clear that Ridley’s earlier act was enough to throw their well-spoken teamwork out the window. Discoordination, miscommunication, losing track of each other, far too often have have they found them selves on opposite sides away from each other, & Ridley was taking full advantage of these missteps to further crush their focus. Even to the point of taunting the duo mid-fight.

Alas, while they were retreating to retrace & regroup, they’ve failed to notice the pit behind them & fell in together… & Ridley laughed & mocked them the whole way through. The winner is… RIDLEY!

Ridley: “RAAAAAHAHAHAHA!!”

Popo: “He played us… the whole TIME!”

Nana: “Calm down Popo, we’ll get another shot next time…”

Both Climbers leave the ring, with Popo clenching his fist in disgrace…

Match No. 3- King K. Rool vs. Solid Snake

Solid Snake: “A giant crocodile?? Is this karma for all the crocodiles Big Boss ate years ago??”

Otacon: “Careful Snake! He may look like a glutton, but he’s strong & also commands an army powerful enough to occupy an entire Island!”

Solid Snake: “OK then… Bring it on Big Croc!”

King K. Rool: “That’s KROC to you, Onesie Man!!”

Snake’s faster & more nimble, so the Espionage Legend had the towering reptile beat in Close-Quarters-Combat “CQC”. However, K. Rool’s body armour was harder than Snake was anticipating. More shockingly, the armour was also flexible enough to deflect & outsight counter attacks.

Solid Snake: “My attacks haven’t even dented that thing?!”

King K. Rool: “*BELLY SLAP!* Do your worst, stick figure! Hehehee!”

Snake slowly escalates towards using firearms & explosives, but could hardly scratch that armour, let alone launch him out of the ground! The Kroc King also started using his own trusty weapon: An unorthodox single barrel rifle that was throws opponents off with its ability to absorb anything into it. In desperation, Snake calls for his biggest gun.

Solid Snake: “Otacon, engage Covering Fire!!”

FIVE Large Missiles come flying in, all hit their giant green target... But fail to send him out. It was all looking futile as King K. Rool sends the Solider off with a single punch, a feat barely tons of Snake’s own were able to achieve. The winner is… KING K. ROOL!

Solid Snake: “Blast… I’m surprised no one calls you ‘Metal Gear Croc’…”

King K. Rool: “For the last time, it’s KROC!!”

Match No. 4- Wolf vs. Isabelle

Isabelle: “It’s a pleasure to meet you Wolf! Let’s keep it Clean!”

Wolf: “Hmph. They paired me with YOU? This must be a joke, I’ll end this quick.”

The match starts with Wolf dashing towards Isabelle as she….. Takes out a Fishing Rod?? Wolf was left confused, what could she be doing? There aren’t any ponds to fish in on this stage. Shrugging it off, Wolf dashes in to steal the opportunity, only for Isabelle to reel in, grab him then swing to the other side nearly flying outside!

Isabelle: “What do you think of this Rod? Bought it myself from my favorite store!”

Wolf: “You insolent little dog! You’ll pay for this!”

While Wolf continued to charge at the innocent looking Isabelle, she kept on playing with her Fishing Rod throwing him off at every turn. Even when he does see though that trick, she whips out something else unusual as a weapon: A Bug Catching Net, a Stop Sign, even some vegetables! It was becoming very hard to read this fragile-looking, yet versatile Fighter.

Wolf: “BOYS, GET IN HERE NOW & FINISH HEEER!!”

Wolf calls his Star Wolf Team to try & put her down the sights, but even that wasn’t working somehow, always missing at the last possible second.

Wolf: “Why. Won’t. You. FALL?!”

Isabelle: “Now now Wolf, anger isn’t good for your blood pressure. Teehee!”

Wolf was not having any more as he switches to a more aggressive approach to cover some lost ground, letting his claws loose as he flies everywhere around the Innocent Secretary. Then suddenly, Isabelle calls Tom Nook & the Nooklings for a plan of attack. But just as they were about to start, Wolf dodges to the other side for a counterattack... That unfortunately will not happen for as soon as he stops, a Gyroid pops out beneath his feet sending the unsuspecting pilot to the sky!

Wolf: “IMPOSSIBLLLLLLLLLLLE!!!”

The winner is… ISABELLE!

Isabelle: “Wish you a safe landing!”

& just like that, the first half of the CPUC’s first round of matches have concluded! How will the others fair? Who will come out on top? Will anyone else face the consequences of underestimating their opponent? Come back next time for Chapter 1-2!

Thank you for reading & have a good day! 👋🏻😄

#Fan Story #Alpharad CPUCS #Chapter 1

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