- The RhyDin Post's black and gold logo flashes with an epic, orchestrated introduction theme. The logo spirals off the screen, and displays a high-tech news studio with flat screen television sets, and a massive, glossy black desk. Two men sit behind the desk. To the left (Peter Pham) is in his early thirties, of Asian ethnicity, has gelled black hair, and is in a navy suit. To the right (Chris Reed) is of Caucasian ethnicity with dark brown hair, is in his late thirties, is wearing a pinstripe suit, and has a vertical scar running down one side of his face. Both men, equipped with headsets, smile at the camera...-
Peter: How's it going, RhyDin" I'm Peter Pham, sports columnist!
Chris: And I'm Chris Reed, former dueler!
Peter: Welcome to the RhyDin Post's continuing coverage of the Tour de RhyDin.
Chris: Pete, I have to say, this thing lasts forever. You'd think the competitors would be sick and tired of fighting by now.
Peter: It may as well be a profession for them, Chris. These are some very proficient, very dedicated athletes. This competition isn't a sprint. It's a marathon.
Chris: At some point, the Tour becomes less about skill and more about stamina. Seriously. You try fighting for two months straight!
Peter: It's a challenge, Chris. No doubt about it.
Chris: I have to say how stoked I am though, Pete. Not only do we have two fighters tonight we haven't covered before, but my boy recently made the four hundred win-over-losses mark.
Peter: I heard about that. A big congratulations goes out to Governor Simon on Team CrushBob. Way to keep on rocking the rings.
Chris: So how "bout it, Pete" You ready to make a call on who will win"
Peter: I respectfully withhold any comments.
Chris: - Coughs. - Wuss!
Peter: For now, let's get on to our match. Tonight, we're privileged to bring you an interesting fight between Aja Bird of Team Fun-Tastics"
Chris: - Interrupting. - I still hate that name"
Peter: And Wyheree Ravenlock of Team Fearless.
Chris: Wow! Haven't seen much of Fearless around lately! It's good to see them stepping up to remind the competition that the Tour isn't over just yet!
Peter: You hit that one on the head, Chris. Quite a few new fighters have been popping up around the dueling venues, which begs the question: Exactly where is all this new talent coming from"
Chris: I honestly couldn't tell you. But I will say one thing - I like it! It's great to have new athletes to criticize! I mean' uh' review.
Peter: Nice save there, Chris.
Chris: It's a gift.
Peter: Well" As of Stage Twelve in the Tour, Fearless is holding solid at number seven, points-wise. Do you think Ravenlock can narrow the gap and catch up with the rest of the teams tonight"
Chris: That's a big gap, Pete. But you never know what will happen.
Peter: Let's find out then. Roll the footage!
- Roll footage Round 1. LP/CP 0 All. -
Chris: Blah! Ladies, ladies" the saluting happens before the match!
Peter: That may be, but I can't help wondering if Ravenlock isn't taking an extra round to feel out Bird's defenses. Look at how she's taking her opponent's stance in. There's a lot you can learn about a fighter just based on observation, Chris.
- End footage Round 1. Roll footage, Round 2. LC/SS 1-0 Ravenlock. -
Ravenlock: Swings her rapier low, the flat catching Aja's stride.
Bird: Gets tripped up and grins. "Knew that was coming" decided to dance anyway."
Peter: Wow. She walked right into that one, didn't she"
Chris: If you knew that was coming, then why the crap didn't you defend" That is the whole point to this sport! Strategy!
Peter: Take a look at this beautiful, sweeping cut by Ravenlock as she goes low.
- Slow motion, action replay of Wyheree's low cut, tagging Aja in the ankles. -
Peter: That could easily have landed Bird a broken nose.
Chris: Would she have seen that coming, I wonder"
- End footage Round 2. Roll footage, Round 3. HC/LP 1-.5 Ravenlock. -
Bird: Twirls the blade and blocks the incoming high swing.
Ravenlock: Nods, grinning as she resets her stance. "Again, a lovely parry."
Chris: There is too much good sportsmanship in this game lately, Pete. I want to see some good, old-fashioned trash talk.
Peter: She does seem a little polite, doesn't she" Almost too polite" like she's hiding something.
Chris: I'll get to the bottom of it! Mark my words!
- End footage Round 3. Roll footage, Round 4. LC/CP 1 All. -
Chris: You know" I'd be more convinced of the fact that Bird is just playing dumb, when really she's a strategical mastermind.
Peter: You think she's trying to catch Ravenlock off her game"
Chris: It almost looks that way. There is no chance that solid defense was luck, Pete. Take a closer look.
- Slow motion, action replay of Round 4. A white arrow is drawn along the arc of Aja's parry as it defends against a low cut. -
Chris: Look at that. She doesn't even flinch! Like she had anticipated it all along.
Peter: Yeah, but look at Ravenlock. It was almost like she expected it as well.
Chris: I think the ref needs to keep a closer eye on these matches. There are just too many coincidences!
- End footage Round 4. Roll footage, Round 5. HC/SH 2-1 Ravenlock. -
Ravenlock: Reverses once more, tapping Aja with the flat of the rapier on her shoulder.
Bird: Drops for a thrust that doesn't come and takes the high swing.
Chris: Wow. Sorry, Pete, but that move was completely transparent. With an experienced fighter like Ravenlock, it is incredibly unwise to follow through with a predictable blow from above. It was almost like Bird got tired and didn't want to catch her opponent off guard with a feint!
Peter: I can see her getting tired, Chris, but I doubt it means she's getting lazy. I think she was relying on her speed for that one, and Ravenlock saw right through it.
Chris: A word to the wise: If you are following up with a quick offense, don't dive right in to where your opponent is ready for you!
Peter: That being said, we need to take a quick commercial break. We'll be right back after a few words from our sponsors!