The Elder, Isaac and the judges
Everyone gathered in the cafeteria for the big lunch. As they all settled down, the elder stood and addressed the crowd.
"I would like to welcome you all to this years Tournament," he said. "I would also like to extend a special welcome to the Animorphs - this being their first Tournament. I hope you all enjoy yourselves. I would like to introduce you to out judges, Leila."
Leila smiled and gave the crowd a short nod.
"Cornelius."
Cornelius gave a wave.
"And Lucius."
Isaac grinned to himself, reconising the hydrokinetic who always insisted on beating him.
"Each contest lasts one hour, unless otherwise specified," he went on. "Creation Masters, Dream Impressions and Areobatics begin at one."
YIRAAS Council
The elder turned to where the commitee were seated either side of the head table.
"And now, I'd ask our commitee members to stand as they are introduced..."
The members slowly stood with small grunts, groans and sighs.
"This is Thomas Huntingdale, who has the power of teleportation," the elder introduced, before Tom nodded to the crowd and sat.
"Wayne Thompson, advanced hearing."
Wayne nodded and sat beside Tom.
"Sophie Davison, advanced sight."
Sophie smiled and sat beside Wayne.
"Harrison Skye and Walker Hanson, both with X-ray Vision," he grinned.
They both sat down.
"And last on the left table is Marylin Hitchcock, with Empathy."
She smiled and sat.
"Over here," the elder began again, "is my lovely assistant Danielle, with telekinesis. Next to her is Jacob Henderson with telepathy."
They both sat.
"Followed by Jerry Smith, and his power over technology. Daryl Kostic, a hydrokinetic. Colin Howell, an Australian pyrokinetic. Janet Buters with an ever-so-building memory, and finally," he began with a smile, "it is my great pleasure to introduce to you a new father, Darren Walters, who's human wife went into labour just last night and delivered near midnight. Congratulations from everyone Darren."
Darren was all smiles as he received an applause. He mouthed a thanks before sitting down again.
"I would also like to name our four helpers for today... Courtney Shepherd will be in the information booth for those who need assistance. She has the power of tongue so she will be able to help anyone in need. Also, at the door, who you should have already met, we have Sheldon Thomas and the famous Taylor Hanson - Walker's son - both with the power of tongue. And last but not least, Sam, with his advanced sight, will be monitoring these premises from the many cameras you see around to ensure everyone has a good and safe tournament."
With that, he grinned.
Isaac, Zac, Oliver and Miette
At the end of the announcements, everyone settled down to excited chatter.
"This is cool!" Isaac said delightedly. "I'm actually going to win this year."
"You don't know that," Zac teased. "Maybe someone else will beat you."
"Like me," Oliver grinned. "I am gonna kick your scrawny little a-"
"Oh yeah? Who you trying to kid?" Isaac asked.
"I'm not trying to kid anyone. I rule."
"Wanna put your money where your mouth is?"
"You're on. Twenty pounds - err, dollars says I beat you."
"Deal. But I'm the one who's gonna win."
"Keep dreaming."
"Knock it off you two," Miette said, rolling her eyes, but with a small smile on her face.
"And who do you think is going to win? Me, you're loveable little brother, or lover-boy?"
"I'm staying out of this one. I have divided loyalties," Miette joked.
Braddocks
"Hmm, well, I dunno about anyone else," Oliver said a couple of topics later, "but I'm gonna go raid the buffet again."
"Okay," Miette replied.
Oliver stood up and headed over to the food, plate in hand. This was great! And it could only get better from here on in. He couldn't wait for the contests to start.
Dawn
Asking around, Dawn go the information she wanted, and walked up to a guy, her bodyguards not far behind, of course.
"Oliver? Are you Oliver Braddock by any chance?"
Oliver
"Yes I am," Oliver replied, dumping some food on his plate. "And you are?"
Dawn
"Dawn. Dawn Summers, and this is Amanda, that's my boyfriend, Clark Kent, and then those are my guardians, SPike and Dru. I also think that Nyx and her sibs are around somewhere. Care to introduce us to your friends?"
Oliver and Miette
"You're Dawn!" Oliver exclaimed. "Oh wow, hey it's awesome to finally meet you."
Oliver put the final items of food on his plate.
"C'mon, we're all sitting over there."
He led them over. Miette looked up.
"Hey, Oli, who's your friends?"
"These are Dawn, Clark, Amanda, Spike and Dru. Guys, this is my sister Mi, and Ike and Zac [and Taylor?] Hanson."
Dawn
"Nice to meet you," Dawn said, as she shook everybody's hands. Shaking Tayulor's, she smiled. "And so we meet at last. It was nice talking to you last night, you really cheered me up."