"Your Majesty, you are late for your own ceremony!"

The man entered the Regal Office in located at the top floor of the Zanarkand Dome, the political center of Zanarkand. He was dressed very formally in a long red robe with golden ornamentations around the sleeves, a symbol of his high status in the political hierarchy.

The leader of Zanarkand, Yu Yevon, sat in his chair in the Regal Office overlooking his city from the large window behind him. He exhaled slowly. "I thought I told you to stop calling me that, Riels."

"Well, anything it takes to get you to show up to your own ceremony on time! Your people are waiting for you."

"I know." Yevon finally stood up, his long purple ceremonial outfit reaching the floor. "You'll understand my reluctance to scare my own people with our current status on the war."

"This doesn't have to be about the war. The Blitz Cup tournament starts in two days and everyone's looking forward to it. We know how much you love watching blitzball."

"Indeed, I always was a fan." He sighed again. "I guess you're right. Though it is my responsibility as a leader to inform my people of the war status, I must not let them fall into despair. We must keep our resolve strong!"

"That's the spirit! Everyone loves hearing your speeches, Yevon. They are truly an inspiration."

Yevon chuckled. "Thank you, Riels. I probably would not have come this far without your guidance."

"You chose me as your advisor," Riels chuckled back. "I'm just doing my job."


Yevon and Riels made their way to the blitzball stadium located behind the Dome, where tens of thousands of people were gathered and eagerly awaiting the appearance of their beloved leader. When Yevon stepped onto the speaker's chair, the stadium erupted into screaming applause as the many citizens clamored in excitement for another Yu Yevon speech.

Yevon raised his arms into the air, waving to the crowd and signaling his intention to begin his speech. After a few seconds the crowd got quiet. "My citizens, my friends," he began. "This war has dragged on for far too long." More applause. "But Zanarkand will not falter under the pressure of Bevelle's machine empire!" More thunderous cheering.

He continued. "Our summoners are strong. They are learning more and more powerful techniques with each passing day. On top of that, our attack on their hidden generators in Macalania have slowed them substantially. It will be a tough battle, but we must all be strong! We must show them that our magic of old can defeat their lifeless, hollow machines!" The audience was ecstatic, cheering wildly.

"However!" The audience got quiet again. "We cannot let this war completely sever us from our traditional festivities. In two days, I will be most honored to host this year's annual Blitz Cup right here in Zanarkand!" The crowd went crazy. Fanatical blitzball fans tore their shirts off, revealing their bare chests colored red and black, the color of the Zanarkand Duggles.

"On that day," he continued. "The Besaid Stingers will leave this city tasting the bitter flavor of a crushing defeat!" Break for cheering. "The pre-game ceremony will be held by the Duggles' four primary field players: Jeron, Kellek, Shuyin, and Kant!" Wild screaming from the diehard fans.

Yevon smiled at the excitement of his people, hoping like he was to take their minds off the war. "I will never let my city die," he said under his breath.