Whee! Last chap, I'm soo happy I could get it done in time! Thanks to everyoine who read it!

"'Tis time, the coronation is now" announced the cardinal. "I shall ask King Cid and Queen Edea to come forth and renounce their reign over the Kingdom of Balamb".

The king and queen walked up the red carpeted altar, past where Prince Seifer and I stood and took off their crowns. They were laid on a blue bolster made of velvet with gold edging. The eyes of the kingdom were focused on them as the moved aside, the prince and I were then told to move to the crowns and kneel on one knee at the center of the platform.

"The spirits and guardians of this earth recognize you as the new rulers of Balamb, repeat this pledge after me", the cardinal opened an ancient looking book with a musty odour to it. He turned a few pages and then took a deep breath.

"I am the lord".

"I am the lord", we repeated.

"I rule my lands".

"I rule my lands".

"I am loyal to my words".

"I am loyal to my words".

"I pay my respects to the guardians of the earth".

"I pay my respects to the guardians of the earth".

"For justice, for peace, I am here to serve".

"For justice, for peace, I am here to serve".

"I vow for death, before dishonor".

"I vow for death, before dishonor". As we spoke those last words, the cardinal took the Sword of Balamb and held it in front of himself.

"Sorceress Hyne's blessing shall be with you..." he said as we were tapped on the head with the sword.

"Seifer!", the king bellowed "it is time". Seifer nodded and followed his father down the altar. My eyes followed them as they trooped down the steps.

"We shall make our way to the arena" announced Queen Edea. She came to my side and guided me down. Everyone made their way to the arena in a flood of fine materials and jewels.

************************************************************************ It was an enormous crowd but the spacious arena held them easily. The seating was arrange in a circular form with the center as the stage. Two chocobos stood on either side of the stage next to the two doors at the sides. The queen and I were seated in a small gallery close to the stage, it would certainly be a fabulous show from our seats but the queen did not seem happy. Her face was moulded in an expression of sadness, her head bowed down in sorrow.

"Queen Edea, is something troubling you?", I asked with curiosity. It felt as if a nightmarous premonition was about to be fulfilled.

"The heir to the throne", began the queen "is to participate in a jousting duel with the current king. This is to show that the prince has the courage and strength to become the next ruler. Though it may seem quite harmless, the one struck down usually dies...." it was shocking to my ears. Either Prince Seifer or King Cid was to die in front of so many. It must be so very depresing for the queen to watch her love die by her son's hand. The bond between them both, shattered before her very eyes. I began to feel strange.... As much as I resented Prince Seifer, I could not help but feel affection for him and wishing he would not depart into the next world.

"It shall begin!" announced a man from the gallery on the other side of the arena. King Cid and Prince Seifer entered the stadium to hear loud cheers and yells. They mounted the chocobos and were each handed a lance of mythril. The crowd silenced abruptly as the announcer left his gallery and came down to the side of the stage.

"Begin!" he called as he raised his right arm. The chocobos made a 'Kweh' and dashed forward. The king and prince armed with their lances were ready to strike. The tension was so thick, it could be sliced cleanly with a dagger as they approached but missed. A sigh went around the arena as the chocobos slowed down and turned. The rush began again and Seifer was struck, but did not fall off his chocobo. I gasped as I saw it, he stood strong and rushed back at his father striking him in the center of his chest plate. The force knocked him back but his hand held tightly on to the reigns. It was truly a spectacle, depicted by the crowd growing wide-eyed and excited. Another rush went by, only to prove their accuracy wrong as they missed.

"Is this not a great show?!" called the announcer. The crowd cheered and egged the two fighters on. Another rush knocked King Cid off his horse, a gasp and then silence. Dead silence. The queen rose from her seat and darted down to the stage. Not knowing what to do, I followed her. Down the steps and into the dirt and dust. The torches around the arena became dim as the brezes blew, the queen ran to her husband's side, on her knees she begged for him to hold on. His eyes half open, said everything as the closed, his body limp. She sobbed, tears running down her cheeks.

"A new ruler rises!", the announcer yelled as the crowd noisily awoke. Queen Edea stood up and wiped her tears away.

"You must take care of this kingdom do you understand?", the queen put a hand on her son's shoulder. Prince Squall ran up to the three of us, he was breathless and seemed tired.

"I am sorry...helping...weapons...Oh my lord.....", he cursed as he laid his eyes upon his fathers restful body.

"Lead this kingdom into glory..." said the queen as she raised her hand. A sharp icicle appeared and pierced her heart.

"NO!!" cried the princes and I. Queen Edea fell on to King Cid, the pain of loss was too much for her, driving her to suicide. The taking of one's own life..... I held in my tears as they threatened to find their way into my eyes, Seifer brought his hand to his shoulder and bowed to them in a salute, as did Squall.

"I shall lead this kingdom into glory.....".





Yaaaaaay! Finished! Finished! By the deadline too! I'm thinking of making a sequel to this fic but my internet connection's gonna be terminated! Waaaaahhhhh!!!! So the sequel probably won't be out for some time, but in the meantime review! =DD