Chapter 14
"Damn, that was good," Lowe exclaimed enthusiastically.
"You would know," Serena chided, "you ate enough for about half of us."
"Never could resist good seafood," Lowe said, contrite (not really).
"It's true," said Tao. "The man invested an small amount of our funds into that stomach of his when we were in Waral. The man can't hold that food at sea though. Want me to tell the story Lowe? About how we were sailing, and you were feeling sick, so you stumbled onto Anri and-"
"Shut up," said Lowe and Anri simultaneously. Everyone else roared with laughter.
Anri narrowed her eyes. "I still haven't forgiven you for that stunt you pulled, by the way."
Tao didn't sorry in the least. "Well, excuse me! There were a few cute guys out there, you know. Like that Therios, for example."
"Bah," spat Earnest. "Not even a real warrior. He's just some lord pretending to be something bigger than he is, who let a few minor victories get to his head."
"Besides," said Arthur, "I'm the only male you'll ever need Tao." He leered at her.
Tao looked at him, then began chanting words in a monotone. Arthur gulped, then backed away a few steps.
Anri looked at her curiously. "Those weren't even magical words."
Tao smiled. "I know. If he had paid more attention at Manarina, he would have realized it right away. Arthur can even cast a few magical spells himself, he should know better."
"Anyway, it's not like you're seeing anyone right now? Unless you and that young Duke of-"
"Don't remind me," growed Anri.
Balbaroy cleared his throat. "If you'll excuse me, I have to begin preparations for my own match." He spread his wings, and took to the sky.
Serena glanced at Max. "We should probably get a move on as well. Your match is right after Balbaroy's," she said.
"After I watch Balbaroy's match, I'll start warming up then," Max replied.
"There's a interlude in between matches anyway, so you should have plenty of time," Anri said.
They made their way to the stands, and due to Anri being queen, and Lowe, Zylo, and the rest being heroes, people made room and they were able to squeeze in at the front. Max admired the way that Anri just intermingled with her people, unlike many other kingdoms. No special privileges, no rules forcing people to bow at her presence. She loved her people, and they loved her in return.
Something occurred to Max. "Your Highness, you don't have any bodyguards?"
Anri shot him a mock glower. "Don't call me that. I've just never felt the need for one. They would be put to better use stopping crime, or patrolling the city. In any case," she added, "my magic is quite sufficient." She grinned.
Max nodded in understanding. The crowd became hushed, as an announcer stepped into the middle of the makeshift ring.
"Your attention, please!" he shouted. His voice was unusually loud, and startled everyone.
Anri shot an questioning look at Tao, who nodded. She held up her staff, which was faintly glowing with a pink light. More magic.
"I am happy to announce that the Champion of Arms Tournament has officially begun!" The announcer was interrupted by the cheers of the crowd. He let the cheers carry on for a moment, then continued. "Without further ado, let me introduce the contestants of this match!"
"From the kingdom of Mysta, I present to you, Sir Sirra!"
A large man, about half a foot taller than Max, and heavier by a few pounds, entered the makeshift ring from Max's right. Max and the rest of the Shining Force politely applauded him.
"Hailing from Shade Abbey, and a member of the Shining Force, Balbaroy!"
Balbaroy swooped in from high above, and landed on the ground in an earth-shaking thud.
"All right Balbaroy!" Max hollered.
"Show them what you're made of!" Mae yelled.
"Go Sirra!" called Arthur. "Get that flying freak!"
Everyone stared at Arthur. "Hey, if Balbaroy wins, that means I have to go up against him in the next round. You think I want that?"
Ignoring the temptation to remind Arthur about their match, Max turned around. Things were just about ready to start.
"Fighters, shake hands," said the announcer. Balbaroy and Sirra quickly clasped hands, then let go.
"Sir Sirra, are you ready?" said the announcer.
"Ready," said Sirra, in a deep voice. He took up a traditional combat stance, sword held in both hands, pointed directly at Balbaroy's throat.
"Balbaroy, are you ready?" The announcer raised his hand up high, palm open, fingers straight.
Balbaroy inclined his head slightly. "Yes." He took up a similar stance.
"Fight!" The announcer brought down his hand in a chopping motion.
Sirra immediately began an offensive. Bellowing loudly, he swung his sword fiercely in an overhead blow. Balbaroy blocked, though the force of the blow pushed him back. Sirra continued to press, swinging in an high strike, which Balbaroy swayed under, and countered by kicking at his opponent's breast plate, knocking him to the ground. Balbaroy backed off, allowing Sirra to slowly climb to his feet.
Tao looked worried. "Sirra is pretty strong, isn't he?"
Mae shook her head. "Strong, but slow. He doesn't even have an decisive advantage in strength over Balbaroy.
Earnest nodded in agreement. "Include the fact that Balbaroy is quicker, more agile, and..."
Springing away from one particularly nasty blow, Balbaroy spread his wings, and took to the sky. Sirra looked confused, wondering how he could strike an enemy that was currently hovering 20 metres above him.
"...and that he can fly...well, this is going to be a short match."
Balbaroy held his sword in front of him, and dived toward Sirra. Sirra tried to block, but the force of Balbaroy's blow was too great, knocking his guard away, and striking a damaging blow to the knight's chest. Balbaroy rose into the sky again.
Mae sighed.. "Won't be long now."
Balbaroy executed his Sky Dive attack several more times. Each time, Sirra was struck a damaging blow. He was beginning to look tired, swaying on his feet, sword held unsteadily. Balbaroy swooped in one last time, and struck Sirra across the back of his knees, knocking him to the ground. As Sirra tried to rise, Balbaroy shoved him to the ground, and swung his sword, hitting Sirra in the back of the head hard with the flat of his blade. He repeated the blow twice more, then stepped away. Sirra laid motionless.
"Sirra is unable to continue. I pronounce Balbaroy the victor!" bellowed the announcer.
The crowd cheered. Tao, Luke, and the rest of them were clapping very hard, and hollering loudly. Arthur looked slightly disappointed, but clapped anyway.
Max watched as Lowe and Khris stepped out onto the ring, and began to summon the spirits of healing. Serena tapped him on the shoulder.
"Um, let's go."
Max started. "Right! My match!" Max quickly stood up.
"Good luck Peregrin!" said Tao.
"Thanks," said Max, smiling.
Arthur was making preparations to leave as well. "What about me, Tao?" He whined.
Tao rolled her eyes. "Good luck Arthur," she said, with a somewhat sarcastic tone.
Arthur took the comments at face value. "Thanks!" He headed away, followed by Luke, who was muttering, "Why do I have to help him anyway..."
Max started to follow him, until Serena put an hand on his shoulder, stopping him. "Uh, Peregrin, we're supposed to go to the other side of the ring."
"Oh yeah," said Max.
They worked their way over, where the guards directed him over to a changing room. It didn't take very long, as all Serena had to do was help Max into some light chain mail, as well as strapping on his sword to his back.
They exited, and made their way over to the East entrance. Serena helped Max through some light exercises, making sure Max was loose and warmed up.
"How do you feel?" Serena asked.
"I don't know," said Max. "You know that feeling you have when you've gone, well, about 10 drinks over your limit?"
"Yes?"
"I feel worse then that."
Serena gave Max a quick smile. "Well, good luck Peregrin. I know you can do it."
Max smiled. "Thanks."
One of the guards came up to Max. "Sir Peregrin, we're ready to go in two minutes."
Serena retreated a few steps, waved, gave Max a final, beautiful smile, then sprinted in the direction of the stands. Max watched her go, and suddenly felt a lot better. He followed the guard over to the entrance of the ring, and awaited his cue.
Max wasn't kidding when he said he felt nervous. The thing is, he didn't know why he felt nervous. Was it because he was scared of going into battle? Not a chance there. Max was a veteran of combat, a true warrior. He had fought countless amount of times, and had never felt how he did now. Then why did he feel so queasy? Max thought he knew why. In the past, he had fought for the sake of his friends, for the people who depended on him. It was for the sake of war, with a true enemy. Now, he was fighting, well, for glory. Not only that, he was going up against old friends as well. Max remembered how he had hesitated at attacking Mae. Could he now strike down Arthur in combat?
Actually, Max reasoned to himself dryly, recalling Arthur's smug expression, he probably could.
"Think about it this way," Max reasoned with himself. "If you don't give your opponent everything you have, then you show you have no respect for him. Besides, there's no danger here. Lowe and Khris are on hand. You can't deal any fatal blows. Just relax, and try your best. You lose nothing if you fail."
Max felt somewhat reassured by his own self-reasoning. All doubt had left him, only leaving a growing resolve.
"I present to you, the warrior known as Peregrin!" That was his cue.
Max stepped out. He was met with scattered applause, and even some laughter because of his outlandish clothing. The exceptions to this was the Shining Force members, and Serena, who all cheered him enthusiastically.
"Go, you gorgeous hunk you!" Tao called out, with a Cheshire cat grin on her face. Max blushed an particularly vivid shade of red.
"Was that really necessary," Mae asked.
"Hey, don't underestimate the power of a woman," said Tao, cheerfully.
"His opponent, I present to you, a distinguished member of the Shining Force, Arthur!" called out the announcer.
Arthur was met with a somewhat more animated greeting, especially from the young female humans and centurions. Max thought he also heard a faint snicker at the word "distinguished."
"Boo!" called out Domingo. Max looked around, and spied that crazy magical creature floating directly in front of the stands. Domingo continued to make catcalls and hurl insults toward Arthur.
Arthur and Max stood directly across from each other. They bowed, in respect. Or at least, Max did. Arthur's bow was more mocking than anything.
"Arthur, are you ready?" asked the announcer.
"Ready as can be," said Arthur. He took up a combat stance, lance pointed directly at Max's throat.
"Peregrin, ready?"
Max simply nodded. He took up an careful stance, legs spread wide apart, with weight evenly distributed, one hand leading in front, and held his sword parallel to the ground.
"Fight!"
Max began slow, short steps to his right, circling around Arthur. Arthur noticed this, and began shuffling over to the left, to match Max's motions.
"All right," Max thought. "I have one advantage in that I know how Arthur thinks, how he fights. How can I turn that to my advantage?"
Max began to smile inwardly. He knew exactly what Arthur's weakness was: arrogance. He knew how to take advantage of that too...
Suddenly, Max rushed forward, swinging his sword in a slow overhead arc. Arthur easily parried the blow, smiling jauntily. Max followed up with an slow horizontal swing, which Arthur easily dodged.
Max continued to strike out, and Arthur continued to parry and dodge nonchalantly, all with a cocky grin on his face. The crowd began to laugh, finding this amusing.
Max fell down to one knee, panting. "Come on," he thought.
Arthur took his cue. He began an startling counter-offensive, raining lightning quick blows. It appeared that Arthur was kicking the stuffing out of Max.
Up in the stands, Serena was puzzled. "I don't understand," she said hesitantly. "I know Peregrin is faster than this."
Mae was equally puzzled. "Arthur's not any faster than me. Peregrin should have been able to block those, no problem. And those attacks, so badly telegraphed! Unless..."
Arthur swung his lance around in an flashy circular strike, knocking Max flat to the ground. He took this time to turn to the crowd, and raise his arms in triumph.
Arthur's first mistake was to severely underestimate his opponent. Although a fell warrior in his own right, Arthur's weakness was that he didn't have the concentration to fully attune himself to battle. If he'd paid attention, he'd have noticed that his blows weren't quite landing as full on as he'd liked. He also would have noticed that even though his opponent gave the impression of being tired, he was in excellent physical condition. There was no way that someone in that kind of shape could be tired that quickly. However, Arthur didn't notice that, and let his guard down.
That was his second mistake.
Max rolled with the blow, and in an impressive show of agility, did an instant kick-up, landing on his feet. Arthur had already started turning back toward him, to finish him off. Max swung his sword, striking Arthur in the head with the flat of the blade.
Arthur reeled backwards. Max continued his offensive, landing three quick slashes into Arthur's abdomen. An visible bolt of lightning was seen each time he hit. Spinning in a full circle, he struck low, hitting Arthur directly in his front legs. The shock made Arthur's legs crumple. Max used his momentum to continue his spin, whirling in a full arc, and swinging his blade with all his might toward Arthur in a wicked, overhead strike.
The sound made from Max's sword striking Arthur's head was reminiscent of the sound heard when you hit a coconut. Arthur's eyes rolled into the back of his head, and he slouched over.
"The winner of this match is Peregrin!" the announcer said.
The crowd was silent for a moment, stunned. Then they began to cheer wildly, dumbstruck at this awesome display of skill. Max saw a few people tear up some tickets in disgust.
Max winced. While Max had managed to roll with most of Arthur's blows, a lot of them still managed to strike him almost full-on. Max had simply decided to persevere. Now, Max was beginning to feel the effects of those blows.
He caught sight of Serena, Mae, Earnest, and Tao hurrying toward him from one direction. Lowe and Khris were heading in from another.
"Great job," Serena beamed. Max blushed with pride.
"An fine use of strategy," Earnest commended.
"I knew you could do it," Tao said in a sultry voice. Max grinned weakly, and blushed a few more shades of scarlet.
Mae nodded. "Excellent match." She walked over to Arthur, who was groaning. "Hey, wake up you bum!" She kicked him.
"No mommy, I don't wanna go to school today..." Arthur groaned. He slumped back into unconsciousness.
Khris sighed. "Well, I'll have him up and running in no time." Khris began to chant, preparing her Cure spell.
"Lowe, you can cure Peregrin, can't you?" Serena asked, worried.
"Be done in a jiffy," Lowe said, grinning. He quickly began muttering nonsensical words under his breath. Max felt his bruises heal, and the few broken ribs he had mend back together again.
"Thanks Lowe!" Serena said gleefully. She thanked him by giving him a quick hug. Lowe turned as bright as Max's robes.
Khris had managed to rouse Arthur. He looked over toward Max, and grinned. "Anyone see which horse ran me over?"
Mae shook her head. "What have I told you about showboating?"
Arthur grinned. "Not to do it."
Max smiled. "Uh, sorry about that."
Arthur nodded graciously. "I should be the one apologizing to you. I treated you like a nobody, and paid the price." He shook his head. "Ouch."
Mae looked over. "We better clear off soon. They're getting ready to start Earnest's match."
Earnest's eyes widened. "Right, my match!" He galloped off.
"Anyway," said Arthur. "There's one thing you own me, Peregrin?"
"What's that?" Max said.
"Some drinks. Winner buys the loser a drink. It's a time-honoured tradition." Arthur said solemnly.
Max nodded gravely. "Who am I to defy such a ritual then?" Max looked around. "Anyone care to join us?"
Mae shook her head. "I'd love to, but I have a feeling getting uproariously drunk before my match tomorrow would be a bad thing. I'll ask Earnest though, I'm sure he'll be ready to knock back a few after his match. Assuming he's not unconscious."
Lowe smiled. "Uh, Khris and I both have duty remember? Never try to heal someone when drunk."
Max looked toward Serena. "Do you even have to ask?" she said, smirking.
Tao thought about it. "I want to see Earnest's match first. I'll catch up with you guys later, ok?"
"Fair enough," said Arthur. He looked toward Max. "Incidentally, you're my new rival and arch-enemy. I'd watch your step if I were you."
Max broke out into laughter at these words. Serena joined in soon after.
Arthur looked hurt. "Hey, I'm swearing revenge here! You should be scared..."
*****
Now, a word from your glorious, intelligent writer:
An unusually quick time for me to write a chapter this time around. I actually had most of this written a week ago, but I've been rewriting sections here and there. This chapter still feels kinda bland...who knows, I might restructure it again later, but I thought I might as well post it up now. Once again, all flames, praises, and links to cool hentai can be sent to strider_yoshi@yahoo.com. Review at fanfiction.net, or at my e-mail address please. Reader feedback keeps an author motivated...
Oh, BTW, to the reviewer who asked me to include Guntz, Adam, and the rest...I'll try, but it's going to be pretty hard. Musashi and Hanzo, Torasu and the rest are currently residing across the ocean. They'd be hard pressed to make it all the way across the sea...As for Adam, I'm not even sure what to do with him, never having used him in the game. If I was going to use him, I should have put him in the beginning, since that follows the SF I ending. But that would screw up a lot of stuff that I was planning, so I didn't...this fic is AU anyway. I could always come up with some crap reason I guess.
Max: How did you guys get here?
Rest: Uh...teleportation! Yeah, that's it...
And so on. No guarantees though, plus you know how hard it is to use EVERY SF member? This has the feeling of a very long rant, so I'll stop now.
Cheers!
"Damn, that was good," Lowe exclaimed enthusiastically.
"You would know," Serena chided, "you ate enough for about half of us."
"Never could resist good seafood," Lowe said, contrite (not really).
"It's true," said Tao. "The man invested an small amount of our funds into that stomach of his when we were in Waral. The man can't hold that food at sea though. Want me to tell the story Lowe? About how we were sailing, and you were feeling sick, so you stumbled onto Anri and-"
"Shut up," said Lowe and Anri simultaneously. Everyone else roared with laughter.
Anri narrowed her eyes. "I still haven't forgiven you for that stunt you pulled, by the way."
Tao didn't sorry in the least. "Well, excuse me! There were a few cute guys out there, you know. Like that Therios, for example."
"Bah," spat Earnest. "Not even a real warrior. He's just some lord pretending to be something bigger than he is, who let a few minor victories get to his head."
"Besides," said Arthur, "I'm the only male you'll ever need Tao." He leered at her.
Tao looked at him, then began chanting words in a monotone. Arthur gulped, then backed away a few steps.
Anri looked at her curiously. "Those weren't even magical words."
Tao smiled. "I know. If he had paid more attention at Manarina, he would have realized it right away. Arthur can even cast a few magical spells himself, he should know better."
"Anyway, it's not like you're seeing anyone right now? Unless you and that young Duke of-"
"Don't remind me," growed Anri.
Balbaroy cleared his throat. "If you'll excuse me, I have to begin preparations for my own match." He spread his wings, and took to the sky.
Serena glanced at Max. "We should probably get a move on as well. Your match is right after Balbaroy's," she said.
"After I watch Balbaroy's match, I'll start warming up then," Max replied.
"There's a interlude in between matches anyway, so you should have plenty of time," Anri said.
They made their way to the stands, and due to Anri being queen, and Lowe, Zylo, and the rest being heroes, people made room and they were able to squeeze in at the front. Max admired the way that Anri just intermingled with her people, unlike many other kingdoms. No special privileges, no rules forcing people to bow at her presence. She loved her people, and they loved her in return.
Something occurred to Max. "Your Highness, you don't have any bodyguards?"
Anri shot him a mock glower. "Don't call me that. I've just never felt the need for one. They would be put to better use stopping crime, or patrolling the city. In any case," she added, "my magic is quite sufficient." She grinned.
Max nodded in understanding. The crowd became hushed, as an announcer stepped into the middle of the makeshift ring.
"Your attention, please!" he shouted. His voice was unusually loud, and startled everyone.
Anri shot an questioning look at Tao, who nodded. She held up her staff, which was faintly glowing with a pink light. More magic.
"I am happy to announce that the Champion of Arms Tournament has officially begun!" The announcer was interrupted by the cheers of the crowd. He let the cheers carry on for a moment, then continued. "Without further ado, let me introduce the contestants of this match!"
"From the kingdom of Mysta, I present to you, Sir Sirra!"
A large man, about half a foot taller than Max, and heavier by a few pounds, entered the makeshift ring from Max's right. Max and the rest of the Shining Force politely applauded him.
"Hailing from Shade Abbey, and a member of the Shining Force, Balbaroy!"
Balbaroy swooped in from high above, and landed on the ground in an earth-shaking thud.
"All right Balbaroy!" Max hollered.
"Show them what you're made of!" Mae yelled.
"Go Sirra!" called Arthur. "Get that flying freak!"
Everyone stared at Arthur. "Hey, if Balbaroy wins, that means I have to go up against him in the next round. You think I want that?"
Ignoring the temptation to remind Arthur about their match, Max turned around. Things were just about ready to start.
"Fighters, shake hands," said the announcer. Balbaroy and Sirra quickly clasped hands, then let go.
"Sir Sirra, are you ready?" said the announcer.
"Ready," said Sirra, in a deep voice. He took up a traditional combat stance, sword held in both hands, pointed directly at Balbaroy's throat.
"Balbaroy, are you ready?" The announcer raised his hand up high, palm open, fingers straight.
Balbaroy inclined his head slightly. "Yes." He took up a similar stance.
"Fight!" The announcer brought down his hand in a chopping motion.
Sirra immediately began an offensive. Bellowing loudly, he swung his sword fiercely in an overhead blow. Balbaroy blocked, though the force of the blow pushed him back. Sirra continued to press, swinging in an high strike, which Balbaroy swayed under, and countered by kicking at his opponent's breast plate, knocking him to the ground. Balbaroy backed off, allowing Sirra to slowly climb to his feet.
Tao looked worried. "Sirra is pretty strong, isn't he?"
Mae shook her head. "Strong, but slow. He doesn't even have an decisive advantage in strength over Balbaroy.
Earnest nodded in agreement. "Include the fact that Balbaroy is quicker, more agile, and..."
Springing away from one particularly nasty blow, Balbaroy spread his wings, and took to the sky. Sirra looked confused, wondering how he could strike an enemy that was currently hovering 20 metres above him.
"...and that he can fly...well, this is going to be a short match."
Balbaroy held his sword in front of him, and dived toward Sirra. Sirra tried to block, but the force of Balbaroy's blow was too great, knocking his guard away, and striking a damaging blow to the knight's chest. Balbaroy rose into the sky again.
Mae sighed.. "Won't be long now."
Balbaroy executed his Sky Dive attack several more times. Each time, Sirra was struck a damaging blow. He was beginning to look tired, swaying on his feet, sword held unsteadily. Balbaroy swooped in one last time, and struck Sirra across the back of his knees, knocking him to the ground. As Sirra tried to rise, Balbaroy shoved him to the ground, and swung his sword, hitting Sirra in the back of the head hard with the flat of his blade. He repeated the blow twice more, then stepped away. Sirra laid motionless.
"Sirra is unable to continue. I pronounce Balbaroy the victor!" bellowed the announcer.
The crowd cheered. Tao, Luke, and the rest of them were clapping very hard, and hollering loudly. Arthur looked slightly disappointed, but clapped anyway.
Max watched as Lowe and Khris stepped out onto the ring, and began to summon the spirits of healing. Serena tapped him on the shoulder.
"Um, let's go."
Max started. "Right! My match!" Max quickly stood up.
"Good luck Peregrin!" said Tao.
"Thanks," said Max, smiling.
Arthur was making preparations to leave as well. "What about me, Tao?" He whined.
Tao rolled her eyes. "Good luck Arthur," she said, with a somewhat sarcastic tone.
Arthur took the comments at face value. "Thanks!" He headed away, followed by Luke, who was muttering, "Why do I have to help him anyway..."
Max started to follow him, until Serena put an hand on his shoulder, stopping him. "Uh, Peregrin, we're supposed to go to the other side of the ring."
"Oh yeah," said Max.
They worked their way over, where the guards directed him over to a changing room. It didn't take very long, as all Serena had to do was help Max into some light chain mail, as well as strapping on his sword to his back.
They exited, and made their way over to the East entrance. Serena helped Max through some light exercises, making sure Max was loose and warmed up.
"How do you feel?" Serena asked.
"I don't know," said Max. "You know that feeling you have when you've gone, well, about 10 drinks over your limit?"
"Yes?"
"I feel worse then that."
Serena gave Max a quick smile. "Well, good luck Peregrin. I know you can do it."
Max smiled. "Thanks."
One of the guards came up to Max. "Sir Peregrin, we're ready to go in two minutes."
Serena retreated a few steps, waved, gave Max a final, beautiful smile, then sprinted in the direction of the stands. Max watched her go, and suddenly felt a lot better. He followed the guard over to the entrance of the ring, and awaited his cue.
Max wasn't kidding when he said he felt nervous. The thing is, he didn't know why he felt nervous. Was it because he was scared of going into battle? Not a chance there. Max was a veteran of combat, a true warrior. He had fought countless amount of times, and had never felt how he did now. Then why did he feel so queasy? Max thought he knew why. In the past, he had fought for the sake of his friends, for the people who depended on him. It was for the sake of war, with a true enemy. Now, he was fighting, well, for glory. Not only that, he was going up against old friends as well. Max remembered how he had hesitated at attacking Mae. Could he now strike down Arthur in combat?
Actually, Max reasoned to himself dryly, recalling Arthur's smug expression, he probably could.
"Think about it this way," Max reasoned with himself. "If you don't give your opponent everything you have, then you show you have no respect for him. Besides, there's no danger here. Lowe and Khris are on hand. You can't deal any fatal blows. Just relax, and try your best. You lose nothing if you fail."
Max felt somewhat reassured by his own self-reasoning. All doubt had left him, only leaving a growing resolve.
"I present to you, the warrior known as Peregrin!" That was his cue.
Max stepped out. He was met with scattered applause, and even some laughter because of his outlandish clothing. The exceptions to this was the Shining Force members, and Serena, who all cheered him enthusiastically.
"Go, you gorgeous hunk you!" Tao called out, with a Cheshire cat grin on her face. Max blushed an particularly vivid shade of red.
"Was that really necessary," Mae asked.
"Hey, don't underestimate the power of a woman," said Tao, cheerfully.
"His opponent, I present to you, a distinguished member of the Shining Force, Arthur!" called out the announcer.
Arthur was met with a somewhat more animated greeting, especially from the young female humans and centurions. Max thought he also heard a faint snicker at the word "distinguished."
"Boo!" called out Domingo. Max looked around, and spied that crazy magical creature floating directly in front of the stands. Domingo continued to make catcalls and hurl insults toward Arthur.
Arthur and Max stood directly across from each other. They bowed, in respect. Or at least, Max did. Arthur's bow was more mocking than anything.
"Arthur, are you ready?" asked the announcer.
"Ready as can be," said Arthur. He took up a combat stance, lance pointed directly at Max's throat.
"Peregrin, ready?"
Max simply nodded. He took up an careful stance, legs spread wide apart, with weight evenly distributed, one hand leading in front, and held his sword parallel to the ground.
"Fight!"
Max began slow, short steps to his right, circling around Arthur. Arthur noticed this, and began shuffling over to the left, to match Max's motions.
"All right," Max thought. "I have one advantage in that I know how Arthur thinks, how he fights. How can I turn that to my advantage?"
Max began to smile inwardly. He knew exactly what Arthur's weakness was: arrogance. He knew how to take advantage of that too...
Suddenly, Max rushed forward, swinging his sword in a slow overhead arc. Arthur easily parried the blow, smiling jauntily. Max followed up with an slow horizontal swing, which Arthur easily dodged.
Max continued to strike out, and Arthur continued to parry and dodge nonchalantly, all with a cocky grin on his face. The crowd began to laugh, finding this amusing.
Max fell down to one knee, panting. "Come on," he thought.
Arthur took his cue. He began an startling counter-offensive, raining lightning quick blows. It appeared that Arthur was kicking the stuffing out of Max.
Up in the stands, Serena was puzzled. "I don't understand," she said hesitantly. "I know Peregrin is faster than this."
Mae was equally puzzled. "Arthur's not any faster than me. Peregrin should have been able to block those, no problem. And those attacks, so badly telegraphed! Unless..."
Arthur swung his lance around in an flashy circular strike, knocking Max flat to the ground. He took this time to turn to the crowd, and raise his arms in triumph.
Arthur's first mistake was to severely underestimate his opponent. Although a fell warrior in his own right, Arthur's weakness was that he didn't have the concentration to fully attune himself to battle. If he'd paid attention, he'd have noticed that his blows weren't quite landing as full on as he'd liked. He also would have noticed that even though his opponent gave the impression of being tired, he was in excellent physical condition. There was no way that someone in that kind of shape could be tired that quickly. However, Arthur didn't notice that, and let his guard down.
That was his second mistake.
Max rolled with the blow, and in an impressive show of agility, did an instant kick-up, landing on his feet. Arthur had already started turning back toward him, to finish him off. Max swung his sword, striking Arthur in the head with the flat of the blade.
Arthur reeled backwards. Max continued his offensive, landing three quick slashes into Arthur's abdomen. An visible bolt of lightning was seen each time he hit. Spinning in a full circle, he struck low, hitting Arthur directly in his front legs. The shock made Arthur's legs crumple. Max used his momentum to continue his spin, whirling in a full arc, and swinging his blade with all his might toward Arthur in a wicked, overhead strike.
The sound made from Max's sword striking Arthur's head was reminiscent of the sound heard when you hit a coconut. Arthur's eyes rolled into the back of his head, and he slouched over.
"The winner of this match is Peregrin!" the announcer said.
The crowd was silent for a moment, stunned. Then they began to cheer wildly, dumbstruck at this awesome display of skill. Max saw a few people tear up some tickets in disgust.
Max winced. While Max had managed to roll with most of Arthur's blows, a lot of them still managed to strike him almost full-on. Max had simply decided to persevere. Now, Max was beginning to feel the effects of those blows.
He caught sight of Serena, Mae, Earnest, and Tao hurrying toward him from one direction. Lowe and Khris were heading in from another.
"Great job," Serena beamed. Max blushed with pride.
"An fine use of strategy," Earnest commended.
"I knew you could do it," Tao said in a sultry voice. Max grinned weakly, and blushed a few more shades of scarlet.
Mae nodded. "Excellent match." She walked over to Arthur, who was groaning. "Hey, wake up you bum!" She kicked him.
"No mommy, I don't wanna go to school today..." Arthur groaned. He slumped back into unconsciousness.
Khris sighed. "Well, I'll have him up and running in no time." Khris began to chant, preparing her Cure spell.
"Lowe, you can cure Peregrin, can't you?" Serena asked, worried.
"Be done in a jiffy," Lowe said, grinning. He quickly began muttering nonsensical words under his breath. Max felt his bruises heal, and the few broken ribs he had mend back together again.
"Thanks Lowe!" Serena said gleefully. She thanked him by giving him a quick hug. Lowe turned as bright as Max's robes.
Khris had managed to rouse Arthur. He looked over toward Max, and grinned. "Anyone see which horse ran me over?"
Mae shook her head. "What have I told you about showboating?"
Arthur grinned. "Not to do it."
Max smiled. "Uh, sorry about that."
Arthur nodded graciously. "I should be the one apologizing to you. I treated you like a nobody, and paid the price." He shook his head. "Ouch."
Mae looked over. "We better clear off soon. They're getting ready to start Earnest's match."
Earnest's eyes widened. "Right, my match!" He galloped off.
"Anyway," said Arthur. "There's one thing you own me, Peregrin?"
"What's that?" Max said.
"Some drinks. Winner buys the loser a drink. It's a time-honoured tradition." Arthur said solemnly.
Max nodded gravely. "Who am I to defy such a ritual then?" Max looked around. "Anyone care to join us?"
Mae shook her head. "I'd love to, but I have a feeling getting uproariously drunk before my match tomorrow would be a bad thing. I'll ask Earnest though, I'm sure he'll be ready to knock back a few after his match. Assuming he's not unconscious."
Lowe smiled. "Uh, Khris and I both have duty remember? Never try to heal someone when drunk."
Max looked toward Serena. "Do you even have to ask?" she said, smirking.
Tao thought about it. "I want to see Earnest's match first. I'll catch up with you guys later, ok?"
"Fair enough," said Arthur. He looked toward Max. "Incidentally, you're my new rival and arch-enemy. I'd watch your step if I were you."
Max broke out into laughter at these words. Serena joined in soon after.
Arthur looked hurt. "Hey, I'm swearing revenge here! You should be scared..."
*****
Now, a word from your glorious, intelligent writer:
An unusually quick time for me to write a chapter this time around. I actually had most of this written a week ago, but I've been rewriting sections here and there. This chapter still feels kinda bland...who knows, I might restructure it again later, but I thought I might as well post it up now. Once again, all flames, praises, and links to cool hentai can be sent to strider_yoshi@yahoo.com. Review at fanfiction.net, or at my e-mail address please. Reader feedback keeps an author motivated...
Oh, BTW, to the reviewer who asked me to include Guntz, Adam, and the rest...I'll try, but it's going to be pretty hard. Musashi and Hanzo, Torasu and the rest are currently residing across the ocean. They'd be hard pressed to make it all the way across the sea...As for Adam, I'm not even sure what to do with him, never having used him in the game. If I was going to use him, I should have put him in the beginning, since that follows the SF I ending. But that would screw up a lot of stuff that I was planning, so I didn't...this fic is AU anyway. I could always come up with some crap reason I guess.
Max: How did you guys get here?
Rest: Uh...teleportation! Yeah, that's it...
And so on. No guarantees though, plus you know how hard it is to use EVERY SF member? This has the feeling of a very long rant, so I'll stop now.
Cheers!
