Chapter 15
It was the crack of dawn, and in the courtyard, Max trained, alone.
Max carefully brought his sword directly in front of his body, pointed toward the throat of an imaginary opponent. With a quick movement, he made an lightning quick thrust, darting forward. He made a second thrust, then sprang back, sword held in front protectively, parallel to the ground. Max parried an blow of an invisible opponent, blocked an overhead slash, then lashed out with an roundhouse kick. Max feinted low, lunged in a stab, and transformed his forward momentum into a dive forward. Without looking, he stabbed to the right. Max quickly whirled to his left, shoving aside an expected riposte, and whipped his right hand around in a wicked overhand slash. Max slowly stood upright, and sheathed his sword.
Max was interrupted by the sounds of the castle doors being violently shoved open. From those doors strode Serena, looking disheveled in appearance, looking peeved.
"Good morning," Max greeted.
Serena didn't bother with pleasantries. "Why didn't you wake me up?" she complained.
"I beg your pardon?" Max asked politely.
"You know what I'm talking about," Serena said, irritably. She crossed her arms, and tapped one foot on the ground in anger.
"We always train together at this time. You knew I was asleep. Yet you didn't wake me up. Why!"
"Oh," said Max simply. "Well, I did try."
"Huh?"
"How shall I explain this...you were totally smashed."
"I was not!" Serena said, angrily.
"You had eight beers last night," Max said, bluntly. "I had to carry you all the way back. It was pretty hard too, you're kinda heavy, you know that?"
"Hea...vy?" Serena said dangerously.
Max smirked. "You heard me." Max might have said more, but he was cut short as Serena rushed forward suddenly, swinging her sword furiously."
"Sluggish today, are we?" Max said lightly, as he parried her blows effortlessly. "Maybe all that liquor made you put on some extra weight."
"Shut...up," Serena said, panting. She began taking greater risks; striking with wild blows, and leaving herself open to retaliation. Max never counterattacked, and allowed Serena to continue pressing.
She swung her sword with all her strength, aiming to cleave Max in half. Max simply stepped to the side. Serena became overbalanced, and fell down, with a groan.
Max placed one foot on her back, lightly. "Do you yield?"
"Let...me...up!" Serena said, trying to rise.
Max pressed down with his foot. "Sorry. This duel isn't over until you surrender."
Serena finally stopped struggling, and went limp. "I yield."
"Excellent," said Max. He extended an hand toward Serena. Serena took it, and allowed Max to pull her up.
Max shook his head. "Anger is a double-edged sword. You can use it as a tool, but do not allow it to cloud your judgement. A few carefully placed barbs is all it took for you to lose your self-control."
Serena sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry."
"No problem," Max said easily. "Now, I recommend you go back inside and get some more sleep. From the looks of things, you're suffering from an fairly large hangover. "RIGHT?" he shouted suddenly.
Serena winced. "Not loud. Loud is not good," she complained.
Max grinned. "Sorry. Now go on, get some rest."
Serena hesitated. "Are you sure? Don't you need me to train with you?"
"What do you call what we did just now then?" Max said, chuckling. "No, go on. Shoo. In fact, I order it. It could...um...disrupt your training. Yeah."
Serena smiled. "I'll wake up in time for your match this morning." She left, wincing and clutching her head occasionally.
Max spent another hour whipping through some exercises, then decided to wrap up. He hadn't seen Mae at all the entire morning. Perhaps she was resting from her grueling match.
Max entered the castle, and went up to his room to get a quick change of clothes. Upon emerging, Max headed over to the dining room, to grab some breakfast.
He headed down, and looked around, searching for a friendly face.
"Hey, Peregrin, over here!"
Max looked in the direction the voice was coming from. A small object was speeding directly toward his head...
Max reacted quicker than thought, placing an hand up, and snatching the object out of midair. He looked at it; it was a muffin.
Max looked up. "Who threw that?" he said mildly. He took a bite out of it. It was banana flavoured. He knew a person who had a craving for banana muffins...
Giggles broke out from a pink-haired girl, dressed in hunter's garb. "Twas me."
Tao, chewing on a blueberry muffin, rolled her eyes. "Peregrin, let me introduce you to Diane, renowned flirt." Diane shot a cold look at Tao.
"Ah, but I am delighted, no, honoured, to make the acquaintance of such a beautiful lady," Max said smoothly. He plucked a flower from a vase on a nearby table. "I present this to you, milady, although it's loveliness pales in comparison to the delicate rose that blesses me with her presence." Diane took the flower, blushing.
Luke, chewing on an apple, raised his eyebrows. "You made Diane blush. That takes some doing. She's shameless."
Tao's eyes narrowed. "What happened to the shy and bashful act?"
Max grinned. "Why? You like that type?"
Tao smiled. "Yes. But I think like your type better," she said in a sultry voice.
Diane's eyes narrowed briefly. "Sir Peregrin, I am honoured to meet you. If there is anything," here she put a slight emphasis on the word anything," just let me know. I am fully at your service." Diane turned to Tao. "Beat that!" Tao pulled down one eyelid and stuck her tongue out.
Arthur, who looked mysteriously fine considering the beating he took two days ago (healing magic does wonders), whistled. "That's some good material, Peregrin."
An centurion with long black hair, who was currently digging through a dish of eggs, bacon, and a healthy helping of oats, laughed. "Quick, Arthur, take notes, take notes!"
Arthur smiled, and tapped his head. "Got it all right here."
The centurion scoffed. "As if that tiny little cerebrum could hold anything."
Tao smiled. "A point to Pelle."
Pelle smiled. "Indeed." He extended a hand toward Max. "Pelle, Mercenary, at your service."
Max shook it. "Peregrin, lazy bum, pleased to meet you."
Pelle smiled appreciatively. "Not bad. I hear you're up against Balbaroy today. What do you think of your chances?"
Max smiled weakly. "Not too well. Balbaroy has...one second," Max interrupted, as he spotted Serena entering the room. He picked up a muffin, and threw it her way. He landed a glancing blow on the forehead."
Serena rubbed crumbs off her forehead. "Why'd you do that for," she said angrily.
"Stay alert. Don't let your guard down. You'll live longer that way," Max chided. He turned back toward Pelle. "err, what was I saying again?"
"It doesn't matter," Arthur said. "If you can beat me, you can beat anyone!"
"Arthur, beating you doesn't prove anything," Luke said. "An old man on his deathbed could probably pound you solidly."
"I disagree," interjected Tao.
Arthur smiled hopefully.
"I think that Arthur would first try to put in a few feeble blows, and then be pounded into the dirt," Tao finished.
Arthur's face fell. Everyone laughed, at his expense.
Max glanced outside. The morning sun was rising. "Well, time for me to get moving."
Serena held up a hand. She was currently busy stuffing her face with toast. "Mmm...Mmm Mmm Mmmm...."
"Chew your food Serena," said Max dryly.
Pelle shook his head. "These kids."
Serena finally swallowed. "I said, one second, I'll come with you."
"Hang on, I'll come too," Pelle said. "I haven't got a chance to watch a match yet."
"I'm done too," chimed in Tao.
"Well, I guess we'll all go then," said Luke. "You done, Arthur?"
Arthur shrugged. Together, they all made their way down to the arena, laughing, and joking. Once there, saying his farewells, Max and Serena made their way to the small changing room set aside for combatants, while the Shining Force members headed toward the stands.
Max got ready quickly. He walked off toward the entrance to the arena. Serena quickly wished him good luck, then took off toward the stands.
Max realized he still had a few minutes. He sat on the ground, closed his eyes, and relaxed.
"Focus on nothing. Clear your mind of all thoughts." Varios had taught him this technique as a way to settle into an deadly calm. By keeping your mind clear, you focused on nothing but the Fight.
Calm.
Images of Lord Varios, who lay dying, and who he hadn't done anything to stop it, passed through his mind.
Calm.
Kain was fatally wounded, dying in his arms, dying through a final act of redemption. Another death he couldn't prevent.
Calm.
General Elliott lay dead at his feet. A noble warrior, trying to protect his country, stabbed with Max's own sword.
Calm.
"...Peregrin!"
That was Max's mental cue. His eyes snapped open. He leapt up to his feet, and strode into the arena, met by appreciative cheers.
"...and the fell warrior of the sky, Balbaroy!"
Max looked around. Balbaroy was nowhere in sight.
A large shadow passed over Max, strangely enough, since it was a cloudless day. That could only mean one thing...
Balbaroy came swooping down in a flourish, landing gracefully. He inclined his head toward Max.
"No matter the outcome, I still remain your friend," said Balbaroy.
Max smiled. "Likewise."
"Fighters, are you ready?" the announcer asked.
"I am ready," said Balbaroy, shifting into an combat stance.
"Let's roll," Max said. He crouched into an combat stance as well, sword held protectively.
"Fight!"
Max immediately charged Balbaroy. He knew he wasn't going to win by surprise this match. Sparks flew, as the fighters exchanged blows.
Max pushed forward, clinching his sword with Balbaroy's. Both gave their all as they tried to force the other back. Max was slowly winning. Max lashed out with a foot, knocking Balbaroy off his feet. Instead of taking the opportunity to strike, he backed off, allowing Balbaroy to regain his footing.
"This is no time to be a gentleman Peregrin!" shouted Serena, from the stands.
Max smiled inwardly. Normally, he would press every advantage he had, but he was a little winded from this exchange, and had just backed off to rest a bit.
Balbaroy climbed to his feet, slowly, cautious all the while. He charged toward Max, lunging. Blows flew quicker than the eye could see as the two were lost in the Fight.
Meanwhile, Pelle watched from the stands, surprised. "Peregrin is actually faster, and stronger. I heard he was good, but I didn't realize he was this good. He's Shining Force material."
Luke nodded. "Of course, Balbaroy's advantage has never been strength or speed. It's always been..."
Balbaroy sprang back, and unfurled his wings. With a powerful thrust of his wings, he leapt into the sky.
Luke stroked his jaw, thoughtfully. "Now, this should be interesting. Peregrin's speed is useless when he can't actually hit his opponent. What's he going to do now?"
Serena scowled. "He'll figure something out, just you watch. I bet he has a plan right now."
Max hadn't a clue of what to do. He watched Balbaroy swoop down toward him, from high up in the sky, and futilely tried to put up his sword to block. No good; With the speed Balbaroy was going at, he simply knocked Max straight down. It felt like Max was being trampled on by a rampaging Golem.
Max picked himself up slowly. Balbaroy was coming around for another pass. Max got to his feet, and desperately dodged, throwing himself into a dive to the side. Balbaroy rose back into the sky again.
"Damn," Max thought. "I can't keep this up indefinitely. But what can I do against someone who flies?"
Balbaroy made a third pass. Max threw himself into a dive again, but Balbaroy had anticipated this, and had turned with his roll. He solidly smashed Max into the base of the stands. Max shook his head, dazed.
Curiously enough, it was this hard blow to the head that gave Max an desperate idea to put into effect. It was risky, and there was every chance it would fail, but he had nothing to lose at this rate.
Balbaroy swooped high in the sky. He was coming around for a final pass, intending to finish this.
"Now or never," Max thought. "Man, if this doesn't work, I'm going to look like such an ass."
As Balbaroy dived toward him, Max simply stood still. Even as Balbaroy came closer, Max showed no attempts at evasion, or defense. People began to scream as Balbaroy hurtled faster than the eye can see. Balbaroy savagely swung his sword in a motion designed to cut Max in half at the waist.
Max dropped flat to the ground. At the same time, he placed his hands behind his head, and rocked his legs back, and kicked up like a frog, into a backwards somersault. His two feet solidly struck Balbaroy in the chest, spinning him. Limbs and wings flailing, Balbaroy went hurtling directly into the base of the stands.
*Crunch*
Max raced over toward Balbaroy's crash site. Amazingly, Balbaroy was still conscious, though dazed, and wobbly. Max placed one foot on Balbaroy's back, preventing his attempts to rise. Holding his sword in a two handed grip, he stabbed down, in between Balbaroy's shoulder blades. A blinding bolt of lightning appeared, sending Balbaroy into convulsions. Max stabbed down twice more, then climbed off of Balbaroy. The winged warrior was still.
"I declare Peregrin the winner!" said the announcer. The crowd erupted.
Max paid no attention. He was immediately bent over Balbaroy, checking him over for injuries.
"Hey, Balbaroy, say something" Max urged.
Balbaroy finally stirred. "No Amon, I do not wish to go to the market today...please..." he mumbled.
Max smiled, relieved. He was suddenly aware of someone grasping his elbow. He turned. Serena was there, beaming at him.
"Great job, Peregrin!" she said, excited. "Nice move back there, that was really something..."
Someone else took a firm grasp of his other elbow. "If you'll excuse me, miss." Max heard the sounds of chanting. Max's mind grew clearer as his dizziness faded.
Serena smiled at the caster of the healing spell, an middle-aged man, bald, and who appeared to be dressed in clothing suitable for an monk. "Thank you," she said gratefully. "And you are...?"
"Gong?" said Pelle. "Why are you here?" Pelle, Tao, and the rest had wandered over from the stands, concerned about Balbaroy's condition.
The healer monk shrugged his shoulders. "Lowe is currently resting in his room, suffering from the king of all hangovers. I volunteered to replace him for today."
Tao shook her head. "Lowe never could hold his liquor."
"Is Lowe OK?" Serena asked, concerned.
"Ah, he'll be fine," said Tao. "This is normal for him, really,."
Diane, meanwhile, was fawning all over Max. "Oh, are you alright, Peregrin? I was so worried!" she said.
Max stretched his muscles experimentally. "Better than new, I should say. Gong did a bang-up job fixing me up." Max nodded gratefully to Gong, who nodded back.
"Hmm...you're really strong, and tough," Diane said, running an hand over Max's biceps. "I wonder how else you could apply those muscles of yours..."
"Diane, not now," Tao said, amused.
Diane glared at Tao. "Why? Just when I had him within my grasp too..."
Tao pointed. Diane turned around, then froze. Queen Anri was standing directly behind her, an amused expression on her face.
"Oh, uh...hi!" said Diane.
"It's alright," said Anri, smiling faintly. "It's not like I'm some sheltered princess or something."
"Hey, where were you anyway? I didn't see you at all," asked Luke.
Anri shrugged. "I had an boring committee meeting to attend, and managed to get here fast enough to catch the end of the match." She looked toward Balbaroy, who was currently being attended to by Khris. "Will Balbaroy be alright?"
"He'll be sore for a while, but it looks like there's no permanent damage,She ran one final check, then nodded. "We better get him up to his room. Hmm, he's kinda heavy..."
"One sec," said Pelle. "Arthur and I will help."
"I will?" Arthur said. Pelle glared at him. "I mean, oh yeah, of course!" Together, the three of them began lugging Balbaroy toward the castle.
Anri directed her gaze toward Max. "Peregrin, congratulations on your victory today."
"Thank you," Max said automatically. Anri gave him a quick smile, then strode off toward the castle.
Tao shook her head. "Always busy, that one. She needs to take some time off."
"She's overworking herself," Luke agreed.
Max shook his head. "Has Anri been like this ever since she became queen?"
"That, and worse," Tao shook her head. "She's been like this ever since Max died."
Max felt somewhat uncomfortable. Was he the reason why Anri was working herself to death? He suddenly stumbled.
"Oh, you poor dear," said Tao. "We'd better get you to a soft bed, and maybe, a full-body massage. I'd be happy to provide it." She linked her arm around Max's.
"What do I think of that idea..." Diane said, thinking. "The term, snowball's chance in hell comes to mind." Diane took a hold of Max's other arm. "Don't worry Peregrin, I'll take care of you..." she crooned.
"No, it's ok," Tao said. She tugged on Max's arm. "Don't trouble yourself.
"It's perfectly alright," said Diane. A strange gleam had come into her eyes. She tugged on Max's arm, pulling him back towards her.
Diane and Tao continued their tug-of-war, their conversation growing less civilized by the second. Khris and Luke looked on, amused. Serena seemed to be angry for some reason.
"Lucky guy," Luke said, shaking his head.
Max groaned. "If this was luck, Luke can have it, and my sword too!" he thought.
A note from your preposterously intelligent author:
One long weekend plus bored author equals new chapter. I was originally planning to make this a fairly short chapter, but instead, it kept on getting bigger, sort of like when you just keep on fitting legos together. Remember to review; also, if you review, please heap on copious amounts of praise, thus increasing my ego to roughly the size of Mexico. Reviews encourage me to write...or something.
Anyway, question. Why the hell aren't any of you other SF fic writers updating! The only author I've seen update in the last while is SilverKnight (For which I am extremely grateful. Now write more, more!) Of course, if you guys start writing again, people will realize that my fic actually sucks. (yes, this is my first fic =D)So uh...don't update...yeah. =)
Again, all feedback can be sent to the usual e-mail address. I'm too lazy to type it out, so I won't. If you want to e-mail me so badly (yeah right), you can find it on one of my earlier chapters. I'm going to be really busy soon, starting with midterm exams, a FAQ I want to write, and possibly a new Seiken Densetsu fic. I'll try to keep to crank these chapters out though.
Cheers!
It was the crack of dawn, and in the courtyard, Max trained, alone.
Max carefully brought his sword directly in front of his body, pointed toward the throat of an imaginary opponent. With a quick movement, he made an lightning quick thrust, darting forward. He made a second thrust, then sprang back, sword held in front protectively, parallel to the ground. Max parried an blow of an invisible opponent, blocked an overhead slash, then lashed out with an roundhouse kick. Max feinted low, lunged in a stab, and transformed his forward momentum into a dive forward. Without looking, he stabbed to the right. Max quickly whirled to his left, shoving aside an expected riposte, and whipped his right hand around in a wicked overhand slash. Max slowly stood upright, and sheathed his sword.
Max was interrupted by the sounds of the castle doors being violently shoved open. From those doors strode Serena, looking disheveled in appearance, looking peeved.
"Good morning," Max greeted.
Serena didn't bother with pleasantries. "Why didn't you wake me up?" she complained.
"I beg your pardon?" Max asked politely.
"You know what I'm talking about," Serena said, irritably. She crossed her arms, and tapped one foot on the ground in anger.
"We always train together at this time. You knew I was asleep. Yet you didn't wake me up. Why!"
"Oh," said Max simply. "Well, I did try."
"Huh?"
"How shall I explain this...you were totally smashed."
"I was not!" Serena said, angrily.
"You had eight beers last night," Max said, bluntly. "I had to carry you all the way back. It was pretty hard too, you're kinda heavy, you know that?"
"Hea...vy?" Serena said dangerously.
Max smirked. "You heard me." Max might have said more, but he was cut short as Serena rushed forward suddenly, swinging her sword furiously."
"Sluggish today, are we?" Max said lightly, as he parried her blows effortlessly. "Maybe all that liquor made you put on some extra weight."
"Shut...up," Serena said, panting. She began taking greater risks; striking with wild blows, and leaving herself open to retaliation. Max never counterattacked, and allowed Serena to continue pressing.
She swung her sword with all her strength, aiming to cleave Max in half. Max simply stepped to the side. Serena became overbalanced, and fell down, with a groan.
Max placed one foot on her back, lightly. "Do you yield?"
"Let...me...up!" Serena said, trying to rise.
Max pressed down with his foot. "Sorry. This duel isn't over until you surrender."
Serena finally stopped struggling, and went limp. "I yield."
"Excellent," said Max. He extended an hand toward Serena. Serena took it, and allowed Max to pull her up.
Max shook his head. "Anger is a double-edged sword. You can use it as a tool, but do not allow it to cloud your judgement. A few carefully placed barbs is all it took for you to lose your self-control."
Serena sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry."
"No problem," Max said easily. "Now, I recommend you go back inside and get some more sleep. From the looks of things, you're suffering from an fairly large hangover. "RIGHT?" he shouted suddenly.
Serena winced. "Not loud. Loud is not good," she complained.
Max grinned. "Sorry. Now go on, get some rest."
Serena hesitated. "Are you sure? Don't you need me to train with you?"
"What do you call what we did just now then?" Max said, chuckling. "No, go on. Shoo. In fact, I order it. It could...um...disrupt your training. Yeah."
Serena smiled. "I'll wake up in time for your match this morning." She left, wincing and clutching her head occasionally.
Max spent another hour whipping through some exercises, then decided to wrap up. He hadn't seen Mae at all the entire morning. Perhaps she was resting from her grueling match.
Max entered the castle, and went up to his room to get a quick change of clothes. Upon emerging, Max headed over to the dining room, to grab some breakfast.
He headed down, and looked around, searching for a friendly face.
"Hey, Peregrin, over here!"
Max looked in the direction the voice was coming from. A small object was speeding directly toward his head...
Max reacted quicker than thought, placing an hand up, and snatching the object out of midair. He looked at it; it was a muffin.
Max looked up. "Who threw that?" he said mildly. He took a bite out of it. It was banana flavoured. He knew a person who had a craving for banana muffins...
Giggles broke out from a pink-haired girl, dressed in hunter's garb. "Twas me."
Tao, chewing on a blueberry muffin, rolled her eyes. "Peregrin, let me introduce you to Diane, renowned flirt." Diane shot a cold look at Tao.
"Ah, but I am delighted, no, honoured, to make the acquaintance of such a beautiful lady," Max said smoothly. He plucked a flower from a vase on a nearby table. "I present this to you, milady, although it's loveliness pales in comparison to the delicate rose that blesses me with her presence." Diane took the flower, blushing.
Luke, chewing on an apple, raised his eyebrows. "You made Diane blush. That takes some doing. She's shameless."
Tao's eyes narrowed. "What happened to the shy and bashful act?"
Max grinned. "Why? You like that type?"
Tao smiled. "Yes. But I think like your type better," she said in a sultry voice.
Diane's eyes narrowed briefly. "Sir Peregrin, I am honoured to meet you. If there is anything," here she put a slight emphasis on the word anything," just let me know. I am fully at your service." Diane turned to Tao. "Beat that!" Tao pulled down one eyelid and stuck her tongue out.
Arthur, who looked mysteriously fine considering the beating he took two days ago (healing magic does wonders), whistled. "That's some good material, Peregrin."
An centurion with long black hair, who was currently digging through a dish of eggs, bacon, and a healthy helping of oats, laughed. "Quick, Arthur, take notes, take notes!"
Arthur smiled, and tapped his head. "Got it all right here."
The centurion scoffed. "As if that tiny little cerebrum could hold anything."
Tao smiled. "A point to Pelle."
Pelle smiled. "Indeed." He extended a hand toward Max. "Pelle, Mercenary, at your service."
Max shook it. "Peregrin, lazy bum, pleased to meet you."
Pelle smiled appreciatively. "Not bad. I hear you're up against Balbaroy today. What do you think of your chances?"
Max smiled weakly. "Not too well. Balbaroy has...one second," Max interrupted, as he spotted Serena entering the room. He picked up a muffin, and threw it her way. He landed a glancing blow on the forehead."
Serena rubbed crumbs off her forehead. "Why'd you do that for," she said angrily.
"Stay alert. Don't let your guard down. You'll live longer that way," Max chided. He turned back toward Pelle. "err, what was I saying again?"
"It doesn't matter," Arthur said. "If you can beat me, you can beat anyone!"
"Arthur, beating you doesn't prove anything," Luke said. "An old man on his deathbed could probably pound you solidly."
"I disagree," interjected Tao.
Arthur smiled hopefully.
"I think that Arthur would first try to put in a few feeble blows, and then be pounded into the dirt," Tao finished.
Arthur's face fell. Everyone laughed, at his expense.
Max glanced outside. The morning sun was rising. "Well, time for me to get moving."
Serena held up a hand. She was currently busy stuffing her face with toast. "Mmm...Mmm Mmm Mmmm...."
"Chew your food Serena," said Max dryly.
Pelle shook his head. "These kids."
Serena finally swallowed. "I said, one second, I'll come with you."
"Hang on, I'll come too," Pelle said. "I haven't got a chance to watch a match yet."
"I'm done too," chimed in Tao.
"Well, I guess we'll all go then," said Luke. "You done, Arthur?"
Arthur shrugged. Together, they all made their way down to the arena, laughing, and joking. Once there, saying his farewells, Max and Serena made their way to the small changing room set aside for combatants, while the Shining Force members headed toward the stands.
Max got ready quickly. He walked off toward the entrance to the arena. Serena quickly wished him good luck, then took off toward the stands.
Max realized he still had a few minutes. He sat on the ground, closed his eyes, and relaxed.
"Focus on nothing. Clear your mind of all thoughts." Varios had taught him this technique as a way to settle into an deadly calm. By keeping your mind clear, you focused on nothing but the Fight.
Calm.
Images of Lord Varios, who lay dying, and who he hadn't done anything to stop it, passed through his mind.
Calm.
Kain was fatally wounded, dying in his arms, dying through a final act of redemption. Another death he couldn't prevent.
Calm.
General Elliott lay dead at his feet. A noble warrior, trying to protect his country, stabbed with Max's own sword.
Calm.
"...Peregrin!"
That was Max's mental cue. His eyes snapped open. He leapt up to his feet, and strode into the arena, met by appreciative cheers.
"...and the fell warrior of the sky, Balbaroy!"
Max looked around. Balbaroy was nowhere in sight.
A large shadow passed over Max, strangely enough, since it was a cloudless day. That could only mean one thing...
Balbaroy came swooping down in a flourish, landing gracefully. He inclined his head toward Max.
"No matter the outcome, I still remain your friend," said Balbaroy.
Max smiled. "Likewise."
"Fighters, are you ready?" the announcer asked.
"I am ready," said Balbaroy, shifting into an combat stance.
"Let's roll," Max said. He crouched into an combat stance as well, sword held protectively.
"Fight!"
Max immediately charged Balbaroy. He knew he wasn't going to win by surprise this match. Sparks flew, as the fighters exchanged blows.
Max pushed forward, clinching his sword with Balbaroy's. Both gave their all as they tried to force the other back. Max was slowly winning. Max lashed out with a foot, knocking Balbaroy off his feet. Instead of taking the opportunity to strike, he backed off, allowing Balbaroy to regain his footing.
"This is no time to be a gentleman Peregrin!" shouted Serena, from the stands.
Max smiled inwardly. Normally, he would press every advantage he had, but he was a little winded from this exchange, and had just backed off to rest a bit.
Balbaroy climbed to his feet, slowly, cautious all the while. He charged toward Max, lunging. Blows flew quicker than the eye could see as the two were lost in the Fight.
Meanwhile, Pelle watched from the stands, surprised. "Peregrin is actually faster, and stronger. I heard he was good, but I didn't realize he was this good. He's Shining Force material."
Luke nodded. "Of course, Balbaroy's advantage has never been strength or speed. It's always been..."
Balbaroy sprang back, and unfurled his wings. With a powerful thrust of his wings, he leapt into the sky.
Luke stroked his jaw, thoughtfully. "Now, this should be interesting. Peregrin's speed is useless when he can't actually hit his opponent. What's he going to do now?"
Serena scowled. "He'll figure something out, just you watch. I bet he has a plan right now."
Max hadn't a clue of what to do. He watched Balbaroy swoop down toward him, from high up in the sky, and futilely tried to put up his sword to block. No good; With the speed Balbaroy was going at, he simply knocked Max straight down. It felt like Max was being trampled on by a rampaging Golem.
Max picked himself up slowly. Balbaroy was coming around for another pass. Max got to his feet, and desperately dodged, throwing himself into a dive to the side. Balbaroy rose back into the sky again.
"Damn," Max thought. "I can't keep this up indefinitely. But what can I do against someone who flies?"
Balbaroy made a third pass. Max threw himself into a dive again, but Balbaroy had anticipated this, and had turned with his roll. He solidly smashed Max into the base of the stands. Max shook his head, dazed.
Curiously enough, it was this hard blow to the head that gave Max an desperate idea to put into effect. It was risky, and there was every chance it would fail, but he had nothing to lose at this rate.
Balbaroy swooped high in the sky. He was coming around for a final pass, intending to finish this.
"Now or never," Max thought. "Man, if this doesn't work, I'm going to look like such an ass."
As Balbaroy dived toward him, Max simply stood still. Even as Balbaroy came closer, Max showed no attempts at evasion, or defense. People began to scream as Balbaroy hurtled faster than the eye can see. Balbaroy savagely swung his sword in a motion designed to cut Max in half at the waist.
Max dropped flat to the ground. At the same time, he placed his hands behind his head, and rocked his legs back, and kicked up like a frog, into a backwards somersault. His two feet solidly struck Balbaroy in the chest, spinning him. Limbs and wings flailing, Balbaroy went hurtling directly into the base of the stands.
*Crunch*
Max raced over toward Balbaroy's crash site. Amazingly, Balbaroy was still conscious, though dazed, and wobbly. Max placed one foot on Balbaroy's back, preventing his attempts to rise. Holding his sword in a two handed grip, he stabbed down, in between Balbaroy's shoulder blades. A blinding bolt of lightning appeared, sending Balbaroy into convulsions. Max stabbed down twice more, then climbed off of Balbaroy. The winged warrior was still.
"I declare Peregrin the winner!" said the announcer. The crowd erupted.
Max paid no attention. He was immediately bent over Balbaroy, checking him over for injuries.
"Hey, Balbaroy, say something" Max urged.
Balbaroy finally stirred. "No Amon, I do not wish to go to the market today...please..." he mumbled.
Max smiled, relieved. He was suddenly aware of someone grasping his elbow. He turned. Serena was there, beaming at him.
"Great job, Peregrin!" she said, excited. "Nice move back there, that was really something..."
Someone else took a firm grasp of his other elbow. "If you'll excuse me, miss." Max heard the sounds of chanting. Max's mind grew clearer as his dizziness faded.
Serena smiled at the caster of the healing spell, an middle-aged man, bald, and who appeared to be dressed in clothing suitable for an monk. "Thank you," she said gratefully. "And you are...?"
"Gong?" said Pelle. "Why are you here?" Pelle, Tao, and the rest had wandered over from the stands, concerned about Balbaroy's condition.
The healer monk shrugged his shoulders. "Lowe is currently resting in his room, suffering from the king of all hangovers. I volunteered to replace him for today."
Tao shook her head. "Lowe never could hold his liquor."
"Is Lowe OK?" Serena asked, concerned.
"Ah, he'll be fine," said Tao. "This is normal for him, really,."
Diane, meanwhile, was fawning all over Max. "Oh, are you alright, Peregrin? I was so worried!" she said.
Max stretched his muscles experimentally. "Better than new, I should say. Gong did a bang-up job fixing me up." Max nodded gratefully to Gong, who nodded back.
"Hmm...you're really strong, and tough," Diane said, running an hand over Max's biceps. "I wonder how else you could apply those muscles of yours..."
"Diane, not now," Tao said, amused.
Diane glared at Tao. "Why? Just when I had him within my grasp too..."
Tao pointed. Diane turned around, then froze. Queen Anri was standing directly behind her, an amused expression on her face.
"Oh, uh...hi!" said Diane.
"It's alright," said Anri, smiling faintly. "It's not like I'm some sheltered princess or something."
"Hey, where were you anyway? I didn't see you at all," asked Luke.
Anri shrugged. "I had an boring committee meeting to attend, and managed to get here fast enough to catch the end of the match." She looked toward Balbaroy, who was currently being attended to by Khris. "Will Balbaroy be alright?"
"He'll be sore for a while, but it looks like there's no permanent damage,She ran one final check, then nodded. "We better get him up to his room. Hmm, he's kinda heavy..."
"One sec," said Pelle. "Arthur and I will help."
"I will?" Arthur said. Pelle glared at him. "I mean, oh yeah, of course!" Together, the three of them began lugging Balbaroy toward the castle.
Anri directed her gaze toward Max. "Peregrin, congratulations on your victory today."
"Thank you," Max said automatically. Anri gave him a quick smile, then strode off toward the castle.
Tao shook her head. "Always busy, that one. She needs to take some time off."
"She's overworking herself," Luke agreed.
Max shook his head. "Has Anri been like this ever since she became queen?"
"That, and worse," Tao shook her head. "She's been like this ever since Max died."
Max felt somewhat uncomfortable. Was he the reason why Anri was working herself to death? He suddenly stumbled.
"Oh, you poor dear," said Tao. "We'd better get you to a soft bed, and maybe, a full-body massage. I'd be happy to provide it." She linked her arm around Max's.
"What do I think of that idea..." Diane said, thinking. "The term, snowball's chance in hell comes to mind." Diane took a hold of Max's other arm. "Don't worry Peregrin, I'll take care of you..." she crooned.
"No, it's ok," Tao said. She tugged on Max's arm. "Don't trouble yourself.
"It's perfectly alright," said Diane. A strange gleam had come into her eyes. She tugged on Max's arm, pulling him back towards her.
Diane and Tao continued their tug-of-war, their conversation growing less civilized by the second. Khris and Luke looked on, amused. Serena seemed to be angry for some reason.
"Lucky guy," Luke said, shaking his head.
Max groaned. "If this was luck, Luke can have it, and my sword too!" he thought.
A note from your preposterously intelligent author:
One long weekend plus bored author equals new chapter. I was originally planning to make this a fairly short chapter, but instead, it kept on getting bigger, sort of like when you just keep on fitting legos together. Remember to review; also, if you review, please heap on copious amounts of praise, thus increasing my ego to roughly the size of Mexico. Reviews encourage me to write...or something.
Anyway, question. Why the hell aren't any of you other SF fic writers updating! The only author I've seen update in the last while is SilverKnight (For which I am extremely grateful. Now write more, more!) Of course, if you guys start writing again, people will realize that my fic actually sucks. (yes, this is my first fic =D)So uh...don't update...yeah. =)
Again, all feedback can be sent to the usual e-mail address. I'm too lazy to type it out, so I won't. If you want to e-mail me so badly (yeah right), you can find it on one of my earlier chapters. I'm going to be really busy soon, starting with midterm exams, a FAQ I want to write, and possibly a new Seiken Densetsu fic. I'll try to keep to crank these chapters out though.
Cheers!
