Frato was now thirteen, a teenager. He was currently in a morning rush
along with Fratley to get ready. However, this time they weren't getting
ready for a regular lesson at the academy. Today was the day they would
take the practical exam of the academy. They had already taken and passed a
written examination at the academy (which Frato only passed by the skin of
his teeth). If they passed the practical exam they would be qualified to
join the army of Burmecia, they could fight for their country.
Frato was currently putting on his fighting outfit. It consisted of a light blue mythril shirt which was strong and supposed to be difficult to pierce. With this, was a pair of dark blue trousers made of a similar material with pockets made for carrying potions and other battle items. After Frato had put on his clothes he picked up his lance and made his way downstairs.
Fratley was rushing his way through his breakfast in an attempt to leave to get to the academy on time. He managed to spill some of his muesli onto his baggy brown trousers, which had pockets like Frato's trousers. This was combined with a black vest and a yellow top.
Frato sat down and started eating his muesli at a similar pace to Fratley. After a manic scramble the two finally managed to get themselves ready. April was checking to see if they were ready and then followed them to the door.
"Goodbye you two. Take care!" April called as she waved her sons goodbye. They waved back as they walked down the street towards the academy. She then sighed to herself as they began to walk out of view. "They grow up so fast."
The rain in Burmecia was moderate as Fratley and Frato trudged towards the academy down the wet, cobbled street. Frato was smiling as he marched down the street with his brother. He was quick to spark off a conversation.
"I wonder what we're going to be asked to do for our test." Frato pondered aloud, still looking happy. He was savouring the prospect that he would end up in a battle.
"I don't know. We're probably going to be sent outside Burmecia to fight some kind of monster." Fratley answered. "Or we might have to defeat an existing Dragon Knight."
"If we are going to fight a monster, I want to go against one that'll put up a good fight." Frato stated. He started swinging his lance at an invisible opponent. "I need some exercise."
Fratley just gave a slight smile which broke his determined look and kept walking towards the academy. After a few seconds Frato started speaking again.
"Just think Fratley, we'll be warriors! We'll be able to fight to protect our kingdom in the army, just like our father!" Frato seemed excited about the idea.
"We will if we pass the test." Fratley added.
"If we pass the test?" Frato said trying to silence a laugh. "You mean you have doubts about succeeding? What could they possibly ask us to do that would be out of our talents?"
"Well, they could send us to fight a Grand Dragon above the Grotto." Fratley replied, smiling again.
Frato laughed lightly. "Like that will ever happen. Seriously though, what could prove a problem to us?"
"Your lack of concentration and the fact you are not being serious." Fratley answered, frowning slightly.
"When I am in battle, I pay attention to nothing else but the fight." Frato boasted. "Just because I am being confident doesn't mean I am not being serious. You however, seem far too tense."
"I'm mentally preparing myself." Fratley retorted. "I am not tense; I know I can pass this test just as much as you do."
"Doesn't seem like it to me Fratley." Frato said honestly.
Fratley paid no attention to Frato's comment and just kept walking towards the academy. Frato didn't bother Fratley with any further conversation. There didn't seem to be much to say, and what there was Fratley wouldn't pay much attention to it.
After a couple of minutes walking the two teenagers were stood a few yards away from the entrance to the academy, which seemed even more daunting than usual. As they walked towards the doorway they could see Freya making her way to the entrance. She seemed focused but to a lesser extent than Fratley.
Frato couldn't resist the urge to call out "Hey Freya! Ready to fail!?" He managed to shout enough for her to hear and a few other students, but she chose to ignore Frato rather than respond. She knew Frato only enjoyed it when he found that it annoyed or aggravated her.
Fratley however, didn't choose to ignore it and tilted his head slightly to talk to Frato without anyone else hearing. "She's got just a much of a chance to pass this exam as you do, if not more." He said sternly with a frown on his face.
"Thanks Fratley, that has really boosted my confidence." Frato replied with extreme sarcasm. Frato did know Fratley was right, but he wouldn't accept it and he certainly wouldn't admit it.
Without any hesitation the two brothers walked into the academy. They made their way to their usual classroom, where their classmates had gathered some of which looking very anxious as to what the test would be and some feeling extremely nervous.
After a few minutes, which seemed like hours to some of the students, Ivan appeared. He had a slight smile of confidence on his face.
"Now is the time when we see if all your training has paid off. Today is the day of your practical examination; if you pass you will qualify to join the ranks of the Burmecian army." Ivan stated, sounding rather enthusiastic. "For the practical exam, you are to travel to a cave to the west of Burmecia not far into the mountains. There are Ironites which inhabit this cave as well as other monsters. You are to kill an Ironite and bring back some of its horns as proof of your victory. There will be Dragon Knights stationed in and around the mountain for the test, so should you fail you will be taken out of the mountain safely."
The security of the Dragon Knights seemed to put the class slightly at ease, but it didn't stop them from still being nervous.
"I shall lead you towards the cave entrance, but from there on you will be on your own." Ivan continued. He then stood up and motioned for the class to rise. Without another word, the class filed out of the classroom and out towards the entrance of the academy. Ivan left the room when the class had left and then began marching towards the western side of Burmecia.
Frato, Freya and Fratley were all walking next to each other in the pouring rain as they headed towards the cave. Frato had Freya had positioned themselves so they were as far away from each other as they could be and still talk to Fratley, who was stood between them.
"So we have an Ironite then, this should be fun." Frato muttered.
"Ironites can be quite tough. They have tough, resistant skin and can cast thunder spells." Fratley commented.
"They're not as tough as me." Frato boasted. "They might be a problem for Freya though."
"You wish." Freya leered at Frato.
"Leave her alone Frato." Fratley said.
Frato glanced at Fratley for a moment but didn't say anything. The three of them walked in silence for a few moments.
The rest of the class were muttering amongst themselves about the upcoming battle. The conversations they were having seemed to calm them down a little.
It wasn't too long before the class had reached the outskirts of the town and the western gate. The western gate was a tall iron gate which was guarded by two Burmecian guards.
Ivan stopped at the gate as did everyone else. The two guards nodded at the group before proceeding to open the gate. Without a word or a moment's hesitation the class marched through the open gates and into the mountain side.
The mountains were extremely tall and were quite steep. There was white snow lying on top of the high peaks with rain falling on the sides of the mountain. The rock was grey, covered in similar covered gravel which had been eroded by the rain.
Luckily the class were not journeying far into the mountains. It wasn't long after they started ascending the peak before they could see a large cave in the mountainside with a large group of Burmecian Dragon Knights stood in front of it.
The group stopped before the Dragon Knights and the mouth of the cave. The cave had a triangular opening and was very deep. You could not see the back of it. It was surprisingly quite light, the sun was reflecting into the mouth from outside the clouds of the Burmecian rain. Drops of water could be seen falling from the mouth as a result of the rain, it was a damp cave and not very pleasant.
"Greetings." One of the Dragon Knights stepped forth. "I am Sir Lion-heart Fratley and I will be leading the Dragon Knights during your examination. My job is to make sure none of you get killed. You are in safe hands with us." Lion-heart brushed some of brown hair under his helmet before continuing. "You will have to give us a few moments as we place lamps in the area of the cave you are allowed in. If there is no light where you are, turn back. I wish you all good luck in your examination."
Ivan then stepped forward towards Lion-heart and faced the group. "You will each be given a whistle. If you are in danger and you need help blow it. A Dragon Knight will come to help you." Ivan said aloud. Lion-heart nodded during the last sentence. "Today is the day where you must prove yourselves. Make me proud." Ivan smiled and then stepped aside to a small basket of whistles which he handed out to the students.
A Dragon Knight came out of the cave and gave a thumb up to Lion-heart. As Lion-heart had been explaining to the group the Dragon Knights had moved to inside the cave and had taken their positions. Lion-heart smiled and turned to the group.
"Okay, we are ready. Let the examination commence!" Lion-heart announced to the class.
---
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy IX belongs to Square Enix. Frato and a few other original characters belong to me...sort of.
Author's Notes: If I'm not careful I could end up like CuteMooglez in terms of updating. Hopefully I might speed up, although I have exams coming up soon.
White Silver Dragoon: Nice to see you are enjoying it. Keep reading!
CuteMooglez: No, this chapter has nothing to do with story, I could have easily left it out completely. In fact, the main story doesn't begin until after the game! I just want to do a short back-story to Frato, Fratley and Freya before the story begins. This sort of explains why this chapter is screwed up slightly. Frato is capable of defending himself, so it isn't a complete wrong in terms of criminal ethics.
Breeze of Summoners: I'm rushing, that's it why I did the stupid statements at the end. I want to get onto the main story quickly. What is wrong with my fight scenes?
Solitary Confinement: You reviewed! Good to see you are enjoying it. I may need to proof read earlier chapters but I am far too lazy to do something like that. You join Breeze in your leap onto the description. I'm working on it! OKAY?
Frato was currently putting on his fighting outfit. It consisted of a light blue mythril shirt which was strong and supposed to be difficult to pierce. With this, was a pair of dark blue trousers made of a similar material with pockets made for carrying potions and other battle items. After Frato had put on his clothes he picked up his lance and made his way downstairs.
Fratley was rushing his way through his breakfast in an attempt to leave to get to the academy on time. He managed to spill some of his muesli onto his baggy brown trousers, which had pockets like Frato's trousers. This was combined with a black vest and a yellow top.
Frato sat down and started eating his muesli at a similar pace to Fratley. After a manic scramble the two finally managed to get themselves ready. April was checking to see if they were ready and then followed them to the door.
"Goodbye you two. Take care!" April called as she waved her sons goodbye. They waved back as they walked down the street towards the academy. She then sighed to herself as they began to walk out of view. "They grow up so fast."
The rain in Burmecia was moderate as Fratley and Frato trudged towards the academy down the wet, cobbled street. Frato was smiling as he marched down the street with his brother. He was quick to spark off a conversation.
"I wonder what we're going to be asked to do for our test." Frato pondered aloud, still looking happy. He was savouring the prospect that he would end up in a battle.
"I don't know. We're probably going to be sent outside Burmecia to fight some kind of monster." Fratley answered. "Or we might have to defeat an existing Dragon Knight."
"If we are going to fight a monster, I want to go against one that'll put up a good fight." Frato stated. He started swinging his lance at an invisible opponent. "I need some exercise."
Fratley just gave a slight smile which broke his determined look and kept walking towards the academy. After a few seconds Frato started speaking again.
"Just think Fratley, we'll be warriors! We'll be able to fight to protect our kingdom in the army, just like our father!" Frato seemed excited about the idea.
"We will if we pass the test." Fratley added.
"If we pass the test?" Frato said trying to silence a laugh. "You mean you have doubts about succeeding? What could they possibly ask us to do that would be out of our talents?"
"Well, they could send us to fight a Grand Dragon above the Grotto." Fratley replied, smiling again.
Frato laughed lightly. "Like that will ever happen. Seriously though, what could prove a problem to us?"
"Your lack of concentration and the fact you are not being serious." Fratley answered, frowning slightly.
"When I am in battle, I pay attention to nothing else but the fight." Frato boasted. "Just because I am being confident doesn't mean I am not being serious. You however, seem far too tense."
"I'm mentally preparing myself." Fratley retorted. "I am not tense; I know I can pass this test just as much as you do."
"Doesn't seem like it to me Fratley." Frato said honestly.
Fratley paid no attention to Frato's comment and just kept walking towards the academy. Frato didn't bother Fratley with any further conversation. There didn't seem to be much to say, and what there was Fratley wouldn't pay much attention to it.
After a couple of minutes walking the two teenagers were stood a few yards away from the entrance to the academy, which seemed even more daunting than usual. As they walked towards the doorway they could see Freya making her way to the entrance. She seemed focused but to a lesser extent than Fratley.
Frato couldn't resist the urge to call out "Hey Freya! Ready to fail!?" He managed to shout enough for her to hear and a few other students, but she chose to ignore Frato rather than respond. She knew Frato only enjoyed it when he found that it annoyed or aggravated her.
Fratley however, didn't choose to ignore it and tilted his head slightly to talk to Frato without anyone else hearing. "She's got just a much of a chance to pass this exam as you do, if not more." He said sternly with a frown on his face.
"Thanks Fratley, that has really boosted my confidence." Frato replied with extreme sarcasm. Frato did know Fratley was right, but he wouldn't accept it and he certainly wouldn't admit it.
Without any hesitation the two brothers walked into the academy. They made their way to their usual classroom, where their classmates had gathered some of which looking very anxious as to what the test would be and some feeling extremely nervous.
After a few minutes, which seemed like hours to some of the students, Ivan appeared. He had a slight smile of confidence on his face.
"Now is the time when we see if all your training has paid off. Today is the day of your practical examination; if you pass you will qualify to join the ranks of the Burmecian army." Ivan stated, sounding rather enthusiastic. "For the practical exam, you are to travel to a cave to the west of Burmecia not far into the mountains. There are Ironites which inhabit this cave as well as other monsters. You are to kill an Ironite and bring back some of its horns as proof of your victory. There will be Dragon Knights stationed in and around the mountain for the test, so should you fail you will be taken out of the mountain safely."
The security of the Dragon Knights seemed to put the class slightly at ease, but it didn't stop them from still being nervous.
"I shall lead you towards the cave entrance, but from there on you will be on your own." Ivan continued. He then stood up and motioned for the class to rise. Without another word, the class filed out of the classroom and out towards the entrance of the academy. Ivan left the room when the class had left and then began marching towards the western side of Burmecia.
Frato, Freya and Fratley were all walking next to each other in the pouring rain as they headed towards the cave. Frato had Freya had positioned themselves so they were as far away from each other as they could be and still talk to Fratley, who was stood between them.
"So we have an Ironite then, this should be fun." Frato muttered.
"Ironites can be quite tough. They have tough, resistant skin and can cast thunder spells." Fratley commented.
"They're not as tough as me." Frato boasted. "They might be a problem for Freya though."
"You wish." Freya leered at Frato.
"Leave her alone Frato." Fratley said.
Frato glanced at Fratley for a moment but didn't say anything. The three of them walked in silence for a few moments.
The rest of the class were muttering amongst themselves about the upcoming battle. The conversations they were having seemed to calm them down a little.
It wasn't too long before the class had reached the outskirts of the town and the western gate. The western gate was a tall iron gate which was guarded by two Burmecian guards.
Ivan stopped at the gate as did everyone else. The two guards nodded at the group before proceeding to open the gate. Without a word or a moment's hesitation the class marched through the open gates and into the mountain side.
The mountains were extremely tall and were quite steep. There was white snow lying on top of the high peaks with rain falling on the sides of the mountain. The rock was grey, covered in similar covered gravel which had been eroded by the rain.
Luckily the class were not journeying far into the mountains. It wasn't long after they started ascending the peak before they could see a large cave in the mountainside with a large group of Burmecian Dragon Knights stood in front of it.
The group stopped before the Dragon Knights and the mouth of the cave. The cave had a triangular opening and was very deep. You could not see the back of it. It was surprisingly quite light, the sun was reflecting into the mouth from outside the clouds of the Burmecian rain. Drops of water could be seen falling from the mouth as a result of the rain, it was a damp cave and not very pleasant.
"Greetings." One of the Dragon Knights stepped forth. "I am Sir Lion-heart Fratley and I will be leading the Dragon Knights during your examination. My job is to make sure none of you get killed. You are in safe hands with us." Lion-heart brushed some of brown hair under his helmet before continuing. "You will have to give us a few moments as we place lamps in the area of the cave you are allowed in. If there is no light where you are, turn back. I wish you all good luck in your examination."
Ivan then stepped forward towards Lion-heart and faced the group. "You will each be given a whistle. If you are in danger and you need help blow it. A Dragon Knight will come to help you." Ivan said aloud. Lion-heart nodded during the last sentence. "Today is the day where you must prove yourselves. Make me proud." Ivan smiled and then stepped aside to a small basket of whistles which he handed out to the students.
A Dragon Knight came out of the cave and gave a thumb up to Lion-heart. As Lion-heart had been explaining to the group the Dragon Knights had moved to inside the cave and had taken their positions. Lion-heart smiled and turned to the group.
"Okay, we are ready. Let the examination commence!" Lion-heart announced to the class.
---
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy IX belongs to Square Enix. Frato and a few other original characters belong to me...sort of.
Author's Notes: If I'm not careful I could end up like CuteMooglez in terms of updating. Hopefully I might speed up, although I have exams coming up soon.
White Silver Dragoon: Nice to see you are enjoying it. Keep reading!
CuteMooglez: No, this chapter has nothing to do with story, I could have easily left it out completely. In fact, the main story doesn't begin until after the game! I just want to do a short back-story to Frato, Fratley and Freya before the story begins. This sort of explains why this chapter is screwed up slightly. Frato is capable of defending himself, so it isn't a complete wrong in terms of criminal ethics.
Breeze of Summoners: I'm rushing, that's it why I did the stupid statements at the end. I want to get onto the main story quickly. What is wrong with my fight scenes?
Solitary Confinement: You reviewed! Good to see you are enjoying it. I may need to proof read earlier chapters but I am far too lazy to do something like that. You join Breeze in your leap onto the description. I'm working on it! OKAY?