The results of the exams had already been decided and the King of Burmecia was already organising the knighting ceremony. In the morning after the examination, both Frato and Fratley received a Mognet letter delivered to them by one of the Burmecian delivery moogles.
There were two letters, both in envelopes with a seal decorated with the emblem of the Burmecian Dragon Knights on the back. Their names were written in neat handwriting on the front of the envelope complete with their address.
Lion-heart had already found them and had left them on the kitchen table for the two brothers before going outside for his morning exercises. The late-rising pair eventually came into the kitchen to search for something that would stop the unbelievable force of nature that could get the two out of bed...hunger. April was already in the kitchen making breakfast for the two.
"Good morning mother." Fratley said with a yawn whilst scratching his head.
"Morning Fratley." April replied whilst continuing to busy herself with their breakfast.
Frato didn't say anything as he already spotted the two envelopes on the table. He approached the letter with his name written on it and picked it up slowly.
"What is this?" Frato asked his mother slowly, his voice was filled with a certain anxiousness and anticipation.
"Those arrived this morning." April answered casually as she continued to work.
"We have mail?" Fratley asked in a pleasant surprise as he saw his letter on the table. He picked it up and gasped in shock as he saw the seal. "Frato, you know what this means don't you?"
Frato just nodded with a very excited smile on his face. They were going to get knighted. The two instantly broke the seals off their envelopes and began to read their letters.
"Dear Fratley, You are cordially invited to be knighted at the Burmecian Royal Palace on Thursday morning at 9 o'clock. You are expected to be dressed appropriately and to attend the celebration that is to follow. This letter will be required to prove you have permission to enter the castle. I sincerely hope you will attend and that you will enjoy your introduction into the Dragon Knights of Burmecia. I look forward to seeing you there.
Yours truly, King Peter of Burmecia"
It was complete with the signature of the King of Burmecia. Fratley and Frato both just stood looking at each other and back at their letters with wide smiles on their faces. In only a few days time they would be on their way to the Burmecian Royal Palace, a place only a few Burmecians had the privilege to go to. They would be knighted, and join their father in the ranks of the Burmecian army. They would be full fledged Dragon Knights.
"So you going to become knights now are you?" April asked with a simple smile as she looked at her sons who were too amazed to speak. "Great, that makes three warriors I need to worry about." She placed their breakfast, consisting of some meat and some bread. "Here, quit acting like a pair of zombies and eat up!"
Fratley and Frato snapped out of their daydreaming, placed their letters on the side of the table and began to eat. When Frato had taken a few bites out of his bread he looked up.
"You know mother, you won't have to worry too much about us when we're in the dragon knights. We'll be fine." Frato said trying to use the reassuring smile of his brother, although his was no where as effective.
"That's precisely what your father says to me." April replied with a sigh. "You try saying that once you join."
Frato just gave a little laugh before continuing to munch on his bread. Fratley gave a smile from where he was sat as he ate his meal.
It wasn't long before the two had finished their meals and left the table, taking their letters with them. The two put their letters in their rooms before deciding to join their father in his training session outside.
---
Later, Fratley decided to go and pay Freya a visit. The two frequently saw each other in the town and on some occasions in each others homes. They preferred to be by themselves though, away from the comments on how cute the pair was from their parents and the teasing and snide remarks from Frato.
Fratley walked by himself through the streets of Burmecia. The rain was moderate; the guards were marching through the city as normal, usual crowds of Burmecians were bustling through doing their daily businesses. It was just an average day to the Burmecians, well for those who weren't dragon knight students it was.
Fratley soon reached the house of his girlfriend; he had taken Freya to her home so many times he knew the quickest route off the top of his head. Knocking on the door, Fratley waited patiently in the continuing rain which had managed to make his top quite wet.
In a matter of moments the door opened to reveal Freya, wearing a thin blue top and a navy blue skirt which reached her feet. She smiled as she saw Fratley and asked him to come in.
"Who is it Freya?" Her mother called out.
"It's just Fratley mother." Freya answered before motioning for Fratley to go upstairs.
Her mother didn't bother saying anything. She didn't mind Fratley coming round to see Freya. They were sensible children and didn't cause any mayhem. That plus Fratley often returned the favour and allowed Freya to come to his house, at which point Frato would decide to either do an extra long training session with his father or take a rather long walk in the rain.
Freya followed Fratley into her bedroom, which only consisted of a bed, a mirror on the opposite side, a wardrobe next to the wall and a few books piled on top of a shelf next to the wardrobe. Her lance was stood on the opposite side of her wardrobe, looking ready to skew anything.
"So, what did you come to see me about?" Freya asked with a pleasant smile as she closed the door.
"Did you get mail this morning?" Fratley asked with a little grin.
"Of course, you think his majesty would forget to give me a personal invite?" Freya said looking extremely proud."
"I knew you would do it." Fratley said smiling. "I knew you would make it into the army. You're very strong, even smarter and deadly serious when it comes to your training."
Freya couldn't help but smile at the compliment. "Thanks Fratley, but you are too." She said returning the compliment. "It's going to feel a little weird though being the only woman in the army though. How will everyone react?"
"They can't complain. The army is open to anyone who lives in Burmecia." Fratley stated. "It's your dream, you live it, don't let other peoples thoughts get in the way."
"Thanks Fratley, I will. I'm going to fight for my people with all of my strength, no matter what everyone else thinks." Freya said with a serious look on her face.
"And I'll be by your side, fighting with you." Fratley added.
---
Frato was bored stiff. Lion-heart had gone to do his patrol around the city, Fratley had left to go and see Freya. Frato had been doing quite a lot of training by himself outside, but he wanted someone to be with. Then Frato thought of somebody else, Redwind.
Frato's plan was simple. If Redwind couldn't come into Burmecia to stay with him, Frato could go and visit him in the mountains. Frato would say he was going out to do a training session or see a friend when instead he would visit Redwind. Which due to Redwind's lust for food would turn out to be a training session as Frato would have to catch and kill monsters for Redwind to devour.
This was probably the best thing he could do to stay friends with Redwind. Frato knew that Redwind wouldn't be used to being in cities like Burmecia, and the Burmecians certainly were not accustomed to see a dragon roaming in their home. Plus, Lion-heart and everyone else who would be strongly against the idea of taming and raising a dragon didn't have to know anything about it.
Maybe now would be a good chance to see if he could get out of the city to see his dragon. He walked into the living room, where April was doing some spring cleaning.
"Mother, can I go outside please?" Frato asked, trying to sound polite.
"What are going to do outside?" April asked as she cleaned a small bit of dust from the corner of room.
"Uh...I'm going round to see a friend to do some training." Frato answered. "Can I go?"
"Okay, fair enough." April answered in a casual tone. "Just don't stay there too long."
"Okay! Thanks mother!" Frato chirped happily before grabbing his lance and a small backpack and rushing to the front door. "See you soon!" Frato opened the door and was out before April could say another word.
Frato marched straight through the rain, which never bothered any Burmecian who had lived there. He headed towards the west gate of Burmecia. It was quite a walk, and it wasn't made any more pleasant by some of the stares he got from Burmecians filling the streets in front of him. Whenever Frato usually went into town he got looked at as if he was some kind of monster.
Eventually the numbers of Burmecians decreased as Frato reached the edge of the city. He saw the gate, and two guards in front of it. As he drew closer they moved their lances to block Frato's path. The two guards both looked sternly at Frato who had stopped dead in his tracks.
"Just where do you think you're going?" The first guard asked in a rather harsh tone.
"Out." Frato answered.
The two guards just laughed. "You do realise you can't leave the city through this gate without permission from his majesty, don't you?"
It was at this point Frato wished he had paid attention during the classes about Burmecian law at the Dragon Academy.
"I didn't know that..." Frato stuttered, sounding rather stupid.
The guards just gave a light smile which broke the stern looks on their faces.
"What do they teach you teenagers at Dragon Academy these days?" The second guard asked with a laugh. "Now enough adventuring, back into the city with you."
Frato just gave a quite little scowl before walking back into the city with a sulk. He would find a way to see Redwind. There had to be some way he could legally stay outside of the city boundaries to visit Redwind. He was determined to find a way.
---
The day of the knighthood came rather quickly. Everyone continued their usual everyday businesses, Frato trained by himself: a hobby which he rarely grew tired of. Fratley and Freya spent the few days before the knighthood with each other, often putting in a few hours of hard training together themselves.
The morning of the knighthood started at the Fratley household just like any other morning where the two brothers had to be up early: hectic. Frato and Fratley were scrambling around frantically trying to put on their suits, get something quick to eat, get washed and brush their hair. April was also flying around the house in a mad panic, no matter how valiant her efforts were to get the boys up and ready early it never worked.
Eventually the two were ready. Both Fratley and Frato looked extremely smart: they were wearing elegant black suits with belted trousers and white shirts underneath. Both of their letters were folded up neatly and tucked into their breast pocket. April had also put on what was probably her best set of clothes. She wore a long, white dress made of silk with a white tiara in her hair. She looked at both of the "to-be" Dragon Knights and gave a warm smile.
"I am so proud of you boys." She said softly, before putting on a blue raincoat and turning to the door. "Come on then you two, we don't want to be late."
Fratley and Frato both put on their raincoats, Fratley's coat being a light shade of brown whilst Frato's was a deep blue. They followed their mother out into the rainy street and headed towards the royal palace.
Surprisingly, the morning rain was light, but the Burmecian rain changed very quickly and without warning. Very few Burmecians roamed the streets near the house, only a few guards and other Burmecians who wanted to attend the knighting ceremony could be seen.
More and more Burmecians appeared as the three drew nearer to the Royal Palace. Most of these were students that Fratley and Frato both recognised. They were all dressed at their very best, in suits and shirts or waistcoats showing from underneath their waterproofs. It was only a matter of time before the pair found Freya and her mother walking down the street. Fratley called out to Freya, who turned around to show that she was wearing a bright red, glimmering dress underneath her usual red raincoat. Freya smiled and walked up to Fratley. Her mother followed her, wearing a thick black shawl over an elegant green dress. She decided to go and talk to April.
"Hello Fratley." Freya chirped cheerfully.
Fratley smiled back at her. "Hello."
Frato had also noticed Freya's presence and called out to her. "Hello Freya, coming to watch us get knighted?" Frato teased with a little grin.
Freya's smile faded, and slowly became a scowl. She marched straight towards Frato and went into front of him, talking right into his face.
"You know as well as I do that the Dragon Academy is open to both boys and girls, so therefore the Burmecian army is also open to men and women. I passed my exam, so it is perfectly fair that I will join the army. I have a right to it!" Freya growled to Frato's face. She continued in a slower, quieter but harsher tone. "However, I heard only the Burmecian race can join the Burmecian army. I am truly surprised that you were allowed to join." There was a small pause before she finished. "Enjoy the ceremony."
Freya walked slowly back towards Fratley, who was shocked at her sudden outburst. Frato just stood there for a moment, clearly hurt by Freya's remarks, thinking quietly to himself. He then thought better of it and leered at Freya behind her back one more time before continuing to walk.
Luckily the two mothers hadn't heard as they had walked on not noticing the three. They hadn't gotten too far ahead either, but the three teenagers needed to catch up.
Freya and Frato both decided to ignore each other from then on. Freya talked with Fratley for the remainder of the walk while Frato scowled and sulked to himself for a few minutes before the excitement of his knighthood kicked in and cheered him up slightly.
Eventually the group reached the castle gate. Two guards were standing there keeping watch and checking everyone who came had a letter. Behind them was the palace, which was no doubt the hugest building in the city. Like everything else it was made of blue stone and grey slate. A huge stone wall surrounded it making it difficult for anyone to break in. The five of them stopped in front of the gate.
"Do you have your letters?" The guard on the left asked the group, looking particularly at the teenagers.
Fratley and Frato took their letters from out of their breast pockets and handed them to the guard. Freya took her letter out from a small pocket on the back of her dress and passed it to the other guard. The guards quickly checked the letters before opening the gate.
"Very well, you may pass." The guard said politely.
The group quickly headed into the castle, and were directed by the guards into a huge room where several Burmecians were gathered. The room was lit by candles and a few windows on two sides of the room. There were several stone statues of Burmecians which were not to scale as well as a few portraits of important Kings and knights. There were no seats, except one for the King, who was sat on a decorated stone chair on a large platform at the front of him. The King was talking quietly to one of the servants of the castle.
Prince Puck was nowhere to be seen. Presumably his father had put him somewhere quiet so he wouldn't cause any mayhem. Although he was only three years old, Puck was very mischievous: often breaking things or causing general havoc in the castle. He wanted attention, but as his mother had died at childbirth and as his father being very busy around the castle he rarely got it and thus became bored very easily.
Frato, Freya and Fratley and their parents quickly became separated in the crowd and talked with different people for several minutes. It was hard to stay with anyone as the crowd was that big.
After several minutes, when everyone had gathered the sound of bells could be heard. The bell at the very top of the Royal Palace which signalled the time to the whole city struck nine times. When the bell started ringing, everyone quickly became silent.
After the ninth strike, the King rose from his seat and took a few steps forward on the platform.
"It is time for the knighting ceremony." The King announced. "We are here today to acknowledge the strengths of the younger generation who have graduated through Dragon Academy. These members of the Dragon Academy are now to be knighted, and to join the ranks of our army."
One of the former students was lead out onto the stage by a male servant. Another servant passed a rather large sword, which was silver at the handle and highly decorated. The student was told to kneel by the King as he used the sword to touch both of his shoulders.
The dragon knight stood back up and left the stage quietly as the next student came up to be knighted. The process continued with many students coming down with smiles as their parents watched them with pride. Some of the mothers were even crying tears of joy.
It was a few minutes before Frato felt a hand tap his shoulder. He turned around to see one of the male servants, who was trying to hurry him to the stage before the next knight left. Frato walked to the stage, with feelings of nervousness and excitement combining in a deadly combination. It would all be over in a short moment.
The knight left, and Frato walked onto the stage. Several Burmecians looked rather shocked to see the half-breed march onto the stage to be knighted. Some of them thought he wouldn't have been allowed in the Dragon Knights.
"Please kneel, Frato." The King asked in a calm tone.
Frato did as he was told and kneeled in front of the King. He closed his eyes and felt the steel blade press against his shoulders.
"I now knight you: Sir Frato." The King said in a louder voice so the audience could here.
When the blade was lifted off and drawn back, Frato opened his eyes and stood back up.
"Let your Burmecian side be your guide." The King said coolly.
"Thank you, your majesty." Frato said happily, but nervously before turning to leave the stage. Frato passed the next student, whom he recognised.
Freya gave a quick glance at Frato before being ushered onto the stage by another impatient male servant. Freya walked calmly onto the stage, managing to keep any nervousness outside of her or hidden.
There were still some expressions of shock on the Burmecians, but this was more of a pleasant shock. Some of the females were watching her with quiet awe.
"Please kneel, Freya." The King said in the same calm tone.
Fratley smiled as he watched his friend receive her knighthood. However, the servant's annoying tap on his shoulder disturbed him as he was lead quickly towards the stage.
Freya knelt before the King, who pressed his decorative blade across her shoulders.
"I now knight you: Lady Freya." The King said in a loud, projective voice. Freya smiled to herself as she heard the words. She had done it, and she had proven everyone wrong who thought she couldn't do it. She had become a Dragon Knight.
Freya stood up as the blade was lifted.
"Good luck in the Dragon Knights. It is a pleasure to have you with us." The King said with a smile.
"Thank you, your highness." Freya said politely with a small curtsey. She then turned and walked off the stage. As she descended down the steps she heard Fratley's voice.
"Well done."
It was now Fratley's turn. He walked onto the stage and everyone looked at him in awe. The resemblance he shared with his father was rather amazing.
"Please kneel, Fratley." The King commanded.
Fratley obeyed and knelt as the King's blade touched his shoulders.
"I now knight you: Sir Fratley." The King announced. Fratley felt proud with the fact he was following in his father's footsteps, which was no easy task. However, Fratley was up to it; in fact, Fratley was up to the even bigger task of surpassing his father.
The sword was lifted off Fratley's shoulders and he rose to his feet.
"I will have great expectations of you, Sir Fratley." The King said quietly with acknowledgement. "Good luck in the Dragon Knights."
"I thank you, your highness." Fratley answered in a cheerful tone.
At the very back of the room, stood guard next to one of the exits, Lion- heart was watching. He was clearly pleased with watching his son's knighthood. He smiled, and said quietly: "Well done, my son."
---
Disclaimer: Look, I don't own Final Fantasy 9. I never have owned Final Fantasy 9. It belongs to Square-Enix, who keep changing their name. Only Frato, Redwind, April and Lion-heart are mine, and most of them are part of a race which isn't mine either.
Author's Notes: Sorry for the rather long update but I had a bit of writers block and laziness slowing me down. Although I suppose I am still faster than CuteMooglez and various other authors, some of whom forget they are even writing a fanfiction! Also this is an extra long chapter to compensate. Besides, why won't anyone review this story? Come on, I'm lonely here...I need something to cheer me up...
Breeze of Summoners: Redwind did start to get aggressive with Frato after Lion-hearts attack, but how could Frato of planned it? He didn't intend to run into the dragon did he? I might try to fix the cliché later, but I'm trying so hard to keep updated at the moment. About Embarrassed to angry, I think it could be possible to feel both of those emotions. Ambivalence is what they call it. And why wouldn't you keep a dragon? I know I would...Ahem Moving on!
Everyone else: Review me please! I know you are out there...
There were two letters, both in envelopes with a seal decorated with the emblem of the Burmecian Dragon Knights on the back. Their names were written in neat handwriting on the front of the envelope complete with their address.
Lion-heart had already found them and had left them on the kitchen table for the two brothers before going outside for his morning exercises. The late-rising pair eventually came into the kitchen to search for something that would stop the unbelievable force of nature that could get the two out of bed...hunger. April was already in the kitchen making breakfast for the two.
"Good morning mother." Fratley said with a yawn whilst scratching his head.
"Morning Fratley." April replied whilst continuing to busy herself with their breakfast.
Frato didn't say anything as he already spotted the two envelopes on the table. He approached the letter with his name written on it and picked it up slowly.
"What is this?" Frato asked his mother slowly, his voice was filled with a certain anxiousness and anticipation.
"Those arrived this morning." April answered casually as she continued to work.
"We have mail?" Fratley asked in a pleasant surprise as he saw his letter on the table. He picked it up and gasped in shock as he saw the seal. "Frato, you know what this means don't you?"
Frato just nodded with a very excited smile on his face. They were going to get knighted. The two instantly broke the seals off their envelopes and began to read their letters.
"Dear Fratley, You are cordially invited to be knighted at the Burmecian Royal Palace on Thursday morning at 9 o'clock. You are expected to be dressed appropriately and to attend the celebration that is to follow. This letter will be required to prove you have permission to enter the castle. I sincerely hope you will attend and that you will enjoy your introduction into the Dragon Knights of Burmecia. I look forward to seeing you there.
Yours truly, King Peter of Burmecia"
It was complete with the signature of the King of Burmecia. Fratley and Frato both just stood looking at each other and back at their letters with wide smiles on their faces. In only a few days time they would be on their way to the Burmecian Royal Palace, a place only a few Burmecians had the privilege to go to. They would be knighted, and join their father in the ranks of the Burmecian army. They would be full fledged Dragon Knights.
"So you going to become knights now are you?" April asked with a simple smile as she looked at her sons who were too amazed to speak. "Great, that makes three warriors I need to worry about." She placed their breakfast, consisting of some meat and some bread. "Here, quit acting like a pair of zombies and eat up!"
Fratley and Frato snapped out of their daydreaming, placed their letters on the side of the table and began to eat. When Frato had taken a few bites out of his bread he looked up.
"You know mother, you won't have to worry too much about us when we're in the dragon knights. We'll be fine." Frato said trying to use the reassuring smile of his brother, although his was no where as effective.
"That's precisely what your father says to me." April replied with a sigh. "You try saying that once you join."
Frato just gave a little laugh before continuing to munch on his bread. Fratley gave a smile from where he was sat as he ate his meal.
It wasn't long before the two had finished their meals and left the table, taking their letters with them. The two put their letters in their rooms before deciding to join their father in his training session outside.
---
Later, Fratley decided to go and pay Freya a visit. The two frequently saw each other in the town and on some occasions in each others homes. They preferred to be by themselves though, away from the comments on how cute the pair was from their parents and the teasing and snide remarks from Frato.
Fratley walked by himself through the streets of Burmecia. The rain was moderate; the guards were marching through the city as normal, usual crowds of Burmecians were bustling through doing their daily businesses. It was just an average day to the Burmecians, well for those who weren't dragon knight students it was.
Fratley soon reached the house of his girlfriend; he had taken Freya to her home so many times he knew the quickest route off the top of his head. Knocking on the door, Fratley waited patiently in the continuing rain which had managed to make his top quite wet.
In a matter of moments the door opened to reveal Freya, wearing a thin blue top and a navy blue skirt which reached her feet. She smiled as she saw Fratley and asked him to come in.
"Who is it Freya?" Her mother called out.
"It's just Fratley mother." Freya answered before motioning for Fratley to go upstairs.
Her mother didn't bother saying anything. She didn't mind Fratley coming round to see Freya. They were sensible children and didn't cause any mayhem. That plus Fratley often returned the favour and allowed Freya to come to his house, at which point Frato would decide to either do an extra long training session with his father or take a rather long walk in the rain.
Freya followed Fratley into her bedroom, which only consisted of a bed, a mirror on the opposite side, a wardrobe next to the wall and a few books piled on top of a shelf next to the wardrobe. Her lance was stood on the opposite side of her wardrobe, looking ready to skew anything.
"So, what did you come to see me about?" Freya asked with a pleasant smile as she closed the door.
"Did you get mail this morning?" Fratley asked with a little grin.
"Of course, you think his majesty would forget to give me a personal invite?" Freya said looking extremely proud."
"I knew you would do it." Fratley said smiling. "I knew you would make it into the army. You're very strong, even smarter and deadly serious when it comes to your training."
Freya couldn't help but smile at the compliment. "Thanks Fratley, but you are too." She said returning the compliment. "It's going to feel a little weird though being the only woman in the army though. How will everyone react?"
"They can't complain. The army is open to anyone who lives in Burmecia." Fratley stated. "It's your dream, you live it, don't let other peoples thoughts get in the way."
"Thanks Fratley, I will. I'm going to fight for my people with all of my strength, no matter what everyone else thinks." Freya said with a serious look on her face.
"And I'll be by your side, fighting with you." Fratley added.
---
Frato was bored stiff. Lion-heart had gone to do his patrol around the city, Fratley had left to go and see Freya. Frato had been doing quite a lot of training by himself outside, but he wanted someone to be with. Then Frato thought of somebody else, Redwind.
Frato's plan was simple. If Redwind couldn't come into Burmecia to stay with him, Frato could go and visit him in the mountains. Frato would say he was going out to do a training session or see a friend when instead he would visit Redwind. Which due to Redwind's lust for food would turn out to be a training session as Frato would have to catch and kill monsters for Redwind to devour.
This was probably the best thing he could do to stay friends with Redwind. Frato knew that Redwind wouldn't be used to being in cities like Burmecia, and the Burmecians certainly were not accustomed to see a dragon roaming in their home. Plus, Lion-heart and everyone else who would be strongly against the idea of taming and raising a dragon didn't have to know anything about it.
Maybe now would be a good chance to see if he could get out of the city to see his dragon. He walked into the living room, where April was doing some spring cleaning.
"Mother, can I go outside please?" Frato asked, trying to sound polite.
"What are going to do outside?" April asked as she cleaned a small bit of dust from the corner of room.
"Uh...I'm going round to see a friend to do some training." Frato answered. "Can I go?"
"Okay, fair enough." April answered in a casual tone. "Just don't stay there too long."
"Okay! Thanks mother!" Frato chirped happily before grabbing his lance and a small backpack and rushing to the front door. "See you soon!" Frato opened the door and was out before April could say another word.
Frato marched straight through the rain, which never bothered any Burmecian who had lived there. He headed towards the west gate of Burmecia. It was quite a walk, and it wasn't made any more pleasant by some of the stares he got from Burmecians filling the streets in front of him. Whenever Frato usually went into town he got looked at as if he was some kind of monster.
Eventually the numbers of Burmecians decreased as Frato reached the edge of the city. He saw the gate, and two guards in front of it. As he drew closer they moved their lances to block Frato's path. The two guards both looked sternly at Frato who had stopped dead in his tracks.
"Just where do you think you're going?" The first guard asked in a rather harsh tone.
"Out." Frato answered.
The two guards just laughed. "You do realise you can't leave the city through this gate without permission from his majesty, don't you?"
It was at this point Frato wished he had paid attention during the classes about Burmecian law at the Dragon Academy.
"I didn't know that..." Frato stuttered, sounding rather stupid.
The guards just gave a light smile which broke the stern looks on their faces.
"What do they teach you teenagers at Dragon Academy these days?" The second guard asked with a laugh. "Now enough adventuring, back into the city with you."
Frato just gave a quite little scowl before walking back into the city with a sulk. He would find a way to see Redwind. There had to be some way he could legally stay outside of the city boundaries to visit Redwind. He was determined to find a way.
---
The day of the knighthood came rather quickly. Everyone continued their usual everyday businesses, Frato trained by himself: a hobby which he rarely grew tired of. Fratley and Freya spent the few days before the knighthood with each other, often putting in a few hours of hard training together themselves.
The morning of the knighthood started at the Fratley household just like any other morning where the two brothers had to be up early: hectic. Frato and Fratley were scrambling around frantically trying to put on their suits, get something quick to eat, get washed and brush their hair. April was also flying around the house in a mad panic, no matter how valiant her efforts were to get the boys up and ready early it never worked.
Eventually the two were ready. Both Fratley and Frato looked extremely smart: they were wearing elegant black suits with belted trousers and white shirts underneath. Both of their letters were folded up neatly and tucked into their breast pocket. April had also put on what was probably her best set of clothes. She wore a long, white dress made of silk with a white tiara in her hair. She looked at both of the "to-be" Dragon Knights and gave a warm smile.
"I am so proud of you boys." She said softly, before putting on a blue raincoat and turning to the door. "Come on then you two, we don't want to be late."
Fratley and Frato both put on their raincoats, Fratley's coat being a light shade of brown whilst Frato's was a deep blue. They followed their mother out into the rainy street and headed towards the royal palace.
Surprisingly, the morning rain was light, but the Burmecian rain changed very quickly and without warning. Very few Burmecians roamed the streets near the house, only a few guards and other Burmecians who wanted to attend the knighting ceremony could be seen.
More and more Burmecians appeared as the three drew nearer to the Royal Palace. Most of these were students that Fratley and Frato both recognised. They were all dressed at their very best, in suits and shirts or waistcoats showing from underneath their waterproofs. It was only a matter of time before the pair found Freya and her mother walking down the street. Fratley called out to Freya, who turned around to show that she was wearing a bright red, glimmering dress underneath her usual red raincoat. Freya smiled and walked up to Fratley. Her mother followed her, wearing a thick black shawl over an elegant green dress. She decided to go and talk to April.
"Hello Fratley." Freya chirped cheerfully.
Fratley smiled back at her. "Hello."
Frato had also noticed Freya's presence and called out to her. "Hello Freya, coming to watch us get knighted?" Frato teased with a little grin.
Freya's smile faded, and slowly became a scowl. She marched straight towards Frato and went into front of him, talking right into his face.
"You know as well as I do that the Dragon Academy is open to both boys and girls, so therefore the Burmecian army is also open to men and women. I passed my exam, so it is perfectly fair that I will join the army. I have a right to it!" Freya growled to Frato's face. She continued in a slower, quieter but harsher tone. "However, I heard only the Burmecian race can join the Burmecian army. I am truly surprised that you were allowed to join." There was a small pause before she finished. "Enjoy the ceremony."
Freya walked slowly back towards Fratley, who was shocked at her sudden outburst. Frato just stood there for a moment, clearly hurt by Freya's remarks, thinking quietly to himself. He then thought better of it and leered at Freya behind her back one more time before continuing to walk.
Luckily the two mothers hadn't heard as they had walked on not noticing the three. They hadn't gotten too far ahead either, but the three teenagers needed to catch up.
Freya and Frato both decided to ignore each other from then on. Freya talked with Fratley for the remainder of the walk while Frato scowled and sulked to himself for a few minutes before the excitement of his knighthood kicked in and cheered him up slightly.
Eventually the group reached the castle gate. Two guards were standing there keeping watch and checking everyone who came had a letter. Behind them was the palace, which was no doubt the hugest building in the city. Like everything else it was made of blue stone and grey slate. A huge stone wall surrounded it making it difficult for anyone to break in. The five of them stopped in front of the gate.
"Do you have your letters?" The guard on the left asked the group, looking particularly at the teenagers.
Fratley and Frato took their letters from out of their breast pockets and handed them to the guard. Freya took her letter out from a small pocket on the back of her dress and passed it to the other guard. The guards quickly checked the letters before opening the gate.
"Very well, you may pass." The guard said politely.
The group quickly headed into the castle, and were directed by the guards into a huge room where several Burmecians were gathered. The room was lit by candles and a few windows on two sides of the room. There were several stone statues of Burmecians which were not to scale as well as a few portraits of important Kings and knights. There were no seats, except one for the King, who was sat on a decorated stone chair on a large platform at the front of him. The King was talking quietly to one of the servants of the castle.
Prince Puck was nowhere to be seen. Presumably his father had put him somewhere quiet so he wouldn't cause any mayhem. Although he was only three years old, Puck was very mischievous: often breaking things or causing general havoc in the castle. He wanted attention, but as his mother had died at childbirth and as his father being very busy around the castle he rarely got it and thus became bored very easily.
Frato, Freya and Fratley and their parents quickly became separated in the crowd and talked with different people for several minutes. It was hard to stay with anyone as the crowd was that big.
After several minutes, when everyone had gathered the sound of bells could be heard. The bell at the very top of the Royal Palace which signalled the time to the whole city struck nine times. When the bell started ringing, everyone quickly became silent.
After the ninth strike, the King rose from his seat and took a few steps forward on the platform.
"It is time for the knighting ceremony." The King announced. "We are here today to acknowledge the strengths of the younger generation who have graduated through Dragon Academy. These members of the Dragon Academy are now to be knighted, and to join the ranks of our army."
One of the former students was lead out onto the stage by a male servant. Another servant passed a rather large sword, which was silver at the handle and highly decorated. The student was told to kneel by the King as he used the sword to touch both of his shoulders.
The dragon knight stood back up and left the stage quietly as the next student came up to be knighted. The process continued with many students coming down with smiles as their parents watched them with pride. Some of the mothers were even crying tears of joy.
It was a few minutes before Frato felt a hand tap his shoulder. He turned around to see one of the male servants, who was trying to hurry him to the stage before the next knight left. Frato walked to the stage, with feelings of nervousness and excitement combining in a deadly combination. It would all be over in a short moment.
The knight left, and Frato walked onto the stage. Several Burmecians looked rather shocked to see the half-breed march onto the stage to be knighted. Some of them thought he wouldn't have been allowed in the Dragon Knights.
"Please kneel, Frato." The King asked in a calm tone.
Frato did as he was told and kneeled in front of the King. He closed his eyes and felt the steel blade press against his shoulders.
"I now knight you: Sir Frato." The King said in a louder voice so the audience could here.
When the blade was lifted off and drawn back, Frato opened his eyes and stood back up.
"Let your Burmecian side be your guide." The King said coolly.
"Thank you, your majesty." Frato said happily, but nervously before turning to leave the stage. Frato passed the next student, whom he recognised.
Freya gave a quick glance at Frato before being ushered onto the stage by another impatient male servant. Freya walked calmly onto the stage, managing to keep any nervousness outside of her or hidden.
There were still some expressions of shock on the Burmecians, but this was more of a pleasant shock. Some of the females were watching her with quiet awe.
"Please kneel, Freya." The King said in the same calm tone.
Fratley smiled as he watched his friend receive her knighthood. However, the servant's annoying tap on his shoulder disturbed him as he was lead quickly towards the stage.
Freya knelt before the King, who pressed his decorative blade across her shoulders.
"I now knight you: Lady Freya." The King said in a loud, projective voice. Freya smiled to herself as she heard the words. She had done it, and she had proven everyone wrong who thought she couldn't do it. She had become a Dragon Knight.
Freya stood up as the blade was lifted.
"Good luck in the Dragon Knights. It is a pleasure to have you with us." The King said with a smile.
"Thank you, your highness." Freya said politely with a small curtsey. She then turned and walked off the stage. As she descended down the steps she heard Fratley's voice.
"Well done."
It was now Fratley's turn. He walked onto the stage and everyone looked at him in awe. The resemblance he shared with his father was rather amazing.
"Please kneel, Fratley." The King commanded.
Fratley obeyed and knelt as the King's blade touched his shoulders.
"I now knight you: Sir Fratley." The King announced. Fratley felt proud with the fact he was following in his father's footsteps, which was no easy task. However, Fratley was up to it; in fact, Fratley was up to the even bigger task of surpassing his father.
The sword was lifted off Fratley's shoulders and he rose to his feet.
"I will have great expectations of you, Sir Fratley." The King said quietly with acknowledgement. "Good luck in the Dragon Knights."
"I thank you, your highness." Fratley answered in a cheerful tone.
At the very back of the room, stood guard next to one of the exits, Lion- heart was watching. He was clearly pleased with watching his son's knighthood. He smiled, and said quietly: "Well done, my son."
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Disclaimer: Look, I don't own Final Fantasy 9. I never have owned Final Fantasy 9. It belongs to Square-Enix, who keep changing their name. Only Frato, Redwind, April and Lion-heart are mine, and most of them are part of a race which isn't mine either.
Author's Notes: Sorry for the rather long update but I had a bit of writers block and laziness slowing me down. Although I suppose I am still faster than CuteMooglez and various other authors, some of whom forget they are even writing a fanfiction! Also this is an extra long chapter to compensate. Besides, why won't anyone review this story? Come on, I'm lonely here...I need something to cheer me up...
Breeze of Summoners: Redwind did start to get aggressive with Frato after Lion-hearts attack, but how could Frato of planned it? He didn't intend to run into the dragon did he? I might try to fix the cliché later, but I'm trying so hard to keep updated at the moment. About Embarrassed to angry, I think it could be possible to feel both of those emotions. Ambivalence is what they call it. And why wouldn't you keep a dragon? I know I would...Ahem Moving on!
Everyone else: Review me please! I know you are out there...