The early morning of the following Saturday showed several Burmecians, the majority of which were either nobles or well paid Dragon Knights, making their way towards the castle, talking excitedly to each other about the anticipation of this year's tournament. The Dragon Knights who were participating were also heading in the same direction, nervous about their upcoming battles which would be displayed the Burmecian public. Eventually this crowd made its way into the castle, the spectators were being shown to their seats whilst the knights were ushered into the armoury so they could prepare themselves.
The armoury was occupied by the sixteen participants, amongst which Freya, Frato, Fratley and Lion-heart were to be found. Lion-heart was busy talking to Leo, who had managed to qualify for the tournament and had saved Frato from the Demon Dragons quite some time ago; Fratley was chatting pleasantly to Freya and Frato was standing quietly on his own.
The spectators eventually settled into their seats, and began to murmur and talk amongst themselves. The same servant who had announced the start of the qualifying rounds made his out into the arena. He cleared his throat as the murmuring of the audience died out.
"Ladies and gentlemen..." The servant announced in a very loud and clear voice. "I introduce to you, His majesty, King Peter of Burmecia!"
The King of Burmecia then walked out into the arena accompanied by two Burmecian guards with a warm smile on his face. The servant kneeled in front of the King as before in respect, and the King dismissed him just like at the qualifying rounds. Everyone in the audience was silent so they could listen to their ruler.
"I thank you all for attending this year's tournament." The King began. "I have been very excited about this tournament over the past few weeks as it gives me great pleasure to watch these tremendous athletes initialise in combat who have granted me and our great kingdom their service. I was even more excited when I watched the qualifying rounds, and I have seen that the veterans have improved their skills and that have qualified as well as some very impressive new warriors. I think it is beyond doubt that this year's tournament will be more exciting than last years, and I hope that everyone enjoys it and that our warriors learn from this experience. Following the tradition of our ancestors, I will be the judge of this year's tournament. Without further ado, let the tournament commence!"
The King then walked to the side of the arena, followed by the two guards to where there was a tall Burmecian statue which also had a sheltered seat forged at the bottom. He then sat down in the seat and called out the first two warriors, who entered the arena and begun their battle.
Whilst the crowd cheered and gasped at the fight currently taking place, Freya was standing in the armoury next to the passageway leading to the arena. She had already put on the armour that was provided for the participants and had her lance ready and waiting in her left hand. She was trying to compose herself and shake out the nervousness that was slowly building up inside her of the fact she would be the next one to fight in front of such a huge crowd. She knew this because the servant had informed her and her opponent when he had left the arena and entered the armoury. She was breathing deeply, thinking "You can do this, Freya. You'll be okay." over and over to herself. She was stopped in her train of thought by a hand that was placed on her right shoulder, causing her to turn and look.
Her vision met the calm blue eyes of Fratley. He gave as little smile, which already made Freya feel more comfortable and relaxed.
"Feeling nervous?" Fratley asked.
"Just a little." Freya replied.
"I suppose it's normal." Fratley said with a slight shrug. "But just think, you'll be able to display your strength to all of those people in the audience."
Freya just gave a little smile as a reply.
In the arena, the King announced the winner of the battle. It was time for the second match to begin and the King called out the combatants.
"Lady Freya, please come forward!"
Freya turned and left Fratley and walked down to the arena. There was much murmuring by the nobles and some of the knights as they were surprised Freya had managed to qualify for the tournament. Freya stood calmly at one side of the arena.
"Silence please!" The King ordered the crowd of the Burmecians, who obeyed as the murmuring was hushed. "Sir Din, please come forward!"
Din also left the armoury and walked down into the arena, whilst his friends and family gave a small cheer. He positioned himself at the opposite of the arena and the two entered their battle stances.
"Begin!"
The two warriors charged forward and their lances clashed together with immense force. They brung their lances back and there was another clash. The two warriors then did a small leap backwards and charged at each other a second time. Din swung his lance at Freya in another attack, but Freya jumped straight over Din and his lance and landed behind him. Freya then countered by swinging her lance but Din ducked to evade the attack. Din then attempted to counter with a swing but Freya jumped backwards to avoid this.
The crowd were cheering, clearly enjoying the match. It almost seemed as though they were egging the two warriors on, wanting more violence.
Din lunged towards Freya and brought his lance down in a quick slash. Freya sidestepped to avoid this and retaliated with a swing at Din's torso. However, Din managed to move his lance to the side quick enough to block the strike. Freya swung her lance sideways, causing Din to do the same and breaking the deadlock.
The two gave a quick glare at each other, trying to induce fear in their opponent and also showing that they were equally determined to be victorious.
The two took a step back before slashing vertically and ending up in another deadlock. Freya started to push Din backwards but Din decided to break the deadlock by swinging both of their lances to the side.
Freya tried to attack Din once again, but Din jumped backwards and charged towards Freya. He swung his lance at Freya's legs, but Freya jumped up a few feet into the air to dodge the attack. Whilst in mid-air, Freya slashed at Din in a vertical motion, but he rolled out of the way just in time. He attempted a counter attack by slashing horizontally for Freya's chest, but missed as she ducked. Freya swung her lance sideways, managing to hit Din's right foot and knock him off balance.
Freya took the opportunity and swung straight at Din. The attack connected with Din's lance and sent it hurtling up into the air. Din desperately leapt up after it and caught it successfully and continued to sail up into the air.
"Continue!" The King shouted as Freya gave him a quick glance. She was checking whether she had won, as she had disarmed Din for a split-second.
Din moved his lance into a useful position and began charging a white mystical energy in it as he continued to sail up into the air.
Freya saw her opponent charging up his lance so she retorted by charging up her lance with a red, glowing energy, but still keeping an eye on her opponent.
Din reached the peak of his jump and started to descend and he had finished charging up the Dragon Knight ability. He pointed his lance at Freya and shouted "Dragon's Breath!" The white energy in his lance moved to the tip and formed a dragon's head, which opened its mouth wide open and fired an intense beam of energy down at Freya.
Freya saw the attack coming and jumped out of the way. The crowd gasped as the beam hit the arena and exploded in a mass of energy.
Freya finally charged up her ability, she pointed her lance back at Din, who was falling through the air helplessly. She shouted "Cherry Blossom!"
A stream of pink petals shot out of the tip of her lance through the air. As Din fell into the petals they became engulfed in a massive flame. The crowd gasped and the attack subsided. Din hit the arena floor back first in an agonising splat and his lance clattered by the side of him. The attack had rendered him unconscious.
"Sir Din has been disarmed. Lady Freya is the victor!" The King announced.
The audience gave a rapturous applause for the match, which had been highly entertaining for them, and had a worthy winner. Freya gave Din a quick look over to see if he was alright before walking back to the armoury. A few servants rushed on to lift Din out of the arena and to the infirmary.
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy 9. I never have owned Final Fantasy 9. When I am a rambling old man in some weird home with clattering false teeth and a walking stick I still won't own Final Fantasy 9. Got that?
Author's Rant: Why am I not getting many reviews recently? Where is Breeze of Summoners? And CuteMooglez? And lollipop stick? Well?!
Christine: Glad to see you are enjoying it. Stay loyal!