Chapter 6: Words of Wisdom from Cid.

The two hours were up and the warriors had taken their seats, the Cosmos warriors on one side dand the forces of Chaos on the other. Two figures stood in the center of the stadium, a large block of stone.

"Greetings warriors!" Came an unfamiliar voice, "I am Cid of the Lufaine. I have modified this stadium for our lovely little tournament! How you ask?"

The stands remained quiet.

"Well then, see for yourselves!"

A rumbling came from underneath the stadium, causing some of the warriors to jump. Then, from the center of the stadium a white throne appeared, water flowing from its white base. The water turned the stone to white marble, and rounded its square edges into a circle. Then strange marble formations sprouted from the floor. Lastly the sky above the stadium became cloudy, with rays of light poking through.

"This is Order's Sanctuary" said Cid, proudly, "or a recreation of it. The fighting arena uses the same blend of magic and technology as Castle Oblivion. For you guys that don't know, the layout is based on memories. I've taken a sample of each of the warrior's memory and then the stadium creates a copy of it. The number of arenas that can be replicated is based only upon your memories."

The warriors were a bit confused but understood that there were a lot of arenas.

"So now then, rules. Basicly, you get hit, you take damage. Take enough, and you lose. Hit triangle to dodge, R1 to block, etc. You know how to fight. A ring out is a loss. This arena has 'invisible walls' that keep you from falling out, but they won't all have them, so be ready!"

"Next is your weapons. Simply get into the pose you would take if holding your weapon and it will appear in your hand. That is, if you don't carry it with you. Your weapons are reduced to the basic, or iconic, versions normally, but certain things can make them power up."

"Then we have assists. If you get in trouble, or need to beat someone down, or feel lonely in your match, just call the name of one of your roomates and they'll be transported to your position. They'll stay for ten seconds, or until they use an attack then Poof! They'll be gone for the rest of the fight. So think wisely!"

"Items can be brought in, but are limited to what you bring. No more than five identical items can be brought in either. Can't have you using like ninety-nine elixirs in a row."

"Lastly, summons. Some of you are attached to your Aeons, GFs, and Eidoleons. Natural born summoners like Yuna and Rydia can use any of theirs at anytime. Just like on their own world. You L'cie can bring out yours and use them like you would, but only in Gestalt mode, so for about thirty seconds to a minute and then they're gone. Anyone else can use them once per battle and you're limited to what you bring in. None of this applies to GF abilities, because we know you guys are almost helpless without them."

Squall mumbled something along the lines of "Only until I get my Lionheart."

"Now there's some other things, but I think its best if you learn on your own. Now I'll turn you over to Chaos."

"Pathetic mortals! Grovel before me, for Cosmos was slain by my hands!" Said Chaos, fire and brimstone erupting around him as he raised all four of his arms toward the sky.

"No Chaos, I'm right here. We moved that to the thirteeth cycle. This is the fifth." Replied Cosmos.

"Oh. Well then... grovel before me mortals, for I have disturbed to forces of Rhythm!"

Cosmos sighed, "The musical cycle was moved to the seventh cycle. This is the tournament cycle."

Chaos rested his forehead on his palm, "I was going to tell you all about the Judgement of Chaos. But forget it. Instead... Fight!"

"You haven't announced who's fighting yet." Said Cosmos, a little irritated.

"Bah. You know that your Warrior of Light and Garland almost always go first." Said Chaos, lazily. Garland was always wrapped up in his armor, like it was bound to him. It was cool, but he wanted to see him without it more often. Garland was a sexy beast under all that armor.

The goddess was pepped up now, "That's right!" She squealed, knowing her champion would be fighting and getting all sweaty and maybe his helmet would come off and his hair would get wet! Not that anyone knew that though. "Now, begin!"