Chapter 44, The Finals

Pyrrha and the other students emerged into the colosseum. Upon stepping out into the light, they were greeted by the people of Lothadare, who had come to witness another trial for the future knights of their Kingdom. The crowds of people that filled the surrounding stands erupted in cheer. As if to welcome the future Knights who would no doubt bring a grand future to their Kingdom and all the realms.

Pyrrha paused for a moment. She turned to gaze up at the stands above. Seeing the many citizens of the Kingdom, cheering for her and the other students, brought of feeling of awe and had seen the other final trials in the past, seeing the students that came before her become knights of Lothadare. But now it was her who was competing in the trials to become a Knight.

"This is incredible." she said.

Blake came up to her, peering up at the crowd.

"This is... strangely wholesome." Blake said, glancing to her.

Pyrrha nodded her head in agreement. It did indeed feel quite wholesome in a way. In the past, her parents had often told of when they competed in the final trials back in beacon. To hear the cheers of a crowd of people who you fight to protect. It was just as inspiring as they way they had described it.

"Yes, it does." She said, in agreement.

"Is this what it's like."

Auron nodded his head to her.

"That's right." he said.

"Awe yeah, this is what I'm talking about!" Keith proclaimed, raising his hammer into the air.

Pyrrha stepped forward, raising her sword to the crowd above, who continued to let out a cheer to them. Causing Pyrrha to smile in exactment. She had trained for this very moment for all her life. To follow in the foot steps of her mother and father and now that moment was upon her.

And now it was here.

They then heard a loud sound of casting magic from above. Gazing up they saw the magic of the Headmaster from into a large reflection of himself appeared at the center of the colosseum. Pyrrha and the other students turned, gazing up in awe at the Headmaster.

"People of Lothdare and from far and wide, I bid you welcome to this momentous evening." The Magical reflection proclaimed to the people.

"We are honored to be joined by you at this time. As well as by the King himself and the Knights of the royal Guard."

Pyrrha shifted her gaze toward the center stand of the colosseum. It was they she saw King Larr sitting above with the company of his queen. From below, sat several Knights who she could only assume to be the Royal Guard. At the center of them, sat a woman with long blonde hair, wearing a silver armored corset.

"Hey guys, Heads up." Keith said, guesting his head to the stand.

"She's here."

Pyrrha glanced to her, curiously

"She?" she asked, curiously.

Auron gazed up at the stands above. his gaze directed mainly to the woman at the center of the knights of the Royal Guard. He then gave a sight of contempt.

"Oh boy." He said to himself.

Pyrrha and Blake glanced to Auron.

"Who is she?" She asked, curiously.

"She's my mother." Auron proclaimed to them.

The initial shock the two might have felt at the news was interrupted by the Headmaster's magical reflection.

"Today, I am pleased to announce the students of this great Academy shall take this place in our mighty Kingdom." The Headmaster proclaimed to them.

"As the face their last final test and become true Knights of Lothadare. It with the best of our hopes that they bring Prosperity to all the Realms in our fight against the Dark Forces of the Grimm."

Though the people of the King reacted with cheer and hope, Pyrrha's was of contempt and guilt. A true Knight of Lothadare, that was not what she was. Nor was it where she was it destined to be and the truth would soon be discovered.

"The Final Trial shall be a test of all that you have learned as you compete with other teams." The Headmaster proclaimed to them.

"In the end, only one team shall be the left standing. And as you know, that Team shall be chosen to serve in the Royal Guard."

Pyrrha squinted her eyes, glancing back at Auron.

"The Royal Guard?" she asked, curiously.

"King Larr tends to recruit the best Team from the Academy to serve in the Royal Guard." Blake proclaimed to her.

"Lothadare tends to values the Royals so much the Royal Guard is the Highest honor in the Kingdom."

"And it's exactly what my mother is expecting us to achieve." Auron proclaimed to her.

"That's our Endgame."

Hearing what Blake and Auron were saying, Pyrrha was conflicted to say the least. While she was loyal to the kingdoms and their rulers, she was not so keen on the idea of the strongest team being on the Royal Guard. While the ruler's were vital, so too were the people they were meant to protect as well. Do their lives not matter when in the face adversity?

"Now, let the Games Begin!" The Headmaster proclaimed.

"Prepare Yourselves and may the Best of Luck be you!"

As the Magic hologram disbursed, the Headmaster turned back to King Larr and his beloved Queen.

"Now, how shall we start this final Trial, your Majesty?" Headmaster Rueben asked.

"Shall we proceed in the usual fashion as always."

King Larr stood up as he came up next to the Headmaster, gazing down over the stadium. He squinted his eyes, pondering for a moment. It was the usual course of action to save the best for very last. To determine which team was the strongest. Which it was strange to see the King shake his head at the suggestion.

"No, actually. That will not be necessary." The King proclaimed.

"I believe I have already distinguished who are the strongest teams among your students."

Headmaster Rueben squinted his eyes to the King.

"Your Majesty?" He asked.

"The council and I were informed of the Team Trials, Headmaster." The King reminded him.

"I believe there were two teams who had passed through the water Hydra's territory. One in particular managed to slay the beast."

The Headmaster narrowed his eyes, knowing who he was referring to.

"Yes, that would be Team Eagan and Team CRDL, your Majesty." The Headmaster proclaimed to him.

The King gestured a nod of his head to the Headmaster. With all that he had heard about the Team Trials, he was quite eager to see just which one of these teams were worthy of being part of the Royal Guard. Especially with how dire the war has become in recent time. The Kingdom was certainly in need for new Knights."

"Well, I believe we have found our first combatants for this years finals." The King Proclaimed.

"You may proceed with the final."

The Headmaster paused at first. Only to then paused as he nodded his head to the King.

"Of course, your Majesty." The Headmaster proclaimed.

With the wishes of the King, The Heamdaster glanced down to the data pad in his hand, insisting the results.

A virtual hologram once more formed above the center of the colosseum, revealing the first teams to compete. Much to the surprise of Pyrrha and her Teammates, they saw their team symbol shown above. Along with that of Team CRDL. Though their reactions were more a sly grin, seeing that they were the first to compete in the trials.

"For our first competitors of this years Final Trial. Team Eagan VS. Team CRDL!" The Announcer proclaimed to the Audience.

Pyrrha stared up at the hologram above with a look of a awe and excitement. Being the first to be chosen to compete. She then turned, glancing back at her Teammates, who came up next to her.

"Looks like we are up first." she said to them.

"And so is Cardin." Auron said, gesturing his head forward.

Pyrrha turned forward to the center of the colosseum. It was there she saw Cardin and his gang walking up, causing her to scowl. She had suspected that they would face them at some point in the trial. Though she had never expected that they would be the first ones they would face. Regardless, she would be willing to face them.

Keith smiled as he took his hammer in his hands.

"Oh Yeah." He said, grinning so eagerly.

"It's about time we get even with those guys."

"I concur." Hanako said.

She turned back, glancing back at Blake, who looked to her. Much like her, she seemed ready to face them as she was. Pyrrha gave her a smile, nodding her head to her. As if implying that she would have her back in this. The two then turned forward and without any further words, they then approached the center of the colosseum.

Seeing the two teams converging over the center, King Larr took note of this so-called "Team Eagan". The team did indeed seem to exceed the normal amount of number that was usually accustomed to teams. It was not often that the Fates would intertwine the destines of five. And from what he had seen from the recorded feed of the team trial, he had high expectations for the two teams.

He glanced to the Headmaster.

"It is interesting the fates would grant a five member team. I trust this will be a formidable match." The King said.

"I can assure you, your majesty, your trust has been placed wisely." Rueben proclaimed to him.

The Headmaster attention was then shifted to the Leader of the Royal Guard, who came up from the stand below. He gestured a nod of his head to her.

"Leandra." He greeted.

"Rueben." she said with a nod of her head.

Leandra came up next to the Headmaster, where she gazed down over the colosseum. Her focus place mainly over her son, Auron, as well as Hanako and Keith. As well as the two girls who accompanied them. Like the King, she held high expectations for her son and his Teammates. Most notably of her son. Trusting that he would keep her word to join the Royal Guard as well as the promise she made to her and his father.

The Headmaster then spoke up once.

"The chosen teams, take your positions and prepare yourselves." He announced to them.

As Pyrrha and her Teammates came to the center of the colosseum, they came face to face with Cardin and his thugs. Shifting his gaze to them, he gave both her and Auron the same smug smirk. Much like them, he had been expecting that he would be facing them. And he was looking well forward to it. Hoping for a chance to get back at them.

As well as settle the score with Auron.

"You got to be kidding me, you guys?" He said, hoisting the Executioner over his shoulder.

"I thought this was suppose to be a challenge. I guess the King is eager to watch us beat you guys."

His gang erupted in laughter at Cardin's remark. Only to be looked at by Auron with a stern expression. As well as from Pyrrha, Blake and the others.

"I wouldn't get cocky if I were you, Cardin." Auron said.

"It's gonna be different this time."

"Oh yeah, why is that?" Cardin asked sarcastically.

Auron held us his blaster rifle as he usually did in the past. A common move that Cardin had expected of him. Though instead of pointing the barrel of the blaster to him, it instead transformed into it plasma sword. To which he then drew his shield, taking a defensive pose. Much like the one that Pyrrha had showed him. Though Cardin was hardly phased by his gesture.

"Oh, please, this will be too easy." Cardin proclaimed.

It was right at that moment that Pyrrha came next to Auron.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that." Pyrrha insisted to him.

Cardin's glance then shifted to Pyrrha, glaring. Pyrrha held up her shield as she took a combative stance, staring back at him with a stern glance. Keith, Blake and Hanako followed suit, drawing their weapons as stood at the ready.

"Yeah, this time, your dealing with all of us." Keith proclaimed.

As his team members drew their weapons, Cardin only gave a stern glance to them, frowning. Only for another sly grin to form over his face. Taking his large mace, he twirled it around as he readied himself. Like Auron, he had been waiting for a chance to get back at her as well.

"Alright then." Cardin said.

"Just try not to go down so easy. I really want this to last."

Pyrrha and Auron only glared back at Cardin, sternly.

"May the strongest team prevail!" Headmaster Rueben proclaimed to them.

Qrow watched in brood from the entrance of the locker room corridors. His squinting gaze directed firmly at the King's booth. Watching as they observed the Trial as his fears came to be realized. For it seemed that the King was well aware of just who the strongest teams were and were making them compete with each other.

"Five... Four... Three... Two... One!"

Pyrrha and her Teammates stood ready with each passing second. Awaiting the very moment the headmaster would give the word. Raising her shield, Pyrrha eyes were kept focused upon Cardin. Lining her sword from the side as she gripped the handle firmly. All the encounters she had with Cardin and his thugs came to mind and brought much needed strength. But not out of revenge but rather remembering what her parents had always taught her.

That a true knight does not fight for glory but to protect the innocence of others.

Thus she would fight for her Teammates and undo the wrongs that Cardin had committed against them.

"BEGIN!"

Upon the Headmaster giving the final word, the conflict between between the two Teams. Pyrrha and Auron charged at Cardin, who in turned launched himself head on. Raising his mace into the air as he attempted to strike Auron. Pyrrha glance shifted to Auron for a moment before allowing him to pass her.

She knew this was more his fight then it was hers. And it would be beneficial for them to show Cardin just how far Auron had come since the last time they fought.

Just as the two colided, Cardin swung his large Mace down at Auron. Only for Auron to counter it with his plasma shield before pushing it back. He then delivered several slashes at Cardin, who was pushed back by the blows. He saunter back before catching himself quickly, turning back to Auron, seemingly surprised.

"That actually hurt." He said.

"Well I had a good teach." Auron remarked to him

It was right at that moment that Pyrrha leaped up from over Auron. She raised Milo, which changed into it's Javelin form, tossing it down at Cardin. Stuck by the tip of Milo, Cardin was once more pushed back. Pyrrha landed over the ground, rolling over to him before delivering a sweep of her leg, tripping him.

Cardin landed over the ground as he came up over his stomach. He then stood up, glaring at them. He then stood up as he charged at them once more as he tried to swing his Large mace at them. Only for the two to leap out of the way. Auron was the first to come at Cardin with his Plasma sword. The two weapons clashed, Auron being sure not to let up.

Leandra observed her son with much astonishment. His skills with a sword and shield having gratefully improved since before. Surprising, considering the knights who had been recruited in the years since the war were not as formidable, due to the rush training.

"I must say Rueben, my son appears to have improved well." She said, glancing to him.

Rueben glanced to her, nodding his head.

"Indeed, his team does seem quite formidable." The Headmaster said, appearing as surprised as this as she was.

Though while Auron and his team seemed to be quite formidable, the same could not be said for the other team. While seeming to be putting up a well fight, they were more like the students that had come from the Academy in recent time.

All the while, Blake, Keith and Hanako each fought one of Cardin's teammates. Blake stepped back as he blocked very slash by Russel Thrush and his Shortwing short daggers. Using both Gambol Shroud and it's sheath, she countered every slash.

Keith held up his hammer as he blocked Sky Lark's feathered Edge. He then pushed him back before he swung hammer, sending him flying back into the air. His hammer then changed form into it's rocket launcher. He then aimed it up at Sky, grinning before he fired a massive blast at him.

"Bam, how you like that, fool!" Keith exclaimed.

Hanako lunged at Dove, who attempted to fire several shots of his Hallshott. She leaped from side to side, avoiding each of his shots. She then lunged forward as she struck him with one swipe of her Katana. He then turned and attempted to counter her blade. Only for Hanako to push aside his sword and slash at him again. Before leaping over him and giving him a kick to his stomach.

She then held up her Katana as she took a combative stance, ready for what else this battle would endure.

Pyrrha lunged forward as Cardin attempted to swing his large mace, rolling out of the way. She came up into a kneeling stance she turned back to him. Milo changed form into it's rifle form as she took several shots at him. Cardin turned as he deflected the shots with his mace before he went to attack her. Only for Auron to leap up into the air behind him, raising his plasma sword high.

Cardin turned back to him in the nick of time, raising the executioner to block his plasma sword. As their weapons colided, Cardin was close to being brought down to his knees. The two became locked in a struggle as they attempted to push each other back. Cardin then pushed Auron back before turning around and delivering a swipe of his large mace. Auron was quick to counter it with his plasma shield as he was sent flying back, landing over his side.

"Auron!" Pyrrha exclaimed.

She turned back to Cardin, who turned to her, grinning. He then stood up as he walked over to her.

"Hey there, Red. Think it's time to get a little payback for before." Cardin said, twirling his large mace.

Pyrrha stood up as she took a defensive stance in the face of adversary. She held her shield before her as Milo changed back into it's sword form, which she held from her side. Her eyes peering down it's red and gold blade. Cardin then came forward as he leaped up into the air, raising his mace high above his head. Pyrrha quickly leaped back as Cardin's weapon came down over the ground from where she stood.

Landing over her feet, she the slid to a stop before lunging forward. Cardin stood up and attempted to swing his mace at her. Only for Pyrrha leap into the air turning mid air above him. Cardin looked up at her, where she saw her toss her shield at him. The shield struck him in the chest, causing him to fly back. Landing over the ground, Pyrrha drew her shield back to her with her semblance. She then charged forward at Cardin as he stood up off the ground.

Pyrrha slashed her sword at him, her blade clashed with his Mace. The two were locked in duel, their weapons clashing against one another. Pyrrha managing to get in several blows to him. All the while, avoiding every attempt he made against her. As he swung his mace from the side, she leaned back as he swung passed her. Leaving the front of his body exposed.

Ceasing the opportunity, she came forward as slashed him with her sword before spinning around and delivered a clean kick to his stomach. causing him to topple backward.

Just as he had caught his balance, he turned back to Pyrrha. Only to see her lung forward as she slammed her shield against him, sending him flying back once more. Pyrrha landed over the ground before she stood up, glancing up at him, smiling. Cardin landed over his feet as he slid back, falling over his knee. The impact of her shield leaving him stunned.

Qrow nodded his head to Pyrrha, smiling.

"That's my girl." He said.

Pyrrha's skills were also noticed by Leandra and the King, who were also in awe. The King stared down, stroking his beard.

"Remarkable." the King said.

"Who is that girl?" Leandra asked, glancing to the Headmaster.

Cardin glanced up at Pyrrha, glaring in frustration. He raised his mace once more, though this time pointing it at her. He then proceeded to fire several shots at her. Only for Pyrrha to block them with her shield. Cardin then stood up as he continued to fire at her. Only to suddenly be structed in the back by a blue plasma bolt. Looking back, he saw that Auron had recovered and was firing his blaster riffle at him.

Auron came forward continuing to fire at Cardin, as if to keep up the pressure over him. Cardin tried to block his shots with his mace, spinning it around as it countered his shots. Only to have a few to slip passed and hit his armor, causing to gasp in pain. Though regardless he continued to try and block his firing.

As he got close, Auron's blaster then transformed into it's sword form. He then slashed at Cardin, who countered his sword with his mace.

"That all you got?" He taunted, holding back his Plasma sword.

It was right at that moment at they heard a transformation sound from the side. Glancing to the side, he saw Pyrrha coming at him with her Javelin. He pushed Auron back quickly before turning to face Pyrrha. Pyrrha swung her javelined upward, dueling with his mace. Using her shield over her back to block any incoming sticks she couldn't counter with his javelin.

Blake had sent Russel sauntering back with several slashes of Gambol. As he tried slashing her with his daggers, she then leaped back, leaving a shadow of fire magic in her place. The shadow then exploded, causing Russel to be launched into the air. Blake then leaped up into the air, where she delivered several slashes of her katana. Before giving one final swipe of her Katana, sending him crashing to the ground.

Pyrrha continued to clash with Cardin. Throwing her javelin over her shoulders, Pyrrha turned so that the very end pointed directly at Cardin. It then thrusted forward a him, causing his to falter back. She then spun around, taking her javelin from over her shoulder. The prodigy then delivered an upper slash of her Javeline, sending him flying up into the air.

Though she did not leap into the air to finish him. Feeling it was not he who should do so. She then turned back to Auron.

"Auron!" she proclaimed.

Auron nodded his head.

"Right!" he proclaimed, rushing over to her.

Pyrrha kneeled down, hoisting up her shield. Auron then leaped up onto her shield, where she then hoisted him up into the air. Auron came up to Cardin, where he delivered several strikes with his plasma sword. He then spun around and delivered a massive swing of his plasma sword, sending Cardin flying back down. Cardin landed over the ground next to Sky, who had been blasted by Keith once more. Russel and Dove soon to follow suit, being beaten by Blake and Hanako. Cardin glanced back up at them.

Pyrrha stood before them, holding her weapons at the ready. Landing next to her, Auron stood up and also took a defensive stance. As well as Blake, Hanako and Keith who came up next to them.

King Larr held his hand firmly over his chin as he continued to watch the battle unfold. Despite their successor holding back the Water Hydra, it seemed that Team CRDL did not aspire to be more. At least, not when compared to Team Eagan, who appeared better trained and more effective within their combat. More worthy of being considered part of the royal Guard.

Headmaster Rueben glanced to the King.

"Your majesty?" The Headmaster asked.

"I believe I have seen enough to make my decision." The King proclaimed to the Headmaster.

"Wouldn't you say, Leandra?"

Leandra nodded her head in agreement.

"Yes, I believe we have." she said.

The King shifted his glance back to the Headmaster.

"Give the word." The King Proclaimed.

The Headmaster nodded his head.

"Of course, your majesty." he said, raising his cane.

The headmaster's magic shot into the air, where it formed the Symbol of Eagan formed high in the air.

"The winner of this Match. Team Eagan!" The Headmaster announced to them.

Upon seeing the team Logo above and hearing them be announced the winner of the match, Pyrrha gasped in awe. She stood up, lowering her weapons, smiling. She turned back to Auron and the others, who were gazing up in awe. Having seen that they won the trial that would earn them each a spot on the Royal Guard. It had been what they had strived the achieve.

And now they finally have it.

Auron narrowed his head as he tried to fathom what he had accomplished. Not only had he settled the score with his rival. But he had also kept the promise he had made to his mother. He glanced up at the stands where she was watching. Even from this distance, he could see that she was proud of him. Of all that he and his team had done.

"Hell, Yeah, that's what I'm talking about!" Keith proclaimed.

Pyrrha smiled back at her teammates as she shared in the joy they felt. Not that she had won. Rather it was more that she had achieve what Akara had asked of her. That she had helped her teammates achieve what they desired the most. The first of many trials that she had to endure to become the next Knight of Opara.

All she could hop no was to be ready for the ones that were ahead.

Author note- I'm pleased to announce that we have only three chapters left to the end of the story.