Chapter 123

123 The Demonstration(Part Two)

The walkway was poorly lit as Skye made her way to the arena. The noise from the crowds was ear-shatteringly loud. The walls and ground shook from the vibrations of thousands of people walking around and stomping their feet. Bits of dust occasionally fell from the ceiling due to it, giving the princess another reason to have her hood up.

Maevis stayed well hidden within Skye’s hood and hair. She barely peeked out; making sure not draw any attention from the people streaming alone with the princess into the seating area. When it came time for her to turn upwards, the flow of the crowd carried her along, forcing her to miss her stairway. Not wanting to risk exposing Maevis; the princess went with the flow.

When she’d finally broken away, Skye realized that she wasn’t too far from her destination. Technically, the balcony was within jumping distance. The drop was about thirty feet, and there were both royal guards and military about. Only a fool would tempt fate by jumping over...

Right as Skye was debating on attempting to double back now or wait, someone from the balcony called out to her. She barely heard it over the noise from the spectators.

Looking over, Skye saw King Lawrence waving at her. She smiled brightly at him, then pointed towards the doorway full of people. Then, she used her two fingers to make a walking motion on her palm. Lastly, she pointed towards the balcony.

Understanding the princess’ meaning; Lawrence shook his head in the negative. He then pulled out a pocket watch, and pointed to it. Skye wouldn’t have enough time to make it to them before the demonstration started.

Holding up his hand, Lawrence indicated to his sister in law to stay put. The moment after Skye had nodded her agreement, the horns sounded. A second later, the announcer came over the broadcast system that was wired throughout the arena.

********

Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to this year’s Mage Trials!

.....

We got a few changes this year, so listen up! To accommodate the incredible amount of competitors; the teams will have eight members each! Other than that, business as usual!

Only one member has to reach the finish line to complete the trial! The winning team will be determined by the overall score of the team! The sooner you get taken out, the fewer points you get! If you are rendered unconscious before a member of your team crosses the finish line, you are disqualified! The more obstacles you overcome, and damage you deal to other competitors; the higher your score! Pretty straightforward, right?!

AND! To celebrate the wedding of Prince Tidas to Princess Skye, we have a very special treat for you all...A Demonstration Match! And not just any ole Demo Match! It’s a Showdown Between The PILLARS!!! That’s right! Get ready to see the Best of the Best, go Head to Head!

And don’t forget: before the actual trials begin, our amazing King has some introductions and announcements to make! So huddle up, keep warm, and keep seated because I think we’re about to see some Crazy fighting!!

********

The spectators roared to life at the announcer’s opening. Everyone screamed their approval as the announcer called out to the fighters. A momentary hush swept over the arena as three figures could be seen coming out...

The crowd cheered for ‘Commander’ Zas as he came strutting out. He smiled and waved, causing the spectators to scream louder. As far as they knew, Zas was the leader of the RMC. It was a failed ploy to draw out Magnus’ brother. Part of the announcements the king planned on making was the ‘promotion’ of Tidas to Commander of the RMC. Zas was happy not to have to lie any longer, as well as get a much-needed work load cut.

Shasta came out next, just a few feet behind Zas. She got just as many cheers and applause as he had. The only difference seemed to be in tone. More men had cheered for the VC than women, but it wasn’t surprising. While relationships with beast men were looked down on, it wasn’t unheard of. It wasn’t usually socially acceptable to cat call them, either. But Shasta was an exception.

As she cleared the entrance, Tidas stepped forward. The crowds erupted; people jumped to their feet as they screamed out his name. The prince carried himself with confidence as he walked towards the main dividing rock wall for the track. He stopped and turned about as he neared it, creating a wide triangle shape with Zas and Shasta. It was like they’d gone to their respective corners of a boxing ring.

Skye watched her husband saunter out, and couldn’t help but feel a thrill rush through her. He truly could have any woman he wanted.. He was extremely dashing in all black, and thousands of women spectators wholeheartedly agreed with her. They called out to her husband, offering themselves to him. But Tidas wouldn’t even look in their direction as he took his position.

Best

Tidas had chosen her, and Skye, him. He made her feel secure in their bond, enough to trust him with her heart again. With that in mind; thousands of women hitting on her husband all at once was actually flattering to her. And it wasn’t like she could blame them. Tidas was walking, talking sex appeal in human form.

The announcer’s voice boomed over the speakers; “The three before you are the strongest members of our Kingdom! Our swords! Our shields to the strike! Ladies and gentlemen! I give you the Pillars of Alcon!”

The arena exploded as all three threw their right arms into the air, then simultaneously saluted the crowds. Skye was impressed at their impromptu coordination. It wasn’t like they’d had any practice beforehand, aside from their military training. Skye had no real idea about what was taught in the RMC other than magic and combat training. She had no idea that synchronicity was included, except for marching.

“Are you people ready for some crazy, heart-pounding fights?! Then let’s get this show on the road! Since this pertains to Prince Tidas’ wedding, we’ll be starting off with the Prince versus the Commander! On our majesty’s order, you may begin!”

Magnus stepped up to the mic array before him; “May the strongest win...”

Tidas and Zas pulled out their weapons as the king bellowed out; “BEGIN!”

Tidas bent his knees, and sprung at Zas. He moved so fast, anyone that wasn’t a Tank couldn’t see him. Not until his long sword crashed down onto Zas’ broad-bladed axe from above. The force of the impact was so strong, that it sent a layer of dust and dirt flying into the air. The first several rows of seats practically got blasted with dust and wind.

In the blink of an eye; Tidas’ feet touched the ground, then he disappeared. A divot hole appeared as a black blur flashed several feet from Zas. Tidas had created it from digging his foot into the ground with sheer force, to pivot. He then rebounded back to Zas to strike again. He repeated the act in quick succession; swinging his sword on Zas from several directions as he ricocheted around in a pattern.

Realizing the pattern, Zas lashed out. He carried his axe and a long shield, so defending himself from the prince’s onslaught wasn’t too difficult. The amount of force he was putting behind his swings was more than when they usually sparred. Tidas had seemed distracted earlier, but was now razor sharp in his focus. Klaus was in training, so Zas couldn’t exactly go at him with real intent. It had been a while since he’d had a decent fight.. Aside from the bout with the Cu Sith.

As Tidas zipped around, he landed a blow hard enough to make Zas stumble backwards; exposing his back calf. Tidas instantly zeroed in on the protruding limb, and slashed at it as he passed. He made it a point not to swipe hard as he ran by. The sensors weren’t delicate, but they weren’t hard to trigger, either. Tiny electric shocks numbed Zas’ lower back leg, making it nearly impossible to move it around. The general roared ferociously in response, causing the crowds to cry out in both excitement and suspense.

Tidas had struck Zas in the same place that the Nomads had struck him back in Warrick Forest. Tidas knew which directions would be the most difficult for him to cover, based off of personal experience. He dug his foot into the ground with extra force; springing himself forward at a quicker pace.

Tidas and Shasta were both faster than Zas. He could boost his power and speed simultaneously like the other two, but he still wasn’t as fast as them. He was stronger than Shasta, but not the prince. Tidas was both the strongest and fastest soldier in the army. Only a few knew it for sure, now everyone was going to see first hand..

As the prince slowly closed in, his sword crashing down against Zas’ shield over and over again. He swung his axe, but it was too heavy and slow to make contact with Tidas. Suddenly, the prince stopped in front of the ‘Commander’. He slammed his sword down in rapid succession; overwhelming Zas. He felt his footing slipping, so in a last ditch effort; he shoved his shield into Tidas.

When the prince was knocked backwards, Zas swung at him with his massive axe.. Instead of falling, he used the momentum to flip; kicking away the axe as he did so. As soon as his feet hit the ground, Tidas zipped passed Zas, then whipped himself back to come up behind the general. He pulled back his sword, and held the tip to the back of Zas’ neck. He lightly tapped him, causing the sensors in the suit to register a critical hit..

The first part of the match was over much sooner than the crowds would’ve liked, but they’d partially expected it. Zas personified the name Tank. He was referred to as the ‘Immovable Pillar’. Tidas and Shasta were well known for their agility and speed. It was that match that most of the people truly looked forward to.

Skye was in awe of her husband’s prowess. She’d barely seen anything but a blur as he ran circles around Zas. Seeing him strike Zas’ shield hard enough to destabilize him had her cheering loudly along side the other spectators. When Tidas had been flung backwards, Skye’s heart had lept into her throat when Zas had swung his axe. The weapons were covered by the sensors, but a strong enough impact could still break bones.

The crowds screamed out for the next match to start. Shasta looked at Tidas with an evil grin before she stated; “I guess I’ll have to beat you twice as bad, since I won’t get the chance to kick Zas’ ass!”

Tidas flashed a cocky smile before he replied; “Bring it on, Purrball!”