Chapter 30: Opening round
It was the opening day of the primaries of the God of War Tournament. The streets around the stadium were packed by enthusiastic crowds, many of them were foreigners visiting Midgar for the very first time. Many were rural nobility who were using this as an excuse to enjoy a holiday in the capital. Unlike the preliminaries, the tickets for even the nosebleed seats were expensive and completely sold out. Every single one of the sixty thousand seats would be occupied for the next three days. Many people would call this the most important annual event in the world, ranking it ahead of religious celebrations and holidays.
She was heading into the stadium through a secured gate with Poochie at her side. As they went, they were chatting about this and that.
"So, they finally let your friend Skel out of the prison yesterday?" Alexia asked.
"Yep," Poochie answered. "You wouldn't believe all the crying and whining just because he got roughed up a little bit. I mean he didn't even get stabbed once or get a single fingernail torn out."
"I'm sorry that happened to him. I certainly didn't tell the knight order to be so rough." Though I didn't ask them to be gentle either. He really got way too pushy.
Pooch shrugged, apparently not all that bothered by it. "It's okay I'm sure he deserved it. He's actually been begging me for money since he got back. 'Help me Cid I'm flat broke I can't even buy food. Please give me money or I'm going to get my legs broken.' It's been really annoying."
"Have you given him any?"
"Nope."
Alexia looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "Really? I thought he was your friend."
"He is my friend, that doesn't mean I can afford to give him money I know he'll never pay back."
"You made ten million zeni less than a week ago."
He looked at her in confusion. "So?"
She sighed, not really caring enough to argue further.
The directions to the VIP section were actually printed on the back of their tickets, but Alexia already knew the way. As she led him she took hold of Pooch so that they were walking arm in arm.
"Uhm, aren't you a little too close?"
"What do you mean? You're my darling boyfriend. I just want everyone to see how dear you are to me."
"Yeah, but I thought you wanted us to pretend to be extra close because of Rose. Since she's not around doesn't that mean we should go back to normal, and you be a little less clingy?"
She let out a small growl, trust Pooch to ruin what should have been a nice moment. He had a beautiful princess on his arm heading to some of the best seats for the greatest sporting event in the world. Any other guy would think he was the luckiest man in the world!
An impish grin touched her lips as she immediately thought of a way to get a little payback.
"Well, when I introduce you to daddy, I want him to think we're close."
"D… Daddy?" The color drained from Poochie's face, and she could see him start to sweat. "You don't mean-"
"My father the king. Who else? He's been very eager to meet you. I think he even said he wants to have a talk with you, man to man. I sure hope he thinks you're worthy of dating his precious little girl. He's really protective of me. I'd hate to think of what might happen to you if he considers you undeserving."
Pooch began dragging his feet and has the look of the condemned heading towards the gallows. "Hey, I think I really need to take a-"
"Here we are Poochie!" She tightened her grip and dragged him forward to a pair of gilded doors with knights on either side. The knights opened the doors and ushered them inside. The VIP section consisted of five rows of four seats each. There were maids present to serve food and drinks and there was a retractable set of stairs that led to the arena floor. When Iris won the championship again father would walk down and place the champions crown on her head as the entire arena cheered.
Alexia was ashamed to admit (to herself) that she hadn't enjoyed that moment last year as much as she should have. The jealousy and bitterness towards her sister had poisoned the moment. This year though she would be truly happy for Iris!
Especially if she ended up kicking that prudish bitch Claire's ass in the finals.
Entering, Alexia was not surprised to see the back three rows already occupied, but the first two empty.
"Oh! That's right, I totally forgot, daddy won't be attending today. How could I have forgotten?"
Cid let out a breath and stopped trembling like a leaf. He then sent her an aggrieved look. "You did that on purpose."
"Did what?" She said sounding innocent.
The glare Pooch gave her made Alexia laugh.
"You're safe for today, Pooch, but don't feel too relieved. Daddy will be attending tomorrow, and you will be meeting him."
He opened his mouth to make some lame excuse, but she rolled right over him.
"And don't even think about pretending to be sick or any other ridiculous pretext for not coming tomorrow. If I have to, I will tie you up and drag you here."
He stared at her. "Damn it, you mean it."
She laughed and hugged his arm. "Isn't it great how well you know me!"
He groaned but didn't try to argue with her.
XXX
They sat down in their seats that were in the second row. She was in seat 7 and he had 8, so she was in the middle of the row, and he was at the end. Since there was time, they both ordered coffee with plenty of milk and sugar along with some toast and jam.
Much as with chocolate, coffee was a brand-new item that was exclusive to Mitsugoshi. While not quite as popular as chocolate, it was very fashionable and growing in popularity. As before, Poochie pretended to be familiar with chocolate and claimed to know exactly how he preferred it. This was obviously a lie, as there was no way Poochie could have afforded to buy coffee regularly. Though Alexia had to admit his act was pretty convincing. She actually decided to try it with milk and sugar the way Pooch was drinking it and discovered it was quite good.
She was just finishing up her coffee when the doors opened, and her sister arrived with Claire at her side. Alexia gave her sister a genuine smile and the arrogant bitch a forced one. Claire was nowhere near as skilled at hiding her feelings as Alexia was, and openly frowned at her.
As usual, her sister was completely oblivious to the mood and sat down in the seat beside her.
"Have you and Cid been here long?"
"About ten minutes or so," Alexia replied.
"Cid, it's nice to see you again," Iris said.
"Oh, it's a pleasure to see you too. It's always good to be with a princess who's actually nice."
Alexia rounded on Pooch. "What does that mean?"
"What? I think Iris is nice person, that's all."
"Are you implying that I'm not?"
"No, at least not out loud."
Alexia glared at Pooch who smiled back. For some odd reason this made her sister giggle.
"It's so cute how well you two get along."
"Yeah," Alexia muttered. "We're just perfect for each other."
As all this had been going on Claire had remained standing. Iris noticed and looked at her. "Aren't you going to sit down?"
When Claire spoke, it wasn't directed at Iris but to Alexia. "Hey, switch seats with me."
Alexia resisted the urge to scowl and kept up a pleasant front. "Excuse me?"
"I said, switch seats with me."
"Yes, I heard you the first time, but why would I do that?"
"I want to sit next to my brother."
The current seating order was Claire, Iris, Alexia, Cid.
Alexia gave her a honey smile that in no way matched the look in her eyes. "Oh, I'm veeeeeerrrry sorry, but I just can't do that. I want to sit next to my Poochie."
"You're still calling him that?" Claire growled.
"Of course, I am."
The two girls locked gazes.
"He's my little brother."
"So? I'm his beloved girlfriend."
"For now."
Alexia suddenly turned to Cid. "Hey, Poochie, tell your brocon of a sister that you'd much rather sit with me."
"Uh…"
"Cid, tell this silver haired harpy you'd be happier sitting with your precious neesan than with her."
"Uhm…"
Cid was looking nervously from one face to the other and starting to sweat.
That was when Iris suddenly stood up. "Cid, how about we switch seats? That way you can sit between both of them."
He nodded and jumped to his feet. "Thank you, Iris. You're a lifesaver. Literally."
He and Iris exchanged seats. Claire didn't look pleased but sat down on Poochie's right while Alexia was on his left. The two glared at one another before each taking hold of one arm. Cid sat there and continued to sweat.
Iris looked on with a serene expression. "It's so nice we can all get along."
XXX
The mood settled down a bit as they all ordered coffee and some snacks as they waited for the opening match. Claire and Alexia seemed to call a temporary ceasefire while Cid nervously smiled at both of them. During this time two of the other guests in VIP came over to chat with Iris. Alexia knew them both from section one, they were seniors who had been in the section with Iris and knew her from there. One was the daughter of the Knight Order Commander, the other was Eric, second son of a duke, and ironically the person who'd confessed to her just before Poochie.
They were making the usual small talk that aristocrats always did. This was just an excuse to reconnect with Iris and firm up ties for the future. Not surprisingly, the conversation meandered to the tournament.
"I am sure you'll win the tournament, Iris," Sara said. "No one could possibly beat you."
Well, one person could, Alexia thought, but he's not here.
"No, she won't," Claire said. "I'll be the tournament champion."
Both Sara and Eric looked shocked by those words, but Iris didn't react.
"Don't you think you're being pretty arrogant?" Alexia asked. "My sister won the championship last year, and the only reason you're even here is because Rose was disqualified. You have no chance of beating Iris."
Claire answered with absolute certainty. "That just means Rose would have been the champion if she'd made it instead. I know Iris is strong, but I'm stronger."
The two girls again locked gazes and Cid tried to sink into his seat.
Iris laughed and the mood lightened. "I admire your confidence, Claire. You're an outstanding spellsword, that's why I want to recruit you into the Crimson Order. I look forward to facing you in the finals."
Claire looked at her and nodded. "I feel the exact same way. I truly respect you." She glanced at Alexia. "Unlike a certain other princess."
"Are you implying something?!" Alexia demanded.
"No, I am flat out saying I don't respect you."
"Why you dirty little-"
That was when Cid suddenly jumped to his feet. "I'm going to go take a shit."
Everyone but Alexia looked slightly disturbed by his choice of words.
"The opening match is starting soon," Claire told him. "Can't it wait?"
"Sorry, sis, this is a big one. I may be awhile."
"You don't have to announce it you know," Alexia said with a roll of her eyes. "Get back here as quick as you can, Poochie."
He nodded. "Sure thing, Muffin."
"Muffin?" Both Iris and Claire spoke in unison.
"It's my pet name for her," Pooch explained. "She loves it." He hurried off.
Alexia could feel her cheeks reddening as four sets of eyes were boring into her.
"Ah… yeah, I just love when he calls me that."
Iris clapped her hands and looked absolutely delighted. "What a cute name! I think it suits you!"
"I agree," Claire said looking smug. "Something soft that can be easily crushed, it definitely suits you."
Alexia screwed a grin on her face and resisted the urge to reach over and strangle the arrogant trollop. Poochie was going to pay for this later.
XXX
Sara and Eric returned to their seats. As the opening ceremonies were wrapping up and the initial match approaching Pooch still hadn't made it back. When the doors to the VIP section Alexia turned hoping to see him finally returning. To her disappointment it was just some handsome well-dressed guy in his thirties. Alexia didn't recognize him, but there were only four seats still vacant, and she knew who they were reserved for: her father, the prime minister, King Oriana, and Rose's scumbag fiancé Duke Doem.
Sure, enough he sauntered to the first row of seats and stood beside the one on the aisle directly below where her sister was. The man placed a hand on his heart and performed a graceful bow.
"Princess Iris, it's a joy to see you once more."
"Duke Doem," Iris rose to her feet and returned the gesture. "I am very happy to see you as well."
Alexia could see that was a lie. She was willing to bet Doem could as well, not that he would call her on it. Maybe I should give sis a few lessons on how to be a better liar.
Doem then turned to her. "And you must be her sister, Princess Alexia. A pleasure to be meeting you." He bowed once more.
"I'm glad to finally meet you as well. I've been wanting to talk to you for a while now."
Alexia deliberately remained seated. That wasn't quite an insult, but very clearly impolite. Iris frowned at her, but Doem continued to smile and pretended not to notice.
"Will King Oriana be joining us?" Iris asked as she sat back down.
"Sadly, no." Doem took the seat directly in front of her and turned so he could face Iris as they spoke. "I'm afraid his majesty is still feeling unwell. However, he has assured me that he will be able to attend tomorrow."
"How delightful. My father and the Prime Minister will also be here tomorrow. I am sure it will be a wonderful gathering."
Doem nodded. "Yes, it should be quite enjoyable. His majesty is very much looking forward to it."
"Is he really?" Alexia leaned forward in her chair. "Even though his daughter is a fugitive?"
Doem faced her and gave an easy laugh. "Fugitive? That's a bit much don't you think? I consider this to be a little misunderstanding, nothing more. Years from now this will just be a funny story we tell our children."
He's good, Alexia thought. She couldn't read him at all. So far as she could tell he really was at ease discussing Rose. He had to be quite the accomplished liar.
"Most misunderstandings don't involve stabbings with a sword."
Doem casually waved it away. "Well women do have a tendency to get overemotional sometimes."
That earned him frosty glances from her, Iris, and even Claire.
"Rose happens to be a close friend of mine. She's not the sort to do things off the cuff. Could you tell me exactly what happened to cause her to try and murder you?"
Iris coughed into her hand, but Alexia refused to notice.
Doem continued to have a relaxed veneer as he answered her. "His majesty informed her that we were to be betrothed. She did not take that well."
"And it just instantly escalated to stabbing you? There must have been more to it than that."
Iris coughed again.
"I actually gave your guards a formal statement on the matter."
"I know, I read it. It didn't take long."
"I prefer certain details remain private," he was still smiling but his tone had a sharper edge to it. "Both his majesty and I consider this to be a private matter."
"Hard to see something as private when you involve search parties and bounties. You are awfully eager to get your hands on Rose. I can't help but wonder why."
"Is it really such a mystery? I love her."
"Do you?"
There was an uncomfortable silence.
"Are you accusing me of something, princess?" His voice was low and no longer friendly.
"That's enough, Alexia." Iris broke in with a voice that would not tolerate argument. She turned to Doem and bowed her head. "I apologize for my sister, she's very worried about her friend."
"I understand completely, I'm anxious as well," the jovial mask was back in place. "Tell me do any of the contestants interest you?"
Alexia sat back in her seat. She wasn't going to go against her sister and the topic of Rose had very clearly been dropped. If Iris would only let her interrogate the guy for a few hours…
Iris tapped her chin and considered. "Well, if I had to say," she pointed to the girl sitting at the end of the row. "Claire Kagenou, here. I expect to face her in the finals."
"Thanks," Claire said with a nod.
Doem chuckled. "Anyone else who is not in earshot?"
Iris once more stopped to think. "Annerose. She was one of the Seven Swords of Belgata. She resigned the position to go on a journey of growth."
Doem nodded in agreement. "She does have quite an excellent reputation. You'll face her in the next round I believe?"
Iris nodded.
"I'm eager to see that match, it should be a great fight."
"Annerose won't make it that far," Alexia said drawing the eyes of Iris and Doem. "She's going to lose today."
"What makes you say that?" Iris asked.
"Her opponent, Jimina, has mysterious depths."
Iris raised an eyebrow. "Mysterious depths?"
Alexia shrugged. "I can't really explain it. I've only seen one of his matches, but he somehow managed to defeat Goldoh Kinmeki without even swinging his sword."
"Without swinging his sword? How did he manage that?" Iris asked.
"I honestly don't know. I was watching, but so far as I could tell Goldoh just sort of fell over."
Doem snorted. "Sounds like he won through sheer luck."
"He's a finalist," Iris argued. "No one can make it this far through luck alone."
"Well, that's true. But it probably means he was fortunate along the way. He's certainly the eighth in a field of eight. I'd say he has no chance against someone who was one of the Seven Swords."
"Wanna bet on it?" Alexia asked with a purr in her voice. "I've got ten million zeni on Jimina, I won't even ask you for odds."
Iris frowned. "Is betting really proper behavior for a princess?"
"Everyone in this stadium is betting on the matches. Since our family hosts them I can't see anything wrong with us doing it too."
"I suppose…"
"So, what do you say, Duke Doem?"
"I'm afraid I don't have that much coin with me."
"I'm sure you're good for it."
Doem paused and eyed her. "Can we change the stakes?"
"What do you have in mind?"
"If this Jimina wins I'll arrange the necessary funds to pay out ten million zeni. If Annerose wins, I'd like your promise to not ask any further questions about the incident with me and Rose. I'd also like you to attend our wedding."
"How do you plan to have a wedding without a bride?"
"I'm certain Rose will come to her senses before long. Obviously, if there's no wedding you won't be required to attend."
"Done," Alexia said.
"Done," Doem said.
Not long after there was a roar from the stands as the contestants of the opening match took the field.
XXX
"Can you have the sum sent to me by tomorrow?" Alexia asked with a content grin. "Oh, and I'd prefer it to all be in gold coins of course."
"You'll have it by the end of the day," Doem said in a curt response.
The match between Annerose and Jimina had been exciting if quick. Unlike his win against Goldoh this time Jimina had actually had to use his blade. It had taken a couple strikes, but the end result had been an unconscious Annerose lying in the sand as he slouched off towards the nearest gate.
The result had left Alexia happy, Doem clearly annoyed, Iris intrigued, and Claire only mildly entertained.
"Where is Cid? My match is next! How can he still not be back?"
"You should get used to it, this happens a lot," Alexia told her.
"Really? This was never an issue when he was growing up. Does my brother have problems with his bowels?" She sounded genuinely concerned.
"You know he might," Alexia answered honestly.
"Should we arrange for him to see a specialist?" Iris asked.
Just at this point the door opened and a certain someone strolled in. Claire jumped up to greet him.
"I have to go now. Watch my match closely and try to draw some inspiration from it."
"I will, good luck, sis!"
"Thanks, Cid."
"Good luck, Claire!" Iris said.
"Thank you, Iris."
"I wish you good luck," Doem said.
"Thank you, sir."
Claire pointedly looked at Alexia.
Alexia sighed and forced herself to pretend. "Good luck out there."
Claire offered her a razor-thin smile. "Thanks, Muffin."
Alexia choked back a nasty reply as the girl hurried off.
Cid sat down next to her. Alexia waited until no one was looking and punched him in the arm.
"Ow!" He rubbed the spot where he'd been hit. "What was that for?"
"For calling me Muffin in front of everyone. Don't. Ever. Do. It. Again."
He sighed. "Fine. Whatever you say, Kitten."
"Kitten?!" Iris squealed. "That's so adorable!"
"Yeah, she loves it even more than Muffin. Don't you, Kitten?"
"… of course, I do."
She waited until Claire's match started and everyone was watching it before punching him again.