Two figures stepped onto the platform amidst the frenzied cheers of the watching crowd.

One was a young man with spikey blond hair, a black tank-top and pants, and one black sleeve covering his left arm. In both hands he held a massive sword, the blade thicker than both of his arms combined and the blade's length only slightly less than his own height.

The other was a woman with brown, somewhat curly hair that fell to just below her shoulderblades. Her right eye was covered with a strip of white cloth, and she wore a white dress that ended in a skirt. In both hands she held a long blade with rune engravings upon it.

"The next battle is between Cloud and Beatrix! BEGIN!"

Gripping his sword in both hands, Cloud charged forward, swinging the massive blade at Beatrix with all his might.

Knowing that she had no chance of blocking the massive sword, Beatrix leapt nimbly into the air, allowing the blade to pass under her feet.

"Blind!" she shouted, extending her free left hand outward.

Cloud screamed and staggered back, trying to clear his eyes with his shoulder.

Putting his hand on his gauntlet, a green spherical gem held within it began to glow. Magic swirled around his eyes and they opened again, just in time to see Beatrix's next attack.

"THUNDER SLASH!"

Cloud desperately brought his massive blade up, the energy smashing into his arm before he could bring it completely to bear.

The magic attack knocked him off of his feet and near to the edge of the arena.

Grasping his sword firmly, he stood as quickly as he was able, just as Beatrix unleashed her next attack.

"CLIMHAZZARD!"

Cloud's eyes glowed with an eerie light as she dashed towards him.

"CLIMHAZZARD!" he roared, charging forward.

Both of their blades met with a titanic clash, the combatants pressing against the other's sword with all their might.

The blades locked in a shower of sparks for just a moment, before Cloud's pushed Beatrix's back.

With a massive upward slash, he broke her guard and sent her flying backwards, towards the edge.

Beatrix thrust downward, her sword thrusting into the ground. Using it, she pushed off, drawing the blade out and using the reverse-momentum to turn her fall into a charge.

"SHOCK!"

A massive shockwave of energy burst forth and slammed into Cloud.

He raised his blade to block, and the energy began swirling around it and dispersing to the side, although not without effect. The energy was definitely taking a toll on his body, and more and more wounds were appearing on him.

His eyes flared with mako energy and he began to slash furiously, each sword stroke accompanied by a surge of energy.

As he continued to slash, he chopped his way closer and closer, dispersing the energy of Beatrix's attack as he went.

Still holding her sword and emitting her attack, Beatrix closed her eyes, white light shining around her.

"HOLY!"

A wave of holy magic burst forth from her sword, merging with her attack and slamming into Cloud.

Cloud screamed and was flung into the air, over the ledge and towards the lava pit. A magical barrier burst to life under him, catching him before he was incinerated in the lava below.

"Beatrix is the winner!"

9th Match: Cloud vs. Beatrix

Victory: Beatrix

1,000 gold to Rase for rent.

The next match will be between Rubedo and Homard. It will take place in the Skull Dungeon. Betting will close at midnight tomorrow.

And more battlefields are always nice.