Agrias Reports

[Agrias Oaks]

Agrias Report #1

Save the Queen, Save the Queen

The Red Rose came into view from its place directly outside Traverse Town. A barrage of cannonballs were being fired off simultaneously and reloaded quickly. Large grappling chains were launched, and attached to certain points in the ground, so that they could maintain balance while firing downward. The Third District was a mess of petrified townspeople, running in all different directions. A black mist appeared from the ship and made a spiraling descent down into the square.

When it came in contact with the cobblestone, a woman, dressed in a mixture of black and blue, wearing some armor and carrying a majestic sword, stepped from the cloud of darkness. She had beautiful Tuscan hair, and her right eye was covered with a black eye patch. Her good eye was glazed over with evil. She raised a hand, and a ball of white light, warped with swirling black energy, appeared above. She was charging up an attack. She called out something in a foreign tongue, and from the shadows about sixty beings, born from the darkness emerged, decked out in armor crafted by malice. This was the General of the Heartless. Beatrix the Merciless.

By this time, a woman with golden hair would awaken in a time and place not her own by the sounds of cannon fire, "Where am I?" she spoke weakly, with a British accent, sitting up to find herself in a forest region. The ground would tremble bellow her, and she could feel it through her armor, the vibrations of war, "Under attack...!" she mumbled, getting to her feet, the beat metal she wore squeaking and scrapping against other metals as she got up.

It was then that she heard the screams of towns people, running and begging for their lives. Her amber eyes shot up to the sky, to see part of it lit, not by the rising sun, but the near flames of the town! She took out her blade, Save The Queen, a sword given to her by an Ally in her world, to protect the lives of the innocent, and rushed toward the danger, keeping not in mind in the fact of her injuries, but the fate of the townspeople!

The knight came into a clearing, her Royal clothing and armor visible now because of the raging fires. She wore a blue vest and brown musketeer pants, covered in metal plates with the Symbols of Holy. Her eyes glowed a soft amber as she saw the devastating scenery around her. Children, running, some with no parents in sight, Women shrieking in terror of dark creatures. Agrias could stand no more of this, she pointed her sword to a group of the Heartless, and roared a chant lost to the ages:

"Absorb power in the sky and strike! Lightning Stab!"

Just then, new clouds up above would form, and rain down critical lightning which wrapped around the fiends, rendering them a quick destruction!

"In the name of Princess Ovelia! I order you to STOP your advance!"

To the skies Beatrix' chin raised, and the anger in her war-cry deepened. "Opposition!" she cried, throwing her arm down and setting loose her corrupted Holy attack. In one fell sweep, all nearest to her in a semicircle were crippled beyond repair. She sicked the Heartless close by on those who could no longer move, and one-by-one her army was growing.

In the name of Princess Ovelia! I order you to STOP your advance!

"Insolence!" Beatrix charged into the crowd, making her way for the bearer of that voice, cutting down anyone in her path. When she saw the woman from afar, aways away, nearest the clearing, she stopped, glaring daggers at her. A small child toddled by as quickly as he could, but Beatrix caught him by the scruff of the neck, hoisted him with one hand, and carried him toward the other woman. When about seven feet apart, she held the boy outward, her sword beside his neck. "Cease fire immediately, by order of Queen Maleficent, Mistress of All Evil. I am Beatrix, General of the Heartless. Cease all opposition immediately, before this chaos persists and worsens. You wouldn't want, on top of creating Heartless, death, now would you?"

Just then she heard more cannons being fired, and chuckled evilly. "This world is finished. There is no stopping it. Not even your princess Ovelia, or whatever. Now, I sense a challenge in you. Should you wish to spare the child's life, you will instead take his place and face me here and now. You might prove a worthy enough adversary."

Agrias had seen the advance, after hearing the voice of the woman who came to her, glaring in disgust as she cut through the crowds of townspeople only to face her. Much worse, when she held a child in her arms, and threatened him in order to get Agrias' attention, and challenge of the sword. The knight scoffed, looking at the sword the enemy carried, "How DARE you hold the sword of a Royal Holy Knight, you scum!!! Pray tell, what fighting hands did you pry such an Honor filled sword from!?"

The Holy Knight attained a fighting stance, flashing her OWN Save the Queen at Beatrix, "Let the boy go, your challenge has been accepted, fiend, not only for the townspeople and the princess, but for the Honor to Holy Knights!"

As she saw the other woman flash her own Save the Queen, she faltered, dropping the child. It scampered off very quickly, screaming. "I earned this blade as a symbol of devotion to my nation Alexandria, thanks." She made a swiping motion with the blade, and stomped once, and then placed a fist to her heart salute. "But that is in the past. For all of their sins, Alexandria--no, Gaia itself--will fall to my blade...Her Majesty Queen Maleficent has shown me that their ways are...unforgivable." She took a fighting stance, and charged forward, her sword burning with an intense black fire, caked with crackling green lightning. She let out another battle cry, bringing Save the Queen high into the air and coming downward. "Surrender your heart to Darkness!"

"NEVER!" shouted Agrias, charging against the powerful villain with her Save the Queen, "I shall NEVER fall by someone who has LOST their ways!!" She also shouted a loud battle cry, swinging her sword upward to strike at the sister sword, a loud, crackling spark would be formed by the two blades coming together. The Holy Knight would hold her ground, pressing forward, gritting her teeth at the immense power emanating from both swords which seemed to cry in the form of scrapping steel.

"To turn against the land which gifted you with such a Sword!" she shouted between grunts, " You bring your land great SHAME by your treacherous actions!!"

As the swords connected, Beatrix could hear the blood-curdling cries of pain and agony that seemed to come from the heart of the twin swords. She closed her eye and kept pushing forward, attempting to knock this shock from her head. As she faltered, she could hear Maleficent penetrating her mind. "Beatrix...you must surrender yourself fully to the darkness. Harness the true power, the Supreme Darkness, and strike down your foe." Beatrix withdrew her attack, stabbing the blade down after knocking Agrias' back. A pool of darkness seeped from the blade and Beatrix jumped in. A moment later she came out again, behind Agrias, Save the Queen poised at the knight's back. "I will not falter now. Climhazzard!" she cried, raising her blade to make a back-hand slash. "If you won't join, then die!"

Agrias was struck by the sudden attack, "A-.. a teleporter..?!" she coughed, her back injured by previous battles, simply made things worse. She was airborne for moments ,until she regained balance, and landed on a knee only a few feet away, " Tch-! I see technique, and I raise my own! Life is short…Bury! Steady Sword!" she cried, holding up her sword, and bringing it down. Beatrix would suddenly feel the air around her squeezing against her, compressing around her before sealing her in an Icy thin layer, though she would still be aware of her surroundings. A status effect had taken place: Stop.

The Just Knight used this opportune moment to get up, and walk toward the woman. What sort of Holy Knight would she be, if she was to strike another, though fallen to evil, if they were paralyzed, at least temporarily? The wound at her back would bleed severely, and she would use this opportune moment to heal... "Life's refreshing breeze, heal from the Sky! Cure2!" she whispered, and she wound glowed momentarily... her injury would close, but only slightly since it was a critical blow that had befallen her.

" I know not of this Evil Queen of which you speak, a ruler that would turn you against your own kind should be a Queen of no one! Nay, nothing!" she spoke seriously, her amber eyes starring into the visible eye of her enemy, " The swords cry, a sign that there is good in you... yet buried under the filth of darkness. Why... condemn yourself to a life of hatred which brings no happiness?!"

Beatrix, frozen in place, grew angrier for a moment, but when she was able to even inch around slightly, she frowned at the other knight's words. "I...it was all I knew for the longest time," said the general, falling to her knees the moment she was free to move. "Queen Brahne...fell to Kuja's magical powers, all because of her intense greed. Her lust for Black Mages...and the use of Eidolons...and then she fell. Queen Garnet hasn't been queen long, and when they defeated Kuja...I was taken by Maleficent some time after. It is all I knew, mostly. And she taught me how to...how to protect what I love through darkness. Over time...she taught me the true evils of my home world." She leaned in close, a little intimately.

"Speak nothing of condemning me...for you resigned yourself to a life of purity...you haven't given darkness the chance. Darkness allows my world to continue moving forward...until I deal with it."

"Blasphemy!" Agrias growled, holding her sword, not to fight, but to display it to the fallen knight, " I was given this sword to protect my kingdom, my country, my princess... I took it, and swore to protect those I LOVED with it, NOT to destroy them!!"

The knight grew passionate, holding her chest, tired of her previous battle with Ultima, "So, that I gave my life to protect it, and I have no regrets! I fought to protect My Princess, who would soon become Queen-- so she could have a future! This Garnet must mean nothing to you if you wish destroy her, and YOUR kingdom. Even if she removed such evil from the face of Gaia, you TURN on her with the same evil that struck in the first place!! We receive these Honors because we use our powers as Knights, for our unique abilities in saving lives, and not those bestowed by a MADWOMAN who only seeks to DOOM our World! Look around you! Look at what you call enemies! Simple villagers, fearing their lives! You dared to even risk a CHILD'S life for a challenge! WHAT IS SO HIGH AND MIGHTY OF A WANT-TO-BE-QUEEN THAT SINKS SO LOW!? HOW IS THIS JUSTICE?!" The Holy Knight cried, horribly enraged by Beatrix decisions-- how a fellow knight could stay so blind to the evil she was trying to prevent, yet using the same evil against good. The contradiction angered Agrias as a Knight, and as a Woman.

"Queen Garnet...Alexandria...Alexander!" Beatrix thought back to how she actually received Save the Queen. It was after the last war with Lindblum, when she advanced to the rank of general. This was also when she received the title "The Merciless General Who Felled One Hundred Knights Single Handedly".

"It was not my choice to slaughter those people...nor was it my choice to send in troops to Burmecia or Cleyra...but Her Majesty Queen Brahne...Corrupt Alexandria...Kuja!" She frowned, but her eye glazed over again before she could go on.

Maleficent's voice boomed in her head, and it took all Beatrix' strength not to collapse in exhaustion. She used Save the Queen to help herself rise, and then readied the blade against her foe once more. "I...am Beatrix, the Lone Wolf of the Sword, General of the Heartless!" She cracked her neck and ran in for the attack, her sword glowing black and green now. "It is time to face justice at my hands! Now die!"

"You shame the fellow knight who stands before you..." Agrias spoke dryly, her sword held up to fight once again, blood still dripping from her wound, she had to finish this quickly, and heal as fast as possible, "You shame the very sword you possess, and It begs to be released of your hold."

Her golden hair seemed to glow from the flames that surrounded them, the knight looked mystifying, almost like Judgment itself as she held up her sword and spoke, "I shall grant it!" and with that, she charged toward the fallen knight, roaring, "Heaven’s wish to destroy all minds," her sword glowed a white and blue color, "…Holy Explosion!"

Once the swords clashed.... how would the sister swords cry!

Beatrix seethed, attempting to fight off the explosion of pure energy, her teeth grinding together angrily. "I will...kill--"

And then it happened. Save the Queen flew out of her hands and she was knocked back onto the ground. The sword flew high up into the sky, flipping several times. When it reached a certain height, it began its descent back to earth. It began glowing with positive blue light.

Beatrix struggled to get up, turning on her back. She looked up just in time to see the glimmer before her own blade impaled her where she lay. The scream could be heard everywhere. Three quarters of the Heartless army disappeared in a flash. Only a handful remained, and they, soon, began retreating into the shadows.

Beatrix' eye, which had shot open on impact, reverted to its normal blue.

"Ugh..wha--? Wh...I..." She choked up blood, and gazed around. "Burmec...what have I done..."

Agrias was also thrown back from the powerful aura of the weeping blades, but she gripped tightly at her sword, letting it not waver away from hold. She stood her ground watching, amber-colored eyes facing the skies, widening as the sister sword regained its holy glory, and fell to pierce down its very master. The knight stood, shock at the sudden events. It was only moments later when she could walk forward, snapping from surprise, ".... Fellow knight...?"

The Just Knight walked closer still, until she stood over the woman, reaching for the sister sword. With a steady pull of it, she freed the fallen knight from it's Justly blade, starring at it, "... It has... attained its pure glow...?"

She seemed still cautious, but within her heart, she felt something had changed in her opponent, and it transmitted through the swords, which seemed to cry no more, ".... does this mean...?"

When Save the Queen was taken from her body, so too came her heart. It was stained with diminutive shadows, clasping for dear life. But with the purification, they disappeared in heaps of dust. Afterward, the heart returned to its place within the Holy Knight.

Beatrix gasped for air, and made a slight praying motion with her hands. "My sins...have followed me out of Gaia...Was it...that clown?"

Though she remembered what she had done, she couldn't remember why it had happened. All she knew was that, one day, a witch had come to Alexandria, with her popinjay clown, to entertain. The next thing she knew, Beatrix was under her command, and controlled an entire army of Heartless. "Maleficent, and Kef...what was his name..."

She said these words hatefully and, almost as if they tasted awful, she spit on the ground. Of course blood followed. "Please," she said imploringly to Agrias. "Please forgive...no, I will not ask such a godly request. I...must atone on my own. I," then she began addressing her sword, which stood in Agrias' hand. "It was my impure heart, which led me to mistreat you, my sweet." She tried standing, only to fall over again. "This is not going to work."

Maleficent's voice returned, and began shouting in anger, only this time the voice wasn't coming from her head. It was all around them.


"You insolent whelp!" echoed the voice. "You will pay for this! You couldn't just leave well enough alone, could you? Everything was going fine!"

And then Beatrix remembered. Beatrix and her soldiers, along with Steiner and the Knights of Pluto, had set out to exterminate the Heartless within Gaia, until their Mistress came and took her under her wing.

"It was you!" cried Beatrix. "You will...pay, Maleficent! You will pay! By Alexander I shall make sure you have your day in the courts of Alexandria!"

Agrias watched the knight before her come to her senses, and she smiled, kneeling next to her, and resting the two swords on the side, " Calm yourself, Lady Knight. Calm your thoughts, and all will be clear for you." She whispered, trying to rest her hands on her shoulders to calm her down, her voice, soft, as she began to chant, "Life's refreshing breeze," she pleaded from the heavens, " heal from the sky! Cure2!"

Soon, Beatrix's wounds would begin to heal, as she was embraced by a soft, cleansing light. The fallen general would stop bleeding, but she would still feel the pain of the wound, which needed further treatment. At least, her life was assured for now.

"You insolent whelp!" echoed the voice. "You will pay for this! You couldn't just leave well enough alone, could you? Everything was going fine!"

Agrias gasped, taking her sword, and pointing it at her surroundings, now protecting the fallen general while she healed, "A voice-- sounds more of a witch than a queen!" the knight growled, eying her surroundings carefully, " Not in mine eyes, wench! Naught with the terror I've seen can this EVER go unpunished!!"

The Holy Knight looked down toward Beatrix, her expression serious, "Lady Knight... It appears that I must return home at a later date, for I, too, cannot let this evil go unpunished! Pick your Justly sword, and you shall have my blade along side yours for the sake of Justice!"

[Agrias Oaks]

The Great Ship, Red Rose!

Beatrix stood, staring up at this woman with a look of confusion. "You...you would just...accept me, like that?" She thought back to Garnet's friends. Zidane and his party had spared her life that night in the castle, when Queen Brahne and her jesters, Zorn and Thorn--Kuja's popinjays--attempted to perform the Extraction.

She brushed herself off and grabbed her sword. It glowed quickly, and the light disappeared. She smiled, giving it a look of sorrowful joy. "Thank you, Save the Queen." She withdrew her sword and pressed her fist to her heart and dropped to a knee. "I, General Beatrix Lilian Flint, Master of the Alexandrian Army, do here declare my allegiance to my ally." She looked up into the skies, seeing that the Red Rose was still firing cannons down. She glared. "Take my hand," she said. "We shall cease this invasion, once and for all."

Agrias nodded, reaching to take Beatrix' hand, " I, Holy Knight Agrias Oaks, Leader of The Lionsguard, bodyguard of the Royal Family, declare allegiance to mine ally, and to stop this Evil of spreading any further! To bring light to this dark world, So help me God!" with that, she looked up to the giant ship, never seen such a massive thing in her life in the AIR no less, "Let us shed some hope in this sorrow-filled place, Lady Beatrix!"

Beatrix nodded, and took the knight's hand, and in a second they were beamed on board. Alexandrian soldiers were running here and there, loading, firing and reloading the ship's cannons.

"Attention Alexandrians!" she shouted, raising her sword from its hilt and high above her head. "I, General Beatrix, Captain of the Red Rose and the Queen's Personal Knight, order the direct cease-fire immediately!"

In several quick gawks and gasps the knights clambored to stop what they were doing. "We are to make our way for The Enchanted Dominion, where my Mistress dwells."

Agrias grew dizzy, never had experienced that sort of teleporting in her life, she gasped. She blinked, finding herself in a completely different scenario, but she had to trust Beatrix, they were allies now- - The knight smiled, seeing the woman take charge, and stop this senseless attack.

When the ship repelled from their detachable anchors, she rushed Agrias with her up onto the bridge, and took her place on the throne-like seat. And since it was as big as a two-person couch, she offered her partner a seat. "This is the Pride of Alexandria: the Red Rose. My airship. Personal escort of Her Majesty Queen Garnet Til Alexandros XVI." She smiled. "We shall now use this to take down Maleficent once and for all, for her wickedness knows no such thing as mercy, much similar to myself."

Agrias looked to admire the sight, they had... gone airborne, and stayed afloat, and that was never seen in her world, "The ability of flight.." she spoke, accepting the seat the fellow knight had offered her, "...This is amazing, such feats have been conquered in your world!?"

The knight grinned slightly, looking to Beatrix with a determined look, "And oh, how she shall fall!"

"Indeed. There is much greater things to see on my world than even the Red Rose, Lady Agrias. There's the Iifa Tree, the Land of Madain Sari, home to the...well, formerly home to the Summoners. The root of the Great Tree City of Cleyra. My world is beautiful."

And as she got carried away, she came back when she heard Agrias speaking of the defeat of the Witch. "Indeed. She shall pay for what she has done."

Agrias nodded, but suddenly twitched forward, she still had a bleeding wound on her back she had completely forgotten about. "Ahg..." she grunted, curling forward, "... ah, I have forgotten of your amazing strength, Lady Beatrix.." she held herself, attempting to start a cure spell again.

Beatrix, alerted and eye-wide, stood up immediately. "Oh my goodness, allow me. By the grace of Alexander, heal my ally: Cura!" She pressed her palm against Agrias' chest, and held it there while the magic pooled from her body and into the girl. "...Once again I must ask that you...please, if not forgive me, spare me, at least."

The Holy Knight merely shook her head, " Fret not, General-- a mind clouded, that has now found her way, is an apology enough." She looked up to her, giving her a soft smile, "Now, if anything, we should rest... for a while to regain our lost strength."

"I couldn't agree more." She stood up, and led her off the bridge and down a flight of stairs just outside. Down there was the emblem of Alexandria, and inside was the private Suite of the general. It smelled of roses, and was decorated in red, gold and white. It looked as though it hadn't been visited in a while.

"You may stay here for the night. I will return to the bridge and remain vigilant."

"If anything, I am certain your loyal soldiers will tell you of news." Agrias grumbled, reaching up to scratch a little at her head, " I believe, like I, you need your rest as well, Fine Knight."

Agrias turned to face a sofa, and headed to it, obviously leaving the bead to Beatrix, "If both are to fight such evil, I believe we both have to be rested. Calm your mind, and body, if not for a short time, please." She sat down on the sofa, and rested down upon it, looking to Beatrix with a smile, " Alright, General?"

Beatrix frowned a bit, tracing three fingers over her eye patch. "I...there really is no reason for you to sleep there...I can take the sofa. I," she walked over to her small vanity table at the side of the room and sat before the mirror, looking into it and seeing only a monster.

She slightly adjusted her eye patch, and removed it, revealing a long scar reaching from her forehead down to an inch below the eye. She ignored it and went to brushing her hair and removing her sword belt, and setting it carefully atop her table. "Take my bed, Agrias, and sleep well."

Agrias...was already out like a light. She slept soundly, her mouth lightly open as she breathed from it in her slumber. She had both her hands over her metal chest plate, accustomed into sleeping in her armor. The knight looked peaceful, though exhausted.

[Agrias Oaks]

Arise and To Arms!

Agrias awoke quietly from her slumber several hours later, her amber eyes examining the room, pondering if the General had gone to sleep on the bed. If Beatrix was, indeed asleep, she would smile and quickly creep up on her feet. The knight wanted to go out, and see if they still soared over the clouds, something she could only dream about back in her world. She turned to the door, and exited quietly, with no sound audible. The knight walked along the long corridors, looking out the windows, until she reached an opening of what seemed a Balcony, and headed toward it.

Her amber eyes would shoot wide open at the beautiful scenery before her: Mountain ranges, clouds, and stars so close, she felt she could almost grasp them in hand. She was almost brought to tears.

... Oh, My Lady, if only you could be here to watch the beauty before me...

The knight leaned forward to rest her elbow pads upon the wooden edge, sighing dreamily at the stars above, transfixed upon it's majesty.

Beatrix was, indeed, still asleep on her bed, a brown book in hand, its pages bent slightly as she lay on some of it. A rose was its page marker, and it looked ready to be tossed in the garbage.

She twisted and turned in her sleep, having strange dreams, and thought of her home world, the darkness, and her plan for revenge.

"Come back with us, Beatrix" whispered the voice of Maleficent. Beatrix shot out of her dream in a cold sweat, sitting up and shaking her head. She held onto it for quite a while, until she noticed that the sofa across the room was empty.

"Miss Agrias?" she called out, but received no answer. She slid out of bed and neglected her metal boots, and instead opted for slippers at her bedside. She grabbed her eye patch off the vanity as she proceeded out of the room, along with her sword belt. While she followed that beautiful smell that came off Agrias, she worked to fasten her belt. When that was finished, she concentrated on the halls. She nearly smacked into one of the knights patrolling.

She asked if anyone had seen her partner, and one of them directed her to the upper balconies, and so she headed there.

When she found Agrias, she stood back in the shadows for a while, just watching her. This woman...filled with such sorrow, like myself. And yet she...she ceased my hatred. Well, quelled it. She saved me, and spared my life. She inched forward a bit, and bumped into the side of the door, and then backed up, as if she didn't want Agrias to notice she was just watching.

"Ah." Agrias gasped, and stood straight now, turning around and facing to the General's direction, "Lady Beatrix, you have awakened...?" she smiled, resting a hand on her chest, and bowing her head lightly out of respect for the other woman, "I pray you have rested well?"

She stood up straight again, a soft wind brushing against her hair and cape as she stayed there, awaiting for the General to speak. There was something about Agrias that gave this radiance of peace, and calmness which could not be explained by logic, other than the woman, at times, appeared to be an angel for the way her golden-locks glowed under moonlight, and eyes glistened a soft amber. She idly rested a hand upon her sword which gave a similar glow of peace, and happiness to feel its sister so very close again.

Beatrix, still in the shadows, clambored to equip her eye patch before stepping into the pale light. When she finished, she stepped outside, onto the platform. "I slept, but the rest I received was due to the dark power's regenerative abilities, unfortunately."

She walked up beside Agrias and leaned out over the railing, peering down and marveling at the scenery. "It is beautiful, isn't it?" She smiled, gaining peace out here, and alongside her new ally, no less.

She threw back a long curl of her hair and massaged her temple with one hand. "Maleficent will be one difficult enemy, Agrias. Are you still willing to face the epitome of evil with me?"

The knight smiled toward her ally as she stepped into the light, turning to look at the beauty before them once more. Every now and again, she would glance to Beatrix, with a smile, "It is indeed, beautiful... How I envy your ability to do this when you please... to be up in the air," she sighed dreamily again, " without being a bird or dragon... All I could ever do, was watch them soar from the Church and my travels, only wishing for flight of mine own... and look where I am now!" she chuckled.

Agrias shook her head, looking to Beatrix with determined eyes, holding a fist up to her heart, " and I fear not this Evil Witch of which you speak. I believe we will come out of this victorious, Lady Beatrix, nay, we cannot be stopped. Be certain, I shall be with you, till the destruction of this impurity is met!"

She thought back to the sorcerer Kuja, and how he fitted her army with Black Mages, tools of destruction built from the cursed mist of her world. Kuja was defeated, but through force of arms by Steiner, Her Majesty and their other allies. Beatrix' role in the attack at Memoria was bringing the Red Rose to aid in the battle against the Silver Dragons.

"I will keep moving forward, until I have completely detached myself from this witch. And then I shall return to Alexandria to atone for my sins. I pray for leniency but expect none. I do not deserve it. And then...I must finish the quest to vanquish the worlds' rise of Heartless once and for all, so that Alexandria is safe from more invasions...I'm sure your home world would like to be free of them, as well?"

"I... do you think of such creatures ever invading my world?" She gasped, shaking her head, "I cannot fathom such nightmare upon Ivalice..." she contemplated, shaking her head harder than before, "No, we shall stop it from ever attaining such opportunity!" she spoke confidently, "I must keep Princes Ovelia safe of such clutches of evil....Princess..!"

Agrias frowned a little, her eyes lowering until they reached the ground, " ... I wonder... if she has become Queen yet..." she closed her eyes, how she hated to be worlds apart from what she held most dear. She reached up to her chest to reveal a golden crest which was held around her neck by a silver chain, " ... If I will ever see her again... yet, I have naught the idea of how to return to her..."

Beatrix listened to the woman's plight and thought back to her own queen. "Queen Garnet..." she said, frowning, and then shooting a glance to the crest Agrias held on to. "I am sure that your princess will have made a superb queen by now, seeing as she had you for a knight and friend." She smiled.

Staring down at Save the Queen, she clutched her heart. "Steiner...my Queen...Everyone, I shall return to that place some day." With new confidence, she turned, and began walking back inside. "The Enchanted Dominion is not far, Lady Agrias. We should take this time to prepare for our arrival. The Black Queen will no doubt be waiting for us, and has probably readied a surprise action." She bowed her head, then, before exiting the balcony and heading into the ship.

"I am sure that your princess will have made a superb queen by now, seeing as she had you for a knight and friend."

Agrias blushed lightly at Beatrix words, smiling brightly afterward. She couldn't respond to it, she was too touched. The knight grew determined to rid the world of Maleficent. Such evil shouldn't of existed in the first place. She heard the General speak once more, and bowed her head as she exited the balcony, "Indeed, we must be ready... but, Faith, Lady Beatrix, for I shall be there with you, until the deed is done!" she called out to the woman, even though she was already gone from sight. She followed after the woman, to get ready for what she thought would be the final battle..

Up on the bridge, their temporary pilot took her leave and allowed Beatrix control over the helm. She leaned in and took hold of a device similar to that of a gramophone's output and spoke into it.

"Alexandrian Soldiers, this is a battle I know you did not soon see facing, but it is one that must be done. Load the cannons and prepare for war. Restock the grapplers, and charge the Mother Ray (Similar to the Sister Ray Cannon from Junon)! I want her dominion destroyed. But be sure to take care not to damage any lands which belong to the Princess of Heart Aurora...we do not need any more inter-space trouble."

Her soldiers, all over the ship, like before, clambored to ready the ship for battle. In the far distance they could see a new world, and with the darkness surrounding it Beatrix could only guess it was Maleficent's dwelling.

"We are closing in, My Lady."

Agrias stood next to Beatrix, her eyes starring into the world in front of them. She was ready to die, in order to bring this darkness down with her comrade. She held her sword between her two gloved hands, letting the blade rest down against the floor lightly, as to not mark it. The knight grew a little nervous, but she stayed her ground like a Templar.

She saw the soldiers stagger about, getting everything ready for the assault. The knight only wished there was something for her to do, yet she knew she lacked knowledge of ships of this kind. She would glance over to Beatrix, and grow relieved to be with such an experienced knight of Air.

"Let us bring Hell upon the enemy, Lady Beatrix." she spoke softly, before looking back to the front.

Beatrix let go of the helm wheel and stared outward. "We must break for the telepods, for you and I will be leading the frontline assault. Let us make haste."

She turned and exited the bridge, flicking the large curtain bearing the Alexandrian Coat of Arms carelessly aside. She led Agrias down the few steps and onto the decks, and made her way to the hall where six large vases stood upright. She was about to hop in when she heard the worst, ear-splitting cackle in the world.

"What, eh?"

Just as she turned, a large ball of lightning came hurtling towards her, but she was quick enough to leap out of the way, causing one of the telepods to be destroyed in a blast.

A jester-like clown appeared halfway down the hallway on deck, his one hand on a hip and the other plastered against his forehead. He was in a laughing uproar, and Beatrix was angry.

Drawing out Save the Queen she stepped forth, holding the blade out defensively.

"State your business, Harlequin, for you have no clearance to be aboard my ship."

[glow=yellow,2,700]"The Horny Queen's orders," said the clown, his grin widening, a terrible sight to behold. "And besides, I have been bored of late, and adding your ship to my pile of junk to be destroyed is well worth the effort!"[/glow]

"Agrias! Stand back and ready yourself. This is the Queen's popinjay, another like myself...but," she could feel a much stronger pull on the darkness from this man, and she knew he was way more powerful than he looked. Like Kuja. "Be careful. This is no ordinary Court Mage!"

"Tch, a most un-noble act to strike from behind! Unforgivable!" She called towards the clown, unsheathing her Save the Queen and pointing it at the new enemy, "I shall be honored to wipe such lecherous smile from your face!"

The knight stepped forward, and unwanting to damage the ship further, called out an attack that could assist them greatly. An attack she rarely used for its ailment of Death Sentence! "The devil’s spirit of restlessness…" she shouted, her sword glowing a blue and gold mix of color, "Split Punch!" she cried, slashing the air forward, releasing a phantom slash from the blade, targeting the clown!

[glow=yellow,2,700] "Wa-ha!" cried Kefka, disappearing into a cloud of darkness with merely a snap. He reappeared directly before Agrias a second later, his face only inches from her. "You are an insignificant little insect, and I am the exterminator!" He cackled in her face and stuck out his tongue, his hands lighting up with fire. "Burn, burn, burn! FIRAGA!" he cried, raising up into the air and launching down exploding fireballs on deck.[/glow]

Beatrix used her blade to shield from some of the heat, and even attempted to charge her power, but the clown was too fast, his attacks to manic and unpredictable. "Agrias!" she cried.

[glow=gold,2,700]"I will destroy you, you, them! I will destroy EVERYTHING!"[/glow]

Agrias backed the moment he appeared in front of her, "You're mad!" she yelled, holding her sword up to defend herself against the fire attacks. Feeling the heat held off by her sword.

"Agrias!" she held her comrade calling out for her, but she defended herself well. She took a fencer's stance and charged forward, sword aimed towards the clown in means to pierce him, since he was so close! She roared and twirled the tip of the blade forward, not allowing the Harlequin to know where it would pierce!

Her sword vibrated towards the sister sword, as a means of communication...

" Charge thine attack readily, sister, for I shall be your shield!!"

[Transmission has been nullified ]

[Agrias Oaks]

So it Begins...

Beatrix saw this as an opportunity to do as Agrias had instructed; she sat crouched on the ground, her sword before her aimed downward providing cover, and held in her other hand a white orb. Her eye closed, and her lips moving, she prayed. She prayed for the mighty power of Holy, and she couldn't stop now.

"I need more time, Agrias!" she cried.

[glow=yellow,2,700] Kefka's eyes widened as Agrias' sword tore through his filmy garments, and through his cape. He sighed upon noticing he, still, was unscathed, but became enraged when he saw his outfit torn.

"You will pay for your actions," cried the clown, raising his arm to deliver a back-hand slap.[/glow]

Agrias would back away once more, trying to recover ground, " Have I insulted the Jester?! Many pardons, though I believe it is an IMPROVEMENT!" she roared, pushing forward, accepting the back-hand slap, but keeping her ground, if not trying to get more!

The brave knight pushed onward, holding the end of the blade, and hilt and using it as a barrier towards the enemy, trying her hardest to push him a good distance away from Beatrix and the standing part of the ship. "GRAAH!" she would cry out, now slashing toward the Clown after pushing him a successful distance.

[glow=yellow,2,700]"You slow-minded little fool! You insect! I shall make a rather fun toy with you by the time this is over!"

Kefka lept high into the air again and aimed his finger at Agrias. "I shall be your judge on the way to Oblivion!" he cried between laughter. "Light of Ju--"[/glow]

"Holy!" A blinding white light radiated on the whole side of the ship. Even Kefka was blinded and dazed for a moment, ultimately disrupting his powerful attack. White lights bounced all around the mage, striking him here and there.

[glow=yellow,2,800] The clown cried in anger, and his body set aflame.

"I will not be stopped by worms!" He dove to the floor of the ship and slammed his fists into the wood. "Blizzaga!"[/glow]

"Beatrix! Careful!" Agrias shouted, stepping between the spell and General, fending off the icy magic with swift slashes brought by her Save the Queen, "Tch! Continue!" she called out to her fellow knight, to charge another spell, while she took care of the damage.

She charged toward the clown that was now at their level on the ground, "Life is short," started Agrias, her sword glowing a bright gold and blue mix of colors once more, " Bury! Steady Sword!" she cried, slashing her sword forward, a phantom slash appearing from it to strike at the Harlequin. With any luck, he would be hit and suffer damage...with extra luck, he would be to suffer the status ailment... stop!

[glow=yellow,2,800]Kefka was shot back by the Steady Sword, and was just in time to see Beatrix, too, charging forward.[/glow]

"Feel my blade, Thunder Sword!" She dashed forward and, after striking downward, a bolt of lightning shot down, merging with the phantom slash.

[glow=yellow,2,800] "GAH!" he cried, having been knocked back by both attacks, he winced, and wiped a bit of blood from his lip. "It's...not enough...destroy more! Have got to destroy more!" He eyed the two with anger burning. "I will get you yet!" He dove over the railing and off the ship, flew up into the sky and launched a gigantic ball of fire into the hull. "BURN, BURN, BURN!" he chanted, right before disappearing into a black cloud.[/glow]

Amber eyes widened at the sight of the massive fireball hurling down upon them, and she could only try a Tactic to decrease the damage! She stepped forward, and concentrated on her ultimate attack, which, if executed correctly, should hit the giant fireball, and cause it to explode away from the ship! The knight held her sword up, and it would glow brightly, "Heaven’s wish to destroy all minds..." echoed her voice throughout the darkness, pointing her sword forward and aiming it directly at the oncoming flames!

"HOLY~!!" She shouted loudly, her sword vibrating, ready to release the powerful energy at command. It gave a wind-chime sound as it gathered even more energy, "EXPLOSION!!" -- there was a moment of silence, before a loud, thunder-like sound BOOMED from her sword, and a light SHOT out like lightning towards the massive fireball. Agrias held her ground, though it proved difficult from the power released, the wood underneath her feet splintering, "Pray to God... Let this work!"

The fireball burned so intensely, its heat could be felt from where they stood on deck, and Beatrix watched as Agrias obliterated it completely.

There was an even brighter light from this explosion, and Beatrix lunged into Agrias, throwing them both to the ground. She held her hand over Agrias' eyes to shield them, and closed her own.

When all was said and done, she stood up and held out her hand to assist the woman she'd just pummeled. "Victory is upon us, Lady Agrias!"


"Oumf!" Agrias flailed a little as she hit the ground, and calmed when she felt a familiar presence, Lady Beatrix. She closed her eyes tightly at the blinding light, and once it had faded, she gave a soft 'whew,' before hearing her comrade speak,

"Victory is upon us, Lady Agrias!"

The knight looked up toward her Ally, and gave her a wide grin, reaching up to grasp firmly at the General's hand, standing up to her feet. She did the most awkward thing then, and that was hop in place, at least three times, throwing her hands up in the air, and shouting rapture! She stopped suddenly, and blushed darkly, resting her hands behind her back, "Ah... M-many pardons... o-old habits of mine world."

"..." Beatrix simply chuckled, and swung her sword down hard, sheathed it dramatically, and then flicked back a curl behind her shoulder.

"Worry not, my dearest Lady." She smiled. "Now, it is time to descend." She turned to the telepods and nodded. "Hop into one of these, set your destination to "Maleficent's Castle", and it will teleport us outside of there."

She gave Agrias a thumbs-up and leapt into one of the vases, and she was gone in a flash.

"Teleporting abilities, though these pods.... huh.. " Agrias slowly stepped onto one of the vase-like structures, and looked around clueless, until spotting a screen with letters on it. She typed in "Maleficent's Castle" and just as quickly, appeared in front of it, with a hand still stretched, thinking she had to write more. She gasped next to Beatrix, and looked around rather disoriented from the quick trip, "My Heavens! I think not of ever getting used to such a mind rush!" she mumbled, facing the castle now, hand resting on hilt, she would speak softly "Herein lies our objective?"

"Herein lies Maleficent, the Mistress of All Evil. Be wary. I'm sure she still has that clown we just faced, and even..." she remembered Zorn and Thorn, the two jesters who used to work for Kuja back on her world. She remembered seeing them the day Maleficent stole her away, and was sure she would see them again.

"We must keep moving forward." She looked back up to the Red Rose, and fired a blast of energy into the sky. "Now." She grabbed Agrias' hand and ran forth, heading into the castle grounds, where they would make for the keep. Above, the Red Rose began its attack.

"Ah" The knight said, surprised at the sudden tug and rush of her ally. She would quickly match pace with the general, and unsheathed her sword, ready to battle whatever it was that stood before them. She grew serious, eyes on the prize, wanting to rid the world of the evil that was Maleficent. One foot after another, they grew closer to the castle gates, but with no idea of what was in stored behind the horrible doors...

[Agrias Oaks]

Through the Gates of Darkness...

Beatrix stared up at the black castle for a little while longer, her sword drawn out as they ran. Small gargoyle-like creatures flew in circles above the perimeter, and she knew that they would alert the queen of their presence on land.

"Now if I remember correctly there might be a sewage drain that leads out of the castle. We could either ambush them or sneak our way--"

[glow=yellow,2,800]"Sneaky, sneaky, little rats! Oh how I'll love to send out the cats!"

Kefka appeared up on one of the towers, leaning out, his grin painted on his face. It was truly horrifying. He snapped a finger and a dozen of his own Heartless appeared in the sky, and descended upon the knights.

"OH MALEFICENT! THE JUSTICE LEAGUE IS HERE!"[/glow]

"Damn!" Agrias cursed under her breath, unsheathing her sword and pointing it upward, "We have no desire of such trifle battles!" She growled, her sword glowing a soft gold, "Absorb power in the sky and strike! " her voice echoed, before she thrust the sword downward, "LIGHTENING STAB!" she shouted, and from above, clouds would part and rain down lightning toward the bunched up dozen of Kefka's heartless. If they had luck, a status effect would take place for some if the creatures: death.

The knight grabbed Beatrix's hand, and un-awaiting of the results of her strike ran toward the entrance, "Quickly!" she tried to whisper to the other as she rushed the door. Her Save the Queen would give a bell like sound, as if danger was near by. Agrias picked it up, and she looked about once she opened the doors, "and careful, General!"

Beatrix side-glanced upward at the clown before scurrying through the entrance.

The Heartless, about four of them, disappeared from the attack's effect, and the others were slightly dazed. But soon they were back on the trail, and Beatrix could see them whenever she turned, gaining up on them.

She stopped, and made a quick horizontal sweep with her blade, and took down one of the Heartless. The others simply dove under or over the sword and latched onto her.

"Off! Off, fowl beasts!"

[glow=purple,2,700]"Now, now. Is that any way to treat one of your kind?" An eerie voice echoed, and it was none other than Maleficent. She appeared down the service hall of the chapel-like entrance, her raven and scepter in tow. She moved forward, her eyes set on Beatrix, with quick glances over at Agrias.

"Welcome home, my dear." [/glow]

"Maleficent!"

Agrias stopped to see Beatrix fend off against the creatures, and rushed to her aid, "Be still, General!" she tried to warn, holding the sword tightly within her grasp and swinging it along her Ally's outline, cutting off the creature's heads, or wings so as to pry them off of her. It was then when she heard the familiar voice once more.

"Wench!" She sounded angry, turning to face the witch after helping the General, her amber eyes determined to stop the evil deeds. "Thoust reign of evil ends here, with you!" she sounded, with her British accent, pointing the tip of the sword toward the Queen of Darkness.

[glow=purple,2,800]"Hahahahaha!" Maleficent raised her scepter and slammed it hard on the marble. A wave of force spread out in all directions from Maleficent's point.[/glow]

Beatrix jumped, but was caught in some of the pull and pushing of the wave, and toppled over. Save the Queen fell from her grip and slid several feet before her. But as she staggered to retrieve it, Maleficent appeared before her directly, staring down with a menacing grin. The clown was next, manifesting behind Agrias and poking her back to get her attention.

[glow=purple,2,800]"Rise, Beatrix. Come, why don't we talk?" Maleficent raised her arm slightly, which pulled Beatrix up with it. Though she fought against it, Maleficent's powers were a bit too strong for her to resist.[/glow]

[glow=yellow,2,800] "Hello, my pretty!" said Kefka to Agrias, holding out a neatly-wrapped gift box for her. "Here, I thought you might need this." His grin was widening.[/glow]

Agrias nearly lost her footing from the immense pressure released by Maleficent's scepter, but she held her ground nicely. It was only when she saw Beatrix being pushed away by that eerie pull of the evil wave that she noticed that the Witch was after the General, "Lady Beatrix!!" she cried, about to assist, until she felt a poke at her back. She turned to face the clown, sword in hand, even though he seemed to offer something.

"Fiend of Darkness, I will not be tempted by your treacherous ways!" She warned, backing away from him and the present, "Life is short…Bury! " her voice began to echo, her sword emanating an icy fog, as she prepared an attack!

'I am coming, dear sister!!' vibrated Save the Queen, towards the other Knightly Blade.

"STEADY SWORD!" shouted Agrias, icicles growing at the tips of the blades, until she slashed forward, sending dearly shards of ice towards the clown!

Beatrix fought hard against Maleficent's power, but to no avail. With every struggle, she just lost strength, and Maleficent was enjoying every minute of it.

[glow=purple,2,800] "Return to darkness," said Maleficent, her hand running down Beatrix' chest emblem. "You know that the overwhelming presence of darkness in your heart is just waiting to come out. Why not embrace it once more? Kefka."[/glow]

[glow=yellow,2,800] Kefka glanced at Maleficent, knowing full well what she was telling him. He tossed the box aside, and it blew apart. When the icicles began their journey his way, he growled in anger.

"Ice box? More like HEAT WAVE! Firaga!" He stomped several times on the ground, causing fire to roar up around him, fireballs circling and flying off in all directions. The icicles mostly melted halfway through, but some managed to pierce him after defeating the fire.

"Gah! Owee! Uhooof! Ow!"[/glow]

"I will never join you again, you witch!" spat Beatrix, raising her arms and reaching out to throttle Maleficent. The queen backed off, chuckling. "You sent me out, forced me to commit terrible acts...and originally I did so in the pursuit to protect my world...but you used me! Never again!"

[glow=purple,2,800]"Are you saying you could have done it all on your own, then? Really? When I found you, Beatrix, you were a useless cook lady for the queen's daughter. Alexandria no longer needed you in their service. No more war led to no more need of an army. You were useless until I found you."[/glow]

"Still that wretched tongue!" Growled Agrias, avoiding the many fire shards that swung around the room violently. She was able to slice a few with her sword, but others managed to cut and burned her arms and legs, "Hear naught of the serpet's hiss, Lady Beatrix!" she tried to call out between slashes of the sword, it would give a sound of worry and determination. The holy knight began to ready another attack. "Life is short…Bury! " she called out again, her sword attaining that icy glow as she swung it around, " Steady sword!" She twirled it in a manner that it would cause an icy wind, washing away the reckless flames around them.

Agrias charged to where Maleficent was, holding her sword up, "UNHAND HER!" she would warn, running closer with every step, seeming she would cut off Maleficent's arm if she must to free her friend!

[glow=purple,2,800] "Hahahahaha!" She turned her head and aimed her scepter at the younger knight. She began stepping closer to her, leaving Beatrix suspended in the air now.

"You dare meddle in the affairs of the Mistress of All Evil?"[/glow]

[glow=yellow,2,800] Kefka pulled out what he could from his chest. Taking the icicles and tossing them carelessly on the marble floor. Enraged, he flew high up into the air and disappeared in an explosion.[/glow]

Seeing Maleficent approach Agrias, Beatrix cried out. "Agrias, no! Get away from her!"

"I will not abandon you, Beatrix!!" Agrias shouted, her sword pointed at Maleficent, ""The devil’s spirit of restlessness...!" The sword began to glow a dark blue color, and it seemed to radiate with a deadly light, and the knight's amber eyes set on her target, "SPLIT PUNCH!" she roared, and slashed her sword forward, a phantom-like sword would be released from the blade, and it would moan a metal sound as it traveled towards the witch!

The knight rushed, waisting no time, to reach The General. She would not wait to see if the attack would hit or not, for, her ally was important to retrieve from the evil clutches!

[Agrias Oaks]

[ Several pages depicting the battle seemed torched and its passage was lost to ashes. ]

[Agrias Oaks]

My thoughts travel to our last moments together, t’was Leo 7th I believe, and I was to leave to war with Ramza. I shall not ever forget that hurt expression on My Lady Ovelia’s tender face. T’was not enough I was to rush out, possibly to my own doom for the safety of the kingdom, and for her, I had to endure the pain within my heart as I left the Princess in the hands of that deceitful snake Delita. May the gods punish him if ever he would do her harm!

That sweet face which emotion was dulled in hearing of my quick departure. She is too innocent to understand why I do what I do. The sweet caramel locks of hair would drift ever-so-peacefully within the confides of a soft breeze. T’is what I remember of Her Majesty. My last memory, sadly to say, was of sadness. What is my Princess doing, I wonder? Hath she become Queen of Ivalice? Has she found happiness in my absence at last? Ah, to have remembered a smile instead of a frown on young tender lips.

…What of Ramza, his sister…and the others? Of Lavian and Alicia, my loyal friends? Have they found their way, or are they lost in time, like I? After our battle with Ultima, which is somewhat a blur, I remember an explosion, and falling… falling endlessly. My last thoughts were of the princess, and her happiness, certain I was to die. Suddenly, I awoke to flames and screams, and I was elsewhere. ‘Was this hell?’ I asked myself, but nay, I had fallen into a different world with only the clothes on my back, and my ever faithful Save the Queen.

Save the Queen continues to protect me, with its mystical radiance. I do wonder, if my blade itself, saved me from that falling despair, but why here? Why this time, and now?

[Agrias Oaks]

An hour after the events taking place in the lower deck pools, Beatrix took Agrias to the main decks to have tea before setting out to work with the soldiers.

She settled down into her chair, after she had seated her companion. A large, oversized gourmand-like creature came carrying a tray, and set it between the two women. Beatrix smiled, thanking the chef, and turned her attention to Agrias.

"So my mother and father, after they retired from the Alexandrian Army, moved to Treno, City of Eternal Night. There they were pestered by the rich and poor, mostly due to their fame. They took the pseudonym "Knight" for our last name and set up shop. My father always was the strange type, so he had me catch beasts out on travels through the world and bring them to his store. There he'd have customers come in, purchase weapons, and, if they were brave enough, challenge the monsters. Fascinating, really. He liked to watch from a private room down below, behind a magically-concealed window in the pit."

The general's friend would chuckle, holding her tea cup with a gentle grasp between her hands. Her amber eyes bright with joy as stray rays of the sun via reflecting from her tea would cause them to come alive in dance, “Sounds like he had the most awkward sense of amusement!” she grinned, “Though I cannot blame a man for being curious.”

She tilted her head down and brought the edge of the porcelain cup to her lips, taking a small sip before pulling back and speaking, “ ‘Fraid my story is not as interesting as yours. I knew naught my mother, for, I lost her at birth and my father, leader of the Lionsguard…” she would pause a moment, before giving Beatrix a small smile, “…always wanted a boy, so he did the next best thing…”

Agrias set the cup down and leaned back against the chair, her eyes now entranced by the lovely view from the Red Rose, “ He raised me to be a knight, and at the age of seven had me go on missions with him, slaying Goblins, Marbolos, and even Dragons. Till this day, I consider him mad for ever taking me to such dangerous settings, yet I know he only wished me to be strong…he told me once, he said: ‘Agrias, my child, in this world there will be the unexpected, that, my dear, be sure to expect.’ and I grew up believing him. He was right; life has only brought me one unexpected event after another. Hahah.”

"Oh I see," she said, taking a sip of the warm tea; she winced at its blandness and took two sugar cubes from a small bowl nearby, and tossed them into her cup. She smiled, and began stirring it with her spoon.

"So your father wished to have a son, did he? In Alexandria, that was not really a big deal, as our country was seventy-three percent female, and run by women. Look at my army; there are no men among the ranks. The only male knights we have are Steiner's Knights of Pluto, and there's only nine of them--Adelbert included."

She thought back to her home world again, and felt warm to be reminiscing. "I miss them all so much...Mother, father...I wonder how they fare. And Steiner. My Queen? Hm..."

She spun in her chair to face some soldiers who were already hard at work exercizing and preparing themselves for Beatrix' training lessons. She grinned.

"They're worthy enough; at least I have some people here from the old world to keep me compan--"

She thought about what she was saying and frowned. Of course! Agrias has no one else here but herself...

"I remember once when father sent me to find a Behemoth. I found it after months of searching the Forgotten Continent, and Her Majesty's Prince-Consort defeated the blasted thing within a day. I was infuriated, as I had to go out and find something better the very same evening."

The knight had grown a little quiet, listening to Beatrix. She was happy for the General, still sad for herself, she was indeed alone in a strange, and advance technology driven world. She heard every word of Beatrix and saw the love behind them, how highly she spoke of her home and soldiers, even when she spoke of Steiner. She thought back of her world, and felt warm with memories, at the same time hurt, but she would not show it, not in her expression.

“B-better than a Behemoth, you say...” she tried to brighten herself up, catching onto, and changing the subject within her thoughts. She now grew curious as to the woman’s words, leaning a bit closer, her eyes wide in anticipation, awaiting the answer, “ …did you find anything?”

Beatrix set down her cup of tea and folded her hands together, her fingers intermingling. She lowered her head and pressed her lips to them, to hide the grin.

"I did, indeed," she said between snickering. "I traveled the four continents, searching for days, until I found something monumental."

She sat up straight again and took a long pause, to drag out the punch. "I found...a draconic lich. You should have seen it. I took the coin around its neck which served as the beast's phylactery. Watching the monkey try beating it, but having it always rise back up again, was hilarious. After a while I stepped in, took it down, and destroyed its coin. I took down the beast. You should have seen Her Majesty's face, as well as my father's. He wasn't too happy about that, as I then had to go out and find...well, suffice it all to say I didn't have to. I returned to Alexandria, then Maleficent, Zorn and Thorn came. Afterward it was all a big mess. And now here I am."

“A draconic lich…” she whispered, leaning back to think about it, “Wow. You are strong indeed. Thy father better had been impressed that his daughter committed such a feat, he must of at LEAST shown it secretly!” She smiled. Her amber eyes looking down towards her gloved hands, “I know I am, proud, though too late.”

Agrias’ gaze turned toward the ceiling in thought, “I think one of the scariest missions my father sent me was at the age of ten when I had strayed from the group.” She frowned a little, “ and I stumbled upon a group of dragon creatures… about seven in total… fighting for a piece of meat. Oh, how happy they were once they gazed such fiendish, hungry eyes upon me.” She shivered, grinning.

“ I was frightened, but I was not as foolish. I took out, what then I had, a mythril sword, and ran with them following close on my tail! I led them to a narrow trench, where I was able to balance the playing field, and slay them off, one by one with minor injury, thank God. I, by killing the monsters had blocked my only mean’s of escape, so I had to wait for the other soldiers to find me… after a few hours the smell led them to me, so It was all good in the end. When confronted by father, I realized what I had slayed where a notorious group Thundrakes that had been terrorizing the nearby villages. Something the king’s normal soldiers were unable to do at the time, and I was moved into the Lionsguard, the same rank as my father! T’was also then when I was finally able to meet Ov--” she paused, her eyes dimming, “… Lady Ovelia..”

Agrias would stay quiet, poking her fingertips together in thought, “I believe it was then when I started serving her… as I remember.” Her eyes softened, shaking her head, “Such a… fragile thing she was… is… might be… I do, oh so, wonder how she is doing…”

She smiled kindly, and picked up her teacup once more, and gazed into the dark liquid. "An excellent feat, Lady Agrias," said Beatrix, thinking back to the flight against the Silver Dragons, and how she led her airships, alongside the ships of Lindblum, against their march out of Memoria. "That one day, on the flight...was the only day I ever lost doubt; that day we could have all perished. But loyalty, honor, everything I held dear, led me to the gates of Oblivion, all for the sake of both queen and knight. How rid-"

"Lady Agrias, I am sure your fair princess is well. As I said before, I believe she has made a great queen in your world, due to your teachings. All of Ivalice is lucky to have her." She smiled. "And Ovelia was lucky to have you."

The knight stayed still. Her eyes would gloss with still tears that stayed in place, and not released. She was sure that the General did not mean it, but when she referred to Ovelia’s luck in past tense, she felt like a ghost; dead to her world. Ovelia was lucky to have her. The knight simply reached idly for her cup, and held it lightly within her grasp once more, starring down at the single drop left behind.

“Yes…” she whispered, a smile slowly making itself upon her features, “…She is… she will be a good queen. A kind queen.” She tilted the cup up to attain the last drop, feeling some sort of connection to it and its loneliness. She closed her eyes, and that was when her tears steamed freely down her rosy white cheeks. How embarrassed she felt, unable to hold her tears back, yet unashamed of having them.

Beatrix' eye widened, and she quickly stood up and rushed to her aid. She threw an arm over her shoulder and grabbed a napkin off the table and brought it before the other's face.

"Agrias, please..." she said quietly, patiently. "Please wipe your tears away..." She slowly, carefully did it herself, but continued to try calming down the knight.

"I, too, miss my world..." a single tear welled up. "Blast it all now I begin to cry," said she. "Some day, Agrias, we should both visit each other's worlds...just to witness the majesty of them...I promise you I'll return you to Ivalice..."

The knight had held it in too long. She slowly wrapped her arms around the other and began to cry, holding at the woman tightly. She buried her face upon the other’s shoulder, unable to control herself. She had been far too strong without a single vent, and when the moment came, she broke.

“I-..I apologize,” she tried to gasp between whimpers, “ I am just so homesick, and so lost… so very lost, General. Overwhelmed by this all, unable to understand my surroundings, yet all we can do is go forward! I understand that! … I really do… even though I tend to forget…”

Agrias, who seemed now a scared woman, calmed down and released her hold on Beatrix, shivering in place. Her gaze would lower, surprised at her own actions, she would stare at her gloves, where a few tears had fallen, and she would stare at them curiously, “…I still will move forward… if I must to return to our worlds. Still, ‘tis all… too much to bear at times… and a feeling of insufficiency creeps upon me, a relic if you will, that is past her time and has found herself in a world of gold, when she remains an insignificant shard of bronze. ”

[Agrias Oaks]

I don't remember ever being this weak and feeble before around anyone, but with the General- it almost felt natural to show mine feelings. To be strong all the time was tiresome, and still is to this very day; to hide weakness and let it cluster is simply maddening at times. It festers into a nasty gunk in your chest that only weighs one down and after this, I felt light, a feeling I have not felt since a child.

That evening, Beatrix held me to the side, and told me she had a surprise. She blindfolded me, and we walked-- to where, I didn't know, until my sight was allowed again.

I opened mine eyes to the most beautiful forest opening with a lake formed by a long waterfall, and flowers all around. It truly was mystical, leafs with different shades of greens, and flowers of bright warm colors. The water was crystalline and one could look forward to see the life swimming within its sanctity. I stayed there, taking in the majesty of nature, realizing she had taken me to a place where 'machines' and 'technology' didn't exist. I could breathe here.

'Bless this woman's heart,' I would pray to God, 'for she is too kind to fall to the darkness.'

I was ready to find the Harlequinn... Onward to Gaia, my friend!

[Agrias Oaks]

[glow=blue,2,800]The last pages of Beatrix's Book: The Zodiac Braves [/glow]

Chapter 22

The brave warriors fought, and fought. Oh, how they fought against the dreaded Altima. Lucian with a brave cry, pointed his bow to the heavens, a charge for the centuries would be visible. He let go of his arrow, and it flew off into the sky, to rain upon the creature’s head! Rasmus was next, with his incredible speed and cunning movements, led by the determination of saving his beloved sister, Esma; he dared crawl up the creature’s vertical stature, and struck its shoulder with his dagger and jumped off, injuring his ankle, yet made It to safety with only a limp.

The High Seraph would stir angrily, looking down upon the closest warriors with tasteless sin. It would open its mouth, and let out a horrible cry, “All-ultima!” it would cackle, and our heroes Lucian, and Alistor, caught in the bloody devil’s path, would meet a devastating blow, rendering them unconscious.

“FALL BACK!” Called the King of Knights, unable to stand the carnage. His blade, Save the King, held up and shining in all mystifying glory, needing for the others to make a clearing. It was his turn, and he would make use of his time with imperative. His sword glowed as if holding an angel within its steel, and would sing a beautiful melody, as it absorbed the darkness around it, and made impeccable light!

The Holy Knight Aeur shouted at the top of his lungs, his entire being glowing. God’s warrior was about to unleash Hell upon the creature, as it was God’s Will. With elegance, and bravery, the knight charged towards the monster, clutching tightly at his blade preparing himself for a hopeful, and final strike!

“Absorb power in the sky and strike” Aeur called out to the light, “Lightning Stab!”

The words were spoken, and the light responded. It showered down in a horizontal path, from where, it was uncertain, but it would cover and rid of the darkness, and unleash The Almighty’s breath upon the Seraph. Altima would scream at the top of its lungs, the light binding upon its body, plunging the creature into agonizing pain. The High Demon would vanish from sight, using a time mage’s skill, and appeared in front of the Holy Swordsman. With a massive hand, it would strike down for the insolence, but Aeur took the blow, and stayed in place, surprising the creature with a counter attack, a double strike!

“THOU SHALT NOT TAKE A FINAL BREATH, DEMON!” growled Melody, appearing from behind the creature, holding up Excalibur, and with a swipe of the golden sword, cut off the Seraph’s arm, “Sins will be atoned for. There shall be no mercy – not even for you!!” She called, and gave the other soldiers the mark of advance!

The creature teleported out of harms way once more, now facing Esma and Rasmus, “THORNS AT MY SIDE!” The seraph spoke demonically, opening it’s mouth, the skull like face would glow as it spoke, “ GRAND CROSS!!” – The battlefield was enshrouded with darkness once more, before it burst into flames, engulfing half the warriors in the attack’s wake. The two, brother and sister, would miss their step, and fall off the unstable grounds of the Airship Graveyard, plummeting into the abyss.

“RASMUS!” Cried out Melody, trying to rush to the aid, but was held back by Ser Grauss.

“’Tis too late, and this must end, Lady Melody, this evil is naught to cross to our world!!” He spoke softly, a voice of a female. Truly, the man must have been Gabriel in his past life, “This Will End for the Princess!” He assured, and rushed toward the Seraph, blade glowing ever so brightly. Melody held out a hand, trying to stop the Legendary Knight, but to no avail… “ AEUR!!”

“Heaven’s wish to destroy all minds!!” The man cried, his whole form enwrapped in light. He would run past the carnage, and through the fires, the luminescent aura protecting him as he sped towards the demon. He let his sword drain of him, his very being. Was this what Melody feared? The sword’s blade was replaced by light itself in a solid and dangerous form. The man jumped, and pierced the demon with the magic sword, before screaming out, “DIVINE RUINATION!!!” and the both, were coved in light, the creature silent in shock. The blow had burst inside the creature, running through it’s very veins, its poison, which is Holy.

The knight, would grunt and jump away from the monster, holding at his heart, exhausted from the blast. A bit of that powerful light had pierced him, but he maintained his ground, certain the creature was defeated… until… the small world would begin to rumble under their feet. The creature cackled darkly, in a horrifying and petrifying tone. It was slowly vanishing, but before it would completely, it pointed its only massive arm up to the sky, “YOUR DEFIANCE RIPS YOU NAUGHT OF DEATH’S EMBRACE!!!”

Altima gathers up even more power in a last ditch effort to preserve her own life, but only ends up causing a tremendous explosion which destroys the Airship Graveyard. Whatever warriors that had survived the battle… would not survive the fall. The ship under them gave out, and down they went. Aeur would try to grab hold to something, though sadly there was nothing to hold. Melody and the others would scream as they plummeted…and one by one, began to vanish within the dark abyss.

“Princess!!” Grauss spoke weakly, before him too, would vanish into the nothingness.

Chapter 23

Two years of awaiting for the return of her most Loyal Knight, Aeur Grauss, the princess gave on the thought of him living, and in no direction, she was lost. She had become Queen, and she ruled as the Knight would have wanted, yet she remained unmarried in honor of his loving memory. Sadly, a king was needed in this day and age, and Dei Retau had found a conniving opening to the weakness of the heart, and with opportunity, he and Olive married. The cunning man, finally achieving Royal Status, a feat for a peasant, became King of Eelvice.

Queen Olive, three years later, became troubled over time and loathed Dei for using her and others to get to the top of the power chain. On her birthday, the king looked for Olive in the chapel ruins where they first met years ago, and the last place her and her most dear knight spoke for the very last time. She was there, crying, with something within her grasp. A small gift.
He brought her flowers to cheer her up, but she, in her rage of losing the one she held precious because of this man, this dreadful man, draws her dagger and stabs him. Yes, the very dagger handed to her by her beloved knight!

“You used everybody like that!” she cried, as she tried to dig the knife deeper into the man, in desperation, “Now you’ll kill me… just like ae-… like Rasmus!” it was certain what she was trying to do, keep un-stained the name of the Legendary one. In truth, the Princess could not take the reality that was of losing the Holy one which took care of her since little, who she had grown feelings for, and to be left alone without calming guidance. The pain, eventually, became unbearable for the poor Queen of Eelvice.

Though wounded, the King retaliated by stabbing Olive with the same dagger that nearly killed him, and she fell, gasping for air, perishing slowly upon the chapel floor.

“Rasmus…” the man grunted, using his final breath, “What was bestowed upon you… in the end?” Dei Retau is left to wonder what sort of life his deceptions had weaved for him, before him, too… met cold, sweet death. Eelvice wept for many years, until it was soon no more…

To this day, I wonder, if the Knight and Queen ever reunited in heaven…? [/color]

[Agrias Oaks]

[glow=blue,2,800]Making a woman out of the Knight... [/glow]

Sai had been working at the computer monitor for 1 hour and 54 minutes. He had almost completed his mandatory two hours, and was wrapping up his work for the day. On a separate screen, he had up a digital file of the book Agrias had been reading, hoping to find some clues through history as to where he might locate the missing Keyblade Notes...

Agrias was training, not to far from him at an open room, swinging her sword, and releasing a metallic song with every slice of air, "HAh!" she sounded off, thrusting forward, "Heeya!" she would twist it, and pull it back, a twirl in her step to face the other direction. The knight was graceful in every battle step. She held the sword pointing upward to show that she was done, breathing softly as she relaxed.

"Your training is rather audible..." the Nobody muttered, printing out a copy of the book while his shift wound down. He turned slightly in his chair to face her. "Your style. It's reminiscent of the character Aeur Grauss from this tale. Have you perhaps read this story?"

The knight would give out an audible, exasperated sigh! She turned to the man, giving him a frown, "That man never existed. It was I. Agrias Oaks. All the names in the tale are wrong, including the sex!" She sliced back, to relieve the little anger she had from that book, taking a breath once more, she would relax her arm and sword, " and, many pardons if I disturbed you with my sword styles."

Sai lifted an eyebrow, then glanced to the papers before picking them up. "Pardon my ignorance... but this tale is over a thousand years old. You do not appear quite so elderly..." putting it politely, Sai was.

"I came to these times by a hand of fate... our final battle was within a time rift," she tried to explain as best she could, shaking her head, " The battleground was destroyed bellow us, and we plummeted, I must of landed in this time by accident... but I believe naught a single thing happens without reason."

"I came to these times by a hand of fate... our final battle was within a time rift," she tried to explain as best she could, shaking her head, " The battleground was destroyed bellow us, and we plummeted, I must of landed in this time by accident... but I believe naught a single thing happens without reason."

He nodded, seeming to completely comprehend the events that took place. "I see," he slipped the pages into one of his pockets, failing to mention the events which transpired after her disappearance. "The discrepancy in the naming and genders is... odd. If this tale was written around the same time, why the confusion?"

"The man who wrote it was senile and confused, probably." She shrugged, crossing her arms, "I try naught to think of it, yet it remains hard whenever 'tis mentioned... called a man, piffle!" she sighed, finally getting to sheathing her sword, " 'tis ridiculous."

Sai nodded, then tilted his head somewhat. "Forgive me... but you shouldn't be quite so hard on the man. You do demonstrate many qualities that may be confused, and one who has only heard of you by reputation might not have known otherwise."

"What is that supposed to mean?" The knight turned, raising an eyebrow, " Why is it so hard to see me as a hard working woman??"

Sai closed his eyes, crossing his arms as he spoke. "To put it mildly, you behave more like a man than a woman. This is probably an offset of your upbringing, mind you, and of course is not your fault. However, you tend to bow, rather than curtsy, you are never without your armor, and when spoken to, you tend to be more forceful with your words, as a man does. It isn't surprising, the confusion, though I'm sure it is insulting."

"All knight's bow." She sounded off, "Rather difficult to curtsy with the armor we carry, and I must be forceful if I would like to get a point across. Knights must have strong words to raise confidence and bravery upon the battlefield. I am..." She looked about, before whispering, "I must be this way, as a way of Knights... I know naught of anything else, other than the battlefield."

Sai looked at her, his eye so deadpan. "Then perhaps, your reputation needs some work off the battlefield? Some skills to learn when not in the heat of a fight.

"Skills beyond the battlefield?" The knight crossed her arms, standing straight, in question, "They are new grounds, if anything.."

Sai nodded somewhat. He gestured to her pose lightly. "May I?"

Agrias stared at him suspiciously, but she nodded, "You may." she relaxed her arms, to be at peaceful grounds.

He nodded, then walked up to her, tapping her arms lightly. "Hold your hands lightly in front of you. This produces a more feminine outline. Also..." he stepped to her side, tapping her foot with the tip of his boot. "... bring your stance in. Ladies don't usually need to be so concerned about being knocked over, so they usually keep their feet together. And..." he walked around behind her, gently pressing her lower back and tapping her shoulders. "Relax. There's no danger present, so you don't need to be halfway to your sword..." now he was on her opposite side, lifting her chin slightly with his gloved hand. "And keep your chin up. The jawline parallel to the floor exudes ladylike confidence, not masculine desire for conflict." He walked back where he started and considered her new pose. "Much more delicatessen."

The knight would squirm a little, trying to balance in this new stance, but with her armor it proved impossible. She would either tip forward or lose her balance. "Gah, a waste of times, this feels to be..." she would frown, blushing lightly, feeling ridiculous. Her sword would pang slightly within its sheath, as if wondering 'what is happening out there??'

Sai nodded a bit, then reached up to tap her armor. "I think this is throwing you off balance. There's no war here. No need to be at arms. Please remove your armor and your sidearm. If you wish, I will hold onto them for you until you want them back."

The knight stared at him, as if that was an outrageous request, but she would sigh and comply. They were alone, it was not as if they would be stumbled upon at this hour. She removed her armor, and placed down her sword. She stood there, her shoulders relaxed, though seeming highly uncomfortable. She made the Princess stance, and rested her hands in front of her, held her feet in place and kept her chin up, blushing, seeming too strong in the eyes still.

Sai double checked everything, considering the woman from various angles before speaking again. "There is an element missing. Please follow me." He immediately swept out of the room, leading her to a cabin door belonging to an Alexandrian Soldier whom he had come to be on good terms with. A knock, and a short conversation later, and she agreed to let them in if Sai was trying to assist Lady Agrias. Sai led the woman inside and asked her to sit in front of a vanity mirror, borrowing a few cosmetics from the soldier and setting them down in front of Agrias before looking to her. "Are you familiar with these items?" he asked calmly, not in an insulting way mainly because of his inability to do so. He gestured to the powder foundation, the lipstick, some rouge, and a pencil eyeliner.

"Indeed I am... " She gulped, " .. I would watch the princess place such things upon her face, giving her a bit of radiance to her already there beauty, what of it?" she asked nervously, though certain what was to come...

Sai asked bluntly this time. "Do you know how to apply them?" he asked, his arms crossing and an eyebrow lifting.

"I..." she would pause, somewhat shrinking a little, feeling defenseless without her armor, "no..."

Sai nodded, picking up the powder foundation. "I had a suspicion that was the case." He knelt down slightly to begin applying the makeup to her face. "Foundation, as simple a concept as this seems, is applied first, to give your skin an even complexion..." He moved from the foundation, to the lipstick, to the eyeliner, then finally the rouge, explaining each in turn and what their effects were. He also explained the technique as best he could, making sure that his own application was up to par. Soon, she would be quite well done, but he wasn't finished yet. He walked around behind her and began to undo her braids. "We're going to outline your features as well, draw attention to your face by using your hair as our frame..." he allowed it to cascade, slightly curled from her braids. The effect was nice, though he did have to get a pair of scissors to trim off some split ends (battlefield damage, no doubt). When he was done, the woman looked almost princess-like. "There. Now look..." he turned her so she could properly see herself in the mirror... for the first time a lady.

Agrias blushed a little, starring at a more feminine self. She walked over to the mirror and rested her soft fingertips against it, sighing a little, " 'Tis truly I?" she would ask, a raised eyebrow, " I naught seem to recognize such a creature." - The make up had brought out her eyes, and they didn't glow out of battlefield circumstances, but of grace. She swallowed a little, somewhat nervous of this new look. "'Tis so... un-knightly of me..."

"Considering the Knight class is usually thought of as a male-dominated one, I would suspect this would be ideal..." he shrugged, indicating that it didn't bother him one way or another. "However, if this troubles you, perhaps then it would be best to consider this a new class entirely. The Socialite, perhaps? A skill set devoted entirely to areas of diplomacy, grace, and socialization, where your battles hinge on your ability to charm, rather than your ability to rend." He looked to her eyes in the mirror, his so dull... distant. "Like any class, it will require some practice to develop your skills more fully, but this is a good start."

"Socialite...." Agrias thought, starring down upon her form once more, "... It is an interesting way to put it... fight without a sword, but..." She thought it over quietly. She reached up to tap lightly at her chest, revealing the crest that rested upon it, "... Job Class: Socialite." she spoke, and the crest glowed for a second. The knight looked up to Sai with a smile, "... A new class...I would like to master anything that I can... this should prove useful in the long run..."

Sai nodded, then looked to the Alexandrian Soldier who had been so kind as to assist them, granting her a nod of appreciation before turning to the door. "Useful, yes. I leave you to develop your skills on your own, though I suggest making use of the libraries on books of etiquette and social behaviors..." he put his hand on the doorknob, ready to leave.

"I shall do my best... to comprehend this class." The knight was about to bow, but she paused herself, instead, she held the sides of her uniform and held them up in a feminine way, thinking on how her princess did it. She curtsy, ".... I thank you, Sai. I will do just that..."

He nodded, then left through the door, disappearing into the hallway. The soldier looked to Agrias, smiling a bit."You know, for as much as he pretend to not care, I think he has one of the biggest hearts around... at least that's how I see it."

" I think so too, Leir..." she pondered knowing all the soldiers, though they hid under those helms and visors, she could recognize them by voice. Crossing her arms over her chest, she would blink, and would correct herself so as they rested in front of her, clasping her hands together, seeming a Princess herself, "... hm... much to learn, much to learn..."

** Socialite Class has been Added**