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Post by Agrias Oaks on Jun 18, 2010 17:35:31 GMT -5
Agrias would wait for Abigail to catch up, giving her a soft smile before turning to the direction of the main deck. She would close her eyes before opening them in a blink, "Say, Lady Abigail... have you... noticed how strange the General has been acting? Is it... safe to say that... she will be alright? That she has experienced trauma of no comprehension to us...? "
The knight seemed to have a lot of her mind, she looked to Abigail to give her a worried look, watching her friend's troubled look. She had gotten used to that look... being the same as the Princess' when something was wrong, "I...must of done something of offense, again..." she whispered, stopping in place to see the Mage over, reaching up to scratch a little at her head, " Seems 'tis not my day... I think I keep ruining people. May-haps the only thing I can do, is be of aid on the battlefield, yes?"
The knight reached over, about to ruffle the girl's hair again before pulling her hand back, "Ah... sorry-- 'Tis how I handle stress! Haha... it must be insulting, I'm so sorry... I'm just nervous." she started to walk again, keeping quiet and starring at the ground, " ...an old habit, like rubbing a goddess' blessing stone for good luck, do you do that at your Church? Rub a blessing stone... or was that lost to the ages as well?"
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General Beatrix
Another Heart
I commend your courage, but I will show you no mercy.
Posts: 383 
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Post by General Beatrix on Jun 18, 2010 18:24:36 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Beatrix stood from her chair and ordered only those soldiers who weren't doing anything too important to follow her. She exited the bridge, collecting soldiers here and there as she made her way towards the main deck. She watched as others worked, and nodded to those she saw hard at it.
The ship was in desperate need of repairs, and it would be Atticus to pay at some point. She pulled out her sword so that those would see her and know to stay away. Back in the old days, when she was referred to as "The Merciless General", she would carry it unsheathed, bathed in blood, to frighten her subordinates.
When she reached the deck she stood straight, her hands at her sides, blade directed to the ground. She tossed back a curl of hair and glared outward, her soldiers lined up behind her. She had much to say to Lady Agrias and Abigail at some point, as well as these new people.
And here came some of them now. She knew, because they were unfamiliar. There was no one aboard Red Rose she hadn't investigated thoroughly at one point.
"Greetings," she said, but then continued to stand like a statue, until Agrias and Abigail--especially Abigail--made their grand entrance.[/glow]
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Post by Abigail Crescentlight on Jun 18, 2010 23:25:33 GMT -5
"Strange?" Abigail asked as they walked along, putting aside her hurt for a moment to address the here and now. She had to trot a little, her legs a bit shorter than Agrias'. "What do you mean? I only saw her for a little while after the battle, just before she went to her room. I figured she was tired... mentally, anyway..."
Suddenly, Agrias stopped, causing Abby to take maybe an extra step ahead before she stopped as well. She turned around to look at the woman, blinking somewhat.
"I...must of done something of offense, again... Seems 'tis not my day... I think I keep ruining people. May-haps the only thing I can do, is be of aid on the battlefield, yes?"
Abigail blinked once more, then smiled despite her heartbrokenness. She walked over to the woman and took her hands into her own, looking up into her eyes. "You're more than a battlefield pawn to me, Agrias..." she said softly, smiling for her. "You're-" she stopped, then looked down a second, remembering that Agrias probably didn't think of her the way she hoped. "You're my friend! You haven't ruined me, and you never will..." she smiled, then let her hands go.
And then she lifted her hand to ruffle Abigail's hair again! She closed an eye, feeling like she was being treated like a little girl again until Agrias withdrew. "Huh?"
"Ah... sorry-- 'Tis how I handle stress! Haha... it must be insulting, I'm so sorry... I'm just nervous. ...an old habit, like rubbing a goddess' blessing stone for good luck, do you do that at your Church? Rub a blessing stone... or was that lost to the ages as well?"
Abigail sighed once more, then smiled and took Agrias' hand in order to place it on her own head. "Who am I to argue with luck, hm?" she said, allowing it to happen. Whatever made Agrias feel more comfortable. She looked down again, but in memory this time not sadness.
"My church..." she whispered, shrugging. "It wasn't exactly the everyone-meets-on-Sunday type..." She looked up, smiling even though a deep sadness was in her eyes, for those whom she was to mention... "That town you found me in... it was half-destroyed before the clown arrived. A lot of the people had given up hope, were about to commit the greatest sin of all... I gathered people like myself and we assembled in that old Church... we would offer hope to the hopeless... heal the injured and the sick who had been caught in the wreckage of the ruined town... We were very much more of a hospital that offered prayer service to Cosmos whenever we could... But now it's gone and my talents are put to better use here..."
She smiled bravely, then started walking toward the main deck once more. "C'mon... Let's go see Bea..." she said over her shoulder, her voice suddenly... so much older in these halls.
She arrived not too much longer after that, just behind the General. She ran up to her and tapped her shoulder lightly, leaning in to whisper into her ear. "Miss Beatrix? I need to talk to you privately after this meeting... it's very important..." she said, then backed up a bit, giving her space...
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General Beatrix
Another Heart
I commend your courage, but I will show you no mercy.
Posts: 383
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Post by General Beatrix on Jun 18, 2010 23:48:46 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Though it wasn't too long of a wait, it seemed like forever. Where were they?
But then, as if they read her mind, both Abigail and Agrias came up behind the general, Abby poking her lightly in the shoulder. When she whispered Beatrix turned to face the White Mage.
"Indeed. You and I will be speaking in private after this," she intoned quietly, so no one else would hear.
She then turned to Agrias and bowed her head, and back to Abigail. She stepped out to the center of the gathering, and looked about them. Soon soldiers would flock, encircling this crowd. Good, they would also be useful to listen in.
"Is everyone accounted for, Lady Agrias?" she asked, looking over these newcomers a bit more, and then continued, not waiting for a response.
"Greetings again. I am General Beatrix Lilian Flint, Captain of the Red Rose. I hear you were stragglers, who my compatriots sought fit to assist. That is not a problem, but there are certain rules you must abide by:
There is absolutely no disobeying your captain.
You are to assist the crew in whatever way possible for two hours a day when we're not investigating or visting a world.
And you will give all of your information to either myself or the Ladies Agrias and Abigail. I expect a full report on each of your history. I want to know who you are, where you're from, and what you were doing wherever these two picked you up."
She stopped then, just to take a small break. And then she stretched a moment, and continued:
"Ah yes. Our next destination is a castle owned by one of the Princesses of Heart; we will be seeking lodgings there until this heap can be repaired, as well as setting up a preparation base. If you choose to join us there, you're welcome to it, but you will listen to the house rules there, or I will be forced to serve as judge. And I was never known as 'The Giver of Mercy'; on the contrary. I am a busy woman, as are my associates, and we will tolerate no buffoonery."
She saluted, with the signature fist-over-heart, and bowed her head low.
"Dinner is on in the Captain's Hall; my soldiers will lead you all there, and I will join you soon after. You're all dismissed...except you, Lady Abigail." Her voice softened, just so no one would think this anything less than a humble conversation.
"I would like to see you in my cabin for a private conversation..." She turned, staring at the young girl, and then turned, walking slowly back to the front of the ship, on her way to her personal suite.[/glow]
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Post by Abigail Crescentlight on Jun 18, 2010 23:57:46 GMT -5
Abigail nodded at all that was said. She had to respect that Beatrix was the captain here, and she ran a tight ship. It made her nervous, a little, to realize how strict the woman was, but she was sure that it was so she'd get the best results from her crew. That's just the kind of person she seemed to be!
When it was all done, she looked to the Captain and nodded once more. "Yes ma'am!" she said, then looked to Agrias. "I'll be right back..." she said, then trotted after the woman.
Once alone with Beatrix in her quarters, Abigail closed the door behind her and walked to her, bowing her head slightly and reaching into her pouch. She produced the pages she removed from the book. "Miss Beatrix? I need to talk to you about these..." she held them up, for her to see them.
"I found this book in Agrias' room. I couldn't help but read a little in it, trying to better understand her... but when I got to this chapter... I couldn't bear the thought of her reading it... it would be too much at one time... I thought maybe you should be aware so we two can approach her about this slowly, together..." she folded them up and set them on Beatrix's nightstand, blissfully unaware that that book belonged to Beatrix, not Agrias...
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Post by Agrias Oaks on Jun 18, 2010 23:58:52 GMT -5
The knight watched Abigail with a soft expression, she didn't know how much the mage had done in her past and this was... a gold heart. She smiled, and she wouldn't say anything, but it was obvious that she thought the girl had some admiring features. In many ways, she reminded her of Ovelia, and her kind heart to help others, and to bring hope... for, hope...
"...'tis beautiful, Lady Abigail." she finished outloud, before clearing her throat. She went over to the soldiers, and stood there like a templar, hearing Beatrix speak. She would dismiss the rude interruption of the General, again, leaving it to stress, and stayed quiet.
Agrias watched the one with the eyepatch, as she gave orders. Her mind traveling to the room, and to that moment. She cleared her throat quietly, trying to brush that odd feeling out. Maybe, after she was done with her work... she would go see Beatrix about it, surely there was question with the Tuscan haired beauty, as well?
She grew interested the moment the General wished to speak to Abigail alone. It made her... curious. Something in her heart seemed unsettled as the conversation continued. What would Beatrix and Abigail need to talk so privately about?
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General Beatrix
Another Heart
I commend your courage, but I will show you no mercy.
Posts: 383
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Post by General Beatrix on Jun 19, 2010 0:15:58 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Once in the quiet room, in the safe confines General Beatrix had carved for herself in the former Queen Brahne's ship, she paced a bit while Abigail spoke. She listened, and eyed the torn pages with a glare the moment they were produced.
When Abigail set them down, noticing the complete disregard for the sanctity of both literature and secrets, her eye flared. She moved quickly, her sword scraping against the sides of her sheath as it was drawn. Grabbing the scruff of the girl's robes Beatrix moved her fast and hard into a nearby wall, causing a loud boom; a portrait of a field of roses collapsed onto a nightstand, causing a vase of roses to crash onto the floor.
She drew Save the Queen up to Abigail's neck and held it there, but only to keep her against the wall. Beatrix was radiating negative energy, and her amber eye swirled with darkness.
"Now you listen, and listen well, White Mage. Those pages belong in my book, in the possession of Agrias Oaks of Ivalice, not Abigail Crescentlight of the Slums. I had plans for her to read that to come to terms with everything so it would be out in the open and we could help her."
It was a lie. Or was it? Right now she couldn't think about that. Beatrix felt undermined, and she planned to enforce the fact that that was unacceptable. She tightened the grip on the girl's robes and pressed the blade in a bit more, so it now touched her skin.
"And besides. When was it ever right to destroy things that do not belong to you? You will not ruin my plans aboard my ship. You are privelaged to be on this ship, Lady Abigail; it is not your right yet. See to it you meddle no more in my plans."[/glow]
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Post by Abigail Crescentlight on Jun 19, 2010 0:25:32 GMT -5
Abigail gasped when she was suddenly grabbed and forced against a wall. She hadn't expected this kind of a reaction from Beatrix, nor from anybody really, when trying to protect her dear friend! She hit the wall hard and squeaked loudly, feeling something pop out of place when she did. Her left arm now hung uselessly at her side, her shoulder having taken a great amount of the force from her odd angle.
"Bea! Why are you-" she whimpered, her right hand coming up to try and still Beatrix's and prevent being injured by the sword. She didn't know what to expect from her any more! "I'm sorry! I didn't know it was yours! But you have to know that wouldn't have helped!"
That's when it hit her hard like a bowling ball thrown into her chest. Her heart screamed in agony as darkness began to tighten around it, more than she was accustomed to at this point. She coughed, shivering all over. It felt like she were being stabbed from all angles, all points centered on her heart. She whimpered between coughs, looking into Beatrix's eye.
"P-please..." she whispered, her grip weakening. "You're... hurting me... please, stop..." Her eye... what was wrong with her eye?? Abigail had no means to defend herself. She was pinned down, the sword at her neck, and even if she wanted to make a move... this was Beatrix! Weren't they friends?? The White Mage was so confused... hurt not just by the presence of the dark threatening to take her heart from her but also by this betrayal. She needed help. SOON.
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Post by Agrias Oaks on Jun 19, 2010 0:41:15 GMT -5
Agrias couldn't work properly, her mind troubled by the kiss, and Beatrix's orders toward the new crew members. She was probably over thinking things, like she usually did. It couldn't be helped that it was time to talk about it, so as to remove any awkwardness that was birthed. So, the knight left toward the General's quarters.
On her way over, she heard a loud 'boom' sound, as if something soft encountering something hard, and then a SNAP, which she recognized from the battlefield... someone had dislocated their shoulder! Agrias gasped, and rushed forward, the sound coming from Beatrix's chambers. She burst open the doors, and looked around, afraid that the enemy had found them, but found none... instead she stumbled upon a frightful sight.
"You're... hurting me... please, stop..." She picked up from Abigail, and she rushed forward, her eyes glowing not of light, but of Anger.
"BEATRIX!!" She growled, grabbing the woman by the shoulders, and PRYING her off the white mage. "Thoust think amusing to do THIS to a priestess?! To lady Abigail, a friend, Beatrix?! " She now turned the woman, so she would face her, before she rammed her against the wall, similarly to how she did it to Lady Abigail, though much softer, merely to pin her there " What in Heaven's blazes is the matter with you?!"
Once she had put her point across, she would let go of the General, watching her momentarily, in case she would go rampant before going to Abigail's aid, " Lady Abigail... are you-- Oh, dear... your shoulder...!" she sighed, looking to Beatrix with a disapproving look, and looking back to the white mage, about to attempt a heal, she raised her hand to it...
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General Beatrix
Another Heart
I commend your courage, but I will show you no mercy.
Posts: 383
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Post by General Beatrix on Jun 19, 2010 0:55:09 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]It was over very quick as Beatrix sort of blacked out for a moment. She blinked several times, and when she opened them again she was pinned to a wall. Agrias was shouting at her, and she only scowled, until released.
She shook her head and blinked several times, lowering her head some and rubbing her forehead and eye patch. She had a headache. "Ugh..."
When Agrias moved to heal the white mage, Beatrix stood back up, and turned, heading over to the table and grabbing the torn pages. She clutched them delicately, and looked back.
"Lady Agrias, I am going to need that book I lent you back." She stared, now feeling somewhat guilty at what she'd done.
She deserved it, you know...she heard in her head. She's trying to step in on your great plans... Beatrix pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration and sheathed her sword, walking to the fireplace. She leaned over it, one arm supporting her against the stone frame.
"Lady Abigail, I am sorry. Both of you...I'd like you to leave my quarters now. Tell the others I will be there momentarily."[/glow]
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Lilith
Another Heart
I may be a creature of the night but i will never be a creature of the darkness!
Posts: 169
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Post by Lilith on Jun 19, 2010 5:42:23 GMT -5
Lilith listened to the generals speech, and she definitely didn't like what she heard.
and afterwards... she couldn't help but overhear the struggle in the captains quarters, she stayed on alert as soon as she heard the first bang.
"something definitely odd"
she sniffed the air trying to get a fix on the emotions in the air.
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Sai
Another Heart
Nobody
Forever Learning...
Posts: 649
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Post by Sai on Jun 19, 2010 11:35:00 GMT -5
Sai kept his arms crossed, his head bowed, and his eyes closed. He listened intently, but not because of what was being said... rather, because of what he smelt. Darkness was heavy on the woman barking orders, and he could tell that she was well on her way to becoming something worse than a ruthless captain. He kept an eye on her as she crossed by him and entered her cabin, the white mage just behind her.
"Something definitely odd," Lilith commented next to him just as the scuffling occurred, and the knight went running in to initiate a yelling match.
"Agreed. Though I can appreciate her feelings toward us, being that we are strangers on her ship... her harsh treatment toward a preistess when she is a holy knight... that is quite telling..." he lowered his hands and started to walk AWAY from the situation!
"I will address this when she calls me to her office for my interview. Until then, I suggest we all abide by the captain's orders and pull our weight if we wish to continue using this vessel. I am going to get my mandatory two hours out of the way so I can focus on more important matters... Like locating the Keyblade Notes..."
With that, Sai disappeared around a corner and made his way to the computer room. He sat down and began repairing damaged consoles to the best of his ability...
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Lilith
Another Heart
I may be a creature of the night but i will never be a creature of the darkness!
Posts: 169
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Post by Lilith on Jun 19, 2010 11:53:47 GMT -5
Lilith nodded at Sai's comments, she knew how smart he was and she knew it would be better to do as he said.
"good idea"
she leapt to her feet and called out to the nearby soldiers.
"anyone need me to do some heavy lifting?"
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Post by Agrias Oaks on Jun 19, 2010 12:15:00 GMT -5
"Life's refreshing breeze, heal from the sky! Cure2!" The knight whispered, and soon, the mage would have a warm light resting upon her shoulder, numbing it before popping it back into place. It stung only a little, but after the light vanished, Abigail would be feeling much better.
** Agrias' Cure 2 has been leveled to Cure 3 **
The girl might still be feeling some discomfort, and probably be experiencing shock, so the sword wielder wrapped an arm under the woman's legs, and rested a hand behind her back to raise her up, now holding her up in her arms. She knew that when Beatrix needed some time alone, it was best to give her that moment. Still, the relic knight made it CLEAR with her eyes, that they would speak about the events later on.
Agrias walked out of the room, saying nothing, but sending vibes that a chat was in order. She looked down to Abigail, a worried look in her eyes, " I am so sorry... I wasn't able to come to your aid in time... The General, she's not herself, with trauma and all... I am so sorry..." she repeatedly apologized, walking to the medical wing so her arm could be properly treated.
"Are you... does it hurt anywhere else?" She would ask quietly, showing great concern for the Healer's health.
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Post by Abigail Crescentlight on Jun 19, 2010 18:18:58 GMT -5
The young woman whimpered when her arm was healed, the numbness helping, but that pop of bones going back into place... the uncomfortable nature of the way she was healed... Well, anyone would be frightened. Suddenly, she was being lifted, wrapped up in Agrias' arms... She blushed darkly, her heart beating a million miles a minute despite still suffering from the darkness choking her...
She looked up into the woman's eyes as the apology came. She squeaked lightly, unable to think clearly a moment before shaking her head. "Y-you don't have to..." she whispered, "you know... apologize..." she finished, closing her eyes and resting her head against the knight's shoulder (secretly smiling to herself). She blinked, then realized she had something important to say.
"Agrias... I think there's something much bigger going on here... Beatrix... I know she's been through a lot, but when I looked into her eye... It was like looking at someone else entirely..." she whispered as they entered the medical area. "I'm afraid... that maybe they did something to her heart. She needs our help!" she reached up to hold the woman's shoulder lightly when she was finally sat down on a stretcher so the doctor could work on her. Funny thing about healing magic, you use energy to gain energy, it makes no sense and you end up doing more damage to yourself. It's always a better idea to have someone else take care of you.
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