The Darkest Day

[General Beatrix]

[glow=red,2,300]Having taken the spotlight for most of her career, Beatrix did not blush when Abby took hold of her hand and assisted in addressing the fact she and Agrias were to be credited. Instead she simply smiled, and turned to hug the White Mage when her arm was released.

"You've earned your cheers, Miss Abigail," she said. "And just you wait; surprises are yet to come on this most festive of days. Though we stand tall as bringers of light in these dark times...there is much more light to be shed in the farther reaches. Lady Abigail...congratulations on your victory. Here, here!"

The general raised a fist high twice, and the Alexandrians followed suit. The villagers, however, clapped.

"Agrias, if you'd do the honors, this celebration should begin."[/glow]

[Agrias Oaks]

Agrias giggled a little, waving to the soldiers and even the villagers. Even Boco was encouraging by flapping his wings about, as if wanting praise, and even doing a little dance by raising one foot higher than the other, and jumping in place, "wark" he would sound off with every dance step, his head bobbling to no music in particular.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few hours later, all the soldiers would be eating, and listening in to an exciting and brave story. The knight's would giggle and gasp at all the right moments, really into the story as Agrias continued, "Hahah, alright, alright, settle." the knight held her hands up, "So, after Beatrix gives a massive-- oh... what was that called ah, yes, a "wedgie," to the evil jesters Zorn and Thorn-- Do I have to explain? No? ah, well good--so, she tied them by their hats together, and tossed them-- haha, I do not kid you!" she giggled with a few of the soldiers, "Shush, I do not kid you, hah- so, she tossed them over to the main Harlequin Kefka, whom, was busy with my blade and-- this strange sound came from when they were blasted together- - like a lead ball hitting wood?" (Imitates the sound of a bowling ball hitting the pins)

She waited for the soldiers to settle, some holding at their ribs for support, "So, long story short, General Beatrix defeated them with a single throw before a green mist and flame spewed from the center of the room! And Alas, the dreaded Queen of All Evil arose from the hellish fire!"

The soldiers would gasp, an eager one screaming: "And then what happened??"

"With reptilian-like eyes, she glanced at the two of us, and with an evil aura, shouted as her scepter slammed against the marbled surface -KA-PLANK!- was the sound, and boomed 'How DARE you come to my dark castle, the realm of I, the MISTRESS of ALL Evil.' she said."

Some of the soldiers Oohed. Boco was eating an apple, 'waaaark' he would mumble, into the story as well.

"The General looked at her, almost with disinterest, methinks." She grinned, "Her brow furrowed and looking to the witch as if she had smelled something foul. You see, I think our General got bored on the situation, especially when this woman came in and began to bark orders to surrender, and what have you..."

The soldiers giggled, as if that would ever happen.

Agrias continued with her story, adding drama, comedy, and horror, until reaching the end. She bowed a little, and she bowed to her Sisters, winking to them a bit, before removing her sword, her expression growing serious.

" I know 'tis a celebration to our victories..." smiled the knight a little, "But nay we forget those brave knights that have fallen to protect the Light... our Sisters in Arms that without their sacrifice, mayhaps victory might of not been accomplished. In memory of the fallen... let us have a moment of silence to remember them, and their honor..." she rested the steel of the blade against her forehead, and closed her eyes...

...

...

...

"Now, Ladies~!" Agrias looked over to Beatrix, sheathing back her sword. She wanted her to give the command to just have fun and begin the feasting... they were her soldiers, after all.

[General Beatrix]

[glow=red,2,300]Beatrix was sipping wine throughout the story and, at several points while her Sister in Arms spoke, she nearly spat it out both through her mouth and nose.

"Honestly, Lady Agrias! If you hadn't advised me to keep an eye on both Jesters of the Moon I doubt I would have tied the imps together!" She chuckled, and finished a glass, only to have it instantly re-filled a moment later.

"And if Kefka hadn't been snubbed by your blade, I truly believe the Red Rose would have fallen. You did your part well in the Light, Agrias. I am proud!"

"I think it was more 'click-pang', really," she said, slamming down her cup. "Hah...what fun. You soldiers know of her evils, as the banner flew under that foul woman once upon a time. But alas! She was conquered on her home turf! Ha-ha!"

She was feeling tipsy, and when Agrias called for a moment of silence, she nodded.

"Thank you, Lady Agrias," she said quietly before lowering her head in respect.

...

...

...

She stood up to finish Agrias' sentence and raised her glass high. "The bell has rung! Now, let the curtains--covers--rise! Feast!"[/glow]

[Abigail Crescentlight]

Abigail was having a wonderful time as well. She hadn't heard this story yet, so to hear the tales of her fellow sisters before she joined was an unparalleled treat! She would clap or laugh when appropriate, sipping from time to time on a glass of water. She didn't usually drink wine unless it was for ceremonial purposes. Lucky for her, she could opt to drink juice, but she chose to allow the children to enjoy the sweeter beverage.

She applauded the conclusion of the tale, and when Agrias called for a moment of silence, Abigail immediately set her cup down and held her hands over her heart, gripping a small token of her faith she kept concealed. She prayed for the souls of those whom she had never met. She prayed for Cosmos to engulf them in her warmth and light, and to ferry them to paradise in reward for their sacrifice. She never knew these people, but she prayed anyway. She prayed as hard as she could, feeling a strong connection to them.

When Beatrix gave the order for everyone to enjoy the feast, she quietly slipped away, hoping to get a moment or two to finish her prayer. She did so, but before returning, she noticed Daphne sitting off by herself. She had a sad look on her face, so Abigail, being who she was, had to go check on her. Walking up, she bowed politely before addressing the scientist. "Miss Daphne, was it?" she asked, having gotten the name from their very minor interaction on the ship. "What's wrong? Is Sai around?" she asked, trying to perk the lady up...

[The Alexandrian Army]

When everyone went off to enjoy themselves for the feast and the general moved in to speak quietly with Agrias, Daphne was a bit startled to see one of the Sisters approaching her. She stood up the moment she heard the White Mage speak and saluted.

"Excuse me, Miss Abigail," she said darkly. "but I am in dark spirits right now and feel somewhat under the weather. No, Sai is not here and hasn't been since he promised to return 'in three hours, tops'. That was his promise to me last night."

She bit her lip and turned from the White Mage. Daphne never showed emotions, unless it was towards Sai or she'd had a scientific breakthrough. The White Mage, however, had a relaxing aura, one you could open up to. She sat down again and apologized for her impropriety.

"I can not fathom what could have possibly afflicted me, but my mind wanders for the Nobody at all hours. It is quite troubling, to be infatuated with an empty shell of a man whose only feelings are represented physically..."

[Agrias Oaks]

Quietly, the general was able to sneak Agrias off with little hassle. The knight ran her hands down the dress to smoothing the fabric as she stood. She giggled, both walking a little aways from the party. The attention she had been receiving was rather tiresome for the blond woman, so the nice, quiet patch of forest next to the festivities was a blessing.

She looked about at the trees, listening to the happy birds chirping the morning away. She turned her head to look to Beatrix with the corner of her eye, a light blush on her cheeks, "Reminds me of the time mine longing thoughts of home ailed me... along with the new age technology" she looked over to a small opening, seeing a lake a few ways away, " Ye' took me to a familiar place. I continue to be grateful till this very day, Lady Beatrix." she sighed, looking to the general once more, "There are many 'a things I am grateful for... such as today."

She reached up to rest a hand over her chest, noticing she was missing Ovelia's Royal Locket ... she must of left it with her armor... ah well. It was a habit to reach for it whenever she got nervous. She relaxed her hand to her side, " You do look lovely, Lady Beatrix."

[General Beatrix]

[glow=red,2,300]Beatrix took her to the secluded area she once hid away in back on her previous visits, when the crushing weight of home-sickness came knocking. She smiled at the wonderous beauty of it all, a sacred grove, secret to all but for the animals and a lonely general--and now, of course, a Holy Knight--bathed in the warm sunlight of a delightful afternoon cursed to end terribly in a wave of bloodshed.

"Agrias," she began, scratching at one of her arms. "I'd like you to turn around and close your eyes for a moment, all right? Could you do that for me?"

She waited, and had Agrias done as the general asked, she would produce a mahogony violin and bow from seemingly thin air, black coils of darkness bringing them to her through a rift in the sky. She thought that by giving Agrias this one last thing it would be like a gift; she remembered a poem from her home world, an archaic, symbolic masterpiece what fit this little situation, she decided.

A daughter of the nights and chaos,
Into the abyss of ebony
She was robbed.

Awaking, she saw Charon stood
Asking in no words, she held in her silence
They crossed the Acheron,
Where beyond, Lucifer awaited.


Playing her final symphony
To Hell, the Seraphim were called.

And that is just how it would be. Lady Agrias Oaks of the Lionsguard Brigade...would be taken off to Valhalla in good time when General Beatrix Lilian Flint was finished with her, so why not treat her first, with the final symphony?

"You may open your eyes now, Lady Agrias," she said, and began playing a familiar song from their memories.

[/glow]

[Agrias Oaks]

Agrias closed her eyes when commanded to do so by the General, and rested her hands behind her back so as to not be tempted to do something foolish. She stayed in place, the innocent knight, wondering of what was to come next, a slap or a kiss? A scolding or sweet words in a string?

When she was told to open her eyes, she watched the General magically attain a violin... Her violin, and she smiled brightly.

Melodies of Life began to play, and the knight sighed happily and swayed, feeling like it was in the beginning; two brave knights in their search and quest to destroy the darkness. Everything seemed right to the knight... at least this very moment. Agrias opened her mouth, and she began to sing for Beatrix, pouring her heart to every tune, and doing an impeccable job at giving the song Justice.

She was singing from her heart after all, wanting to please the General... wanting to... get closer, and mayhaps... reach Beatrix's heart...?

She folded her hands in front, holding at the concealed gemstone and she continued to watch Beatrix, her eyes closing every now and then at the right tunes to bestow pure emotion. The wind, giving her grace, letting her seem almost angelic as she sang, even the birds were silenced by the beauty formed by her voice, and the general's violin.

When the song came to a close, she opened her eyes, which glowed a bright gold as she starred to Beatrix. Her body relaxing... waiting.

"Ah...!" she gasped, remembering about the gemstone, "Lady Beatrix, I almost forgot! I have something for you..." her voice softened, reaching into her pocket and revealing the gemstone and stepping forward, offering it to Beatrix, "...I found this pinned against one of the propelers of the ship... Curious of it, I went to appraise it and, 'lo... I thought it best for thee to have... It carries the name of Alexander to it...so, please... a gift?"

**BEATRIX HAS RECEIVED THE ALEXANDER SUMMON STONE**

[General Beatrix]

[glow=red,2,300]The song brought back memories of happier days for Beatrix, but the darker half fooled her into nodding it off as leisure party games. She finished with her song and gently put down her instrument and moved forward, cupping her hands to accept Agrias' gift.

"Al...Alexander, you say?" She rolled the gemstone over in her hands for several seconds admiring the beauty of the inner glow and then glanced over to her companion.

"Something familiar, from my homeland...Agrias, I...thank you very much. This is just..."

What is this...could she possibly know of my intentions and wish to muddle my brain in confusion? ...all the more reason to be rid of her, along with everyone else, tonight...

She smiled and reached out to the Holy Knight, yanking her into a warm, loving embrace. "Thank you."[/glow]

[Agrias Oaks]

The knight gasped when she was suddenly held in an embrace, she closed her eyes, and wrapped her own arms around the woman, holding her tightly there... enjoying their closeness, since such opportunities seemed rare...she longed for them.

"Worry naught of it," Agrias whispered lovingly, "... I know... you tend to miss your home, as much as I tend to miss mine, but all... seems fine, Lady Beatrix..."

Her heart continued to beat strongly within her chest, "...Lady Beatrix... I wouldn't mind... calling this home if..." she tried to hint at something, but before anything else could of been said... there was a sudden rustle between the bushes. Agrias gasped, and stepped between the general and the noise, holding the hilt of her sword firmly, "Who goes there?!"

[General Beatrix]

[glow=red,2,300]Beatrix smiled again and released the woman, staring at her gentle amber eyes and looking into the future, knowing she would like to remember the calmness in them before the storm.

"Home...here?" She smirked.[/glow]

Fine, then I'll make sure to bury you here, right in this very spot.

[glow=red,2,300]And then a rustle. From the very depths of the bushes, a barely audible voice could be heard, along with several others, humming the theme to "Romeo and Juliet".

"Ahem." Beatrix turned fast and folded her arms over her chest. "We'll give you ten seconds to show yourselves and dash like madmen, or you can wait for us to ship you off to a proper taxidermist when we're done with you."

The heads of Maria, Linda, Ria and some other Alexandrian Soldiers and villagers poked up from the brush and gave the two a weak smile before sprinting off in separate directions.

"Ersatz interruptions regardless," she murmured, "...I think everything has turned out for the best."[/glow]

[Abigail Crescentlight]

Abigail lifted a hand to her lips when she saw how distressed poor Daphne was. When the woman sat, she too took a seat next to her, looking over with a supportive expression as she reached up to pat her shoulder. "Daphne... don't be too worried! I'm sure he's just fine..." she said, though she was trying to wrap her mind around it a little herself. Sai didn't strike her as the type to say one thing and then do another. "He probably just got sidetracked by something..." she suggested, with a hopeful shrug.

And then Daphne poured her heart out regarding her feelings for the Nobody. Abigail blinked a little, then smiled softly. "You... love him?" she asked, tilting her head cutely to get a better look at the scientist next to her. "Is that why you're so worried about him?" She giggled softly, hoping to show that it was okay. She looked off, sighing softly before continuing.

"I have a question..." she said, trying to choose her words carefully. "When you love someone... you basically share your heart with them, right? Maybe... that's enough?" she suggested, then looked over to see what effect this might have. She hoped it would make Daphne feel better so she could enjoy the festivities. At worst, it might make her re-think Sai's actions as something else entirely... as a confused person struggling to understand his newfound feelings hopefully.

And so she waited, hoping for the best...

[Agrias Oaks]

Agrias giggled a little at Beatrix's threat, reaching to tap at her shoulder lightly, "Oh, come now, Lady Beatrix-- simple curiosity has struck them, is all..." she blushed a little, thinking of the soldiers as cute ... almost like children... Beatrix's children in a way. She rested her hands on her back in thought, out loud, "... a big curious family..."

Golden eyes watched the General, her British accent soft as she spoke, " The beginnings of the day, and 'tis splendid." she reached over to poke at her side, "Nay, hold-- I learned something new from thee today... you drink!" she joked, " A lot, I might add, and naught know HOW you stomach it all." she pouted, reaching up to run at her head, "I drank only half a glass of wine, and I started seeing double earlier..."

Thinking her fellow sister would find this hilarious, she confessed: "So... I've been drinking grape juice out of a wine glass with cherry dressing and a bit of vinegar, so it looks like wine and smells of wine...hahah." she drank, "Obviously, I am naght a drinker... is that so strange...?"

A heavy feeling came to her heart which forced her to look up suddenly, a worried look in her eyes, ".... My General... do you feel that? ... it suddenly-- felt heavy to breathe... as if a blanket of darkness was..." she trailed off, starring at the sky, looking for something out of place, but she could not find it, "...'tis my imagination, or thoust feels it as well...?"

[General Beatrix]

[glow=red,2,300]"Yes, when I am enjoying myself I do tend to drink quite a bit. It always drowns out the loud noises and bad memories what come flashing by when recounting old tales. For instance your tale of our adventure to the Enchanted Dominion. We could have lost you, Lady Agrias. I would not wish to remember such a terrible thing." Or would I? Tonight will be like no other...

She scratched her arm again and grabbed the other's hand. "Come, let us return to the festivities before rumor spreads we are doing something unsavory back here, all right? Besides, we should return to the castle at some point in preparation for the ball segment of this day. His Highness and Belle are working with the staff to ensure a lovely night."[/glow]

[Leckseeuh]

Lexia woke up at an abnormally late hour, wondering why, when and where she fell asleep. She didn't really care, she just knew this was a room with a bed and a window. A few of them actually. She stood up and rubbed at her eyes, looking at a mirror on the wall. She wore one of the extra outifts she had in her bag, the one she snatched before she left the Red Rose. All that was in there was a pair of pajamas, a brush, a pen, a notebook or two, some pencils, and a pack of instant ramen. She looked on the bed and found her little pink bunny plushie, eyes closed. If you listened hard enough, you could hear it snoring softly. or maybe it was Lexia's mind playing tricks on her.

She looked in the mirror again and brushed at her hair some, failing. The girl decided to set her hair in a ponytail and leave her unclipped bangs hanging.

After a few minutes of changing into normal clothes, just her shirt and short-shorts and a pair of socks, walking around aimlessly.

Okay, what am I meant to do? She mumbled, looking into some of the open-doored rooms and stumbled open Vivi somewhere, wandering the same as her.

Ohaidere, Vivi! She smiled and said, resting her hands on her knees and bending over to look at him. Where is everyone, anyways? She stood back up straight and scratched her head, looking around.