The Red Rose

[General Beatrix]

Beatrix took in the Knight's words and collected her into her bosom once more, offering another warm embrace, this time Beatrix washing away her sins in tears of joy sparked by Agrias' sweet words. When Beatrix moved to stare her light in the face she kissed the Holy Knight, tenderly and passionately.

"Agrias Oaks...I did, indeed, make a solemn vow to you...we are each other's beacons...we are light in its purest for one another. And though I have stepped off my path, the Darkness is our enemy, and we must perservere!"

General Beatrix had definitely returned. Always the long-winded speaker, she was about to continue when she saw the raised eyebrow of her comrade.

"Yes, probably best we save my declarations for war times, no? Hah..." She helped Agrias move and led her out of the steaming pool room and down the halls, heading into the massive common room where large couches would sit in a U-shape, surrounded by more room and three walls with nothing but windows. The room was an immaculate mess, but nonetheless comfortable. Soldiers here and there took their breaks, played chess and napped. Agrias was set down on a plush cushion where the general left her while she plopped down beside her, resting her arm over the woman's shoulder.

[Agrias Oaks]

Agrias breathed easily, happy to see Beatrix smiled again. Half way along the trail, unknowing of where they were going, exactly, she told Beatrix she had left her sword behind, and it was very unknightly of her. Of course, she was simply kidding when she said it, but she liked seeing Beatrix huff about every little thing. It took her a while to be moved, but once she was, she relaxed happily against the cushion. She nuzzled against the General, and tried to get a little sleep there, feeling comfortable.

Finally...they could get some peace...

[Ellin Destroix]

** JUSTICE! From the World of Darkness, the first invitation**

Meanwhile, in the cafeteria of the Red Rose, a black pool was brewing about at one of the tables, and then it grew into a concentrated and controlled black mist, and out came something the Alexandrian Soldiers would of grown to FEAR in their journeys and after Beast's castle... a BLACK KNIGHT!

The smoke receded, in a dramatic fashion, and Ellin stood there looking rather menacing, without meaning. It took her FOREVER to get here, but it seemed right. She removed her visor, and looked about at the... familiarly dressed women there, and she blinked, her lavender eyes looking about at the setting, and the shocked girls.

"Heaven? No way..." she whispered to herself, reaching up to scratch at her cheek a little with an armored hand, "Huh, um... wow, I swear I've been somewhere like this before... uh, oh yes."

She allowed the shock of the knights to work to her advantage, it was then that she took out the note, "I have a message for--" but before she could finish, she shock had worn out.

[Secondary Characters]

In an instant after the Black Knight's intrusion the soldiers eating their first meal since the ball were quick to their feet, swords unsheathed and shields at the ready; all blades were simultaneously drawn to the neck of this newcomer, each soldier glaring her down with valiant, blue eyes and corn-yellow hair. In unison they chanted:

"Speak, Unholy Blade, for your welcome comes at a present shock!"

One of the superiors, Captain Linda, stepped forward, her blade poised outward. In an attempt to imitate the grandeur of their general, she raised an eyebrow and spoke mockingly. "Who are you and how dare you enter the confines of the Red Rose without direct consent of General Beatrix Lilian Flint of Alexandria? Speak!"

The soldiers held their positions, ready to strike the Black Knight down on command, before she was able to summon a Corridor of Darkness to set her free. Brave knights, they would follow her into the very bowels of Oblivion should they have to.

"Quickly, now!" ordered Linda.

[Ellin Destroix]

Ellin held her hands up to almost her shoulders, her palms facing the blades, "Whoah whoah whoah!" she called out, "I am only but a messenger here on peaceful-- did you say Red Rose?"

It was then when memories of the past refreshed through her mind. She remembered Alexandria, and the try outs for the next set of brave soldiers to fly under the flag of the greatest ship in the land: The Red Rose. Oh, how she did her best, and succeeded to be the top of her class under concealed helm and visor. It was at the end, when she was almost accepted that her identity was found. A woman with black hair and lavender eyes, unfit to be a Holy Soldier, because she was born of Dark Mana.

She came back to the red rose, and her eyes shrank, looking down at the note, the bold lettering at the front "The General" staring back at her.

"No..." she whispered, looking rather angrily, "NO WAY!" she shouted at the note before breathing heavily, "Although it PAINS me to say this, MADAM!" she huffed a little at the blond sea around her, before looking to the Captain, "I have a message to deliver to General Beatrix!"

Her eyes glowed a soft purple, now remembering several of the faces around her, which should remember the black knight in return as the one who 'Unorthodoxy kicked their arses at the try outs!'

Still, the knight breathed softly, relaxing her entire body, and remembering why she was here, she swallowed her pried, and bowed her head respectfully, holding out the letter for the Captain to see it was addressed for Beatrix.

[The Alexandrian Army]

Linda blinked twice at this woman's sudden...explosion of emotions, and accepted the envelope with a hesitant hand. She looked over Ellin suspiciously, tilting her head this way and that before moving on. "Is there a problem?"

"It's the Black Knight from Alexandria, back on the eve of Salamander Day..." called one of the soldiers.

"Oh I see...Destroix. I never understood why you were turned away...anyway, thank you for this. You may leave this ship now, at once." She turned to leave, but the soldiers held their swords poised at the woman's throat until she took Linda's suggestion and left.

[Ellin Destroix]

Ellin grumbled a little, holding one hand up before she reached for the rest of the invites, sighing softly as she looked about curiously. "White mage..." she coughed, looking to Linda again, "That is the next invite, now, before I receive any MORE surprises... do you have one on board?"

The black made sure to keep one of her hands up a all times, showing that she meant no harm. She would look over a moment to one of the soldiers, remembering her unorthodox way of winning against her. She was second place, just bellow Ellin's ranking before the big reveal. It was good to see old faces again, even though they received your position. She gave the girl a signature wink before looking back to Linda, the Captain.

"This one, I would like to give personally." She pointed at a few of the Soldiers, " Some of these faces should vouch that I am a justice filled black mage. I would not attack on peaceful terms, and politely ask for you all to lower your weapons."

[Secondary Characters]

Stopping, Linda cursed under her breath before spinning around once again to face the Black Knight. She scratched her cheek a moment, looked at Beatrix' envelope once more and then back to Ellin.

"I don't care who vouches for you. Your presence here is clearly unauthorized and intrusive. We shall be taking you first to General Beatrix, since it seems that you refuse to simply leave. Come with us." Several of the soldiers pulled back, leaving only six to remain on the woman's sides. Linda set off.

"You will see the general, and she'll read the note. If she deems you worthy enough, then you'll be allowed to roam free in search of one of the White Mages. Any mage in particular?"

[Ellin Destroix]

"I seek one with pitch black hair, with crystal hues of purest blue." She made a mental note, the shadows speaking with her of previous encounters. She followed Linda, cringing as she heard she was to see the General first. What if she remembered her? What if she did not? How insulting would that be?

The knight followed the Captain through the narrow passages of the Red Rose, receiving gasps and grunts of disgust at her sight, but she would take it lightly. A thought well known to her of the Alexandrians knights was that they are as ignorant as their General. With this thought, the knight snickered, shaking her head disapprovingly. It was not long, until she was starring at Beatrix with possibly one of her soldiers under her arm.

Blond with amber eyes, while the rest had blue, must be the the second in command as the chestnut haired woman was obviously the first. Such a narcissist.

"General Beatrix" said the black knight between gritted teeth, and she forced a smile to the one who had insulted her many years ago. " A message for you." she finally stated, looking around her at the worried eyes of the soldiers.

[Agrias Oaks]

With a sudden startle from the blurt of alarms, the knight woke quickly from her quick nap, and looked about her, wondering what was wrong NOW. 'Bullocks' she muttered quietly under her breath, preventing to be heard by Beatrix. She sat up but would not be able to do much.

She watched as a black knight was being escorted to them by Alexandrian Knights, and the way she smiled or snickered, but she did not seem evil at all. In fact, in her army, she had two black knights that were rather useful in arms against Altima. Still, this was a fight between Light and Darkness, so what was she doing here? It seemed on calm terms, since she was aloof, and her eyes were strong, but peaceful in one. She relaxed back upon the sofa, bowing her head lightly to her. Ellin might of been confused by this gesture, since no kindness was ever shown from a Holy Knight.

Agrias rested back, and watched the conversation unfold between Holy and Black knights.

[The Alexandrian Army]

Linda stepped forward and saluted her general and in turn the Lady Agrias, holding out her hand to deliver the crisp, sealed envelope handed over by the Blackest Knight. The general accepted and the soldier bowed, turning to join her ranks once more, giving Ellin a slight eye roll and sneer.

"General Beatrix," she said bluntly. "Yes, this woman wished to deliver a twin note to our Lady Abigail, as well, but she is a Black Knight, and therefore--"

She was suddenly cut off as the general stood.

[General Beatrix]

As she smoothed her gloved hand over the seal of the Dark One what penned the letter within, the general glanced outwardly at her soldiers to take their leave. When they did she turned to Ellin, a familiar smirk playing about this coy woman's face.

"Lady...Ellin, was it? Part of the Destroix clan? Yes...I remember you well..." she turned to Agrias, giving her a warm smile. And when she turned back to the Black Knight she waved her hand over. "This is Lady Agrias Oaks, a Holy Knight, like myself. These are dark times, Miss Ellin, and I'm quite concerned that your visit here may end abruptly should you seek to cause harm."

She unclasped the fastened seal of the envelope.

"Black Knights aboard the Red Rose...is unspeakable. In lighter times, perhaps this error would never have occured...but the dark is indeed an obscuring hell hole. Now you say you wish to speak with a holy patron of light? Tch."

She pulled out the letter and read it over:

To the most esteemed General Beatrix, formerly supreme commander of the Heartless Army; once more, heroine soldier of the Light

In your journeys through the ether between Worlds--both as Holy Knight, and as Dark General--have you ever stopped to take in the sights? To listen to tales about other worlds? If so, then perhaps you’ve heard of the Jidoor Opera House, and its grand history. If not, then let this letter inform you…it is the work of genius, a sanctuary for the performing arts that very few can match. The stories that were told here, the quality with which they were performed…in all the Worlds, scattered across the stars and ether alike, one would be hard-pressed to find similar brilliance ANYWHERE else. To this day, Jidoor’s always been a source of fantastic performances…why, they even have a new play in the works, crafted by the Impresario himself!

But alas, hard times come for all…and tragically, not even a bastion of the arts like the Jidoor Opera House is immune. Though it escaped the rampage of such formidable individuals as Kefka the Dancing Mad, this venerable theater has found itself facing one of the worst vexations that can befall a theater…a lack of actors with TALENT. Without a proper cast, the Impresario’s vision may never truly see fruition…what can be done?

But lo and behold, a ray of hope exists—in you!

Yes, you. And this is said knowing full well that, while yours has been a wide-ranged path--taking its route along both Light and Dark--you are a master spellsword, not an actor. But worry not…as fortune would have it, one of the roles in the Impresario’s play fits you perfectly! The skills you possess, the experience gleaned from your adventures, your very NATURE…it applies, all of it! You need only apply yourself as per your usual to succeed in this role. With your assistance, the Impresario’s play shall be a roaring success…and YOU shall have the satisfaction of having saved the reputation of the great theater in all the known worlds.

“But I’m a busy traveler,” you protest? “There should be a SUBSTANTIAL benefit in this for me,” you insist? Fear not, my good Holy Knight…we are more than willing to oblige! After all, we know you’re quite busy, what with your own life to lead and all—we’d hardly expect you to take up this role for FREE. And, by stroke of fate, the Jidoor Opera house has a handsome reward in store for he or she who delivers the best performance! Not something as mundane as Munny, either…no, what we offer you is the chance to see the FUTURE. For you see, amidst the many curios and wonders that have visited the Jidoor Opera House, one stands out amongst them all…the Mirror of the Oracle. T’is no fancy title for a gaudy decoration…within this elegant mirror’s polished glass, a genuine spirit resides, ancient and powerful. Among her gifts, the Oracle’s most prominent is to be expected…with her fathomless eyes, she can pierce the veil of time to see what lies ahead—those events which are yet to come.

Surely, this is to your benefit? After all, had you a chance to peer into the Mirror of the Oracle, you could very well determine what lies ahead for you and your beloved...and what shall come of the final choice you've made regarding your allegiances.

If you would see your hopes and ambitions realized, then come to the Jidoor Opera House. Take up the role that your experiences have prepared you for. And put on a performance like the Worlds have never seen, as we know you can. Your presence is one we eagerly await, most esteemed Holy Knight.

Sincerely,

A Humble Patron of the Arts.

"Humble...patron of the..." she glanced up quickly at Ellin, her eyebrow raised. "Is this some kind of joke, Lady Destroix?" Though this mirror..."I will accept this invitation, then. Please tell your master that is so."

She shook her head. "Now what do you need Miss Abigail for, then?"

[Ellin Destroix]

Ellin wished to Cosmos she could just BOP this woman straight in the nose, but remembered her teachings and her readings. A Knight of true light forgives those who have wronged them. She breathed in softly, before giving a light bow, "Splendid. You shall attend. Ser Acteur will be very pleased to hear that."

The blackest knight looked to both of them, before nodding, explaining who the other letter belonged to, " A white mage of pitch black hair and crystal hues of the purest blue, her name is Abigail...." she paused, smiling, "Abigail... how quaint.... Abigail the white mag--"

There was a slight look of discomfort, as her memories had her travel to the severe beatings of Priests and Priestesses in her travels. She did not wish them harm, but an atrocity as she needed to be punished, according to them. She shivered in place, and spoke quietly now, "I must... deliver her an invitation similar to that, might you know where I could find her, Leader of the--" she paused, "The Red Rose."

It was NOT the time to start arguments. If she would of said 'Leader of the Yellow Sea' to point out her discrimination against her back in the day, she would end with nothing! She sighed, trying to control her emotions towards this woman who looked upon the black knight in a condescending manner.

"If you please, point me to her direction?"

[General Beatrix]

"Is there something the matter?" asked Beatrix, her head tilting slightly as the Black Knight stammered there for a moment, lost in her own thoughts and mingling of conversational words. "Or is the darkness swimming through your body corroding you, turning you before your time? Hm?"

The general did not usually despise Black Knights. Hell, years ago they would have fought alongside one another, back in the days of Aeur Grauss. However...times had changed; the Black March of Fire was a day no one in Alexandria would ever forget, least of all Beatrix. She remembered the inferno caused by the perditious Black Army, their hellfire sweeping through the lands before Lilian the Light and Colin the Brave took them down in a final sweep, rendering Colin useless and Lilian distraught.

Her parents had been shattered after their victory over the Black Knights...and since then, Beatrix has vowed to take down every last one of the evil-doers on her path for justice.

"She is somewhere on the ship, but of her exact whereabouts I can not say."

[Agrias Oaks]

Agrias' eyes narrowed when the knight asked to meet with Abigail, but she said nothing. She stood straight up, her eyes serious as she watched Ellin, but as hard as she saw, she could find no evil on this one. Darkness yes, but no evil at all... how peculiar.

"... If ye harms her... be sure we will come after thee." she whispered in that British tongue, after a while, " Sights upon you I do. No comedian acts."

...She had no reason to detain her, and no form in doing so, if she did.