The Red Rose

[Ellin Destroix]

Ellin, with all the commotion, thought that this was somehow her fault, and she raised her hands above her head in a defeated manner. She thought she had done worse when Beatrix appeared, wanting to speak with her (speak, as in execution.)
She gulped a little, turning to face the one with the white eye patch, and sighed, "I ... didn't so anything, I think."

The darkest knight relaxed her arms to the sides and waited for further orders. She didn't wish to cause any more trouble...

[Agrias Oaks]

Agrias, thank goodness, was being covered with Boco's wing. Her robe did most of the work, but with the sudden dash of the chocobo, and the events it had become undone at the front. Thankfully the massive yellow, feathered one was there to cover her up. The knight looked down and blushed lightly. She reached to rest a hand over her heart and whispered, "Class Change... Holy knight!"

There was a sudden burst of light emanating from the robed one, and she was enrobed with it moments. When the light diminished, Agrias stood in her blue vest, brown pants, boots and gloves... but her armor was missing. The knight looked down at herself and gasped quietly, noticing such difference, and grew worried. "Class Change, Holy Knight...!" she tried again, but the armor would not appear.

Boco, the chocobo, warked confused, tilting his head a little at the sight of his distressed master. He would stretch his neck to peck a little at her shoulder, where no metal rested. The only metal he saw, was the one of her sword.

"Wark...?" he would sound concerned.

"Class change..!" she would try again, but nothing would happen. Agrias fell to her knees, looking at her incomplete self...
was she a... unable to turn to Holy Knight status... was she stuck... in novice class!?

"N-...no..." she would whisper.

[General Beatrix]

Still standing tall, uniformly and proper, she shook her head at Ellin's statement and made a light, nervous chuckle. She turned slightly and waved her hand for the Black Knight to follow her out, and she pressed on into the hallways, where they would take a seat at the nearest bench. Dismissing some "busy" soldiers, she sat and pressed down her jacked, smoothing out the wrinkles from moving.

"Lady Ellin," she stated in a solemn tone. "I must speak with you, about the darkness and light. You say that you are a Black Knight seeking redemption...and Miss Abigail says to seek out light in all darkness...what can you tell me of your redemption so far?"

She sounded genuine, and a frown took the place of her stoic, apathetic visage. Turning to stare directly into the face of the Blackest Knight she waited.

"You must...bear with me, please. It is not my perogative to distrust everyone...but you are still a Black Knight, so please don't be offended I keep my hand at the ready of Save the Queen. I would like to trust you. Tell me, can you recite the Oath of Cosmos?"

[Shantotto]

[glow=teal,2,300]Within the halls Vivi was staring out one of the windows of the ship. Down this hall only a few yards away, a strange purple swirling light was filling the hall. A moment later the purplish warp rift of Shantotto opened, and out stepped the taru. Her arms crossed. Her eyes ever focused and unwaivering on the black mage. "O~hohohoho a mage who fears their own intellectual heights. Such a pitiful mage, ashamed is such a sight, one so afraid of ones own birthright."

Shantotto walked slowly to the shattered remains of the magicite. She wielded her staff sifting through the shards, to retrieve a spherical black orb that was inside. Holding this orb in front of her, she looked at Vivi. "This orb one forged after the Diabolos, Lord of darkness. It's magics hold a never ending black magic prowess." This like Abigail's Apollo, was to be crafted into Pluto, another staff similar to the one in Shantotto's arsenal. Such a staff wielded by black mages alike can amplify powers ten fold, making any black magic user a force to be reckoned with.

The spells Shantotto is teaching these mages are but some of the magics of Windhurst. She has found her White and Black mages, now she had only to find a mage worthy to wield enfeebling magics ... then a thought crossed her mind, "Jenova" ...[/glow]

[Vivi]

When the tarutaru appeared before the mage his glowing yellow orbs brightened, widening with much hope. He stood there leaning on the Mace of Zeus while she sifted with her staff through the remains of the magicite; when she retrieved the spherical black orb Vivi's head tilted slightly in fascination.

"Hello, Miss. I am ready for your tutelage." He bowed, as was customary for all Alexandrians when in contact with nobility or high-ranking people. He had just achieved Alexandrian citizenship, too, as a free Black Mage, right before he was whisked off to Twilight Town so long ago.

When she spoke of the orb, he nodded his head. "I shall be a faithful, trusting student, Miss."

[Lilith]

Lilith groaned as chaos erupted, the chocobo ran out and the mage ran after it, she slid off the crate onto her feet and ran after the mage.
"do I have to protect everyone around here..."

the vampire caught up to the mage and ran just behind her.
as Boco turned, causing Abigail to fall, Lilith slid to a halt and grabbed the mage just before she hit the ground, her face hovered over Abigail's for a few seconds, the vampires cheeks darkened.
"you need to be more careful..."
she placed the mage back on her feet and took off after the chocobo before the other girl could get a word in.

the vampire came to a halt to see Agrias and the chocobo reunite.
"aww"

[nexus]

Nexus watched as the hold erupted with chaos and a bit of confusion, after it settled down he sheathed his sword and walked to Airinose.

"Nexus are you ok? you look like somethings bothering you?"Airinose asked him .

Nexus came to her side and place a hand on her neck while looking back into the now empty cargo hold. "Within moments, there were people here Airinose, and within moments there's no one here" he said

"Things happen all the time Nexus, and things change constantly, but why does that make you sad? " she asked again this time shifting a bit to curl around him.

Nexus stepped away from her , leaving a little bit of a hurt look on her face. "I'm...... i dunno Airinose......... I guess i'm just thinking." he told her

"Thinking of the present or the past?" she watched him move away from her, "he must have some things on his mind too" she thought to herself

"A little bit of well..........yeah the past Airinose, I think I'm going to go for a walk " he said as he walked out of the cargo hold staring at the floor as he walked.

Not to long after walking out of the cargo hold, Nexus found himself in the main commons room. Seeing an empty couch he decided to have a seat, there were plenty of things on his mind that were bothering him, now would be a good time to figure them out.

[Ellin Destroix]

Ellin's eyes narrowed when Beatrix spoke of redemption, she was a little insulted at this, but kept her calm. Her dark gauntlets seemed to screech as she made a light fist. "Miss Beatrix..." she cleared her throat, her brows furrowing a little, " ...The only thing I am sorry for, is being born without white mana, for being born in a clan whom have always seek destruction all their lives." she held her index finger up, right in front of the General, "I, unlike my clan, has NEVER killed, nor injured anyone without reason, and all the villains I turn IMMEDIATELY to the authorities! Light, Darkness, Human, Heartless-- all species...!"

The dark knight shook in place, " All of this I have done for the sake of Justice... and you know what? It does not seem to matter-- because people like renowned priests, and you, and your soldiers see dark armor, and classify me as evil; as scum, and with this rises speculation to others, and rumors that all of my kind should be avoided, imprisoned, or exterminated on sight!"

"I once thought, that when I was born into this world... that my aura was so bright, it looked pitch black..." she gave a slight chuckle here, " That I was so pure, my light could not be seen by the human eye."

Ellin glanced to the side, her eyes a dim lavender as she spoke, " To me, there is tainted light as can be the same as tainted darkness... it can be cruel, and merciless, but then there is Cosmos, and pure light." she sighed, looking down at her black gauntlets, in thought.

" I love you, and forgive you for all your sins. For I stand for the light that is pure and ever grateful of your existence. Think of me once, and you shall forever be in my mind. I adore you, and embrace you warmly with the light, in hopes for you to one day find happiness. I shall guide you, if you wish it, for my love is everlasting." the knight paused, "Book of Light, Rays 03:37:18."

The blackest knight walked a few feet away, looking towards the empty hallway, " I don't seek redemption... I only seek I chance..." she looked over to Beatrix, "That is all I always wanted, and it was denied to me by so many...that I just followed my own path..." she closed her eyes and opened them, " You are lucky... the shadows speak of your history Beatrix... and you are able to find forgiveness around you. To have people who love you so... even after everything that has happened-- you are truly... blessed." ... here Ellin lowered her gaze. "You have a chance... after all that has happened, and you should take it..."

Another pause...

"Unlike you... not many get a chance..." She cleared her throat, and stood straight now, in a knightly manner, she bowed, "Would... that be all, Miss Beatrix...?"

[The Alexandrian Army]

[ Agrias' Alexandrian Soldier post ]

There were several soldiers located at the common rooms. Maara and Ria were two of them. They were having some cheese and crackers while their break took place, for once, not wearing their helmets and simply relaxing. Both of the girls, like all of the soldiers, had beautiful creamy skin, blond hair, and sky blue eyes. Maara had short, curly hair that reached her shoulders. Ria had a long ponytail that reached her lower back. It was how they could be distinguished without their Helm number.

When the Dragon Hunter walked into the common area, the soldiers could not help but have a moment of silence in the presence of a man, before continuing their conversations.

"Great Alexander..." sounded an impressed Maara, "... that man has more muscle that I've ever seen before on a Knight of Pluto..." she would whistle quietly.

"Shush, he'll hear you!" Ria would blush, flailing her arms lightly, and calming down, "...He... is rather handsome, though."

"HooOoo?" Maara would have an impish grin here, nudging the youngest of the soldier's arm, "You think he's handsome?"

"Wha-- well..." The young one squirmed a little here, looking down at her cheese and crackers in thoughts, "He...looks nice and--"

"-- do you like him?" Maara asked bluntly, "Because if you do... you might want to start getting in line." she pointed at several of the other soldiers who were giggling flirtatiously at Nexus' presence, " We are dealing with a looooot of um... bottled up emotions, hun."

"B-bottled up emotions? What does that mean?"

"Ahah..." Maara laughed nervously, "Y-you'll get it once your older."

"Oh come on!"

Some females would continue to mumble, and giggle at how attractive of a man Nexus was... that being rare in their world.

[Abigail Crescentlight]

Abigail gasped softly when Agrias couldn't fully transform. She watched as the woman fell to her knees and grew horrified at this turn of events. With a sigh, she swept forward and put her hands on the woman's shoulders as she knelt beside her. Glancing over to Lilith, she had this look on her face like she wasn't entirely sure what to say or do here, but she would continue on anyway.

"You're still tired, Agrias, that's all..." she said reassuringly, with a tone that suggested confidence, knowledge, and wisdom. She'd help the woman to her feet and turn her to face, reaching up as she did to fix Agrias' collar and jacket. "We both know you're quite capable and deserving of the armor, but we also know that it's tied to your life force via the royal seal on the front, yes? So it's obvious that once you are at your best once more, your armor will follow suit, yes?" she said, smiling.

But inside, she was confused. None of this was in the future she had seen, so she didn't know what on earth to do next. She didn't have all the answers, and frankly, she doubted very strongly that anyone did... except for maybe...

She reached into her satchel and produced the scroll Shantoto had given her. She looked at it a moment, then placed it into Agrias' hands. "Agrias... I don't know much about holy armor... but maybe this person does. You've met her before, and I'm sure she can help... It could be worth a try, if you need answers?" she suggested, tilting her head a little. She looked over to Lilith, giving her a 'please help me out here' kind of look.

[Shantotto]

[glow=teal,2,300]Shantotto stood still as the short stature mage Vivi spoke of loyalty and faithfulness. "A feeble minded mage", she thought. Her eyes widening slightly. "Such low self esteem", she thought. Again her eyes widening even more. "A mage desperate for acceptance and control, she thought". Her eyes now wide and open, as a grin started to run across her little taru face.

"If my teaching is what you wish, remember this. You will have no say in my teachings; disobedience will be met with termination. Upon completion of your teachings, you will return here all in due haste. Be brave, be strong, keep heart no matter what dangers you will face. I believe my mind has been made abundantly clear. Until your teachings are accomplished; be flaunting not your sorry face around here! O~hohohohoho" No sooner said, she shouted "Warp II", and her rift would appear to engulf Vivi sending him to her study. Shortly after looking around a moment or too, as she hoped that she had not caused to much commotion, she shouted "Warp" and her own rift appeared in front of her. The taru, along with the spherical orb headed through the purplish rift off to her own study.

*Off to Castle Oblivion > Shantotto's Study"[/glow]

[Agrias Oaks]

Boco tilted his head this way and that, trying to figure out what was wrong. He reached over to peck a little at Agrias' shoulder, and held her up by the collar to get her to her feet. Agrias flailed a little at first, but laughed afterward.

"A-alright alright..." The knight would whisper nervously, "I... I get it, I must rest is all... and I should be better after a bit of rest..." she nodded, looking to Abigail afterward, " Many pardons, I... I am simply unused to this feeling, Lady Abigail. You must be right... I need to relax."

She smiled to the two of them, "Good night, Ladies..."

Boco churred happily at this, resting the dull end of his long beak against the knight's back and pushing her lightly to the nearby room, wanting her to rest as soon as she could. The chocobo squeezed its way through the narrow doors, and went into Beatrix's room, unaware it would be sacred to the General. He helped Agrias into the bed, with fresh clothes and all, and tucked her in. What a caring bird she had.

"Kwhee..." it would coo sweetly, sitting on its rump again and stretching his neck to rest it on Agrias' tummy. Defeated on choices, the knight chose to accept the resting time that was requested of her, and rested a hand over Boco's big head, running the gloved fingertips against his beak and head feathers... he was like a giant, warm teddy bird.

Agrias looked over quietly to Abigail and the vampire Lilith, and nodded her head a little, this simple action stating that she would rest now for her sake, and for Boco's.

[General Beatrix]

As Ellin Destroix droned on and on about her past and the paths of light Beatrix' heart began thumping faster and faster, as she felt sorry for being one of the many the Black Knight had described who judge dark creatures before getting to fully know them. She winced at some of the harsher comments, but nodded all the same, adding a few "Yes, I see"s, as well as some "Of course"es.

And then the Blackest Knight recited a line from the book of Cosmos; the tiny tome in Beatrix' breast-side pocket liked to begin humming fast-but-quietly whenever this happened, and if it were visible one would see a bright blue glow emanating off it. Beatrix' eye widened as she turned to face Ellin, her cheeks red with mild embarrassment.

"Miss Ellin," she whispered, raising a hand to place it on the woman's shoulder, but pulled back instantly a moment later, for fear she would come off looking patronizing. "I...for the world I wish I could take back my instant prejudices towards those that follow the seemingly wrong path...you must understand I was born and raised in a time when knights of your calibur were working in conjunction with one another to wipe out all that was good on our continent...I was never taught there were good souls left in the Fell Knights of our time, that they lived off the goodness of others, sucking it out of them completely."

She frowned, lowering her head. "You have recited lines from the Book of Cosmos...no evil creature is able to do so. Your heart is pure."

She nodded her head and then turned her attention back to what Ellin said about the shadows whispering of Beatrix' misgivings. "A chance...it is so easy to obtain forgiveness as a Holy Knight, and yet that is merely status...there is no real heart behind it; they just assume that by doing something rightous directly after something wicked...you can be redeemed. Lady Ellin, I am less worthy than you are for my position in these times. Look at Save the Queen."

Withdrawing her blade she held it up so that the woman at her side could examine the taint on the holy blade. "I have destroyed many worlds...one being my own, as well as several others...there is even one aboard my ship whose world was consumed in darkness by my hand...and for that I would seek punishment."

[Vivi]

***Off to Shantotto's Study, in Castle Oblivion***

[Ellin Destroix]

"What an idiotic thing to say." Ellin grunted, crossing her arms and allowing the metal screech on while she spoke, "You are not forgiven for your title, you are forgiven when you are loved." she nodded a little, her lavender eyes glancing at the dark sword, and reaching out to touch the blade. It seemed to respond a little to Ellin's closeness, familiar to such darkness.

"The blade only needs to be purified... and for that to happen, you must seek redemption and right your ways."

The blackest knight pulled her hand back, and rested it at her side, while the other rested upon the hilt of her blade. " You should ask Miss Abigail about that path, since it is one unknown to me. I don't know what Holy knights do... but if anything, I do know that you have to do the right thing. Don't let those who have forgiven you waste such blessing. You should not waste them either... they are more precious than gold or anything else..."