Gathering Forces

[Agrias Oaks]

Agrias and Ellin had finished up the last of the Iron grid poles in the last socket, just a few of the ingredients needed for a proper grid to be created for the new ship. The two of them continued to chat in private, while everyone else did their thing. They inspected the rest of the ship, and made certain that everything was in place for the big spell that was coming up. This is when they ran into Lilith, and they stopped.

"Lady Lilith?" Agrias would ask her quietly, walking over to her and resting a hand on her shoulder. Ellin stood by in case her assistance was needed, "Pray tell, are ye alright? If thou is not feeling well, mayhaps you need to go outside, let us help...?"

The vampire did not seem to be in a responsive state, so between herself and the dark knight, they assisted the poor creature out of the ship, and a safe distance away around a nice, warm bonfire, where everyone was meeting. Ellin would tend the creature of the night a little bit, a little worried for the girl's sanity, but then her attention was taken elsewhere to a bright light... and after a few moments Abigail had walked up to her.

Ellin blushed darkly when the White mage chose to show her first the creation, and she looked at it in curiosity, wondering what this strange weapon was... until she found out.

"K-Keyblade..?" Ellin grew a little nervous, she was told horrible things came from the keyblade by Atticus, so why would there be a celebration to something so destructive? She gave the woman a weak smile, and nodded a bit-- the blade seeming rather normal, but in a shape of a key. She was afraid to touch it even, afraid that it would rid of the darkness that made her, therefore killing her--- The weapon against darkness.

It was then that Abigail asked a curious question... with Save the Queen. To this, Agrias chuckled weakly to her before looking at her dagger reduced Save the Queen, frowning, "Methinks that neither of us are ready for such a level... not in such state, Lady Abigail." The novice knight gave the white mage a weak smile before looking to Beatrix, "Lady Beatrix should give such an experiment a shot-- t'would be beneficial to the cause."

Ellin frowned a little, looking over to the soldiers, and wondering if they too were to receive such weapons...if they knew to differ friend from foe when it came to heartless...would innocents be in danger with the mass production of such dangerous weapons? It was here when she was compelled to ask, "Is it true..." she gulped a little, "... no innocents will be hurt, right? This is only to... save them, right?"

"Of course, Lady Ellin." spoke Agrias immediately, resting a hand on the girl's shoulder, "We want to restore the balance. We would never go back on our word, so ease your mind on that thought... will you give it a try and make one?"

"Wh-what?? One against-- n-no... wouldn't it hurt me? Th-they hurt dark kinds, no..." the girl nearly flinched at the idea.

"...Eh? What is the matter, Lady Ellin? Thoust knew we were going to craft them in order to restore balance... Why so nervous now?"

"I've just... I've just heard horrible tales is all... about how much they hurt...like acid..."

Agrias had experienced in this already, having to suffer at the end of Beatrix's blade at Beast's Castle. She shook her head a little, "... I will not deny that it was a painful experience, Lady Ellin, but... this is a War..." she frowned, " ... we will simply level the playing field by having these weapons. How does thou think we feel when we have lost so many of our own... our friends, and families to the Heartless because we were defenseless?"

"Hn... I know..." she sighed, "I know... it is only...fair, but-- I can't kill anyone Miss Agrias!"

"I know that, and thou does not have to make one if thou wishes it." The novice assured, which caused Ellin to smile in relief. The dark knight needed to know she had a choice... why would they ever deny Ellin that?

"Just think about what is best for those ye cares about..."

"...That I care about.." The dark one repeated, looking to Abigail smiling happily at her weapon. She smiled softly, lost in thought.

"Well then, Lady Beatrix, shall you give it a go now?"

[Sai]

Sai was nearby, watching as keyblades and keystaves and various other halfway weapons were crafted. He knew that by having several of these, he was increasing the odds of at least one making it as far as Atticus. However, he knew that did not increase the odds that when the final stroke went down he'd be getting his heart back. In fact, he couldn't even say that he'd blame anyone if they got that far... and finished the monster once and for all.

It was a troubling thought. All he really wanted was to have his heart back, but with that came a risk. How long until someone points out that should Sai become whole, Atticus would be able to return? Was it ultimately worth it? Was there anything about The Fallen which warranted granting Sai a second chance? In the end, would it not be in the best interest of the vast majority for that damaged heart to be gone forever?

Sad thoughts, but Sai couldn't claim himself depressed. It was all numbers and logic to him, nothing more. Weighing of options one way or the other, and frankly the needs of the many held much more importance that the wants of a single man. Sai already knew, and was prepared. He wouldn't get his heart if this came into question. Until then, there was a chance. It all depended on who it was that landed that last blow.

Sai's thoughts were derailed when Daphne walked up and handed him a bowl of soup with a winning smile. The Nobody would nod lightly to her, wishing he had the ability to genuinely smile back. He couldn't. It didn't seem fair, not to him or to her that his heart was such a danger to everyone. He wanted nothing more than to give her his heart, if only he had one to offer. Another thought came to him. Should Atticus prove too much of a hazard to allow Sai's return to being whole... he would leave the Rose and its members forever. Daphne deserved better. She'd get over is absence in time, he was certain.

Sai only took a few bites from his bowl. Being nonexistant in the eyes of the universe, little things like hunger really didn't come looking for you any more. Sleep, breathing, all these minor details were lessened when you were a Nobody. Still, the taste wasn't bad, and he did feel somewhat hungry. Feel... as if.

Setting the bowl down, Sai decided now was as good a time as any to get to work on his own ship. In his pocket was the containment block, which he removed and activated in order to work on the damaged Basic Gummi he had gotten a long time ago... when two Nobodies that were under his watch were still alive. Lexia and Ximar. Both were gone now, because of this mad dash against The Fallen...

Repairs were underway. No time to think on dead allies or future casualties. There was only the here and now. Now was the time to prepare. Now was the time to act.

[General Beatrix]

"Perhaps I shall give it a go, then," said Beatrix, her gaze set upon Save the Queen, who sat in her sheath waiting to be drawn once more. A hesitant nod and a minor fist-pump and she turned to head over to where the transmutations were taking place.

However, halfway there she was approached by an armored man and a semi-armored man; with a sigh she stopped to listen to what they had to say.

“I am Gabranth, Judge Magister, and the excited man child here is Hercules. Sai had mentioned to see you about payment.”

"Payment?" she asked, wondering what this could have possibly been about. When she thought back she could recall the two had arrived by means of a vault-shaped ship, along with Sai, Daphne and Ria. Beatrix' only assumption was that Sai had hired them to be a part of their fleet and she smiled.

"Ah, you are the newest members of our ever-growing ranks, yes? Of course, if you'll be needing payment before we ascend to battle, then you may do so. Once the Brass Duke is finished fixing up the ship speak to any of the soldiers, and they will bring you into the vault. There you may collect your payment, but please be sure to reassemble back here at the field, as we shall be taking off within the next hour or so."

And with that she saluted the two and walked off, making her way once more over to where the keyblades were being made. Having something already made of HeartSteele gave her some relief, as the duke would twist her arm in a deal to purchase the fine materials, and she refused to waste her treasury.

She looked over the transmutation circle and went over Sai's instructions in her head carefully. Thoughts of Agrias, Alexandria, her friends...all came racing to the surface of her mind, sidling up alongside her anger and hatred towards members of the dark who wished to snuff out the precious light she held so close to her fragile heart.

Drawing out Save the Queen Beatrix heard for the first time the radiant song it had to sing, and just as well witnessed the majestic brightness emitted from its core. She gave the sword a kiss on the blade's flat end, as well as a silent 'thank you' before resting her in the center of the makeshift circle of Notes.

Pressing her hands palm-down on the circle's rim she allowed all her positive feelings, thoughts and will into it. After a bright flash which dazzled the general enough to have her stagger backwards, the result was a magnificent ruby-covered keyblade that resembled Save the Queen to the most minute detail. It was as if nothing had changed it, and for a moment she believed that she did something wrong, until it disappeared and reappeared in her right hand.

"What the--" she started, shocked by this sudden act of sorcery.

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"A person once said, 'The pain of love is the pain of being alive. It is a perpetual wound.' I love someone, but I don't know if they're still alive. Even if he is, I have to save him with this key blade, which may probably kill him."

Glancing down at the keyblade which Sarah spoke of, she nodded while listening to the forlorn tale; as the girl ate Daphne joined in, crushing more biscuits into her soup and stirring it about.

"I see..."

With a frown Daphne continued stirring, not saying much really. When she did she patted Sarah's lap.

"In order to rescue Sai, he must reclaim the heart which was lost...he who is responsible for all of this. I'm really rather scared, to be honest...what if the Fallen's too overpowering? I love Sai no matter what, but I just want Atticus to give him back his heart...it's all so...mad! It is unfair that his heart is split. Such a gentle, kind soul...whose heart was turned into a monster. I refuse to allow Atticus to taint his image."

[The Brass Duke]

When he was absolutely positive now that there was no living thing aboard the ship save for probably a plant or so, here or there, the Brass Duke cracked his knuckles and moved back over to the circle, putting Cobalt in charge of the selling of HeartSteele.

Soon the soldiers who had finished making their Keyblades would gather around, albeit at a safe distance, to watch the spell take place. He knelt, going over the circle one more time and speaking with several golems and soldiers about the ingredients.

"Excellent," he said, assured now that everything was assembled, and thought about the cannon. "I will use the life force of one hundred of my golems for this cannon's energy source," he said to no one in particular, and used his mental link between each of his creations to call them forward. With a silent order to board the ship he clapped his hands together and dropped lightning fast to the ground, slamming his hands face-down onto the chalk-drawn line.

The wind within the transmutation circle surrounding the Red Rose picked up, and dust began to carry with it, only minorly obscuring any vision within. Afterwards, pieces of the ship would break apart and hang in mid-air, suspended within the spell. A bright light began to glow from deep within the puzzle-pieced Rose, and spread out moments later to envelop the entirety of the spell grounds.

The sounds of grinding, wood, metal slamming into metal and the creaks and groans of an old ship would be heard as a simultaneous moan within this cyclonic wind, and after about five minutes it began to die down.

When it finally subsided Sherwood Forest was quiet once more and the Rose, looking completely brand new, could be seen, hovering about two feet above the surface of the river it had been laying in. The gold trim was polished like mirrors, the banners as clean as new, and the wood re-painted with a splendid finish. New material was clearly present, as well as several changes. On the main deck the Red Rose was given ten more cannons on either side, and one massive cannon jutting forth from the opening in the front. Two long wings that usually helped the Rose glide through the air and Hyperspace were now sharp as blades and outfitted with three jets each, to boost their speed.

"Voila!" exclaimed the Brass Duke, before he staggered back and collapsed, into the waiting arms of the apathetic-looking Bartholomew, who collected him into his embrace almost as if he were a baby.

With a cheer the Alexandrian soldiers joined in as one to recite the Alexandrian pledge of Alliegance, while Cobalt, some golems and Bartholomew took their master back onto the Gummi Galleon so he could rest.

[Twilight Path]

Sarah felt a bit better with someone who seemed to understand at least a little talking. Of course, the ideal that the woman loved someone without a lot of emotion did bug her. At the mentioning of the Fallen, her spoon dropped. "You mean the one who killed that strange woman?" She spoke softly, remembering her rather unsettling dream. Of course, she also remembered the image in the strange teddy bear's ball. It wasn't like one could just forget something so brutal.

"He could easily kill Acteur that way." She began stirring her soup to attempt to get a thought in her head. Avoiding reality would put her back to how she was before she met Acteur. "Sai told me that by theory the key blade could save Acteur. I can only hope that it may work. If it doesn't, then I have to continue on my path on my own." She knew that if she did end up alone she'd still be able to live, but her mind would always look back for a long while. As if the foot steps would somehow lead somewhere beside her, instead of disappearing.

[Hercules]

Hercules had gotten the jist of the thing by the time he got back. They were heading into battle against the darkness, and this was basically their time to prep. Something was nagging at him though, so when Gabranth took yet another jab at him during their introduction, Hercules was uncharacteristically quiet and reserved.

They were lead to the treasury a bit later by one of the soldiers, and all the while, Hercules was silent. He didn't make a move for any of the gold collected there, but remained thoughtful. Whatever business Gabranth was conducting regarding how much they were to take wasn't really on his mind, or in his heart. Looking up, he addressed the Judge.

"They're fixing to go after the ones that blackened the sky..." Herc said dully, trying to see what his associate would say. "They might need help."

[Lilith]

Lilith stood up in the group, her thoughts oddly silent.
her fringe covered her eyes as she simply stated...

"I think I should go now"

and with that she slowly walked off to the newly restored rose.

in the renovation process her bike had made it onto the river bank, she made a few quick checks that it was all still working.
she swung her leg over the bike and, in a slight moment of hesitation she looked back to the group that had taken her in and supported her in even her darkest moments, she almost resented them for that... almost... but even she couldn't manage such a feat.

the vampires clasp on the bikes handles loosened.
please... just let me leave... I cant stand this feeling any more.
a lump began to grew in her throat and her eyes began to itch.
just let me leave...

[General Beatrix]

Yes, after the Red Rose had been redone and begun its preparations for war, Beatrix would rally up groups of soldiers at random, delivering blunt, meaningful orders and then marching off to the next plot. She had even gone to see the Brass Duke after the calm set in and saw that he was doing fine, if only just a tad sleepy. She thanked him profusely and he promised her that the price for it all would drive her mad some day. She shrugged this off as the duke's irritation at being so darn tired and turned to his staff to thank, as well.

Giving a quiet thank you to the souls Brass had imprisoned within a dangerous weapon, she was off once again, this time bee-lining her way towards Agrias and Ellin; Masheck must have snuck up on her because, when she turned to see the green blot at he side, he was staring right in her face, his eyes unblinking. A rather large raven sat perched upon his shoulder, its eyes directed in the same direction as its master.

"May I help you?" she asked him calmly, holding a hand out to Agrias and Ellin in a sign to please hold, and turned her attention to the Oz-born sorcerer.

Bowing, the prince apologized for taking away the general's time to the other two ladies and retired his gaze back on Beatrix. Locke squawked lightly, causing the general to scratch an ear.

"Forgive me, General Beatrix," he said pathetically, in a very un-princely manner. "I simply wish to be of some help wherever I may be used; perhaps it is my arrogance, but I wield powers even the Wicked Witch would never be able to thwart..." even if she had done so in the past. "Though I barely know the lot of you, I've been traveling with Wall-E and your friend Sai for some time--not too long, mind you, but at least long enough to find you could use all the help you can get--and would like to be of at least some help."

The general gave him a very proper, royal smile and reminded him of the shelter he'd created for their group on the evening-cold plains of the Savannah, where beastly Heartless roamed, hunting for the most powerful hearts in Hyperspace. She spoke of his light she felt, and knew all too well that it, like hers had once done, wavered slightly in the face of darkness.

'With allies like mine,' she had told him, 'your light will triumph over the wicked ways of the darkness. Though you wield black powers on a daily basis, I have yet to see the spark of evil you feel within.'

As she went on Masheck thought of Dorothy, and how when he arrived at her victory over the Wicked Witch of the West she did not know or love him as he did; and then he thought of Eve--Eeva, he called her--and frowned. Wall-E was rather upbeat in spite of such a tragic loss, and the sorcerer was ashamed he could not be so strong. Clenching a fist he tilted his head to Locke, nodded and closed his eyes as the bird pecked his forehead in an almost kiss-like fashion, dismounted and landed opposite him on Abigail's shoulder. Why? Who knew?

With another nod he turned back to Beatrix.

"Masheck Octavian--Oeilvert, Prince and Royal Sorcerer of Oz--at your service until rendered immobile."

Beatrix made a frown when turning to glance quickly over to the raven, and then back to the mage. What was that all about? Anyway, soon after they experienced a brief and awkward silence before the general dismissed him, where he went off in search of his automaton companion...perhaps to say goodbye?

[glow=Green,2,300]"He fears that he will die,"[/glow] said Locke with a hint of melancholy of his own. [glow=Green,2,300]"There is no doubt about that, as he wishes for me to stay out of harm so that I not only experience...well, it is not important. Perhaps he will survive, and I may yet peck at his head with utter delight while he groans and hollers. Oft it is that His Highness plays the dramatic role. Truly, it is a marvel. You should have seen him in Oz."[/glow]

Beatrix frowned and turned to listen, until the bird quieted down once more. She was actually somewhat startled the creature spoke in the first place, but only her wide eyes would show any such shock.

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About this time Vivi was walking through the encampment with stride, seeking out no one in particular but wanting to speak to at least someone. He feared losing more friends to the darkness, so, with his staff he marched, hoping to brighten people up with the knowledge a brand new, learned mage would be standing by their side to protect them.

He passed Masheck on his way, who nodded in the direction of his mace with a reassuring nod and drew out his wand in response. As they passed he moved on to where he saw Daphne and Sarah. His brisk strides soon slowed down to minute pattering as he took a seat on a log near them, keeping quiet but overjoyed to be in the company of quiet people.

"I believe the Keyblade will, indeed, save your beloved," said Daphne, taking another spoonful of her meal before setting it aside and waving to the squat Black Mage nearby. "If rumors serve me correctly," she said, peering into Sarah's sad eyes, "it was the very same weapon--well, type of weapon, at least--that rescued Lady Agrias from the condition the Fallen had put her in, freed from the darkness by none other than General Beatrix herself. And imagine...she had so much darkness the soldiers and I were rather afraid we may lose her to your former friends." She sighed, rather happy now that she was sure their leader was fighting for the right team once more.

"I believe that we may just be doubting ourselves by fearing the worst. I'm sure your Acteur will be fine, and soon you'll be able to jump into his waiting arms and live happily ever after."

As the very un-Daphne statement concluded she saw a bright new hope for her future with Sai, as well. She smiled in spite of her beliefs on appearances.

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This celebration and commotion, however, would not last for too long, it seemed, as some time after the ship had finished four-fifths of its preparations a loud, blazing alarm cut through the clatter of voices down below.

"The Harbinger!" cried a voice over a megaphone. "The Harbinger is on the boundary of this world! It seems to be alone this time, but it aims directly at us! Alexandrians, please board the Red Rose at once! General Beatrix, if you are quite ready, please assemble the captains at the bridge! We have to discuss our next move!"

Soon the soldiers would stop what they were doing in amazing unity and began an orderly scramble up the gang planks and settled into positions. The Brass Duke's staff took one captain from Beatrix' ship onto their own, to serve as speaker for the duke's men, relaying orders from the flagship when the time came.

Soon other captains, such as Sharon, Linda and Maria, would station themselves right near the entrances and sides of other vessels, awaiting command.

In the treasury, a soldier came running in and told both Magister and demigod that it was time they ready their own ship and collect whatever bounty they would, as the Harbinger was on a war-path.

[glow=gray,2,300]Zolapaz the Nobody found Cloud rather quickly, unsure of where he might relocate Leon any time soon, and stood with his hands folded dutifully behind his back. An Alexandrian nearby saluted to him as she pleaded for the ex-Soldier to allow her to accompany him aboard his vessel.

"If I may, as well," said the shadow of Kefka's former life, bowing. "For I know you better than the others and feel that together we make a better team than one of us joining ranks with a unit foreign to us."[/glow]

[nexus]

Nexus was busy flipping his new keyblade around when the Alarm sounded, nearly causing him to drop it. When he heard the explanation , he looked for Airinose. He went back to where they landed and found she was nowhere to be seen. "How do you lose some thing the size of an elephant" he said out loud, scratching his head.

"Are you trying to tell me, that you think i'm large and fat, Nexus" Airinose said into Nexus's head

Nexus suddenly stood up straight and look around "Of...of...of...of course not Airinose, just well it was kind of a joke, but anyways, where are you? " he thought back to her, also remembering how bad of a thing it was to make fun of a female dragon.

"Inside the airships hanger, and Nexus......stop making bad jokes"

Nexus turned and walked up into the hanger of the Red rose, and found the dragon off to the side out of the way "Airinose whats wrong, why are you in here?"

"My shoulder hurts, i.....i don;t think i can fly right now Nexus" she said , as she cringed a bit as she moved a little

Nexus walked over to her and placed his hand on her arm to get a good look. The dragons shoulder was a deep bruised color and a scar had formed fro when she was slashed."wow , i uhhhh can't heal this Airinose, your just guna have to stay here a bit alright?"

"I figured" she said as she nodded to him and then placed her head down into her arms, with her wings folded back

Nexus scratched the back of his head and turned back toward the inside of the ship and walked to the only place he knew to go, the bridge "I guess i better go ask her permission huh " he said as laughed while walking

[Sai]

Just as Sai had finished the makeshift repairs on his basic model gummi ship, the alarms would jar him from his thoughts. The Harbinger was on course for them. The Fallen was attempting to erase the last of the light forever. Looking around, Sai couldn't help but draw the conclusion that a lare portion, if not ALL of the last fading gleams were present in this camp.

That... was not playing it very intelligently. If the Fallen was somehow able to extinguish this last bit of choking light... then the war would be over. There'd be nothing left. What kind of a battle strategy was that? Sai looked around the crowd, spotting several who were preparing for takeoff already. Among them...

A slight diversion would take Sai into the supplies cabinet onboard the Rose, thankfully not far from an entrance. He'd step in, and quickly grab a survival pack which included spare sets of clothes, materials for making a fire, a small one-man tent, and other provisions. He'd remove the food from the pack and make another quick trip to the medical wing. It wouldn't be much for its intended user, but the blood packets he slipped into the pack could provide that last bit of emergancy rations when times are tough.

Now, Sai would be walking to Lilith's spacebike, where the woman struggled with herself and desperately pleaded that no one stop her. He wasn't going to. He stepped up and looked at her for a long moment, allowing her eyes to catch his before he'd throw the pack to her, with all its supplies and survival gear.

"Fear is a natural response to stress..." Sai said quietly, slightly turning away. "It's a survival technique... tells us when it's better to run than to fight. Many ignore this most basic instinct and charge headlong into battle... many die doing it." He paused, his eyes never leaving hers. "For those that die... there must be one who survives... to carry the torch, to speak metaphorically. If you will not be part of this battle, then maybe you'll be part of the next..."

The Nobody looked away as he continued. "Looking at the record, statistically speaking it is best that you go. Of the three that came under my direct supervision, two have since deceased. An emotional person would take the blame for themselves, but I know the fault lies elsewhere, in the form of the one coming to slaughter this last bit of hope for the future..."

Sai turned, and started to walk away. "Run, live, and continue on. Goodbye, Lilith." Here, Sai made his way back to his Basic Gummi, and climbed onboard, going over the instruments to make sure they were ready. It was time to face off with the Battle Fleet...

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

Elsewhere on the battlefield, Cloud was mounting Fenrir and getting his helmet ready. The alarms were blaring, and panicked voices were calling for immediate action. The Harbinger was on its way. He'd seen it once, back in the World that Never Was. It was going to take a lot to take the thing down.

He revved the engine with a kick, letting the motor warm up and purr a bit before he and his trusted vehicle would begin the assault alongside the Rose. It was about this time that both Zolapaz and a random soldier came up asking to be part of his "unit".

"Hmph..." Cloud muttered, looking at the two of them. Zolapaz seemed sincere in his logic, but from a Nobody it wasn't shocking. Logic was all he had. The girl seemed just overly empassioned and eager to help. Neither one of them took into consideration that his "ship" was literally a one-man motorcycle outfitted with a transformation gummi for spaceflight.

"Not interested..." Cloud said as he slipped his helmet on and tapped the activation button. The familiar space material then slid over his form and coated his body for protection against Hyperspace's uncaring conditions. Looking to Zolapaz, however, Cloud felt compelled to say something.

"Ask Leon..." he told the Nobody. "He and Cid go way back. Maybe he's got access to a Gummi or two... maybe you two can catch a ride with him..."

Here, Cloud turned his attention fully to the Rose, awaiting the command for takeoff...

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

Hercules nodded as the girl informed him and Gabranth that they were about to go, the Harbinger approaching at full speed. While Hercules didn't quite know what the Harbinger was, he knew it had to be a big deal if everyone was getting all antsy.

Looking back to Gabranth, Herc nodded a bit. "I guess that's our cue to go..." he said, uncrossing his arms from his thoughtful pose. "... I still think we should help though... This is huge what they're going against, and they need all the help they can get..."

[Abigail Crescentlight]

Abigail felt a little concerned that Ellin seemed so nervous around her new staff. She looked at it, then the woman again, her worry clear on her face. "Sweetie, we're not raging war against the innocent!" she reminded, her hand on her heart. "Heavens no! We're only trying to protect that which has already suffered too much..."

Abigail then reached over and took Ellin's hand in her own, lifting it so that their fingers could interweave. She stepped a little closer, looking up into those wonderful lavendar eyes as she spoke. "Balance... remember? Like us..." She smiled, hoping for a reaction from Ellin with all her heart. She cared so much for the dark knight that she didn't mind being so forward even in front of Agrias even as she explained her experience with it.

Abigail nodded as the story was told. "I don't think it would hurt you, though..." she said to Ellin, tilting her head a little. "Your heart is pure... and even though you use the darkness, you aren't malign. Plus..." Here, Abigail rested her head on the brestplate of Ellin's armor. "I would never raise it against you..." she whispered...

Then, Agrias was speaking to Beatrix about crafting a Keyblade. It was agreed and the woman went off to do so. A moment or two later, she was returning after a few short diversions with Oeilvert behind. She pulled away from Ellin only slightly to listen to the matters at hand... and grew concerned when the man seemed so devoid of hope. The bird however came and perched right on her shoulder which surprised her greatly! "Oop! Well, hello there!" she said, smiling as she reached up to pet it affectionately.

The raven started to speak, addressing concerns regarding Oeilvert. Abigail was shocked at first, but quickly calmed. She didn't get a bad feeling from little Locke, so it was hard to stay fearful. Oeilvert walked off to find his place, and Locke stayed with her, which was odd. She sighed, then smiled lightly.

That was when the alarms went off! She gasped, and looked up to listen. The Harbinger! She remembered seeing it during the seige to rescue Beatrix. It was already repaired! She looked to Agrias with a serious nod, then looked to Ellin. "That's bad news..." she whispered, then turned her attention to Beatrix with a nod.

She didn't wait around, knowing she'd be needed on the bridge. She still had the pin of authority that Beatrix had given her, effectively making her second-in-command. That meant that she'd have to be there. Looking behind as she walked, she threw Ellin a somewhat pleading look that she might follow. She felt she needed the woman nearby... She didn't know why.

Once on the bridge, Abigail stood next to the commander's chair, which she herself had occupied at one point. She'd wait for Beatrix to arrive before saying much, though her attention might be diverted. She saw Nexus approaching and turned to him.

"Nexus?" she asked, blinking. "What's wrong?"

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Wall-E had been following along with the dark knight and former Holy Knight when they came to collect Lilith. Despite his efforts to aid the vampire, she had not gotten any less angry or depressed. It made him sad that he didn't have the power to help her, but he knew that he had helped Sarah at least a little earlier.

So, it all sort of works out. Besides, Lilith walked off to her bike not long after they came for her, so maybe she was starting to feel better? That was good! He sat beside the women a moment, watching as Abigail came up and demonstrated her new weapon. To add to the excitement of the moment, he hit his play button at the right time to play an upbeat victory tune! Sadly, the excitement would die down quickly as Ellin seemed worried.

He tried to console her as well, patting her knee (highest he could reach without being rude). The others tried to dissuade her worry as well. It was good to have friends. Speaking of, right about that time, Masheck appeared! Wall-E whistled happily, then listened to the ordeal.

Poor Octavian was down, too. It seemed depression was a major problem about now! So, when Locke perched on Miss Abby and he turned to take his leave, Wall-E drove after to follow him.

Keeping pace, Wall-E would reach over and tug at the man's pant leg a little. "Maaahhh-sheeehhck?" he asked, his binocular eyes tilting as he looked up at the man. He even tried to drive around in front of him and played "Put on your Sunday Clothes" for him from his recorder.

Too bad he didn't have time to see what effect it would have. The alarms went off and he bounced a bit in a state of shock. "Wah-oh!" he let out, looking all around. It seemed they were about to get involved in something crazy... Looking up to Oeilvert, he nodded slightly. Wall-E was going to stick by him as best he could!

[jal]

Finally light was in his eyes, blinding him momentarily, and the slight pain in his chest had made his time in the dark feel like an eternity though the reality could not have been more than a few seconds. Propelling out of a corridor several stories above the ground, Jal quickly scrambled to find... Something! The trees were the first to greet him, branches snapped under him and each impact jarred his thinking more! But just before the ground was unobstructed by the tree's arms, 'C'mon... c'mon!' he blindly reached and took hold of a thick, low branch. Rotating rather nimbly to perch himself on the supporting structure, he tilted his head to look toward the top of the tree. "Thank you."

This was a world he had neither seen or heard of by any means. And no doubt a lot of ruckus was caused by his unorthodox entry, so he remained silent beyond his exclamation to the tree. He took in his surroundings quickly... Noting a strange ship-like object a good mile or so from his current placement. He also smelt and recognized the late smoke trails of a fire. Judging by the direction of the wind it came from the same direction as the boat. 'Inhabitants perhaps... but judging by this place, probably and more likely explorers of some kind. It was stupid of me to jump into that blackness without my supplies... but I had no other choice. I wasn't about to let those things continue to tear apart our world. Clearly though... this is not their home.'

Silently and with great ease he lowered himself in the tree before dropping to the ground. He made his way through the forest by weaving back and forth between the low brush, he took heed to remain in as much covering as possible. He didn't know how hostile his new targets would be. Jal's eyes caught a familiar mark in the soil ahead... 'Tracks! And no small amount... There's a small army here! Perhaps this isn't just an exploratory expedition.' Making his way toward the tracks he noted each different one. 'Plate greaves... The weight in the imprints don't seem as heavy as most soldiers, more than likely female, Knights perhaps... Cloth or possible Leather shoes also, no real distinction in the step, its long but impossible to tell what made it. Considering this collection is that of an army, the lighter tracks may be mages. But these larger ones are what worry me... something... No, many things, of significant weight did these.'

Jal stood erect for a moment and surveyed the area, ducking back down he stepped far around the tracks and back into the brush. He kept his body lower, cause he knew no matter what he would find... It wasn't likely to great him well. Nearing the outskirts of a small encampment, he could smell the fire plainly, as well as a great many scents beyond that. He saw many figures, but the... Boat? above all things caught his attention. 'Its a warship... they seem to be preparing for battle!' his mind would ponder the topic briefly before the alarms would sound. His eyes darted as he saw each began to make preparations for their attack. He could hear the chit-chat plainly.

He would bridge the gap between his cover and the people. And with a demanding tone, "What is going on?!"

[luna]

Luna flicked her tails a couple times while she watched the group gathering and and became slightly amazed at the amount of solders that came form one ship. During the hustle and bustle tho, a new person came crashing out of the forest yelling out demands, that made her giggle at the fact that no one seemed to notice him.

Luna bounced down from her stump and made a b line for the muscle bound man, when she was within feet of him she stopped and slowly began circling him, clasping her hands behind her back, her three tails twitching from side to side. With a grin she smiled to him "Well what do we have her......... seems you like to .......well stay fit" she toyed with him "But there's nothing here for you to be so riled up over, new friend " she added a wink at the end of her last statement. With a little bounce the vixen (female fox) walked up to his side and slid one of her arms around his. "This gathering you see before you" she reaching out with her other hand and surveyed the large group. " Is a preemptive start, you see, we are , in the literal term, the good guys, and we happen to be getting ready for what may be a large bat----" She was interrupted by loud alarms going off, and paused for a moment to see where everyone was going.

"And it seems the time is nigh, good sir, if you wish i would gather you are more then welcome to come with us." with that she slid out from his arm and started walking in the direction of the large ship , after seeing the two that talked to her earlier go on board. Luna looked over her shoulder as she walked, "Are you ....UP....... to helping new friend?" she smiled as she made her way to the rose.

[nexus]

Nexus walked onto the bridge rubbing his neck, and was greeted by a simple "Whats wrong?" He blinked and let put a small chuckle "Nothing really Lady Abigail, it's just Airinose" he said as he made his way to the wall, and turned to lean against it. "She was injured a bit in the last fight we were in, i healed her as much as i could while we flew here, but now she just needs to rest for awhile" Nexus crossed his arms while leaning, and tilted his head back against the wall. "Don't worry m'lady, she'll be fine in a bit, but for now i figured we'd ride with you guys........If it's ok with you " he said with a smile

[Gabranth]

Gabranth followed the as Beatrix had called for an officer to show the two men into the vault for payment. Turning is attention to Hercules while waiting for the officer. He had a confused looked as he asked “Ranks?” It was rather clear that Beatrix thought of Hercules and himself as new members of the army.

At the vault, they retrieved enough to pay for ship repairs and some. Gabranth heard what Hercules had said, however, as a Judge and commander he could see this army was in for a fight, possibly a losing fight. “We got what we came for, now we pay a visit to Hephaestus.”

Following the officer out of the ship, they approached Beatrix once again. They could see clearly what the army was up against, or at least part of it. With his back to her he spoke. “What good is a reward if you’re not around to use it? Besides, attacking a battle station like that isn’t my idea of courage. It’s more like… suicide.” Hercules and him continued to their ship ready for take off.