"...D'oh crud. We're...in a seriously bad mess, right now...aren't we?" says Zidane, still trying to keep up his brave grin...though sweating. "...Yeah, we are. We're...in the very worst possible situation at the moment. Not only a captain and his lackeys...but. The governor-general of all the kingdom of Alexandria has come to "greet" us. Beatrix...the "Rose of May"." says Marcus, though not sweating badly like Zidane at the sight of the greatest swordsman that Alexandria ever had. He was...nevertheless paralysed by the immeasurable pressure of her battle aura, not to mention, above everything else...her killer intent. Marcus had trained himself to a degree that a highly skilled martial artist would...so. When he is able to both recognise and sense bloodlust emitting from his enemies on an utmost severe level...he isn't bluffing.

"...Hey, Marc. What's that "Rose of May" business you just mentioned? is that like her title or something?" says Zidane, curious to know the meaning of the Rose of May, as he holds up his daggers to block within an X formation. "...Beatrix is considered the most beautiful woman in the entire kingdom. Rose is only a way to compliment her...however. The May part...is derived...from the month when she slaughtered over 100 enemies by herself, alone. She had only suffered a single wound during that fight...the loss of her eye. Yet even so...she was a beauty-a "rose" that was still blooming amongst a crimson pool of felled villains that sought to create harm against Alexandria...now do you understand? Zidane? …" speaking in place of Marcus before he had a chance was Garnet, explaining the origins behind Beatrix's given title by everyone surrounding her.

Vivi becomes greatly horrified from hearing this explanation, causing Garnet notice and attending to him by saying the following. "! I am sorry, young one. I didn't mean to frighten you. It's just...that explanation was given to me so many times now...that I blurted it out without considering your feelings. Please forgive me..." says Garnet, wanting to assure Vivi that she, Zidane and Marcus could be trusted. He was someone that didn't want to be here, where the current venue is...at all. And yet, by cruel chances and fates had Vivi, completely by himself found his way towards this locale. Knowing the sheer amount of both terror and fear that the young Black Mage was experiencing far too well, greatly relating to them...Garnet then embraces Vivi with a sudden hug. In a similar manner that a mother would their child, as she says the words "Do not worry...I will...WE SHALL protect you little one!" says Garnet...as she now became fully determined...to protect the Black Mage with every fibre of her whole being until the end...no matter what. She will not allow herself to let any and all harm befall him...an innocent bystander that was unfortunately swept up...into what was a personal matter upon Garnet's behalf, more or less. At the least, this was how she saw it...her responsibility...towards those in dire most important, especial need.

"...Heh, well? you heard the lady Marcus. Guess we have two people now that need protecting, huh." says Zidane with Marcus replying "Sigh...uh-huh, yeah. Just our luck...this is what we get for trying to phantom away a monarch's daughter." says Marcus before swiping his forehead, trying to keep himself, as composed as possible against the enemy that both he and the others must now deal with. "Hey princess! you take that little guy somewhere safe. Don't worry, we won't need healing magic...to take on such a drop dead gorgeous babe, heh heh." says Zidane...his usual quirk starting to show. Marcus smacks Zidane on the head, causing a big bump to appear. "O-OW! … I probably...deserved that much." says Zidane, not arguing this time around. "Gee, YA THINK!?" shouts Marcus, not pleased with Zidane and what he considers, as amusement during this crucial moment in time.

"...Are you quite done with your rehearsal, fakers? if so then prepare. I did say...that would I cut down all foes...to the kingdom of Alexandria." says Beatrix, drawing her beloved sword-Save the Queen. "...Looks like she didn't hear me call out "princess". Lucky me!" says Zidane, wondering if Beatrix had misplaced hearing. "Pff, as if. She was probably meditating...on just how she wants to kill us. A real, focused swordsman or swordswoman...needs to divert all of their attention span. Killing their opponents with "malicious intents" and block out every surrounding. The physical surroundings of the enemies at the front...and. The mental surroundings...of one's mind. Without high concentration...they are most probably thinking that they won't be able to please their queen with lower-level results alone. Man, talk about a tough crowd." says Marcus about how Beatrix was focusing her gaze solely on both him and Zidane. Not even caring to think about the White Mage that is Garnet in truth until afterwards...

"Yikes. Man oh man, must be tough...to use blades and push away unnecessary thoughts. My head's ALWAYS about the ladies! I could never try those things what you, rusty still here and the beautiful general do constantly." says Zidane...making a comical dig about individuals using swordsmanship, as their choice style of combat and how they fight battles in particular manners. "...If Blank were fighting too, he'd say to get your mind off women already, stupid monkey lech." says Marcus, somewhat casual about his phrasing towards and of Zidane. The "stupid monkey" then comically exaggerates at what he was called. "W-W-WHA!? h-hey! MARCUS!? don't go slandering me in front of the ladies, that will make me look bad!" says Zidane...kind of missing the point at hand. "...So...you don't deny it? keh, sleaze." says Marcus, catching Zidane by a "chink in his armour"...ironically enough, did he wear armour of the Knights of Pluto earlier on.

"!? O'Eck Marc...cut me some slack, will ya!" says Zidane...feeling like he was shot in the back...with multiple arrows. Much no less by his own teammate. "Nope." simply states Marcus, refusing to let Zidane off the hook in front of both Beatrix and Garnet. "!? Sigh...great. Well, now that my reputation for being a dashingly handsome rogue with great thievery skills has been squandered..." says Zidane whilst pouting, facing the ground. "Like you possessed any to begin with!" replies Marcus before Zidane continues speaking, the former caught off guard by what the latter says next. "...Back to that discussion about being wielding swords. I ain't saying that it's not the best way to fight...but, to me. It seems to take up a heck of a lotta trains of thoughts. And...as a thief, every golden lightbulb idea that appears into mind...each one of them counts. Naturally, a brigand should possess the precision...and the guts to make all of those ideas a reality. Which is where...my trusty daggers help me out!" says Zidane, flipping his daggers into the air and catching them, in the vein akin a circus performer professionally trained with throwing knives.

"We can't be thieves without wits. That ain't...how Tantalus rolls!" says Zidane. What he had meant by these words...is that, even when facing quite possibly the greatest enemy in front of him, Marcus and the others. The best way for them to keep up hope...was to not lose heart. Understanding this meaning...Marcus smirks. "W-Wha? why are you smiling? it's kinda creepy when you do it with a rugged face like that, bro." says Zidane, not knowing the reason behind Marcus' amusement. "...Remind me to pummel you later...once we're done with the job at hand. It's exactly, as you say...bro. Nothing is worth doing...unless you've got both grit and backbone!" says Marcus, still continuing to smirk. "...I know, right!" says Zidane, resuming to cross his daggers together in a X shaped defensive formation. "...It seems they have finally got their act together...good. I was getting tired of waiting...my sword...has been aching." says Beatrix, holding her blade above her head before then holding it within both hands. Taking on her signature fighting stance...she was ready. With Zidane and Marcus ceasing their banter in order to resume focus against Beatrix. She was "kind enough" to not attack them whilst waiting, not wanting to use underhanded means to seize a victory for herself.

"...I-I don't understand, captain. Why didn't...the governor-general strike? was she...waiting for a moment to attack an opening? is she trying to figure out and exploit the weaknesses of those two?" says Biggs, asking Steiner a question...though of whom refuses to answer. Instead, he concentrates on what was about to transpire. "...Opening? weaknesses? ha. You rookies...are still too green. Beatrix...she...doesn't fight like that, not at all. If she did...it would dishonour her. She is far more disciplined then yours truly, however mightily I hate admitting that. Beatrix...simply uses the brute force of her strength...to make her opposition submit. If they continued to refuse her kindness...then. That would be the end of all negotiations. Either one chance...or, one shot. To escape from Beatrix but lose the face of their pride, as they flee. To surrender...but become in servitude towards the "saviour" that spared them. And...lastly. Seeing if they had what it took...to create a final miracle, no matter the odds of her overwhelming strength and win themselves a hopeful victory. These...are the three means of how Beatrix assuredly accomplishes her tasks...the "three rose petals"...of her psychological warfare. That is...what makes her so damningly frightening." says Steiner, tightly gripping a fist. Appearing...to have some sort of distaste for how Beatrix chooses to fight and win her battles. Though they are not underhanded in the slightest...Steiner could not help but dislike the ways of mental warfare his rival counterpart uses...

"...It would be best not to inform Beatrix of that White Mage's true identity, not yet. Once she has dealt with the thieves...we shall secure the princess and help her to see the errors of what she has done." says Steiner, as he still intends to "help" Garnet...from herself. Meanwhile, queen Brahne starts becoming greatly impatient. "...Garnet's celebration...MY celebration...has been ruined. Beatrix...you are taking FAR-TOO-LONG subduing the trash responsible for this ruination! not to mention. Above all else...mockery...against ME! I grow tired of waiting. Zorn! Thorn! fire...the Bomb!" says Brahne, giving orders to her loyal court jesters. They reply simultaneously "Yes your majesty! hail queen Brahne! praise be towards the queen!" says the miniature jesters in unison...as Brahne…very sadistically smiles.

"...I don't want to hit a lady, so...Marcus?" says Zidane. "What? you're leaving me to fight her all by myself? well. You're sure one hell of a reliable ally." says Marcus about Zidane putting his tastes above fighting a battle when it severely counts. "What can I say? it's against my code. Look...I honestly don't want to fight that gorgeous gal...but I know that I'll have to if it comes to that. Right now..." says Zidane, as he turns his attention towards Garnet protecting Vivi. Zidane...is prioritising his reasoning for fighting. Marcus already knows what Zidane is thinking...and decides to accept his Tantalus brother's decision. "...Sheesh, your mind really IS always about the ladies. Fine...I'll...take point." says Marcus, standing in front of Zidane. Zidane and Marcus face away from one another...before the former replies "...Thanks, big bro." says Zidane, genuinely thankful for Marcus' appreciation at how Zidane wants to treat things in this situation, even despite how greatly dire that it was.

"Heh, what are you thanking me for? with this selfish act of yours. Baku's gonna split your pay amongst me, Blank and Cinna. If anyone...you're the one whom should be thanked, Zidane." says Marcus, taking a defensive kneeling posture in order to defend Zidane. In turn whom defends Garnet and Vivi...the monkey like youth sniggers slightly and has a small grin upon his expression. "...Here I go. Prepare...to feel the full extent of my Seiken sword style techniques!" says Beatrix. Directly charging at Marcus of whom says in reply the following words "Bring it on lady general!" says Marcus...blocking with how much might that he could muster against Beatrix's frontal strike. "D-D-DANG! her blade is...quite...HEAVY!" shouts Marcus to himself inside his mind, starting to both sense and realise. The major power gap between him and Beatrix...the Rose of May. "Save the Queen, my precious sword and lifelong companion...is made of the finest minerals that Alexandria could refine. Orichalcum amongst them..." says Beatrix, mentioning what is believed to be the greatest substance of weapon forgery throughout the world. Shocking Marcus and Zidane, knowing of the utmost rare blacksmith material.

"Oh you have GOT to be KIDDING me!?" says Marcus, starting to feel his sword breaking. "...I am afraid, nay." says Beatrix...before shattering the brigand's sword apart into a million pieces. Marcus is then sent flying into the background scenery props of the stage, knocking him unconscious. "!? M-M-MARCUS!" shouts out Zidane before seeing the shards of Marcus' broken blade heading straight towards him, Garnet and Vivi. Zidane manages to block away half of the flying shards...whilst taking the rest of them at his body. To serve as a Human shield...and...protect both Garnet and Vivi. "G-GAH HAH!?" Zidane coughs up slight blood, his backside falling upon the stage. "!? M-Mister!" says Vivi call out to Zidane. Garnet however...becomes...horrified at this sight. When seeing Zidane "lose"...she had started to think...that escape...was naught possible. However, more so...most importantly and especially. That...everyone...Zidane and the Black Mage...were going to die, because of her "foolishness".

"N-NO...Z-Zidane. G-Get up...p-please! please! please get up! ZIDANE!" shouts out Garnet, begging for Zidane not to lose. Hearing her voice and refusing to yield, Zidane stands up to Beatrix...her sword pointed at his throat. "Hmph, you live. Though...you will still be the next to die, right after your comrade." says Beatrix. "...Comrade? naw, he ain't that. Not at all...he's...more then that. He's my big brother...you see. Us thieves? the Tantalus? we're...we're a family!" says Zidane, as spiritual images of Blank, Cinna, Baku, Ruby, Zenero and Benero. Including the defeated Marcus formulate behind him, showing...that they were in full support of whatever Zidane had decided. If he chose to be an enemy of the entire world itself...then. They would stand alongside their kin right by him...until. The very end...Beatrix had only one thing to say in response to Zidane's words. "I see, die altogether as "family" if you so wish. It's a shame...I never got to unveil my Seiken techniques. Including...my latest one. The greatest in my arsenal...the "Shock"..." says Beatrix, talking about some kind of blade finisher move that she wasn't able to use during this duel that ended in few passing moments.

"S-Shock? …" thought Zidane, wondering just what kind of Shock was Beatrix really talking about. A literal shock from a sword swing to the body? or...something else, maybe. Before having any chance to further ponder...Beatrix raises her sword above his head...and ultimately. She decides to execute him, for high treason against the kingdom of Alexandria. "...Since you appear to be the ringleader of your "family", despite how young you look. I shall honour you with a swift death...in recognition...of certain traits that you seem to possess." says Beatrix, appearing to recognise the courage both of...and within Zidane's heart. "W-What? you mean...like...how I know...a beauty...when I...see one? heh." says Zidane, as Beatrix merely remains silent at this comment. "...Now die, mongrel from the skies. Fly like a Canary...and be one...with the blue light." says Beatrix, using I Want to Be Your Canary, as Zidane's "epitaph" of sorts. "!-!? B-Blue...light." suddenly, an unclear flashback makes itself known to the youthful brigand...but. He cannot recall from where.

"My, my, my. So? you are the one...whom the world is waiting for. Such a farce, such a tragedy indeed. It is all the more pitiful and pitiable...that...you shall never know the origin of yourself. Now...fly! fly my Canary! take wings...and...descend!" a very flamboyant sounding masculine voice could be heard in the background of the flashback, going static back and forth. The flashback itself had only showed a small hand reaching out towards a shining blue coloured, circular light...with the silhouette of someone standing right in front of it. His back turned away from the owner of the small hand...that. Appears to be Zidane...though, he cannot fully recall this memory. The flashback ends with Zidane thinking what he considered to be his final words.

"...H-Heh, heh. Guess...this is...the end...of...the line, huh. Guess this...is what...they mean...by...seeing your life...flash before...your eyes. Though...for me...this is...literally. Dang it...d-dang it all! I wish...I could keep my oath. I wish...I could...have found out...the truth...bout...me-self." says Zidane...lamenting what he considered were his last moments...until, suddenly. To the shock...and absolute horror of certain others...Garnet. The princess tries to rush forward...and save Zidane by taking the blow meant for him! "!-!? N-NO. NO! PRINCESS! GAAARRRNNNEEET!" calls out Zidane within his head, trying to move his injured body...and stop Garnet from sacrificing herself for him. Suddenly...a huge bang could be heard! Beatrix's sword swing is knocked off trajectory, hitting only the side of Garnet whilst scraping her arm with a slight wound.

"AHHH!" Garnet says in pain. "!-!? That voice! it-it couldn't be!" says Beatrix, recognising the voice...of the hooded "White Mage". Seizing this opportunity, Zidane grabs Garnet and moves the two of them away from Beatrix. "...You leave her alone. Leave...the nice lady...ALONE!" shouts out Vivi...charging...a high incantation Black Magic Fire spell! "...FIIIIIIIRRRRRRRA!" shouts Vivi, as he "fires" the Fire spell. "!? Men! out of the way, NOW!" shouts Steiner, ordering Biggs and Wedge to the side of the ship, in order to avoid getting hit. Beatrix, seeing the spell strike up close and personal blocks against it...but. Is unable to hold her might countering an out of the blue magic spell, such, as this one. Ultimately...she is flung away from the Prima Vista! securing a chance for the Tantalus to escape! Blank witnesses this from the orchestra floor and communicates with Baku at the brig.

Escape From Alexandria-da:embed id="nTuAJVnDSz4" height="315" width="560" profile="youtube"

"Captain! the rooster has left the pen! I repeat! the ROOSTER has LEFT the pen!" says Blank, using code-phrases. "HA-HA! bout time you guys! hold on, EVERYBODY! we're about to go...for a JOYRIDE!" shouts Baku, twisting the steering wheel of the Prima Vista at it's helm, elsewhere-"NOW! FIRE IT NOW! BLOW THOSE SKY RATS OUT FROM THE HEAVENS!" is Brahne. Screeching exactly, as a "royal" lunatic would and demanding for action to be taken. This...is the final curtain call towards freedom!

To be Continued. (I Want to Be Your Canary Arc TO BE CONCLUDED next! :])