"...We're all going back...to the places...where we belong."-Lord Avon, end of very 1st showing of "I Want to Be Your Canary".

Battle 2 by BitSymphony-da:embed id="-huYQoMJz9A" height="315" width="560" profile="youtube"

"Well? don't just STAND THERE, YOU NEANDERTHAL CLOWNS! FIRE! FIIIIIIIRE ALREADY! FIIIIIIIRE...the BOMB!" shouts out queen Brahne at the very top of her lungs. So much so that she had to make a pause in order to catch her breath. "Y-Yes! your majesty...hail...to QUEEN BRAHNE!" shout both Zorn and Thorn, once more in unison. They ready some kind of giant cannon...before then immediately firing from it! fired out to mid-air appeared a metal canister-containing...a massive Fire Bomb monster! known for their ferocity and perchance to destruction. The Bomb is eager to wreak havoc...and rain down it's speciality upon the Prima Vista! to make sure that the airship does not escape in time...harpoons are also fired right at it! "There! sic 'em! gnaw them and absolutely GAG them! make them suffer...for DARE trifling with I-Brahne Raza Alexandros XVI! queen...of ALL ALEXANDRIA! HAH HAH HAHHH! OH HOH HOH HOHHH!" laughs an utter maniac...does queen Brahne.

The city was in wide panic, the citizens and nobles running from whatever they deemed a threat to themselves. Rushing out from the central gate leading to Alexandria Castle were the audience that went to see I Want to Be Your Canary. Amongst them was the rude passer-by from earlier...no longer with his friend by his side, having abandoned him. "F-F-F-For-GET this! I'm out of here! I'm going back to Treno! all I wanted was to see a show and hook up with a professional class lady here! not get drawn into some war!" says the passer-by...looking out, only for himself...unfortunately. The escaping audience that were still fleeing the castle were riding by boats, amongst them was the "friend". "G-GAH! DAMN THAT MAN! I SWEAR I'LL GET HIM BACK UTMOST FOR THIS!" shouts out the "friend"...swearing vengeance for being abandoned.

The Knights of Pluto that were already in the castle town and the female soldiers following Beatrix's command tried to do their best and quell the absolute mayhem...however. "Back off! this is OUR show! we were the ones assigned border patrol! get lost, Females!" says the Male oriented group of the Knights of Pluto, fending off the Female knights in a rivalry that was meaningless at this current point in time. "Sod OFF, Males! we don't need your kind here! in fact. Why don't you take a hike...and LEAVE Alexandria already!? we can do JUST FINE without you entire lot!" says the Female knights, under the leadership of their general Beatrix. The two groups could not find a balance between them...causing more dissonance within the public masses. Truly...it was widespread chaos everywhere, across the whole kingdom.

Back at the staging grounds...Beatrix is seen getting back up, after having been knocked away from the Prima Vista. "...G-GAH! ha! huff...that...that was a!?" says Beatrix, appearing to recognise the Black Mage-Vivi somehow. Before she could contemplate, she then sees the airship start to fly away from Alexandria Castle. However, around that same timing...the harpoons fire into the theatre airship! latching it into place mid-air. "!? Is queen Brahne taking action!? n-no! she can't! if...if my suspicions are indeed true. Then...that "White Mage"...is really..." says Beatrix, finally realising whom the young woman beforehand was...the White Mage in truth being princess Garnet. "That FOOL! Steiner...that complete and utter imbecile! how could he have let things get so far out of hand!? if nothing is done. The queen will become excessive in her means to claim vengeance for herself...? ! !?" whilst Beatrix dusts the dirt from the ground off her attire...she then notices the Bomb fired right at the Prima Vista.

"!? A-A Fire Bomb!? this is no good! not at all, whatsoever! if that monster explodes...it won't just cause damage to that airship...it will damage both the castle AND the town as well! your majesty. Just what...are you thinking!?" says Beatrix, unbelieving at how far the extent that Brahne was willing to go...in order to "maintain her pride". Back on the airship...Zidane and Steiner face each other down. The latter calls out to the monkey like youth with the following "...You menace! I'll make sure that you won't get parole for this!" says Steiner, taking his broadsword in both hands whilst both Biggs and Wedge took stances at his left and right sides respectively. Also drawing their weapons...Zidane could only reply towards Steiner "You just don't know when to call it quits, do ya rusty? though...I can't say that I won't commend you otherwise. You've got my respect...even if it's a thief's respect." says Zidane, smiling. In reality...finding Steiner a worthy foe. But most of all...a man of real character and dedication. However-

"Sadly...like the lady general...I've got to kick you off this boat too!" says Zidane, readying for one more fight...in order to flee Alexandria, once and for all. "I'll fight too!" says Garnet, making an entrance upon the stage, as it were. "...!? P-Princess! you're-" Zidane...notices something different about Garnet. For, as it turns out...she, at last, unveils herself! she had taken off her White Mage cloak. Having caught a slight ember from Vivi's previous Fira magic spell. She holds the burning cloak in one hand and her rod choice of weapon in the other. She then tosses the cloak aside from the airship before stating "...I really, REALLY liked that cloak too. It wasn't...just an accessory choice..." says Garnet, seeming to look woeful about something. "H-Huh?" says Zidane, not sure what Garnet means by her words. "...It doesn't matter. Right now...we must fight. This is the final hurdle...right? Zidane?" says Garnet, holding her rod in both hands.

"! … Yeah! if we want to make ourselves a great escape...then. It's off they go!" says Zidane, facing Steiner, Biggs and Wedge. "HA! this won't be like last time. Prepare yourself, you baboon brigand!" says Biggs, eager to reclaim his honour. After he and Wedge were "humiliated" by both Zidane and Blank prior. Wedge agrees with his partner, saying "You shall face the might of the Knights of Pluto at their full combined strength! with captain Steiner at our helm...there's no way that we shall lose our momentum!" says Wedge. Both his words and Biggs' dedication greatly surprised Steiner...offering a slight grin from him. However, because there were matters at hand needing finishing...he would compliment the soldiers under his command later. "...Alright men! we shall take back the princess...and fell these evildoers for good! are you ready!?" says Steiner, wanting to know the answer of the knights, following his charge. "YES! CAPTAIN!" shout out both Biggs and Wedge, giving their settled answer towards their captain...whom they hold in the highest both esteem and regard.

"! Oh this is just our luck. Before, these guys were simple pushovers...but now? it's like they are different guys altogether!" says Zidane, seeing the looks within Biggs and Wedge's eyes...sensing that they weren't about to relent in the very slightest. "The Knights of Pluto are no undercards. Although they may gain the chortles of the peoples...they are, in fact. Equally...of capable strengths and wits that rival even the Female knights of Beatrix's lead. It is their dedication and courage...that is true power." says Garnet, giving the Knights of Pluto praise when and where it is due. "! I see...huh. You know...ever since coming here, I've gotten myself caught in a boat load of extravagant situations. My most favourite one was when I felt your-YEOUCH!?" suddenly, a huge bump appears on Zidane's head, swelling up in proportion. Garnet had bonked him because he was recalling something that was better left forgotten between him and her, at least. Garnet wanted to forget...Zidane then resumes talking sensibly afterwards.

"A-A-Anyways. I've learned...a great deal of things since the performance started...and meeting you, Garnet. I never realised...that acting, as well as all these other things...could be so much fun! the thrills and the chills...it all builds up into a big something that I can't really describe by words. That's why...until we get you to Lindblum, I hope...to learn a whole lot more from you princess. After all...I made a solemn oath...and I ain't quitting on it!" says Zidane. His words cause Garnet to blush...as she replies "J-Just focus! here they come..." says Garnet, starting to gain proper battle instincts. "...Uh-huh!" says Zidane, agreeing with Garnet and staring upon against the enemies. "...I'll...I'll fight, too!" suddenly, greatly shockingly and surprisingly. Vivi offers to fight too! "!? H-HUH!? what are you saying kid!? just stay back! don't get yourself hurt! though...I can't really say that. When...that massive floating lug over there is terrorizing the ship." says Zidane, knowing that the Fire Bomb is attacking the Prima Vista.

It was striking it's claws against the front, wanting to "play" with it's "food" first. Baku, at the helm and steering the wheel says whilst looking right out the side windows of the airship. "Why that no good, stupid fireball! we're at a disadvantage here! Blank, Cinna, twins Nero! see what you can do that douse that fiend!" says Baku, communicating with his men throughout parts of the ship and wanting them to use all reserves of water and/or extinguishers to deal away with the Bomb. "Crap! it ain't so easy like that boss! the ship's been anchored and we can't take to the sky without getting rid of these cursed harpoons!" says Blank, at a part of the Prima Vista where a harpoon has been shot straight into the airship. "!? I see. Well then. Blank! Benero! you guys deal with the Bomb whilst both Cinna and Zenero take care of getting those dang harpoons off my beloved airship!" says Baku, seen struggling to turn the wheel.

"Why are you just giving us B's the dangerous job!?" says Blank, talking about him and Benero, their names starting with the letter B. "Shut up punk! you want to die!? there's so many easier ways!" says Baku, affirming his handed out order towards his men. "...Oh, oh swell..." says Blank...saying oh twice. Meaning...that things were about to get heavily hectic. Returning at the stage portion of the airship's back, Zidane still tries to convince the young Vivi from fighting. "Listen kid! just go and hide backstage! we can't concentrate if you fight too!" says Zidane...his conscience heavily weighing upon him during this dire situation. With good reasoning however...nevertheless, though. "...I...I don't...I don't want to watch people die. Not if...I can do something to help. Please! I want to do everything that I can to stop all of this! I don't...want to see anyone die anymore!" says Vivi, as he recalls a seconds limited flashback. Holding the hand of a dying silhouette...Vivi is seen tearfully begging the person of the silhouette not to die...

"!? Kid you-!" Zidane had then noticed that a certain kind of glimmer was emitting from the young Black Mage's bright yellow coloured eyes. At first, Zidane was still caught between logic and the opposition towards the former...until. "...Just. Just stay behind the nice lady, okay!? DAMN it all. This SHOULDN'T be happening. But...dammit, there's no choice! we've got to settle this now...and figure everything else out later!" says Zidane, not liking this decision he has made...not-at-all. "...!? Are they...seriously going to let that child fight with them!? p-princess! NO! GAH! this...has finally confirmed things for me. These wretches...truly ARE EVIL!" shouts out Steiner, as he points his broadsword right at Zidane, intending...to now end his life. "Great, rusty's gonna gun for me...at this point, I should...take out the less likely burdens!" says Zidane, charging straight at...Wedge! intending to knock him off the Prima Vista first. Before the monkey like youth's sneak like frontal assault could work, Biggs saves Wedge by blocking Zidane's daggers!

"!? Geh!" says Zidane. "B-Biggs!" says Wedge, shocked to see Biggs in-between Wedge himself and the opponent they were facing down. "Don't thank me! this kid...is more then he looks! I ain't...talking...about...his appearance!" says Biggs, realising...that Zidane had a kind of strength that neither he or Wedge could possess...and, nor hope to. It was...a certain level of resolve that pushed Zidane forwards to achieve new heights, be it thievery for example amongst other things. These character quality traits of the young brigand...were enough to see him through with the guts and the perseverance that he already has for himself. Could this thief that defeated them earlier...really be the sort of bad guy that Steiner claimed him to be? was this...a blur of both good and evil? this is something that started to bug Biggs in these few momentary seconds.

Zidane was slightly pushed back...but resumed being on the up and up against his foes, suddenly retaliating after being forced a few steps away from them. "No good!" says Zidane to his opponents, not letting them gain an advantage in this fight. "! Out of the way, Biggs!" says Wedge, this time it is he that saves his knight comrade in arms. "!? W-Wedge!" blocking Zidane's daggers and trying to hold him into place, Wedge creates an opportunity for Steiner to hit a downwards sword swing against Zidane. "!? O-Oh heck no!" says Zidane, unable to break the hold locking his weapons into place in time. "Now DIE! you scumbag trash!" says Steiner, as he goes on an entire offensive...to see his justice forth towards fruition. "N-NO! leave...the cool actor alone! FIRE!" shouts out Vivi, fighting from long-range...with magic spells!

He shoots a Fire spell directly at Steiner, causing him to back away and allow Zidane to escape the lock hold by kicking Wedge's chest and into Biggs, knocking them over. "T-Thanks little guy! I owe ya! just stay away close-range, okay!?" says Zidane, hoping that the Black Mage will listen to him. "O-Ok!" says Vivi, agreeing to Zidane's fair terms. Zidane slightly smiles...before Steiner reappears! attempting another downwards blade swing. "WHAT ARE YOU SMILING ABOUT, YOU DIABOLIC FIEND!?" shouts out Steiner, wanting to end Zidane's life immediately...unable to contain his sheer rage and look upon the monkey man any longer. "What? you want to have at it rusty? then fine! I'll answer that challenge...with a headbutt!" says Zidane, taking a kneeling posture...before launching himself up in the manner akin a spring, as he said that he would-headbutting Steiner's chin!

Steiner is slightly caught off-balance by the headbutt hitting his chin, in turn his jaw feeling a certain amount of great pain. Zidane was no better off either, his head felt like it had taken a collision course with a rock, nay-a cannonball! at least. That was the best example Zidane thought at the time...and yet. Despite the successful headbutt strategy, Steiner still refuses to relent. "ENOUGH ALREADY! why...won't...you...CEASE!?" shouts Steiner, enraged. He forces multiple careless swings, forgetting the principles that he and his fellow both swordsman and swordswoman-Marcus and Beatrix respectively all makes themselves follow. Even despite holding his blade with both hands, augmenting the strength of the weapon's swings one after another. Individually, they each mean nothing whatsoever...if altogether, even only one strike alone cannot land against the enemy in question. Zidane had recognised this brand of anger...and decided to use it to his advantage.

"...You're letting hate cloud your judgement and your attacks are becoming sloppy, I mean, come on man! I don't want to win like this!" says Zidane, making a sidestep one movement after the next in sequence, dodging all of Steiner's blows. "What do YOU know!? you corrupting SCUM!" shouts Steiner...before forcing Zidane back against a wall. Taking this opportunity, Steiner tries to make a forwards stab against Zidane...only. "GOT YOU! … !?" The youth is able to avoid this next attack too...by hoping onto Steiner's sword with a backwards flip during it's thrusting manoeuvre. "...See what I mean? you are dulling your senses and skills by letting your emotions go overboard. And that...is actually pretty insulting towards your status of being a knight captain, don't...you agree?" says Zidane, greatly shocking...even horrifying Steiner with this revelation of sorts. Steiner...was slowly...but surely...forgetting what it meant to be a knight for himself. And, ironically, much to his immense distaste...it was his opponent-a thief that was able to recognise this fact first.

Zidane jumps off Steiner's sword and then jumps up to the top of the castle stage background prop that was used for I Want to Be Your Canary. "Hey captain! let's settle things up here! right now, I've got to finish our duel and deal with that Bomb before it explodes. Can't have our means of escape literally blowing up high in the sky!" says Zidane, wanting to end things quickly...much to slight unamusing on his part. "...Very well, if THIS is how you wish to end things...so be it! let us put an end...to our short...but already accursing relationship!" says Steiner, deciding to "humour" Zidane...and settle his grudge with the brigand. To another side of the airship are seen both Garnet and Vivi, back to back. Side by side, they are cornered by Biggs and Wedge, the former saying the following "Listen princess Garnet! please, just stand down already! we don't want to use force...but. We shall if we have to-if we must!" says Biggs, trying to reason with the princess.

"Listen to my compatriot. He does not lie! your majesty!" says Wedge, trying to use the severity in his tone and of his words to make Garnet frightened and stand down. "...I know. I know that he does not...and I applaud you both for your genuine concerns. However...I have a duty to myself and Alexandria that must be seen fulfilled...I cannot stop now, not even...if I wanted to." says Garnet, tightly clutching her rod. "Lady Garnet no!" says Wedge, his and Biggs' warnings falling on deaf ears. "...N-Nice lady? I...I have...a-a plan." whispers Vivi to Garnet. "!? What...do you have in mind?" says Garnet, wondering just what kind of plan that the young Black Mage had in mind. "...If. If you...can distract them...I can-" says Vivi, as he formulates a plan with Garnet...very hesitantly deciding to go along with it.

"...Knights of Pluto. I ask...that you not see with your eyes, nor your ears...but with your hearts. There is trouble of a foul, secretive nature...brewing right here, at the centre of this fair kingdom. All of the people that live in the kingdom and all of those whom I deeply cherish...I cannot stand by idly and watch them suffer from a future calamity. Such devastation...would consume not only Alexandria...but the remaining kingdoms of the four nations, as well! Alexandria. Lindblum. Burmecia. And Cleyra…we MUST protect the peoples of these differing, yet united lands at all costs! even if it means...setting forth on a new journey with tremendous dangers circulating the aforementioned such. Despite the perils of this quest and the warnings included...I must accomplish this task, set forth by myself. I must...for the sake...of...my mother!" says Garnet, taking the two soldiers greatly aback.

At that moment, Vivi puts his plan into motion! by hiding behind Garnet whom drew away the knights' attention whilst he hid, thanks to Vivi's diminutive size. The Black Mage was able to conjure...a small bright red coloured orb. It was condensed Fire magic that Vivi affixed to the top of his choice of weapon, a staff. The orb starts to become larger in size and is unable to remain a secret behind Garnet, shielding away it's cover until the timing was right. Because Biggs and Wedge had prioritised the importance of the princess first and not the Black Mage child fighting alongside her...it was too late for them to counter what Vivi planned to do next. "P-Please move! nice lady!" says Vivi, as he requests Garnet to move out of the way before striking. With the Fire orb emitting from the apex of his staff, Vivi slams it with both hands into the ground, causing...a massive smokescreen!

It would only last a few enough seconds, adding up to one minute whole...but was more then enough time. As Biggs and Wedge coughed from inhaling the smoke, a silhouette could be seen amongst the smoke. "C-Cough! cough! p-princess! what is this!? what...have you done!?" says Biggs, wanting to know what Garnet was planning. "I do not deserve credit when and where it is due. This is all the working...of these courageous ones!" says Garnet. She reveals that this plan was made not just by Vivi...but, by Marcus too! having already quickly awoken from when he was thrashed by Beatrix. Using the hilt of his broken sword, Marcus calls out the following words "Get off our ship, knights of Alexandria!" before bashing right against Biggs and Wedge together! they had unfortunately lined themselves up next to each other when the smokescreen had affected their senses.

"O-OH NO!" shouts Wedge, followed by Biggs. "P-P-PRINCESS GARNET!" shouts Biggs, trying to reach out his arm towards Garnet...of whom solemnly looks away. Marcus uses the full strength of his body weight to knock aside Biggs and Wedge...forcing the two off the Prima Vista! yet, he did not do so without concern for their lives. Because there was a tall landmark nearby within the vicinity that would cushion the two's falling but would not allow them to return back to the airship, Marcus seized the chance of this advantage and had made it work. If naught for Vivi's help and Garnet's cooperation, then this plan would have failed, making it more difficult to get rid of the Knights of Pluto pair. "...P-Phew! that...that did it. Good...I'm-I'm spent now." says Marcus, falling upon his backside and dropping his sword's hilt, his energy completely spent from fighting Beatrix despite the very short confrontation between them both. Marcus had only just enough stamina to pull off one more move...which he has now accomplished.

Biggs and Wedge were dropped onto a tower near the Prima Vista. Because the airship was already flying above in the skies higher then the tower itself but not so high that the knights would not have a safe landing, the pair were able to achieve a "graceful drop" without danger of losing their lives and could not give chase, even if they wanted to. The distance height and width in altitude was far too great for them to try and make another jump at the ship. "D-Dang it! no! princess! princess Garnet!" says Biggs, as he watches the airship above starting to go more higher and higher. Back on the Prima Vista itself, Garnet and Vivi approach Marcus, now trying to rest up much of his energy that he quickly could. "T-Thanks, half-pint. You were...quick on the uptake there." says Marcus, applauding Vivi for how the Black Mage was able to go along with the former's plan and make everything work out the way it did.

"H-Huh? what? what do you mean? I knew something was going on...but..." says Garnet, although she realised that both Marcus and Vivi worked together to commence their plan, she was still a bit unsure about some of the details leading up to it despite going along with the ploy. "Oh, right. Well...shortie here had noticed that I was waking up, after Beatrix knocked me down solid. I only got wounded slightly by her, though she still ended up breaking my sword. That's the governor-general of this kingdom for ya...anyways. Again the kid here saw I was getting back up, though my stamina was utterly spent fending a block against Beatrix. I wouldn't have been able to give you both proper aid...until the little guy created a momentary ploy, right on the spot. You two worked together and made it happen and I just went along, waiting for a right opening. Honestly? I wasn't sure that we were properly, successfully going to pull that off...I'm just glad those knights were stupid enough to fool." says Marcus. However, Garnet then says in reply towards him "...No. That wasn't it...the Knights of Pluto...are by no means foolish like you claim. Me and this young Black Mage fought them for only a few minutes...though. You were able...to understand, right young one?" says Garnet, asking Vivi a question whilst Marcus becomes confused by the statement the princess makes.

"Y-Yeah...those guys...they weren't...bad. I could tell...they geuninely...cared for the nice lady's safety. After I saw you start to stand up, Mr. Bandana-" says Vivi, beginning to talk, though Marcus thinks to himself "M-Mr. Bandana?" thought Marcus, as Vivi referred to him by his signature Bandana that he is wearing. "I knew...that I...had to do something, without letting them get hurt. S-So I...I thought to myself...what...what a...friend...of mine would do in that situation. If he were still here...h-he would probably have done something drastic, to-to ensure that we wouldn't get caught. I saw the tower just below the airship...and-and that was...when I decided...to act. If-If they had spotted you, Mr. Bandana. Then...then they would have...gone after you first, right? I couldn't...I wouldn't let that happen! so..." says Vivi, twiddling his fingers whilst trying to find the courage to speak up before both Garnet and Marcus. "...Let me finish little one. Judging from your words alone...I can think up what to say for the rest on your behalf, is that okay?" says Garnet, reassuring Vivi that it was okay to speak up...but if he was still fearful of both her and especially Marcus, due to the latter's rugged face. Then Garnet would explain the rest, having heard what she needed to know and complete the explanation for Vivi, something that Marcus understood right away.

Vivi was hesitant to reply but nodded his head, giving his answer. Garnet smiled at the Black Mage for speaking his mind, though knew that he still needed time to adjust towards the current situation's surroundings. "...By seeing the tower at the distance from where we pinned by both Biggs and Wedge of the Knights of Pluto. The young Black Mage here was able to deduce a plan that took you into account, Marcus. They indeed would have gone after you first...considering you the immediate threat still. I myself was their target...but the Black Mage-!? sorry, it's rude of me to call you that. Do you have a name little one?" says Garnet, finally asking Vivi for his name. "...V-Vivi." says Vivi, courageous enough to share his name with the strangers he has already fought alongside. Having sensed at first glance...that they were good people.

"Vivi? what a pleasant name. But...before digressing. It was thanks to you, Vivi. That...the Knights didn't even consider you a threat. They didn't consider a child of all people to pose any means of a counter-strike which they were right to assume. But...that was also wrong of them. Whilst they were right in believing that a child could not possibly create an opportunity to escape. They...were wrong to think that you couldn't find a way for us-for yourself to make a stand. You believed...and you had the courage to make everything happen. I thank you Vivi, without your help...we wouldn't have been able to stop the knights." says Garnet, wanting Vivi to know of the praise that is due both where and when. Because of Garnet's kind sounding words, Vivi started...to open up a bit more. Although what happened earlier with Puck still bothered him...Vivi still referred to Puck, as a friend. Wondering what he would have done in the situation against Biggs and Wedge, in order to secure a victory route towards escaping. As explained in Vivi's earlier explanation.

"...Err princess? you were saying?" says Marcus, knowing that Garnet still wanted to hear the overall explanation and that she started to digress to properly thank Vivi. "O-Oh right! Ahem: even though we were forced back to back, side by side by both Biggs and Wedge. They didn't give consideration towards Vivi and then he whispered to me that he was going to create a diversion. I didn't know what was going on or what was going to happen...though. I trusted Vivi enough in turn to trust his judgement, so...I mislead Biggs and Wedge whilst covering Vivi, as he prepared a spell. He hid behind me whilst preparing to cast it and I would move about to ensure that the knights would not spot the spell growing in size until it was ready. After that...things happened with you taking centre stage, as it were Marcus." says Garnet, now seeing things in full scope. "...Yeah, that's the whole gist of it. Though...it was way too convenient. Truthfully? we shouldn't have gotten out of that situation, yet we did. Just you and the kid hiding right behind you wouldn't have been enough to throw that pair off-guard, if what you said earlier about them being "nice guys" and not foolish is true." says Marcus, causing Garnet and Vivi great surprise.

"!? W-What do you-" says Garnet, now confused by what Marcus was hinting at. "...I'm saying...that when people concentrate too much on things they focus upon. Losing sight...of what's most important...tends to start becoming more of a habit and even much more." says Marcus, as he provides a future warning towards Garnet. Of whom hears this with great shock. "Beatrix, those knights. Even that captain guy...there's something going on behind the scenes and I bet...they aren't looking with all five senses at what they should be looking at. I guess...our job of kidnapping you-the princess must relate to that in someway. Though I can't say any further, as that would mean...not trusting in my boss-Baku. He's the kind of man...that knows what he's doing, surely. Heh...compared to a certain Monkey anyways..." says Marcus before changing his gaze. Viewing...what would be a final duel between both Zidane and Steiner. Garnet and Vivi notice where Marcus is looking towards, as Garnet thinks to herself "Z-Zidane...Steiner." says Garnet, concerned how the two will face-off against one another.

Zidane and Steiner stare down each other at the top of the castle background scenery prop used for I Want to Be Your Canary. Zidane with a daredevil smile on his face and Steiner with a stern look upon his expression. Suddenly-"...Before we begin our final battle, I demand an inquiry, brigand." says Steiner to Zidane, the latter wondering what the former is thinking. "H-Huh? what?" says Zidane, as Steiner then replies "Why...why have you lot pretended to be an acting troupe and seek to kidnap the princess. Answer me...and I MIGHT just be lenient enough to ask for a shorter sentence of you all towards the queen." says Steiner. "...Oh, that all? heh. Guess...you really ARE a man of integrity, old rusty." says Zidane, amused and also happy with the fact that Steiner is truly a man of good virtue through and through.

"Shut up and answer me! thief! why did you lot masquerade, as professional performers and sought to kidnap the princess!? on her birthday no less!?" says Steiner, as he points his broadsword towards Zidane on the opposite side of the castle prop. Zidane decides to stretch whilst replying to Steiner, saying the following words. "...To be honest, I don't really know why. I'm not the kind of person who asks for intricate stuff. All I know is that if a thief finds something worth stealing...we steal it, no more and no less. At first though, I thought this was just going to be a run of the mill assignment for our group...boy was I sure wrong." says Zidane, continuing to stretch. "HA! do you mean to say that you have finally acknowledged the fact that your fates are now sealed? cause surely you have no means of escape-" says Steiner before then interrupted by Zidane "Nope, that's not it." in a both casual and simple manner.

"W-W-WHAAAAAAA!?" Steiner says out loud, as per usual of him in a comical manner. "What I mean is...I'm glad. I'm glad that I took on my role for this assignment...if I didn't. I wouldn't have been able to meet...such a beautiful princess, heh." says Zidane, smiling whilst finishing stretching. "!? ... Then I shall make you pay. You shall pay DEARLY...for corrupting the princess' pure mind! prepare yourself! MONKEY! you won't...get another chance, henceforth." says Steiner, taking his broadsword in both hands and tightly gripping it, forming a stance to take a charge. "...That's okay, won't need one. All I need is the here and now...to make dreams and wishes happen. We're...all going back...to the places...where we belong." says Zidane, greatly shocking Steiner. The captain realises that Zidane had quoted lord Avon just now, the original creator of I Want to Be Your Canary. The same way Steiner has prepared a charge stance has Zidane done the very same, holding his Daggers in both hands and spreading out his arms the furthest they could stretch.

"...Ready rusty? no holding back. I'm going hit at you with everything I've got! I'm going to make sure...the princess can fly away. To places where she can spread her wings and be free, free of oppression." says Zidane, affirming his resolve to both Steiner...and towards himself. "Oppression? you believe...that her mother is oppressing her!? surely, you MOCK the queen! and you...shall pay greatly for such a blasphemous insult." says Steiner. "No, that's not what I believe. What I believe in...is to believe in others. My family, my friends. Everyone I have known so far...that includes the princess. If she feels suffocated then what she needs is a good breather for a while. Being stuck in a castle that won't even give her room to breathe air wouldn't be good...that's why I want to help her. That's my oath to her, until I get the princess safely to Lindblum...I won't EVER leave her side! count on it! not until she gets the much needed space that she deserves to breathe in." says Zidane.

What he means by his words...is that he wants to help Garnet see the outside world. To live and breathe the air all around her, rather then just remain in a stuffy castle serving as the only world she has ever known. "...You contradict yourself, brigand. Wanting her to be free but never leaving her side? that's just the kind of talk that a thief WOULD say. Always keep an eye on their prize...you are truly wretched scum to make the princess believe that she IS free! never! I'll never allow you foul wretches to steal her away from the kingdom of Alexandria. Her home is here, her mother is here. Her place IS here!" says Steiner. However, Zidane denies Steiner's logic "A person's home isn't meant to feel like a prison! and also! sometimes a Canary has to fly away from the nest in order to spread their wings. Away from their family! if they don't learn anything about the outside...then. What in the heck is the point to living such a life!? I don't want anyone...to feel suffocated like that! not when there is so much to offer out there! rusty. Your head is so full in the clouds...you don't even try to think about how Garnet feels!" says Zidane, speaking out in outrage against Steiner.

The captain of the Knights of Pluto is greatly taken aback by Zidane's outrage. "W-W-W-...WHAAAT!? HOW-HOW-HOW DARE YOU! YOU...SHALL NOW FACE YOUR CRIME! PREPARE YOURSELF!" shouts Steiner, readying his charge. "Yeah I'll face it! and I'll repel it too! I'm going to beat you here and now...and get the princess out of this stuffy place! let's end this! once! and for all! here I come...captain of the Knights of Pluto!" says Zidane, readying his own charge. The two stand still, amidst fierce death-stares they were trading one and the other both forth and back.

"...Zidane..." thought Garnet to herself, clasping her hands together. "This...is gonna decide it." says Marcus before looking away, appearing to already know...what the outcome would be. A few seconds pass...until...finally-"...Now DIE! HEATHEN MONKEY!" shouts Steiner, intending to use his Minus Strike technique at it's most strongest. "...I ain't gonna die! neither of us are! the only one's whose gonna lose this duel...is you-Steiner of Alexandria!" says Zidane. The two had charged at one another simultaneously, meeting at a standstill in the middle.

"!? Z-Z-Zidane!" says Garnet, calling out Zidane's name. Steiner hears Garnet's call and is once more taken aback. "P-Princess!?" says Steiner, slightly missing his aim. Zidane utilises this chance...and makes...the final winning strike! "There! gotcha-!?" however, interrupting Zidane at that moment...is the Fire Bomb! appearing from just above Steiner, cackling to itself. "U-Uh oh! hey! Steiner! get out of the way!" says Zidane, backing away in the timing that he could have used to injure Steiner and end their duel. Instead, warning the captain of the Fire Bomb right above him.

"! ? … ! !? W-W-WHAAA!?" shouts Steiner looking up above. The Fire Bomb's attention was drawn to the duel between Zidane and Steiner. Now at the heart of the Prima Vista theatre, as it were. The Fire Bomb...decided to at last self-detonate! with Zidane and Steiner being caught point-blank in the midst of the detonation sequence! "!? Z-Z-Z-ZIDANE! STEINER!" shouts out Garnet. The Prima Vista is greatly damaged from the resulting explosion. All that bore witness to the Fire Bomb's detonation at the stage of the airship were caught in the crossfire, more or less. Marcus took immediate action to ensure Garnet and Vivi's safeties, however...Zidane and Steiner were both at the exact spot the Fire Bomb detonated. Their fates? … currently unknown.

The Prima Vista Crashes-da:embed id="D4gStWDBAww" height="315" width="560" profile="youtube"

"W-W-WHOA NELLY! the Prima Vista is heading off-course! she's-she's-she's going DOWN, everybody!" says Baku, unable to controlling the now out of control airship. Back at the castle balcony, Brahne watches, as the airship flew right into mayhem itself. "YES! HA HA! THAT WILL TEACH YOU TO MESS WITH ALEXANDRIA! I AM ALMIGHTY! NO ONE SHALL DARE TRY TO INCITE MY ANGER HEREON. Those foul pretenders! thought they could outsmart me!? why, the sheer nerve of them. My kingdom is absolute! my rule is absolute! my-? … ! !? !? my-my DAUGHTER!? G-G-GARNET!?" shouts Brahne…at last, catching a glimpse of Garnet on the Prima Vista before it flew away, unable to control where it was undoubtedly going to crash land.

The airship flew into the city beyond the castle, destroying the rooftop structures all around. Finally, it flew out of distance...no longer would eyes be able to trail it in sight. Brahne, back at the castle...felt. As though she has been made a complete and utter mockery of, feeling greatly slighted...and especially more so. In furious wrath, she snaps her folding fan in half like it was a twig. "...So, daughter. You...have finally taken action against me, have you? no doubt...you took the royal pendant with you and intend to present it towards the regent of Lindblum. I see now...you are not the wallflower I initially mistook you for. Bah! such a rebellious girl! no...now she is a proper lady, I suppose. Still...it is a parent's job to scold their children for having such rebellious phases. If that is how you wish to accomplish things, Garnet. I shall reply in kind...as a mother would. Zorn! Thorn!" says Brahne, summoning her court jesters to her side.

"Yes queen Brahne!" says the jesters, eager to please. "Go! find "THAT man"! he is here at the castle, correct!? no doubt he was watching the performance to his heart's content. Tell him that I shall accept those "prototypes" of his. This is the perfect opportunity to test them out. Give them the mission to find Garnet!" says Brahne. "Yes! our queen! find Garnet and kill her, yes!?" says Zorn and Thorn in unison. "NO! you stupid clowns! find Garnet and bring both her and the royal pendant back to me! ALIVE! go NOW! find that man and bring him to me! find him! find Kuja!" says Brahne. Mentioning a man...by the name of "Kuja".

Kuja's Theme by Pontus Hultgren Music-da:embed id="zwoUATPjfgk" height="315" width="560" profile="youtube"

…Elsewhere...atop the Crystal spire of Alexandria Castle...is seen a very flamboyant and uniquely dressed man. Wearing an equally unique mantle and what looks like an opera mask. With the motif...of a silver dragon crafted into it. "Oh my! why, such a masterpiece performance! the kind I haven't seen in ages! surely. The performance itself won't end here...no. There is far too much yet that needs to be told in crucial detail. Something tells me...that this is only the beginning. Quite so. Oh yes...I believe it is time. Time to begin...the first act of this most glorious show! I'll shall wait for the elephant lady to send word to me...and then? we can begin. Do not worry. I assure you all in the audience seats that this will be one HELL of a play. First off, the first act shall be entitled: "Death-trap in the Evil Forest. Oh whatever shall they do!?" hehe. Seeing...how the Monkey boy was here...it was by far no coincidence that everything has unfolded the ways that it has done so. Soon...very soon...we shall meet, Zidane Tribal. And when we do? you shall serve...as the protagonist...of this masterpiece performance. Why, the name of it has already been decided. The "Tragedy of Gaia"...yes...my tragic protagonist. Go now! spread your wings like a Canary! and...bring back to me...the prize that I so seek. I can only hope that for you yourself, Zidane. That...you shall not become entangled...in a star-crossed tragedy, oh heavens no! that most surely wouldn't do. But...I won't deny. If IT does turn out that way...it will most surely be amusing for me, myself and I. Fuu fuu…" says the flamboyant man, after finishing a vast monologue.

He haughtily laughs to himself...wondering just where, oh where shall the paths of Zidane's new "adventure" will take him. The monkey like youth's story truly begins now...the story...of:

FINAL FANTASY IX REMAKE.