Another heads up before you guys read it, this is how I perceive about how Blank Marcus saved Steiner, Beatrix Freya.
Enjoy!
Part 12: Hello again
I paced around the area. I touched the walls, hoping to find an opening. I sat down and brought my knees closer to my chest, hugging them tight. How long has it been since I was thrown into prison? Zorn and Thorn decided to separate me from the group. They had taken the Princess. I assumed Marcus was imprisoned along with Steiner.
"Princess, I've failed you…" I felt like crying.
"Oh, come on. Are you really gonna be a crybaby again?" I heard a familiar voice.
"Marcus?" I stood up and rushed to the door.
"Yep, it's me. I'm gonna get you out," he whispered.
"Who goes there?!" a knight's voice was heard.
Marcus quickly opened my dungeon's door. He hid the key inside his pocket, entered the prison and hid where the knight couldn't see him. The knight stopped by, gave a glare at me. He looked disgusted. I stood still. He went back to his pose. When he was out of sight. I quickly wrapped my arms around Marcus' neck.
"Thank you for coming to get me!" I cheered.
Marcus sighed. "Okay, okay. Stop hugging me!" he unwrapped my arms, groaning.
I giggled. He shook his head at me. "Let's get going!"
I nodded. "Okay!"
He handed me the sword I was supposed to use. I hoisted the holster around my shoulder. Marcus opened the door and took a peek outside. He gestured for me to come out. We started to run out into the corridor. A few guards caught sight of us. Marcus slapped his forehead. I assumed he blamed himself for the wrong direction.
"Hey, get back here!" a guard called.
Marcus told me to keep running. I watched as he knocked two guards out. It was considerate of him to not kill them. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me to follow his pace. More guards came to view.
"Uhhh Marcus…" I muttered.
"We better hurry. I don't have time to knock off more guards," Marcus said.
We soon came to the exit of the dungeon. We bumped into Zidane and his group. Marcus blocked the way by pulling on a lever, releasing a divider between us and the knights chasing them.
"What are you doing here?" Zidane asked, excited.
"We're going to save our Bro!" Marcus announced.
"Oh, well, we're looking for Dagger," Zidane said next.
I took Zidane's hand in mine. He panicked. "Please please please protect her! I can feel she is in trouble!" I begged.
Zidane nodded to me. "Leave it to me!"
Marcus pulled me to follow him. We got to town. No guards followed us. I was relieved. Marcus told me not to stop running. We soon left Alexandria from the main gate. A Trick Sparrow stopped us on the way. My hands are sloppy with swords. I was nervous.
"Step aside, Tiara. I'll take care of this," Marcus said to me, standing between me and the monster.
He killed the monster in an instant. Heaving a sigh, he took a seat on the grass. I crouched beside him and handed him a bottle of water.
"We're gonna have to jump into the waterfall to reach the Evil Forest," he said, standing up and stretching, "Let's give you a sword lesson first."
I chuckled nervously. "Suree…" I could hear myself drawl.
Marcus gave out a smug. After one hour of gruesome lessons from him, we decided to head on. My arms were stiff and sore. I pushed the pain away. I kept on walking beside Marcus. He was busy analyzing the map.
We reached the waterfall he was talking about. It was not going to be a shortfall or jump or whatever Marcus was explaining. He stood beside me.
"Nervous?" he asked.
I groaned, "I never thought that this is the way to Evil Forest from the town."
Shrugging, Marcus replied, "Well…let's just take a deep breath and jump?"
"Can't we climb down somehow instead of jumping into the waters? It might be more fatal this way than the other," I suggested.
I watched Marcus looking around and he pondered. I blinked a few times waiting for his response.
"Okay, let's get going," he said, walking to the cliffs.
I was right behind him. He started to climb down the cliff. I watched him and followed his steps. As both of my feet hit the ground, I was glad. Marcus gave an approving nod to me. We entered through the main entrance of Evil Forest. It was still petrified so we had to squeeze our way around. Silence was around us.
"It's so stiff. We really don't have to worry about monsters. I honestly don't want you swinging swords when you're not ready," Marcus remarked.
"Agree…" I replied and explained, "I have been afraid of how light a sword is at times. I mean, my axe is pretty much heavy for anyone else to hold. That's why Steiner didn't want to carry it. I have had it personally made for me. It gives out a nice killing blow… if you throw it."
"You… kind of creep out there," I can sense his nervousness.
We soon arrived at the cave where we killed the gigantic flower. The memory of Blank's attempt to protect me flashed in my mind. We exited it through the other opening to reach Blank. I stopped walking when we were halfway to where Blank was. My body froze.
"Maybe I shouldn't go…" I muttered.
"We don't have time for that now. We need to hurry and help Dagger and Zidane next! Don't you want to save your Princess?" Marcus persuaded me.
I gazed at him. I gave a quick nod. We rushed to where Blank was at once. I stood right in front of him. I stared, hoping that he would remember me. I turned to look at Marcus.
"Go ahead…" Marcus said.
I poured the liquid inside the small opening of his mouth. The gray color slowly faded and I could see the actual color of his skin. Marcus cut off the minion that was holding him. When he was completely cured, he lost his balance and we met the ground. I waited for him to move.
"That was one long stiffness… Thanks…" Blank said after a solid five minutes.
"You're welcome!" Marcus said, taking a glimpse at me.
Marcus helped him up. Blank did not realize that he was hovering over me? I stood up. I caught Blank staring. I played with the hem of my skirt. It felt very awkward.
"Thank you for helping Marcus here," he said to me.
"O-Oh, right… No problem.." I shook my head.
The gray color of the forest suddenly faded as well. The trees were recovering. I could clearly see the monsters behind Blank started to move. I took out my sword.
"That's…" I saw Blank pointing a finger at the sword in my hand.
"I thought we're only curing him?" Marcus asked me.
"What? I didn't know it would really bring back the whole forest!" I shouted a reply.
"Hello??? Shouldn't we be running?" Blank interrupted our bickering.
I cut down two of the minions and started to run. Marcus cut another one in our way.
"Bro, come on! This way! We gotta hurry!" Marcus called for Blank.
"What?!" Blank exclaimed, rushing to follow his best friend.
I was behind them. Blank complained that his body was still feeling stiff. Marcus still urged him to hurry because we needed to be back in Alexandria as soon as we can. I can see Blank's confused face. He asked why. Marcus slapped his forehead, shaking his head.
"What? You don't know?" the guy groaned.
"Know what? What are you talking about?" Blank demanded.
Marcus kept on running while Blank walked, catching up with his pace. I stopped next to him. I handed him a bottle of water too.
"Dagger, I mean Princess Garnet. She's in trouble…" I told him. "We need to help her.. Zidane needs us!"
"Keep running, you lovebirds!" Marcus called out.
"Who are you calling lovebirds?! Sheez…" Blank exclaimed angrily, rushing up to Marcus.
I hurried to Marcus's side. I hit him on his head for mentioning the word, 'lovebirds'. He smirked at me.
We had arrived at the castle. Blank grabbed onto the walls to catch his breath. I sympathize him. Marcus thought of where Zidane and the others would be by now.
"Hey you there! Isn't that Tiara?!" a knight called.
"Uh oh…" Marcus muttered, taking out his sword.
"Do we really want that?" Blank asked. He appeared to be still stiff and awkward.
"Tiara, you go first!" Marcus pushed me behind them.
"Heyyyy… ugh fine…" I groaned.
I ran into the castle. I checked the area. No guards or knights or anything? Where were they? I made my way to the Princess' chamber. I heard Brahne's voice.
"Okay, not this way…" I said to myself. I exited the castle.
"Tiara, this way!" Marcus called.
I saw him run to one of the towers. My eyes caught sight of a couple of guards on the ground, grunting in pain. Marcus and Blank did their job well. I shrugged and rushed to follow them.
"You think they would escape to Treno?" I asked him. Marcus just nodded.
We hid ourselves behind a wall and listened in. I could hear Zorn and Thorn cackling at their success. I assumed they've captured Garnet and her friends. We did not have time to plan anything so Marcus jumped out and hit Thorn.
"Hey what's up?!" he chirped.
"Zidane, are you alright?!" Blank appeared and knocked Zorn out.
"Blank!" I could see the relief in Zidane's eyes.
"We came here straight from Evil Forest." Blank explained.
"Man, I love you guys!" Zidane excalimed.
I watched as Marcus pulled the lever.
"Zidane, you can ride the gargant downstairs." Marcus said.
"Blank… Marcus… Tiara…" Dagger muttered.
"Get out of here! We'll take care of this!" Blank interrupted her. "There are more bad guys coming!"
"I owe you guys, big time!" Zidane said to us.
"Please be safe! I'll see you soon, Dagger!" I called out.
She replied with a small smile and a nod. Zidane, Dagger and Vivi rushed downstairs. Marcus, Blank and I went up the tower of the abandoned tunnel to go and help Beatrix and Freya. A Bandersnatch appeared in front of us with two black mages. I hesitated.
"Hey, they look like a bigger version of Vivi," Blank spoke up.
I shook my head and aimed for the monster instead. I counted on the guys to settle the mages. My sloppy hands managed to eliminate the Bandersnatch only to be greeted with another one. I should have taken Beatrix's and Steiner's lessons more seriously. The monster charged in, pushing me onto the ground. Before I could react.
"I can't believe it ends like this…" I sighed.
"Get your head in the game will you?" Marcus' voice was heard.
A flash of light and the monster had fallen. I stood up and grabbed my sword. Blank appeared beside me.
"We need to find Beatrix and Steiner…" I said to the two of them.
"You need to worry about yourself more than about them," Blank said to me.
I was confused. We started off again up the stairs. Eventually we saw Beatrix, Steiner and Freya surrounded by Bandersnatches and Black Mages. They were wounded and out of breath. Steiner was already down on one knee.
I grabbed tightly on the sword in my hand and charged in, killing one of the giant dog-like monsters. Freya widened her eyes at me. Was she that surprised I was here? Blank and Marcus started taking down the Black Mages.
"Why are you here?" Beatrix asked me.
"I took an oath to protect Alexandria too. Besides, I believe in Zidane and Vivi," I replied casually.
Brahne was seen with Zorn and Thorn. Well, they were very quick at getting back up on their feet. Me, Blank and Marcus stood strong, protecting the wounded. The Queen looked at me with a frown. She must be disappointed. After all, she was the one who offered my father the job in the first place and now, the daughter has betrayed her.
"What shall we do, my Queen?" Zorn asked.
"We shall do what?" Thorn asked.
"Have a few soldiers round them up. We already have the eidolons, I have no use of them at all," Brahne said and laughed.
I sighed out of exhaustion. We started our way out of the place, fighting through an army of knights on Brahne's side. Steiner was the first to collapse, leaving me and Blank on defense while Marcus had to carry him. I wanted Beatrix to gain her energy so she could heal us but she still had some fight left in her.
We made it out of the castle. Freya was out of breath and strength. She rested her body onto mine for support. I heard a faint apology coming out of her mouth.
"We need to get out of here. Stat!" Blank said firmly.
"Glad to hear you say that!" a voice that I never wanted to hear was heard.
We turned to see the owner, Cinna. Baku was right behind him, holding a guard on his shoulder and throwing him to the side as he approached us.
"Boss!" Marcus and Blank exclaimed in unison.
"We have a ship ready at the harbor and the line's clear. Let's get going before more guards appear," Cinna explained.
"We can't leave.. I need to gain control--" Beatrix collapsed.
Blank caught her before she met the ground. He carried her on his back. I felt a tight feeling in my gut. I was jealous of the treatment that she was getting from Blank even though she's in a bad shape. More guards ran to us when they caught sight of us.
"We can't stay. Let's get going, people!" Marcus shouted.
Baku and Cinna held them off as we carried the wounded down to the harbor. The moment they boarded the ship, we were on our way.
We took refuge in Lindblum. The wounded were sent to the Lindblum Castle's guest room. Regent Cid made sure that they were taken care of. I decided to watch over them.
"You must all be exhausted from the debacle. Why not go take it easy and have a rest or something?" Regent suggested.
"Tantalus will be going back to our hideout now," Baku announced.
I took off the holster on my shoulder and handed it to Blank. He stared. I could sense Marcus and Cinna watching us.
"Marcus said it was yours. Best be returning it before I forget," I said.
"Oh yea.." Blank said, taking it off of my hands.
"What are you going to do now?" Marcus asked me.
"They're going to be out for a few days. I need to get myself a new axe… and then, there is Alexandria's situation.. I could say I have my hands full," I shrugged and flashed a smile.
"Feel free to drop by whenever you are around our district. Somebody will be so delighted to see you," Cinna said to me, glancing up at Blank.
I nodded. "Maybe I will."
I made my way to the synthesis shop. The owner's son greeted me. I started to explain to him what I needed. He was quite concerned when I told him the weight of this weapon I asked him to make. I just gave out a smile.
"How much will that be?" I asked him.
"Here's the total," he showed me the bill.
I paid him. He told me it would take a couple of hours. I went to Alice's shop. She was so happy and excited to see me.
"I heard Blank has recovered. Thanks to you?" she asked.
"Thanks to his Boss," I told her.
"Well, have you talked to him?" she asked. I could see the curiosity from how much her eyes were sparkling.
"Not really… Things have been so… chaotic," I heard myself drawled.
"Aww.. that's sad. Anyways, he's--" he words were interrupted.
"Yo, Alice! Do you have what I need?" my body froze when I heard the voice.
"Speak of the devil," Alice turned to him. "Hey, Blank. Yes, I got it right here. They just came in this morning."
I couldn't move my body at all. Blank stopped at the counter. He was right beside me. I watched their interaction. Alice handed him a jar of cookies..? Blank had a smile on his face when he reached out for it.
"I swear if Cinna eats this one…" he muttered.
"Relax, I can order more for you. Don't go fighting with your members," Alice said. She shook her head.
He opened the lid, grabbed a piece and munched on it. He hummed in delight. He paid Alice and thanked her again. I watched him exit the shop.
"It is as if you don't exist!" she exclaimed.
I scratched the back of my head. "Well, it's my fault for not saying anything too.."
I stocked up my supplies and went on my way. I looked around other stalls and shops to drag the time. Soon it was pickup time for my axe. The son even made a special holster for me which was sweet of him. I went back to the castle after that.
Beatrix was already up on her feet. I watched her take a deep breath and healed the rest of her wounds. That was amazing. She went up to Steiner to check up on his injuries too.
"We need to get back..now.." she sounded serious.
I stood up straight, saluted her and abided by her command.