I'm back to finish that story! The party finally arrives at Burmecia to complete its mission, but things don't go the way they should, not really. Well, enjoy!

Clash at Burmecia

Burmecia is often called the Rain Kingdom. I don't recall going here but, now I'm crossing it, I must say it deserves its name. Rain was falling down the sky, as if the clouded dome was crying over something we didn't know. Anyway, I noticed the very small monster population and, above all else, the absence of Mist. Wegan explained.

"No one knows why it always rains over our kingdom. But this rain is a blessing for it dissipates Mist and keeps the monster population on a low level. The counterpart is that, because of the lack of sun, things hardly grow here, especially fruits we are forced to import from Lindblum and Alexandria."

We all had hoods over our head and Ayden was shivering in mine, shrieking in disgust. That rain wasn't a weather made for birds. Smoke came from away, causing us to speed up. After half a way of non-stop walking, Burmecia was an hour ahead of us. Forgetting how tired we were, we began running to it, ready for the worst. It was as we thought. The stone walls carried heavy burnt marks and were partially destroyed. The buildings seemed in a bad shape too. Corpses of fallen knights were everywhere, all carrying marks of death by magic. Few died by the sword. Zidane came to the main gate, looking around with a puzzled look. The place had to be beautiful before Brahne's troops messed it up.

"So … this is Freya's home …"

Laran, Kaleb, Wegan and Vivi came to his side and turned to Freya, who remained behind us. Zidane frowned.

"What are you doing? Get over here."

Our dragon friend slowly came, her helmet barely hiding her saddened face.

"It's been five years … I've been away for so long. Not a night went by when I didn't dream about home. I can't believe I'm here … I am no longer the selfish child I was five years ago. The time has come to serve my kingdom as a Burmecian dragon knight once again!"

From the low, saddened tone she had at the beginning, her voice strengthened until it became as tough as steel. I admired her resolve, to fight for something as dear as a home. Thought I had nothing I would really fight for, I understood her feeling. I smiled.

"My bow will sing at your side, Lady Dragon. Just draw your spear and my arrows will follow it."

Zidane nodded.

"I'll do what I can to help too!"

"Me, too!" Vivi happily said.

Our three warrior friends drew their sword and raised it to the sky.

"For Burmecia!"

On this, we ran in the proud city. If the walls were in bad shape, the buildings were even worse. I felt a lump grow in my throat with every step I took. Those who conquered the town literally ravaged the place without caring about its potential. They wanted to burn the place to the ground and managed to reduce it to a mess of broken stone and smoking bodies. Who, I asked to myself, who could have such little respect for Life and didn't care about the possible things he could gain from a city like this? Burmecia was a capital. Should Brahne have been a little more caring, she could have taken advantage of what the city offered. But no, it seemed she was only interested into destroying the Burmecians and their civilization. I hated her for that. The burmecian warriors looked at the destruction with different reaction. Laran's eyes were wide as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Kaleb's hand was nervously holding his sword as his face as unreadable. Should a Black Mage show its hat, it would be dead before it knew. Wegan's fist was clenched just like his jaw. Tears were falling from his cheeks as he witnessed the destruction. I heard him mutter that he was glad to be family-less. Freya chose to keep her sight to the ground. She was already in a bad mood, no need to worsen it. Zidane shook his head and Vivi stayed close to me, a fire spell ready to be cast.

We finally arrived to a building that was still standing. A column had crumbled over two burmecians and above, on the twin balcony, two familiar faces appeared. I frowned.

"It is them again!" The blue jester said.

"Most persistent, they are!" The red one answered.

They raised their hands as everyone drew his weapon.

"Black mages!"

Two black mages appeared in their place and I frowned.

"They must be kidding …"

The mages jumped but my bow sang and an arrow pierced its chest. The other had just landed when Zidane beheaded it at wind's speed. The fight was over before it began and the jesters didn't like it.

"The general will punish you for this!"

"Yes! Very scary, it is, when the general gets mad!"

The two left as I frowned. Laran turned to us.

"There is only one general in Alexandria's army that fives such a feeling to people."

"Yes." Kaleb muttered. "The infamous general Minerva Beatrix."

Everyone but Vivi and Zidane shuddered at its name. Beatrix was a legend in herself, a cold blooded woman devoted to her kingdom, whose eyes could silent a crying child and single-handedly defeated a hundred knights. I prayed the crystal to never see her face, unknowing she would become a key member in the incoming events. Kaleb guided us across the buildings, getting two bells and rescuing a poor knight, Eden, which we sent to Lindblum. The guardian basilisks caused us troubles with their stone gaze but there were softs in chests that gave us the advantage. We finally passed the inner wall that led to the palace complex. As we climbed the stairs, Freya stopped.

"Zidane, Burmecia's royal palace is beyond there steps. It must be in ruins, just like everything else. I can't bear to see it like that …"

Zidane shook his head.

"I understand, but we can't go back now. We have to find who's behind this. And remember we are on a mission for the Regent: we must save the survivors of Burmecia, just like Eden."

Vivi nodded.

"I wanna find out who those guys were … and why I look like them."

I smiled.

"Look, Vivi's scared, too. But we have to face reality."

"Come on, Freya." The kid shyly said. "It'll be okay …"

"Vivi …"

The rat woman kneeled before him.

"Do you really know what you're doing? The answer you seek may forever change your life for the worse."

Vivi hesitated a moment before answering.

"Y-yeah, but … I have to … I have to find out who I am … I'm scared … What if I'm not even human?"

I patted the back of his head.

"I understand. I am the same as you, Vivi."

Everyone turned to me with surprise. Zidane finally asked.

"Who's that, you're the same as Vivi? You're a black mage in disguise?"

"No, it's just that I don't know where I come from. I'm not sure about my humanity either."

Freya turned to me.

"Really? How comes?"

"I don't know where I come from. My master said he found me down a tree one day and raised me as his son. He never said where he came from and I never felt the need to look for my origins … until now."

I looked at the exit.

"Things are changing. It's a faint feeling but I can still perceive it … the world as we know is about to change. Maybe it already started. After a long time living in peace, war starts anew and a kingdom falls. The rangers of the Mist Continent disappear as the Mist grows thicker and a queen who was said to be kind turns power-hungry. There's something happening, thought I'm not wise enough to tell more …"

Wegan gave me a look.

"How can you tell that? Are you a ranger or a summoner to say such words?"

"Only a young ranger who can feel the pulse of the earth."

The warrior frowned but was distracted when Zidane spoke.

"Someone's coming!"

Weapons were out in a second but were lowered when a burmecian in a warrior uniform appeared, followed by his wife and two kids. Laran smiled.

"Dan!"

The warrior looked at us.

"Laran? And it's Kaleb and Wegan with you?"

"Yes, Freya is here too. Where are you going Dan?"

"To Clayra. I have to take care of my family. And you?"

"Trying to save those still alive. Have you seen the King?"

"No and I don't care. My family is more important. Wait, there's a black mage with you!"

The rat man drew his sword but I stood before him, an arrow to his head. I wouldn't release the string but still. Freya came to him.

"Sheathe your sword, Dan. He's with us."

Dan hesitated a moment before obeying. Freya seemed to be rather influent around here.

"It's hard to believe a black mage can be on your side. What did you do to him?"

Wegan came as I lowered my bow.

"He's been with Freya and those two before they entered Gizamaluke's Grotto. Contrary to the others, he is aware and thinks by himself. He's not evil, Dan."

The warrior looked at Vivi, who gripped my leg and stood behind me shivering.

"You're right, he looks like a kid. You really are going to the palace?"

"We have no choice. And, by the way, Freya's been chosen to carry the armor of the first dragoon!"

Dan frowned and suddenly noticed the helmet.

"Holy Sea Serpent! I never thought it would happen! Well, all I can do is wish you all good luck and especially to you, Lady Freya. May the dragons fear your spear."

On this, he and his family left. We looked to the exit and frowned.

"Let's go."

Kaleb guided us to a dark building. As we entered, we heard voices. A burmecian woman was standing before her wounded husband, desperate.

"Come on, dear! We have to go now!"

"I can't move anymore. Go without me …"

"No! I can't do that! Remember that promise we made each other in front of Master Gizamaluke?"

"How could I forget … But my only wish now is for you and our child to survive. Please, bear a healthy child, darling. Raise him to be strong."

"Oh, Kal!"

Zidane suddenly called them.

"It's too dangerous to stay here. You have to escape to Lindblum. I'm sure Regent Cid will protect you."

"But my husband … He was hurt by those black mages. He can't move. How can we possibly escape to Lindblum?"

"I'll heal him." I offered.

Cure was flowing in my hands when I noticed the rat statue above them slowly started to crumble.

"Watch out!"

I jumped away but Zidane went the opposite direction. Using the speed of his belt, he was in a blink at the soldier's side and the next to ours, the rat man safe. The statue did no harm.

"That was close!"

I came to the rat-warrior and healed his leg. It was easier since I already treated such injuries. The man smiled and rose.

"Thanks."

His wife took his hand and turned to us.

"Thank you both."

Suddenly, another fighter appeared.

"Wei! Kal! Are you alright?"

"Yeah. We survived thanks to them."

The woman, Wei, caressed her round stomach.

"Thanks, pals. Come and see us at Lindblum once our child is born. You will always be welcome around us."

Zidane crossed his arms in his back.

"Thanks. We'll come around sometime to see them."

The building led to the courtyard, with the palace before, the armory at the left and the storage room at the right. Laran turned to us.

"Let's go to the armory. Whatever's ahead, it will be strong. Maybe even Beatrix is there."

"If that's so …" Growled Freya. "We'll need better equipment than what we've got."

We had just stepped in there that our Artifacts buzzed. A spear was held by a statue. As Freya touched it, it turned out to be another piece of her armor, the Tidal Trident! The weapon was a three meters long silver trident with wave and foam-like patterns down the teeth and the shaft. The patterns were dark green and blue. Wegan whistled at the sight.

"Gizamaluke see that! The legendary Tidal Trident! And it was hidden here all along under the shape of a mythril spear."

Kaleb had a bid smile.

"Now we've got what it takes to bring down Beatrix! Ad this comes without saying that Zidane, Si'Nai and Vivi also have parts of the Eidolon Armors."

Laran rubbed his hands as he took a steel sword and armor.

"Beatrix can begin to shiver … We're coming!"

Wegan took a second sword as Kaleb took a shield. All also chose tougher armors as we looked around, finding nothing to our liking. However, we found a lightning staff for Vivi in the storage took and bought a soft, hi-potion and ether to a moogle called Stiltzkin. It happened that he was somewhat of a legend among his kind and even I heard about him. He was called the Wanderer by his peers and was rumored to have a map of the entire world with him. In real, he looked like every moogle wit had a khaki belt and bandana. Our shopping done, we headed to the palace. The place was in ruins. Zidane shivered.

"This is terrible … Freya, I'm sorry but, by the look of this, I don't think the king made it."

The three warriors gulped as thunder crackled in the sky. Freya fell down her knees, unable to withstand it. It was indeed horrible. Understanding her sadness, we all went away, giving her some space. Suddenly, she raised her head and looked at something beyond the castle walls. Without a warning, she jumped atop a big statue and called us.

"There's someone inside the palace! What are you waiting for? Get up there."

Laran and Kaleb jumped after her as Zidane frowned.

"You make it sound easy …"

The thing was, the statue was five meters tall with no asperities to climb if you didn't have good jumping skills. It was a rat warrior whose saber had fallen to his feet. Zidane went to the feet.

"I guess I'll start here."

He jumped on the toes, then on the hilt of the saber. Vivi tried but, being clumsy, he tripped and landed on his chest. Zidane sighed.

"Oh, man. I'm gonna go on ahead. Try to find a way up there. I'll meet you up top."

I looked at Vivi, torn between the desire to stay by his side and follow Zidane. Wegan understood and nodded.

"Go with them. I'll guide your friend up the wall."

I smiled at him and began climping on Zidane's trail. Ayden was soon to fly on the head as I jumped. Knee, platform, elbow, balcony, head and to the edge of the wall. I joined the others as we hid behind statues of rat guards. As we thought, Queen Brahne was here along General Beatrix. Freya frowned. The rumors of a war going on were the cause of her return. Seeing Beatrix caused Freya to fall deep in thought, thought I couldn't tell what they were about. However, listening about her talk with Zidane, it seemed that she was thinking about her lost love, Sir Fratley Irontail. Their talk was soon stopped when a strange silver-haired man appeared. None of us knew who he was so we listened attentively.

"I find this rain quite pleasant. It feels as thought the raindrops are blessing our victory."

Queen Brahne fanned her face.

"This is a great victory for us. Kuja, your black mages made this conquest so simple. My only concern now is finding the king of Burmecia. We must take care of him once and for all, and prevent these rats from ever rising up again. Beatrix, what's taking so long?"

The general turned to the queen. She had curled chestnut hairs that reached her shoulders and a blindfold covering her right eye. Her armor was surprisingly light but the burmecian with us knew she only needed her pink sword, the Save the Queen, to win.

"I don't know, Your Majesty. I've ordered Zorn and Thorn to search the perimeter, but there's been no word so far. I will join them and lead the search right away."

She was about to leave when the silver-haired man crossed his arms.

"You're wasting your time."

"What?"

Kuja explained, his long hairs flowing in the cold breeze.

"Rats often look for new homes when they sense an earthquake. They probably moved to the sandy tree house by now … So, you see, it's too late. The king has already turned tail and fled."

Brahne frowned.

"Sandy tree house … Surely, you don't mean Cleyra? It'll be quite difficult if they escaped to Cleyra."

Beatrix nodded.

"Cleyra … Unless we can get through that sandstorm, it will be impossible to attack them."

The queen cursed.

"Sneaky little rats! Kuja, what do you think? Surely, with your powers, there must be something you can do."

The man bowed. He was wearing a weird outfit made of a purple chest plate covering only his upper torso with large shoulder protections and wide, white sleeves that reached half of his hands. A piece of white tissue covered his legs and was tied by a purple belt. His legs were covered by armored boots.

"Of course, Your Majesty. I will present you with a marvelous display of my powers. I am certain that you will be more pleased."

He turned to Beatrix.

"I was wondering if you could gather your troops near Cleyra. I'm certain those filthy rats will retaliate in full force, and my black mages may not be enough."

We frowned as we heard the man speaking. He was of the nobility to use such words. Who was he? Zidane summed up our thoughts.

"Sounds like we got troubles."

"That sinister man." Freya growled. "Who is he?"

"Beats me … I've never seen him before. Well, it sounds like they're going to Cleyra. I've always wondered why people call it the 'City of Illusions'."

"I don' know, either. Cleyra has remained in isolation for a hundred years. If my people escaped to there, they'll be safe, at least for a while."

"What's this place like?"

"The people of Cleyra are originally from Burmecia. Long ago, they severed ties with Burmecia over a trivial conflict. Now the kingdom is at peace, shielded by a large sandstorm."

Freya had just finished her explanation when a burmecian warrior in a blue armor ran at the queen. Beatrix jumped before him as Kuja stepped away. Laran frowned.

"Hey, isn't that Donovan?"

"Yeah." Kaleb growled. "That's my cousin."

When the warrior took his sword, we decided to interfere.

The rat warrior held his sword to Beatrix, a flame in his eyes.

"Burmecia will never fall! Prepare to die!"

The general just smirked.

"You wish to fight me, Beatrix of Alexandria?"

The warrior was too surprised. He took a step back, his sword down.

"B-Beatrix?"

"I commend your courage." The woman smiled. "But I will show you no mercy."

"Hold it!"

We had jumped in their back and taken them by surprise. My bow was bent and an arrow was ready. Freya held her spear.

"You'll have to deal with us first!"

Laran, Kaleb and Wegan had their weapon ready and Zidane's daggers were out. He could attack in a second. The warrior ran to our side.

"Cousin Kaleb? What are you doing here? I thought you died at Gizamaluke's Grotto!"

"That was close Donovan, but these men saved me. Is there anyone else?"

"No, they're all dead or gone."

"Good. Do the same and run to Cleyra. Warn them Alexandria will soon attack, alright?"

"Yes, cousin!"

Beatrix let go an angry laugh.

"I've never been so humiliated in my life. I once killed a-hundred knights single handedly … To me, you six are nothing more than insects."

"Only six?"

Beatrix looked in surprise as Wegan and Vivi finally appeared. Not losing time I closed my eyes.

"Regen! Precision!"

"Slow!"

As my spells weaved themselves around their target, a spell was cast on Beatrix whose moves began to slow down. I turned to Vivi, surprised.

"Where did you learn that?"

"Along the way, in a hat I found in the grotto. Fire!"

Fire ran from the kid's hands but the woman managed to dodge. Despite the slow spell over her, she was still fast to the point I wondered just how quick she usually was. Kaleb was the first to fall. In a leap she was over him. A swing to break his shield, another across his chest and he fell down in a poll of blood. I summoned a cure spell but Laran stopped me.

"He had Regen. This should be enough."

He blocked a blow from the general and the two began to push in a contest of strength. Laran's sword ultimately broke and he was thrown away. Wegan lasted a little longer, jumping as she ran to him and landing in a whirlwind of blades. He began chaining quick combos until Beatrix used Thunder Slash over him. The courageous soldier fell down. Beatrix then turned to us. Freya and Zidane instantly stepped before Vivi and I as I closed my eyes.

"Binding Vines!"

Vines grew from the ground and wrapped themselves around her ankles, paralyzing her. Freya ran and hit Save the Queen with her trident as Zidane flew to her and slashed her side, taking something along the way. It was a chain plate. Thunder flashed across the red blade, but Freya had the coral ring she won so she was just pushed away by the attack. Cutting her vines, she was still hit by Vivi's blizzard. I wanted to take an arrow but Zidane shook his head.

"Just keep us in shape!"

I nodded and turned to Ayden.

"Fight for me!"

The falcon nodded and flew, threatening her left eye. Freya jumped as Vivi cast a blizzard spell to our foe. To our surprise, Beatrix simply cut through with a Thunder Slash. She dodged the falling trident and came to Freya as she landed but Zidane's swallow blade blocked the blow. The two began a game of strength and, just as Zidane was about to break, he grabbed her, rolled on his back and, with a kick, threw her to a wall. The general hit it hard but she was an experienced warrior and rose just in time to dodge Freya's attack. The two began a furious clash, the Tidal Trident colliding with Save the Queen in a metallic sound. Sparks flew from the power of the two weapons but Beatrix finally threw Freya down using Shock. She turned to us as I sent a Phoenix Down to our friend and cured her but Zidane stepped before us and his swallow blade whirled to the general. Unfortunately, his belt only increased the speed of his legs. His attacks were a little slower than Beatrix and it was all she needed. She threw him down and, as she was to deliver the finishing blow, my arrow flew past her shoulder. I didn't want to kill her, only give Freya time to come back. And it worked. Beatrix growled as she dodged another ice spell from Vivi.

"Your teamwork is great, yet you're not match for me! Stock Break!"

She struck the ground with her sword and blue rays struck us. We all flew to the ground, unable to stand anymore. Somehow, I managed to catch Vivi who landed in my lap. The warrior set her hairs in place and sheathed her weapon.

"Ignorant fools. How ridiculously weak … Isn't there anyone who is worthy of facing me?"

I slowly rose as my Regen spell did his work and took away my helmet, meeting her eyes and smirking.

"You talk big for someone who had troubles defeating us four. Eh, you had to use your Stock Break attack to defeat us!"

"What?"

She came to me, sword in her hand.

"I dare you to repeat!"

"Why? You're going to kill me? I am weaponless and on the ground. You're really going to strike me like that? Where's your honor, knight?"

Beatrix growled loudly, rage in her eyes.

"Insolent fool! I let you live for now, but you better not cross my path again!"

I shook my head.

"We'll meet again, General. You know it as well as I do. We were sent to save burmecian survivors and our task is far from over. As long as you'll track the rat-men, you'll find us in your way. And, maybe … if things go on as I plan they do, maybe you'll meet Steiner and the princess along the way."

"That idiot Steiner? He is no match for me."

I smirked and glanced at Brahne.

"Tell me, Beatrix, where does your allegiance go?"

"To the queen, of course."

"Well, Steiner's goes to the princess. And he will go to any length to protect her. So if the queen and the princess were to fight …"

"Stop saying foolish things! The princess would never go against the Queen!"

"You're the one to speak. Steiner chose his path. Don't be surprised next time you see him. He may have become stronger than you think. And if you raise your sword against the princess as the queen orders to, well, I couldn't say I didn't warn you …"

Beatrix was about to reply when the queen called her.

"Don't listen to those foolish words, General. Come. We must prepare to attack Cleyra."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

My strength faded and I fell to the ground, my breath hurting my lungs. Kuja looked at us.

"Now, what do we have here? Another filthy rat and … Hmm, this boy could become a problem."

He was looking at Zidane. I turned to him and our sight met. I saw him frown under his pale skin before he left his armored boots clanking on the stone floor. A silver dragon was waiting for him in a corner. Together, they took flight through the broken ceiling. It was the last vision I had before the Regen spell stopped working and everything turned white.

And here is the end of the Great Escape. Next story will take you Beyond the Horizon. And look, Freya found another bit of her armor! What's its power? Also, Kuja makes his entrance and Si'Nai questions Beatrix about her allegiance.