Bonds Now Severed

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy IX is the property of Squaresoft. No money is
being made from this fanfiction. It is for entertainment purposes only.

Notes: None, really.

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Beatrix's sword swung in a silvery arc, swiping downwards to the thick
neck of the bandersnatch in front of her. The blade cut deep, slicing 
through the heavy, matted fur and corded neck muscles, nearly exposing
the bone. Blood from the beast's life vein spurted in a crimson fountain
as the bandersnatch fell lifeless to the floor.  Breathing heavily, the
general of Alexandria took a step back, hoping to regain at least some
strength from the brief respite.

"Lady Beatrix!"

Turning towards the sound of the voice, Beatrix found herself staring
at a charging bandersnatch. It was too close to take the offensive; she
would be lucky if she could defend herself from the animal's attack. 
Bringing up Save the Queen perpendicular to herself, the general planted
her feet firmly and awaited the impending attack.

The bandersnatch was suddenly sent toppling over the edge of the bridge
as the dragoon knight slammed her spear into its side with the force of
a siege engine.  As the beast fell over the side, the dragoon pushed 
her body off, pulling out her spear and somersaulting backwards onto
the platform.  She balanced herself for a moment, delicately adjusting
her weight from her toes until at last she stood level. The dragoon then
turned her attention to Beatrix.

"It didn't hit you?" Freya asked.

"No. Thank you for your assistance." Beatrix replied, scanning the area
for any other dangers.  Her eyes caught sight of more bandersnatches 
heading down the staircase. Giving an internal sigh, Beatrix motioned
to her companion that they had more trouble heading their way. Freya 
complied wordlessly, spinning her spear into her customary battle stance.
Beatrix took her place beside the dragoon, waiting grimly for the next
battle. 

"There's two of them." Freya stated. Her voice was flat, cool.

"It won't be easy, but we have to try." Beatrix answered. Time. It was
all that mattered right now. Unless the Princess and her compainions had
met with no resistance--and that was as likely as Beatrix flying would
be--the small group would not have escaped yet. Every moment was precious
at this point--a second spent stalling the onslaught of the Queen was 
another second the Princess was closer to escape.

A familiar clanking sound came up behind the pair. "Brave knights, allow
me the honor of fighting by your side!"

Steiner.  Beatrix felt her lips twist into a smile. What perfect timing.

"Shut up and fight!" Freya shouted, her clear crisp voice breaking across
Beatrix's thoughts.  Of course, the general doubted that the dragoon 
would know of the ancient custom among knights of asking for the honor
of fighting partner, no matter how desperate the situation. To do other
wise was considered a grave breach of discipline, for it implied that