Video: Kiss from a Rose

Chapter III - Hunted and Haunted

Aerrow's ship was flying not too far from Terra Solaris. He had taken it there so he could stay closer to the princess and easily go visit her. It was very early in the morning, the sun hadn't even come out yet when the Condor was attacked.

The Sky Knight was still asleep when a red blast of energy blew his wall up right beside his bed, throwing him to the ground. He protected his head from falling debris then used the smoke as cover, so he could stand up and grab a weapon. He held one of his twin blades lit up and ready as he walked closer to the hole in the ship. Out there, standing on a Cyclonian skyride, the switchblade, he saw a man with black hair, crimson red eyes, and the green and red Cyclonian uniform.

"Dark Ace..." - he gritted his teeth as he bitterly said the name.

The man laughed at him, then back flipped to sit on the pilot's seat and proceeded to fly away. Aerrow wouldn't let him get away with that, so he dashed towards the hole and jumped down to the landing strip. From there he quickly ran to the hangar bay to mount on his skimmer and chase after the Cyclonian.

But to his dismay, something got in his way during the pursuit. He had quick flashes of memories from the day before very intensely in front of his eyes, causing him to lose focus and track of reality.

The Princess and him were talking, when they heard a knock on the door. It was a group of servants, they waited outside her room.

"Aerrow, you have to hide, otherwise they'll think you're an intruder." - she whispered.

He nodded and quickly hid behind a curtain. Lucky for him, the curtain actually reached the ground, so he was completely concealed. The maids entered the room holding some hot towels and a basket of fresh fruits.

"It's time for your royal massage, Your Highness." - the one holding the towels told her while the one holding the basket set it on a table.

"Oh, it is? I hadn't noticed it was already afternoon." - the Princess giggled.

She lied with her belly down in her bed, her servants proceeded to massage her back and shoulders. Then soon they made her turn around in the bed so they could work on her feet.

"Ah, yes, that's the right spot..." - Piper said.

She was really enjoying all that care, and Aerrow was able to witness everything from behind the curtain. He held his breath and pressed himself against the wall when she moaned blissfully, her soft groans sending chills down his spine. That little scene had triggered some strange reactions from him. And it definitely wasn't the right time for that... What in the world was he even thinking?

After that, another memory appeared.

The Princess picked up one of her favorite toys and gave it to Radarr: it was a small rabbit plushie.

"Here you go." - she spoke as the animal rubbed his head against the super soft stuffed toy - "Please, take care of Mr. Fluffytail for me."

The little guy purred. He loved that ultra cuddly plushie! He had liked it so much that he actually took it with him to the Condor and slept holding onto it.

And finally, a scene of her making a few bold remarks to her counselor when he and a few servants had brought her a pile of books so she would study.

"Your Highness, these are the books you've requested for today." - the counselor told her.

"Thanks." - she said - "I'll get to them soon. I wanted to discuss some plans for a small academy of Crystal Mastery first."