Video: Kiss from a Rose

Chapter IV - Knight in Shining Armor

Lightning bolts illuminated the red skies, typical from Cyclonia. The sound of thunder echoing everywhere was everlasting. The main castle, a tall building with spiky towers made of dark-colored metal, stood among all that noise and flashes of light. Inside it, there was a large throne room, where the new young Empress was taking place. She had some guards remove the throne from the room, so she'd have more space for... Other important things.

"My Grandmother was certainly old-fashioned." - a girl with black hair and violet eyes covered in makeup said - "I have no time to sit idle and 'contemplate the view'. There are many changes that need to be done around here if we're to be successful in conquering all the Terras."

She wore a long dark robe, with a peculiar collar that could shapeshift into a hood. She turned to look at the door when she heard the sound of metallic boots coming closer.

"Master Cyclonis." - the black haired and red-eyed man bowed - "I have some news from my last mission."

"Oh, Dark Ace, you're done already? I'd not expect less from you." - she commented - "What have you brought this time?"

"I have found the descendant of the Storm Hawks. He was aboard the Condor near an uncharted Terra beyond the explored boundaries." - he told her.

"So he managed to recover the ship from the Wastelands and rebuild it." - she said in thought - "He might become a problem if we allow him to keep roaming the Atmos now that he doesn't have a Terra anymore..."

"He hasn't assembled a squadron yet, Master. If you intend to do something about him, this would be the ideal moment." - the Dark Ace suggested.

"Yes. I'll have my Night Crawlers raid the whole Terra in search for that Sky Knight. If he's hiding, he'll be found. And if he tries to run away, those people will suffer." - the Empress decided - "He won't have a choice other than surrender himself."

"That's a smart strategy." - the Cyclonian man said.

"And as for you, Dark Ace, I have a special mission in mind." - she turned to him - "You are to bring me the Aurora Stone from Terra Atmosia. I've sent an army there, they'll arrive in a week."

"As you command." - he bowed and made his way out of the room.

The Empress turned to a machine: it was a big crystal infuser. She input some commands on the keyboard and proceeded to fuse and convert some crystals.

"Soon my Storm Machine will be finished and anyone who stands in my way will be crushed under my heels." - she smirked.

Indeed, the queen of Cyclonia was a ruthless tyrant. She was feared by the whole world because of what she was capable of. And in these darkest hours, all everyone could do was pray for a miracle, for someone who would be able to defeat her.

~~~

The sun was setting in Terra Solaris. The night took over the sky. Princess Piper stood near the doorway to the balcony, gazing at the stars that were coming out, a feeling of longing settled in her heart. She frowned. She wished things didn't have to be that way. That Aerrow didn't have to be forced to leave... But she had to do that to protect her kingdom.

She felt a cold wind pass by her and make her shiver. She rubbed her arms and walked inside her room. She passed by the counter when she noticed a piece of paper on it... Where something else should be instead.

"I'm sure there was a portrait in here." - she said as she picked the paper up and unfolded it.

There was a message written on it:

"Princess,

I hope you won't mind that I borrowed your royal portrait.

I just had to take something that reminded me of you with me, since you aren't coming.