Song: [Predawn – Nicode]

                Dear Lord of the Crimson Rose,

The Firmament Kingdom has begun to fear the upcoming invasion of the Crimson Rose. As a former Friend and childhood companion, I plead that you stop this attempt and explain why you would threaten a long-time alliance between the two most powerful countries in our continent. I am thinking above all the citizens of the Kingdoms’ safety, and I know that you have first-hand experience of the terrors they will likely face. So I ask that this threat be stopped and that we find a way for a peaceful interaction, if not at least a less violent alternative to lessen blood spilled.

I do not know why you wish for war, maybe we were unable to help enough to rescue your father, or maybe we weren’t able to find you in time, but you’ve changed since the last time we’ve met. What I believe is that the powers given to you have gotten to your head, and so I ask that you please remember who you were, who we were. In the case that you do not reply, I will take this final opportunity to say. Farewell, my dear friend.

                                                                                                                                                                ~Iris

I finish writing my message to Rosabel and finally place it inside the envelope beside me, the blood-red rose signifying a message directly to the Queen. “It’s been a long time since, princess. I hope you haven’t changed what you are inside. “

I leave my war-room, the map of the continent with chess pieces signifying the Crimson and Firmament Kingdoms at war. My pet cat purrs beside me. “I know, dear pet. I may not return on the next bloodbath, but this will be the last time I leave you. I will be back.” she purrs again, her eyes glowing in the light of the candle in the centre of the room. It felt sad to leave her, but I know I’ll be back… at least I hope so.

It didn’t take long for a reply from the Crimson Queen. The letter was short, didn’t say much, other than the obvious blue cross in the middle and the message which states, simply said,

“To the Leader of the Firmament Knights,  

I do agree that we can decrease the time in which the invasion shall take place. In order to do so, I challenge you to a duel between the 50 strongest soldiers of each side, us included. The duel will last until all of one side dies, including one of us. I will give you a day to decide, and we will meet near-dusk on the old beach. Farewell, Knight of Firmament.”

Of course it took great pain for me to read the letter of my childhood friend, who challenges me to a Fight to the Death. I took the headdress she had given me years ago and put it on my head. This will be the last time we meet; at the very least, I want to be same as before. The Way We Were.  

~A/N: So... I've been busy with School Assessments, and managed to do this within about an hour and a half. During school time. And now, I'm posting this the second I finished (at School >.<). Sorry about the last posts, but I've still got assessments for a whole week, so wish me luck. Expect the rest of the story finished within a few more days.