Alternate Chapter I: Lyra Rosalyn Fahndra

Just before the giant portal had appeared in the sky, before the invasion of the Karman had commenced, two people were playing chess.

"Knight to G7. Checkmate."

One of them, a pale white princess. Her long platinum-white hair dropping down to her back, her milky skin radiating in the moonlight.

On her head was a crown, silver in stature, it's radiance showing clearly with the many gems fitted into it.

Her dress, a dark gown. Her beauty, unmatched. One could confuse her for a doll, if not for the occasional movement that came from her as she knocked over the pieces of the opposing party's chess deck.

"Ohh, you got me again, princess. So, what is the future looking like for this old man?"

On the opposite side of the chess table was an elderly old man, seated elegantly on the hardwood chair.

His personal butler, she was. One would think that his manners were unfit. Speaking with royalty, one would've at least shown the minimum amount of respect.

But the princess bared no annoyance to the old butler. In fact, he was basically like a second father to her.

One should also note that while they were seated opposite to each other, the princess had had her eyes closed the entire time.

She did not require vision of the table for her to defeat the butler in a chess match in no lees than a few turns.

But yet, for the first time since the start of their game, the princess had opened her eyes, revealing whiter pupils, just as, perhaps even more beautiful than her body itself.

"Not looking good, Diego. I've checked, and I've checked. I fear that the days ahead will not be so kind to you, as you were kind to me." Tears were beginning to form on the princess' eyes, drops of her sadness sliding down her flawless face, sullying her gown.

"Oh, there is no need to feel sadness for me. I have lived a very fulfilling life, and I am delighted to have been there to guide you to the fine lady you are today." Diego showed no signs of sadness on his face.

A smile was the only thing plastered on the old man's face.

"No. There's got to be a way. A way for you to live even longer than you already have..." More tears began to pool on the eyelids of the crying princess.

"I'm afraid there isn't. And I hate to say this, especially to you too, princess, but I think I've done enough to deserve my final rest, have I not? The only thing you should be focusing on is attending the Fahndra Royal Academy, and growing up into the princess you've wanted to be."

"*sniffle* Okay. I'll do it for you."

"That's more like my princess. Now then, how about a few more games? Before that though, would you like some tea? Specially taken from the heart of Hudra."

"I do want some tea."

*************

"Checkmate."

And just as quick as it was on the first game, the next few went by in a flash, with the princess utterly decimating the poor butler.

The last one was slightly longer than the ones before though. Even if the princess had done all she could to prolong the game, it could not stop her natural instincts of winning.

"It seems like that's time. Thank you very much for the game, princess. I will be heading off now." The butler stood up from his seat, bowed to the princess, and left the room.

Left alone in the room, the princess began to sort her thoughts on the situation. Of course, while playing chess by herself.

"It can't be. It should be happening tonight." The princess looked out the window. It was a calm and peaceful night. One would not believe that a catastrophe would happen.

The princess was a psychic. Widely regarded as the greatest in Fahndra, as well. She had the power to see into the future.

That said, that also gave way to hundreds of accusers to lay blame on their mistakes on the psychic princess.

Even she confirmed this herself. The future is not guaranteed. Anything could change, and the slightest action could give way to more possibilities.

But on this night, she was particularly sure of her prediction. Something big, something that would affect the whole of Gaia would be happening tonight.

And yet, the night sky seemed as tranquil as ever.

"*crack* *boom*"

Just in time. The moment the queen knocked over the king, a loud bang resounded in the area. Loud enough, that possibly the whole palace heard it.

The princess peered outside. The once peaceful night sky was now replaced by an enlarging hole in the sky.

And from that hole, came them.

************

"I can walk by myself, Diego." Despite being blind, the princess had memorised the outline of the palace halls, allowing herself to move through it's walls with ease.

"I very much know that, princess, but we are in a hurry. This particular predicament has not happened since the very first invasion of the Karman."

"Be calm. I will assist."

"No, no. You must keep yourself safe. The Royal Army will be dispatched promptly, and sent over to Argonsville, where the main source of the portal seems to be."

"I see. But I must go. Like I predicted this scenario, I also have a stifling feeling that something, no, someone, is there in Argonsville."

"By the gods, Lyra! I did not expect you to be looking for a consort even during this mess!"

"What?! No! I do not need a consort. There's just this... feeling. Leave me at once. I will be heading there by airship."

"I will guide you then. Let us move to the throne room and bid goodbye to your father, the King."

"Very well."