The axe went up and straight fell sure
But struck with odd a clang;
Across the field the clash of steel
On shield so harshly rang.
A righteous fury burned in eyes
Of Rose, the traitor queen,
Unspeakable hatred and pain
Those starry eyes had seen.
"How few are left alive tonight,"
The fuming Rose Quartz roared.
"I hate that things have come to this,
I hate that we have warred,
"But I will not regret your death;
You kill without a thought.
The deaths of foe and friend alike
By hundreds you have wrought."
"Oh Rose, old friend, how dare you think
That you could bring my death?
I'll kill your friends and gloating laugh
Then snuff your final breath."
"But gems don't need to breathe," said Rose
And leapt, upon that note,
Into the fray her long sword drawn
And aimed for Black's thick throat.
The axe came down with awful strength
And fell upon the shield,
Insignia in center set
Its promise ne'er to yield.
Among the scattered crystal shards,
Among the scattered crows,
The generals in fury struck
And parried brutal blows.
They roared their pain at nicks and cuts.
As Rose cut Black's left cheek
The diamond foe cut gouges 'cross
An arm once clean and sleek.
The panting pair for hours they fought.
The moon in mourning came
To cry for endless shattered gems,
To cry at such a shame.
As dawn in gentle hues arose
Upon horizon's edge
The generals still fought, now perched
On thin a tilting ledge.
The drop below, two hundred feet,
Would kill should one land wrong.
Combatants stumbled dragged their feet
For they'd fought far too long.
Then Rose, her fury burning still
For all the friends she'd lost,
Decided that she'd end it there
Whatever be the cost.
So Rose set on a reckless charge
And tackled Black full force.
The two with shrieks fell from the cliff
And physics ran its course.
A crash announced return to earth
Of both good Rose and Black,
And following the impact's "whump"
Was heard a sharper crack.
The spectators (there were good lots)
Awaited, baited breaths,
To learn if both their generals
Had faced that hour their deaths.
Swift Pearl, anticipating loss,
in dread stood straight and still
As stone and waited, begged the fates
For Rose with all her will.