He could hear the whispers from the audience, the anxious voices floating up into the air, filled with horror and fear as they wondered why the darkness had overtaken them. He could hear the whimpers of children and the shushing of parents, comforting not only their charges but also themselves. But he paid no mind; all emotion replaced by pure adrenaline. The instinct to survive took over, and the man gave into it willingly. His focus was on the High Entia in front of him; the one he had crept upon seconds before the room was plunged into darkness. The one who stood over his sister, ready to end her life with a single blow.

Dunban could feel the blood on his sword as it slowly slid out of the back of the attacker. He took no pleasure in murder. But he was a soldier. He understood the consequences of mercy. And at this moment, the man could afford none. Not with Fiora's life in the balance. The body fell to the right like a rock, gravity dragging it down to the ground. He heard the sound of metal skittering across the floor only inches away from the body. The dagger.

The lights flickered back on; Dunban blinked twice, his mind red alert. Kiefer had afforded them enough time for the surprise attack, and barely enough to save Fiora. The man's stomach clenched. The lights were supposed to stay off, keeping them incognito for as long as possible. It meant someone had gotten to Kiefer.

A scream pierced the air.

Dunban's head snapped in its direction. The audience.

A woman pointed at the stage where the dead High Entia lay in the limelight, blood seeping out of his chest. Screams erupted around her as High Entia began to rise from their seats, shoving each other out of the way, fleeing for the exits. Dunban could see the guards planted on either side of the hall clamor towards the stage, pulling their swords from their sheaths.

The Homs steeled himself. There was no hiding now.

"Dunban!" Fiora shouted.

His gaze veered back to her. His sister was still pinned to the ground by another High Entian guard. She struggled against his arms, her legs now free to help her trash out of his grip. Before her assailant could react, Dunban kicked his foot forward, connecting with the High Entia's forehead andpropelling him backwards onto the stage floor. A grunt escaped his mouth and the High Entia kicked back up on his feet. Dunban did not bat an eye and he charged forward. The High Entia frantically grasped for his weapon, but it was pointless. The edge of Dunban's sword cut through the High Entia's ribcage, gleaming in the harsh stage lights. Startled, the High Entia looked down, watching the blood pool around the sword. Dunban could feel the ragged breath of his enemy on his neck as he withdrew the weapon. The High Entia fell to his knees, eyes fluttering before sinking to the floor, lifeless.

The man heard footsteps from behind and whipped around, prepared for another attack. But he turned his attention back to Fiora, upon seeing who it was. Shulk, heaving, rushed towards the siblings, a cut bleeding from his upper arm. "Shulk," Fiora breathed, as she moved onto her knees from her prostrate position on the ground.

Shulk held out his hands to her, helping her up. They stared at each other, lost in their world amid the chaos. Dunban could see the relief in Shulk's eyes, and the admiration in Fiora's If he could, he would have looked on with a smile.

But the man knew this was no place for reunions.

"Shulk! Get her out of here!" he commanded.

"But—" Fiora began to protest.

"Not now, Fiora. Go!"

Shulk nodded, taking Fiora's chained hands and guiding her back the direction from whence he came. As they passed Dunban, Fiora whispered in her brother's ear, "Don't let him get away."

He didn't need to be told twice. His eyes flicked across the stage to where Camar held Melia in a chokehold. They locked eyes, and a cocky grin spread over Camar's mouth. Dunban felt the pit of his stomach fold onto itself as Camar pressed his arm against Melia's neck, crushing her windpipe. She flinched and twisted against him.

"Do you want her? Come and get her!" Camar called.

Dunban raced towards them, but four High Entia guards blocked his path. They surrounded him, wearing expressions filled with arrogances, as if they thought this to be an easy battle. The Homs hardened his features and steadied himself, bending his knees and awaiting their attack. Simultaneously, the four lunged at him, swords poised at all directions of his body. But he ducked out of the way, squatting onto his right knee, avoiding each blade. Dunban dragged his sword horizontally, catching the ankles of two guards directly in front and perpendicular of him, respectively. They yelped, staggering backwards, eager to avoid anymore damage that could render them immobile. Dunban spun around, blocking a blade that fell towards his head, but found himself an easy target for a kick to his shoulder by the other standing opponent. Knocked off his feet, Dunban rolled to the right and regained his footing, lunging forward and engaging one of his attackers in a battle of blades. On the offensive, the Homs forced the High Entia backward. He locked blades with him, and shoved him forward, out of sword's reach, for Dunban knew he had three other attackers to consider. The soldier whirled around, just in time to jump out of the way of a sword aimed for his stomach. Mustering the strength in his good arm, Dunban slashed forward at his opponent and followed up with a shove into his body, trying to knock the High Entia off balance. But his adversary brought his arm down onto Dunban's shoulder and the man grimaced, stumbling. The High Entia raised his sword above, intending to strike a death blow, but was too slow. Swiftly, Dunban delivered a round house kick to the High Entia, knocking his foe to his feet. The Homs brought his elbow down onto the Entia's head, rendering him unconscious.

Dunban could feel the air slice behind him, and moved to dodge, but knew he was too late. As he turned his body, Dunban felt metal slice into his right shoulder, just above his useless arm. Wincing in pain, the Homs saw the attacker grin, his sword dripping with Dunban's blood. With haste, Dunban brought his sword above his chest, meeting the downward slice of the blade. The man grit his teeth as he shoved against the blade; the High Entia using his large build to push Dunban down to his knees. Dunban could feel his arm shaking, struggling to endure against its opponent. It would only be a few seconds until he would give out under the weight.

Then a pair of daggers sliced across the High Entia's neck, blood splattering over Dunban's face. The daggers disappeared behind the body, causing it to fall sideways, away from Dunban. In its place stood Tyrea, her face a mask of stone. She offered a hand, and Dunban took it, a small bit of relief entering his over energized system. Over Tyrea's shoulder, Dunban could see both James and Elrich engaged with the other High Entia guards.

Melia.

He turned, expecting to see Camar and Melia, but the rest of the stage was empty. Off stage, he could see a door open, light from the outside pouring in. He spun back to face Tyrea, and James and Elrich, who had just mastered their opponents. "Let's go!" He called, and turned, speeding towards the opened door. He couldn't lose them now.

Breaching the darkness of the auditorium, the man spotted Camar rushing across Melifica Road, trailed by six High Entia guards. Seeing Dunban and the others, the guards rushed forward, brandishing their swords with urgency and anger. But Dunban's eyes watched Camar descend the moving walkway with Melia, diving out of sight. His gut twisted and he swore, forcing his attention back to the enemies at hand. He was losing his chance to get to Melia.

One of the High Entia stabbed at Dunban, but he sidestepped the attack and brought his fist down on the outstretched arm. Pain spread all over his fist, but he ignored it as he kneed the High Entia in the chest, causing him to fall to the ground. Dunban turned to see Tyrea, James and Elrich moving fluidly between the guards, blocking, parrying and attacking in sync. Tyrea caught sight of the Homs and yelled, "GO!" Dunban ran down the walkway to the floor below, heart pounding with each step. Out of the corner of his eyes as he descended, Dunban saw Camar drag Melia underneath the bridge, towards the underbelly of the Great Hall.

As quickly as his feet would carry him, Dunban sprinted down the rest of the walkway and rounded the corner, heading towards the shaded area of the overpass. The sounds of footsteps clattering to the right alerted him and he pursued. He sped after the echoes, seeing a figure dart to the left, underneath an archway. Instincts whispering to him, Dunban followed steadily, his sword at the ready.

As he passed under the archway, the man slowed to a walk, no longer hearing the retreating of footsteps. Cautiously, he walked down the corridor, ever watchful of his surroundings. But as he passed under another archway, he felt his heart pause. In the center of the small courtyard, Camar stood, Melia caught in his grasp, an ether rifle to her left temple.

"Don't come any closer. Otherwise, I'll blow her head off."

Dunban stopped, some feet away from his nemesis, fear commingling with anger as it flowed through his veins. His eyes locked onto Melia's, longing to comfort her. Dunban tightened his grip around the hilt of his sword and glared.

"Let her go, Camar. You've lost."

Camar snorted. "I don't think so. The Empress has betrayed her people. The High Entia aren't going to follow her any longer. Not after what she just did. They'll be begging me to take her place."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Because I exposed her for the traitor she is." Camar grinned twisted the gun against Melia's head. She squeezed her eyes shut but did not make a sound.

Dunban took a step forward, eyes blazing.

"What did I say?" Camar shouted and pointed the ether gun at Dunban's feet, shooting. Dunban jumped back, out of range of the bullet. "Do that again and I'll kill her right here."

"Just let her go and I let you live."

"It's amusing that you think you hold the power in this situation."

"Don't listen to him, Dunban." Melia said. "You must stop him, without any concern of my well being." Her voice was full of steel, but Dunban could see in her eyes there was the slightest glimmer of panic.

Camar leaned close to Melia's ear, eyeing Dunban all the while. "Oh my dear, dear Empress. Your words fall on deaf ears. He's besotted by you and will do anything to get you back." He stroked the side of her cheek and she recoiled. "Which is exactly what I'm counting on."

Dunban felt his stomach clench as he watched Camar's fingers on her skin; his worst fears emerging from the dark corners of his mind.

"You want to save her? Then you and your friends must leave Alcamoth."

"I'm not going anywhere without her."

"Well then, we have a problem." Camar unlocked the safety on the ether rifle and shoved it against Melia's head. She shut her eyes. The sound was so slight, almost inaudible. But Dunban heard it; the small gasp that escaped her throat.

It cut him.

"Stop, Camar." Dunban called, laying his sword on the ground. "I'm unarmed. I pose no threat now."

This was untrue, knowing full well he could still fight Camar without a weapon in hand. And the man was sure Camar would call his bluff. But Dunban had to stall. He had to stall until he came up with a plan to both rescue Melia and stop Camar.

"No, Dunban!" Melia shouted. "Don't give in to him!"

"Shut up." Camar hissed, pressing the ether gun into her head. Melia bit her lip.

"That's better." He turned his gaze to address Dunban. "Now you're going to let me walk out of here, unharmed."

Dunban watched Melia, who had closed her eyes, as if she were concentrating. He could see her breath was even, and her lips moving wordlessly. What was she doing?

"And if I say no?"

"Then I blow her head off right here."

Dunban's gaze flicked between Camar and Melia, urgent. Melia still had her eyes closed, concentrating on the invisible, her mouth reciting words he could not hear. She looked almost like she had in the midst of battle.

And then he understood.

The pieces clicked into place. He knew what she was doing.

He had to distract Camar.

"If I do, what promise do I have from you that you won't hurt Melia?"

"It always bothered me that you didn't show the Empress the proper respect. That you referred to her by her first name. What right do you have to do that? Your arrogance is astounding."

"Let the Empress go and you can walk free. I give you my word."

"You think yourself honorable. I would almost believe it if you weren't a Homs. But what assurances do I have from your friends? Your band of vigilantes? How do I know they won't turn around and take my life?"

"I will walk with you and tell them so." He grit his teeth. He couldn't imagine doing such a thing, but he had to keep Camar talking. Keep his attention off of Melia.

Camar shook his head. "No, I don't think so. You're going to go get a legion of my guards, assuming you haven't killed them all, and they will escort me out of here. And then they will escort you and your friends out of Alcamoth."

"I am not leaving you alone with her."

"Then it seems we are at a stalemate."

"Not so." Melia whispered. "Summon Fire!"

A stream of fire enraptured Camar's arm locked around Melia and he withdrew it from Melia's flaming hands, screaming. Dunban picked up his sword and lunged for Camar. The High Entia grimaced in pain, clenching his burned arm at his side, and raised his gun straight at Dunban. He shot. Dunban dodged left. Another shot. Dunban ducked right. Camar put his finger on the trigger again, but Melia pummeled into him. They fell to the ground, the ether rifle skidding inches away. Camar shoved Melia off of him, and grabbed for the gun. He swung and pointed it in front of his body straight at Dunban, who stood over him. His index finger wrapped around the trigger. Dunban's sword swung diagonally, it's edge connecting with skin and bone. Camar cried out as his hand dropped to the ground, detached from the rest of his arm. He shrieked as blood poured out of the open wound, down his arm, dripping onto the ground. Then the screaming stopped. Camar slumped over.

Dunban knelt next to the villain, put his fingers onto Camar's neck. There was a slight thump against his fingertips.

"He has a pulse. Albeit a faint one." Dunban said. He stood, turning around to face Melia, who was rising to her feet. "What would you like me to do with him, Melia?"

She brushed herself off, avoiding his eyes and she answered, "He will stand trial for his crimes against the throne and the High Entia people."

The sounds of footfalls were heard from the entrance to the courtyard. Dunban shuffled in front of Melia, crouched in a defensive position, ready to fight if need be. Seconds later, he caught sight of Tyrea, James and Elrich running and stood. Melia stepped out from behind him to see.

"Melia!" Tyrea called as they arrived. Dunban could hear the tinge of relief in her voice. She slowed to a jog and stopped a few feet from her step-sister. Her eyes looked Melia up and down, assessing for damage. Clearing her throat, the young woman said, "Good. You're still in one piece."

"I am happy to see you as well." Melia smiled walking over to her. "Thank you for coming for me."

Tyrea blushed, looking away and crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, I made Serenity a promise. She wouldn't stop yapping about rescuing you so I had to do it for my own piece of mind."

"Is she well?"

"As well as can be after being tortured." Tyrea turned back to Melia and pursed her lips. "She'll be fine. She'll be happier knowing you're finally free."

"I am sorry to have caused her pain."

"You didn't. This filth did." Tyrea waved at Camar.

James and Elrich walked to Melia and knelt in front of her. "Empress. We are relieved to see you well and able." James said.

"We have failed you." Elrich said. "We did not protect you against this...vermin." His eyes slid to where Camar lay, still unconscious.

"Please extract what punishment you see fit on us." James added.

Silence.

"Please rise."

Startled, James looked up at her. "Your Majesty—"

"Would you disobey a command from your Empress?" Melia asked.

James shook his head and rose. Elrich reluctantly followed.

"You two have done exemplary. There was no way you could have saved me when I was taken. But you did not give up. With your efforts, I have been freed." Her face turned stern. "Do not think otherwise. Should you, be mindful it will be a disrespect to myself."

They bowed and said nothing, though Dunban saw a smile exchange between the two bodyguards. He knew they were simply overjoyed that the Empress was alright.

"Looks like you had all the fun without me." Tyrea cocked her head towards Camar. "What do we with him?"

"Take him to the dungeons and have a medic attend to him." Melia said.

"A medic?" Tyrea asked skeptically. "He is an enemy of the state, Melia. He took you hostage and almost killed you."

"He will be tried for his crimes. I do not want him to die before that."

Tyrea shrugged and turned to James and Elrich. "Let's go put this weasel in the hole he made for himself."

James and Elrich hoisted the passed out Camar to his feet and began to drag him out of the courtyard. Tyrea began to follow, and then glanced over her shoulder. "Take your time love birds. God knows it's written all over your faces."

Dunban felt a flush come over him. He looked sideways to see Melia too had turned a shade of pink and was now glowering at Tyrea.

Tyrea laughed and tossed her head back. "Didn't you miss me?"

"Briefly." Melia glowered.

Tyrea dashed after James and Elrich, her footsteps retreated down the passageway and eventually disappearing.

Silence.

Dunban and Melia were alone.

He could hear his heart pounding in his ears and swallowed, his throat dry. Dunban turned towards Melia, trying to find something to say. To find the right words for the moment. Emotions swirled around inside him: relief, serenity, and gratitude to name a few. So much had happened within the past 24 hours. It was hard to believe the nightmare was over. That they had won.

The man gazed at the Empress, taking in her appearance. His eyes glossed over the dark circles under her eyes, the redness on her cheek, the dried blood around her wrists, underneath the handcuffs.

Melia turned to him, gazing up at him silently. Her lips parted but she did not speak either, only staring at him, categorizing her own thoughts.

Then he could wait no longer. Dunban stepped towards the woman and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close to him. His grip was secure, almost rough, as though he were afraid she would be taken away once more if he let go. She too tightened her arms around his torso, leaving no space in between their bodies. The Empress rested her head on his chest, and he put his cheek against the top of her head. He felt the curves of her body fit into his and a fire flared up in his gut. Protectively, he squeezed her closer to him and shut his eyes. Together, they took a deep breath in and out, as if they had always been in sync, joined together in relief and quiet bliss. Dunban quelled his skittering pulse as he breathed once more. She was here, in his arms. Safe.

It was no dream.

Slowly, Dunban pulled away to look into her face, his arm still wrapped around her.

"I knew you would find me." Melia whispered.

"I would have never stop looking."

They regarded each other silently, though his mind was erratic, still comprehending how close Camar had been to winning. Dunban felt his fingers trembling under the weight of Melia's body. Not out of weakness, but out of fear. It was only now hitting him how afraid he was of losing her. Of her existence being erased, snuffed out like a candle. Before they ever had a chance to...

His thoughts evaporated as her lips touched his.

They were soft and delicate. Warm as they moved over his uncertainly, delivering kiss after kiss. He could feel her shiver as she moved closer to him, continuing to cover his lips in kisses. They were sweet, and joyful. She kissed him more strongly, with earnest, inviting him to join.

Gods, he'd waited so long for this moment.

Dunban guided her body back to his, wrapping his arm around her torso. Gently, he pressed into her kisses, his mouth opening to fully meet hers. His lips smoothed over hers, matching her eagerness with his own. With each kiss, he shared with her his happiness, sometimes kissing her cheeks and nose, treasuring each, then moving back to take her lips onto his own once more. As they kissed, Dunban began to smile, feeling the curvature of her own mouth under his as well. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach as he savored each kiss. This is what bliss felt like.

But his eagerness slowly morphed into hunger, the hunger for her that he had caged away in his soul for so long. Dunban deepened each kiss, feeling Melia meet his lips with equal longing. The fire burned brightly within him. Each kiss grew in intensity and he felt himself opening to her. The hunger gnawed at him, coaxing him, tormenting him for freedom until he could hold it back no longer. The tidal wave rose and crashed within him, and Dunban crushed her body to his, flooding his senses with the feel of her body and the taste of her lips. He kissed her passionately, each kiss leaving him rawer than the last, stripping away his armor, laying his heart bare for Melia to see.

Dunban pulled back, breathing heavily and his pulse quickening. Fear prickled his skin. Had he overstepped? Revealed too much?

The woman opened her eyes, looking up at him from beneath her lashes. Her cheeks were flushed pink and her breath came ragged.

She was beautiful.

Tenderly, Melia reached up and placed her palm on his cheek, as if reading his thoughts.

"Don't stop."

He needed no other invitation. Dunban ducked his head and placed his lips back onto hers, falling into her embrace.