Well it's finally happened. We've come to the end of a beautiful story. I say "beautiful" because I put so much emotion into writing it that it saddens me to close the final chapter. I can't believe it's taken me this long to finish it, but as I constantly remind myself a story will take as long as it takes…or as long as it takes for inspiration to set on in. This is short story with some of the longest chapters I've ever written, but so much happens that it may as well have been ten times the amount. With the new season of Winx coming to us next year, I have the utmost confidence that inspiration will strike me yet again and I can create another work that has been as rewarding and pleasurable as this one. Thanks to everyone who has stuck with me thus far, and bless you for being writers. Don't ever stop.

--

I'm a Hero. It's just what I do.

After much struggling, and with great cost to his skin, Brandon forced his way free of the net. He collapsed to the ground, the ordeal having forced him to dig into his reserves of strength. Lines of blood appeared on his skin, the net having cut deep and even shredding a bit of his clothing. Brandon had recovered from far worst in his day so the wounds were only superficial. In fact, he was standing on his own two feet within moments of freeing himself. Granted he was a little woozy from the minor blood loss but he steeled his nerves and eventually regained control of his limbs.

Cuts and scraps were the least of his worries. The only thought on his mind now was rescuing Stella from those masked men. Seeing her stolen away from him like that, and by hooded cowards no less, Brandon was filled with a vengeful fury.

He was so furious that he had completely forgotten about Lady Ophelia. The duchess had watched the entire exchange in stunned silence. She was just as startled by the arrival of the kidnappers as Brandon and Stella had been and was frozen in place during the process. Actually, it had all happened so fast that she couldn't react. The men appeared, took Stella, immobilized Brandon, and ran off before she fully comprehended what had happened. Such inaction was unbecoming a duchess, but Ophelia had never experienced a kidnapping before. As prideful as she was, Ophelia was a sheltered woman, never once having to face a dangerous situation. She knew how to defend herself, but never had to use her teachings in battle. Besides, they were after Stella, not her. She was never in any danger.

So why did she feel the need to get involved?

"Master Brandon," she began, finally coming out of her stupor. "Are you all right?"

"No I'm not all right! They took Stella!" His voice boomed, causing the duchess to take two steps back. Fists clenched at his side, Brandon appeared ready to leap into the air and give chase. Surely they were long gone by now but that would not keep him from trying. "Bastards!" He bared his teeth. "Why would they do something like this? Who the hell were they?"

"I…" Ophelia began but suddenly stopped when Brandon turned on her.

"You know something about this?"

She remained silent.

With amazing speed, Brandon shut the distance between them to nil, his strong hands clutching Ophelia on her arms, his grip so strong she could not help but squeal. Brandon brought her in close, his hot breath on her face, blaring into her with an angry voice. "What do you know? Talk!"

"You are hurting me."

"Talk!"

"Stop!" She began to glow.

The magical discharge between them was enough to send both of them rolling back. Brandon recovered his footing quickly thanks to tricks Riven taught him about being a thief. Ophelia on the other hand faltered and fell, landing flat on her rear end.

Still angry, Brandon approached her, his footsteps heavy as if the anger boiling inside of him had become too much for his body to hold. Looming over Ophelia, Brandon's normally friendly brown eyes had turned dark and dangerous. They bore into Ophelia as she cowered before him.

Cringing, the duchess held up her hands. "Please don't hurt me."

Then he snapped….out of it.

The words made Brandon realize what he had become. With a mental slap, his face changed and softened. He could see how frightened the lady had become and it was because of him that she was so. Now it was he who stepped back in disbelief. In one moment he had turned from a hero to a monster; the things he'd fought against all his life. What am I doing?

Falling to one knee, Brandon slumped his head and his form, prostrating himself before Ophelia. "I'm sorry, my lady," his voice had become a hoarse whisper. "Forgive me."

Finally looking up, Ophelia had seen what had become of the man she thought would harm her. He was shamed. Ophelia had seen the signs on many a fallen warrior. To men-at-arms, honor was everything. It was the blood in their veins, the steel in their armor, and their reason for living. Brandon had just stained his by his prior actions and only by begging for forgiveness did he see himself repenting. But no, it was not Ophelia who had to forgive him; it was himself.

Getting herself up, Ophelia approached Brandon with care. She was still shaken up by what almost happened. Once she was sure he was under control of his inner demons she did something remarkable; Lady Ophelia knelt down beside him, placed a hand on his wounded shoulder, and said, "I forgive you."

That made Brandon look up. Staring into her forest-green eyes startled him at first. Brandon had only seen eyes that wondrous on one person before: Stella. Strange how she should remind him of her of all people. Inside those eyes he saw the same kindness that he would see when he looked at Stella; the same wonderful person who loved him for who he is rather that what he was. All manner of rage left him at that moment.

"I forgive you, Brandon. Do you hear me? I forgive you."

"I am so sorry."

"You were angry."

"That's no excuse." Brandon sat back and brought his knees up. "I let them take her. Stella is gone and there wasn't a damn thing I could do to stop it. I was helpless. Useless! I was so mad I took it out on the first person I saw. You did nothing to deserve it but I still went and almost did something I know I would have regretted the rest of my life." He sighed aloud. "I'm so ashamed."

"Don't be."

"Why not?"

"Because you are an honorable man…who was hurt. We all do foolish things when we are hurt. All of us are guilty of such behavior. Myself included." Then she turned away.

Brandon looked up at her. "Lady?"

"Your hand need not be on the hilt of the sword to have harmed the life of an innocent. Just knowing makes you an accomplice. Master Brandon…I believe Lord Cathan has abducted the princess."

His eyes widened. "What?!"

"After you and he had that exchange earlier in the evening, I spoke to him. He said he was off to attend a personal matter and left with his entourage. I fear that his intent had been to kidnap Princess Stella in order to force you into a rematch."

Brandon could not believe his ears. If what she said was true then not only was Lord Cathan one of the biggest assholes he had ever met, he was nothing short of suicidal. Brandon would kill anyone who hurt Stella, but to use her to get to him wasn't nothing short of insanity! He would not kill Lord Cathan, he would destroy him!

Ophelia averted her gaze. "I did not understand what he meant when he said he had ensured the future of our kingdom. Never had I imagined he would take such far-reaching actions. Should the king ever find out he would be imprisoned forever—his family estate confiscated and his family dishonored! He would have single-handedly brought down his own House. Such betrayal is the worst kind conceivable. He," She turned to him. "He has lost his mind!"

"He's about to lose more than that," Brandon said, a dangerous edge ebbing his voice.

"Please!" She begged with him. "I do not agree with what Lord Cathan has done but he is still a nobleman of Solaria. His beliefs are misguided but he loves his home as I do. His intentions may be honorable but,"

"Honorable? Ophelia, he's kidnapped the heir to the throne of your kingdom! What's worse, he's using her to bait me into a trap." Brandon glared at his fists, clenching so hard they started to hurt. "It wasn't enough to humiliate me in front of the king and every one at the festival. Now he wants to use me to," he stopped. A frightening scenario played across his mind. "No."

Ophelia stared at him quizidly. "What is it?"

"That son of a bitch!"

Taken aback by his tone rather than his language, the duchess moved away. "Master Brandon!"

"Think about it, Lady Ophelia. You and he obviously don't like what Stella's been up to, right?" It took a moment before she nodded. "That's exactly it!"

"You are not making much sense, Eraklyonite."

"What I mean is he wants Stella out of the way…permanently. With Stella gone, there will be no heir to the throne, which means the power will fall to the great Houses. If that happens, then they will control Solaria."

"You mean to tell me that Lord Cathan will attempt to…kill…the princess?" The very notion made Ophelia all queasy. Sure she was right wing, but she had never considered doing something as radical as what Brandon had suggested. "But that is treason! It would mean civil war!"

"Not if someone else did it," Brandon went on. "Consider this, I charge in to fight Lord Cathan, he and his goons overpower me. He kills Stella and brings her corpse and myself, in chains, back to the palace. It will be his word against mine; the lord of one of the most powerful and well-respected Houses on Solaria versus that of some outsider who just happened to have fallen into a drunken rage and attacked him and his men. I'm already on thin ice as it is with the king and his court. They'll believe anything he says."

Brandon had a difficult time believing it himself even as the pieces slowly began to fit together. "I can just hear the lies now: Princess Stella helped me escape the palace under some misguided notion of love. I, still drunk, take advantage of her. She tries to resist but I use force. I gain the upper hand and wind up taking her life. Lord Cathan and his men arrive just a moment too late to save her. Enraged, they beat me to within an inch of my life, drag me back to the palace to present me to the king alongside the murdered body of his only daughter. King Radius will probably kill me on sight. He'd then declare war on Eraklyon. The king will be too distraught after her death to care to investigate the matter himself."

"Dragging Solaria into a war that would weaken his position," Ophelia went on. "The people would rise up against him,"

"And the great Houses would rush in to fill in the power vacuum,"

"And take over the kingdom!" Ophelia cried. "Lord Cathan, you can't!"

"The guy's a radical, Lady Ophelia. Whatever his feelings for your realm, he's ready to plunge it into a war that will cost the lives of thousands for the sake of power. That's not a very noble thing to do now is it?" He leaned in closer to her. "There's a word for guys like that: tyrant!"

"No!" Screaming, she shot up and began to pace. "I won't believe it! Lord Cathan is a good man he would never…he couldn't…he wouldn't…" Pulling at her hair, the noblewoman reared back her head and screamed. "I trusted you!"

"Men like him don't deserve your trust, my lady." Brandon stood up now. "He's nothing more than a terrorist and terrorists don't care about causes, or honor, and they sure as hell don't care about lives. All they care about is forcing others to do what they want them to do and damn the innocents lost! He's a nobleman in name only!"

Ophelia stopped pacing but did not look at him. The pain of the betrayal was too much for her to bear.

"I've seen noblemen, duchess. My best friends are all noblemen. Only one of them may be a prince, but they each share the same traits: honor, loyalty, self-sacrifice, courage, strength of character, that's where nobility comes from. Lord Cathan doesn't even begin to compare. He's a fraud, Ophelia. He's a traitor to everything you hold dear."

"I…can't…believe…"

"Believe." Grabbing her again, this time gently, Brandon turned her so they were face to face. He waited until she opened her eyes for him to speak. "He's as much your enemy as he is mine. He has to be stopped. Please, Lady Ophelia, will you help me? I can't do this on my own."

"You can't?" She asked.

"Of course not. I have no idea where the Temple of a Thousand Stars is!"

Unable to hold back any longer, she laughed. Brandon chuckled with her.

"Amazing," she started. "How you can inject humor into such a tense situation?"

"I owe that to my friends."

Ophelia stared at him. "Are they really that incredible?"

"Without them, I would not be the man I am today."

"I can see that now."

"Sure. But don't tell them I said that. Especially Riven. He'd go out on the town if he knew I got all mushy."

"No. I mean I can see why she loves you."

Brandon blushed.

Ophelia just smiled. "You are an incredible man, Master Brandon. You can be a little unorthodox at times but you can still pass for a warrior and a gentleman."

"Um…thanks?"

"It is a compliment I assure you."

Releasing her from his grasp, Brandon stepped away. He cringed slightly when one of his new wounds reminded him it was still around. "Gotta hand it to Cathan; that was some fancy equipment."

"My mother once told me that a great warrior need not rely on his weapons to see the mission through."

The comment gave Brandon pause. "T-That's the Sixth Rule of Heroics! Where'd she learn that?"

"From my father," she told him. "You see, he was once of Red Fountain."

"Serious?"

"Deadly. Which is what I'm about to become when we meet Lord Cathan."

"So you'll help me?"

"Unless you know your way around the city."

"Believe me I'll take what I can get." He winced again.

"Then let's start with this." She began to glow and with a touch all the wounds on Brandon's body disappeared.

The spell ended, Brandon was recharged. While his clothes were still damaged, he felt better than he had several moments ago. "Great stuff!" He said, flexing his muscles.

"It's a spell for minor cuts and bruises. Not as effective as a healing potion but good for those with not a lot of time on their hands."

"Thank you, my lady."

"No need to be so formal, Brandon. You and I are partners now."

"We are?"

"Yes." She continued to glow. "And as partners I will not allow mine to go into battle like this. Hold still," Being a sorceress, Ophelia was well-versed in the Weave. She changed Brandon's tattered clothes into something more befitting of who he was inside. When she was done she stepped back, giving the glow time to dissipate. When it did, the lady's face beamed. "Now you look the part."

"Of what?" Brandon asked, still blinded by the light.

"A hero."

--

The Temple of a Thousand Stars, like many of the oldest buildings in the capital, was built by the ancient elven empire which once ruled this realm. It stood in the middle of a vast garden, surrounded by nature, and ringed by three flowing rivers in an oval design. The elves constructed the temple at what they believed to be the center of Solaria. Twelve monoliths encircled the temple as homage to the twelve gods of the Elven people. The temple itself was dominated by a vast dome whose surface would turn clear at night so that the stars may shine inside. It was reminiscent of an observatory and it is said that the elves were able to travel from one world to the next using the great iris located on the floor of the main dome. Whether that was true or not was never revealed for the elves took many of their secrets with them when they left for the stars.

Because humans worshipped their own gods, the temple had become more of a tourist attraction rather than a place of worship. Though a handful of elves and even a few non-elves still prayed to the ancient gods, the temple was rarely visited by anyone other than its most devout follower or most curious tourist. This seclusion made it the perfect place for Lord Cathan to have his duel with Brandon without attracting unwanted attention. The entire city was busy in celebration. No one would come to the temple tonight.

The beautiful city spread out before him in glorious light. He stood atop the great promenade at the highest level of the dome. He discarded his blue robe in favor of something more becoming a man of his prestige. He donned a purple dueling vest with the emblem of his house, a winged lion wearing a crown atop a red background, embezzled on his left breast. He wore black pants that were light to provide freedom of movement and pitch-black boots. His sword hung from his right side, the hilt was red with an emerald jewel on the tip. His gold hair he had pulled back to prevent it from getting in his eyes. A red bandana made of the richest silk kept his face clear. The light garments enabled him to move about uninterrupted, further complimenting his duelist form of combat.

With one leg atop the rail, Lord Cathan watched the city in solitary contemplation. I know you are coming, Master Brandon. My sword eagerly awaits.

The sound of approaching footsteps did nothing to shake his stoic façade. Still wearing a blue cloak, one of his men stopped a respectful distance behind him and bowed. "My lord, all is ready."

"The men are in position?"

"Yes. We await the arrival of the outsider."

"Good. Return to your position."

The man turned to leave but stopped in half-turn. He looked at Cathan behind the cowl of his hood, unsure.

"Is there something else?" Cathan asked without turning around.

"My lord, it's just that…the princess," he tried to find the right words. "She's young."

"Monarchs grow up fast. Didn't anyone ever tell you that?"

"Yes, lord. But she is the king's daughter."

"You say that as if it should matter."

That seemed to unsettle the man even further. "We are going to kill her, aren't we?" The question came out as more of a statement as if he already knew.

"Sacrifices must be made to ensure the future of our realm."

"Forgive me, my lord, but this does not sit well with me."

"Oh?" Cathan casually looked over his shoulder. "And why shouldn't it?"

"Lord Cathan, I served you loyally for fifteen years. I've fought for you, fought beside you, slain enemies to our House and our kingdom without a second thought. Never have I questioned our actions for I believed in you and in our cause. I like so many am dissatisfied with the way things are and want to change them for the better. I love my realm. I love Solaria and I will do anything to protect her from threats inside or beyond our borders." That being said, the man took one brave step toward Cathan. "You know I speak the truth, Lord Cathan, when I say I would gladly die for Solaria if given the chance."

"But of course. Not once have I ever questioned your devotion to your homeland. But you 'beat around the bush' as the commoners say." He did an about face. "So tell me, Gareth, what is it that irks you so?"

Gareth was silent for a moment. He'd wanted to speak with his lord for a while now and with the chance before him he hoped to make the words just right. Finally, he lifted his head. "My lord, normally I would thrust myself upon the dagger of a hated foe than question you, but my conscience does not find solace with what has happened. My loyalty is to you and our House, but by default it means I've sworn an oath to protect the Royal Family. Princess Stella and her father may be misguided, but we are still their thanes. We have sworn to protect them with our lives. The thought of letting either of them come to harm, and by our hands no doubt, is morbidly alien."

"Your concerns are well noted, Gareth. I must admit even I find displeasure in what we are about to do. But consider this, if we do nothing and allow the princess to destroy our beloved kingdom with her reforms, then would we as guardians of the realm, have not failed in our true purpose?" He let Gareth think on it a moment before going on. "Let me ask you this, my friend, to whom do we owe our greatest loyalty? It is neither the princess nor the king. It is not the Royal Family, or even to the Great Houses. No. Our greatest loyalty is to Mother Solaria herself. The land, the history, the culture; it is this we have sworn our deepest fealty to the moment we take up the Sword of Allegiance."

Gareth remained silent.

"The Royal Family is simply the voice of the kingdom, but they are not the soul. We, the protectors of Solaria, the ones who shed their blood gladly in her defense, are that soul. How many wars have we fought in, Gareth? How many enemies have we slain in the king's name? How many of our brothers have perished in far-flung battlefields, left to die alone and forgotten? Their voices have been silenced forever. We are all that remain of their sacrifice and courage. We are their legacy. If we allow these heinous reforms to continue then we would be allowing the Solaria our brothers have died for to die with them. Does that sound fair?"

"No," Gareth said almost immediately.

"Who more deserving of leading one's homeland than those who would die for it? The Royal Family sits in their luxurious palace surrounded by servants who pamper them day and night. They coddle the people, making them believe all is well when it could not be further from the truth. The princess believes the kingdom is her own personal play pen. She does not take her position seriously and never will. Do you know why? Because she has been poisoned by drabs! She is only a Solarian in blood, but the very fiber of her being is alien. She even gives herself willing to a foreigner, and a common one no less!"

Heated by his own words, Gareth saw Cathan's eyes boil over. "No! I tell you no! I will not stand for it. I've lost too many friends to fruitless conflicts to keep a weak-willed king and his spoiled bitch of a daughter on the throne. The people need leadership and dammit that is what the Houses will do!"

"But does the princess need to die?"

"She MUST die! So long as there is a legitimate heir there is always the threat of civil war. We cannot have our people turn against one another, Gareth. We are weak enough as it is."

"But killing the princess would surely accomplish just that!"

"Not if we turn the blame on another."

When he said nothing more, Gareth gasped. "The Eraklyonite!"

Cathan nodded. "If we make it appear that it was he who slew our princess, the king will have no choice but to declare war on Eraklyon. The ensuing struggle will strengthen our forces while weakening the king. Lives will be lost, but in the end Solaria will be born anew and stronger than ever." Cathan approached Gareth and placed his hands on his shoulders. "Do you understand now? I do not like this anymore than you but we've been left with no choice. It is either war and destiny, or peace and stagnation. Our people were once the greatest of warriors. Our legacy demands we take a stand. Are you with me, Gareth?"

"To the end," came the response.

"I knew I could trust in you. Now return to your post. The men may wonder where you are."

"Of course, but one more question, lord? How do you plan on making it appear that the Eraklyonite killed the princess?"

Cathan smiled. "Leave that to me."

--

Princess Stella slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was groggy at first but gradually focused. "B-Brandon?"

Realizing he was gone, Stella's memory kicked in. "Hey! What the hell is going on?!"

She tried to move but found her body was not responding. She could feel her arms and legs well enough, but they were in bondage. Stella was laying spread eagle on circular floor a hundred feet in diameter. On the floor was the design of the known universe with every star, planet and system in existence. Stella recognized this as the celestial chamber of the Temple of a Thousand Stars. She'd visited it a few times and was greatly impressed by its architecture. Got to hand it to those elves, they had some serious style.

This time, however, she was not too happy to be here. "Hello! Is anyone there? I demand you release me this instant!" There was no reply. "You guys are in so much trouble."

Try as she might, the fiery princess could not release herself from her bondage. "Okay. If brute strength won't get me out of this, then maybe a little winx will do the trick." Stella began to glow as her magic made its way to the surface. Unfortunately, no sooner did this happen when she yelped as her magic was stunted. "What in the…" She was cut off the by the sound of footsteps. "Who's there?"

"Your winx magic will not help you, princess," said a male voice. "Only elven magic works here. Any outside sources are immediately repulsed by the spirit of the temple."

"Spirit of the temple? Are you saying this place is alive?"

"In a sense. The walls and floors are made from moonstone, which was rare even in the time when Solaria was called by a different name. When the elves created their ancient structures, they imbued them with the essence of their creators. Think of it as leaving a little bit of themselves behind to watch over their work."

Stella strained to see the man but could no more turn her head than arch her back backwards.

"So you see your attempts at escape are utterly futile."

"Who are you? Get over here so I can see you."

"As you wish, my princess." She heard the man approach and when he finally appeared in her range of vision she saw that he was one of the cloaked men who had kidnapped her. "Is this better?"

"You!" She struggled to move. "What do you think you're doing? When my father hears of this,"

"I'm afraid he'll be otherwise preoccupied with the invasion of Eraklyon."

"Eraklyon? What are you talking about?"

"The good king will want to avenge the death of his only daughter at the hands of the lowly cur who murdered her."

"Start making sense, blue boy."

"Such un-princess-like decorum."

"Let me go and I'll show you how un-princess-like I can be."

She saw a hint of disgust cross his face. "My lord was right. You are not fit to rule. Things will be better when you are gone."

"Gone?" Stella asked. She did not like the sound of that one bit. "Am I going somewhere?"

The man reacted as if about to say something more but stopped himself. For some reason he could bring himself to answer that question. All he said as he turned to walk away were three, somber words: "Farewell, my princess."

"Hey! Get back here! What you mean by that? Get back where I can see you! Hey! I order you to return!" The last part seemed laughable but a monarch was just as likely to bark orders in a tense situation as an ogre was to threaten with the promise of pain. It was just her nature. Being a fairy, Stella did not like being tied up. It denied one her freedom and to any winged creature that was like being dead.

Dead.

Wait a minute, did that mean….

"You're not serious are you? You're not going to…" she could bring herself to finish. Since the formation of the Winx Club, Stella had faced death countless times. Of course she always had her girls with her, and her magic, and her wings, and she could move…except now all she had was a building sense of fear and a mouth to express how she felt about it.

"When I get out of this I'm going to kick all your asses!"

But that was about as likely of happening as the Trix coming to her rescue.

--

The hour was late when the first scout reported in. Gareth was beginning to think the outsider would not come. He asked himself what fool would willingly walk into such an obvious trap? Then he thought, a fool in love of course. Gareth had to give him credit; the boy had good taste. Even he had to admit that the princess was very beautiful if a bit spoiled. Her beauty was legendary in Solaria and in other kingdoms as well. From her glorious long, gold hair to her honey-colored eyes, to her sun-kissed skin, to her long, shapely legs – any man would fall head over heels for this stunningly attractive woman.

Gareth secretly longed for her himself. Seeing her strapped onto the floor of the celestial chamber, helpless and yet full of fire, he'd never seen a more wondrous sight. The provocative outfit she donned only furthered his feelings for her. It wasn't love by any means; Gareth knew something that powerful took time to develop. It wasn't lust either; and he surprised himself by considering it. While she was…sexy, as the commoners put it, Gareth's attraction to the princess was more one of admiration. He could just spend hours watching her, taking in her perfection with his awe-struck eyes. Staring would be impolite, he knew, but he fancied he could look at the princess forever and it would not be a wasted life.

Despite his feelings toward the princess, Gareth knew that soon enough her blood would be on his hands. Not literally of course. Lord Cathan admitted it was he who would be taking her life. The talk he and his lord had earlier eased many of his restrictions on the subject, but that did not mean he was over it. Any reservations he had until that moment he kept suppressed. Now was not the time to be questioning his master.

His blood chilled when the scout delivered the report. A lone man was making his way to the temple as they spoke. The chill was not from fear of the coming battle, but because he knew that soon the princess would die. All his prior reservations suddenly resurfaced. He hid his troubled features well from the scout who then ordered him to report to Lord Cathan while he readied the troops. The time has come. The destiny of his kingdom and his people was about to be decided.

It wasn't easy to miss him. There was nothing but open space between the temple and the bridge that separated it from the rest of the park. Two scouts were hanging on a monolith on either side of the bridge, their cloaks concealing crossbows readied and aimed and the approaching target. From this distance he appeared as no more than a growing dot. Eventually, Gareth could make out the form of a man wearing a body-length cloak. He was shrouded from head to toe in a cloth of stunning gold brown design. His steps were slow but determined as if confident that nothing could stop him. The scouts kept their weapons trained on him as he passed their position.

Gareth knew that there were other crossbows aimed at him as he approached. They had no intention of firing on him unless provoked. Any trickery would immediately be met with a hail of arrows. But Gareth knew that this would not be the case. From what he'd seen of the man Lord Cathan chose to cross swords with, there would be no treachery. But old habits die hard and soon even Gareth found himself aiming his crossbow the moment the man came within reach.

"Stop!" He commanded.

The figure stopped just thirty paces from the main entrance. "Remove your hood," Gareth told him.

Without hesitation, the man did just that. "Our lord has been anticipating you."

"I'm here for the princess," Brandon spoke with grim determination. He was looking at the window where Gareth's voice had come from and even then Gareth could feel the intensity in that stare. He shied back a little, his crossbow returning to its holster. "Where did you obtain the cloak?" He asked.

"My clothes were ruined. I didn't want to draw any attention on my way over here."

"But where did you find it?"

"Does it matter?"

"I'm just curious."

"Where's Stella?" Brandon asked, changing the conversation.

"The princess? She's inside. Unharmed, I assure you."

"Let me see her."

"That's not up to me."

"Then bring him out here and let's get this over with."

His bluntness was getting on Gareth's nerves. "You do not make demands here, outsider."

"My name is Brandon."

Suddenly, the door beneath Gareth and in front of Brandon opened up. The blinding light that poured out from it was so bright that Brandon was forced to cover his eyes. He could make out a shadowy figure standing in the middle. "And so it is," came an all too familiar voice. "Welcome, Master Brandon. I was beginning to lose patience."

Glaring despite the light in his eyes, Brandon said, "I want to see Stella."

"And you will…if you defeat me."

"You make it sound like a challenge."

"Do not mistake our previous squabble as an accurate interpretation of my skills, young master. Back then I had no intention of fighting you in front of the king and his host. This time will be different, for I have every intention of fighting you. And I need not my cohorts to do just that."

Doesn't this guy ever shut up?

Cathan stepped out of the light and the doors shut. Seeing the dueling outfit he donned almost made Brandon chuckle. Almost.

"What's with the pajamas?"

"Your mockery only proves your ignorance. A true warrior speaks with his sword."

"They also don't kidnap princesses. If we were in Red Fountain you'd flunk our Basics of Heroics course."

"That paltry excuse for an institution should have been destroyed ages ago. Allowing the likes of you into their halls only proves how lacking their standards have become. Any true champion would never have allowed the princess to be kidnapped in the first place."

"Your insults are empty, Lord Cathan. In fact, you're not a lord at all. You're just a coward. A snob-nosed, prissy-boy who thinks he has the right to decide the fate of his people. What I do now is not just for Stella but for the entire realm of Solaria. Let's get this over with. My ride's coming in about a half hour and Codatorta hates it when we're late."

"I care not for your curfews." Cathan's hand reached for his sword. "But if you are so ready to meet your maker then far be it from me to disappoint you."

"My lord," Gareth called from above.

"What is it?"

"His cloak." Something about it just irked the warrior and he would not let it pass.

"I think he wants it," Brandon said with a smirk.

"Gareth has always been a loyal thrall. I find it difficult to say no to him." Cathan pointed. "Remove it."

Two scouts magically appeared behind Brandon with crossbows lowered. Gareth leaped down from above to stand beside his lord. Seeing himself surrounded, Brandon could only shrug. "If you want it so badly." Grabbing it by the cowl, Brandon pulled it off and threw it at Gareth who caught it with one hand. Now both vassal and lord had a good look at what was underneath. Brandon was wearing gold armor; but not just any armor – it was the royal armor of a champion of Solaria. The seal of the sun and the phoenix covered his chest, the ember etching glowing with radiance. Behind him fluttered a cape of deep red making him look more intimidating. His sword, a red hilt with a ruby on the end, hung at his right side. The armor covered his whole body save for his head which held a very cocky smile. "Ready when you are."

Even Cathan gawked. That armor was reserved only for the greatest heroes of Solaria. There wasn't any way a commoner like Brandon could get his hands on it…except…

"The king!" He spat. "You have sought out the king's aid, haven't you?"

"No I didn't."

"How else could you obtain that holiest of armor? You sully it with your peasant skin! Have you lost your sensibilities?" Cathan turned to Gareth. "Gareth, have our men scout the area. I want to know if any of the king's men are encircling the temple."

"The king doesn't know I'm here."

"Don't lie to me boy! If so much as a single soldier is in the vicinity I'll make sure you never see the princess again." He turned back to Gareth. "Well?"

"Yes, my lord. You two, take the others and search the perimeter. Report back any sightings." The scouts nodded and vanished. Four more shadows joined them and disappeared.

"You think yourself smart, Master Brandon. But you are a fool to think I had not prepared for such an occasion." Cathan raised two fingers up toward his face. Closing his eyes, he began to chant in a strange language. Gareth realized what he was doing and stepped back.. A great white wall encircled the temple, blocking it off from the rest of the grounds. They were able to see outside but no one could see in. The wall was razor-thin yet a thousand armed men could not penetrate it.

"An ancient defense mechanism left by the elves," Cathan explained. "The entire royal army could not hope to break through the barrier. Defeating me is the only way to deactivate it."

"Got no problem with that." Brandon reached for his sword.

"One more thing," Lord Cathan said before they started. "In only a short time, the moon will hang directly over the temple. By then it will bath the interior of the temple with a powerful white light. This light I've heard is as hot as the sun, burning any of those who don't know the right protections. The princess is located within the celestial chamber, at the very heart of the temple. If you don't release her in time, she will be incinerated."

Brandon felt his blood grow cold.

"I'd say you have less than twelve minutes. Or rather, the monoliths," He regarded each of the standing pillars of moonstone. One of them, the one directly to the right of the bridge, was glowing. "When all of the monoliths are glowing, the moonlight will flood the celestial chamber. You have until then to save Princess Stella."

"Bastard!"

"If words are all the challenge you have to offer then she is already doomed." He got into a fighting stance. "Now then, shall we get started?"

Brandon grabbed his sword hilt. "Let's." His voice turned dangerously low.

Gareth got well clear of the two challengers and watched from afar. They stared one another down for a full minute. It wasn't until the next monolith began to glow that they screamed and charged each other, their swords meeting with a frightening crash.

--

Ophelia knew her moment had come when the battle began. The plan was for her to lay low until Cathan revealed the whereabouts of the princess. Then, as Brandon kept him busy, she would find and release her. The problem, as Brandon pointed out, was getting her close enough to do just that. Ophelia did not know any invisibility spells and she could not hope to infiltrate the temple by herself. That's where ingenuity came in.

She watched from cover as the two combatants met. Brandon's face was one of rage; promising swift retribution for the man who wronged him. Lord Cathan was smiling. He kept his emotions calm and under control. This is exactly what he expected of Brandon. Let the boy's anger make him careless – take advantage of his hate-fueled assertiveness and then strike when he least suspects it. Ophelia wondered if Brandon realized this or if he was just playing along. She had faith in his ability to stand against Lord Cathan…but as for defeating him?

He must last long enough for Ophelia to free the princess. Then the three of them can overpower Lord Cathan together. First there was the little matter of dealing with Cathan's right-hand man. Gareth, was too preoccupied watching the duel to notice her. If only he knew what was in store for him.

"What?" She heard Gareth ask. Ophelia froze, fearing she had been uncovered, but when she saw him holding a hand to his head and turning away to speak, she realized he was talking with someone. "None? Well keep looking. Make sure the entire area is clear of any soldiers. Lord Cathan has already erected the shield so await us outside until the last monolith is lit. By then it will already be too late."

She heard the scout on the other side acknowledge his orders before signing off. Whatever device they used to communicate was out of sight. The scouts would no doubt report back in at regular intervals as they went about their search. Should Gareth not reply back, they would rush back for fear of something having gone wrong. At least, she thought, they won't be able to get inside the barrier. With it activated, Cathan had effectively cut himself off from any aid. Now it was just him and Gareth. When she freed Princess Stella then it would be three against two. Ophelia liked those odds.

But let's see if she can improve them a bit more.

Gareth returned to watching the fight. With his attention so totally focused on Cathan and Brandon, Ophelia made her move.

It would seem that the cloak Gareth had been holding had come to life. It suddenly wrapped around his head, cutting off his sight and oxygen like some smothering serpent. Gasping, the man cried out for help but he was too far for Lord Cathan to hear. Besides, the cloak had prevented him from speaking and his lord was too engrossed in the fight against Brandon to notice. He fell back, feeling for air that wasn't there. Ophelia waited. She could feel his struggles getting weaker and weaker until he stopped moving. It was then that she released him from her trap. Her intention was never to kill Gareth, only immobilize him. With him out of the way there would be only Cathan to worry about and that's fine with her.

The cloak shifted, changing into the form of a beautiful young woman with brown hair and emerald eyes. Ophelia may not be able to render herself invisible, but she was adept at transmutation: that is, the art of changing objects into different forms. This also enabled her to take on the appearance of inanimate objects such as the cloak. She must admit it was fun having herself wrapped around Brandon's body. It was as close to intimacy she had ever been with a male. She wondered if Brandon and Princess Stella ever took it one step further.

Behave yourself! Her nobility commanded. Such ragged notions were beneath her. Right now, she had a mission. Ophelia regarded Brandon who had led Cathan far enough away for her to move unseen. By then the third monolith was already lit and she knew she did not have much time.

Brandon looked stunning in his armor. Ophelia knew she was right in choosing that attire for him. The symbolism was not lost on her. Here was a man fighting not only for his love but for an entire kingdom. It was the stuff of stories sung by bards. Perhaps, when this is all over, Brandon's tale will be told during the next Festival of the Sun. She looked forward to hearing it.

Ophelia looked up at the temple. Cathan stated that Stella was within the celestial chamber. She knew where that was but there was a problem. All outside magic was forbidden inside the temple; a failsafe by the elves, which meant Ophelia could not use hers to fast-travel there as a kite or a rocket. She would have to traverse the vast innards of the temple herself with the clock ticking. She also realized, and this worried her more, how much hotter it would be the closer she made it to the chamber. The heat would make things much more difficult and if the princess was hurt she may have to carry her out.

One obstacle at a time, Ophelia.

For now, she gathered her courage and entered the temple.

One obstacle at a time.

--

Damn he's good!

Despite his earlier assault, Brandon found himself on the defensive after a flurry of quick strikes forced him backward. Lord Cathan was amazing. His great size belied his incredible speed; moving with such fluidity that he could give Riven a few pointers. Still, the fact that Brandon managed to last this long without so much as a scratch was testament to his own ability as a fighter. Despite wearing heavier armor and wielding a bigger sword, he was able to parry each and every one of Cathan's blows.

That being said, he hated not being able to go on the offensive.

Cathan's movements were smooth and calculated – he would step in just enough to strike at Brandon before a small backstep placed him out of range. With Brandon's heavier gear forcing him to overcompensate for the smallest of maneuvers, this left the flow of battle completely in his opponent's hands. Cathan was in control which means he could dictate the rules of the fight. Brandon figured he would tire out long before he struck a good hit which is what Cathan had planned all along. At this rate, he'd be down for the count before the monoliths reached halfway lit and then he'd be in the one in need of rescue.

Got to hold out long enough for Ophelia to rescue Stella. Come on, Lady, don't let me down.

A brief lull in the action allowed Brandon a breather. Cathan took this moment to taunt his opponent. "Tired, are we? I'm just getting started. Perhaps wearing all that fancy armor was a poor choice in battlewear."

He had a point. Brandon's fighting style relied more on brute strength than speed; endurance instead of agility. His weapon of choice was usually the broadsword because it enabled him to take out a foe in just one blow. Usually his opponents were much bigger than him which made them slow and cumbersome. It was easy to get the drop on a troll, an ogre, or a decay monster; but when faced with something faster he resorted to a more defensive style. "The best way to defeat an enemy more mobile than you is to force him to attack something that isn't mobile" – The Forty-fifth rule of Heroics. Brandon had to find a way to nullify Cathan's advantage in speed else he won't last much longer.

"Catch your breath? Good." Cathan lunged at Brandon, his sword tip aimed right for his head. The speed at which he moved was incredible. How can anyone move that fast was beyond him! His whip-like reflexes made him too fast for Brandon to counter with his sword but he used one of his armguards as a blunt object to nudge the sword upward and away from his vulnerable face. Feeling that he had Cathan at a loss, Brandon sought to turn things around only Cathan was already halfway through a spinning back-kick when he thought of it. By that time, the nobleman's boot came smashing into Brandon's chest, sending the Eraklyonite flying.

"Come now, Master Brandon. Surely the princess chose you for more than your rugged good looks," Cathan said.

Picking himself up, Brandon turned. "You hitting on me now?"

"Oh I'll do more than hit you." A thunderous roar went up as Cathan leaped into the air. He brought up his sword for a fierce downward slash. Brandon jumped clear and rolled as he hit the ground. Cathan's sword screamed as it hit the marble floor, leaving an ugly slice.

Brandon turned just as Cathan pointed his sword at him. "Frost." His sword lit up and fired off an icy beam of energy. Brandon used his sword as a shield, blocking the beam which slowly pushed him back. His armored feet scraping across the floor, Brandon trying in vain to stem the tide. When it suddenly stopped he fell to one knee, his hands near frozen by the blast. "What was that?"

"An old family heirloom. This sword was used by my great-great-great-great grandfather who slew the great wyrm of Cobalt Canyon. It is passed down only to the finest warriors of our house."

"I thought this was a duel."

"A duel to the death has no rules, Master Brandon. Here we play for keeps."

"Good to know," Brandon muttered. "Least now I don't have to hold back."

"No. But I suggest you hold on."

"To what?"

"This!" Cathan lunged at him and pulled back a punch so strong his arm shook. Brandon was ready for it and brought up his sword to block but just as the hit came in, Cathan changed direction in a blink of an eye and turned the punch into an uppercut which struck him right in the gut. The sheer power behind that blow was like being hit by a speeding transport. Without the armor to protect him, Brandon was sure he wouldn't have had any ribs left standing.

He flew back; skidding so hard across the floor he left skid marks. Coughing, Brandon could taste blood. He's using magic. Son of a bitch is using magic!

Cathan smirked from where he stood. "Things don't look good for you." He took a moment to look at the monoliths. Five were already glowing – almost halfway.

"You don't have much time left. By now the temperature inside the chamber will be approaching unbearable magnitudes."

"Cathan!" Brandon slowly rose to one knee, using his sword for support. Gasping, for the pain in his stomach was brutal, he glared. "You are worse than any of the monsters I've ever fought. I wouldn't waste half a punch on you if I could avoid it."

This made the nobleman laugh. "Harsh words; but words nonetheless. I find your quips most amusing."

"Then I'll just have to let my sword do all the talking." With that, Brandon stood and raised his sword. "Now stop talking and get over here!"

"As you wish." Cathan attacked. His footwork was too fast for Brandon to follow. Brandon brought back his sword and fired a downward slash. The attack shattered the marble floor Cathan was at a moment ago. The nobleman sidestepped as if skipping causally over a rock. "Over here!"

Brandon attacked again, breaking the floor once more.

Cathan enjoyed toying with him. The game of cat and mouse continued with Cathan dodging each of Brandon's hastily-performed swipes. All he was doing was making one hole after the other, tearing apart the beautifully-crafted floor with his barbaric swordplay. Brandon was getting sloppy and soon he was breathing heavily. His chest heaved and he soon realized how much his carelessness had cost him.

Cathan took a moment to pause and take in the view. "You look pathetic, Master Brandon. Or should I call you, Mistress Brandon?"

"I find your quips most amusing," Brandon said.

"Heh." Cathan raised his sword again, tip first. "Frost." The blast struck Brandon head-on but he endured it, using his sword to deflect the beam as best he could. When it was over, he charged – leaping into the air and with a loud cry smashed the spot where Cathan was just standing. "Too slow."

Enraged, Brandon attacked again, continuing his ineffective and self-defeating tactics. Soon he could barely stand. He used his sword as a crutch. "Dammit."

Brandon was surrounded by pot marks. Cathan stood at the edge of the ruined surface, taunting him with his smile. "Yield?"

"Never."

"Good. You make for good sport. Even if you are just a commoner."

"There's nothing common about me. I am what I am. That's all I need to defeat you."

"I doubt it. But if you wish to go to the afterlife believing that then fine by me. Just so you know," Cathan readied for another attack. "That in the end," He jumped, "You still lost!" His sword created a silver arc as it cut the air, coming down on Brandon's so hard that is forced him onto his knees. Brandon cried out but held fast. With Cathan looming over him, his greater strength and girth weighing down on him, Brandon could not move. "Face it, boy! You are a failure! The only good thing that will come of you being here is that you will provide the catalyst for a new Solaria; one where the king is no more and the great houses will rule once again. The princess will be sacrificed and you along with her. Your deaths will usher in a new age and our kingdom will become glorious once again."

Brandon grit his teeth.

"You are fortunate. It is not by my hand that you will die but the king's! Once he finds out it was you who murdered his only daughter nothing I could muster in my darkest imaginations would compare with what he will do to you. My only regret is that Stella will not be alive to see it; to see the consequences of shaming one's homeland brought to light before all her subjects." His eyes glowed with ravenous fire. "Do you see it? Do you understand? I do this not for myself but for Solaria. Always for Solaria!"

"Shut up!"

"It is you who will be silenced! You and that slut of a girlfriend who parades herself as a princess!"

"AHHHHH!" Brandon suddenly reared up, forcing Cathan back three steps. His body tensed so much that it felt as if it would shatter the armor he wore from within. Teeth bared, foam bubbling at the mouth, he looked ready to tear Cathan to bits. "I am so sick of your shit!"

"Do not speak to me in that manner!"

"Fuck you!" Brandon pushed him back further.

"Very well! It is time I finished this!" Cathan stepped back to get a clear shot of Brandon…only his foot fell into a hole left over from Brandon's previous swings. "What?!"

Brandon moved in during this distraction and fired off a punch that sent Cathan's teeth rattling and his head swimming. The nobleman stumbled until he fell down on his back. Tasting blood, his ire increased tenfold. "You cur! I won't leave anything for the king to deal with. I'll kill you right here!"

Cathan got up and used his superior speed to close the distance between he and Brandon. Only this time he tripped on a piece of stone kicked up by Brandon's sword. He stumbled, giving Brandon a perfect chance for a knee to the gut. Cathan doubled over, his eyes bulging and cried out as the butt of Brandon's sword connected with his back. He fell face-first, his nose cracking on the hard, marble floor.

"Get up!" Brandon pulled him to his feet with one hand. He suddenly forgot about his sword, dropping it in favor of pummeling the man with his own two fists. This had become a brawl, a form of combat Brandon was only too familiar with. He punched Cathan again; face, stomach, ribs, head, he held nothing back. By the time the last punch hit, Cathan's face was a bloody mess. He crumbled to the ground, blood seeping out of his many wounds. When he did not get back up, Brandon just glared at him, his breath coming out hot. "Solaria deserves better than you. Stella will make sure of it."

Settling down, Brandon regarded the monoliths. Eight of them were now lit up. Just four more to go before the temple became a giant furnace. "Stella," He said and did a quick turn to reach for his sword. Funny how he didn't need the blade to finish off that jerk. Still, he'd thank Lady Ophelia for the gesture.

Brandon removed the sword from the rubble and prepared to charge into the temple. Something cold and hard penetrated his back and came out the front. Brandon cried out, dropping his sword. Looking down, he found the end of Cathan's sword protruding from his chest. Behind him, he heard the angry breathing of a man who suddenly had the upper hand. "We are not finished," He growled into his ear.

--

"Help! Somebody get me out of here!" Stella's voice grew coarse over the amount of time she'd spent screaming. "If you help me I promise you free facials at the royal spa!" Nothing. "Well it was worth a try."

Stella was sweating bullets. The moon was almost at its zenith and the room was getting hotter. It was difficult to breath. Stella feared she would pass out at any moment so she tried desperately to free herself. The bonds on her wrists and ankles were too strong and she gave in after tiring herself out.

"This sucks. The princess of Solaria boiled to a crisp by the moon." She thought on it. "Whoa, now there's an oxymoron."

"Princess!" Came a voice. Female.

"Over here!" Stella faintly recognized the voice and called to it. "Inside the chamber!"

She could hear the sound of rushing footsteps and the heavy breathing of one tired girl. "Hurry! It's getting hot in here."

Suddenly the steps slowed. "Princess!" They trotted up to her until a figure knelt by her side. "Hang on. I'm going to free you."

"Ophelia?"

"Yes. Please hold still."

"Like I have a choice. What are you doing here?"

"I am aiding your lover in your rescue. Now how does this open?"

"My lover? Oh! Brandon's here?"

"Yes. He is fighting Lord Cathan as we speak."

"I knew my snookums would come to my rescue. Boy do I know how to pick em' or what?" Stella then realized what Ophelia was doing. "Uh, I tried that already. It won't budge."

Ophelia tried in vain to pull the bondages off. They were stuck to the floor and would not give.

"See if there's a key somewhere," Stella suggested.

"There isn't one. They are a part of the floor."

"Well find a crowbar or something and break them off."

"That would hurt you more than it did them. Besides, this is moonstone. It's stronger than any metal found anywhere on Solaria."

"Then what?"

"I don't know." Ophelia said. "Perhaps Gareth might know of a way."

"Gareth? On you mean that hood guy? That jerk! Where is he?"

"Laying unconscious outside."

"Well wake him up! My skin's starting to peel."

"Even if I did, there is no way I would be able to return in time to free you. In a manner of minutes the moonlight will flood this entire chamber and we will not survive. I can't use my magic inside these walls and it's a long way back the way I came."

"So we're going to fry?!"

Ophelia thought on it. "I…I don't think so. Let me try something." Sitting on her knees, Ophelia closed her eyes and seemed to meditate.

"Um…Ophelia…honey? Can you seek Enlightenment some other time? I'm almost as dark as my friend Layla!"

"Quiet please." Ophelia concentrated. Little by little, a light blue aura surrounded her body. "Ancestors," she began. "Please help me." She stretched out her hands, palms down, holding them over Stella. Then she began to speak in a language the princess did not recognize but seemed vaguely familiar for some reason. The glow went from Ophelia to Stella until the bonds sank back into the floor.

"How?" Stella sat up just as the glow disappeared from Ophelia's body. "How did you do that?"

"I…" Ophelia tried to speak but then collapsed onto Stella. "I'm…sorry. I feel…so weak right now."

"Ophelia!"

The air around them grew even hotter and Stella could barely see with all the sweat pouring down her face. "Hang on, girl. We're getting out of here." Stella helped the noblewoman to her feet and together they left the celestial chamber. Little did they know they were just two monoliths away from total oblivion.

--

His legs buckling, Brandon lost his balance and fell, his sword clattering beside him. Had Cathan struck just a few centimeters to the left he would have pierced his heart. Whether that was his intent or not was irrelevant. Brandon was bleeding…a lot! He could not stem the flow but watch as his life seeped out from the hole in his chest.

Behind him, Lord Cathan, while badly ravaged by Brandon's fists, stood tall and proud. Some teeth were missing and his left eye was halfway shut, but he was not out of the fight yet. "I knew it," he began. "I knew you could never understand what I'm doing. I should think you'd be honored by what your death would accomplish but I see you now for what you truly are: an animal…a beast not fit to wear that armor. What little respect I had for you is long gone, Master Brandon. Suffice it to say I'll shed no tears when it is your time to die."

Brandon was gasping aloud. He'd never been run through before. Damn this hurt! How could he be so stupid! Codatorta always told him that you should never turn your back on anything but a corpse. One mistake could very well cost him the duel…and his life.

"How does it feel, animal?" Cathan stepped up beside him. "Knowing you're about to die!" With one powerful kick he forced Brandon over. "Tell me! I'm dying to know." Cathan brought his foot up and smashed it down on Brandon's chest. The Eraklyonite howled in pain. "Well? Have you lost your tongue as well as your pride? Not that you had any pride to begin with. Only nobles have pride. That is why we rule!" He applied more pressure and Brandon screamed.

"I hate you," Cathan stated. "I hate all of you. My family and I sacrificed everything to protect people like you and your repay us with disrespect! The people owe us their lives. They will praise us as they did in the old days and we will reclaim the proper reverence we always deserve."

Brandon squirmed weakly under his boot.

"There was a time," Cathan went on. "When I actually believed in the monarchy. I thought the king and queen would restore honor to Solaria. But it was not so. The queen left and the king betrayed us. He listens to his daughter, taking her advice over his most trusted advisors. What does some teenaged girl know that the lords and ladies of the court do not? She's ruining everything. How can the people not see that? Don't they understand we want what is best for them?"

Grabbing his leg, Brandon wanted to get his attention. "People…have to make…their own decisions."

"People are too stupid."

"No…they're…not."

"Of course you'd disagree. You're one of them."

"So…are…you. Great houses…are not born overnight." Brandon struggled through the pain. "All great civilizations start off as people just trying to create a home for themselves. Leaders are needed…so people create governments. Their job is to protect the people…and make sure their needs are met. It is the government that serves…not the people."

Cathan chuckled. "What rubbish is this?"

"Without the common people, there is no civilization, no culture. It is they who are the spirit of Solaria, not the houses."

"How dare…"

"Who do you serve, Lord Cathan?"

"What?"

"Who-Do-You-Serve?" Brandon's words were through grit teeth.

"I serve my house. I serve Solaria."

"No! You serve the people. They look to you for guidance because they, not you, are the ones who gave you that power over them. Only they can take it away. You exist because they want you to exist. Without them, you are nothing."

"Silence!" Cathan stepped on him more and Brandon wailed. "How many of my brothers have died in their service and they still mock us? Don't you think we deserve more than their contempt?"

"Stella is not trying to destroy you." Blood seeped out of his mouth. "She only wants to make things better. But she can't do it alone. People need leaders, the wisest among them who can rule justly and with compassion. If there's any suffering to be had it's a system that acknowledges one group's superiority over the other. That never works."

"But even you said people need leaders."

"Leaders who care about them. Leaders who put the people's needs over their own. Dammit, Cathan, you're going to destroy everything you're trying to save!"

"You're wrong!"

"Am I? Look at you. You can't even fight a fair duel. Is that the kind of honor you're trying to protect? You're so blind with hate you've lost sight of what you're fighting for!"

"Enough!" Cathan knelt on Brandon and pointed his sword at his throat. "Allow me to let you in on a little secret, Brandon. Remember when I said it would be the king who slays you and not I? Well when he sees it was you who failed to save the princess when she needed you most, it will tarnish not only Eraklyon's reputation but Red Fountain's as well. That school has lost its way ever since it started letting commoners like you into its halls. Your actions will bring about its downfall."

"King Radius will never believe I had anything to do with this."

"You think so? Well let me ask you something. Why do you think I ordered my men to leave the temple fearing the king's soldiers were surrounding us?"

That gave Brandon pause.

"It's simple." Cathan smiled. "I wanted to, as you say, cover all my bases. I knew you couldn't have obtained that armor by yourself. You had help, preferably the help of someone who could use magic." Cathan leaned in so that they were face to face. "Did you not think I noticed Lady Ophelia with you when I kidnapped the princess? Do you know what she can do? She's a practioner of transmutation. It was she who gave you the sword and armor. What's more, I figured she would be with you so in some shape or form…say, a cloak? At first I thought Gareth was being paranoid but when I saw the armor I realized his suspicions were right." Pausing, Cathan looked over at Gareth. "You snuck her in as a cloak and had intended her to rescue the princess while we fought, didn't you?"

Brandon's face told him he was right.

"I may be as bad as those monsters you say you fight but I am a thousand times smarter. I brought up the barrier because I did not want her escaping and I know full well she won't be able to use her magic inside the temple. And here's another thing." Cathan turned to the temple. "She wont' be able to break the bonds holding the princess. Hence they'll both be trapped; unable to escape the temple. Ophelia was the only other person than you who knew what I was planning and now the secret will die with her. All thanks to you."

"No…"

"Yes." He laughed. "Try as you might, boy, you'll never be as smart or as cunning as a nobleman. Observe."

Only one monolith remained unlit and its time was coming. "Behold the MOON!"

At that moment, the moon shone brighter than ever. The final monolith began to glow and moonlight burst forth from the temple. The Temple of a Thousand Stars had become the brightest object in all of Solaria.

Brandon and Cathan turned their heads; the latter laughing. The heat reached their skin but it would pale in comparison to what the girls would be feeling now. Without the proper wards, anyone inside the temple would be burned to a crisp. A cone of pure energy went from the top of the temple towards the moon itself. It was a brilliant sight.

After a full minute, the light relaxed to tolerable levels and the men could see again.

"It's over," Cathan gloated. "All impediments are gone…save one." Cathan looked to Brandon. "While the king may want to kill you himself, I'll just say your blasphemous words forced me to remove your tongue." He raised his sword. "And I won't bother with the privilege of a last word."

And just then Cathan was blasted clear off Brandon, landing twenty feet away.

"If anyone's going to have the last word around here it's going to be me!" Stella cried. "And don't you dare lay a hand on my snookums again!"

"Stella?" Brandon weakly raised his head in her general direction.

In her fairy form, Stella was a sight to behold. She stood with hands on hips, her honey eyes glaring daggers at the downed nobleman. Beside her and a little behind stood Lady Ophelia, weak but standing.

Cathan struggled to his knees. "It…can't be. You're supposed to be dead."

"Disappointed much? Do you have any idea how much trouble you're in, shit-for-brains?"

"Princess!" Ophelia exclaimed.

"I can't help it. I'm pissed." Stella then noticed Brandon's condition. "Brandon!" She flew to his side, her eyes watering at seeing all the blood. "What did he do to you?"

Reaching up to rub her cheek, Brandon could only smile. "It's good to see you again, Stel."

"Likewise." She held onto his hand.

"Master Brandon!" Ophelia struggled to get to them despite her weakened state. When she did, she sat down and looked him over. "I'm afraid I can't heal you with this armor. Excuse me." She waved her hand and Brandon's golden armor disappeared, replaced by his former clothes. The sword vanished as well. With a wave, Ophelia used the same spell she used to heal his prior wounds back on the street. "The cut is deep but can be mended." She did just that. "There. I've spent the last of my magic. It is not yet fully healed but I stopped the bleeding and cauterized the wound."

"Thank you, Ophelia." Brandon sat up, looking at her with newfound respect. "For everything."

"Thanks." Stella gave her a hug.

"But I don't get it," Brandon started when they separated. "Cathan said you wouldn't be able to use your magic in there. How did you free Stella?"

"I'd like to know that too."

They both looked at Ophelia who turned away. "There are things I'd rather not say."

"But how did you escape?"

Stella answered that one. "We knew we couldn't reach the exit in time so we did the next best thing. We climbed to the promenade and jumped at the last minute. I transformed midway and stopped us from becoming a splat on the ground."

At that, Brandon laughed. "That's my girl."

"You know it."

"No!" Cathan was getting back up, sword in hand. "This isn't over."

"It so is." Stella stood and aimed an energy blast at him when Brandon's hand grabbed hers. "Huh?"

"Let me handle this."

"But snookums."

"Trust me. It needs to be like this." With a look she'd never seen in his eye, Brandon turned to face Cathan one last time.

"He is using magic to boost his abilities. There's no way you'd stand a chance against him," Ophelia warned. She and Stella, being magical beings themselves, could sense the aura all around him.

But Stella knew what to do. "Let's even the odds. Negatus." With a wave of her hand, all the magic around Cathan dissipated, leaving him mortal. "There."

"Thanks, ladies." Brandon walked toward him.

"But don't you need a weapon?" Ophelia asked.

"Not for him."

They watched him approach Cathan with slow, heavy steps. They could feel Brandon's anger from here. Ophelia clenched Stella's arm as they watched in stark silence.

Meanwhile, Cathan could not help but smirk. "Even without my magic, I am still more than a match for you."

"Let's find out."

"You won't even wield a weapon?"

"I am the weapon."

Now Cathan laughed. "As you wish. I will send you on your merry way…" He lowered his stance and readied his sword. "To your meeting…" His eyes flashed. "With the Grim Reaper!"

The girls watched in horror as Cathan charged and Brandon did not move. He just stood there, staring Cathan down with cold eyes. At the last moment, Ophelia screamed and Stella could not turn away. Cathan ran Brandon threw, his sword coming out the other end. "No…" She muttered.

Cathan slowly looked up, his eyes meeting Brandon. Brandon did not even blink.

"Brandon!" Stella cried.

"Why?" Cathan asked his adversary.

Their eyes locked, Brandon answered the only way he knew how. "I'm a hero. It's just what I do." Then he raised his hand. Cathan's sword was caught between his fingers, blood seeping down the metal shaft. Just at the last second, Brandon dodged the blade and grabbed it. From the angle they were standing, it looked as if he'd been stabbed but it was not so. If the wound hurt, Brandon did well to hide it. He showed no emotion as she casually plucked the sword from Cathan's hand and tossed it aside.

Then he started punching Cathan.

"This is for STELLA!" One in the face.

"This is for OPHELIA!" In the gut.

"SOLARIA!" In the nose.

"RED FOUNTAIN!" The throat.

"THE KING!" The chin.

"HONOR! NOBILITY! JUSTICE! STRENGTH! COURAGE! CHARACTER! LOVE! FRIENDSHIP! TRUTH! LOYALTY!"

By the time he finished, Cathan was near bowling over. His eyes fluttering, they focused on Brandon once more. The youth reared back for one more. "And this…" Placing the remainder of his derision for this man into that final blow, he let it flow. "IS FOR YOU!" The hit sounded like a hammer hitting a rock and Cathan flew back. He landed with a heavy thud and went still. A moment later his body jerked from a spasm and then did not move any more. It was over.

Brandon walked to him. Looking down on him now, Brandon remembered the reason he chose to become a specialist in the first place. It was to protect people from things like him. One need not be a monster to be a monster.

The barrier deactivated and the temple returned to its original hue.

Brandon loomed over Cathan; his rage subsiding as the prospect of victory began to sink in. Sighing, he wiped the blood from his lips and spared one more look at Cathan. "See ya," He said and turned towards an overjoyed Stella and Ophelia.

--

Gareth watched the victors from afar. A buzzing sound alerted him to an incoming message. "Sir, we have the targets in our sight. Should we take them out?" He remained quiet. "Sir? Your orders? Do we take them out?"

Finally, Gareth gave in.

"Negative. Return home and await further instruction."

"But sir, what about Lord Cathan?"

"He is Lord no more. Evacuate the area immediately."

"Sir, I don' underst…"

"You have your orders!" He barked.

"Y-Yes sir. Returning to base."

Gareth could not believe it. Lord Cathan had disgraced them all with his actions. He's seen how he chose to fight. Dishonorable and despicable! How the mighty have fallen. Still, Gareth could not help but feel a certain sadness in his heart. A way of life was about to die and he had a feeling that Cathan's fall from grace was the beginning of the end. Things were about to change and like it or not, people like Gareth would have to change with it.

"And so it is." Pulling back his hood, the warrior removed the earpiece from his lobe. He didn't want any interruptions on the way home. Brushing back his hair, Gareth scratched the back of a pointed ear before turning and disappearing into the night.

--

Back at the palace, King Radius was a wreck after hearing everything that happened. To think a lord of a noble house would make an attempt on his daughter's life and the throne! He had trouble sitting still as the three youths divulged their story. When all was said and done, Radius had Cathan stripped of his rank and his unconscious body taken to the dungeon to await trial. His accomplices would be hunted down and dealt with accordingly.

When they had finished, Princess Stella gave special commendation to Brandon and Ophelia. "These are the real heroes, daddy. Without them, Cathan would have plunged Solaria into war and destruction. I'd say they're our new champions!"

"Indeed," King Radius agreed. "Then so it shall be. Lady Ophelia of House Corona and Master Brandon of Eraklyon shall hence be known as the honored champions of the realm. Praise them!" All gathered in the throne room, guards, guests, and servants, raised their voices so high that the whole palace shook.

Ophelia shied away from all this praise. Brandon reveled in it.

"This kingdom cannot thank you enough for what you have done, but for now let us enjoy the remainder of the festival. But let us also take note of the sacrifices that must be made to ensure the future," he looked at Stella, "the character" at Brandon, "and the honor of Solaria." The last look was directed at Ophelia. As the crowd returned to their merriment, King Radius approached the duchess and grasped her shoulders. "Your mother would be so proud of you, my lady. You've done more than restore honor to your house; you've restored our faith."

Ophelia could not help but cry. "T-thank you, my king."

"It is I who should thank you, Daughter of Solaria."

It was the most beautiful thing Ophelia had ever been called.

--

On the balcony overlooking the courtyard, Stella, Brandon, and Lady Ophelia went out for some fresh air. "Gotta say, you Solarians sure know how to throw a party."

"You should drop by on New Years. Or Carnival. Better yet, my birthday's coming up. I'm going to organize a bash so big they'll be talking about it for centuries!" Stella exclaimed.

"Am I invited?"

She turned to Ophelia and grabbed her hands. "Of course, silly. I invite all of my friends."

"It's just that the last time I was at your birthday, things didn't go too well."

"Water under the bridge. You're always welcome in my palace, girlfriend."

"Thank you, my princess."

"Call me Stella."

"It would not be proper."

"You're too wound up. I know what'll help. Hugs!" She pulled her in to a tight embrace.

Brandon laughed. "Looks like you're one of the gang now, Ophelia. A word of warning. Once Stella grabs hold she never lets go."

"Damn straight." She stood back. "Say, what say I drop by Corona next weekend? We can hang. I've never seen the Crystal Waterfalls. You'll take me there won't you?"

"It will be my honor."

"Great!"

Ophelia retuned Stella's hug – she then regarded Brandon. "Master Brandon."

"Just Brandon."

"Brandon, I…" She blushed. "I want to thank you."

He looked confused. "Thank me? For what?"

"For opening my eyes. I've learned much from observing you and the princess. But you in particular have displayed a level of disposition I have not seen before. My entire outlook on nobility has changed since meeting you. I know now that it is not birth or name that makes one noble, but what is in their heart. For this, I thank you. And…I will miss you." She twiddled her fingers. "Are there any…more like you at Red Fountain?"

Brandon bit back a laugh. "Well I do have friends. They're pretty cool once you get to know them."

Stella came around to him. "What he means is there are a lot of great guys at RF, but there's only one Brandon. Ain't that right, snookums?"

"Afraid so."

Ophelia nodded her understanding.

"Hey, girl," Stella called. "Red Fountain holds a lot of events now that they got a new campus and all. What say you drop by next time?" She winked. "Lot of hotties."

Ophelia blushed. "I will keep my calendar open."

The door to the balcony opened and Renault stepped in. "Begging your pardon, your highness," He addressed Stella and then Brandon. "Lord Brandon."

Lord Brandon? I like the sound of that!

"Lady Ophelia," He addressed the duchess. "But a Red Fountain craft has arrived."

"That's my ride."

"Shall I tell the pilot to be expecting you soon?"

"Thank you, Renault."

"My pleasure, Lord Brandon." He left.

"I could get used to that."

"You fit the part, no question," Stella said.

"Indeed." Ophelia took a step back and curtsied. "This has been a most interesting night but I'm afraid I must retire. There are a great many duties awaiting upon my return to Corona and many changes to be made." She looked up at them. "Many changes."

"Not too many I hope," Brandon said.

"Yeah. Change is cool and all but not at the cost of what makes us special. Solaria is special and we're going to keep it that way."

Ophelia took her leave. "Farewell."

With Ophelia gone it was just the two of them.

"Alone again." Stella smirked. "Now where were we?" she leaned in to kiss him.

"Stella." Brandon held her back.

"What is it, snookums?"

"I gotta tell ya. A lot happened tonight that got me thinking."

"And?"

"Well. I learned that we shouldn't waste what time we have. I almost lost you tonight and…well, I think we should take our relationship to the next level."

"The next level? But we're already boyfriend and girlfriend. Unless you mean…" she gasped. "Whoa! Brandon I love you, but don't you think this is rushing it a bit? We're still in school!"

"I mean I want you to become my fiancée."

"Oh. That's cool."

"Then let's make it official." Reaching into his back pocket, he was amazed it survived after all this, Brandon removed a small box. "In Eraklyon we have a tradition. When a man wants to get serious with a woman, he gives her a gift straight from his heart. It's something he makes. Something he spends days, sometimes weeks working on. It's not perfect and I needed Sky's help at a few points but," Opening the lid, Brandon revealed a thin necklace with a chocolate-colored stone. "This is for you."

"Brandon." She was mesmerized. "It's beautiful."

"We call it the Pact of Gemini." In a flash, there was two. The second necklace was the same as Stella's except its stone was the color of Stella's eyes. "This one is mine. We both wear them as a symbol of our feelings for each other, and for hopes of the future."

"Brandon." She cooed as he put the chocolate one around her and then did the same for him. "Stella," He began. "I love you. No matter what happens I want you to know that I will always be there for you. I give to you my heart, my soul, and my life." He paused briefly. "Will you do the same?"

"Yes." Her answer was immediate.

Brandon smiled. "That's my girl."

"Forever and ever," she giggled. Leaning in, they shared a deep kiss, oblivious to the thousands of stars that bore witness to their love.

--

Sky was reading a magazine when Brandon arrived. "Boy you look happy. I take it she took the bait?"

"Hook, line, and sinker."

"Congrats, man. You and Stella were made for each other," Sky said as he pressed the button to pull in the ramp and rev up the engines. "And to think you were so worried. I told you she'd love it."

"You were right." Brandon took his seat beside his friend and laid back as the ship climbed into the sky. He watched the city spread out before him with mixed feelings. So much had happened in just one night; so much that Brandon would never be the same again. A part of him will always remain on Solaria. This place had a magic to it that defied description. He realized it was more than the people, or the buildings, or the music, or the history…it was something in the air – something that reached down into your very soul and made you realize who you are. His heart remained, and always will remain, with Stella. But this realm had claimed his soul.

"So," Sky asked as they broke through the atmosphere and plunged into deep space. "How was Solaria? Looked like there was a hell of a party going on down there."

Brandon shrugged. "It was alright."

"Alright? I know you better than that, Brandon. What aren't you telling me?"

"It's just,"

"Yeah?"

Breathing in, Brandon turned to watch the world disappear into the night. "It's something you have to experience for yourself."