The group didn't stop until they reached the outskirts of Cressa. Even then, the only time they paused was to dismount and lead the horses into the city. A small group of pirates took them to the nearest stable to try and get some gold for them, while the rest of them made their way through the busy city and toward the pirate ship calling them to safety.

As soon as they set foot on the ship, Seonghwa immediately forced his way to Kita and pulled her into his arms.

Kita hugged him back. They sank to their knees, crying into each other's shoulders. His hands ran through her hair, untangling it and fussing over every inch of her.

No one interrupted them, instead choosing to greet other's they had been worried about.

Wooyoung and Jongho shook hands, then turned to watch over the reunited siblings. Hongjoong was holding Katrina close to him, still kissing her whenever he lifted his head from where it had been resting on top of hers.

Yeosang came and wrapped an arm around Wooyoung's waist, leaning his head against him and smiling contently.

Yunho kissed the back of his sister's head once then pushed his way through the pirates and guards until he came across Mingi doing a head count of the survivors. He ran to the guard, placing his hands on the other's cheeks while scanning him for injuries, then pulled him into a hug.

Mingi was shocked for a second, then returned the gesture. They both swayed back and forth for a moment before breaking apart and tending to their own men.

Eventually, Hongjoong called for them to set sail once the few pirates returned after selling the horses.

The ship exploded with activity as the anchor was raised, sails unfurled, and Yunho took up a position behind the wheel to guide them out to sea.

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Kita couldn't believe it. She had almost everyone she cared about right in front of her. Seonghwa had refused to stop hugging her, dragging her with him if they needed to get out of the way. Eventually they made their way into one of the cabins.

He pulled her onto the bed with him, still keeping his arms around her. They situated themselves so his back was to the side of the cabin and she had her head in his lap. He continued to run his hands through her hair, smiling down at her as she closed her eyes.

"I missed you, Hwa." She whispered.

"I missed you more."

There was a soft knock on the door and both Yeosang and Wooyoung popped their heads in.

Without opening her eyes, she reached a hand out and sighed when she felt Wooyoung take it. She felt him sit on the edge of the bed, then there was another shift as Yeosang went to sit next to her brother.

She smiled, feeling truly at peace for the first time in months.

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Wooyoung smiled down at Kita as he watched her drift off to sleep. He couldn't even begin to describe how happy he was just being able to look at her again, let alone hold her hand. She had been through so much and sending Jongho to rescue him had been a huge risk on her part.

"Thank you." Seonghwa's deep voice broke his thoughts. He glanced up at the prince, eyes wide. "Thank you for not abandoning her."

"Hwa, you know I could never do that. She means everything to me." He said softly, feeling his face heat up a little.

The couple chuckled and he noticed them looking at each other. "There are going to have to be some changes in Twilight if they want the royal bloodline to continue." The prince said as he kissed Yeosang's forehead.

They sat in silence for a long moment, relishing being together. But all good things come to an end at some point.

A small knock at the door had the three of them turning to it. It creaked open a little and Jongho peeked in. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Your Highness, but... some of us were wondering what the plan is now?"

"It's ok, you can come in." Seonghwa said, running a hand through his hair. "Thank you for helping us. I know you just committed treason against your king. Please know you have a place with us when we return to Twilight."

"S-Sir..." Jongho said, his lower lip trembled for a moment then he bowed low. "It would be an honor to serve you."

"Now, please tell everyone they deserve a night off. We should sail back to Twilight, but we will discuss our plans tomorrow."

Jongho bowed again and left.

Wooyoung nodded at the prince, grateful he didn't have to think about what still pursued them. He yawned and rubbed his chest. He still had an odd feeling there that he couldn't shake. It sent a shiver down his spine. It was like something wanted to burst inside him. He yawned again and shifted so he was laying down next to Kita, but he kept his head on the bed instead of on Seonghwa's leg.

He could hear Seonghwa and Yeosang whispering to each other softly, but all he could focus on was the feeling of Kita's hand in his. He brought the back of it to his lips and let it rest there before he too fell asleep.

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"They've been through so much." Seonghwa whispered, looking down at the sleeping couple.

"Yes, they have. And I'm sure it's more than either of them would actually want to tell us. But they survived. That's the most important thing. And now we need to figure out how to survive together. What are we going to do, Hwa? Our army isn't strong enough to withstand his fire or his troops. And I'd be willing to bet he is going to either destroy everything in his path to us, or travel past it to not waste time to come lay waste to Twilight." Yeosang said, looking up at him.

"I know, Sangie. I've thought about all that too. But what bothers me the most is... What was that pulse of energy? It seemed like you got stronger after it hit us."

"I don't know, but... I think it was Kita. I did feel stronger. I felt refreshed, like my energy reserve had been restored plus some. And then when she put her hands on me and I powered up the barrier... It was like she was keeping my energy full. I don't really know how to describe it." He looked down at his hands and then at the princess. "It's like she got a boost, or her powers upgraded. But if it affected me..."

"Then it boosted him too." Seonghwa growled. "Do you still feel it's affects?"

"Not as much, but I don't feel tired like I normally do after using that much magic. And It doesn't seem like she is drained either."

"Well that's a good sign then, that means he won't be strong forever."

"No, but it could mean he will still want to take her alive. If she can boost his powers and his army, then that would make him unstoppable." Yeosang sighed and rested his head against the older's shoulder.

"But it could make you unstoppable too. You might be our best bet at stopping him, Sangie."

Silence fell at the thought.

Soon the gentle rocking of the ship lulled them to sleep as well.

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Yunho smiled at the breeze that blew against his face. It felt so good to be back on the water again. It was where he felt at home.

He watched as the crew manned the ship like a well-oiled machine, cleaning and performing whatever maintenance needed to be done. They had lost eleven men total, six from his crew and five of Twilight's guards. It left them short staffed, but everyone was willing to pick up the slack.

He had also dismissed Hongjoong and his sister to enjoy a much-needed reunion. They wouldn't tell them how long they had been apart, but he knew they needed it.

"Hey." A deep voice came from behind him.

"H-Hey," Yunho said, turning to see Mingi walking over to him. "How is everything looking?"

"Good. I don't think I'm going to get some of my men back." Mingi said, chuckling a little. "They seem to like being out on the open sea."

"I understand how they feel. I know I feel at more at home on the water than I do on land." Yunho gazed out over the rolling waves.

"You do?" Mingi said, a sad note to his voice.

Yunho spun his head around. "B-But that d-doesn't mean I wouldn't be h-happy on land. I would just need some time to adjust." He sputtered and rubbed the back of his neck.

"You're cute when you get flustered." Mingi said, smiling at him.

Yunho was taken aback for a second, not sure if he just heard the other right. Then Mingi laughed again, tilting his head back a little, before he reached over and took Yunho's hand in his.

The pirate could feel himself turning red. He pursed his lips and stared straight ahead for a moment, then slowly shifted so he could rest his head on Mingi's shoulder.

"I might be able to get used to life at sea too." The guard whispered.

"Maybe we can share our homes."