When I awake the next morning Larana was sat on my chest staring at me in wonder. Mila was holding my hand, smiling. I turned my head to look at her, spotting Raziel and Arata, finally the connection had been fully restored, it was sure a relief to see them again.

Larana darted up, hugging my face. “Master.” She cried.

“Larana.” I tried not to cry as I had missed them so much.

“I was so worried about you,” she cried even more.

“Sorry I could not have assisted more in your healing,” said Mila, guilt held in her expression.

“Not your fault,” I encouraged.

“More training is in order,” commented Raziel. Arata just huffed, turning his head, typical he still didn’t like me.

“We can all go home,” I smiled.

“Not before you revisit the tree,” said Raziel.

“Right.” I nodded getting up with Larana still clinging to my face, she was too small to prevent me from moving.

It was still early in the morning, but that did not matter as most of the village was active. I loved how everyone always said hi, that there wasn’t any darkness here now or fear from what was attacking before.

I arrived at the tree. It had been improving over the last few days, new leaves forming on every branch, glowing with so much life, which again fed back into the village, hopefully the village would be safe now.

“How are you feeling?” I laughed a little, talking to a tree again.

“Much better.” I heard a whisper and jumped out of my skin. I thought it was the tree for a second, but it was Raoul. “Did I scare you?” He chuckled.

“No,” I denied it.

“It has been said many have been able to hear the voice of this ancient tree. I myself once heard its voice when I was but a child.” He gazed up at the tree fondly.

“And now,” I wondered.

“Just the rustling of his leaves,” he glanced at me. “Did you know the legend says this tree is where an ally of Fang died, to repay his kindness, their friendship. Fang prayed to the goddess, asking her to allow him to be reborn and protect these lands, thus this tree began to grow, purifying the land and where the village was set up. We have no name to stay hidden to protect this place as Fang’s friend once did.”

“It indeed contains a spirit, he told me where to find the danger, now the darkness is gone, he can recover his strength,” I said.

“Perhaps he spoke to you because he needed help,” commented Raoul as a leaf fell and landed on my shoulder, a thank you. “I wonder if you walk the same path as he, you share his power, his name, perhaps in this time you are him.” I shrugged at his words. “You should know by now.” He looked at me puzzled.

“Oh.” I knew where he was heading with this. “No.” I shook my head. “I have still not had my awakening.”

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“I see, it seems you have to wait until you face him before it happens.” Raoul nodded to himself. “Now gather your friends, it is time you return home to protect the one you are meant to keep safe.” I nodded in agreement.

My team were already to go, they had everything packed up and were just waiting on me.

The village gave us a huge send off. I even sensed the land flowing with a radiance, the tree was grateful too, this place was safe for that much longer.

-

We returned to Cathopia where we were greeted by Tigra. I don’t know how she knew we were back; I hadn’t sent any letter or anything. Had she been waiting every day here for me to return, how sweet.

I was so relieved to see her, I expected to see a glowing smile, but what met me was a cross expression. How the heck could I have made her angry by not even being here. I laughed nervously as we approached, sensing hostility from her.

“And what took you so long,” she snarled.

“Huh?” I was confused not realising what it was she was so up in arms about.

“Huh!” She raised her voice.

“What’s the matter?” I asked alarmed, had something happened while I was away.

“A mission such as the one given to you, should not have taken so long, you know.” She puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms.

I stared at her, my heart all a flutter. “Were you worried about me?” I quizzed going in to nudge her with my elbow. She huffed again, looking away from me. “You were.” I smiled; she’d been worried about me. I heard a snigger from Edge. I glared at him. “You’re not needed, go home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Ah, I wanted to watch,” sighed Edge. Lin jabbed him, then dragged him off by the arm.

“Later Fang,” waved Ibiki.

“Bye.” The others called as they headed off.

“Tigra.” My attention returned to her. “I’m sorry.” I put on a smile. “There had been more trouble and danger than expected.” She glanced at me. “There were more clones just like at the temple.” She still didn’t say anything. “If I could, I would have sent you a message.”

“Then why didn’t you?” she asked.

“Didn’t really think I needed to,” I shrugged. “Plus, it didn’t cross my mind.”

“Master could have, if he’d asked,” mentioned Larana appearing on my shoulder.

“And how’s that so.” We both look at her.

“A little trick of mine is able to send messages on the wind to anyone you are allied with,” responded Larana.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I moaned.

“Well not everyone who has wielded my power has been able to master it,” she shrugged as if it wasn’t even that important.

“He will,” commented Raziel.

“Perhaps.” Larana seemed to beam.

“He has shown far more potential than most master I have seen, one day he may even unlock a talismans true power,” nodded Raziel quite proudly.

“A talismans true power?” I repeated, his eyes gleamed with anticipation. Did he think I somehow knew what it was he was on about? Perhaps he expected it from me. “Whatever.” I focused on Tigra. “I promise I will master this ability of Larana’s and when I head out on a mission, and I take too long I will send you a message.”

“That would be great,” nodded Tigra pleased with this outcome.

Larana let out a laugh. “How is it master, that you haven’t done anything wrong and still manage to anger Tigra.”

“Shut up Larana!” She always had to point stuff out.

“I can worry about my best friend,” remarked Tigra. “Now come on, your mum is waiting.”

“By the way how’d you know I’d be back?” I questioned as we headed for home.

“Your mum,” replied Tigra. “She is great for finding stuff out.”

“You really don’t have to worry you know,” I said.

“I can’t help it,” she smiled. “Best friends, remember.”

“Yeah.” I smiled. I couldn’t have agreed more.