I stood between Brendan and the one hunting Athena. It was the Lupus accompanied by a wolf pack and a few cloned versions of herself.

Brendan stood protectively in front of Athena, whose wing was blooded and held limply, she’d been injured to prevent her from escaping skywards.

“Fang!” cursed the Lupus. “You keep getting in my way.”

“And you keep pissing me off.” I drew my swords. “You escaped from the summit, but I won’t let that happen again.”

“I won’t let you stop me from completing my mission again!” She shouted, lifting her hand signalling for her clones and wolf pack to attack.

I had learnt from my previous battles I could not hesitate in making a move when it came to those who worked for the darkness. I could not show them weakness of any kind.

“Lightning wave,” I said aloud as I infused Mila and Arata’s power, glancing back at Brendan and Athena, I knew I would not allow any of them to harm any of my family.

I released a wave of water filled with electric energy, it sparked instantly destroying the clones and stunning the wolves.

“Flimsy creatures really, unlike us. We are special, born again to plague this world and destroy everything he built,” she said, not really bothered I had taken them out. “But you have been a pain in our side long enough.” She growled, pouncing as her body glowed with dark power, more than last time. Her fur wilder, standing on end.

“Gave you a present did he,” I commented as our blades clashed.

“He’d give it to you too if you’d just submit,” she snarled. “It won’t be long before he gives you a personal visit.”

“I look forward to it.” We began swiping at each other. I stepped back, then thrust forward, sending sparks of Arata out as I did.

“You have no idea who you are dealing with.” She held her hands out, disappearing for a split second.

I twisted on my heel, taking a breath in, and blowing out as she’d gone to appear behind me. I blew her away with a gust of wind the moment she reappeared.

“A shadow technique,” I smirked. “How about no shadows.” I swiped Raziel’s sword upwards, summoning walls of fire around us, the shadows flickering wildly preventing her from trying that again.

“Think you’re so clever.” She glanced around us to see I had surrounded us both in the fire, there was no escape for her.

“You are getting nowhere near Athena now,” I hissed.

“We will get her someday, then the revival of the eternal dragon cannot be stopped.”

“As long as we stand, he will never return to this world,” roared Arata.

I allowed him to release more of his power as lightning struck down around her, making her jump and move, almost like she was dancing.

“Damned lions,” she cursed.

I dashed forward, leaving myself open on purpose, coming in low the female Lupus swiped her dagger. I parried knocking it from her hand. I leaned back kicking her into a tree.

I was ready for her next move. “Is this what you’re really made of.”

The Lupus let out a whimper, her expression one of bewilderment. “I’ll let you have this time, but we will come for her.” She looked around looking for an escape route.

“You can’t escape,” I responded, moving closer.

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“That’s what you think.” She held no fear in her eyes as she headed straight for the fire line and jumped through the flames, escaping.

I sheathed the lions, allowing the fire to recede. I slowly breathed out dispersing any remaining energy as the flames finished dying down.

“Are you two alright?” I asked walking over.

“Alex.” Athena ran over hugging me, she winced.

“Athena.” I stepped back, holding my hand out as I had Mila cover her entire body in her waters, it glowed healing her wounds.

My attention turning to Brendan who held his head down in shame. Would this be the lesson he needed to realise he could no longer hesitate in attacking back.

I stared silently at Brendan; he’d been trained by the best but had not been able to protect the one he wanted to protect.

“Fang!” I heard Tigra’s voice call as they had finally arrived with Raziel.

“Time to take things seriously Brendan, they will come again for her power,” I said.

“I know that!” shouted Brendan. “That thing shared the identical scent and power as the Draco who attacked my home. I… I felt like I was a defenceless child again.”

Athena walked over to Brendan, touching his shoulder with a smile. “You can only grow stronger from here. The darkness always has that effect on those unfamiliar with it, but you know it.”

“Diluc couldn’t protect us, how am I supposed to. I am nothing like him,” responded Brendan.

“No, you’re not,” I said. “But with his guidance I think you could be even better.” Brendan just stared at me. “Come on, you’ve worked this hard, don’t stop now. Athena needs a Guardian.”

“Guardian Brendan,” smiled Tigra.

“I’ll protect you better next time Athena, please forgive me,” pleaded Brendan.

“There is nothing to forgive,” said Athena as Mila’s water faded away.

“All done,” I smiled, I was happy to see her wounds all gone.

“Thank you,” smiled Athena, stretching her now healed wing. “Much better.”

“Let’s go home,” I said. I glanced at Arata who I felt a little closer to and I could feel our sync rate had increased. I began walking first, passing him. “Thank you.”

“For what?” He snarled in his usual disapproving tone.

“Nothing,” I let out a little laugh and he snorted.

The city was still at battle stations, searching for the intruder. A large number of knights were at the bridges and around the castle. I informed them that the situation had been resolved as I went.

Queen Daz was still in the carriage, parked outside the castle, surrounded by knights and my remaining unit.

“Fang.” Edge jumped from where he’d been sitting on the top of the carriage. “Where are they?” He was beaming, ready for action, his tail flickering excitedly.

“They are gone,” I informed.

“Why did she attack?” questioned Rex.

“For a power to powerful to comprehend,” I answered.

Queen Daz came out of the carriage as King Alton came running from the castle, straight towards her.

“My dear, are you alright?” There was no dark mist around him, which I thought was a bit strange. I didn’t understand why the dark mist always fluctuated around him, strong one moment, weak the next.

“I’m fine,” she smiled.

“I heard everything that happened at the summit from Skyrus,” he paused looking at me. “Thank you for protecting her.” He held such gratitude in his expression, and I knew what force really kept his control over the darkness, his love for his wife, Queen Daz.

“It was my honour, your majesty,” I bowed.

“I hope it happens soon, otherwise it might be too late.” King Alton held an expression of seriousness, was he talking about my awakening. A smile crossed his lips. “But you do seem to be capable at keeping some of it at bay.”

“Why do you let the darkness so close,” I said without thinking.

“It protects what is left of the innocent within this city as long as I contain it, my family is safe.” He touched Queen Daz’s cheek. “A burden I have chosen to bare.” He took her hand. “Let’s head inside.”

“Yes,” she smiled. I could see the love they shared for one another, and my heart ached for Tigra, I wanted Tigra to look at me like that too.

“Train them well,” said King Alton on my unit. I nodded.

“Tigra!” Dumah came from the castle, she ducked behind me, I let out a laugh.

“Dumah,” snarled King Alton. Dumah stopped in his tracks, he was still scared of the king.

“Your majesty,” he said nervously.

“Tigra want to go hang out,” I smiled, wanting to spend some time with her.

“Sure,” she nodded.

“Rest up team, back to training tomorrow.” I dismissed them and headed off with Tigra, waving tauntingly towards Dumah.