Tigra and I spent the rest of the day together, which was a nice relief from the mission I’d just returned from. I could relax a little more now I was away from the dangers of the attack and Dumah was too busy being afraid of King Alton.

I began by telling her all about it as she’d asked, she was shocked to hear such an important place was targeted and by those clones too. One thing I did not tell her was the truth behind talismans, I was certain she would take it worse than I had.

“That is just crazy, how can we stop this from happening?” she asked, the hairs on her body standing on end with anger.

“We?” I responded.

“Of course, you’re not facing this alone,” she said.

“I have my unit now, plus you’re the princess,” I chuckled.

“So, what,” she huffed.

“You get so angry quick,” I laughed. “It’s cute.”

“Cute,” she hissed. “I’ll show you cute.” She pounced, swiping at me. I lifted my hand, catching her wrist.

“See cute,” I teased. “Don’t forget I can see most on-coming attacks.”

“You really have been getting stronger.” She quickly pulled away, suddenly bashful.

“Of course, I need to protect you after all,” I gazed at her, smiling. She blushed and looked away.

“Good,” she nodded acting pleased.

I held my hand out. “Want to get some Bluapples?”

“I thought you said your plant wasn’t old enough,” she commented.

“That is not what I am talking about,” I grinned. “Fly with me.” Larana’s wings appeared, she slowly took my hand. I pulled her in close, placing her back against me, I wrapped my arms tightly around her, she felt stiff. “Trust me.”

“I do,” I heard her whisper. I took off ascending. “Whoa!” She cried, gripping tightly to my arms. Cathopia shrunk in a matter of seconds. “This is so cool.” I thought she’d be scared but she loved it. “What a gift the Avis have, to see the world like this.”

“Want me to go a little faster?” I asked.

“Yes,” she cheered.

“Alright.” I went even faster, diving downwards as we flew over the forest just above the tree line. “Ready for some real fun.”

“Go for it.” She glanced at me.

“Master, we haven’t managed a complete fly through yet.” I heard Larana. “Especially not with a passenger.”

“We’ll do it, don’t worry,” I smirked, seeing the cavern entrance come into view. I held a little tighter to Tigra as I dived.

I’d tried flying through the caverns each time I visited to increase my flying speed and agility, unfortunately not once had I got through unscathed, but I refused to let anything happen to Tigra.

I entered the cavern into the right spiral downwards, the walls glowing faintly blue. A sharp left came next, straight after that was another left and right, and a bunch of other left and rights.

I made it through a tight zig zag safely, the one spot I had failed multiple times, I had sensed my wings come an inch away from the wall, so close.

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In a matter of seconds, I was out in the open caverns, flying over a few trees and reaching the water. I could hear Tigra’s breath catch in her throat.

I flew closer to the crystal-clear waters as Tigra reached her handout, running it through the clear cool waters. I smiled as I watched the water vapours sprayed up flickering the light across her white fur. It was always just the two of us, perhaps I should tell her.

I came to the little dock at the other side of the lake where I gently landed, slowly releasing my grip on Tigra.

She twirled around. “That was amazing.” Her eyes sparkling. “You’re awesome.”

“I’m not that awesome.” I rubbed my head embarrassed.

“You’ve always been too modest, you should accept that you have great power,” she smiled. “And I’d expect nothing less of my future Guardian.”

“Our goal is in sight,” I commented.

We picked Bluapples, then sat on the dock with our feet in the water, it felt so refreshing and the Bluapples were at their best.

“I’ll tell you something interesting,” I began. “This place doesn’t really have seasons, the energy from the crystals gives nutrients to everything.” I threw a Bluapple up and down in my hand. “Bluapple produce fruit all year round, but still need to be perfectly ripe before picking.”

“Really.” Tigra showed interest in what I was telling her. “That would help during the winter, especially when winter stocks get low.”

“It would,” I nodded. “I don’t mind giving them a supply, but I would rather as few Animalia find out about this place.” I admitted. “There are those who would strip it of all its resources, not understanding the reaction this place has with the light.”

“I will just have to buy directly from the supplier,” she grinned as I looked at her.

“A contract is in order then.” She nodded. I reached my hand out wiping away a piece of Bluapple from her cheek, she blushed a little confused. “You’ve always been a messy eater.”

“Thanks.” She gazed at me, the quickly looked away. “For bringing me here.”

“I’ve been meaning too,” I mentioned.

“Such a beautiful place,” she sighed. “Nice to get out of the city.” Even though I was busy with my unit I’d had Athena keep me up to date with what was going on with Tigra, unfortunately she’d become more restricted on where she could go, she was next in line to the throne and needed to be ready for when her time came to take King Alton’s place.

“I’ll bring you back next time I come,” I responded.

“That would be great.”

We spent a little more time there before returning to Cathopia. I had flown slower on the return trip so I could relish in the moment. Tigra was completely relaxed and was enjoying herself just as much as I was.

I landed outside the castle, letting her go, she turned on her heel with the biggest smile on her face. “At least you had time to relax today, you’ve been so busy training your unit. I think you’ve forgotten to even breathe.”

“I suppose I have,” I agreed with her. “But I think you’ve been busy too.”

Tigra looked away. “My duty.” She kept a smile, redirecting the subject back to me. “Just don’t push yourself so hard and next time you have some free time, I’m always free to hang out.”

“Tigra.” I gazed at her my heart pounding. I wanted to tell her how I felt about her. “There is something I want to tell you.” I had to force the word out.

“You don’t usually hesitate.” She looked at me puzzled.

“I…” I started, but we heard a noise to our left. We both looked over to see Kiba and Lin. They were holding hands.

“Seems those two have been getting pretty close,” commented Tigra.

“I noticed,” I nodded.

Lin turned to Kiba, kissing him gently on the lips and slowly walked away. Kiba just gazed in her direction in a daze.

“Your highness.” We looked towards the castle doors. It was Tigra’s Guardian Al. “Your father, the king has summoned you.”

“Oh.” She glanced at me. “Later Fang.” She smiled and ran for the door. I reached my hand out clutching at thin air as she headed inside.

“You told her yet?” Kiba came beside me.

“No,” I answered, then jumped. “Tell her what?”

“You gave her the chiefs pendent of protection and well you look at her like I do Lin,” commented Kiba.

“That obvious,” I sighed.

“Not really, you hide it pretty good.” I glanced at him. “You should tell her or are you worried what she’ll say?”

“I don’t want to ruin our friendship.” I grinned mischievously. “Enough about me, you and Lin.” I put my arm around him. “Getting pretty close cous.”

“Second date actually,” he admitted.

“Tell me all about it.” I was curious to know how this all started.

“Alright.” He nodded and we headed into the castle, heading for home.