Finally, we had reached Cathopia, I found myself smiling, it was great to be home again. I glanced at Brendan thinking that he would never see his home again. I walked beside him hoping to be supportive.

He had become a bit more talkative since discovering we had come to find him in Athena’s name, which had been more important to us than completing the overall mission.

Brendan was relieved Athena was alive, making it the only hope he had left in this world.

“Brendan welcome to your new home,” I said. “You’ll stay with me.”

“But you don’t even know me,” he stared at me.

“Well, you’re staying with me, nowhere else.”

“Welcome back Fang,” said a knight on duty at the bridge. “Princess Tigra,” he bowed.

“Where is his majesty?” I asked.

“In the throne room,” he replied.

“Straight to see father,” wondered Tigra. I could tell she was still worried about what we discussed. I had to stop myself thinking about it as all I could picture was Tigra falling on top of me.

“Report first then to see Athena.” Brendan smiled when he said Athena’s name.

“Yep,” I nodded. “Brendan don’t say anything while I’m handing in the report.”

“Okay.”

We headed through the city, then through the corridors of the castle heading for the throne room. I glanced back occasionally to check to see how Brendan was doing, he looked around at the castle in wonder, but that fear from before was still there; I knew it would be a while before it disappeared.

There was also this nervousness since coming inside, his whole life he’d lived outside and now he was inside, perhaps he found it strange. Tigra was there to encourage him, which made him relax a little more.

We entered the throne room, the knights at the entrance moving aside the moment they saw me. I immediately saw Dumah on King Alton’s left side and dad on his right, this was a scene I was all too familiar with, except when dad wasn’t there.

I could see the dark mist encircling around the king more than ever now, but most of it was still being held at bay by dad’s influence.

“Ah Fang, welcome back,” said King Alton. “What news do you bring of the attacks.”

I glanced at Brendan. “It appears the Ursus caravans were simply used as target practise.” A part of me hadn’t wanted to say those words while Brendan was present, but it had been my idea to bring him along.

“Pardon?” Dad held a surprised expression.

“Used as target practice,” I repeated.

“Can you elaborate on that?” asked King Alton.

“At each site everything was destroyed nothing was taken, that cannot be said for the victims of those pointless attacks, either that or they were searching for something.” I looked back at Brendan again. “I found one survivor saved by his older brother, he informed me the one who attacked was a Draco.”

“A Draco,” laughed Dumah. “They don’t even exist.”

“Then what creature do you suggest does not give off the same energy as a talisman, can breathe fire that emits a dark aura and can fly,” I responded calmly.

“I see,” the king was nodding.

“Anything else Fang?” asked dad.

“To be honest I think these attacks were the start of something bigger.” I looked directly at King Alton. “And you should be very careful with the Animalia you can trust, especially those who wield dark power.” I glanced at Dumah.

King Alton glanced at Dumah too. I got the feeling he somehow knew what was going on, perhaps even what was happening to him.

“Thank you Fang,” smiled King Alton. “Write up your report and hand it to Gual.”

“Understood,” I nodded.

“Now Tigra…” began King Alton but he stopped himself.

“You don’t have to be here for this Fang,” remarked Dumah. I turned to leave when Dumah said his next line. “Where is the betrothal sword?”

“Alton.” Dad responded before he could say anything.

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Tigra said nothing to Dumah’s question, just followed Brendan and I as we left the room.

“Tigra!” shouted Dumah after her.

“I won’t tell you again Dumah.” I saw dad go right up to Dumah as the knights shut the doors.

I looked at her as she came to walk beside me. I waited a little while before asking. “What’s the betrothal sword?”

“It’s the betrothal gift that the next in line to the throne gives to the one who they wish to marry,” answered Tigra aggressively. “And Dumah is not it.”

“Okay, I was just asking.” I put my arms up in defence, why was she shooting my head off.

“Ah, you are back your highness.” We both looked ahead to see Gual, he was with another Panthera Pardus, who looked to be about the same age as us.

Tigra went up to him. “Hi Zack,” she smiled, Zack said nothing just stood at attention beside Gual. I also noticed he was wearing a knight-in-training uniform.

“How did the mission go?” asked Gual.

“Pretty good,” I replied. “We found a survivor.” I pointed to Brendan.

“That is good news,” smiled Gual.

“We are about to introduce him back with his friend Athena,” mentioned Tigra.

“And Athena’s friend too, excellent.” Gual seemed pleased even though it was our success. “Best be on your way and don’t forget to give me the full report.”

“Aren’t you coming Gual?” asked Tigra.

“I have to return my son home first, plus you have Fang with you,” responded Gual. I felt proud hearing him say that. “Come Zack.”

“Coming dad,” responded Zack glancing at me as they both headed off.

“I didn’t know Gual had a son,” I commented.

“Future Guardian,” informed Tigra, she then nudged me. “You have some competition.”

“That guy, no way.” I waved my hand about, acting as if he was nothing.

“Can we go see Athena now?” asked Brendan.

“Sure,” I smiled, and we headed off to the bakery, home.

Mum was serving a customer when we went in, she smiled when she saw us. “Welcome home.”

“Athena out back?” I questioned.

“She is,” nodded mum.

“Meet Brendan,” introduced Tigra.

“Brendan,” she repeated holding a relieved expression, glad we had found him alive.

“Athena!” I called making it in our living room. “We’re back.”

“Alex,” she came running out from my room, stopping in her tracks when she saw Brendan. “Brendan.”

“Athena,” he smiled and some of the pain in his eyes lifted.

“You’re alive.” Athena walked over in semi-disbelief at the sight of her friend, reaching him, she hugged him. “Brendan.” I saw tears streaming down her cheeks, she was so happy.

“Thanks to Alex,” responded Brendan.

“Was there any other survivors?” asked Athena hoping perhaps he wasn’t the last one.

“No.” Brendan shook his head.

“Not even Diluc?” Athena held sadness in her voice.

“He protected me,” he answered, pulling away. “All that was left was his claymore and this.” He opened his hand to show the scale, something he hadn’t let go since we found him. “A Draco attacked us.”

“I’m sorry Athena, but the caravans were either used for target practise or they were searching for something,” I informed.

“They were looking for something,” said Athena.

“What?” I asked curious to know the reason for so much death.

“They were searching for…” As Athena was about to reply Brendan shook his head. “They found you for me, even saved you,” she smiled. “I believe I can trust them with my secret.” Brendan hesitated, then nodded.

“What are you hiding from us?” asked Tigra.

“As far as I know I am the last member of the heavenly Avis tribes,” began Athena. “My tribe was wiped out by those that feared our power, feared us.”

“The heavenly Avis tribe is just a legend,” I said.

“Where do you think legends are born Alex,” responded Athena.

“What power did they hold,” asked Tigra wanting her to continue.

“We hold the ability to open portals to other worlds, that exist outside of this one,” explained Athena.

“Other worlds,” I repeated, the simple thought was mind boggling.

“Yes,” nodded Athena as she held out her hand and a small portal appeared above it. It was like a mini vortex, missed with blues, greens, reds and yellows.

“But what has this got to do with those attacks?” I questioned.

“There are those that would do anything to get their hands on this power, so they can destroy other worlds,” answered Athena. “To steal their technology, their secrets and maybe even to bring stuff lost to those worlds back.”

I lifted my hand up. “Okay I get the picture.” I sighed; this was big. “Do you know who the Draco might be?”

“No.” Athena shook her head.

“Next time he shows up I’ll destroy him,” snarled Brendan.

“Revenge is not the answer Brendan.” Athena touched his shoulder. “Just promise that you’ll protect me, like Diluc did for you.”

“Okay.” Brendan stared at his friend, understanding and accepting her words

“Thank you both for bringing him back to me,” smiled Athena.

“You’re welcome.” I patted Brendan on the back. “To protect Athena, you’ll have to become stronger than that thing.”

“I will,” nodded Brendan.

“Tomorrow I’ll show you about and we’ll do some sparring,” I said.

“Okay.” Brendan nodded again.

“I’m going to see mum,” mentioned Tigra. “I’ll catch you later Alex.”

“See you later,” I smiled as she left.

“Someone has a crush,” sniggered Athena. I turned around and snarled at her. “Don’t deny it.” Brendan just nodded, instantly agreeing with his friend.

“Back off,” I said. “I don’t.” I wanted to protect these feeling and prevent her from finding out. “I have a report to write.” I quickly left before they could say any more about it.