After I had written my report I took it to Gual who was with Master Lance, they were both interested in seeing the report and what else I had found out. I didn’t put the information in the report about what Athena told me, I feared that perhaps one of those working for the Draco might have infiltrated Cathopia.

I did however tell them about her in person, seeing as they were not affected by the dark mist which encircled around the castle, so I knew I could trust them.

“I see, at least she is in safe hands,” said Gual.

“Master Lance, they were just a legend,” I mentioned. Even though Athena showed us her little power I was still finding it hard to believe.

“Yes,” nodded Master Lance. “That is how their tribe had passed itself down through the generations, to keep any survivors safe, only a select few knew about it, unfortunately I suspect they got that information from the king as he knew also.”

“Great,” I sighed. “What else does the king know that could endanger others?” I asked aloud.

“Too much,” answered Master Lance. “As you know his ancestors founded Cathopia, and brought peace to this kingdom, that was once ragged by war, and most fear war will happen again.”

“It will be Dumah’s doing,” I snapped.

“Yes, but we along with your parents are the only ones who are immune to it,” mentioned Master Lance.

“What can we do then?” I asked. “Dad’s strong enough to kick Dumah out of the kingdom but why won’t he?”

“I don’t know,” responded Master Lance.

“Yamato spoke up about the issue a few times,” mentioned Gual. “But King Alton had already promised Dumah’s Leo Prides protection within our city and being the king he is, refuses to break a promise.”

“He’s a fool, he’s the one causing all the problems,” I said.

“As the king of Cathopia he sets the example for everyone, if he was to throw them out after making his promise, then his subjects would react to that,” commented Master Lance.

“Fang you must only take missions directly from Queen Daz. I suspect Dumah would do anything to get rid of you and your dad.” I nodded, his words didn’t scare me, I wondered if they should have.

I returned home to see Brendan and Athena still catching up, chatting away. I could see how close they were as friends.

“Well done on the completion of your first mission,” said dad coming in to join me at the dining table.

“Thanks dad,” I smiled at his presence.

“And found Athena’s friend, couldn’t have been any more successful.” I looked at dad.

“That’s not all.” I touched the choker. “Mila.” She appeared next to me.

“Your second talisman,” he held an expression of pride.

“She awakened when I needed to save Brendan’s life, he was injured pretty bad,” I mentioned. “I understand now why mum was hesitant for Queen Daz to give me her, she knew.”

“Yes,” he nodded. “Your mother knows many things Alex, some she even struggles with, and I suspect one day you will be the same, her power is strong within you.”

“I’ve been having stronger visions, like when the fire happened, but sometimes they leave me feeling so weak,” I admitted.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“It is because you have yet to master it,” encouraged dad.

“So much to master,” I sighed. “I have to master that, Larana and Mila.” I slumped on the table.

“You’ll get it.” Dad patted me on the back. “As you mature you’ll understand more and more, but if there is something even you struggle with don’t forget you have friends to help you.”

“You mean Tigra, Ibiki, Brendan and Athena,” he nodded as I said their names. I had more friends now than I ever had.

“Allies are the ones you can rely on when something goes wrong, so I want you to remember that you never have to fight alone,” added dad.

“You fought with Master Lance, King Alton and Gual,” I said thinking of those he had a connection with.

“Yes and many others,” returned dad.

“Yamato.” Mum came in with a letter, it held the royal seal.

“No.” I stared at it. He got one of those every time the king wanted him to do something. “You can’t leave not again. You still need to teach me more about Larana and protect King Alton.”

“I have to do what he asks of me Alex.” Dad took the letter from mum and opened it. “When you serve Tigra as her Guardian, you will understand.” He then let out a sigh. “And I can only protect him if he lets me.”

“But the darkness it’ll consume him quicker the more you’re away.” I stood up.

“You don’t think I don’t know that,” snarled dad. “I would do anything to keep him safe, but he refuses to remove the cause of this darkness and fighting him now would only spread the darkness faster. I don’t have the power to purify it, only…” He stopped himself as I fell silent the concern in dad’s voice was all I needed to hear to understand how much he cared about him.

Dad remained silent as he read through the letter that King Alton had sent him. I just looked at him, he always acted so strong, perhaps even he felt scared for his friend.

“What does it say dear?” asked mum.

“Hmm.” Dad finished reading it over. “There seems to be a problem in a village, something about the creation of dark crystals, capable of corrupting anyone who goes near them, rumour has it someone has been selling them as jewellery.”

“Can’t someone else investigate that?” I asked.

“Most would be inflicted as soon as they got near the place, being immune, I’m the only one capable of doing this,” answered dad. “If I can shut this place down then it would put a stunt in the spread and infection to others.”

“Why would they sell it as jewellery?” I questioned.

“When an item such as a dark crystal is carried on the body, it allows the darkness to seep through it and into the body,” answered mum. “Something as simple as a necklace or bracelet can have great meaning, what better way than a gift from a loved one.” Mum touched the fang shaped pendent around her neck.

“This is serious, if any of them make it inside the city walls, we’ll have trouble getting rid of them all.” Dad stood up. “I’ll set out tomorrow morning.” I gazed at him wondering if there was anything I could say but there wasn’t.

-

The next morning dad was already packed up, ready to go. He was giving mum a hug and she was talking to him, concerned about something.

“This could be the one you know,” she said.

“I know but I must go, you know that.” Dad touched her cheek fondly. “You know this is much bigger than this.” Mum nodded.

“Dad,” I called. My heart was strangely aching even though he had gone on loads of these already. “Don’t go.”

Dad came over to me, digging in his pocket, pulling out the sphere used for training. “I want you to keep up your training while I’m gone.” He handed me the sphere. I took it but said nothing. “I’ll be back soon I promise.”

“How can I keep training when you’re hardly here?” I asked picturing all the early mornings we spent together, the hours we trained to make me stronger.

“Master Lance will teach you all you need, Larana and Mila will have to guide you in how to use their power,” responded dad. “Just promise me something.”

“What?”

“Don’t give up like you did at the academy, you must become stronger for the path destiny has written for you.” Dad placed his hand on my shoulder. “You’ll be in charge of the house, look after your mother, Athena and Brendan.”

“I will,” I nodded.

“Good.” Dad put on a smile, hooked his bag over his shoulder. “See you soon.” Dad headed off out the door. I glanced at mum to see her sad face, she didn’t like it when he left and neither did I.

“He’ll be back soon mum,” I said.

“I know,” she put on a smile. “Come on, how about we have some breakfast.” I nodded glancing one last time in the direction dad had left. I had this feeling it would be a while before I got to see him again.