I soon found out that both mum and dad had put a lot of work setting up the grand hall for my party. The queen had let mum use the grand hall and even came. The grand hall was huge, used mainly for the royal parties the king set up for special guests visiting from other places.

I had gotten up early to see the room all set up with balloons, banners with happy birthday written on it, along with loads of different foods, prepared by the royal chefs and they were still bringing it in, placing it all on the tables.

I gulped at the sight of the food, there was crisps, chocolate, fruit on sticks, dried fish bites, sausage rolls, chicken, rice balls and something new, which dad had made saying he had tried it overseas once, something called a dango. I was hungry just staring at it all, my mouth watering.

I stepped forwards licking my lips as I saw the cake, shaped like my hero Fang, the legendary hero. The detail was so amazing, I could see the twin lion swords upon his back, his bracelet for the wind fairy and choker for the water mermaid. It looked so good I almost felt bad for when I got to eat it.

“Alex.” Mum came over.

“Who made the cake mum?” I questioned.

“I did, but I also had help from the royal chefs, even I found some of the finer details a little tricky,” replied mum.

“It’s awesome.” I jumped up and down with excitement.

“I’m glad you like it. I wanted everything to be perfect, after all today is a special day.” Mum was smiling.

“Because it’s my birthday.” I responded looking at the number six on my cake.

“Yes, but also because you’ll be receiving your talisman from your dad.” Mum gently rubbed me on the head. I let out a purr. “Your guests will be here soon, let’s get ready properly.”

“Okay.” I nodded as she took hold of my hand. I knew that hardly anyone would be coming, as I didn’t know many Animalia, only those my parents knew or the customers I had met from the bakery.

I got ready with mum before the party was meant to start. I noticed dad was doing his own preparation and I knew exactly what for, for when I received her as my talisman. I felt excited even though I wasn’t entirely sure what it really meant.

My sixth birthday started at noon and was far better than I could have ever imagined it would be. I had never had a party before, perhaps because I never had anyone to share it with.

Just as I suspected, not many showed up, there was mum, dad, and a handful of Animalia from around Cathopia who I knew, some even worked for my parents.

Mum introduced me to someone else my own age, who shared my brown fur. “This Alex is your cousin, Kiba.”

“Hi.” I did a little wave.

“Hi.” He replied quietly, sticking close to his mum’s leg.

“Wanna play?” I asked, but he just hid behind his mum.

“Sorry, he’s shy when it comes to others he doesn’t know,” responded his mum by kneeling down to our height. “Your family, so in time I am sure you’ll get to know each other.”

“Kiba.” I held out my hand. He just shook his head. I could see he was very uncomfortable, so I put on a smile. “Maybe later.”

The grand hall was so big, I could run around it without bumping into anything. I had never been able to do whatever I wanted to in here before as I had only ever seen it in passing. Tigra never brought me here either, I wondered why as it was the perfect place to play but wasn’t the best for hiding as it was so open.

Tigra and Queen Daz arrived together, escorted by that really creepy Guardian of hers, the one with black fur and golden eyes. I couldn’t hide from him this time.

I had found out yesterday from dad that he was a black Panthera Pardus by the name Gual, his family had served as Guardians for six generations. He stood protectively behind them, his expression blank, but his body posture said he was on guard, his eyes sweeping across the room, perhaps looking for any unseen danger. It was obvious he took his duty seriously.

I ran over to Tigra, Gual snarled at me. I quickly backed off, he gave me the creeps, a chill ran down my spine; he was definitely someone I shouldn’t mess with.

“It’s okay Gual,” smiled Queen Daz. “This is Alex, Tigra’s closest friend.” He lowered his guard without a word. Mister cool guy. I gulped as his eyes never left me, perhaps he was angry with me for teasing them yesterday with our little game.

“Alex, great party,” said Tigra.

“I wouldn’t say that, but I’m so glad you came.” I relaxed a little more, even with Gual staring at me as if I were his prey or something.

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They headed towards my mum, while Tigra stayed with me. I watched them for a second as they began to chat. I somehow couldn’t get my head around the fact both mum and dad talked to the king and queen as if they were old friends; I didn’t often see them hanging out or anything. I looked at Tigra, maybe royal friendships ran in the family.

The queen was loved by all the Animalia of Cathopia. She made it her duty to walk among them, she was just as kind as the king, bringing happiness to everyone she met.

Music began to fill the hall, played on stringed instruments. I could see everyone enjoying themselves and so would I. Even though the adults were just standing around chatting, Tigra along with one other my age, but he was still stood nervously next to his parents.

I grabbed hold of Tigra’s hand as we danced, even though it was mainly us swinging around in circles. Tigra quietly sang to the tune, she did love to sing, but so far only to me; she got nervous around other Animalia. She had a pretty singing voice, I kind of wish she would let others hear it too.

Next were the games, pin the tail on the donkey, I wasn’t any good at that, too dizzy and I would end up walking into the wall. Tigra was amazing, getting it on perfect every time. We even made our mums have a go. It was funny watching them struggle to pin the tail on, the queen more than mum.

Queen Daz stumbled a little, heading in the wrong direction and nearly pinning it on Gual instead. Tigra and I laughed so hard. Mum stepped forward, almost gliding to the donkey, missing the poster, but it was close enough for me.

Dad turned down the offer to have a go, saying something about it being for children. Mum called him a spoilt sport, but he still didn’t have a go.

Catch the mouse was next, a classic, one person would play the mouse and the others would have to chase them. Tigra happily chose to be the mouse, she was so confident in herself and she had the right to be as no one could catch her. She was just so fast, even jumping up the walls to get away when cornered.

Kiba even joined in with this one, he was all over the place, slow as he ran after Tigra. He quickly gave up, just watching her mesmerised by her speed and agility. I was happy he actually joined in one of the games, even if it was only for a short time.

Kiba was soon hiding by his mum again, who gave him a gentle rub on the head, giving him a well done for being brave. I guessed he didn’t have many friends either.

“Come on,” cheered Tigra excitedly. “Come and catch me.” She was so amazing and agile, that we never did. The game ended with everyone exhausted, sat down trying to catch their breath.

I had almost caught her, inches away from grasping her tail, but what I thought was a close win had been her just messing around.

“You’re just too good Tigra.” I told her after giving up.

Tigra stretched. “I know right.” She was so pleased with herself and I didn’t blame her.

It was time for me to open the few presents the guests had brought for me. Everyone had brought something from a new ball to kick about to some new toys.

Mum had made me some new clothes, they were perfect, one of them was a copy of a knight’s uniform, so I could pretend to be one just like dad.

“You said you wanted one.” Mum smiled as I stared happily at the new clothes.

“Thanks mum.” I couldn’t wait to try it on later, maybe even wear it while Tigra and I played heroes.

Tigra gave me two new foam swords as we had recently destroyed my other ones in one of our games.

“Sorry I broke the last ones.” Tigra apologised.

“We did get pretty rough,” I laughed at the thought.

“These are made from a much denser foam than the ones we used to have, so should be able to handle much more of a beating,” mentioned Tigra.

“Perfect.” I grinned. “We’ll play with them later and I’ll be the knight.” I held the foam sword up, feeling quite proud.

“Sounds like a plan. I look forward to it.”

I wasn’t expecting to get something from the queen, but here she was giving me something, she handed me a blue choker with a water droplet in the centre, elegantly crafted, it was beautiful.

“I feel this belongs to you, young Alex.” I stared up at her.

“Thank you.” I touched it, feeling I already had a connection with it, like it held some sort of dormant power sleeping within it, maybe even secrets yet to be discovered. I would wear it always, a gift from the queen was always one to be cherished.

“One day you will unlock its mysteries.” She smiled as I already put it on around my neck.

“Cool.” I didn’t understand what she meant but I felt greatly honoured as I touched the smooth surface of the choker, it reminded me so much of the waters around Cathopia.

“You sure he’s ready for that?” questioned mum.

“I’ll look after it.” I cried, thinking mum might take it away from me, not understanding what she really meant. “I will wear it always.”

“Well, it does suit you,” commented mum.

Queen Daz put her hands on my shoulders. “You’ll make a powerful warrior for Cathopia one day.” She smiled. “Can I ask something of you?”

“Sure.” I nodded.

“Will you protect Tigra for me?” She asked.

“Of course.” I nodded, not quite understanding back then the true meaning of that question.

Mum clapped her hands. “Now the presents have been given, it is time to dig into the food.”

“Yeah.” Tigra and I cheered dashing over to the food, we dug straight in grabbing what we wanted and munching down.

“Alex.”

“Tigra.”

Both our mums called our names, we both slowly turned to look at them with food still in our mouths.

“You know better.” Queen Daz shook her head.

Tigra gulped down what she was eating, then grabbed two plates. “Here Alex.”

“Thank you.” We both let out a giggle before stacking our plates with food. Everyone else slowly followed and enjoyed the food too.

It had been a great day so far, but it was only just beginning as dad had yet to hand over my talisman. I wondered why he had been taking his time, as after eating I played with my new foam swords with Tigra, but I would soon find out as dad called my name.

“Alex.”