While fast asleep I had a strange dream of two winged beasts, standing in front of me. They both held so much mystery, elegance, and majesty. They gazed at me, one with a strange disappointment and distrust, the other curiousness and seemed wise.

The curious one stepped forward, a voice calling out to me. “Are you ready to wield our power?”

“Call my name boy,” said the other, then they both pounced at me.

I woke up with a jolt, sitting up, my hand against my chest, trying to calm my beating heart, what the heck was that?

Slowly shaking off the feeling from my dream, I took a moment to look around at my surroundings. I was in a hut with a straw roof, much like the ones in the village I helped out, wait why hadn’t we left yet?

I got to my feet, feeling a little dizzy and weak as I did. Had the connection with Yuuma been more dangerous of an idea than I thought? Well, it didn’t really matter now as the village was safe and Dumah’s fear filled face was worth all the trouble.

I left the hut to see a village bustling with life, the leader was now tied to a pole in the middle of the village, and it looked like they now took their orders from Renen; and there was Yuuma stood beside her. I could tell already the two would never be apart.

“Morning.” I waved.

“At last, you’re wake, Fang,” she smiled.

“I apologise if my power was too rough on you,” said Yuuma.

“Don’t worry,” I shrugged. “Like you said, my power has yet to mature to connect better with other talismans.”

“I thank you for helping my village, we are all grateful,” said Renen. “If you ever need any help please do not hesitate to call upon our power.” She glanced at Yuuma.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I nodded.

“You know, it is strange. I feel complete now I am with Yuuma,” she admitted.

“I have always connected closely with my masters, the moment you accepted me, our bond was eternal,” said Yuuma.

“Oh, one thing.” I went all nervous. “Can you keep the I love the princess thing quiet?”

“Of course,” she nodded. “I hope when one day you’ll be king.”

“Me king.” I coughed. “I don’t think so.” I shook my head frantically.

“If you love her, then surely that is what you will become,” commented Renen.

“I am too young to be thinking about that,” I waved my arms in alarm, then I put them by my sides. “I would just be happy spending my whole life beside her, protecting her and if she ever returned my feelings, that would be a bonus.”

“A modest hero, not wanting too much,” said Yuuma. “I am sure, you’ll do more for her than you could ever imagine.” I looked at Yuuma. “Now then warrior of Cathopia, you must return home.”

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“Well, yeah,” I grinned. “My job here is done.”

“And do not worry, your friend couldn’t have said don’t tell anyone we were here enough,” she laughed. “We are friends, allies.”

“Thank you,” I nodded, glancing at the old leader. “What do you plan to do with him?”

“I am uncertain. Yuuma claims the darkness within him, will consume us all if he remains.”

“And it will, be careful.”

“Fang, let’s go.” Brendan called over, he looked quite inpatient to return home.

“Coming,” I sighed.

“Safe journey home Fang and thank you,” she bowed.

“Just doing my job,” I responded running off to join Brendan. “Let’s go home.” He nodded.

-

When we returned to Cathopia everything seemed to have returned to normal, the knights back in their normal routines, had Dumah been so fearful of Yuuma that he had stopped the attacks for now, if he had it meant I could relax while restoring the energy being connected to Yuuma had taken.

Mum had not asked about what I had done, a feeling told me she somehow already knew. I wondered if any rumours about the events had spread through the city, how they failed to deal with a village protected by one talisman master.

I had been lied out on the sofa as soon as I arrived home, still feeling weak from the connection. I realised I would need to take a break from training for a few days until this feeling of weakness passed.

“I thought you were back.” Tigra came in plopping herself on the remaining space of the sofa, where my head was. She looked down at me smiling and I smiled back. “How did it go?”

I gulped staring up at her before replying. “Pretty well actually,” sighing a little.

“Going to tell me all about it then,” she requested. “I’ve already heard all the rumours, apparently the village suddenly wanted to continue to peacefully resume connections with Cathopia after calmly talking to Dumah.” My smile grew bigger, was that what they were saying? “We both know Dumah, and he would have destroyed him.” I went to sit up but fell down again. “Alex, you weren’t hurt were you?” She was now concerned about me.

“No,” I shook my head, managing to sit up. “I’m fine, it was more troublesome than I thought, but let me start from the beginning, you’re going to love the ending.” Tigra gazed at me intently, curious filled eyes waiting to hear the real story.

I had her surprised, shocked, amazed, and laughing so hard at the end as I described the pure fear on Dumah’s face, as he stared down Yuuma, the god classed talisman.

“He was really that scared,” she laughed.

“Yeah, he was,” I laughed too. “I wish Yuuma had eaten him to be honest, but Renen had such a kind heart.”

“I wish I could have seen it,” she admitted. “Don’t get much adventure within the city.”

“Yeah, ever since Dumah prevented you from being able to come out on missions with me,” I said. “But just remember he is scared of snakes.”

“He is,” she giggled. “But from what you told me, it harmed you more than him.”

“Please don’t worry, I am perfectly fine,” I responded. “Totally worth it and I’ll be back to normal in a few days, right Larana.” I wanted to have her reassure Tigra too.

“He is right,” nodded Larana appearing. “Alex is capable of connecting with many talismans, it will not drain him once his power has matured like Yamato’s.”

“Your family certainly is weird,” commented Tigra, getting to her feet. “I best be off.”

“Don’t leave so soon, let’s hang out some more.” I wanted her to stay.

“You need your rest, you’ve had a long adventure,” she said.

“No,” I shook my head. “I always have time to spend with my best friend.”

“Alright,” she sat back down. “Tell me how scared Dumah was again.”

I laughed, remembering when I told Renen I loved Tigra, it had been nice to tell someone else for a change, to let another into my secret; and as long as I could spend moments like this with her, I didn’t care if she ever said I love you Alex.