Brendan and I were becoming closer friends every day we trained together and well spent time together, after all he and Athena were living with me now. They were family.

Mum always had the biggest smile while serving breakfast, even though I’m sure it must have been hard when dad wasn’t at home, but Athena quickly offered to help with the bakery while Mum did the deliveries instead.

“Come on.” Brendan slammed his glass down. “You still claiming you won yesterday’s match.”

“I did win,” I argued back.

Mum laughed. “Now boys.”

I smiled at mum. “Did you want help in the bakery today?”

“No,” she shook her head. “I have another task for you.”

“Anything.”

“You haven’t even heard it yet,” sighed Brendan.

“So,” I remarked.

“I want to have a special sword crafted for you,” began mum. “One that you can use to harness elemental energy through, harnessing both Larana’s and Mila’s power.”

“You need special material for that,” commented Athena.

“Yes,” she nodded. “There are many ancient ruins around Cathopia that not many Animalia visit anymore, within these ruins lie underground caverns which special crystals designed for such a job can be found.”

“Ancient ruins,” repeated Athena. “Who knew Cathopia contained such rich history.”

“The ruins were once where Animalia used as shelters when the world was plagued by darkness,” explained mum.

“And you want me to go?” I verified.

“Yes,” replied mum.

“Can’t you just buy some?” asked Brendan.

“You can, but those weapons crafted are not correctly intoned to the wielder, one must search for the ancient crystal they feel a connection too, only then can it be more powerful as it’ll connect directly to your own power.”

“You really want to make me a weapon?” I asked.

“The only sword you still carry is the practice sword, your dad gave you.” Mum glanced at the practice sword at my waist. “A warrior must have a trusted blade.”

“Alright,” I nodded. “If it’s that important to you, then I will go.”

“Good.” Mum got to her feet, bringing over two packs she had left by the door. “I have already prepared everything you will need.”

“I have to go too,” responded Brendan as she put one in front of him.

“You don’t expect my son to go alone do you?”

“Can’t he just take Tigra?” Brendan obviously didn’t want to come.

“If she came, they would send a search party if she was gone from the castle for too long,” I mentioned. “Plus, I would need permission from Queen Daz and King Alton.”

“Please Brendan.” Mum stared at him with wide eyes.

“Alright,” he let out a sigh, he could never say no to mum.

“One more thing, it may take some time before you find it, a couple days at most,” informed mum. “Once you have found it allow Larana to guide you out of there, otherwise you might get lost down there.”

“Lost,” gulped Brendan.

“This’ll be fun.” I stood up, putting the pack on.

“Here is a map to the closest ruins.” Mum handed me a small map. “Once inside, follow any tunnels heading down.”

“Got it.” I nodded, getting excited. “Look after mum, Athena.”

“You can count on me,” nodded Athena.

“Let’s get going Brendan.” I patted him on the back.

“Right,” he reluctantly got to his feet.

“Have fun.” Mum gave both Brendan and I a hug.

I smiled as we headed off together, Brendan followed behind. “Sure, we’ll be okay?”

“Mum wouldn’t have sent us if it wasn’t safe,” I commented. “Plus, if something happens just use your new strength and take them down.”

“Yeah right.”

I was a little worried that we might bump into Tigra as we headed out of the castle, through the streets of Cathopia which had been quieter in recent months, due to the tension between the tribes around Cathopia. I hoped I wouldn’t bump into anyone from them either.

I looked at the little map mum had given me. To reach the ancient ruins she said the crystals would be within, we needed to cross the wind fairy bridge into the forest, from there follow the river where in half a day we would come across the ruins.

“Has anyone even explored these ruins?” asked Brendan as we finished crossing the wind fairy bridge.

“I have no clue,” I shrugged. “Didn’t really know they were about until mum mentioned it just now.”

“Nobody knows what’s down there then,” said Brendan.

“They would have had to for mum to know where the crystals are,” I took in the scent of the forest as we entered into the trees. “Maybe she’s even been there before.”

“Who knows,” shrugged Brendan.

“Your dad went there on numerous occasions,” mentioned Larana appearing on my shoulder. “Within, you will find the most beautiful site you’ll ever see.”

“What beauty can an underground cavern hold?” wondered Brendan.

“We’ll soon find out,” I smiled.

We continued to head where mum’s map instructed us to. Along the way we came across the river, the flow headed towards the grand lake around Cathopia and a part of me wondered where it started from.

As we followed the waters, I also walked on its surface, even using these calm moments to try to use Larana to fly. I was still struggling to master this very tricky ability of hers, as Feles weren’t exactly designed to fly.

I used my momentum of walking forward to slowly hover above the water. I was wobbling all over the place, my feet dragging across the water.

“Do you ever stop?” questioned Brendan.

“Stop what?” I glanced over to him, which was a mistake as I went in that direction and crashed into a bush.

“Training,” responded Brendan holding his hand out to help me up.

“Flying is an advanced skill of Larana, if I can master it I now I’ll be able to access more of her power,” I said.

“Did your dad really fly?” Brendan glanced at Larana.

“Just like any Avis,” smiled Larana.

I brushed myself down. “I guess that’ll do for today.” I felt a little discouraged, but I would eventually get the hang of it, considering I had used an advanced skill of Mila’s to purify water and I would do this too. “Let’s get to the ruins.”

“I had hoped you would have changed your mind by now,” admitted Brendan.

“Nope.”

Brendan and I continued on our way. Eventually we came to an area with less trees and more shrubs. There was rubble everywhere, leftovers from whatever was once built here.

I began walking slowly as I glided my hand over the ruins of a wall, or perhaps it had once been a building. Its texture was crumbly under my fingertips. I looked ahead to see many more, this site was huge.

“Where do you think the entrance is?” wondered Brendan.

“I’m guessing it is at the heart of all this,” I said, heading in deeper. The further we headed in the more ruins we discovered. “This place is amazing.” I looked around at everything. “Larana, where is it?”

“This way master,” replied Larana flying ahead. I watched her movements as she flew, if I could figure out how she did it then I could do it too. “Down below, you’ll see more amazing stuff.” She glided as if guided by the wind itself. “A perfect place for any secret dates,” she laughed as she twirled around to glance at me.

“Larana,” I hissed.

Larana led us to an opening in the trees, where what looked like a pile of rocks, all placed around a staircase heading upwards. There was grass and flowers coming up between each of the rocks, flowering in this surreal place.

As I placed my foot on the first step, I saw things change before my eyes. A stone archway appeared over the top. I slowly looked around to see small buildings and high walls, almost like they were trying to keep something out.

Looking forward again I saw a figure standing on the top step, looking down. His essence was filled with so much pride, his aura powerful.

“Come on Larana, you’re slowing me down today.” I heard his voice as he called to my talisman.

“Sorry.” Larana flew passed, sitting upon his shoulder.

“It won’t be long now my friend, we’ll save her.” He looked directly at me as he said those words. My eyes widened as I realised who he was.

“Fang.”

“Alex.” I heard Brendan calling to me, as I fell backwards, losing consciousness.