Yuuma had spotted the one who was meant to wield his power, a Puma Concolor by the name Renen. She held fear in her expression, more on not understanding the spirit of the talisman who seek a master so he could continue his first master’s wishes.

I held out my hand, expecting her to take it, but she just stared at me as if I were the one confused.

“For the rite of succession to start you must take my hand,” I informed. I had gotten the information for performing the rite of succession from the connection with Yuuma, it seemed only his masters knew how to perform it, no wonder they could not find him a new master.

“No,” she shook her head. “I won’t.”

I quickly glanced up as I felt a sharp snap in my power, my barrier was starting to fail, I could feel it. The strain on my power from Yuuma had depleted what power it had faster than I thought. I had hoped I would have more time to connect with her, to make this as gentle as possible but we were running out of time.

“Renen, my barrier will not hold for much longer,” I began. “Once they get passed the barrier there will be no hope.”

“Why don’t you use his power to save us,” she responded.

“I would but for starters I am not meant to wield his power, like I said I am simply here to pass his power on to the one who is and two…” I glanced over at Brendan. “If they see me, I will be labelled a traitor and never get to protect Princess Tigra as her future Guardian.”

“Princess Tigra,” most gasped.

“You see, she means a lot to me, we’ve been best friends for years and like me, you are the only one who can protect this village.”

“Only me,” she glanced between Yuuma and me.

“It is purely your choice, but also know this, if my new master does not except me before this young warrior who has come to help you power runs out, then he shall have come for nothing and lose his life,” hissed Yuuma. “You see his power is not mature enough to sustain a talisman he is not meant to wield.”

“You’ll die,” she was shocked.

“Nope,” I grinned, thinking if she got it in her head I would die, she’d think she would too.

“I won’t,” she shook her head.

“That’s it refuse him,” beamed the leader.

I glanced over at him, blinking a few times. There had been a small mist of dark power everywhere an unfortunate side effect from the spreading darkness, but I could see more on him than I had before.

“Ignore him.” I looked back at Renen. “He is inflicted by the same stuff as the ones who are here to destroy you.”

“Renen,” I heard Brendan. “Listen to Fang, he saved my life when I was attacked by a Draco, and he wants nothing more than to help if only you let him.”

Renen looked me in the eyes. “How much does the princess mean to you?”

I glanced about, before leaning closer, whispering in her ear. “I love her.” I pulled away. She smiled nodding. I held my hand out a second time. “Alright then.”

“No!” shouted the leader.

“I have chosen,” she reached out taking hold of my hand.

“At last,” hissed Yuuma.

I felt my whole body pulse with Yuuma’s power, as the connection flowed through my body. I closed my eyes feeling as it went down, centring into my hand, where it began to transfer over to Renen.

“Agh!” She let out a cry.

“Don’t fight it.” I opened my eyes gripping tightly to her hand. “This is important, now listen.” She nodded and I knew she was feeling the same pain I had when I first connected to Yuuma. “You need to close your eyes, picture your power, an energy deep within, everyone has it, but it is stronger within those who are meant to wield talismans.” She listened to my instructions, closing her eyes I saw a focus come across her face. “Good.”

“So much potential.” Yuuma looked at me. “Thank you Fang.” His form disappeared.

“You’re almost there,” I encouraged feeling the transfer was almost done. “Now, you must sense his, it is pretty big, you can’t miss it, but don’t let it scare you.”

“I can see it, I can see him,” she sounded happy. “Yuuma!” She called out his name and I was thrown back with some force as Renen’s whole body was consumed in a blinding light of purples and greens.

Brendan was there to catch me, supporting me as I held so little strength. This whole venture had taken far more out of me than I thought. The disconnection had been just as draining as the connection.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Fine,” I nodded, staring in Renen direction as the light faded and so did my barrier. I had nothing left to give.

Renen was now covered in an armour, similar to purple scales, on her arms, legs, and chest. Her hair held in a high ponytail, she held out her hand and the sword of Yuuma I still held flew towards her.

“Success,” I smiled. “And just in time.” My nose twitched. “Brendan, they are coming.”

“Right.” He scooped me up, and darted behind the crowds, so we could watch it all unfold.

Dumah along with many other knights appeared in hoards, ready to slaughter the whole village.

“Surrender in the name of the king and I may spare you,” he laughed at his own words.

“You are not welcome here.” Renen stepped in front of everyone. “I insist you leave.” I saw an expression of fear cross his face as he gazed upon her armour. “Do I have to ask twice?”

“Not possible,” he stuttered. “I made sure you’d be out of the picture.”

I glanced at Brendan, how the heck could Dumah have made sure he was out of the way when he was a few years older than I was and Yuuma had been left alone for decades.

“You.” I heard Yuuma hissing as he appeared behind Renen. He was much bigger than before, his wings spread out on his back. He gazed hatefully at Dumah. “You!” He lashed out, whipping his tail. Dumah jumped back, his whole body shaking, he was scared.

“Did I forget to mention,” smiled Larana. “He is a god class talisman.”

“Calm Yuuma,” said Renen, who seemed completely different now. “We must show our guests the same kindness they gave us.” She swung the sword at thin air, but the ground rumbled and split beneath their feet.

“What do we do Dumah?” asked one of the knights.

“We leave,” he snarled. “Retreat!” They all quickly left, and the village was at peace again, with their grand protector and his master, Dumah would never attack this village again.

“Why did you not allow me to destroy him?” asked Yuuma, his size shrinking to match the same height as his new master.

“That is not how I do things,” smiled Renen. “We are a peaceful village and mean no harm to others, just your presence will be enough to prevent their return.”

“Very well,” nodded Yuuma.

“Well glad that is over.” I raised my hand in the air in the name of this victory. “I think I’ll take a nap now.” I soon passed out, the strain from Yuuma finally catching up with me now the connection was no longer there.