I felt a lot better when I woke up, most of my strength had returned, and from what I could hear the rain had stopped, which meant the storm Brendan had seen had already passed, the sun beaming through the cave entrance.

I sat up looking around to see everyone was still sleeping, except for Arata who was staring right at me, his eyes looking straight through me, I found his gaze chilling. It was obvious he did not like me.

“You don’t like me, do you?” I questioned.

“No,” he replied sharply.

“Why? I am your master,” I said.

“Just because you are my master, doesn’t mean I have to like you,” snarled Arata and looked away.

I stood up, stretching before picking up the twin lion swords, strangely finding myself placing them upon my back, where they stayed. I then creeped past everyone and left the cave, blinking multiple times.

The skies were blue, the sun shining, water droplets remnants of the rainstorm that had past overhead. It was quiet, perfect for a little practice with my new weapons of two swords, something I had very little training in.

I had used two swords on occasions but was never my main choice, I had mainly stuck to one sword, so did many others, dual wielders as they were called were quite rare, as you needed more training to wield both swords effortlessly.

I drew both sword, at first I started to swing Raziel’s sword which I held in my right, after all it had been the arm he had attacked. Finding the rhythm, I then began to move Arata’s sword, which I held in my left.

I quickly got the hang of the flow between them both. I could feel the connection between them, using this connection which buzzed through my arms, joining together within me I could tell exactly what movement each sword had to do to compliment the move before, almost like they were telling me how to master them.

I felt a small buzz as I went a little more advance, thrusting forward, swiping left, bring in the second sword right, thrust.

I heard a little clap. “Always up early,” commented Tigra as she came out of the cave.

I froze mid-movement as I heard her, then I took a breath and turned to face her. “A habit dads drummed into me.”

“Those swords really suit you,” she said.

“I’m still getting used to them,” I responded. I looked at them both. “They hold so much power, it’ll be a while before I can unlock their power, or even use it, considering I wasn’t meant to get them so soon.”

“I’m sure everything will work out, after all when you work hard you can accomplish anything,” encouraged Tigra, coming closer. “I’m just glad you’re alright after exserting so much strength.”

“I would have done even more if it meant protecting you and Brendan,” I responded with a smile. I gazed at her fondly, I would do anything for her.

“And you would have been a fool for doing so,” snorted Arata.

“The safety of my friends is more important than my own life,” I snapped. “You belong to me now, so you better get used to that.” Arata turned his head in defiance and disappeared. “What the heck is his problem?” I wondered.

“Rumour has it that when the lions were young they were tricked into providing a large sample of their power, which in the end was used against them,” answered Tigra her tone sad. “Remember what your dad said, there are those who simply use a talisman as a tool, not caring for the life within it, the one who really holds all the power.”

“I’ll earn his trust,” I said determined to get along with all my talismans, but was four too many?

“Let’s wake Brendan and returned to Cathopia.” Tigra turned to the cave. “Let us present them all with your new power, knight.”

“Sounds like a plan,” I agreed liking the sound of my new title, which would also make me one step closer to becoming Tigra’s Guardian. “Dumah will be so pleased to see me.”

“Knight Fang,” smiled Tigra, she was still determined that I become her Guardian, we shared the same goal for me that is; and in truth there was nothing else I would rather be. I could always stand beside her, no matter what Dumah said. “Alex.” Tigra began.

“Yeah,” I responded.

“Um…” She wanted to tell me something important, I knew she did.

“Morning.” Brendan beamed as he exited the cave with the Rattus Warriors.

“Thank you for sharing your shelter,” said Madi.

“Don’t mention it,” I said.

“If you ever need our services don’t hesitate to call us,” said Mana.

“How do I get in contact with you? You’re not exactly the easiest Animalia to find.” I said.

“Ask Queen Daz,” replied Fiona and they went on their way.

“They don’t waste time do they,” commented Brendan.

“We should get back too,” I said, they both nodded, and we headed for home.

Raziel had appeared since Arata refused to stay out with me after I snapped, but that really didn’t bother me.

“Does one of them have to be out?” questioned Brendan.

“Part of the contract, one of them has to be out at all times,” I answered.

“Best have both out when we reach Cathopia for extra effect,” smiled Tigra, she couldn’t wait to see the look on Dumah’s face when he saw I wielded the lions.

“I’m not sure if the lions would like being used as a showcase,” I shrugged, uncertain if I wanted the whole of Cathopia to see, but I don’t think Tigra was going to give me much choice.

“We will do anything that you desire master.” Raziel had spoken for the first time in a while.

I glanced down at him, a part of me still couldn’t get my head around the fact I was capable of more talismans, not just capable of connecting with them as I did with Yuuma.

Larana I understood as she’d always been passed down my family, then Mila, but to be honest I didn’t really give it much thought, all I had been focused on was saving the injured Ursus, now best friend Brendan. Dad had also had two talismans, so I thought it was normal.

Now I had the power of two more powerful talismans. I was just like the hero from the stories. What made me so special to wield such awesome power?

I glanced at Tigra as long as I had the power to protect her, it didn’t matter where it came from.