Everyone was in position as I sensed those working beside Dumah drawing in closer, now who’s chosen team would be better, mine or his.

I looked over at Tigra standing at the water’s edge. Dark clouds began to roll in from all around, the sound of crackling thunder filling the air. Tigra had told me she could only perform this technique once, after she’d only have low energy reserves left.

Lightning began striking down all around us, when it struck the water, Tigra maintained the connection for more than a few seconds; you could see the waters begin to glow and bubble becoming super charged around the area of the lightning.

After a few seconds of this Cutter jumped from the waters, flailing on the ground, his body pulsating with electricity.

“Nice,” I cheered. “Move!” I shouted but was too late as Valli came straight down, pinning Tigra under his talons. I stood still my blood boiling almost unable to control myself from using my talisman.

“He said you would react like that if I went for the princess,” smirked Valli.

“Release her!” I hissed.

“If you want her back then you’ll have to come and get her.” His talons tightened around her. Tigra let out a yelp as he was preparing to take off.

“Allow me,” said Ibiki. The temperature dropped drastically. Ibiki stepped forward his eyes on Valli. I felt all the hairs on my body stiffen to keep my own body temperature from dropping.

“Didn’t you learn your lesson the first time.” Valli looked down at Ibiki.

“Yeah I learnt it.” Ibiki raised his arms concentrating the colder air more towards him. “Just hold on a little longer your highness.”

Tigra nodded. I noticed some blood where Valli was gripping hold of her, so tight almost like he didn’t care if the crowned princess was injured.

“I won’t be giving her back,” responded Valli, his wings moving strongly, but was stopped as each individual feather had begun to form ice crystals along them. “What?”

“You’re not going anywhere.” Ibiki formed a small ball of ice in his hands. “Why don’t you cool down some more.” He threw it, on contact Valli’s entire body froze into an ice sculpture.

I went to move towards Tigra when a grey figure shot across knocking over Valli. They both laid on the ground knocked out cold.

“A wolf?” I said slowly, glancing from the direction it had come from, it had smashed into multiple trees before stopping.

“Did I get it?” I heard Zack’s voice as he stepped from the shadows, he had numerous bite marks on his arms, apart from that he looked fine.

“You got it,” answered Brendan. “What about the rest?”

“Pack of eight total. Not really hard to knock out one after the other with my ability,” answered Zack.

“We have the element of surprise,” I said helping Tigra up. “Are you okay?”

“Fine.” She turned to face away from me, prideful as always as she had allowed Valli to almost capture her. I was sure she almost felt like she had let us down in some way. I looked upon her wounds wishing I could heal them.

“Dumah has no idea what any of you are capable of, it has given us the advantage.” I felt absolutely amazed, everything planned had happened so far, taking down three at once. The only thing I hadn’t taken to thought was Tigra getting hurt. “We only have three targets left, let’s take them down.”

“Yeah.” Everyone cheered.

“Hopefully Dash will be back soon,” I said.

“Allow me to bandage your wounds your highness.” Zack was as quick as ever noticing Tigra’s wounds from Valli’s talons.

“Stop making a big fuss,” she huffed. “I chose to be here, in battle I’m not a princess.” She shivered. “Ibiki are you going to rise the temperature again?”

“I already did,” he answered. “That isn’t me.”

“If it isn’t you, then this…” I looked around.

“That would be me.” Seth walked into the opening. “Who knew Feles liked it so cold.” The temperature dropped even colder than what Ibiki had made it.

The whole area began to freeze, icicles forming on the leaves and branches, even the ends of my fur and the water’s edge.

“Too cold,” mumbled Tigra, she stood closer to me. Brendan stood up, charging straight at Seth.

“Well look an Ursus as a pet, cute,” said Seth.

“I’m nobodies’ pet,” snarled Brendan, drawing his claymore, he aimed low, smashing the earth below Seth’s feet, smoke rose blinding us from seeing both of them.

Brendan’s claymore flew across in front of us, landing in the lake. The smoke cleared revealing the both of them locked in a battle of strength.

“Brendan,” I called.

“Get going, I’ve got this.” He glanced back at me; both were evenly matched.

“No,” I shook my head.

“You need to go defeat Dumah,” said Brendan pushing forward, every muscle in his body flexing.

“I have to pass this test as a leader,” I said. “We work as a team.” I looked at Tigra. “Do you think you can fire up a little more power?”

“I don’t know,” she answered truthly looking at me. “But I’ll try for you.” She moved away from me, her whole body radiating with lightning.

I felt admiration towards her. I couldn’t help but stare at her, absorbed in that moment. The illumination from her body exuding all her curves, her strong but elegant body.

I snapped out of it just in time to shout. “Brendan move!”

Brendan on hearing my voice, pulled away his hands from Seth, quickly grabbing hold of his arm and flipping him over and onto his back, it had happened so fast Seth could hardly keep up. Brendan’s speed was far better than any Ursus.

The second Seth hit the ground Brendan jumped back and Tigra released a single shot, knocking him out, lightning was quite the destructive element.

We all breathed a breath of relief. “Nicely done,” I said. Tigra stumbled back, I caught her in my arms.

“Looks like I need more training,” she smiled.

“Don’t we all,” I replied. “Best get them all tied up.” Everyone did as I instructed.

“Now what?” questioned Zack. “There is only three left, Dumah, Scorlax and a member we have no clue about.”

“Still waiting on Dash,” I said.

“Typical,” snorted Zack.

I noticed Brendan glancing at the lake, he lacked the means to retrieve his claymore. “Don’t worry,” I smiled. “As soon as the test is over I’ll retrieve it.”

“That would be great,” nodded Brendan, relieved I guess.

“Sorry it took so long.” Dash was suddenly standing in front of me. “I found it.”

“Good,” I grinned. “Tigra, Brendan and Ibiki stay here to watch them. Zack, Dash you’re with me.”

“Why us?” questioned Ibiki.

“Tigra doesn’t have enough power to keep fighting, she’ll need to rest for a little while. Brendan has the strength to deal with them if they start acting up and the same goes for you.”

“Alright,” nodded Ibiki. “You show much potential as a leader.”

“Thanks, but this thing isn’t over yet,” I said. “Move out.” I waved my arm, signalling Dash and Zack to follow.

“Good luck,” I heard Tigra call.

“Dumah is going down,” I snarled ready for whatever he threw my way.