In that month alone everyone was improving, increasing sync rates, mastering far more abilities and power than I could have ever hoped. It was satisfying watching them grow stronger, seeing them become the team I wanted them to become.

“Kiba not bad,” commented Ibiki as they bowed respectively after a sparring match.

Kiba had worked hard to keep up with the others and had joined them in skill, he also didn’t mind the talisman had not yet heeded his call, maybe any future offspring he may have might be able to awaken it.

“Great job Kiba,” cheered Lin, who seemed to be taking a liking to him. Kiba rubbed his head embarrassed, obviously the feelings were mutual, and I thought of Tigra.

“I’m surprised you can keep up,” commented Edge, not liking the emotions growing between his sister and Kiba, perhaps normal for siblings.

“It was all thanks to Fang’s training,” beamed Kiba. They all looked in my direction. “You’ve been amazing.”

“He’s right,” agreed Rex, they all nodded.

“I may have shown you how, but you guys did all the hard work.” I was now embarrassed, laughing nervously. “Next Rex and Finn.” I ordered hoping to move the subject away from me.

“How cute our captain’s gone all bashful,” laughed Lin and they all laughed.

“Working hard as always,” commented a female voice. Everyone turned around and bowed – it was Queen Daz.

“How can I help your highness?” I asked lowering my head for a second in respect.

“I have a request for you,” she began. “I need you to escort me to a place outside of Panthera to a very important summit I must attend.”

“Aren’t there other knights capable of doing the job. I still have much more training to do,” I responded. My unit let out a gasp at how I had replied, no one said no to royalty.

“I believe you are the only one for this job Fang, the only one I can trust as it relates much to the fight passed down your clan.” She had piqued my interest. “Your dad took Alton on many occasions.”

“Alright,” I nodded. It must have been really important if dad once participated in it. “Why’s the king not going then?”

“He entrusted this responsibility to me, among many other things.” She gazed upwards thinking about it. “Perhaps he saw many things as darkness tries to take hold.”

“Your highness.” I felt sad for her, she’d seen the change in King Alton more than anyone else. “My unit has made much progress. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to begin accepting mission requests again.” I smiled. “I accept, when do we leave.”

“Tomorrow morning,” answered Queen Daz. “And we’ll be taking the royal carriage.”

“Really.” I had never ridden in one of the royal carriages before.

“See you tomorrow then,” I nodded. Queen Daz took her leave, bowing to me. “Thank you.”

“No need.” I turned to my unit. “Okay, prepare everything you’ll think you will need, get a good night sleep and I’ll meet you outside the castle.”

“Roger.” Without hesitation they all headed off and so did I, for home.

-

The next morning, I was sat eating breakfast with Brendan and Athena, generally chatting as mum cooked it up.

“Your team is getting pretty strong now,” commented Athena.

“There are already rumours about you being a tough teacher,” said Brendan. “Worse than Master I hear.”

“I got my pointers from the best,” I responded. “I was hoping to continue training until the end of this month, but Queen Daz has requested my assistance.”

“For what?” asked Athena.

“To some summit, apparently dad used to go,” I answered.

“They still do that,” commented mum as she served a fish-based breakfast.

“You know of it,” I enquired.

“It is said to have been first introduced during the times of old. Fang created the summit as a secret meet up for those of his alliance to discuss the spread of dark power through the land and keep connections with those outside the land of Panthera,” explained mum. “Through the generations from the king of the Aviam empire to the queen of Atlantis and even tribal leaders, all of those connected, brought together by Fang.”

“And dad’s involvement?” I wondered.

“As leader of our clan, warrior of Fang and Guardian of King Alton, he attended many,” answered mum. “A Fang has always been present, when Alton stopped going, I presumed they were no longer held.”

“Queen Daz said he passed that responsibility to her,” I mentioned.

“I see.” She shook her head. “Alton is such an idiot.” I wasn’t sure if she was referring to having Queen Daz go to the summit or something else. I just stared at her silently. “He thinks he can restrain the darkness, but he cannot continue to resist the dark influence forever, as he has already changed so much.”

“What will happen to King Alton?” asked Brendan, before I could ask, concerned for dad’s friend; thinking back when I watched their friendship through the past.

“The darkness affects everyone differently, depending on one’s will and protection,” responded mum. “I’m surprised Alton has survived this long exposed to the darkness, unfortunately in large enough quantities it can cause death to those not gifted to it by what’s left of the Eternal Dragon.”

“That would be the Draco who attacked our home,” said Athena, who had been listening so intently. “Two halves separated between two worlds, constantly connected. They’ll try to come for me soon.”

“I won’t let them,” snarled Brendan. “I swear I’ll protect you.”

Mum gazed at us all. “How brave and strong you have become, but without his awakening, Alex is not ready for the path destiny has set for him.”

“Awakening,” I repeated the word. “When?!” It was frustrating that nothing had happened yet.

“Each Fang is different; your father received his awakening the day he got that scar.” Mum faintly smiled. “He was still quite young at the time, younger than you and did not understand all of it. In our clan there are always secrets to unravel.”

“He got that scar before the events of Daz,” I said.

“Yes, during conflict with those clones, your dad was against so many, alone. Even the one imbued with his power, barely made it back.” I could almost see the memories flashing through her eyes as she relived them. “I think that is enough of the past, you best eat up, don’t want to keep Daz waiting, and you remember to set an example for your team.”

“Right,” I nodded, eating up breakfast and heading out, getting a good luck from Brendan and a hug from mum and Athena.

“Some of those from other lands no longer believe in the legends of Fang, but simply go because of tradition and a shared hardship against the ever-shifting darkness. Do not lash out at their foolishness.”

“Okay, thanks mum.”

“And spot those who have fallen to it,” added mum. “They could bring danger, do not let your guard down for a moment.”

“Understood.” Had mum seen something, even I was begun to feel this mission might end up more dangerous than a simple escort.