I struggled in my sleep, the nightmares returning every time I closed my eyes, the wounds from that day still so fresh. Reaching out for my friends, my team. I saw their lives being wiped out again in front of my very eyes.

“You must live,” I heard Kiba. “Good job with the princess.”

“Don’t give up Fang.” Ibiki stood there smiling, then he was hit.

“Kiba! Ibiki!” I cried out.

“Alex.” I heard the alarmed voice of a female. “Alex.” Tigra.

I opened my eyes to see my hand outstretched, Tigra had hold of it. I felt tears streak down my face as I saw hers. “It’s okay.”

“Tigra.” I sat up, kissing her for comfort, pulling her in close, so I could feel the calming beat of her heart against my chest. Pulling away I laid back down, just staring up at the ceiling.

“Was it the same nightmare?” she asked softly, unfazed by my sudden kiss.

“Yes.” I nodded. “Same one every time I close my eyes. I can’t escape it.”

“Give yourself time,” said Tigra. “You are still healing mentally.”

“How much time?” I questioned, not wanting to be plagued by these nightmares forever; it broke my heart to watch them die every night.

“I don’t have the answer for that.” Tigra laid down next to me. “If you want to sleep some more, I’ll stay here.”

I looked at her, for some reason whenever she was near the nightmares didn’t come, perhaps her scent calmed my mind. “Okay.” I closed my eyes, breathing deeply so I could pick up her scent, such a beautiful scent, just like my favourite fruit. I slept for another hour, before waking up again. I laughed a little seeing that Tigra had fallen asleep beside me. She was so beautiful. I touched her cheek and she stirred. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She smiled. I sat up and looked down at her. “Today is an even bigger day than yesterday.”

“It is.” I nodded.

“Everyone will know I am protected by Cathopia’s finest.” She sat up.

“You sure you still want me?” I asked still having doubts about myself.

“I bet, the day you stop doubting yourself will be the day those nightmares fade.” Tigra got to her feet stretching.

“Can you guarantee that?” I wondered.

“Nope.” She laughed. “Alex, please don’t force yourself to smile just for me.”

“But you make me smile,” I responded, getting up. “Anyway, I have to take Zack off duty, so…”

“Return to my room, got it.” She nodded, but before she left, she came closer. “Just so you know you can’t have a kiss every morning.”

“Can’t I?” I grinned.

“Nope.” She turned on her heel to leave.

“I can have anything I want.” I remarked. “I won you, didn’t I?”

“I’m not a prize, you know,” she huffed, puffing out her cheeks, then she went back to smiling. “Yeah, you won.” She left my room, winking as she closed the door.

“Master.” Raziel appeared. “I will be accompanying you today.”

“Great.” I said a little nervous. “From what Queen Daz told us whenever a new Guardian is promoted and shown off during one of these festivals, they first meet the King in the throne room and then wonder around the city broadcasting to everyone the crowned princess is protected.”

“That is correct,” nodded Raziel.

I headed for the door, leaving my room to see Zack still stood at attention. “Morning.” I waved.

“Morning Fang.” He nodded at me.

“You must have been board standing there all night,” I commented, thinking he had the worst of the stick.

He pulled out a book from his pouch. “I mainly read during night duties.”

“Good idea.” I gulped. “I have come to relieve you of your duties.”

“I am relieved.” He let out a sigh. “But I will be unable to sleep until after the festival, showing off the princess’s Guardians.”

“I’m sure if won’t take that long,” I said not realising how wrong I was.

“Morning.” Tigra walked out of her room, obviously having heard us talking. “The usual stuff usually takes up half the day considering the festival games.” She took in a deep breath thinking about it. “All in honour of my new Guardians and with the most powerful Guardians I will be able to take more of an active role in my part against the darkness.”

“I don’t want you involved in that,” I said.

“Tough, none of us will let you face this alone,” snapped Tigra.

“You saw what happened to the others,” I argued.

“As my Guardian, you don’t have much of a choice in doing what I say; remember you take your orders only from me.” Tigra was glaring at me angrily.

“Yes, your highness.” I stood up straight, bowing. I guess I had yet to fully understand what Zack meant by my duties as a Guardian being more than just protection; what Princess Tigra said went.

“Good.” Tigra turned. “Come on, follow me to the throne room.”

“Wait, we are missing two,” mentioned Zack as Link came silently out of his room.

“Morning Link.” I waved. He nodded and we all looked at Dash’s door.

Zack walked over, slowly opening the door to see Dash still fast asleep, stretched out all over the bed.

“Had quite a leisurely life hasn’t he,” commented Link.

“Who wants to wake him up?” I asked.

“Zack can,” answered Tigra.

“What?” Zack was surprised, but agreed, taking Tigra’s words as an order. Zack strode into the room, getting closer to the bed.

“Can I have Dash doing errands of something?” I asked, looking at Tigra.

“Whatever you want, you’re the leader,” nodded Tigra.

“But what about the whole your orders thing?” I glanced back at Zack who had made it to the bed.

“As long as your orders don’t contradict mine, then anything should be fine.” Tigra snorted, annoyed by my questions.

“This is going to be interesting,” commented Link. “I heard you two were childhood friends.”

“Correct.” I nodded.

“Agh!” We heard a scream and a bang as Zack had woken Dash up with a jump and he had fallen off the bed.

“Did you have to be so rough,” sighed Tigra.

“You asked me to wake him,” responded Zack with a raised eyebrow.

“What?” groaned Dash from the floor.

I let out a sigh, walking over to stand above him. “Dash, you’re on duty now, get up.”

“Yes, sir.” Dash jumped to his feet.

“Now get ready, we’re leaving in five minutes.” I ordered. Dash nodded obediently.

We all left the room, Tigra was looking at me smiling. “What?”

“Getting started early.”

“I don’t want us to be late on our first day.” I shook my head as Dash ran out of the door, his uniform was a bit wonky. “Dash, slow down and take a look at yourself.”

He looked down. “Oh.” He laughed as he sorted himself out. “Sorry.”

“Now lead the way princess Tigra.” I bowed taking my responsibilities in keeping her safe seriously.

“No need to be so serous,” commented Tigra.

“I am on duty,” I remarked. “Protecting you is my only purpose.”

Tigra sighed. “Come on then.”