I opened my eyes, my hand outstretched, waking up in my room. “What a strange dream.” I closed my eyes for a second remembering it all so clearly, maybe more than just a dream, he had said it was time for my awakening.

“My awakening,” I said those words aloud, I didn’t feel any different. I saw how powerful dad was, perhaps it was only evident during a battle against the darkness.

I sat up looking around. I caught the glimpse of the afternoon sun, blaring through the window. I jumped to my feet, rushing over to my wardrobe to change into a fresh uniform, Tigra was going to kill me or at least someone would. I was late to take over the guarding of Tigra, and I’d just told Dash off for being lazy.

I noticed Arata sitting by the table, just staring at me. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

“You were busy,” he answered.

“Busy?” I repeated.

“You were with master,” he verified.

“Oh…” It took me a minute to realise it had not just been a dream. “Miss him, do you?” Arata snorted and looked away from me. That would be a yes, I smiled.

“Careful.” I glanced at Arata, what the heck was he saying that for?

I went over to the door, opening it wide, to see a smog of black smoke. “Wha?” I closed the door in surprise. “What the hell was that?”

“The dark power,” answered Arata.

“It was never that strong,” I argued.

“You have had your awakening.” Arata shook his head, disappointed as always. I thought back remembering what Fang had said to me. ‘Oh, things may be a little different from here on out, your senses will be more acute to the dark power.’

“He meant this.” I pointed to the door.

“Yes,” nodded Arata.

“I can’t go out in that.” I didn’t want to go out in that, I never realised how bad the infection of dark energy was around here. I had tried hard enough to ignore the thin mist around the city and now it was as thick as a smog.

“You have to go,” snarled Arata. “Remember the darkness cannot touch you.”

“Alright.” I took in a breath and opened the door again. I saw the thick smog which was a representation of dark power. “Will I get used to this?”

“Most probably not,” replied Arata, at least he was giving me answers rather than remaining completely silent.

I stepped into the corridor and the thick darkness scattered as if it was alive, completely clearing the corridor. I looked around confused, looking at my hand, was this light I now held really that strong?

“Not bad,” commented Arata. “Now, I believe you are on duty.”

I shut the door, heading off at a run. I could just about make out Tigra’s freshest scent, she was with Dash. While following her scent I bumped into dad who was out delivering bread to the castle kitchens.

“Alex.” He smiled when he saw me. “Having the day off already?”

“No.” I shook my head. “I woke up late.”

“I know that look, you’ve finally had your awakening.” Dad knew about it, but I remembered Fang saying he also talked to him. “Talked to Fang, didn’t you?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “A bit too much information.”

“He likes to talk,” grinned dad.

“He said I met him in his past and my future,” I mentioned. “How confusing is that right.”

“Time is a strange thing, always constantly changing,” said Dad. “Many more challenges await, but for the moment you should get back to your current duties.”

“Dad.”

“Yes.”

“Why did you give me Larana?” I asked. “A talisman stays with their master their entire life.”

“The day you were born I could no longer use her power; she said her true master had been born.” Dad had answered honestly.

“But she left you defenceless,” I commented.

“No.” He shook his head. “I still have Zekon.” He pointed to the sword slung over his shoulder. Zekon was a rare spirit who governed over both wind and fire. It was really a perfect fit for him. I remembered facing its power when I was sent to the village dad had been sent to protect. I smirked at the memory, he hardly recognised me, thinking I was an enemy. “You are not the only one in our family able to ask other talisman spirits for help.”

“Is that due to our connection with Fang?” I asked.

“It is.” Dad nodded, glancing behind him. “Get going now Fang, you have your duty to perform.”

“Right.” I nodded, heading off. “See you later dad.”

“Have fun.” Dad waved and continued off on his delivery.

I needed to hurry up and reach Tigra, I knew Dash would stay by her side, but it was only my second day, I had to make sure I showed the world, even Dumah I would not let anyone touch her, she was mine, no one would harm her while I still drew breath.