We returned to meet up with Dash out front, where he was racing against an item, he threw across the sight, by the looks of it he was mainly losing. I felt kind of sorry for him, having been picked on and raised alone.

“Ha. I win this time, you stupid rock,” he hissed. It almost looked kind of sad, obviously he had played this game before.

“Dash.” Tigra was shaking her head.

“Your highness.” Dash zoomed over to us, standing at attention. “I was wondering how much longer you’d be.”

“Sorry,” I responded. “It was dark in the crept. How long were we?”

“Well since arriving, it is now tomorrow,” he answered.

“A day trip, not bad then,” smiled Tigra.

“Better head back now then,” I said starting to walk. “Dash, I have a few things I want you to do when we get back, or you can do it tomorrow if you want.”

“I am more than ready to get started on our return,” responded Dash obediently.

“Good.” I nodded. “I need you to find me some more books, this time on folklore, mythology and the oldest writings you can find.”

“Got it,” nodded Dash.

“You have my full permission to leave the city, if need be,” I added.

“What is it you’re looking for?” questioned Dash curious about all this stuff Tigra and I had been reading up on.

“A goddess,” I answered.

Dash’s eyes flashed with some strange knowledge. “Darkness once plagued this land, peace brought along with the chosen one of the ancient goddess, who’s power was tied with this world.” He looked up at the sky. “Spirits dance around the one who brings light.” He looked at me as he said his next line. “Much like you.”

Tigra glanced at me. “How? We just learned about this goddess character.”

“Don’t let the dumbness fool you.” I started. “Dash knows a lot more than you think he does.” I could tell she couldn’t get her head around that. “Dash write down all the information you know, please.”

“Of course,” smiled Dash, he liked being useful. “I know loads of stories from when I played in the ruins, but…” He paused saddened.

“What?” I asked, encouraging him to speak up.

“Well, recently, most of them have been destroyed and the beautiful art on the walls distorted.” Dash looked at the ground. “Who would want to destroy such beauty.”

Dash was truly an interesting individual, he had far more knowledge than I did, but considering he had seen more of this land than I. It also showed how alone he must have once been.

I put my arm around his shoulders. “When we get rid of the ones who destroyed them, we’ll have to go and restore them.” His eye sparkled at my words. “Just need a detailed plan and some powerful earth talisman master.”

“Is it really that simple?” questioned Tigra.

“Just as simple as the one who wants to help me face against the darkness,” I smirked, she snorted at my comment. “Nothing is simple, but together I know we will accomplish great things.”

“Nice to hear you having a different tune.” Link came out from the trees.

“Link.” Tigra jumped out of her skin, almost clinging to my arm.

“Everything alright?” I asked. I could see the dark aura dancing around him, but from the pendent my dad gave him and his experience, I knew this was a dark aura brought on by his past angers. He was the only one I’d met who could manipulate it to his will perhaps it was this that gave him the ability to see things from great distances.

“They have noticed Tigra missing,” he explained as the dark aura vanished. “Dumah is putting up a huge fuss. You need to return quickly.”

“I thought you said you had permission,” snapped Tigra.

“Did I?” I grinned, then let out a sigh. “He is getting to be such a pain, but soon enough he’ll meet his end.” I looked down at Raziel. “Carry Tigra.”

“Yes master,” nodded Raziel, lowing himself, so she could get on.

“Dash, Link I’ll meet you back in the city.” Larana’s wings formed on my back, and I took off, Raziel following closely behind me.

“Whoa,” cried Tigra surprised. “This is amazing.” I glanced back, seeing her comfortable on Raziel’s back. I guess not many Feles got to fly. To be honest apart from dad and now me, I had never heard of a Feles able to fly.

We arrived back in Cathopia in a matter of minutes, Raziel was quite a fast flyer. I could see most of the knights running around looking for Tigra. I spotted Dumah easily from the largest amount of dark aura. He was heading to the castle.

“Raziel, quickly now.” I dove down towards the castle, if I made it first to the throne room, I could make him look like a fool in front of the king, the thought gave me quite a lot of pleasure.

“Alex!” called Tigra. “If you go down there, we can go through one of the hidden back doors.

“Great.”

In a matter of seconds, we had landed, headed through the back way and was in the king’s presence for much longer than if we had taken the front door. It was obvious that Dumah would have wanted to look for Tigra himself, before reporting it to King Alton and the one place I knew not many people would look in the throne room.

“Father.” Tigra smiled as she ran over to King Alton.

“Tigra, why are you entering through the secret passages?” He was surprised to see us.

“Your majesty.” I bowed slightly, standing proudly not too far from his throne.

“Fang.” He smiled when he saw me. I could see the little spark was stronger today, but the dark aura of the room was too much for my liking, watching trying to get passed the protection around Tigra.

I knew I could control my light, so allowed it to expand, sending out my purification abilities, not chasing away the darkness but purifying the entire room. I caught a glimpse of a smile cross King Alton’s expression.

“Dad, do you know about the ancient stories.” Tigra leaned on the arm of the chair, excited to tell him some of the stuff we had read.

“I do,” he nodded. “Yamato was also spouting them in our youth.” I smirked at his words.

“How about a goddess?” She asked.

“Shh.” He put his fingers to his lips. “Not here my dear.” He shook his head. “Listen, you must be very careful with the knowledge you gain.” I looked around, perhaps King Alton knew far more than I thought.

“Dad.” Tigra was just as surprised.

“Wherever she is mentioned the darkness seeks to destroy all knowledge of her, if they do not remember her, her power cannot return, keep your knowledge of her close to your heart.” King Alton glanced at the door. “He will be returning soon.” He held a strange fear in his eyes.

“Your Majesty.” I walked over placing my hand on his shoulder. “I want to help you.” I could feel my light feeding his.

“Thank you, but I have been too exposed to dark energy for you to help me.” He shook his head. “Even your dad can no longer help me, only stops it worsening further.”

“I am different now.” I said. “I hold her light. I am the reincarnation of Fang.” He just stared at me. “As long as you never give in, your light will not give up. Use this extra light to end the conflict, to help me free this land of the darkness.” I could see his light getting bigger, my purification ability was working to free him of the burden the darkness had placed upon him.

I found myself panting, he had been inflicted with so much dark energy I was surprised King Alton was still able to hold himself together even at this moment.

“Enough Fang,” spoke King Alton. “You have uncovered your awakening, but it still takes time for your purification abilities to grow.” He quickly took my hand, then Tigra’s, placing them together. “Make each other stronger and even if I shall pass from this world, neither I nor the betrothal sword shall except Dumah as king.” I felt in some way that he had just given us his blessing, but I could not be certain. “But for now, in the eyes of our people he is your betrothed.” Tigra glared at him. “Be patient my dear daughter, for I know who your heart belongs.”

“Dad.” Tigra glanced at our hands together, before pulling away and hugging her dad.

I stepped back, knowing I had given him all the light I could. It sparkled brighter with my help, but even more so, while holding Tigra close.

“Your Majesty!” Dumah shouted as he came in. “Tigra has…” His words caught in his throat.

“Ah Dumah.” King Alton gently pushed Tigra from him, kissing her on the forehead and standing up. I stared at him, he always held such power in his presence, more today as he held his light in his heart. I had given him enough light, to give me more time to save him and this world. “We must discuss our plans about this conflict.”

“Of course,” nodded Dumah. “Who shall we put our sights on today?”

“You seem to have read my intentions all wrong.” King Alton shook his head. “I want all our forces to redraw at once, and once that is done, we shell make up for what we have done to them.” Tigra smiled, while Dumah had an expression of complete dumbfounded. I let out a little laugh.

“What?” He looked at me. “You!”

“Hi Dumah.” I waved a little. Having my awakening and gaining knowledge about my true mission, gave me a much bigger view of the world. I would be patient in my revenge for my friends and an extra bonus would be freeing this world from his influence.

“Surely you have not listened to his words, have you?” snarled Dumah.

“That is not of your concern Dumah.” King Alton looked down at him. He looked back at Tigra and I. “I believe you have studies to return to Tigra.”

“Of course, father.” Tigra bowed. “Fang.”

“Right behind you, your highness.” I bowed to the king, then lifted two fingers to my forehead in a way. “Always good to see you Dumah.” He snarled as we left the room.

As we left the room Tigra asked. “What did you do to dad?”

“I strengthen his light, purified some of the influence of darkness,” I answered. “I was hoping to give him enough strength to last long enough for me to undo what has been done by the darkness.”

“Us.” She jabbed me in the side. “You dare forget about me.”

“Alright.” I sighed. I would now have to wait until Dash came by with the material, I needed to learn more about this goddess. I just hoped it would give me more answers than questions.

I would also need to figure out how to locate the members of Dumah’s unit as they quite often ventured outside the city, or perhaps they would come to me.