It didn’t take Ibiki long to gather the other members of my team. I held concern taking them as I didn’t really want to get them involved in the troubles that seemed to come along with being a Fang, they would be in far more danger than any other team within Cathopia, perhaps I would explain everything once this mission was done.

This would also be the first time in a mission where we would be working as a full-on unit. I had only just started to test their capabilities and on how we worked as a team, but I guess no better place to test them than the battlefield.

“What’s happening then?” asked Kiba last to arrive.

“I have the location where they went, but by now I am sure they would have already built up a number of clones.” My gaze swept over all of them. “I hope you’re ready because even I don’t know what we’ll encounter when we arrive.”

“I’ve heard rumours that you can see things before they happen, perhaps you’ll see something the closer we get,” commented Edge.

“Perhaps,” I shrugged.

“Give him a break,” smiled Lin. “I bet he’s nervous, never led a team our size before.”

“He did ones,” mentioned Kiba. “But that was with close friends.”

“It’ll be fine,” said Finn.

“The tales of you are already spread throughout Cathopia, your victory and strength, you are strong,” remarked Rex.

“I know what you are trying to do, but I don’t need it,” I responded. “Some of you have already worked together, and as long as you always watch each other’s backs we’ll all be fine.”

“Well then, lead the way Fang,” said Ibiki.

“Right.” I nodded. “Better keep up.” I broke off into a run without hesitation, they followed. I glanced back, seeing the expression of determination on their faces.

I had yet to sense any darkness from them, so I knew that none of them were being influenced by Dumah, but something within felt I couldn’t trust them completely, not yet.

“Fang.” Finn spoke up. “What will we do on arrival?”

“From what I’ve seen they do regular patrols of the area.” Which in my head explained the auras outside of that particular area. “We’ll take them out, if necessary, otherwise we’ll allow them to show us the way in.”

“Sounds good,” responded Edge.

Larana was still sitting on my shoulder, turning to face them. “My master has already seen the destruction to life these clones can bring, so be prepared for a site of death as those who do this care not for any lives.” They didn’t respond to her words, I wondered if they knew what destruction the darkness had brought.

I slowed down my pace as we approached the area. I could already smell the ones who had attacked the village, from the density and freshness this area was very active.

I glanced at my team, if this was to be successful, we would need to get inside without being seen, heard of smelt. I’d never disguised seven scents at ones before, but I believed in Larana and my capability in using her power.

“We will need to be absolutely silent from here on in, not to get spotted as we want to surprise them.” They all nodded. “Follow.” I glanced at Larana, she took flight and went first, she was a little scout, with her eyes and her abilities, this would be easy.

I few times I held my breath, especially when we came across a patrol party of four nestled in the bushes a few feet away.

I saw them sniffing the air, looking around on guard as if expecting something to happen. All four like the ones I had wiped out were identical in every way.

We moved constantly forward, having more than a few close calls, either some wild animal making a fuse nearby or once Kiba tripped almost giving out location away, even when we were little, he wasn’t very good at this stuff.

“Sorry,” he whispered.

We continued onwards, ever with the occasional close call, we made it as close as we could to the most active area. One of the clones walked past, disappearing then a few minutes later one appeared, this was it.

“What the?” I heard Edge gasp.

I held my hand up to signal them for absolute stillness. I focused, staring at the spot, there was nothing there.

“Darkness distorts this space,” informed Larana. “Stepping close enough should cause the shroud over this place to lift.” I glanced at her with an expression. ‘Are you sure?’ “You are a Fang is all I can say.”

I nodded, waiting for the perfect opportunity to approach, for the longer we waited there, we learnt the timing for those patrols.

I clenched my fist, then signalled forward as I jumped out of our hiding place, quickly approaching the area. As I got close, I could feel the distortion even more, it even made my head spin, almost making me feel sick. I wanted to stop to shake this feeling off, but I forced myself to keep going.

“Keep going,” encouraged Raziel.

I kept going, reaching my hand out I felt something against my hand, almost like a wall made of water. I pulled back in surprise wondering what was past this point.

“Do not hesitate now master,” said Larana.

“Do not waste time,” added Raziel. Arata appeared beside him, both their presence showed me they could sense what was beyond this point.

“Careful now.” I glanced back at my team. “Be prepared for battle.”

Without a word they all drew their weapons. I noticed the fur on their bodies standing on end, were they scared or filled with anticipation, perhaps they could even subconsciously sense the coming danger. Whatever it was I just hoped they couldn’t tell I was just as nervous.

Without a second more hesitation. I gulped, drawing the twin lions as I stepped forward into whatever madness awaited inside.