After my dealing with the Draco, I got straight to training my unit, relentlessly, strangely they all welcomed it, their expressions filled with determination and accepting everything I threw at them.

From high levels with the sphere to dodging more dangerous stuff such as energy beams from the lions, which was pretty fun watching them scatter like mice. The bonus was the fact their power did not drain me like it once did.

To be honest I had started from the basics after getting advice from Master Lance. He claimed basics were even the basis for improving one’s skills and abilities, Master Lance even came to help on more than one occasional. I felt he was more curious in my own training methods.

I took pointers from both dad’s and Master Lance teachings. Thinking about those areas I thrived in. Dad’s training focused on the sphere and my talismans. Talismans, that gave me an idea, most of my unit had talismans, what if I used Larana’s knowledge to advance my unit’s own knowledge on the power each one held.

Larana quickly agreed to giving me the knowledge she had on the other talismans, she wrote down extensive lists on each one, some I think even the talismans themselves had forgotten as everything was related to their sync rate, with this I would be able to increase each one, unlocking more power.

Lin’s boom, turned out to be an explosive expert, creating flashes of concentrated lightning. I helped her learn how to condense it further and depending on how much was condensed depended on the size of the explosion.

“Whoa.” Lin was amazed at her own power. “You really are amazing Fang.” She gave boom a high five for their success.

“I wouldn’t be half as good without Larana’s knowledge,” I admitted. “Remember you and your talisman are one.” She nodded.

Edge’s Rampage could set his whole sword on fire, creating an extremely hot blaze which to be honest was quite cool, the small dragon spirit was far more powerful than he appeared, capable of manipulating fire, but no flames were as strong and fierce as Raziel’s, so if they could manipulate one of my attacks into a different direction, then surely he could do it to any fire, that was my theory.

“Again Edge, Rampage!” I ordered for the hundredth time.

“Fang, do I have to, we’ve been at this for hours,” moaned Edge.

“They could have killed us on that mission Edge, even Lin,” I snapped.

“I know,” he responded.

“You need to find the will to protect within yourself, being a knight, a part of a team is no joke. We must protect everyone from what they’ll never understand.”

“The things I have seen you do, are simply amazing,” bowed Edge. “I commit my loyalty to only you, future king of Cathopia.” He grinned.

“Excuse me.” He couldn’t help getting some line out.

“We’ve all seen you and Tigra,” he commented.

“There is nothing between us Edge.” I tried my best to act cool. Had it really been that obvious? “She is my best friend and no matter how much time passes that is all we’ll ever be.” I felt sad saying those words aloud as there was nothing more in this world, I wanted than to be with her.

“Sure whatever,” shrugged Edge.

“Now back to work. I want this mastered by the end of the week!” I ordered, signalling Raziel to breathe fire.

“Whoa! We’re not ready!” cried Edge.

Finn had to improve on a lot of things from his fighting skills as he always stayed back away from the conflict, providing support through Nana, but there would come times when he would need to enter conflict. In the talisman department it was just improving his speed at supplying support, such as defence enhancement, even minor healing and speed.

Finn struggled as his sync rate with Nana was not particularly high, so another thing on the list, him along with Kiba needed to improve the most.

“I can’t do this any faster,” moaned Finn.

“You can, the more you use Nana’s power, the more you’ll sense and feel it increasing your sync rate,” I encouraged. Finn’s expression said he did not believe me. “Keep trying you might just surprise yourself.”

“Okay.” He reluctantly agreed, but either way I would not let him slack.

Rex was already quite skilled in both departments, just scraping his polearm along the ground summoned earth pillars, then he’d send them flying like rock spears.

“Impressive.” I nodded. “High sync rate and accurate movements, keep it up.”

“Understood,” he bowed pleased with himself.

Next was Kiba, he had no talisman or natural abilities, so I still wondered how he got chosen for my unit, but at least he was no longer siding with Dumah, and I had checked on multiple occasions if he was inflicted with the same dark mist as most of the other knights, but I could never see anything.

“Alright, you said before you have yet to connect with the spirit within the talisman because of how it doesn’t have much left of it.” Kiba nodded. “I want you to try and connect with it or even sense it.”

“You think I can?” Wondered Kiba.

“You’re a Fang, you must be able to,” I commented. “Let’s start with meditation.” We were both sat on the floor with the dagger Kiba used in his lap, with his hand on the blade. “Close your eyes and focus on the energy that sleeps within it.” Kiba sat there patiently focused on what I had instructed.

My eyes rested upon the dagger, I could feel a soft pulse from it, a sleeping power which from what I have been told had not chosen a master yet. Was the spirit dying? Or asleep, or did it have the same problem as Yuuma in finding a new master.

I glanced at Raziel as he gazed at the dagger, did he perhaps know the spirit within. I reached my had to stroke his mane.

“Can you tell me anything about the spirit?” I communicated through our power, so Kiba did not hear me.

“I do, but it is not yet time for his awakening,” answered Raziel.

“Awakening.” I almost laughed at the thought as I had yet to have my own.

“After the time of Fang, my first master, he fell into a deep slumber as he was forced from his original form, unfortunately it almost destroyed him causing the weakness in his power, only the one meant to wield his power can save him now.”

“I see.” So, it didn’t matter how much I had him try to connect with the talisman if he wasn’t meant too, but that didn’t explain how his father had been able to use its power. “Does Kiba have the capability to wield a talisman?”

Raziel stared at Kiba, remaining silent for quite some time. “He may carry the name and will of Fang, but not everyone, even those in your clan can use a talisman.” He shook his head. “He does not have the capability to wield a talisman.”

“What should I do then?” I asked. “He’s the only one without a talisman or natural ability.”

“The answer is obvious,” purred Raziel. “He’ll have to train twice as hard to keep up with the others power.”

“Got it.” I rubbed under his chin, he really was like one big kitty cat, shame I couldn’t do this with Arata.

I didn’t really want to deprive Kiba of the hopes of awakening a talisman which I now know would never happen. I made the decision I would train him hard, then he would realise he didn’t need one, some of Cathopia best knights had no natural ability or talisman.

Kiba opened his eyes. “How long do I have to sit here?”

“Feel anything?” I asked even though I already knew the answer.

“Nope,” he shook his head.

“Patients, we’ll come back to this, in the meantime you’ll have to work extra hard to keep up, but I know you can do it,” I encouraged.

“Alright,” he nodded. “Basics again.”

“Yep.”

Lastly, I worked with Ibiki, he was just as skilled as Rex and I, but unfortunately there was no sword within the city which could withstand his natural power of ice, during training he broke three in the first two days. It gave me no choice but to do a trip to the caverns to find a crystal suitable for his power.

To be honest I had been reluctant to take anyone else there for the bountiful resources of crystals, so I made it a trip for just Ibiki and I, we were quite close friends, I trusted him with this secret, and I was now committed in making them all strong.

Ibiki was just as amazed as Brendan and I when we came here. I felt almost glad to be able to share it with him, perhaps I would bring the rest down one day, considering this place was filled with life once.

It took two days to find, I had instructed the other to keep up the training while we were away. Ibiki kept focused on the task at hand, but at the same time he still enjoyed the succulent fruit and fascinating wildlife, even saw the remains of Crystellia.

Ibiki found his crystal in the first few hours, interlocked with the cavern wall, dangling down in what appeared to be a snowdrop.

Mum had the sword crafted for him; she was happy to have me take interest in the old crafts.

Ibiki quickly mastered the sword, having had experience with fusion before. “This is so much easier than before; it doesn’t resist my power.” He admitted.

“Amazing right,” I grinned, pleased with the outcome.

“Why don’t we make swords like this anymore?” wondered Ibiki.

“Some Animalia never find their crystal, they found it easier just to use any quality without even considering an individual’s power,” responded mum.

“I see,” he nodded. “Now let’s test what I can do with this.”

With his new sword he was soon able to knock anyone out while sparring, it was quite concerning, how restricting the swords they used for their knights within the city were.

I needed to keep up with my training too, I couldn’t fall behind. I trained with them, if I wasn’t going to do it myself, then they shouldn’t have to, plus being the leader, I had to stay the best.