The journey home was just as peaceful as when we had gone. A part of me was glad this little venture was over. I looked upon my unit, they had no idea about the truth of the talismans they wielded.

I was still debating if I should use their power as I rode upon Raziel’s back, he had insisted as I was about to join Lin and Kiba on the top of the carriage.

I gazed at them both, Kiba was making Lin laugh, there was definitely something going on between the two of them, as she leaned over and whispered in his ear. Kiba blushed and Lin laughed again as they sat a little closer to each other.

As we approached Cathopia, the knights seemed to be on full alert, stopping the carriage just to check. I landed as Queen Daz voiced her displeasure.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“Sorry your highness, but we have an intruder within the city,” informed the Onca knight.

“What?” She glanced at me.

“They have attacked multiple knights, almost like they are searching for something,” he added.

“Or someone,” commented Raziel.

“Athena.” They had attacked the caravans in a search for her power and now they were trying again.

“Ibiki, Rex and Finn stay with her highness. Lin, Kiba and Edge with me.” I ordered heading straight into the city, they followed.

“What’s wrong?” asked Lin.

“I know who they are after,” I said.

“Who?” questioned Edge.

“My adopted sister Athena,” I responded.

“Why her?” wondered Kiba.

“I’d love to tell you, but I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone her secret,” I answered as I headed straight to the castle. I needed to check the bakery first. On the way we bumped into Tigra and Zack.

“Fang.” Tigra came straight over to me. “Have you seen Athena?” Was her question.

“I’ve just gotten back,” I admitted, glancing at Zack, why was he with her and not Al? “I was coming to check the bakery.”

“Neither Brendan nor Athena are there,” informed Zack. “Dash is with you mum.”

“Mum? Is she alright?” I was in a panic.

“She’s fine.” Tigra touched my arm. “A little shocked as she said she did not foresee this attack.”

“Our main focus is Brendan and Athena, she is the one they are after, no.” Zack gazed at me.

“She is,” I nodded. “We need to find them.”

“How?” questioned Kiba. “The castle has so many rooms and corridors, and the city is just as big.”

“If only Brendan’s scent wasn’t already here and mixed with so many,” I sighed. “Where are you?”

“Master, you gave Brendan a gem imbued with my power,” mentioned Larana. “With it you can track down my power.” She appeared in front of me.

“You put a tracker on your best friend.” Zack gave me a weird look.

“It’s not a tracker,” I quickly responded.

“We don’t have time for this,” snapped Tigra. “They could be in danger.”

“Close your eyes,” instructed Larana. “Like you did to search for the darkness.”

I let the wind around me go wild, sensing every inch around the castle, seeing through it searching for Brendan. I’d only used this once before. I certainly would have to practice more with it.

I had to calm my racing thoughts as I feared something might have happened to them, if dad had been here, they would have been safe. No, I couldn’t keep thinking what if he was here this was my responsibility to fill.

I felt a spark outside the city, a small concentration of my power, it had to be Brendan.

“He’s left over the forgotten bridge.” I stepped forwards, lifting my hand, and opening my eyes. Arata stood beside me, without even thinking about it I climbed upon his back, and he let me.

“We’ll meet you there, go,” said Tigra.

I nodded. “Raziel will guide you to our location.” I looked forward and Arata broke into a run.

I was surprised for a second as he ran much faster than his brother, but then I remembered this was his power as fast as lightning and this was the first time I had ridden upon his back.

I could feel his power through our connection, he still didn’t like me, but had put aside his pride to help a friend.

“Thank you,” I said, touching his mane.

“I am not doing this for you,” he huffed as we left the restricted halls of the castle.

Arata opened his wings, we were flying above Cathopia in a matter of seconds.

“Whoa, you really are fast,” I commented, smirking as I realised, he did care in his own way, but I still doubted whether I should be using their power. Arata flew higher above the cloud line. “Too high!”

“I will only say this once, master,” he snarled. “We are no longer what we once were, but we do what we did in the past, to give our power to those who are worthy, those of who are gifted with what remains of her power.” He glanced back at me. “Now buck up and use our power as destiny degrees, otherwise I will have to test if you are worthy of my power again.”

I remembered the pain. “No thank you, I’ll pass.” I looked around, so peaceful up here. “I will do my best to do your power justice.” I felt the focus I almost lost return. “Now let’s back Brendan up.” I allowed his power to spark within me to show him I would use his power.

“You must become stronger, believe in yourself and us, never forget.” Arata went into a dive, a strike of lightning behind us. I just hoped we were not too late to help Brendan against the one who wished to harm Athena, to gain her power, for what reason I did not know.

I didn’t say a word as we headed in the direction Larana’s power was. Arata adjusted himself as we headed straight for the forests around Cathopia. He was there, I could sense it, Larana’s power was getting stronger.

Brendan’s location was confirmed when I saw an explosion of earth energy being released.

“Brendan!” I shouted as in a matter of seconds Arata landed down between Brendan and his attacker.

Upon landing Arata released a powerful shockwave, levelling the trees near us. My body glowing for a second, my eyes met the intruder chasing him first, then I glanced back at Brendan.

“When are you going to get serious Brendan.”