Before leaving on the mission, I briefed my unit, laying out the map for all of them to see. All surrounded checking the location in which we had been asked to go. Clearly on the map, the outskirts of the enclosed area had been drawn on, it was quite a large area and close to the cliffs too.

“You say others have failed this mission,” verified Ibiki.

“Correct,” I nodded. “They need the best and we are it.”

“Yes.” Edge fist bumped.

“Our reputation is growing,” smiled Finn.

“Indeed,” agreed Rex.

“Means tougher missions,” sighed Kiba, then glanced at Lin. “Don’t worry this one will be easy.” He felt like he had to reassure her.

“Everything will work out smoothly,” said Lin. “We are the best.”

“Strange how we have to deal with wilds, considering the connection he is building with Reira’s Amaris,” commented Ibiki, he didn’t miss a beat.

“That’s what I thought but that is what I was told.” I looked around. “I’ll tell you one thing, King Alton is worried about the loyalty of the knights on guard, so keep your guard up on arrival, show no weakness. We need to get inside no matter what.” We were quite in the open while checking the map, I didn’t want anyone else to know what it was we had been set to do.

“Understood.” They all responded.

Ibiki scanned the map. “Looks to be a eight-day journey,” he smirked. “Eight days of your cooking.” He licked his lips.

“Seriously that’s what you’re thinking about.” I couldn’t believe this, then they all licked their lips. “Not everyone.”

“Not our fault your such an amazing cook,” giggled Lin.

I rolled up the map. “The packs are packed with enough supplies for the journey. Now let’s move, this is top priority.” Everyone grabbed a pack, and we were off.

The location on the map was across the wind fairy bridge towards the jagged mountains, an area mostly comprised of small villages, the only Animalia to call it home were the Lynx and Smilodon as they held ties to what was called the Thunder caverns and they were the only ones who could enter without facing death, even Cathopian knights stayed clear of the place.

Everyone seemed in high spirits. I had felt relieved as none had questioned too much the mission specs I had been given. To be honest I should have asked more questions, but it was too late now. I had seen Dumah with King Alton and Queen Daz was somewhere within the city.

Tigra was at the bridge when we were leaving, I stopped to look at her, she swung her legs casually sat there gazing at me. Guardian Al not too far. I could picture myself standing there instead.

“Mum told me you were taking on a tough mission, not like you can handle anything, but good luck,” she smiled.

“Thanks,” I smiled back. “Don’t worry, I’ll send a few messages to you.”

“I’m not worried,” she huffed, turning her head to look away. “I mean come on, Ibiki is there to keep you out of trouble.”

“Of course,” acknowledged Ibiki as if it was a request.

“What? I don’t need looking after.” I strolled closer. “If you’re worried you should just admit it.”

“No way.” She glared back at me; she was messing with me.

“Usual place when I get back,” I smirked.

“Yep.” She jumped down. “See you later Fang.” Tigra walked past stopping for a moment. “Don’t be gone too long.”

“I’ll be back as soon as possible.” I knew she didn’t like it when I left the city, and I didn’t like leaving her alone with Dumah seeming to be trying the whole betrothed thing again.

Tigra headed off. I glanced in her direction before getting everyone moving. The eight-day trek would be my longest time away from Cathopia and away from Tigra.

“Someone’s going to miss his girlfriend,” teased Edge.

“Shut up, Tigra is my best friend,” I responded thinking here we go again. I found they often teased how close I was with Tigra, unfortunately it only made me think of Tigra even more. I saw in Lin and Kiba what I wanted with Tigra.

“You would make an adorable pair,” added Rex. “Chief’s son and princess.”

“Not you too,” I sighed.

“All hail King Fang,” cheered Finn and they all laughed.

“I am no king,” I responded glancing back at them. “Are you guys going to be doing this for the next ten days?”

“Maybe,” grinned Edge.

“Give him a break,” said Ibiki.

“Thank you.” I glanced at him someone on my side.

“Not his fault he fell in love with the princess,” he snickered.

I smirked. “Please can we stay focused this is going to be quite a dangerous mission, I need everyone at their best.”

“Understood.” They responded.

“Good.”

Even though a challenge awaited ahead, their skills in battle were fully demonstrated to me in the previous mission. I knew whatever was thrown our way we could handle it together, if indeed the knights guarding the place, I was being sent to were corrupted, it would leave me no choice but to defeat them and hopefully stop the spread of darkness in that area.