I spent the next coming days recovering my strength, that was easier said than done. I got little sleep my dreams filled with the nightmares of the attack on my unit. In the end I decided sleep was not important, I didn’t want to keep watching their deaths.

I thought back on the day before, they had retrieved the bodies of my friends from where we had been attacked, each one brought home and a mass funeral was held to honour all of them. Many showed up, even Master Lance who I could not stop apologising too, but he like many others held no hatred or anger towards me.

I couldn’t say the same for Kiba’s father, he shouted at me, the words stinging worse than any blade. “You’re the one who got my son killed.” Not like I didn’t blame myself enough already. Then dad got involved as they argued over who’s protection Lin came under, being the chief dad won this one, but then again, he won all their arguments, dad far more powerful than him too.

Even though she did not marry Kiba, they were still betrothed and that was good enough for dad, even Lin’s father accepted her place was with our clan now as to everyone’s surprise she was pregnant with Kiba’s offspring. That news broke my heart even more, the thought she had to face it without him, but Lin was strong, only sheading a single tear, she had lost far more than I - her brother and her soulmate.

I expected their families to barrage me with questions of what happened, but didn’t, even if they had asked, I didn’t know how to tell them what had happened, I only survived because of the talisman’s protection, but they barely had enough strength to save me from complete harm.

Lin had come over to me after the ceremony, giving me a hug. “Lin I am sorry. I should have been able to protect everyone.”

“It’s alright Fang,” she smiled warily, still weak from what had happened, still recovering just like I was.

“Please call me Alex, we’re family now.” I held back my tears, trying so hard to hide my emotions.

Lin stepped back, taking hold of my hands. “Thank you, Alex for saving my life, for bringing me back home.” Her words shocked me, I had not expected them. “I’m heading back now; I’m getting rather tired.” Dad came over, holding out his arm so she could take it. “I really mean it Alex, thank you.” I didn’t know what to say, so remained silent.

I showed my respects, holding back tears from those present. I didn’t want to show my weakness. Tigra was nearby, she’d come too but kept her distance, we couldn’t let anyone else find out about us, even though I wanted nothing more than to be embraced in her arms and to cry.

“I am so sorry.” I had spent hours sat in front of their graves, even after everyone else had gone home, even when it started to rain, I refused to move. Brendan had to drag me back in, slung over his shoulders, he said no words, knowing I didn’t want to hear anything.

I now stood in the centre of the room, swinging my lion swords in unison. Arata was on watch today, laying there. He was not as a good a conversationalist as Raziel. I swung to the right and stumbled forward.

Arata was there, catching me. I leaned against him, burrowing my face in his fur. My body was still recovering from that last attack.

“You still need time to recover.” Arata spoke for the first time since I healed him and the others.

“I can’t sit around. I have to avenge my friends, I have to…” My words were stopped as Arata pushed me off, making me sit on the floor.

“You will avenge nor protect the princess, if you wind up dead yourself,” he snarled, stepping forward, pushing me down onto my back, where he half laid on me.

“Ah! Arata get off!” I cried; he was so heavy for a spirit.

“Listen well, master,” he said it so snarky. “I sacrificed my power; you dare waste this chance to continue the path that has been written.” I stared at him, confused, they all knew things I could never hope to discover, this fated path I was supposed to walk.

The door to the room opened, Tigra walked in with her mother; they both just stared at me.

“I see you are busy,” they were about to turn and leave.

“Wait!” I cried.

Tigra laughed. “Fall out again.” She came over. “Arata.” He snarled before moving off me. “Thank you.” I sat up as Tigra went back over to her mother, who was carrying something folded in her arms. Tigra took it and brought it over to me. “You’ll need to put this on.”

I looked at her as she gave it to me. “What is it?”

“Your uniform,” smiled Tigra.

“We will wait outside Fang,” said Queen Daz. They both left the room without another word.

“What the…?” I looked at Arata.

“Just put it on,” he shook his head.

I put on the new clothes I had been given trousers, a one sleeved T-shirt with gold and silver shoulder pad. I gasped as I stared at it, this was the symbol of working directly for the royal family. After what had happened, I wasn’t sure I was ready for this, not now. I know I told Tigra I would protect her, but could I really keep her safe.

Arata pushed me towards the door, giving me no choice but to leave the room, where Queen Daz and Tigra were waiting.

“Follow me,” ordered Queen Daz. I nodded as she headed in the direction of the throne room.

I felt nervous just following her, I glanced at Tigra who had the biggest grin on her face. She quickly clenched my hand, almost like she could tell how I was feeling.

“It’ll be fine,” she said, then she joined her mother in front.

When we got there, there was no Dumah or King Alton to be seen. Just three Feles that I recognised. Zack, son of Gual. Dash the young Jubatus I helped ones and Link.

“Thank you all for coming,” began Queen Daz coming to stand in front of them. “Most of you already know why I have brought you here.” Zack and Link nodded. “With things increasingly getting out of control with the growing darkness, I want nothing more than to protect my daughter.” Tigra stood quietly next to her mum. “I have chosen all of you to become my daughter’s Guardians.”

“What?” I was the only one to say something. “Are you sure, you wish for me to protect your…” I didn’t get the last words out as I felt an icy glare from Tigra as I’d promised all those years ago.

“You are all renown for your skills as warriors, you are all the best in your fields of combat,” said Queen Daz ignoring my protested words.

“As Tigra’s Guardians you will each have your own parts to play. Zack.” He stepped forward as his name was mentioned. “Like your father before you, you will guard my daughter during the night.”

“I understand.” nodded Zack.

“Link, you will look from a far, the bigger picture to watch Tigra,” She fired out Link’s duty.

“Right,” he nodded.

“Dash, you will share with Fang the responsibilities of watching Tigra during the day, take turns if you so wish.”

“I won’t let you down,” smiled Dash.

“Fang,” I looked at her not quite sure what was really happening here. “Along with Dash as I said you are to protect my daughter during the day.”

“Yeah, I got that.” I sighed.

“But you also have the biggest responsibility of being the leader of Tigra’s Guardians,” finished Queen Daz.

“What? No.” I shook my head. “You saw how my last unit ended up. I do not have the right to lead anyone.” The three of them turned to face me, bowing in respect. “No.” I had helped each of them in some way, they trusted me, but I couldn’t trust myself.

“Fang.” Tigra came over to touch my shoulder.

“If he does not have confidence in himself, how is he meant to lead us?” questioned Link.

Dash looked around nervously. “You all know how strong he is, he helped all of us.”

“That may be the case, but this is protecting royalty,” said Zack. Link and Zack looked at one another. “A knight unable to protect might as well be a civilian.”

“Right,” nodded Link.

“Guys.” Dash kept glancing between them both wondering what was happening.

“A knight who has lost themselves is no good as a Guardian.” Link gave Zack a nod. “Please leave.”

“That is not your decision!” Tigra raised her voice.

“Tigra its fine.” I brushed her hand off. “I’m no good to you.”

“Admittance.” Zack drew his dagger, pointing it at me.

“Zack.” Even the queen was shocked.

“Really, you want to pick a fight.” The hairs on my body stood on end, as Link also drew his sword. “Don’t.” I wasn’t sure what had gotten into them, but they were really starting to get on my nerves, trying to pick a fight, I hadn’t even done anything.

I had admitted I was no good to become Tigris Guardian, I just couldn’t let what happened to the others, happen to them, not again. They were the only ones capable of protecting Tigra, not me. Perhaps it was my shown weakness they disliked, wanting to prove something. I wasn’t going to fight them, no.