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Sam leapt forwards and smashed her fist into my arm, only to be flung backwards by the recoil. Flipping herself in the air, Sam managed to land in a crouch while Barry came from the side and tried to sweep my legs but I managed to jump backwards at the last moment.

“You two really have earned you titles," I said, breathing hard, “I've known gargoyles that never reached this level of aura control in such a short timeframe."

“Does that mean you're going to take us seriously?" asked Sam, her fists raised in a defensive stance.

“Now why would I that?"

We clashed once more, this time Sam changed her approach. She got right up into my face and attacked using her elbows, knees and even her head, using her aura to minimise the damage to herself. This tactic kept my strikes from having any momentum and I couldn't move back any further because she stayed so close.

Forgoing speed, I opted to simply try overpowering her and smashed my fists towards her head. Sam raised her hands and caught my fists, holding them in place while we wrestled. Her gold aura was wreathed around her arms now, giving her strength to easily match my own. I twisted my hands out of her grip then spun around and tried smacking her with my tail but she caught it.

She expected that? I thought, Wait, where's the cat?

On cue, Barry appeared behind me and kicked me into the dirt then, using my back as a springboard, he leapt into the air and landed a few metres away. Before I could react, Sam tightened her grip on my tail and spun me around before throwing me into a tree.

“Want to take us seriously now?" asked Barry, walking up to offer me a hand.

“Clever," I admitted, accepting his paw, “I was not expecting Sam's reflexes."

“I may not have been there when you fought those zombies or that dragon," she said, stretching her arms, “but that doesn't mean I've been slacking off in my training."

Samantha, Bartholomew and I were in the outskirts of the Enchanted Forest, using its glamour to allow us to train together while I taught them Aura Manipulation. It was better to do this outside of the Link and for the past few weeks their aura control had improved.

“You've caught up rather nicely," I told her, “Makes sense, since this technique isn't too different from how you use your magic."

She nodded and reached into her bag to toss us some water bottles while she retied the band in her hair. Since we began training out here, Samantha would wear the gear for a sport called 'kickboxing' and always wore her hair tied back in a ponytail.

“Hell of a way to spend a day off," said Barry after gulping down his water, “Most people would rest a bit, maybe watch a bit of telly."

“We aren't most people Barry," said Samantha, also taking a drink, “Besides, when else will we learn this stuff?"

Before we could answer, her phone buzzed from within her bag and when she checked it her face contorted into a frown.

“What is it?" I asked

“It's a text, from Hector. He says he wants to know if I'm free for a chat."

“Please don't date him," said Barry with a groan, “I don't need a reason to spend any more time with Quinten than I have to."

“While I don't particularly dislike the boy, I will side with Barry against you dating him" I said matter-of-factly.

“First off, never gonna happen, secondly; Even if I did, neither of you would have a say in it. Anyway, I'd better see what he wants. We've known each other for years and I doubt he'd ask me out the first time he sends me a text."

“You sure you want to skip out on weapons practice?" I asked, spinning my new staff, “I'm eager to see how well your gift fares."

“Well it's not a Guardian weapon so it won't do much unless you keep it charged with magic," said Barry, “Figured it'll faster to use this than those chants you use."

She packed up the bottles and shouldered her bag, “I'll see you both back at the flat. Don't be out past sunrise if you can help it."

“Yes mum," said Bartholomew dramatically and Samantha punched him in the shoulder before unravelling our transportation mat. They made it to make the journey to the forest easier for Samantha as she originally had to fly with one of us in order to get her home in a reasonable amount of time.

Samantha touched her amber gemstone to the centre sigil and the sigils glowed, their light quickly wrapping around her body. When it faded, she was gone and Barry rolled up the mat before placing it into a cylinder-shaped before holstering it onto his shoulder, making sure it sat comfortably between his wings.

“I presume you want to leave too?" I asked, returning to my beast form as I retracted the staff.

“As much as I enjoy kicking your butt, I'm hanging out with my friends and I'd rather not have to explain why I'm covered in bruises. Besides, isn't Arthur supposed to meet up with you?"

I nodded and sat down in the shade of a tree, “He wanted a chance to spar as well. I'll meet you back at Samantha's home afterwards."

Barry returned the nod and shot into the sky. I leaned back against the tree and closed my eyes while I waited for Arthur to arrive. The power of the Enchanted Forest seemed to pulse in everything around me, helping to rejuvenate my magic and expand my senses. Because of this, I knew that moving Gabriel's blade here when I first found it had been the safest option, as the forest's own magic was more than strong enough to not only hide the broken weapon's power but also contain it until I could find a way to safely repair or destroy both pieces.

While I was deep in thought, the forest began reacting to something that just entered its perimeter and I got the feeling that it did not like the newcomer. I placed a claw flat onto the ground and stretched out my magical senses further, trying to locate the intruder but I could not determine where they were.

It was my physical senses, however, that prevented the small dagger from piercing my throat. The moment the blade was within reach, I had whipped my tail around to knock it out of the way, transforming as I did so and extending my new staff. I summoned my armour, not wanting to take any chances with an unknown foe.

“Leave this place!" I called out to the intruder, “Or I'll drag your corpse out myself!"

Two more blades came flying towards me, but I was ready, using my polearm to knock them into the dirt with a quick spin before I took another step forward.

“This is your final warning," I began but a sharp, familiar tone interjected.

“Your skills continue to impress me Guardian," it said, seemingly coming from all directions, “It makes me wonder why you wasted time protecting those weak mages during our battler."

“The duty of the strong is to protect the weak," I replied, readying my staff while I looked for the speaker, “not to rule them."

“Who said anything about ruling them?"

A tall figure, wrapped in a dark cloak and hood, stepped from the shadows, flanked on all sides by other hooded mages that who's hands were either filled with darkness or holding cursed weapons that were practically leaking dark magic.

“Why are you here, witch?"

The Priestess removed her hood, her eyes and lips completely black, standing out against her ashen skin, “To make a simple proposal of course. I want you to leave, and I'm willing to reward your compliance quite well."

“Nothing you possess would tempt me," I growled, my eyes flickering back and forth between her and her subordinates.

“Not even this?" she held up a bronze blade covered in vines, “we found it laying beneath a creek, surrounded by some, rather insulting, protection spells and curses. I suppose higher level magic is quite outside your abilities, isn't it?"

My grip on my weapon tightened as I resisted the urge to rip her throat out for daring to touch my brother's blade. The crimson flames of my magic began to wrap itself around me, reacting to my anger.

“I will return this to you," continued the witch, “along with a guarantee that none of my Shadows will raise a hand against you."

“For what price?"

“You leave London to its fate. You said it yourself, you have no place in this war of Light and Shadow. The Guardians actively hunt you and should they remain unchecked, who knows what would happen to this world."

“They seek to protect this world!"

“At what cost? In Africa, they have armies constantly battling to claim a lost relic, the resulting magical affects have made the soil infertile and razed neighbouring villages. Atlantis was nearly destroyed during their assault and they've forced the Fae from these very woods!"

She took a step closer and tossed me the blade and I caught it, “A gesture of peace. I want them gone, removed from my city and I cannot allow-"

“What of the Hidden Seal?" I interjected.

She stopped and raised an eyebrow, “And what of it? It represents the iron grip of the Guardian's rule and will be torn down along with them."

“That Seal keeps the Fallen at bay witch. Without it, this world would be plagued by ancient horrors that the Ancient Knights and Gargoyles fought to keep at bay. If you broke it, millions would lose their lives". I raised my staff once, sheathing the blade into my belt, “I will not let that happen."

Her eyes narrowed for a moment then she gave a grim smile with her blackened lips.

“Take him."

***

By the time Sam got to the café, Hector was ordering his lunch and waved her over. They were sat by the railing boarding the café, with a perfect view of the park nearby.

“You seem to be doing well," said Hector as Sam sat down, “I ordered you some coffee, hope that's okay."

“Ever the considerate one, aren't you," said Sam as she took a sip, “no milk, two sugars. You remembered."

“I wouldn't have been a good fighter unless I paid attention. Much less a good-"

Sam shoot him a look and Hector cleared his throat quickly before quickly changing the subject, “Yes, well. I asked you here for, well," he took a deep breath," I need your advice."

“Couple years too late to ask for my say now Hector."

“That's not…no, I wanted your advice on a different subject. It's regarding my partner, he's acting strange."

“He's a prick, I didn't peg him as the type to worry about anything else."

“Ever since the fight in Big Ben, he's been, less present. During our sparing sessions, he seemed more aggressive, he made stupid mistakes and when he was taken off medical leave Quinten didn't follow orders."

“He's not a machine you know. What happened that night affected all of us and not just physically. He's probably never really lost before."

“We both know that's not true. You were there when we faced that siren and he walked it off. He normally takes a loss as a learning experience but this, this is something different."

Hector flicked his fingers and Sam saw a flicker of sliver as he encased their table in his magical thread, preventing anyone else from seeing or hearing exactly what they were doing. He then took a document from his bag and slid it to Sam.

“He's been requesting more time in the gm's training hall. Look at what he's been fighting."

Sam read over the list, “A squad of bone soldiers, a colossus, the shadowmancer sim at level 3. These are all monsters that Barry fought."

“Or at least a close approximation. He also spent more time on Whitehall's witch counter-course and apparently was almost reprimanded for not obeying Whitehall's number one rule."

“Always count on your partners," said Sam, handing Hector back the document, “That's GSA 101. Do you think he actually wants to prove he's a match for Barry? Why?"

“Think about it. In the past few days, Barry has fought a Fallen One, a Necromancer, someone with the powers of three Zodiacs and learnt how to manipulate his aura just like Drake does. Quinten was so easily taken out by Tezcatlipoca and yet Barry lasted a whole five minutes against it, by himself and without Ascendance. They're supposed to be evenly matched but now…"

“He sees a gap between them. So, his ego was damaged and his throwing a tantrum?"

“I'm concerned he may hurt himself if he pushes himself too far," said Hector, “He's starting to act like Barry used to before we…found him."

Sam looked down at her empty cup, remembering the state in which they had found the panther, “I doubt he'll go that far, especially with you as his Anchor."

“We both know that that kind of trauma will change a person. Guardians are known to be more emotionally driven."

“You took the oath with him Hector. He chose you to be his Anchor, his magical and emotional rock in case he goes too far. If anyone can pull him back from this, you can."

“Thank you, Sam," said Hector with a small smile, “I knew I got count on you for this. And, I think, that if given the choice, Barry would've chosen you too."

“He never knew he had a choice in anything before I became his new Anchor Hector. That prick made sure of it."

“He got what he deserved Sam," said Hector darkly, “and I doubt he'll show himself anywhere near the GSA for good. Now then, even though our business is done, would you like to stay for some lunch? My treat."

Sam's grimace turned into a warm smile and said, “Why not, today's been full of surprises."

***

They crashed through the tower wall, landing on the terrace, both panthers setting up for charge the moment their paws touched the ground.

“Come get me little cub," snarled Tezcatlipoca, “Let us see your worth!"

Barry charged forwards, his magic and aura enveloping him as he became a silver blur, darting past Tezcatlipoca and delivering a large gash in the Fallen One's left leg. The Fallen seemed unfazed and gave a loud laugh as the gashes faded.

_“Nice try, but you should have aimed for the other leg."

“Thanks for the tip!" snarled Barry and he began to transform but the Fallen lunged forwards, forcing Barry to lose concentration and leap backwards._

“Too late little cub, no transforming back to your Guardian state. Only jungle cats are allowed in this fight!"

Tezcatlipoca lunged again and this time Barry met him in the air. As they clashed the two tore and slashed at one another until Tezcatlipoca's jaws managed to sink into Barry's leg, shattering past his aura. He yowled in pain just before the Fallen flung the Guardian into the terrace again, cracking the railing. Barry's leg was bleeding, and it felt like his entire body was on fire as his magic raced to fight off the dark energy the Fallen was radiating.

“Poor little cub," said Tezcatlipoca as Barry tried dragging himself away from the edge, “Still too young to know when you're beaten."

On the last word, the Fallen stomp a leg on Barry's wound, making the latter roar in pain before the Fallen gripped his throat and lifted the panther into the air. Barry tried clawing at the Fallen's arm, but his own strength was failing quickly.

_“I think I'll let you watch as my kind flood this world once more," said the jaguar as his dark power began to gather around him, “before I truly make you mine."

And then a bolt of dark energy surged through Tezcatlipoca and into Barry, moment before his vision began to fade._

Barry's eyes flung open as he leapt awake, breathing heavily. He was laying on top of a large building overlooking the London Eye. It was a quite space he like to frequent when he wanted to be alone, especially since very few creatures came un this high.

Aww, did the little cub have a bad dream?

A large black jaguar was laying on top of the railing, it's left hind leg seemingly made out of kind of crystal and tribal markings covered its face and forearms.

“Why won't you get out of my head?!" demanded Barry angrily, turning away from the jungle cat.

For the same reason you won't leave mine, cub. We're linked.

Barry ignored him and tried blocking off his mind from Tezcatlipoca, although this kind of magic never came easy to him.

You've been trying that since I first appeared cub, said the Fallen, stretching out lazily, not once has it actually worked.

“What do you want?"

I have a question for you cub. Why do you see darkness as your enemy?

“The same reason you see us as yours. You're not the first enemy I've face to ask that question."

And yet you worked with a Shadow Wolf, creatures that feed off the fear they create in others. A being of the shadows just like me.

“He actually tries to protect humans to I fail to see the similarities."

So, two fights together are all you need to believe in one's moral character? Tezcatlipoca's voice carried a hint cynicism, How naïve. You and that Samantha girl-

Barry turned to the jaguar, his magic arcing across his fur as his eyes glowed.

“Do. Not. Ever. Say her name you freak of nature," growled Barry.

Your loyalty is admirable but then again, is it even loyalty? sneered Tezcatlipoca, or is it born out of some sense of obligation? I wonder, what is so special about her that made you fall into her service?

His tone carried a hint of a threat, making Barry's magic grow wilder, “If you dare touch her-"

I'll relish the rematch, said Tezcatlipoca with a laugh, then he started to fade away, it may come sooner than you think.

Barry continued glaring at the Fallen until they completely vanished from sight but even then, he did not let his guard down. For the past week his visions of Tezcatlipoca have grown stronger and he had been unable to get more than a few hours of sleep in the past week. Barry rubbed his faces with his paws then tried shaking himself awake.

“I need to head back and talk to Sam about this", he said to himself, small silver wings appearing on his back, “Maybe, she won't think I'm just being crazy."

He flew back to the flat and when he landed onto the balcony, an odd chill ran down his spine, puffing out all the fur on his tail. Barry leapt backwards, his magic arcing around him, just as something large and furry suddenly launched itself out from a nearby shadow and collapsed against the glass door.

“Arthur?" asked Barry, his magical surge dying quickly fading, “What are you- what going on?"

The grey wolf looked up at him, panted heavily, before saying, “Drake's been taken."