The Vice Captain of the Crimson Lions

Gifts Long Due

Ａｇｅ： ２８

"Leopold,"

Leopold looked up from the picture in his hands to see his older brother standing at the door,

"Fuegoleon,"

Fuegoleon sighed and sat down next to Leopold and glanced at the picture in his hands: Mynx was standing proudly with her hands on Leopold's shoulders as the two wore identical smirks. Fuegoleon put a hand on his shoulder,

"I have something for you,"

Leopold looked over at him,

"What is it?"

Fuegoleon took out a small box and handed it to him,

"After Mynx went missing and I returned...I found this in her drawer. She wanted to give it to you when you get in our squad officially...I know she would be proud of you,"

Leopold wiped his eyes as he put down the picture and grabbed the box,

"D-Do you think she's still alive? E-Even if they pronounced her dead?"

Fuegoleon nodded,

"I need to,"

He patted his shoulder and stood up,

"Rest well. Tomorrow, I will take you with me to get our new recruits,"

Leopold nodded, and as soon as Fuegoleon left, he opened the box. A letter fell out as he grabbed the arm bracer,

"Huh?"

He turned it over in his hand and smiled softly as he saw a sun and moon emblem in the middle.

Dear Leo,

I am writing this as I found this bracer. You are now 9 years of age, and I can not wait to give it to you when you turn 15. I know you will do wonderful things as a Crimson Lion just like Fuegoleon. I know we are not related, but you will always be my baby brother, lil lion. I know Fuegoleon definitely became captain after your father finally retired, I say with much love of course.

Ah I remember when I held you when you were just a baby. I know you might some day be mad that I stumbled into your siblings' lives and took over...but I hope that day never comes. I'm not sure if you consider me as your older sister just like you do with Mereoleona, but I hope you do.

I may not be around for a long time, because right now at 23, I have seen a lot of violence and I will gladly give my life to the clover kingdom, but more importantly, I will give my life to you and your siblings. Leo you will always shine bright. Don't let Mereoleona or Fuegoleon tell you otherwise. They can both be sticklers. Be yourself kid, be brave, don't let anyone tell you to be someone you are not.

I love you, Leo, so does everyone in your family. Don't tell Fuegoleon, but we talked about you a little a week ago and he told me himself that he sees a lot of promise in you. Mereoleona wanted to train you like how we trained ourselves, but don't worry, Fuegoleon and I stopped her before she tried sending you to the Hot Springs...never ask her about that, please...at least until you are like 18.

Love,

Mynx

Leopold burst into tears as he put on the arm bracer and hugged it to his chest,

"Please come back home! I need you!"

It took a while for him to calm down as he put the letter on his desk and lay down on the floor like he used to with Mynx all those years ago. His memories with her were strong even if it has been four years. He looked at the bracer on his arm and stared at it,

"I will make you proud of me, sister,"