The Vice Captain of the Crimson Lions

The Party

Leopold dragged Mynx inside, the sound of faint chatter and soft music spilling out as the doors opened. The warm glow of lanterns lit up a bar meticulously decorated with a moon theme, from crescent-shaped chandeliers to starry tapestries lining the walls. The ambiance immediately felt like home, and Mynx's heart fluttered as her gaze took in every little detail, a mix of nostalgia and wonder washing over her. Quill Zenko, behind the bar polishing a glass, looked up and instantly broke into a broad smile. He wasted no time as he strode over with open arms.

"Welcome back, Mynx,"

Mynx smiled and immediately hugged him,

"Thank you, Mr. Zenko, how's business?"

Quill laughed and ruffled her hair,

"It's been booming. Walk with me,"

The two walked over to the bar and he patted the counter,

"You know, those two friends of yours do come every month. Sometimes, they don't speak a word to each other, but other times, they won't stop talking. Yami would come more during the months, and I'll tell you something, he could very well have used the Yul that you gave him for his squad, but he never once thought of such a thing; he always used his own Yul for others. William only comes twice a month, usually only once a month, unless it's a captains-only event. I gave Leopold a magic chalice that makes Liquor unalcoholic, I also gave one to Xander...don't tell them...they still think it's alcoholic and they have a strong tolerance."

Mynx laughed and squeezed his hand,

"Thank you for watching out for them,"

Quill smiled softly at her,

"Thank you for coming back home."

Mynx's smile faltered slightly, and her gaze dropped to her hands,

"Eh...did you hear?"

Quill's face fell for a moment before he sighed,

"Yes...but I have something to tell you,"

"What?"

Quill smiled and glanced behind the bar,

"Come on out!"

A little girl, no older than four, popped up with a large grin,

"Ello!"

Mynx's eyes immediately went starry as she aw'ed at the little kid,

"Oh my gosh you are so adorable! Mr. Zenko who's this lil angel?"

Quill smiled as he picked up the little girl,

"Mynx, meet my daughter. Estella Celeste Zenko,"

Mynx's eyes widened at the name,

"Estella?"

Quill smiled and nodded,

"Yes,"

Mynx took Estella's tiny hand in her own, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears,

"It is very nice to meet you, Estella, my name is Mynx,"

Estella had stars in her eyes,

"You are the Knight that papa and mama talk about! I want to grow up to be as brave as you!"

Something stirred deeply within Mynx as she glanced at Quill in shock. He simply smiled, kissing the top of Estella's head,

"The one and only, Stell. Now, I want you to go to Mama and get some sleep, okay?"

Estella nodded but ran to hug Mynx's leg before leaving,

"It was nice to meet you!"

Mynx smiled softly and ruffled her hair,