The Vice Captain of the Crimson Lions

Calm Before the Storm

Mynx plopped down on the grass right next to Xander. He chuckled and looked at her,

"You okay?"

Mynx pouted,

"I can not believe that you guys are going on this special mission and I am stuck here,"

Xander chuckled and patted her shoulder,

"We will be fine. I'll watch over Asta, Noelle, Mimosa, and Yuno,"

Mynx looked at Xander,

"No, you have to look over yourself too. Everyone has been telling me how strong these guys are. I need you to make sure that everyone comes home, including you. I can't lose you,"

Xander smiled and grabbed her hand,

"I promise to return home."

Mynx glanced at him,

"Swear to the moon?"

Xander winked at her,

"To the moon and to the heart,"

He tapped his chest and Mynx smiled at him,

"Good."

Xander sighed in thought as he laid back down on the grass,

"I'm worried,"

"About?"

Xander sighed,

"What if we fail?"

Mynx shook her head,

"You won't fail,"

Xander turned on his side to face her,

"How can you be so sure?"

Mynx turned over to face him with a proud glint in her eyes,

"Because you are my cub. We Vermillion's don't back down without a fight,"

Xander smiled and hugged her,

"I love you, mom,"

Mynx chuckled and hugged him back,

"I love you too, kiddo."

They stayed like that for a few minutes before they stood back up, stretching and brushing the grass off their clothes. Xander adjusted his cloak, his crimson lion emblem catching the last rays of the setting sun, while Mynx straightened her own outfit, her gaze lingering on him.

"Alright, I gotta start heading back before Mereo yells at me,"

Mynx laughed lightly,

"Yeah, I know how she can get,"

Xander glanced at her, his usual playful demeanor softening into something more serious.

"I mean it, though. Don't worry too much about me, okay? I'll come back. That's a promise."

Mynx crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

"You better. Because if you don't, I'll track you down myself, and trust me, Xan—you don't want to know what happens after that."

He laughed, the sound bright and clear, before saluting her dramatically.

"Yes, sir!"

Mynx rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. As he started to walk away, she called out,

"Don't forget the promise!"

Xander smiled and saluted at her,

"I won't!"