The Vice Captain of the Crimson Lions

Faith is for the Strong

Mynx immediately pulled William to the side when she knew that no one would hear them. William instinctively braced himself, head bowed, expecting a verbal lashing—or worse, a punch. Instead, his body tensed as she yanked him into a crushing embrace.

"WiHDKJSH?"

Mynx's arms wrapped tighter, her chin resting against his shoulder as she spoke softly, her voice warm and full of relief,

"I'm so happy that you are okay,"

William froze, his breath catching. Slowly, he pulled back to look at her, his brow furrowed in confusion,

"What?"

Mynx rolled her eyes with a playful smirk on her face,

"You really expect me to be mad at you?"

William nodded and Mynx deadpanned at him. Without warning, she slapped the back of his head

"OW!"

Mynx scowled at him,

"Will. You are my best friend. There is nothing that can change that,"

"B-But I-"

Mynx shook her head,

"No. You did nothing wrong. You trusted Patri, and he was the one that betrayed you. You did not do it."

William looked away, his voice dropping to a whisper,

"But I helped them find you,"

Mynx's expression softened as she reached out to place a hand on his shoulder,

"They would have found me anyways. What with my stellar luck? Hell, they probably would have saved me from the Diamond Kingdom to use me,"

William blinked at her in disbelief, his lips twitching into an unintentional smile at her attempt to lighten the mood. But his guilt resurfaced quickly,

"But...I-"

Mynx shook her head,

"Goldie-"

"I don't deserve to be a Captain,"

Mynx's eyes widened in shock, and without hesitation, she reached up, yanking off his mask before grabbing his ear,

"OW! Mynx—what the—"

"You listen to me you idiot!"

William winced as she tugged on his ear harder,

"You deserve everything you have! You have fought for your entire life just as I have! You are a good man William Vangeance! Otherwise no one would respect you! You think that idiot Julius would let just anyone become a Captain?! No! He chose you!"

A single tear slid down William's cheek as her words began to sink in. Seeing his vulnerability, Mynx softened her grip and cupped his face in her hands,

"Will...You are my best friend. I would never change any of my actions if I were given the choice. I would still help you, I would still help Patri. Because that is what family does. William...you are loved,"

And just like that, the stoic, composed Captain of the Golden Dawn broke down. Tears streamed down his face as he pulled Mynx into a tight hug, burying his face in her shoulder. Mynx held him, stroking his back gently, murmuring soft reassurances as he let his emotions out.

After what felt like an eternity, William finally pulled back, wiping his eyes,

"I'm sorry,"

Mynx smiled softly and kissed his forehead,