The Vice Captain of the Crimson Lions

The Heart Kingdom

Xander burst into the office, his boots thudding against the wooden floor. His breath was ragged, and his eyes shone with excitement.

"Mynx!"

Mynx glanced up from the stack of reports, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she set her quill aside,

"Hey, Xan, what's up?"

A wide grin spread across Xander's face, his usual cool demeanor melting into pure joy,

"You chose me?!"

Mynx laughed and stood up. Placing a firm yet gentle hand on his shoulder, she looked him in the eyes with a mixture of pride and affection.

"Xan...I know I haven't been around that much when you were training...and I'm so sorry about that-"

"Don't,"

Mynx chuckled and smiled softly at him as she ruffled his hair,

"Fuego asked me my opinion on who we should send to the Heart Kingdom, of course I was going to pick you. Especially since Leo is going, too. I know you will do great training with the guardians. I trust you to stay alive,"

Xander hugged her,

"I love you, mum,"

Mynx's heart swelled, and she hugged him tightly back,

"I love you too, kiddo,"

They seperated and Mynx ruffled his hair again,

"Now, listen up. Watch out for the others for me, yeah? You're the oldest one going, and I want every single one of you coming back in one piece. Oh, and make sure Luck doesn't blow everything up on the first day."

Xander laughed and nodded at her,

"I promise...what are you going to do here?"

Mynx leaned back against her desk, her arms crossed. She sighed, then smiled,

"I'm going to help train the newbies. I promise I won't send Balto to watch you,"

Xander laughed,

"Good, I think he would draw too much attention,"

Mynx smirked,

"Yeah, just a little bit,"

She placed her hand on his shoulder again, squeezing it reassuringly,

"But I don't want you to worry about us over here, you go learn and get stronger with the others. I'll guard everyone over here, and Aphi will too, when he comes back,"

Xander's expression turned serious as he rested his hand over hers,

"He's going to be fine, he will come back home soon,"

Mynx smiled at him,

"I hope so,"

Xander sat down on top of her desk,

"So, are we going to adress the lion in the room?"

Mynx tilted her head,

"The Lion in the room?"

Xander gave her a look,

"Yes, the lion in the room. Mom, you have been acting off since coming back,"

Mynx gasped and raised her hand to her chest,

"What? Me?"

Xander gave her a look,

"Yes, you. What's been going on?"

Mynx rolled her eyes,

"I have no idea-"