Eeva, Zeus's sister, rushed into the room.
"I was combat training when the cultists attacked, I came as soon as I heard. Also is that a Quin-jet parked outside?"
Despite her role as princess of Zion, Eeva was unconcerned with the flourishes of her royal stature. She preferred the heat of battle and had been training for it since she was a little girl.
"Eva, my dear, your brother's friends are here," Ramonda said. "How was your training session?"
"Learned a few moves. You can tell the Crusaders I'm ready if ever they need me, brother." Eeva grinned.
Eeva's playful suggestion gave Zeus an idea. When she wasn't busy with her studies, Eeva developed her skills as a fighter by watching the Amias Tersa, Zion's royal guard.
"Eeva, listen closely. I must leave Zion again. I need you to lead in my stead," he said.
Eeva's eyes widened at the prospect.
"You'll have the Amias Tersa at your disposal. Should the White Gorilla Cult attack again, I need you to rally your forces. Can you do that for me?" Zeus asked.
"Zeus, I don't..." Eeva stuttered. "You're the chosen one. You're the Black Back, not me. I'm just a girl who dreams of being a hero."
"You are yourself," Zeus said. "That's all I need, you need to be."
Eeva looked at Ramonda for approval. "Is that all rights, Mother?" she asked.
"Always," Ramonda said. "You both fill my heart with pride."
Zeus hugged his sister tight. "Stay vigilant. Be prepared. Zion is counting on you," he said. "Oh, and make sure you leave your communicator on in case I need to reach you."
Eeva couldn't believe the luck. She worked hard to suppress an excited giggle. "I won't let you down," she said.
There was a light TAP! TAP! TAP! in the door. Captain Ivory Wing poked her head into the room to check-in. "What's the verdict?" she asked Zeus. "Are you ready to do this?"
"To be clear - you've asked me to join you to prove myself innocent of a crime I plainly did not commit," Zeus said. "I was under the impression that membership in the Crusaders afforded me a level of respect. Now my loyalties are questioned. Tell me, Captain Freedom, what would you do?"
Captain Freedom chose his words carefully.
"I get it, Zeus. I honestly do. S.F. can be frustrating. Their actions don't always sit well with me. I respect you and your royal stature. Your unwavering heroism is the reason I'm proud to call you my teammate. We need that heroism to help find this imposter and stop him. Once this is all said and done, the Crusaders will help you take down the cultists for good. You have my word."
Zeus admired Captain Freedom's leadership during their time on the battlefield, but they were in Zion now. The king made sure he remembered that. "I follow no one blindly, Captain. And you didn't answer my question."
"We've got your back," Captain Ivory Wing said. "Don't worry."
Zeus sighed. There was only one solution to this problem. "I shall join the Crusaders in clearing my name and return to Zion at once," he said, putting his mask on again.
"Let's make this QUICK."
The Crusaders boarded the Quin-jet and prepared to leave Zion. But before it took off, Eeva ran to her brother's side.
"How long will you be gone?" she asked.
"As long as it takes to clear my name," Black Back answered. Eeva suddenly seemed anxious. The gravity of taking on her brother's responsibilities had finally hit her.
"You'll do fine, Eeva. Trust me," he treasured her.
Captain Ivory Wing nodded from the cockpit of the Quin-jet, signaling that it was time to go. Black Back joined his fellow Crusaders, waving at Eeva from the window.
"Be safe, brother," Eeva whispered to the sky.