<< Somewhere Underground Near The Presidential Palace >>
The deep metallic groan echoed throughout the empty corridors as Crystal Winchester's nimble fingers deftly navigated the complex lock mechanism on the colossal bomb shelter door.
"Ready, Lucy? Ruby?"
Crystal murmured, glancing back at her assistant, who was holding onto Baron with a tight grip.
The young boy clung to Lucy, his fingers playing with a piece of her hair, his eyes full of curiosity.
"Always, ma'am,"
Lucy replied, her face a mask of calm determination.
She gave Baron's hand a reassuring squeeze, earning a small smile from the boy.
Behind them, Ruby Winchester was cradling Jade, her sister's twin and the younger by a mere three minutes.
Jade's eyes, as bright and curious as her brother's, flicked around the hallway with wide-eyed wonder.
Crystal pushed the door open, revealing the luxurious safe haven she had created.
The underground doomsday shelter might not have been a towering fortress like Brandon's Void Castle, but it had a charm of its own. It was an underground mansion, each corner tastefully designed, a perfect blend of functionality and opulence.
"How's Devon?" Crystal asked Ruby as they stepped into the spacious living room.
The room was bathed in warm, soft light, the plush sofas and the grand fireplace giving it a welcoming ambiance.
"Over the moon. The little tyke was ecstatic when he awakened his powers,"
Ruby replied, a fond smile gracing her lips. Her gaze drifted to her sister, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"In fact, he was so excited when Grandpa Adam had assigned him to accompany him in welcoming Brandon Void's convoy. Attention whore much~"
"Oh! I've been asked to join too ~ Having awakened and all..."
The words hung in the air between them, the mere mention of Brandon sending a ripple of anticipation through the room.
"Brandon? Void?" Crystal repeated, her eyes widening slightly.
"He's coming here?"
"Seems like it,"
Ruby confirmed, a playful grin on her lips.
"Apparently, our city's bigwigs have struck a deal with them for reinforcements. They're planning on clearing the horde of beasts trying to infiltrate our city."
Crystal frowned, her brow creasing with concern.
"Why wasn't I informed about this? I'm a Spec Ops Captain, for crying out loud."
Ruby shrugged, her gaze sympathetic.
"Grandpa thought you'd be needed here, with Baron and Jade."
"Let me handle it," Crystal declared, her voice brimming with determination.
"You should stay with the twins, Ruby. Even with your newfound power, without any combat experience you'd just be a burden."
Ruby laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Are you sure it's not because you want to meet your prince charming, sis?"
Before Crystal could retort, Jade and Baron turned to her, their little faces a mirror of innocent concern.
"Mommy~ Where arwe eww going?"
The twins asked in unison, their tiny voices echoing in the grandeur of the shelter.
Their big eyes, shimmering with a mix of fear and confusion, stared at their mother. It was a sight that melted even the iciest of hearts.
Crystal kneeled in front of them, her eyes softening.
"I have to go for a little while, my darlings,"
She explained gently, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Jade's ear and ruffling Baron's soft locks.
The twins looked at her, their eyes wide and inquisitive.
"But don't worry, your Aunt Ruby will be here with you,"
She reassured them, her fingers brushing over their rosy cheeks.
"I promise I'll be back as soon as I can, okay?"
Nodding in understanding, the twins wrapped their arms around Crystal in a tight hug.
"Prwomise, mommy?"
"I promise, my loves,"
Crystal reassured, planting a kiss on each of their foreheads.
She rose from her kneel, the image of her twins' adorable, trusting faces imprinted in her heart.
Taking a deep breath, she turned, feeling the weight of her decision.
They were her reason to fight, to survive, to return.
With a final glance at Ruby and a determined gleam in her eyes, Crystal Winchester stepped out of the shelter
==========
<< Capital City - Outside The Presidential Palace >>
A row of neatly aligned soldiers stretched along the majestic thoroughfare outside the Presidential Palace, a picture of discipline and unyielding resolve.
At the head of this line of brave men and women stood the triad of power - President Reed, Sir Warren, and Sir Adam.
Their seasoned faces were a portrait of tense anticipation as they awaited the arrival of Brandon Void.
Beside Sir Adam, a figure of ageless power and authority, stood his grandson, Devon Winchester.
Devon, a prodigy with six vortexes, now wore the mantle of the most talented Enlightened One within the Capital's military ranks.
Leaning subtly towards his grandfather, Devon's voice slipped out in a low grumble,
"What's the big deal with this Brandon Void? Why are we bending over backward for that useless billionaire heir?"
Sir Adam, his eyes still trained on the horizon, turned to his grandson, a stern look of reproach in his eyes.
"Watch your tongue, Devon. Brandon Void isn't a commoner. He possesses ten vortexes and commands an army of enlightened warriors."
"Ten vortexes?"
Devon echoed incredulously, his voice raised in disbelief.
He took a moment, grappling with the surge of envy that washed over him
His eyes widened, a trace of jealousy sparking in them.
"How... How is that even possible? I've awakened six and stand at the top amongst our military!"
"Which is exactly why you should hold your tongue when he arrives,"
Sir Adam shot back, his voice dropping to a threatening whisper.
Devon huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I'm the one who owns the Heart of Civilization of our Capital. That man has no right..."
*SMACKKKK*
His words were cut off by a sharp smack on the back of his head.
Sir Adam's eyes bore into his grandson, cold and unyielding.
"Watch your ego, Devon. You were chosen to safeguard the Heart, not because you are the best, but because you are the least likely to be targeted. Had President Reed, Sir Warren had more competent offspring, or if your sister wasn't preoccupied with her twins, you wouldn't be our pick. You're our failsafe, not our champion. Keep that in mind."
Devon's cheeks flamed with humiliation.
Devon's resentment bled into his gaze, a hot fury burning behind his eyes.
He felt the sour taste of bitterness on his tongue as he stared at the grandeur of the Presidential Palace.
The spotlight he felt was rightfully his was stolen, overshadowed by Brandon Void's intimidating shadow.
His face set in grim defiance, Devon stood still, a storm brewing beneath his exterior.
The spark of antagonism, now kindled, threatened to erupt into a blaze
Devon's jaw clenched. Beside his grandfather, a tempest of resentment raged within him.
His fists tightened at his sides, his knuckles turning white from the pressure.
His eyes, once filled with pride and anticipation, were now clouded with resentment.
It was a dangerous look, one that hinted at a darker path.