Visionary Awakened (Paranormal INC Series Book 2) by Yumoyori Wilson (4)

"So Xerxes is hiding somewhere and is using his lackeys to find some crystal that's not the Stone of Awakening?" I asked nervously.

I sat in between Junho and Ethan to the left side of Kendrick's desk while Jaxon, Michael, and Christian sat opposite of us on Kendrick's right side.

We were in Kendrick’s office, reviewing the new information Ethan had discovered. Since the explosion, we'd yet to return to a normal schedule, instead getting called for case after case each day since. I was actually impressed that it was almost eleven in the morning and we hadn't received another case yet.

Cece and Vinzent were on a different case, both of them being so busy with multiple assignments that I hadn't had a chance to see my best friend and her 6'7” lover since our hangout with Makoto.

I fixed my glasses for the tenth time, realizing I had to stop looking so nervous in a room full of investigators more experienced in sensing deception. I didn’t want them to know I was hiding the fact the Stone of Awakening was in my heart and couldn't be removed.

I noticed Ethan was staring at me. He reached out and placed his hand on mine, squeezing it gently.

I gave him a quick glance and he simply smiled. He must have thought I was still dealing with some PTSD from the aftermath of my encounter with Xerxes. To be fair, Winterlya had stated I could experience some symptoms of PTSD after my fatal experience.

"Apparently. They're talking in an Asian language, but I have no idea which one. They're definitely talking about a stone, but it’s not the Stone of Awakening," Ethan spoke up, squeezing my hand again gently. I squeezed back, taking a calming breath to help slow my rapid heartbeat. I need to stop acting like I'm guilty about something.

"Or..." Serenity hummed. 

"She's not gonna tell them yet. Look how nervous she is, and they aren't even talking about the pretty red gem that just so happens to be in our host's heart," Aurora pointed out.

Neither of you is making me feel any better right now. I did understand that I had to tell them. I just needed the right moment. Or an opportunity that wouldn't be weird or sudden. 

"You have the recording handy?" Junho asked. Kendrick, who was sitting at his desk, nodded and pulled open the top drawer, retrieving his black iPad. We waited for him to punch a few numbers, which would block any chance of being hacked with some program Ethan had created. Then he opened the media player and began to play the message.

We sat there quietly as we listened to the message that was clearly in Korean. Junho and I exchanged looks as we continued to concentrate on what they were saying, our minds already translating the conversation.

"Boss wants us to find some Crystals of Mother Destiny or some shit. Look, I can't stay long on this line. Xerxes went all apeshit when I stayed on the phone with my girlfriend for three minutes. Just start looking for those crystals. He thinks with their combined power, we should be able to locate where the Stone of Awakening is. Once we have both of those, he should be powerful enough to claim this realm as his. Maybe then I'll get a fucking pay raise. Anyways, I'm out." The lackey hung up the phone, and the recording ended.

"Crystals of Mother Destiny?" I asked in utter confusion. I'd never heard of any such name for a bunch of crystals, but I was still new to this whole world, so I thought I was doing pretty well so far.

I noticed Jaxson frown, while Michael and the others exchanged looks. "Um...is that something special?" I asked, clearly out of the loop.

"The Crystals of Mother Destiny are rare gemstones that were guarded by ancient shifters for many cycles before their deaths," Christian revealed.

Michael nodded. "Before the end of their guardianship, the Starlight gods granted those individuals the knowledge of their approaching deaths. They were given enough time to either bestow the crystal to their next of kin, or place it somewhere for safe keeping."

"Anywhere?" I questioned.

"Anywhere as in the sea, land, a vault. Anywhere they think the crystal would be safe until the next guardians are chosen," Jaxson explained.

"What if the guardians aren't chosen and someone like Xerxes gets his hands on those crystals? Kinda reminds me of that movie...hmmm." I tried to think of which Marvel movie Ethan had been re-watching a few nights ago.

"Infinity War, Scar," Ethan replied with an amused grin on his face.

"Ah, ya. That one. Such a classic," I hummed. "Not like that, right?"

Kendrick chuckled while the others smirked, shaking their heads. Kendrick turned off his iPad, then got up from his chair. He walked around his desk and stood in front of it, claiming our attention with his full 6’5” frame.

"The Crystals of Mother Destiny are five gems that hold immense power when around one another. Essentially, their powers are normally contained, especially if their guardians have good intentions or pure hearts, as some like to say. However, if they are used in a negative manner, it can be rather catastrophic. They aren't as powerful as the Stone of Awakening, but they can influence the elements and come pretty close if the individual holding the Stone of Awakening is weak or unable to use its power correctly."

I nodded slowly, even as I mentally freaked out. Oh great. Total noob trainee in the Stone of Awakening department versus Xerxes, who's trying to collect all the crystals to find the stone, which is obviously in me. What a surprise that will be? Hey, royal Xerxes, look who's back from the dead?

"Should we try and calm her down?" Serenity whispered. 

"I think we've lost her at this point," Aurora replied quietly while I continued my mental panic. 

"Scarlet?" 

I blinked, lifting my eyes to realize everyone was staring at me. "What?" 

Junho leaned in to whisper in my ear. "Um, do you think you could perhaps set the furniture down gently or do you want me to do it?” he asked. Huh?!

I slowly looked over my shoulder and saw chairs and a few of Kendrick's books in massive bubbles, everything floating in mid-air. I gawked at the sight, slowly turning my attention back to Junho, who gave me a sympathetic look.

"I...can you do it? Pretty please?" I asked sheepishly. He nodded, his eyes immediately glowing a beautiful turquoise blue. The bubbles lowered, gently setting everything back in place before they popped. Junho's eyes returned to stare into mine. A little smirk formed on his lips, the slight glimmer of purpose in those orbs hinting that Junho wasn't in control. I was going to ask, but then his eyes dimmed back to normal, Junho taking back over.

I think I should go for a walk. "I'm going to go use the washroom," I announced, rising to my feet. Kendrick eyed me as carefully as the others did, but I didn't wait for them to stop me, giving Ethan's hand a quick squeeze before pulling my hand out of his grasp. I moved towards the door, opening it up and closing it quietly behind me.

I didn't think I could get to the women's washroom fast enough, sighing in relief when I entered and closed the door quietly behind me.

I walked over to the sink, pulling my glasses off. I didn't even get the chance to turn the tap, because the water came out on its own. I groaned, rolling my eyes at the fact I’d accidentally triggered the water flow, but placed my hands under the stream of cold water.

I splashed my face a few times before I sought to control my breathing, taking deep inhales and letting them out slowly.

"Scarlet. It's okay," Serenity whispered, remorse and worry in her melodic voice.

"We're gonna be okay, Scarlet. We'll figure things out soon," Aurora whispered, also sounding concerned by my mini panic attack.

Is it silly for me to be so frightened over something I have no clue about? I just don't get why I'm so scared. Or worried? What if Xerxes collects those crystals and finds me? What if I'm not ready to face him again? What am I even saying? I know I'm not fucking ready to face him. I'm scared shitless.

Tears pooled in my eyes. I tried to hold them back, not wanting the guys to realize I'd been crying in the washroom, but they began to flow regardless, running down my flushed cheeks.

I crouched down in front of the sink, just focusing on my breathing and wiping away my tears with trembling hands. It's going to be okay, right? I'm a private investigator. I can face him again. I have no choice if we end up taking this case. But what if I really can't do it? What if I freeze, or am too weak to stop him?

"Scarlet." 

I didn't move, scared to face Ethan, whose quiet voice called out my name. A sob escaped me before more tears came rolling down my cheeks. I felt his hand land gently on my back, rubbing it soothingly.

I slowly turned to face him, noticing multiple floating bubbles around us, that surprisingly held fire inside them. My eyes went wide with shock. 

I hadn't even realized the stream of water had turned off, but now I had no clue how to fix the bubbles with fucking fire in them.

Ethan moved his hand from my back to brush it along my cheek. He moved my head slightly so my eyes were on his and not the big dilemma I was currently in with my uncontrollable new magic.

"It's okay. Just focus on me,” he whispered, his calm expression leaving me confused.

"How?" I asked, my lip trembling. "The bubbles...fire...everything."

He lifted his other hand, brushing my left cheek before he leaned in, his forehead pressing against mine. "Just look into my eyes. Don't worry about anything else. Just try to match my breathing with yours."

I swallowed, as I slowly tried to calm down. He purposely breathed loudly for me to mimic, and after a few attempts, my breathing began to match his slower pace. Tears were still rolling down my cheeks, but I didn't feel as scared, especially now that Ethan was here; it felt really comforting to have him present.

"Good, Scarlet. Keep at it,” he whispered, pulling me into his arms. Soon enough, I was in his lap, while his back was pressed against the tile wall of the washroom, just inches from the row of sinks.

I kept my eyes closed, focusing on the rhythm of his breathing as I slowly began to calm down. I'd never felt so out of control, or so vulnerable in many years. With my visions, they were something I knew only I could do. Although they had some type of control over when they decided to impact my senses, I'd mentally accepted that role and could now fight it off if I tried really hard.

This whole Elemental business was a different matter altogether. I had powers that I had no control over, elements I could feel and use, but didn't know how. I worried we'd never get the time for me to figure it out before it was too late. That was what truly frightened me: the sheer worry of running out of time and being unable to fight, or protect the people I loved.

"Someone may come in," I whispered to Ethan, who was playing with a few strands of my hair. I hadn't even realized he'd removed my hair tie, my orange neon locks now loose and free for his fingertips to do what they pleased with them. He fingered my hair idly as he held me in his strong hold.

"I locked the door,” he reassured me.

"But...the others?"

"Are discussing stuff. Don't worry about them, Scarlet. Just focus on yourself for now," Ethan encouraged. I slowly nodded, pressing my head against his chest as I listened to his heart and his steady breathing.

I didn't know how long we sat there in silence, with flaming bubbles floating around us. Eventually, I decided to speak up, trying my best to find the proper words to express what I wanted without revealing everything.

"Ethan...how do you cope when you're scared?" I asked.

"Depends what I'm scared about. Are you afraid of something or someone?" Ethan questioned.

"A little of both," I confessed.

"Okay. Well, when I’m scared, I try to think of methods to handle the situation. If I can't, I ask for help, whether from a friend or Nyx,” he explained. I swallowed the lump in my throat, wondering if I should tell him or not.

"You don't need to tell me everything, Scarlet. Just word it in a way that will allow me to help you," Ethan suggested.

I slowly nodded, taking a moment to find the right words before I opened my mouth to speak. "Since the incident...I've felt really out of control. I've been trying to act like nothing is going on and that I'm not afraid, but I'm terrified. When Makoto and her guys came, I guess it hadn’t really hit me yet? We were on break and it was more of a relaxing time, even with the craziness that went down near the end with that mall incident. During that time, I felt confident...in my own skin. I knew I could achieve anything and destroy anyone who got in my way, even though I was at a disadvantage and you and Mako had saved me. But..." I trailed off, needing a moment to take a deep breath. Then I closed my eyes, letting the words fly out.

"But with Xerxes...just the knowledge we may have to face him scares me. I'm terrified, Ethan. I watched as that sinister smile formed on his lips and saw the satisfaction in his eyes as he was about to kill me. He didn't have any regrets or second thoughts. He had no problem with taking a life, just like that, and I know he'll do it again. If we have to find these crystals...I know we'll eventually have to face him. What if he does collect them all and we have to fight him before he’s able to claim the Stone of Awakening?"

Ethan was silent for a moment, absorbing my concerns before answering. "Scarlet, it's okay to be scared. While there are those who think fear is a weakness, to others, like myself, it's what motivates me to better myself. Your fear is only a hindrance when you let it cripple you. If you allow yourself to give in and don’t attempt to fight back, that's when it becomes detrimental to yourself as a person. You're strong, Scarlet. I'm not saying that simply to make you feel better. You endured and surprisingly survived something many people don't. Instead of worrying about how to save yourself, you were more concerned about stopping the bomb for the sake of saving other people. That is an example of how you got up and fought, regardless of the fear you must have felt in that heated situation."

I lifted my head up to look up at him, and he gave me a small smile. "I get this part of the world is very new to you, and your reaction is perfectly normal. There are things that will take you only a few minutes to learn, and others that will take years. I just want you to know, learning and adapting is not a race. It may feel like you don't have the time or that you're not powerful enough, but that's why we're a team." Ethan lifted his hand up to wipe away a tear that had escaped my left eye before he continued.

"It took me a long time before I realized that, thinking I had to carry the burden and responsibility of my entire team when I first enlisted. It didn't matter if someone was better at one skill and I sucked at it. I thought that I had to be able to get on that person's level for the sake of everyone, instead of relying on my comrades that had already mastered that skill. So, I desperately worked endless hours trying to learn, and only found this out the hard way. I'd like it if you never experienced the kind of torment that I put myself through."

I shifted slightly in his lap so I could wrap my arms around his neck and hug him. I just hated how sad that smile was that lingered on those pink lips. I could hear the regret in his voice and how everything that he'd just said wasn't simple words of advice, but an experience he'd gone through, dealt with, and moved on from, with lingering regrets that he hoped I could avoid.

He returned my hug, rubbing my back, and ever so lightly kissed my neck. "I know everything is about to move really quickly and there are going to be times where you're afraid. I just want you to remind yourself that we're a team and all of us will support you. Doesn't matter if you want to yell, cry, or just curl up in a ball. We're a team that supports our own and we'll never leave you behind,” he reassured, holding me tightly.

"Thank you, Ethan," I whispered. He nodded into my shoulder and we held each other for another solid minute before we pulled away. I slid off his lap and he stood before helping me up.

I looked at the mirror, realizing how horrible of a mess I looked now with my tear-stricken face and loose locks, which were already beginning to regain their curl. "I look horrible," I mumbled, more to myself than to Ethan, who had a small appreciative smile on his lips.

He moved to stand behind me and began to fix my hair, running his hands through it a few times to help tame the curls. Then he put it back in a neat ponytail. "I'm not as good as Michael in the hair department, but I tried to pick up a few tips from him for the days he's barely awake and we have to get ready for another case," Ethan explained.

I smirked, feeling a lot better, especially now that my hair was back to looking close to perfect. I realized the bubbles with flames in them were gone and I glanced around the empty washroom, wondering when they disappeared.

Ethan grinned. "The elements around us react to our emotions the strongest. I figured you were nervous when the furniture was in bubbles."

"But...how do you come to that conclusion? That also doesn't explain why the fire was in the bubbles," I pointed out, using my hands to fan my eyes, in hopes they would be less red by the time we finished the conversation and had to return to the guys.

"When Junho's nervous, he makes bubbles too," Ethan revealed. 

I blinked in shock. "Junho? Nervous? When?" I tried to remember a time when Junho was ever nervous. "He's the confident, cool, sexy model hottie that you'd wish would marry you, type dude," I mumbled, before blushing at my description of him.

Ethan chuckled. "I'm rather curious to know how you’d describe me now, but to answer your question, Junho gets nervous too. He has a bit of anxiety here and there, but out of all of us, is the best at not showing it. Christian is next up at having bits of anxiety, and Jaxson and Michael are pretty even in that," he concluded, reaching out his hands to wrap gently around my wrists, stopping me from my desperate attempts to fan myself.

I gave him a little pout, unsure why he stopped me. "Close your eyes for a moment." I did as he asked, unsure what he could do with my eyes closed, but I trusted him enough to go along with whatever he was planning.

I heard him take a deep breath and then a small stream of cool wind blew across my face. It wasn't strong enough to be frightening. In fact, it was rather soothing and I relaxed, enjoying the pleasant sensation of the cold air against my puffy eyelids.

"Okay, open,” he whispered. I blinked a few times, then turned to the left to look in the mirror. My blue-green eyes grew wide and I gawked at my reflection. My once bloodshot eyes from my tears now looked normal, like I hadn't cried a single drop.

"How..." I whispered in astonishment. Ethan grinned, sliding his hand into mine and began to walk us to the door. I didn't mind leaving the safe haven of the washroom, but a little prickle of fear trickled through me, wondering what the others would think of our long absence.

Ethan stopped, his hand inches from the handle, before he looked over his shoulder at me. "Want to know a little secret?"

I slowly nodded, intrigued by his sudden question. He turned back around to fully face me. "It took me close to five years before I was finally able to overcome some of my main issues with everything I dealt with, from the military to, well my life in general. During those times, we could be in the middle of a meeting and I wouldn't be able to concentrate. I'd have flashbacks and the simple mention of certain words we used to use as codes would trigger something, whether a flashback or an emotion. I simply couldn't hide what it did to me for long after a reaction like that was triggered. I'd leave quietly, using the excuse I needed some air or had to use the restroom. The moment I got to an empty room or a stall in the washroom, I'd break down,” he revealed.

I was speechless, my mouth hanging open a bit, as my mind was already picturing my Ethan and Nyx in a cubicle, crying their eyes out.

Ethan gave me a sad smile, leaning in to press a soft kiss on my forehead. "It wasn't too bad and I got stronger with time. But the first time it happened, I was so afraid to go back to the room afterwards. I thought to myself, if they see me like this, they'll think I'm weak. They'll judge me or maybe make fun of me for not being able to deal with my emotions. I stood right here, frozen in front of the door, waiting to work up the nerve. I finally decided I wouldn't go back. I'd just go home,” he explained.

"You...went home?" I asked.

He chuckled. "I wanted to, but when I opened the door, there Junho stood, doing his confident, cool, sexy model hottie thing, leaning against the wall facing the washroom I'd taken refuge in," Ethan revealed, looking like he was picturing that very moment. 

"I didn't know what to do, so I just stood there like a deer in headlights, unsure if I should try to make an excuse or just run on home like I'd originally planned. Then he walked up to me and told me to close my eyes. I did as he asked, since it didn't seem like he could do anything at that point that would make me feel more embarrassed than I already was. He did exactly what I just did for you, and then created a little circular water mirror for me to see the results."

I smiled, my heart feeling warm, in awe of Junho's actions. Ethan nodded at my expression before he continued. "He told me I better hurry back since we were going to continue the meeting. That left me even more shocked since I'd been gone for a good forty-five minutes. I asked him why they were waiting, and they said because we were a team and they wouldn't have confirmed the case was ours until we were all present."  

He had a wide smile on his lips now, while his eyes twinkled with happiness. "It was the first time I felt like it was okay for me to be scared of all these changes. It was perfectly fine to rely on my team when I needed to. A real team of friends will always support you, no matter what troubles you have, and regardless if you share those concerns out in the open, or in the comfort of a closed space."

I gave him a radiant smile, thankful to have him and the others on my side. I didn't need to give him the details about what I was going through for him to be willing to comfort me. It made me realize that he was right, and I should have enough courage to tell them all about the stone.

"Um...after we deal with whatever case we may be assigned with today...or maybe tomorrow before work, can we all go over to my place? I...have something I want to discuss and it may be easier if I do it in my own space. Is that okay?" I asked, a little hesitant for asking such a weirdly worded question.

Ethan nodded. "That's fine with me and I can guarantee the guys will be okay with that, too. Tonight if possible and if not, tomorrow morning for sure,” he reassured me.

"Thank you, Ethan," I whispered, taking a step forward so our bodies were just barely touching before I leaned up and kissed him. He kissed me back with zero hesitation, which made me mentally squeal with joy. He pulled back and gave me another quick peck on the lips before turning around to unlock the door.

He held it open, ushering for me to exit first before he followed. I looked down the hall, thankful no one was present to see Ethan and I leave the women's washroom together.

We walked back to Kendrick's office, but Ethan placed a hand on my shoulder, signaling for me to stop before I could reach for the doorknob. I gave him a curious look and he grinned. "I'm gonna get a can of pop. I'll be back,” he reassured me.

"Pop?" I asked, trying to remember ever seeing Ethan drinking pop.

He smirked, leaning in and claiming my lips in one smooth movement. I blinked in shock for a moment. Then I closed my eyes, kissing him back.

The moment was bittersweet and when he pulled back, glowing eyes met mine.

"Nyx..." I whispered.

He slid his hands into his pockets before winking at me. "I like pop," he admitted, before turning around and walking away down the hall. I watched him turn the corner, clearly heading to the opposite end of the floor to the lone pop machine.

"Is that like a new way of being romantic?" Serenity pondered quietly.

"Maybe. There's probably an underlying meaning to this," Aurora suggested.

I smiled at their commentary, taking a calming breath. Thanks, guys. 

Even if I was still getting used to the both of them, I was glad to have them as a part of me. I just had to remember to rely on all of me in times of anxiousness, not just this human side that was all I had known for years. 

"You're welcome, Scarlet," they said in unison. I could feel a wave of joy run through me with a hint of acceptance. It was nice and comforting, making me even happier.

I opened the door, expecting everyone's attention to turn to me, but they were all focused on different things. Michael and Jaxson were mid-conversation, Christian and Kendrick looked deep in discussion as they inspected what looked to be different cases of some kind. Junho was relaxing next to the door, his phone in hand.

He lifted his gaze from the cellular device to greet me. "Welcome back, Scar."

I gave him a shy smile before moving to stand next to him. I leaned against the wall, trying to hide my immense relief. "Thank you," I whispered.

He nodded, putting his phone in his pocket before staring at the others, who were still deep in discussion. The guys gave occasional quick glances to make sure I was okay, which helped my anxiety about the whole issue ease little by little. 

Seeing as we were waiting for Ethan, I decided to make some conversation. "What did I miss?"

"Nothing. Ethan said he needed to use the washroom, so we decided to take a break before getting into the nitty-gritty of things," Junho replied, turning his head to stare at me.

I shared a look with him, wondering if my relief was evident on my face. Ethan was right. It just shocked me how they acted like they didn't know what was going on and indeed had apparently kept to such a protocol for all these years.

Junho's expression softened and he slipped his hand in mine, leaning over so he could whisper in my ear. "We're all here for you. Don't be nervous or afraid. We will figure this out together and if you ever need us for support, just say the word."

He leaned back, grabbing out his phone again, and pretended to be busy, but he squeezed my hand comfortingly. I grinned, closing my eyes for a moment.

"Scar?"

I opened my eyes and the vision I just had was gone in a flash. Suddenly, the office returned, the water from my vision having disappeared.

I slowly turned my head to my left and met Junho's confused eyes. Those turquoise jewels widened for a second before he frowned. 

My eyes burned, watering slightly from the stinging sensation as Junho's image began to alter. His short brown hair was longer now, which reminded me of Michael's long locks. I tried to continue my analysis, but then Junho opened his mouth to speak.

"Scar?" he said again, a little firmer this time, which shook me out of my daze. Huh?

I tried not to blink, not wanting the image to fade, but when I could no longer resist the burning urge to close my eyes for just a nanosecond, the image was gone, leaving only normal Junho standing there with a worried gaze.

I noticed the room was quiet and I looked to see the others were all staring at me with worried expressions. "What?" I asked. What was that vision all about? Wait, was that a vision or a glimpse of the future?

Christian leaned in to whisper to Kendrick. "She didn't go into vision mode,” he pointed out, but was loud enough it could hardly really be called a whisper.

"Guess she didn't," Kendrick replied with a frown.

"But she was zoning out for like a good twenty seconds," Michael commented.

"Twenty-five to be exact," Jaxson amended.

"Now you sound like Ethan," Junho added quietly.

At that moment, the door opened. Ethan entered the room with a raised eyebrow. "What sounds like me?" he asked, holding a grape pop in his hand.

"We thought Scar went Visionary on us," Michael revealed.

"Did she?" Ethan turned to me, taking a good long look from head to toe before returning his gaze to Michael. "She looks fine to me. Maybe Scarlet just reached the next level of badass."

I sighed, shaking my head at their conversation. "Scarlet is right here," I hummed.

The guys all blinked, including Kendrick, before they all started to look a little embarrassed by their behavior. I smiled at them before turning back to Ethan, my eyes lingering on the grape pop.

"Ethan, why did you get pop?" Christian asked.

"Oh." He came over to stand on my left side and presented me the can of grape-flavored pop. "Got it for Scar. Here you go. Thought you might want a drink."

Junho leaned in to whisper in my ear. "Grape pop is one of his favorites, so whenever he's worried about someone, he gets them grape pop so that way if they don't like it or kindly refuse, he can have it for himself."

"I can fucking hear you, and that's not why. I just wanted to get her something to drink. Fuck off, Junho," Ethan complained and Junho chuckled.

I grinned, accepting the cool drink. "Thanks, Ethan. I'll leave some for you," I reassured him. He blushed while the other guys laughed. Even Kendrick was chuckling quietly, confirming what Junho said about the pop was actually true.

"Ugh. I'm back, let's just return to planning," Ethan mumbled. I watched them move to sit back in their seats. Junho gave my hand another squeeze before we returned to our own seats.

"Everyone ready to get back to it?" Kendrick asked, looking at each of us in turn, his eyes lingering on mine the longest. I took a calming breath before nodding, switching to my investigator mode. Now that I'd dealt with my anxiety and fears, I felt more confident with the challenges we may have to face in the near future.

Either way, I had my team, or should I say, my men, on my side and I knew their support would help me overcome any obstacles I might encounter.

Now, we'll have to learn all about these Crystals of Mother Destiny and work to ensure Xerxes doesn’t get his hands on them.