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The crystallized hearts of my parents lit up. I’ve kept them hidden, but close since reclaiming them from Victor.
    “Father? Mother?”
    “We’re here my darling. It’s been too long,” Mother said.
    “I can only speak to you when I’m sure that I’m not spied on by the children or anyone else.”
    “Do you not trust those who reside with you, my dear girl?” Father asked.
    “It’s not that I don’t trust them. I guess I’m just not ready to share you with anyone else. You understand, don’t you?”
    “Your voice doesn’t sound as assured as it has in your last visits, darling. Is there something troubling you?” Mother asked as her hearts light dimmed with sadness.
    “I miss you both terribly, and wish you were here.” I said, as I held back tears.
    “We are here,” Mother said and her prism-like heart illuminated brightly.
    “I mean I wish you were here in human form.” The silence was deafening. “I'm working hard to get you back. I have warrior trackers ready to start searching for your bodies at dawn.”
    “Perhaps that is not imperative at the moment,” Father said.
    “What? Of course it is,” I said, feeling exasperated. Why was everyone against this mission?
    “You have an empire to look after. Hades will continue to strengthen the Apolluon. The members need your strength.”
    “ I need your strength,” I said, feeling abandoned.
    “No you don’t,” Father stated, forcefully. The light of his crystalized heart crackled like my bolt, reminding me of my father’s quick temper. “We’re not as powerful as your closest aides.”
    “So, what are you saying? Do I have your support in the search mission, or not?”
    “We support you in all you believe is right to do,” Mother said, faithfully.
    “We want you to be careful in prioritizing and utilizing your disciple’s strength. You must save your strength for the extreme threats. It is the best way to govern,” Father explained.
    “Which brings me to why I sought your guidance tonight; I am considering restoring Victor's strengths and bringing him back to full power.”
    “It sounds like you feel very strongly about your decision,” Father said.
    “Well, he's been very helpful. He’s provided pertinent information which will help in safe-guarding our empire.”
    “What has Victor told you exactly?” Father inquired.
    “Ares informed his son of how Hades is plotting to abduct me, steal my bolt, and confront Zeus for his share of the earth and heavens.”
    “I see. Well, Hades has always desired what his brothers have. Victor was wise to pass on this knowledge. Have you spoken to the council on Victor’s behalf?”
    “No, father, but I will in the morning. I think there is a crucial to restore his powers now.”
    “Why now?”
    “Well, I have the teams leaving in the morning. Victor will be a very powerful addition in keeping the remaining members safe while the warriors are away.”
    “I can't foresee the council opposing,” Father admitted.
    “Neither do I,” I beamed. My father was a fearless leader with a level head. He agreed with me, and not because I was his daughter, but because my plan made sense.
    Once the wall closed, I summoned the elders to the center of the Tieron mine. They arrived almost immediately. They searched my face for any indication that I may have changed my mind and decided not to send their offspring out into the world on what they believed to be a selfish crusade. Although I was able to read their minds, I don’t ever remember feeling the staccato beat of their hearts. They were anxious to hear what I had to say.
    Unfortunately, I would disappoint.
    “I’ve called upon you to discuss what I feel is a very important matter. One that I believe should give you some comfort while your children are away.” I didn’t want to bring up their children, but it was unavoidable. The blow had been delivered. What I would be proposing had a lot to do with their safety in their children’s