Nothing is True. Everything is Permitted.

Mya felt proud, but saw Zane's and Zee's reactions and wondered what was wrong. She didn't have much time to think as the Herald would announce the results soon.

 

Zane would've gone over to his friend, but Zee pulled his date into the crowd and Zane frowned after him, thinking, That was wierd. Could my Uncle really have said something that horrible to him to change how he sees even me? With his attention on Zee, he doubted he'd actually hear the results.

 

Mya waited anxiously. After a few minutes, the herald came out. MaY I have your attention please? We have out winner! The one who showed the most passion, executed graceful skill, and powerful emotion, is this couple! He pointed to Zane and Mya. Mya smiled excitedly and tugged on Zane's sleeve. You heard that? We won!

 

Zane blinked from his thoughts and snapped back to reality, "Huh? We...won? Oh," he smiled, "That's great!" His eyes focused on the Herald, "Then that means we get our chat with Franchesco."


Zee fumed silently, "Does he care at all? His Uncle made it so clear...Mya's a bad influence on him. He's changed so much already. I don't think he gives a damn about killing the conspirators and the rest of the Templars. Only about getting Mya back to his room." His date gave him a worried pat, "Are you okay? I'm sure your friend cares about what you care about. He's just a little preoccupied, that's all. Zee, are you sure this thing isn't going to get anyone killed tonight?" He shook his head and pushed her away, following Zane and Mya if they moved.

 

The herald gave Mya and Zane a small bow. He then opened a set of double doors for them to go thought that lead to Franchesco's room.

 

Zane pulled Mya along by her hand, giving a small nod to the herald.

Zee followed quickly, ignoring the protests of his date.

 

Mya followed. After some walking, they were in a large fancy room. Franchesco stood up and smiled at them. Welcome winners! Please have a seat. He led them to a couch to sit on.

 

Zane sat and pulled Mya down beside him. He managed a small smile, "Thank you for your hospitality. It's quite a nice party you have going on."

Zee stood outside the door, listening to them speak. He wouldn't let Mya poison Zane's mind anymore. Zane's Uncle was right, she had changed him into a different person.

 

Franchesco leaned back into his chair. You two were both brilliant tonight. Dancing with such skill and emotion.

Mya smiled. It's nothing. We're very skilled at it. She gave a wink to Zane when Franchesco wasn't looking.

 

Zane barely suppressed his smile and turned his full attention on Franchesco, "Why offer this to the winnner when they could have something more? You could never socialize with your guests and give them, say money as a prize. Instead you offer a chance to talk to you."

 

Franchesco shrugged. You don't need money. My friend knows a lot about you two. He snapped his fingers and Havoc entered the room. Isn't that right Havoc? Havoc nodded and smiled. That's right.

Mya narrowed her eyes.

 

Zane frowned, "I thought I smelt something foul."

Zee readied his blade, waiting for something more to happen before all the fighting happened. He would need more to give to Zane's Uncle.

 

Havoc walked around the room. I must say, you both dance very well. Too bad you fell for it. He pulled out his sword and examined it. It's a shame to dirty my sword today.

Mya flicked around her bracer, but didn't want to attack him yet.

 

Zee waited, this might be the only chance to make sure Mya was out of Zane's life for good. If she died, Reaper would come back and he'd have his best friend again.

Zane leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes, "Hmm, so you lured us here with Franchesco, knowing we wouldn't be able to resist the chance to take out another conspirator. It's a nice scheme, I'll give you that." He opend his eyes, "Is it only our deaths you want, Havoc, or something else?"

 

Havoc sighed and tapped his sword on the table. Here's my answer. I don't know anymore. What will killing both of you have any benefits for me? A promotion and that's it? As he talked more, it sounded like he doubted himself for being a Templar.

Mya said nothing and looked at her brand mark on her arm, thinking the same thing.

Franchesco, ignored for a while stood up. I'll...umm get some fresh air. He walked to the door Zee was at and opened it abruptly.

 

Zee quickly grabbed Franchesco and held a small dagger to his throat as he glared at the people in the room, "No one moves until I get some answers."

Zane huffed at his friend, "Kill him, what do I care. That's our mission anyways." He watched Zee's eyes as they became slightly fearful and then savage. Something was terribly wrong with his friend, "Zee? Are you okay?" He took a step toward him and Zee's dagger pricked Franchesco's neck.

 

Franchesco shook his hands worridly. Now now, let's talk about it shall we? No need to kill right?

Havoc stepped towards Zee. Release him.

Mya looked at Zee with a worried look. Zee, what happened to you?

 

Zee snarled, "No. I'll kill him if you come any closer, filthy Templar." his wild eyes flicked to Mya and back to Zane, "My eyes were finally opened. Zane tried to kill Ryku, he let his sister die. Your Uncle sends his blessings to you Zane."

Zane frowned at him, "My Uncle told you to do this? Why? What does the old man want?"

"He wants to see you freed from that woman's grip. You used to be free like your falcon, and just as fierce. What happened to you?"

 

Mya stared at Zee in fustration. This is all because of me? You think killing me will turn him back? It won't! You'll turn him into something else!

Havoc sighed. This is going nowhere. He grabbed Mya and put a sword over her neck. Release him, or else she dies.

 

Zee snorted, "Anything is better than what he is now!" he screamed at her and smiled horribly, "You think I care what happens to her? I'd rather she dies."

Zane gritted his teeth, "Zee! Stop that!" he turned to Havoc, "Release her! she's got nothing to do with this."

Zee flipped out, "She's got everything to do with it! She changed you! You used to be my friend!"