Nothing is True. Everything is Permitted.

Zee shoved the doctors out of the room and wiped the dried blood from Zane's face and changed his clothes for him, "Zane, my brother, I'm sorry I left you to deal with Haru like that. He...no one deserves to be treated like that."

 

Mya placed a hand on Zee's shoulder. It's not your fault. You had to do what you had to do.

 

Zee felt his resentment rising again after such a long time of suppressing it. "What would you know about what I had to do!? You weren't there! You didn't have to see Zane suffer because of how badly Haru had beaten him around, mentally and physically. You didn't...." his voice dropped to a whisper and he gripped her hand on his shoulder, "You didn't have to watch him bleed for days and have to keep a distance from him when Haru commanded it. I watched him suffer beating after beating during the day and then nightmares at night. I should've been stronger Mya! I should've helped him escape a long time ago."

 

Mya looked down. Sometimes, the only was to get stronger is to sacrafice the things you desire the most. Zee, you're pushing yourself too hard.

 

Zee let go of her hand and stood, "Pushing too hard? That's a new one. Y'know Mya, Zane would've said the opposite of you." He took Zane's hand and pulled up Zane's sleeve, showing a tattoo of two snakes biting each other's tails, forming a perfect circle. "I'll bet he kept you busy so you couldn't examine him. He's had this since his father died and Haru took him in. It's Haru's symbol, Ouroboros, the end of the world and the beginning."

 

Mya stared at his tattoo. So what? I still see Zane as Zane.

 

He snorted, "Yeah figured you'd say that. Zane belongs to Haru, like property. Whatever Haru decides for him, Zane is obliged to do it. Mya, he can't be disloyal to his family. Haru comes first, even before you."

 

Mya shook her head. No you're wrong! He cares about me! Even if he has to defile Haru! You know it's true! You're his friend for crying out loud!

 

Zee touched his hair and tugged on the fastenings of his shirt, "Sure, sure. Whatever you want to think Mya. Ask him when he's better, he'll hesitate and then you'll know he's lying."

 

Mya turned away from Zee. Some friend you are. I though they were meant to help each other.

Sasha walked back into the room holding a vial. Oh hey! I found the cure. Oblivious to the arguement, she walked over to Mya and gave her the vial. Make sure he drinks this when he gets up alright?

 

Zee shrugged, "I know, Mya." he looped his arm around Sasha's waist and pulled her from the room.

Zane's eyes flickered open briefly before closing again.

 

Sasha smiled at Zee. So how was your day Zee?

Mya stared sadly at Zane. Zane, is that all what you are? Property? You would choose a traitor over the people you care and love for?

 

Zee grinned, his melancolly from earlier gone, "I'm doing good. Today has been...well it's just fine. Nothing really out of the ordinary."

Zane's dream world consisted of his memories. He remembered when his father was killed and then he was taken to Uncle Haru's. "But, Uncle, isn't father coming to get me?" "No boy. I'm afraid he's not. Now come along, we have to get you something so no one else takes you from this place, okay?" "Ok, Uncle."
Zane hadn't realized that mark he was getting then was a brand of ownership. He gritted his teeth and shuddered in his sleep as the screams of his younger self echoed in his head.

 

Sasha giggled and cuddled up against Zee.

Mya sat next to Zane. She rolled the vial in her hands while thinking about Zane's situation.

 

Zee tipped her face toward him and kissed her.

Zane's eyes slowly flicked open and he groaned.

 

Sasha kissed him back, leading both of them into his room and closing the door behind them.

Mya touched Zane's arm. Zane, you feel alright?

 

Zee pulled on her clothes and glanced over her shoulder to see Zane's falcon sitting on his bed. It hobbled and lifted a limp wing, a note was attached to it's leg. "What the... That can't be Zane's falcon."

Zane blinked in the light and shivered, "Depends...what's in the vial, Mya." His gray eyes were cautious as they caught on her and his fingers shook as he reached for the little bottle.

 

Mya gave Zane the vial. It's a special fluid that can help you up.

Sasha frowned. What's it doing here?

 

Zane swriled the contents of the vial and frowned, "Help me? What's wrong with me?"

Zee lifted the falcon and took the note from his leg and touched his wing, "Hey little fella, you okay?" The falcon shrieked and bit his finger, dropping to the floor with difficulty, "Ouch! Dammit, he bit me! I think his wing is broken."

 

Sasha picked up the falcon. Don't worry little guy. I'll fix you up soon.

Mya sighed. According to Sasha, you're poisoned with a hybrid. The vial will help eliminate the virus.