She grinned as Mina scowled at her, "So, how'd things go?"

Mina sighed, "I'm not really sure if Zyne was drunk or sober."

Rei wrinkled her nose as she gave a grin, "That might not be very good."

Mina pretended to smack at her playfully, "He basically said yes."

"Really, now," Rei raised an eyebrow.

"Are you saying I have bad interpretation skills?" Mina asked slowly.

Rei's voice dripped with her dry humour, "Heavens no, child."

"You're mean, Rei," Mina pouted.

Rei gave a hearty laugh, something that Mina rarely heard. Usually, Rei was really serious. Although she and Mina were the same age, Rei was the more mature and calm one. When it came to her beliefs, she could easily state her opinions and back them up with cold, hard facts. Rei Kasumi was an analytical adolescent. Her looks and attitude made her appear a woman, but her age proved otherwise. Rei was a spirit of woman-hood trapped in the vessel of a growing young adult.

"I pity the foo' that marries me!" Rei growled in the midst of laughing.

Mina snorted as she gave a sharp nod, "Ain't that the truth!"

"Hey, Mina! Try on this dress!" Rei exclaimed suddenly.

She pulled out an uneven bottomed dress of the scarlet hue. The front had a lone strap like a halter top and the back laced up with a silky scarlet ribbon. The dress itself looked very sexy, very sleek, but not very Mina-ish. Rei was still trying to determine how it had come to the hands of Mina.

The blonde took the dress and headed to the bathroom to try it on. When she came back out, Mina hesitantly checked herself over, "Rei... this really isn't me."

As she showed herself off, Rei blinked at her a couple of time, "Mina, you look incredibly sexy. That's it! You are so wearing that! Zyne's gonna choke when he meets with you this afternoon!"

"Afternoon, Rei?" asked Mina, as Rei ducked behind her to fix the lacing.

Rei nodded and tightened the back ribbons, "The banquet's in the afternoon. Zyne will probably meet you there. Now, hush up and let me do your make up, woman."

Mina pursed her lips at Rei and then nodded. After Rei was finished applying Mina's facial make up, she started to dig through the drawers of Mina's dresser until she found the skin tight gloves that matched her dress. She placed them upon Mina's hands and pinched her arm lightly.

"You look beautiful, Mina!" Rei crooned over her creation in the full body mirror.

Mina glared at her with contempt as if she couldn't believe this predicament, "Whatever, Mina."

"Oh, don't be like that," said Rei, "It took me a good three hours to do your hair and make up after you quiet stalling and fidgeting."

"I wasn't stalling! I was nervous! It was nerves!" Mina retorted hotly.

Rei rolled her eyes as she flipped her fingertips through the wavy blonde hair, "Nerves and stalling are almost the same thing."

"They are not!" Mina snapped.

"Hey, treat your personal stylist with respect. I'm the one who's making you look irresistible!" Rei protested as she glanced at the clock on Mina's dresser.

Mina placed a hand upon her hip, "By the way, what am I supposed to wear on my feet?"

Rei handed her a pair of high-heel strapped shoes of the scarlet hue like the dress. Mina nearly gulped as she put them on and then brushed herself off. The shoes gave her another two inches in height, which brought her five inches closer to Zyne's height (5'11").

"Mina, you need to go if you don't want to be late," Rei commented.

"I've still got jitters. I'll stay here for just a few more minutes," said Mina.

Her 'few minutes' became an hour and a half with Rei's lecturing doing nothing to help.

Meanwhile, Zyne was still waiting for Mina to arrive. The banquet was almost over and there was no sign of the blonde. Zyne would have thought of himself lucky if he was her. He was actually decked out in a tuxedo and was carrying around a white rose as he paced. By the time the banquet was officially over, the attendees were forced to wait for the ballroom to open. Zyne continued to pace and tried to ignore Ceiran when she dashed up to him (without much success).

"I thought you weren't coming, Mr. Donovan. I could have sworn you stated something like 'Way too social for a geek like me'," Ceiran chuckled.

"I'm... letting the boss in on the secret on why this damn traditional banquet and ball is so popular," said Zyne.

Ceiran glanced at the rose in amusement, "Are you gay? That can't be it. Your reputation is just too well known. Then again that would explain why you're such a good womanizer. I have to admit you're good at what you do. If you were ever fired as an instructor, you could make a nice living off of womanizing."

Zyne narrowed his eyes at her critically, "I like flowers."

Before she got a chance to pester him some more, the ballroom entrance opened up and people started pouring in.

Zyne turned back to the exit and debated whether he should leave or not, "Minako, where the hell are you?"

He returned his glance to the ballroom and took his chances as he began to walk in.

"That's it! Mina Tianawane, get out of here now! You've made Mr. Donovan wait long enough!" Rei exclaimed.

Mina pouted as she spoke with that meek girl voice, "Um... where is the banquet and ball being held at?"

Rei smacked herself in the forehead, "There are signs.... Follow them.... Even you can do it."

Mina pulled a face at her as Rei kicked her out of the dorm room (which was Mina's to begin with). Mina timidly rushed down the corridor, her blonde hair of loose curls bounding in an innocent style. She followed the directions from the directory and made her way to the banquet hall.

"Zyne! I'm-" she stopped mid sentence.

She looked around the empty banquet hall and arched an eyebrow, "Sorry for being late?"

She slowed down and then followed the sound of classical music as she found the massive entrance doors to the ballroom. Obviously the ballroom was done in a dome style. The doors were about the same height as the pillars that supported the joining of the two rooms. It would also explain why the ceiling of the banquet hall was so high.

Mina opened the door slowly and then closed it behind her. When she turned back, she gasped. The room looked like something from a royal fairy tale. There was ivory coloured everything except the apparel people wore. Beneath her feet was a plush red carpet and it trailed down the elegant stairs before her.

When Zyne heard the door open, he turned to see Mina in that stunning dress and he couldn't believe it was actually her. She was so radiant and Zyne realised that he had never seen a more beauteous creature. She hadn't seen him yet as she scanned the room, so he edged closer to the bottom of the stairs.

Zyne wasn't the only one who noticed Mina. Most of the other instructors had watched her grace carefully. Isys couldn't accept that Mina could walk in hells. Ceiran was a bit shocked that she Zyne's eyesight only on the young female.

As Mina hesitantly took her steps down the stairs, she finally glanced to Zyne. She immediately froze, feeling foolish that she was so late intentionally. If he hadn't shot her a smile, she would've turned back and run out of the ballroom. When reached the bottom of the stairs, Zyne approached her calmly.

"Mina, you look... beautiful," he said slowly.

Her cheeks reddened as she glanced at the floor, "Thank you..."

He held out the white rose to her, "Here. It's something else to compliment you beauty."

Mina's trembling left hand reached out and took the rose. She looked so touched as she gazed at the rose's brilliant petals. Zyne watched her and his smile grew bigger at the reaction he had received. He took the rose from her hand and tucked it into her hair behind her right ear. And then he held out his arm to her as a waitress passed them with a platter of champagne-filled glasses. Both, Mina and Zyne took a glass and Mina hooked her arm around Zyne's carefully.

A couple of the male instructors whooped to get their attention. Zyne turned and recognised the taller one as Blade Drajek and the other as Yadinchuk Sarevok (more commonly called "Yadin"). Apparently, their dates had already grown bored of them, so the two needed to bore some other people. Perhaps Mina and Zyne were perfect for this.

Blade Drajek was the more serious one (if "serious" could even describe him) and he seemed a little more on the harsh side. His hair was as dark as Rei's and Mina thought the two could possibly be related. Blade's eyes were an icy blue and often gave an eerie feeling. He stood at five foot, eleven inches and he and Zyne had gotten along just fine when Zyne came to the facility.

Yadinchuk Sarevok was an odd male indeed. He was like a normal hormone-ruled guy except ten times worse. The only thing he thought about was the sweet taste of liquor of his tongue and then the sweet flavor of the women he tasted. Already he'd had a few glasses of champagne and when he saw Mina, his intentions were clear. Yadin was gifted with sandy-blonde hair and one green, and one blue eye. His hair, like Blade's, was cut just long enough that he to rake his fingers through in order to remove the fine strands from before his eyes.

When Zyne and Mina had joined the two, Yadin's eyesight traced over her curves and he instantly took her free hand and very passionately began kissing her as he removed the glove. Zyne puleed her hand away as he placed an arm around her waist protectively.

"Don't contaminate her flawless skin with those lips," he said firmly.

Blade gave a chuckle as he pulled Yadin back and shot an apologetic glance to Mina, "He doesn't mean any harm, Miss..."

Mina's cheeks flushed as she finished for him, "Tianawane."

Blade and Yadin raised their eyebrows as the latter spoke, "Minako Tianawane?"

Mina nodded, "Yes. That's me."

Blade laughed as he turned to Zyne, "So this is the one that the boss is paying extra for!"

Mina turned to look at Zyne waiting for him to elaborate on that statement. Zyne coughed and palmed the back of his neck, "Well, the boss said that you were pretty enough that if you gave him a lap dance, he'd pay extra."

"Is that good?" Mina asked hesitantly.

Yadin chuckled, "Yeah! It means he'll be getting lucky! I'd pay you extra too..."

"She is not some damn whore!" Zyne snapped. And then he turned to Mina, "Sweet heart, I need to talk to Instructor Drajek alone for a moment. We'll be right back."

As he and Blade parted from the group of four, Zyne traded his empty glass for a full one.

"Blade, you cannot let her know that I'm being paid to learn about her! I'm not in this to hurt her!" he exclaimed.

Blade folded his arms over his chest, "Well, I hate to break it to you, but you already are hurting her."

"I'll make this up to her!" Zyne protested.

The two continued to bicker while Yadin had led Mina to the outside balcony. The two were alone for the time being and Yadin thought it would be the perfect moment to woo Mina.

"You really are most beautiful," he said.

Mina smiled, "It must be true then. Thank you."

Yadin continued, "I daresay you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

He started to take a couple more steps to her and she backed into the railing of the balcony. He brought out his right hand and slid it just behind her neck as he pulled her forward into his arms.

His voice was soft... sensual, "Would you like to go to my quarters...? I have a shrine dedicated to the most beautiful woman. I think I'll change it to a shrine just for you."

"I... I couldn't. Zyne... Mr. Donovan would be greatly concerned about me," Mina's voice trembled with fear.

She had never kissed and she had never been kissed. This was not the way things should happen. Her hands pressed against his chest, but he had just pulled her against him tighter.

"Zyne trusts you. You're a mature adult. I don't understand why he thinks you're a child. I'll help you prove your adulthood to him..." Yadin leaned in closer to her as his lips brushed against hers.

Zyne's head jerked suddenly to where Mina and Yadin had previously been, "Mina...? Sarevok...? This is not good."

"Huh?" asked Blade.

Zyne shook his head, "We'll talk later."

He pushed himself through the crowds until he got to the entrance of the balcony. By the time he got there, he could see Mina struggling to free herself from Yadin's embrace.

His voice was perfectly flat and firm, "Let go of Miss Tianawane, Sarevok."

Yadin leaned back and grinned as Mina, "Looks like we were interrupted, my love bird."

"Release her now," the tension in Zyne's voice grew.

Yadin let her go and stormed past Zyne as he huffed, "I'll get my kicks elsewhere."

After he had left, Zyne glanced to Mina who looked around nervously, "Mina, are you okay...?"

The young blonde was shaking so violently that Zyne knew it wasn't the cold breeze, "...Mina..."

He walked over to her and held her tightly in his arms. Her hands came up to touch his shoulders as she embraced him.

"I'm so sorry, Mina. I will never let that happen again. As long as you're okay... that's all I care about," said Zyne.

Mina looked up at him, "Can we get out of here?"

Zyne nodded, "Of course. I'll take you to your dorm."

Mina shook her head, "This time I'll take you to your dorm."

Zyne grinned and took her hand as they left the ballroom and headed in the direction of Zyne's quarters. When they got there, Mina paused before the door and turned to him.

"Thank you for this evening. And thank you for taking care of that guy. I was so helpless..." she said.

Zyne shrugged, "Have to make sure you'll be okay."

He glanced around after opening his door, "Uh... wanna come in? My guess is you're still a little shaky. I'll try to cheer you up."

Mina nodded and gave a smile. Zyne showed her in and then followed closing the door after himself. He turned on a couple of dim lights and Mina took a seat on a chair beside his bed.

"Uh... Mina?" Zyne asked after sitting on his bed.

She looked to him, "Yes?"

"I... uh... I have something to say," he said.

Mina leaned forward, her cheeks brightening, "Go ahead..."

Zyne gave a chuckle, "I love working with you and spending time with you..."

Was he...? Was he going to confess his feelings for her? Mina's heart beat seemed so loud, she was certain that he could hear it, "Yes, Zyne?"

"I've been given a new case," said Zyne suddenly.

"What?" asked Mina.

"I'm not your trainer anymore," Zyne clarified.

"You're not?" Mina queried.

He shook his head. Mina hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Where are you going?"

"I've got to go find a certain someone. My research has led me to the beliefs that a person I've been searching for since I was sixteen is in the town of Karsh. I'm leaving tomorrow morning. I thought I'd let you know, so we could... well... say good-bye and all," Zyne explained.

Mina nodded slowly as she watched him rise. She did the same and the next words she spoke were of the boldest spoken, "Take me with you!"

Zyne turned to face her, "I can't. It would endanger your life."

"Do you think I'm nothing more than a mere child, Zyne Donovan?! Is that truly what you think?! I'm really not! Remember that Leviathan? I saved your life! You should want me to come! How can you not even consider it?!" Mina snapped.

Zyne put his left hand upon her shoulder, "There's nothing to consider."

"Yes, there is! You just can't accept that I'm tougher than you sometimes!" Mina protested.

Zyne reached his right hand into his pocket and pulled out a syringe of a clear liquid. He thought Mina might react like this and he had already created his plan for such an event happening.

"You don't need to protect me with your life," he replied.

He brought Mina into his arms and ducked his head as he kissed her lips passionately to take her by surprise. And succeeding in doing so, he injected the needle of the syringe into the back of her bare left shoulder. She fell limp in his arms and he laid her against his bed, writing her a quick note and leaving it beside her. He turned out the dim lights and headed to the door. He had to leave while she was still asleep. He turned back to look at her, "Mina, I'd die a thousand times over for you."

With that said, he opened the door and then closed it, locking it from the outside as he escaped into the silent facility and soon, the deserted night.