Present Day

The door of the expensive penthouse apartment opened, allowing Zed and Shane entrance to one of the many penthouses in the apartment complex they lived in. This one belonged to Zed. Looking around, Zed saw that everything was in order and nodded satisfied. Even though he was in a wealthy crime family, he spent his money wisely, not wasting on useless home accessories. His penthouse was simple but comfortable and a place he called home. The color scheme was white, which gave off a relaxed vibe, and the furniture was extremely comfortable. The entire first level of his penthouse acted as a living room and kitchen off in the corner, the second level being Zed's quarters. In the main section of the living room, there were several couches facing a plasma television, with a chandelier hanging down, illuminating the entire room with a warm white glow. Zed took off his boots and placed his car keys on the kitchen table.

"Is everything in order Sir?" Shane asked his charge, standing by the door. "Thank you Shane. I will call you if I need you. I am just going to spend some time to relax," Zed replied, nodding. Shane bowed before shutting the door, leaving Zed alone. Hearing the door click shut, Zed headed up the floating wooden stairs towards his room. He opened his room door, stepped inside, and shut it behind him. Exhaling deeply, Zed sat on his bed and looked outside. One of the few benefits of his penthouse is that it had an unobstructed view of the horizon. It's been a long day Zed thought to himself. First, someone had the nerve to insult the Boss, Zed laughed, remembering how The Boss was fuming after leaving the Jackson Corp Building. Now, I am pretty sure something is bound to happen after we detonated the main corporation building, Zed mused. Stiffening, he sensed something at the door. Getting up, he drew a short blade he carried on his person, and entered a Solid Snake stance. Seeing the door knob turn slowly, Zed approached the door cautiously. Then, the door shot open. A dark form shot from the doorway and got behind Zed with surprising speed. Unflinchingly, Zed reversed his knife grip and swung at this unknown being. The dark form avoided his strike by stepping into his personal space and grabbed Zed into a hug from behind. Blinking, Zed stopped and lowered his arms.

"What are you doing in my room Nix?" Zed asked. The dark form hugging him was actually a young woman in her twenties, only slightly older than Zed. She had tan skin and long, dark brown hair in a ponytail, going down to her lower back. Currently, she was scantily clad, wearing only a dress shirt, leaving nothing to the imagination.

"Why do you think?" Nix asked, biting her lip, tightening her grip on Zed.

"….What do you want?" Zed asked in a serious tone. Sighing, Nix released Zed. He turned to face the woman.

"You are no fun. Shane asked me to tell you that The Boss wanted to talk to you," Nix finally answered. Shaking her head, "Sometimes, you need to stop being so serious and have some fun," Nix told Zed. Ignoring her response, "Thank you for telling me, now would you leave my room please?" Zed asked. Sighing, Nix strutted out and closed the door with a click. Turning away, Zed sighed as well. So much for some time to relax and think he thought to himself. Well, no reason to make The Boss angrier by taking my time and with that, Zed left his penthouse.

Sometime later

Zed stood in front of large double doors that seemed to radiate power and quickly composed himself. Then, he gripped the door knob and paused. Let's get this over with and with that, Zed opened the door. The door swung open to reveal a large open room that is like a classic throne room you would see in medieval castles, except, everything is modern. Sitting in the throne was The Boss, wearing all white, looking like a godly king but wearing a fedora. Next to the throne stood Shane, who didn't glow like the Boss did but had his own magnificence. Zed marched in front of the two men and stood at attention.

"You called for me Boss?" Zed asked. The Boss nodded and looked to Shane. Shane nodded and cleared his throat.

"Ahem. The Boss wants to congratulate you on the success of your mission. Our contacts have notified us that there wasn't any evidence left behind to connect us to the incident," Shane told Zed with the slightest hint of pride in his voice. Zed did not respond, his face hiding any sign of emotion like a mask. He already knew this, he didn't leave traces. There was a moment of silence and The Boss just observed Zed with his keen gaze. Shane and The Boss exchanged glances and nodded to each other. Procuring a manila folder from nowhere, Shane stepped forward and handed it to Zed.

"What is this?" Zed asked curiously, eyeing the folder in his hand.

"Your next assignment, Zed." Shane told him. Zed glanced at The Boss and looked back at Shane.

"On the behalf of the family, you are hereby ordered to protect the heir of another crime family of whom we are close with," Shane sounded as if reading a king's decree.

"Don't worry, it isn't anyone you don't know," added Shane, with a knowing smirk sneaking onto his face.

"Is that all, Boss?" asked Zed, ignoring Shane's teasing. The Boss nodded, giving Zed his leave. Zed turned on his heel and left the throne room. The Boss and Shane turned to each other. Shane then turned to a dark alcove that was behind the throne.

"So, what do you think?" asked Shane, with genuine curiosity in his voice. A hooded figure, face hidden in the shadows moved into the light.

"He doesn't seem like much. Seem really serious. Are you sure this...Zed is the one to protect my daughter?" responded the hooded figure, with a deep voice that rumbled. The Boss nodded his assurance to the man.

"Alright Boss. I trust your decision but we shall see how he fares," the hooded man returned to the alcove and disappeared.

End