me: This chapter is short, I know. I'm sorry.

Angel: Suspense...

Total: Cliffhangy...

me: ...Cliffhangy? Anyway, I'm soooo sorry about the late update. I promise it won't take so long next time.

Disclaimer: I do not own MR, but I own plots and unrecognized characters.

ISAAC UPDATE! He's been home for about two months and doing good. They don't know when he'll have to have another, but his dad said the longer they wait, the better for him in the long run.

-Max POV-

"Max." I slowly lifted my head, not fast enough, because I was hit by Mom's bear hug. "Promise me you'll be careful in that Ring."

"When am I not?" Still, I wrapped my arms around her. This might be our last meeting. "I'll be home in a few days, Mom. And then Dad can go to Debt and collect the harvest."

I felt a cold teardrop on the back of my neck. "I know, honey. I have no doubt you can win this. I just wish I could be by your side to fight with you." She hugged me closer. "If only the power of Governor came with the ability to make peace between the North and South."

Both of us knew that that wouldn't happen. At least not in my generation, anyway. Or the next. Maybe my great grandchild won't have to fight in Debt. "I wish..." I whispered, so low that not even Mom could hear it.

As much as I hate to admit it, there was something about Fang that made me hate the thought of killing him. Maybe it was because I owe him for saving me and Ella? Yeah, that had to be it. But he had to want to kill me and wanted to prove himself again, that's why he didn't let the old Northern Governor kill me. And I wouldn't let him do that. I don't care how much I owe him.

My mind was in a whirlwind. I didn't, couldn't know what to do. It's like playing Rock, Paper, Scissors. You never know how it will turn out, because it takes chances from both of you to have an output. And the output was never certain, and your guesses are hardly ever right.

"Show that boy what you're made of, Maxie," Mom said, wiping a tear from her eye.

Maxie. That's what she called me when I was a little girl. It brought tears to my eyes.

I nodded and stared out the plane window at the ocean. There's no telling what ocean it was, they were all blended together now. I think this was a branch from the Atlantic, but there's no way to know for sure. I couldn't see land either way I looked.

For some reason, I had a terrible stomache ache. I was hunched over, almost as if to keep myself from puking. My stomache always got queezy on the plane ride to Debt, especially from the sudden tempeture changes, but never like this. Usually I have to say goodbye to my family before I get on the plane, and I always thought that was why my stomache had butterflies.

But Mom was here and my stomache was worse.

"There it is," I whispered to myself as the dark line of land appeared. It was Debt. I felt my stomache tighten.

Mom patted my shoulder. "You'll be okay, Maxie. I believe in you."

She only had time to grab my hair before I puked.

-Fang POV-

I was still trying to get use to the new Governor. His name was... I've forgotten it already. It's a strange name that I've never heard before. But he didn't know that, he still thought I had watched his campaign instead of sitting at home sorting out all my sorry thoughts.

"You can do it, Fang. You've made us proud, boy." Dad gave me a bear hug, beating my back with his hand. Mom was bawling like a baby as she hugged my neck.

"Whatever happens," she said, "know that we're proud of you. You'll always be our son." She pulled a tissue out of her purse and dabbed her eyes. I smiled as a wrapped my arm around her. Everyone was so sure I would win, they don't know the pressure they put on. I try to block them out when I fight.

I picked up Gazzy and ruffled his hair. "Gazzy, do you believe big brother can win?"

Gazzy's head bobbed up and down. "You can get her! I want to win a fight, too. Just like you."

"You don't want to, Gazzy. It's not good to get picked."

With all the words my parents and Gazzy were saying, I forgot all about my possible 'feelings' for Max. I knew what I had to do. The first chance I got, I'd slice her throat. I'd make it slow and painful, make her sorry she ever had to cross me. I'd slowly watch her die and come back to the North, and let our men gather the harvest. It was my destiny.

"Good luck out there, bro," Iggy said, giving me the same hug as Dad did. "I'll see you soon."

"Sooner than you think," I laughed, punching his shoulder. "And you -"

"Fang." It was the Governor. His low, deep voice was cold, snapping attention right away. "It's time to go." He turned around and marched up the steps to the plane. I pursed my lips. I don't know how he got elected, I wouldn't have voted for him. Then again, I didn't vote. I can't complain.

I hugged my family one last time, giving Mom a kiss on the cheek, and walked up towards the jet. I felt power as I walked up the steps, power of a killer. I had to kill her, for my nation and the people of the North. They were all counting on me. I wasn't about to let them down. Max wouldn't live to see another day, I'd be sure of that.

me: From now on, the chaper won't be split into different POVs (I know that was confusing, I apoligize.)

Angel: It's going to be a chapter in Max's POV, then the chapter in Fang's POV.

Total: And back again.

me: Uh-huh. I hope you liked it! Please review and tell me how I did!