Dark Navy blue covered the sky with the faint hint of a bright orange coming up over the horizon, in the distance the sight of black smoke rose up from a nearby destroyed camp, but even so it did not destroy the beauty, the faint calls of the birds in the trees or the pleasant breeze that passed by. Seated on the rough sandy ground was Alice, her head tilted back looking out towards the darkened sky, her face caked in dirt, mud and dried up blood. She had been busy at work and it was the mornings and late afternoons that she could only find time to sit and relax.

Behind her she could hear the crunching sound of leaves as Vaas approached, he'd joined her in today's raiding party which was a rather big disappointment for Alice, though Vaas as always got a kick out of it, making his men run in and cause chaos. However for Alice she was too focused on something else, Hoyt had made it clear that Alice was to now be tracking down a Man named Willis, a spy for the CIA or something. So far Alice had been clueless as to where to look or what to do exactly, the only hint she managed to get out of today's raid was from a prostitute who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Turns out the man she was looking for had a very interesting nickname 'The man in white', he was located somewhere near Badtown and seemed to have a recon group out in the jungle that of which Vaas was going to handle whereas Alice was going to take on the big fish first.

"Hey Hermana"

In his usual calm and almost collect tone, Vaas cooed to Alice as he slumped down onto the ground sitting down beside her, his side pressed against hers as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her in close to him while he looked off at the sun rising up and over the horizon. It had been a month since Alice had gotten her tattoo done and she felt more and more each day closer to Vaas, Closer to the madness within the jungle.

"Doug says six sky divers will be popping off early this morning. What you think about that huh?"

Always it was about his captives, Vaas enjoyed telling stories to Alice about how he tortured them, how he found it funny to watch their last glimmer of hope fade right before their eyes. It was those stories that Alice had grown used to hearing, she listened always to his words and how he would tell them, and it often gave away whether he would be in a good or bad mood later too, but most of all Alice learned from his methods and put them to good use in her own work. She'd learned how to skin another human while still alive, but Hoyt wasn't a patient man. It seemed this Willis guy was ticking Mr. Volker off and it was up to Alice to go off, find him and bring him in to Hoyt still alive.

With a faint sigh Alice put her head against Vaas' chest, she could hear his heart beat but she knew their time together was very little lately. Since Hoyt, since his little dramatic show off to Alice, she had been reporting to the man every day almost. In fact Vaas had even given Alice more freedom, no longer did she have to get escorted, and in fact she could either get a chopper to Hoyts or drive a boat herself. Personally she liked the boat, it was calming, not too noisy and out in the open water she felt free and at peace.

"I'll be with Hoyt you know"

Was all she could say to the man that sat by her side, his arms wrapped tightly around her at the sound of her words, they had both become use to this, spending time away from one another and neither one of them liked it but they had to deal with it. Out of the blue Vaas began to chuckle, another thing Alice had become use to, his random little laughing fits often caused her to smile and she didn't know why but she found it pleasant hearing his laughter.

"You know Hermana I'll have a surprise for you when you come back"

Softly he nudged her pressing their bodies up against each other, like a child he joked about little things but his laughter faded and so did his smile as he pressed his head against hers. She'd noticed that Vaas at times didn't just go from being calm to mad but often he would go from goofy to sadistic to even just being emotionless, it made her wonder if by chance he was Bipolar, but she wasn't a doctor. Shifting in his seat on the ground, Vaas seemed to hug Alice more as if sensing something that she was unable to sense.

Taking in a deep breath, the young woman alongside the Pirate Lord felt that this moment was going to be shortly cut, and so it was when Vaas himself stood up dusting off some of the sand. With a faint sigh Alice did the same getting to her feet before picking up her black compound bow that had been placed up against a nearby tree. Off in the distance where the endless sounds of the other pirates or those that had remained after their little raid party. Abel was not among them; in fact since Alice had returned renewed a month ago, Abel had kept his distance, though Alice didn't mind she had other things to attend to.

"I need to head over to Hoyts, and then I'll head to BadTown afterwards. I guess we will just have to meet up along the way huh?"

Alice teased as she gave a cocky look back to Vaas who only wiggled his brows with hands on hips and that devious look on his face that she could never forget. It was that look that said he was in a good mood and probably would remain that way for most of the day unless something happens to piss him off, and then it's down that unstable bumpy road with him like always.

"Fine by me Hermana, just don't forget tonight ok?"

"Hmm?"

"The surprise!"

Softly Alice stiffened a giggle but Vaas had already caught onto her giggle and wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her in for a final embrace before parting ways. Their lips parted at each other's touch, their tongues entangled in a playful fight yet Vaas always dominated her no matter what. His rough hand traced through her short brown hair softly tugging a handful but never being too harsh. Everything in that moment was blissful, Vaas was always so caring and careful with the way he touched her and vice versa. It was a moment of simple peace broken as they both needed to breath. Looking into her blue eyes, the Pirate Lord gave a satisfied hum to himself and gave a smirk to her before ruffling her hand and walking off. That left Alice smiling as she watched the man walk off towards the others who had gathered around a little camp fire. There was no such thing as goodbye, or c'ya later, nothing like that; just a sweet passionate kiss, a tease for what would come later when she would return later to his little isle.

Swinging the bow around her shoulder and onto her back before doing a quick check of her arrow supply, Alice knew it was time to head off. Hoyt was an early bird and he also didn't like to be kept waiting, Alice knew that, she had learned it very fast through Vaas and his men. Strolling off to the nearest dock which wasn't too far, Alice spotted her little jet ski, it was small and painted in red suiting the pirate colour, it featured many battle marks but even so it was still great for getting around the place as Alice jumped onto its frame and hit the ignition.

Turning the key over the Jet Ski gave a roar and then a peaceful hum as Alice revved it up once or twice to ensure it wasn't going to fail her. She'd made that mistake once before when she forgot to check the fuel and of course she ended up having to swim to the nearest shoreline and walk to the nearest outpost before getting fuel to fill up the Jet Ski. With a pleased smile, Alice speed off into the horizon, the Jet Ski bumped over the waves but Alice didn't mind, her gaze was upon the horizon, its beauty changing slowly as the day was just starting. By the time she would reach the Southern Island, it would be morning, Hoyt would be up and about and so would his men. Hopefully today would have more promises then others, after all Vaas did say there would be some new stock arriving, six Sky divers.

Raising her head up to the sky, Alice slowed down the speed of the Jet Ski, even though she was alone out here she didn't want to risk running into any Rakyats patrolling the area. The thought of people flying down from above amazed her, she had never really done that sort of stuff, always been the type of person to keep her feet on the ground. Sure she loved using zip lines but flying? That was a new territory for Alice, she would have to ask Buck sometime if he had a flight suit lying around that she could use for some free falling, though she doubted he would let her do it alone.

Kicking the engine again into full speed, the young woman returned her gaze out towards the horizon, all she could hear was the sound of the waves crashing against the Jet Ski as she felt her body bob up and down with each little wave. Out here there was a sense of freedom, a sense of peace, but Alice was reminded of the fact out here it was a war zone, the Rayate where always finding some sort of a way to piss of Vaas and his men, yet they never dared to step a foot onto the Southern Island. Hoyt had made it so well secure over there that only stock got in and out, and only the puppets he used made it there and back again. Citra was just a mad and crazed woman with a blood lust for the most disturbed things and Alice had been told that crazed native bitch had survived.

Seems that when Alice had attacked them she had only done minor damage, it was still enough to make the Rakyate rethink their next attacks and also made Alice more fearsome, they all feared her now and not a single person on Rook questioned her, unless their name was Vaas or Hoyt. Slowly Alice rolled the Jet Ski up to the dock, time had passed too fast as she spotted the few privateers round the area. They looked at her briefly before turning their attention elsewhere, every one of them on the Southern Island had become use to her, and she was like Buck now. Coming and going and reporting information, but Alice couldn't wait to get this over and done with. Heading to Badtown would be a good excuse to meet up with Buck again, he might also have some information on the man in white, but that was just a random guess.

Getting off the Jet Ski and attaching a piece of rope onto it neatly before leaving, Alice couldn't help but feel an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach. It was a lingering thought as she trailed a hand over her stomach, the child that she could have had if it wasn't for Citra. With a deep breath, Alice pushed onwards passing the two guards that stood nearby, they were too busy talking about their favourite bubble gum, and one of them was trying to argue that one flavour was better than the other, a true American of course. Yet it didn't faze Alice as she strolled up and over the hill side towards the road, it was in this little area that the Privateers numbers grew, each day a new face would appear and old faces would disappear.

Up a head was Hoyt's Compound, it was still greatly fortified as always, in fact nothing had changed over the past month, not unless you note the security which was growing, but Alice knew it was just to show off the power Hoyt had, no one would dare set a foot on this island without Hoyts permission. However before entering the compound Alice noted a strange man in red, he wasn't a pirate that was for sure. His attire was more military like wearing a bullet proof vest, yet some part of him did have the look of a pirate, the red duct tape that was used to keep the vest in tack was one thing. This man eyed Alice off, his dark tan skin and thick sunglasses revealed nothing to her that gave away his Identity, the gun in his hand a simple Ak-47, nothing special yet he looked special.

Into the Compound the woman went, she noted a few others of a similar attire to the man outside, she couldn't tell who they were but whomever they worked for wasn't too liked by the Privateers. It was like one side of the whole entire Compound was privateers and the other side that led to the road which went out towards the airport was these other guys. They were few, just a small handful, maybe six or eight, but even so the Privateers kept their distance. Two of them where heavies, Alice could tell because of their similar attire to the Pirates, they were standing near Hoyts building, eyeing Alice off with a menacing glare beneath their helmets.

This didn't worry the woman as she pushed past them and into the door way, however she was quickly stopped just inside as a hand was extended out towards her. This guy was different from the others; he was wearing something similar to what you would expect a captain to wear, with fancy looking clothing, a badge on his side. No doubt about it he looked like he was from the Asian continent.

"No one is allowed inside!"

Barked the man with his thick accent as he pulled a pistol up towards her head, however he nor Alice had time to bicker of who could go in or out, for a woman walked down the stair way, she was Asian looking sporting pink hair done up in an oriental design done up in some sort of a bun. Her attire was very superior looking to the guy in front of Alice, but the young woman was unable to take her attention away from his new woman. Was she an enemy? Did something happen to Hoyt?

In a strange language this woman spoke to the man before Alice causing him to immediately lower his gun and holster it giving a faint huff but never speaking up. It was very clear in that brief moment that this woman had a lot of authority, but how much Alice didn't know.

"Hoyt is waiting for you"

Was all she said in a thick accent that Alice couldn't place at first but she knew it was something from the various Asian languages, Korean perhaps but Alice wasn't focused anymore on who or where she was from as she made her way quickly up the stair way passing the strange woman before getting up to the second level and passing quickly down the hallway towards Hoyts room. With a firm hand Alice pushed against the door way expecting Hoyt to be seated with a cigar in hand with a menacing glare at her, yet she assumed too much. Hoyt had company, before him on the opposite side was another stranger, from the back all Alice could tell was he liked the pinkish purple colour, his suit decorated in it with a unique design giving him flare, his head shaved on the sides and his hair obviously bleached to perfection. Slowly this strange man turned his gaze to Alice, there was a genuine smile on his face, his dark brown eyes almost humble in a sense, and even he looked like he was from the Asian continent.

Looking from this new stranger to Hoyt, Alice questioned what was going on, but she need not say a single thing as Hoyt raised his hand in the air, there was a smile on his face which meant one thing, good things where to come. From the looks of it Alice had stumbled into their little business talk, this man was a buyer or he was very similar to Hoyt; perhaps they were partners in crime though Alice wasn't sure. The door behind her slammed shut as Alice felt herself stiffen her head shot around to spot the other woman strolling up behind her eyeing Alice off unsure of what to make of her.

"This is Alice"

Exclaimed Hoyt as he stood up and gestured towards her, the man in the suit stood up and turned to face Alice, adjusting his jacket like some professional. He could not have been any older than 45 or more, similar to the woman that was eyeing Alice off, they were both far older and probably more experienced which made Alice feel rather nervous. Yet this man before her extended his hand, a smile upon his face made it clear he was very pleased to see Alice but for what reasons?

"Greetings Alice I'm Pagan Min and this here is my Second in Command, Yuma. I've been waiting a long time to meet you"

Slowly and hesitantly Alice shook his hand unsure of how to exactly take all of this in, how could anyone outside of Rook be interested in seeing her? Was it perhaps that Hoyt was selling her off? Taking in a long deep breath, Alice steadied herself and gave a brief nod to this man named Pagan Min, Yuma behind her made a remark in that foreign language which caused Pagan to scold her waving her off with a disgusted look on his face.

"I'm sorry she isn't used to being introduced to people. Hoyt here has told me many great things about you."

Briefly Alice looked to Hoyt, he had a cigar in his mouth while pouring himself a drink, and he was too busy on other things then focusing on Alice which made her feel rather nervous. Yet this Pagan Min had a very reassuring look on his face, his hold on her hand was gentle until she retracted her hand back still not sure as to what was going on.

"He tells me you have a gift for taking care of…monkeys"

There in his last word was a hint of something, humour perhaps as his smile grew and he took a step back gesturing for Alice to take the seat next to him and opposite to Hoyt. This was all so very new to her, she had never been put in any sort of position like this and so Alice slowly did as she was told taking that seat and crossing her legs in hopes to stop the tremors of her nervous shacking.

"Alice is a great Asset here."

Hoyt said breaking his gaze away from the window which he had been blankly staring out at, the glass of whisky he had poured now empty as he spun on his heels and took his seat, shifting it towards a little bit before reclining back in a relaxed like pose as if none of this was new to him, he barley looked at Alice as his attention was focused on Pagan. Alice knew what that look was on Hoyts face; he was trying to study this man beside her, trying to see through his expressions and yet give little to nothing away.

"I can only imagine"

Exclaimed Pagan Min with a great smile upon his face, he turned and looked at Alice who only forced a smile upon her face before turning her attention back to Hoyt still questioning what was going on. As for this Yuma, she passed back and forth, her arms folded over her chest and her gaze never leaving the back of Alice's head, for Alice could see her reflection in the window glass, it was hard to tell with all the dirt but she was right there and Alice was prepared to lash out and stop any surprise attacks this woman might have been thinking.

A/n: As always let me know how you guys feel about this new turn/twist in the whole playout of this story line. Of course I was originally going based off things like the main canon but...lets face it a bit of spice never killed anyone.