AN: Firstly sorry guys I have been without the net for a while so since I have this chapter up and done I'll upload it an the other one. Things are starting to get complicated for both Vaas and Alice but in the end its all worth it :D

Men in yellow, that's what the Rakyat called them, the Privateers from the Southern Island had started to invade the North. An all-out war was starting; the Privateers were not just targeting the Rakyat either, but the Pirates too. Vaas was seated on what was once a former temple's stair way. It was located in the jungle area, but it was far away from the actual Rakyat villages and Temple as Vaas twiddled his thumbs and sighed heavily. He'd been training the Rakyat for a while now, Citra wasn't going to let him lead the charge just yet, with the way the privateers where they had to get rid of them first before trying to take the North.

It had been at least a full fortnight now to this very day that Vaas had been told Alice was dead. He was still a ball of nerves as he twitched and fidgeted getting impatient. What was funny to him was that he still didn't believe it; he didn't want to believe it. Every one of those Rakyat bastards where celebrating her death and it made Vaas uneasy. Then his head jerked up at the faintest sound in the distance as he watched Abel and Carlos come out of the jungle and into view. They hadn't changed much, Abel stoic as always and Carlos as lean as ever before with a stride that said authority.

Immediately at the sight of the two pirates Vaas stood up, he hated the fact he was different to them now, he could see it in their eyes, they looked at him, up and down trying to figure out if it was really Vaas or not. Since he had decided to go back to Citra to try and find Alice, he'd been wearing the traditional attire with the bare chest and cargo pants with the white scarf around his chest. He'd even started to carry around a machete like he used to in the old days. Yet the way both of his former friends looked at him made him even more uneasy. Perhaps they felt safer seeing Vaas like this, he didn't have a gun and they could have easily shot him dead, he knew Abel wanted to but Carlos was a different story.

"Did you find anything?" Vaas said between gritted teeth.

The whole point of these little secret met ups was so Vaas could have a better chance at finding Alice, controlling the Pirates still and also getting inside information about the Rakyat. However with the ongoing Privateer Invasion things where a little out of hands. Abel looked to Carlos before they both exchanged a glance that spoke of a silent conversation that Vaas didn't know about. He hated secrets as he snorted catching their attention once more. Carlos was the first to speak up.

"Privateers found your personal Island. They took it in one hit." Carlos said in a stern tone.

"Most of the Pirates are either out at sea trying to get supplies or trying to defend outposts. We have already lost too much" Abel commented shaking his head with disappointment.

"What about Alice huh?" Vaas barked trying to keep a hushed tone.

This was where Abel and Carlos seemed to freeze like as if they were not prepared for this part of the conversation and Vaas could see it, the hesitation between the two as they both looked between one another, it was like they were debating who would say it first but Vaas didn't care who said it he wanted answers and he wanted them now. Standing with arms folded Vaas walked up to both Abel and Carlos getting right up close to the both of them before grabbing them by the scruff of their shirts and pulling them in close. Carlos gulped down in pure fear but Abel only widened his eyes, Vaas could feel him tense up and probably ready to pull the trigger.

"We caught a privateer….he says she's Alive but…he wouldn't say much, he died before he would speak of anything else" Carlos said breaking the silence.

Vaas immediately pushed the two backwards and began to pace back and forth. What did all of this mean to him? It was utter chaos right now, Pirates, Rakyat, Privateers. Who was on who's side anymore as Vaas made a low growl like sound before looking back to the two pirates that stood before him in shock.

"You're telling me she's alive?" Vaas growled out.

"Yes indeed, the privateer didn't say much but he said enough. Said she had been brought in injured a little over a fortnight ago, he refused to tell us if she was still alive or not but he did say she was alive when she was brought in." Abel said trying to confirm the situation.

This didn't go over very well for Vaas as he huffed and tried to steady his breathing. He couldn't do this, this back and forth act, this cat and mouse game, pretending to be someone else. He was on the verge of cracking, Citra was always all over him and he hated it, he hated her. He should have left the moment they celebrated Alice's death but ever since then Citra has kept him under strict observation, watching him like a hawk, touching him, whispering in his ear. He only got away from her when jogging; hence his little met ups never being found out.

"What about Andres?" Vaas finally said a little calmer now.

"He's getting better but…" Carlos began but paused looking up at Abel.

"But fucking what mother fucker?" Vaas said agitated as he walked up to the two pirates.

"Shelly has decided to investigate the South; she wants to find out if Alice is alive so Carlos and I have taken up the duty to care for him." Abel said in a stern tone.

"WHAT THE FUCK! If you Mother fuckers are taking care of him then where the fuck is he!" Vaas yelled at the top of his lungs.

Both of the two pirates took a step back and looked at each other, they were always like this, glancing towards one another, trying to figure out who should say what or do what, things like that. Its how all the Pirates in the faction seemed to work, they would pair up, make friends or have a little gang of their own going on. Carlos and Abel where much the same, though they had a different background they were both Vaas' top dogs.

"I let Kelly take care of him." Carlos said breaking the silence.

"That bitch? For fucks sake! You know what next time just fucking strap him on your fucking back or some shit. I don't want my fucking son being taken care of by a fucking prostitute bitch. Plus who the fuck gave Shelly any authority to go do this stupid ass mission of hers huh?" Vaas said confused, angry and looking at the two pirates about to punch them.

Carlos was the first to point to Abel to blame it on him for Shelly's little mission, which Abel only shrugged off and smiled softly. Maybe it would work but Vaas didn't care, he told Shelly clearly that she was to take care of Andres because she knew what the fuck to do to take care of a baby, health wise anyway. However Vaas had to try and stay positive as he stepped back and took in a few deep breaths mumbling to himself in Spanish. Nothing ever goes to fucking plan for him as he pinched the bridge of his nose and tried his best to relax thinking, deep breaths, deep breaths.

"So now what?" Vaas said aimlessly.

In their current situation they all may as well put a gun to their heads, but Vaas was only doing this for one reason, find Alice. That was his goal, even if he had to find her corpse at least it would give him peace of mind, at least he wouldn't feel like she's haunting him like right now. However what he wanted most of all was to keep his family safe. He'd not spoken of Andres nor seen him in so long it felt so strange to even Vaas to think that he really is a Father after so many years Yet Vaas' train of thought was broken. With a deep breath Abel stepped forward bravely and addressed the situation.

"Most pirates are at Pirate Cove. We…Carlos and I as well as a few other pirates went to the hidden fortress but…Privateers have over taken it. We decided it was best to get to an outpost that was close to the ocean as well as have various routes of escape since we are now both taking care of Andres we needed to make sure we also still have some sort of control on the Island too." Abel said as best as he could.

Vaas eased at those words as he relaxed and sat down on the ground, he felt better knowing that Abel and Carlos had both decided what was best for Andres. That was the plus but the big downfall was the fact they were being attacked on both sides. For a while Vaas had been thinking about this but he'd never been game enough to say it before until now as he looked up at both Carlos and Abel and took in a deep breath.

"We should join forces." Vaas softly said plucking a thin blade of grass.

"Join what now?" Abel said in anger.

"Yeah Mother fucker. If fucking Rakyat warriors and Pirates team up we might just be able to get rid of these fuckers ya know?" Vaas tried to explain again this time in anger.

However both Abel and Carlos stepped away from Vaas and looked to each other with concern. They were both thinking the exact same thing, has the time with the Rakyat done something to Vaas, make him weak? They both wanted to say it wasn't true but as they looked at Vaas they saw someone different, someone calmer, and someone they didn't fear. It was a tough choice to make but Abel knew he had to be the one to say it.

"No Vaas. Pirates and Rakyat don't work together you know this. Two different sides of a fucking coin man. You said you wanted to find Alice, we are doing our best as well to find her. But this?" Abel said expanding his arms out wide gesturing to Vaas and the jungle. "This is madness. You are not the Pirate Lord we once fought for. Now get out of our way, go back to your temple Rakyat. Because once we find Alice, and we will find her, you and your whole fucked up tribe are dead." Abel said in a stern voice.

Both the pirates turned their back on Vaas in a heartbeat, there was no sign of hesitation which told Vaas they had been thinking about this for a long time. It's true he made his mission a little too personal, but what more did they expect of him? Rook was falling apart, people where dying everywhere and Vaas…he just wanted to find Alice. At first he wanted to kill the two, but he couldn't as he stood up and watched them go back into the jungle. If he killed them, he'd have to take care of Andres and he couldn't. If Citra ever found out about the child she'd kill it and Vaas just couldn't take that.

"Take care of my son" was all Vaas could say in a shallow voice.

They were right, Vaas wasn't himself right now, the stress was getting to him, he was confused as to who or what he was anymore, was he a demon, the ink monster, or was he a warrior or a pirate lord? Lowering his head to the ground Vaas tried not to cry, he felt an odd sensation of loneliness, he had no one he could trust anymore, his own men just called him a Rakyat. After all he looked like them, he had started to talk like them he was even training them…He may as well accept this fate and the fact he didn't touch drugs anymore didn't' help, sure he was on edge but he wasn't as insane as he should have been.

Shaking his head Vaas ventured off back to the only place he could now call home. Rook was dying and with it so where its people.

~Emil's Compound~

On the Southern Island Alice hobbled around with a set of newly made crutches as she made her way out of the hospital building which had once been where the large warehouse of slaves was. Everything was different as Alice looked around. It was cleaner, well kept. It was a fortress and far better than even Pagan's. The walls where built high and they were fortified steel with large gates on three sides. In the centre was the old building Hoyt claimed. It now had a nice modern look to it with a fresh white coat of paint and steel blue tiled roofing. Palms trees decorated the front of the building and it made it look luscious, like some holiday resort. All the other buildings had been destroyed too.

No more warehouses or falling apart buildings. It had all been refurbished pretty much with better quality houses and basements, though it didn't stop the screams. There where bunker rooms too, cellar doors on the ground, shelters that opened up for the kitchen area where all the privateers would come to eat, a whole entire building designed for the privateers personal lives which probably was some pathetic and stupid gym and shower rooms with spa as Alice scoffed mockingly. Everything was top of the grade as Alice heard the door behind her close shut and the Doctor came by her side.

Every day she would come out here, she'd gaze at the buildings as if she'd never seen them before, but she had, she'd been through all the houses. Every place was like a five star hotel which made Alice wonder even more as to how the heck Emil gets away with it all, how does he make his money? Once more Alice reminded her self of his mafia background, how he had spoken about gambling and clubs opened in his name. Slowly Alice's smile faded away.

"So where shall we go today?" The Doctor said cheerfully by her side.

"I don't know, if I could swim I'd say the River. Maybe I'll do that when the cast is off." Alice mocked.

She'd come to know the Doctor as a smart witty man whom was a little shy at first but now he was starting to come around. Since Alice had been working closely with Emil in destroying the Rakyat she seemed to have expanded her life, maybe she had a damn good shot at recovering as she hobbled out further into the compound. Privateers strolled around; they all had newer equipment, better technology. After all it was now the year 2016. They all had bullet proof vests, even the recruits. Every man had a yellow rag around his right bicep to indicate their alliance with Emil as Privateers. Not many of them acted out, they were loyal to him, serving him to their very last breath.

Then out of the corner of her eye Alice spotted movement up at Emil's house. It wasn't hard to figure out who was coming down the steps as Emil smiled with glee but Alice found it hard to stay put, to not tremble or turn pale white as she saw who was walking right beside him. It was Shelly. She looked neat and tidy, her hair was swept back into a high pony tail, and her glasses looked cleaner, newer. She was wearing a pale pink lipstick and light makeup. Her shirt was a white blouse with blue stripes and black pants. She'd have suited working in the hospital as Alice watched rather nervously as Emil and Shelly approached.

"I have great news Doctor. This here is Amanda. She will be your new assistant. This here Amanda is one of his patients Alice." Emil said gesturing towards Alice mindless of her presence.

"Oh it's a pleasure to meet you both." Shelly or as she was being called, Amanda bowed her head slowly and smiled.

Alice was taken back by this; she wasn't even sure at that very point if she was sane anymore as she cocked her head and watched Shelly with an uneasy feeling in her stomach. Emil was going on about something, introducing Shelly and the Doctor. The Doc wasn't all that enthusiastic; he was rather nervous and shy, perhaps wary of Emil and his strange woman that stood before him. Alice felt like a ghost watching a scene play out as she stood there looking back and forth between Emil, Shelly and Doc.

"Now Alice is a special guest here. So you have to treat her like it's a five star resort and she's a Celebrity" Emil joked giving Shelly a nudge.

At his words Alice was brought back to reality blinking her eyes as she looked at Shelly, there was no hint of who she once might have been as Shelly put a hand out and smiled. She was a good actress that was for sure as Alice shook her hand. Either that or Alice had indeed lost her mind and was seeing things.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Alice. I took forward to assisting you with anything you need" Shelly said in a sweet hearted tone.

It was too sweet, her voice sounded different too, a little high pitched, chirpy actually and the way Shelly was acting seemed like she was a prime and proper sort of a girl whom had little to no idea where she was or who she was working with. If this was Shelly then she would have kicked Emil in the nuts and grabbed Alice and gotten out of here, because Shelly wasn't one to stand by and get told what to do, she was a smart woman and she always thought out her plans before taking action. Not just that but she always knew what to do and say like as if she saw the future.

All of this had Alice stunned but in seconds Emil had left the trio to talk. Alice stood back and watched Doc and Shelly interact with one another. They were talking about something, about where Amanda had come from, what was her degree and major, where was she taught, had she ever dressed a wound before. Alice had to remember that Amanda was Shelly or Shelly was Amanda….it was very confusing as Alice took in a deep breath.

"May I ask what happened to your leg?" Shelly questioned rather curiously smiling and leaning forward.

You could have easily mistaken her for freshmen out of college and about to embark in the real world. It was like she'd never seen a battle wound before it just seemed so strange and then came the feeling of being nauseas as Alice trembled and lost her grip on one of her crutches. Yet just as she was about to fall Shelly caught her swiftly before helping Alice back up.

"Do you mind if I take her in, give her a quick check up. I think she has a fever?" Shelly said towards the Doc.

The man himself only nodded saying he had other business to attend to and quickly left the two women alone. Shelly helped Alice back into the hospital ward and got her onto her bed, her attitude didn't change until all of a sudden she was leaning down at Alice so close she could feel her hot breath against her lips and the strange scent of flowers.

"I have a plan to get you out of here. The North is under heavy fire and the Pirates need you badly." Shelly softly said catching Alice off guard.

"What about Andres….what about Vaas?" Alice quickly questioned trying to grasp at Shelly's blouse.

"Andres is….he's ok." Shelly said smiling.

"And Vaas?" Alice questioned as her face went pale.

Shelly hesitated biting the bottom of her lip but before she could say anymore the door on the far side opened up and Shelly quickly started to act like she was looking at Alice's eyes before doing a check over her, testing her pulse and then looking over her broken leg. A Privateer had walked in and was standing on the opposite side of Alice's bed, Shelly being on the other side. There was a strange tension in the room as the Privateer glared at Shelly. The young woman took on her act as Amanda and smiled introducing herself but the privateer didn't say anything in fact he just snarled at her as if disgusted.

"The Boss says they found an enemy Base. Says you need to identify it." The Man said before pulling out a mobile phone Addressing Alice.

It was probably the latest iPhone but Alice didn't know as her eyes fell upon what looked like Pirate Cove. There were bodies of Pirates all over the place, blood was pouring into the wave that was coming up in the picture and yet it was taken at sunset, the sky was a vibrant orange, pinkie purple, it looked so peaceful and calm until you notice the large red patches of blood and the grotesque way the pirates where laying, their eyes wide open as Alice gulped down. Maybe that's why Shelly didn't say anything about Vaas…Maybe they already had him.

"Yeah I know that place…Its Pirate Cove. They use to make the ransom videos there." Alice said softly before looking up at the Privateer.

Maybe this was a test of some sort as the man only nodded satisfied with her answer before looking back at the phone and then making a flick like sensation over the screen before lowering it to show her yet again another photo. This time it was the jungle, the thick of it all too. There were no bodies lying around, it looked abandoned too as Alice recalled the Rakyat temple, her jaw clenched as she glared at the untouched looking temple where the bitch her self-lived. Oh how badly Alice wanted to kill her, she wanted to set her aflame and listen to her scream. Citra had indeed been the reason why Alice was here, why she had a broken leg. It was all a big damn set up; there was no Rakyat girl to rescue, and what of Kila? Where was he? Did he watch and then go back to Citra to report her death?

"Rakyat temple. Why isn't it destroyed?" Alice said snarling up at the privateer.

For once the man seemed to take a step back in slight hesitation before putting the phone away in his pocket, he did it slowly stalling, probably trying to come up with the right words as Alice looked up at him demanding an answer.

"We were not sure if that was the place. A team tried to get in but there's a heavy stone door. There was no sign of life there either. Not like the other villages, they all played music, had camp fires but this place…its dead." The Privateer said trying to justify his actions or maybe Emils.

"Blast the doors open with c4 and take a closer look!" Alice said in more of a commanding way then she should have.

The Privateer recognizing that he was playing with fire nodded his head out of respect before quickly dashing off in the distance. Shelly didn't say anything, and Alice didn't want her too. What she wanted right now was to kill the bitch that put here in this hell hole.