Author's notes:

The appearance of Liza and Daisy were just a preview of what i intend to show in the coming chapters ahead. So stay tuned.

Also, the Chapter i promised that would have all the thoughts on the characters is still under development. I rushed the release of this chapter as a priority and just completed it 1am in the morning.


It was early in the morning, the third day had arrived where the employees returned to the Arsenal as they were instructed to. They stood waiting in the compound where over three hundred employees waited for someone to appear at the hastily built podium, outside the compound at the fences were hundreds more from the town eager to hear the developments that were happening with the Arsenal that would affect everyone's lives here.

Out of the office of the Arsenal came the supervisor Elina, Royal Armorer and head gunsmith Samar, The Condotierri, Administrator Bipin and Ajay. Who walked up the podium and faced the gathered crowd.

"Lordship!"

"Lord Badala!"

"Is it true the Arsenal's closing?"

"Has it come to this?"

The people called out with hint of concern and anxiousness. Ajay waved his hands for them to settle as he stood on the podium and adjusted the microphone.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, friends and co-workers. I know you've all been through as rough a time as the state of the Arsenal. It is not current news as to what occurred a few days ago, an attack by US marines under the sponsorship of the Golden Path. I would like to say that those responsible have been dealt with and those that haven't are about to get their just desserts. But all of you are gathered here for a different reason am I correct?"

Some in the crowd nodded unconsciously to his response, but all were quiet listening to his speech.

"Over the course of the month, I've watched all of you at work in this establishment. You have worked to feed your families, working to find a better life that you and they deserve. Every morning, you're all here earlier than the expected revelry and at night you return together after a long day at work. Through my visits to the various different departments I've always seen you hard at work, not because someone said you must but because you wanted to. I've never been more proud of you as a fellow co-worker doing their best for themselves and others around." Ajay smiled wryly.

Some of the workers breathed heavily and huffed with pride at his words. Most of the earlier staff had the pleasure of learning and training alongside him, making their experience rather unique to the newer staff.

"It made me learn an important lesson during my journey with you, fellow co-workers. The heart of this establishment is and will always be its people, me… and you."

The workers were incredibly moved by his speech, some went on their knees sobbing.

"So when the Arsenal was subject to a raid and its valuable machinery was destroyed the first thing we checked was if there was anyone within the premise of the firefight. Unfortunately, there have been casualties sustained in the raid attack by the American Spec-ops. Security Guard Debesh lost his life while performing rounds within the warehouse and was killed after he had compromised their actions. Condotierri Antorio died whilst disarming the explosives to the machinery and sacrificed his life to save a friend. Both men lost their lives while performing their duty courageously. For their lost, there can be no words pass for gratitude and the lost we experience from their departure." Ajay took a bow of silence which the others on the podium followed placing their hands to their chest. The Crowd followed in as a sign of respect to the two men that died.

Stella held her hands to her mouth so as to muffled her crying.

"Machine can be repaired and replaced but you, fellow co-workers are irreplaceable to this establishment. That is why the machinery to replace the old destroyed ones has already arrived and awaiting assembly. But with no workers to use them, to keep them in good running shape they'll always just be machines. So I wish that you will continue to work with us during this adversity we've faced together."

The crowd burst into a round of applause and cheers, the ones in the compound and the ones in the town. Partly because the Arsenal was not closing but rebuilding, but also because of the style of speech Ajay chose that left an impression on the employees and townsfolk.

"The work we have ahead will be tougher, the challenges we face greater. And so to commemorate our hard work we have at hand, I will be hosting the town's first festival one week from now."

There was a lot of cheers and yelling, a good vibe passed around the crowd and excitement ran through the crowd, employees and townsfolk alike.

A festival, that was Ajay's way of boosting the morale of the employees to have something to look forward to once they worked to restore operation to the Arsenal. The festival also offered various opportunities. A way to celebrate but also bring in more people into the town by promoting it.

"Elina, I'll leave this to you while I'm gone."

"Leave it to us, Badala. We won't let you down!"

Ajay stepped off the podium and left it to Elina who issued the orders. Samar and a nearly trimmed and dressed Longinus awaited him at the bottom of the podium.

"I'll be back before the festival to check on everything. Again, thanks for helping out. I know you're both busy with your day jobs."

"It's fine, come back and you'll be surprised by the results. With Miss Khati around to manage it shouldn't be difficult."

He walked with the Condotierri to the cabin where they were escorting Staff Sergeant Perkins to Pacchim Valley.

Perkins was leaning against the porch of the cabin in his gear ready to leave, he had apparently heard the speech and the crowds' reactions. He wore a sullen expression.

"Time to go Sergeant."

"Yeah. Say Badala… Is it too late to apologize for what we did?" Perkins asked scratching his head. Ajay chuckled softly.

"Never."


Saras was escorted to the room which held Maya by Gary, Pagan's butler-like assistant. She had heard the progress in Maya's recovery and wanted to visit her while she still had the chance. While passing the courtyard she caught a glimpse of King Min talking to his body-double Eric. At first she was surprised and thought her vision was failing her but Gary assured her she was fine. But still, to find a perfect double as him, King Min paid top dollar finding and crafting one to look almost like a doppelganger of himself.

(Knock) (Knock) (Knock)

"Miss Kadayat, you have a visitor." Gary announced.

"Come in, please!"

Gary opened the door for Saraswati to walk in. "Hi!" She waved to her as she came into view.

Maya smiled wryly.

"I shall take my leave then, please call me if there is anything that is required. His Royal Highness has given his consent to it." Gary informed them before taking his leave.

"How's little Maya doing in the palace being treated like a princess, watched over 24/7 by the King himself?"

"Please don't remind me! I'm having one of the most stressful times being taken care of by King Min. How can Badala even talk to him like he's his father?" Saras chuckles in her usual way as she sat by the bedside where Maya was lying.

"How have you been?"

"I'm getting better, or so the physician says. Two more days and I'll be back to attending to the mess with the Arsenal Badala likely left for me…. (Sigh) Maybe I should stay here for a while longer."

Saras laughs.

"You thought wrong, Maya. The Arsenal is already in motion to restoring operation and apparently there's going to be a festival in the week's end, isn't that exciting!"

"Huh?" Maya was left with a feeling like her actions were no longer valued.

She remained quiet for some time, giving Saras the time to analyze her expression.

"You quite an attention seeker, aren't you Maya!" Saras smiled.

"Wh-What?!"

"Admit it, girl! It's become the part and parcel of why you've always been so diligent at your work whether it was for Badala or mistress Yuma."

Maya rubbed her head.

"….. Perhaps it's because it always helped me forget the tough times before Mistress Yuma picked me. Bipin always looked up to me being a strong older sister, but I'm not. Losing mother and father had taken a toll on me as well, and not being able to express it in the presence of my crybaby brother caused me to bottle that inside. Then recently there's been this person that's been setting it off." Saras chuckles.

"Is it because Ajay causes it or because you let it?"

"….."

They both knew what Ajay was like to them. Ajay treats his friends well but he treated both of them especially well. Though he never gave in to Saras's advances he never shunned her away or lash out at her for being the way she was. Maya had the awful habit of picking on him and scrutinizing the things he did but he never raised his voice against her nor act violently. Naturally, they felt comfortable to his presence and acted the way they were because he never challenged them on it. He changed drastically since the Meh Teh Offensive that broke the Golden Path's momentum into Northern Kyrat. They both learnt he wasn't a cold and calculative person but a caring and affectionate young man. Bhadra could attest to that as she received the care of an older brother from Ajay.

Maya froze for a while and turned to Saras. "I'm sorry, did you just say Ajay?" To while Saras smiled again.

"How di-….. did he decide to tell you halfway or something?"

"It was an honest theory I had for some time before he confirmed it for me when I forced him to take me to the mountains to help look for the plant that would save your life."

"And I'm grateful for you for finding it!... Him too I guess."

"I know you are. And yet the look on his face the entire trip said he was the one who landed you in that state."

"…."

Maya grew concerned as Saras became the quiet one after speaking.

"Did something happen in the mountains?"

"… I botched it."

"Huh?"

"Letting me join him in that search was not just about saving you, to me this was the first time he had ever entrusted someone to do a critical job he was only confident in doing himself. He brought me into his world for the first time, I took his words lightly and paid for it. And I messed it up on my own, I put both him and myself in danger! And worse, in the end when I couldn't take it he took me out of the grid so I would be spared from the pain he's been enduring all this while!" Saras became expressively upset as she talked about what had happened.

Maya was speechless as she continued to listen in.

"The reason Ajay is as monstrous as he is because there are bigger monsters out there and the only way to survive was for him to fight. Though he saved me, I've never felt further away from him than I do now. This trip has made me feel entirely inadequate for him, at home it's become more like him indulging my selfishness instead." Saras reached out to Maya and placed her hands on hers as she knelt at the bedside.

"What should I do?... I don't want to separate from him but would he accept me for who I am now that he knows my truth colours?... I know you're someone truly special to him, if not he wouldn't have gone through that life endangering mission without a second thought. If one day, he does pick you over all else would you give him up for me? Would you be willing to?" Tears streaked from her face full of anguish and pain.

Maya removed her hand and wiped the tears from Saras's eyes with her finger.

"Silly Saras, when has Ajay ever judged a person from their character or flaws. I'm sure you'll have all the time to win his heart if that's what you really want." She spoke words of encouragement to Saras. Who broke into a self-pitying resigned laughter.

"Ahahahaahaha!….(Sigh)…. You're right."

"There we go!" Maya smiled at her renewal of confidence.

"Now that you mentioned it perhaps I do have a chance, it reminds me of a dream up in the mountains that night."

"A dream?" Maya cocked her head, Saras nodded.

"I dreamt that Ajay was trapped in a cave and I was missing. He tried to find me and a way out of the cave, but he only found the later. He searched and searched, called out my name in the cave and risked being found by the cave's inhabitants. But he couldn't find me and I never responded back, the conclusion he had… I died. I thought he would just leave me as he had resigned in his heart that I had died, but instead he did the most unexpected thing I could have imagine of him. He turned his back to the exit and charged in deeper into the lair of demons and went on a self-destructive rampage. It was painful just watching him tear himself apart."

"(Sigh) That guy! Even in your dreams he worries you!"

"I guess." Saras chuckled.

"But that's just Ajay I guess."

"It sure is….. perhaps if he really were to, I wouldn't mind sharing him with you."

"Don't even suggest that!" Maya frowned more as Saras laughed heartily once more.

Saras embraced her unrestraint, pecking her on the cheek. Maya was left troubled by a flip in the fickleness of her behavior.

-Such an adorable sister she truly is!-


On board the helicopter, Ajay listened to some music from his headphones plugged into his smartphone. In his hands, was the Yalung mask which he fiddled about with. He had not worn it since the Operation at the Airport now known by Army High Command as the Meh Teh Offensive. The name Ajay Ghale was almost non-existent to the public, instead his face was that of Badala, Vice lord of Kyrat and the mask became a symbol of when he took military action on behalf of the Army. Ajay placed the mask on his face and locked the clasps.

"I'm starting to get the reason why the Golden Path are scared of you now." Perkins commented on his mask. Ajay wore his malicious grin that matched the terrifying visage of the mask.

The helicopter landed just off Shanath at the roadside where an armed convoy was waiting. The Condoterri, Ajay and Perkins alighted with their equipment.

Anish and Bipin were waiting with the convoy. "Where's Darshan?"

"Wasn't he in the Royal Fortress?" Anish asked.

Ajay still wanted to know why he knew about his predicament and informed Saras before anyone else was aware besides Pagan. Unfortunately, he wasn't here.

"Forget it. Have the preparations been made?"

"Yes. All supplies accounted for, are you really sure about this Ajay?"

"I am." Ajay returned to where Perkins was and handed him a set of keys to an ATV from the convoy and a radio with an encrypted channel.

"Use the codes I gave you when your group is out of sight."

"Thanks. I'll be sure to tell my commander about you- Buhh! Hey!" Perkins got hit by a ball of mud by Ajay.

"Oh! I just realized you look a little too clean to have escaped on your own for four days. Help out will you?" Ajay encouraged the Condotierri to throw dirt at him.

"With pleasure!" Stella said with a grin as she rolled a large ball and threw it with precision and a ton of force at Perkins causing him to whine in pain.

"Why you-!" Perkins threw back some at Stella and the ten of them went fell into a mud ball fight laughing as they dirtied each other.

Ten minutes later, Perkins was now adequately dirty that he could return to Banapur.

"(Sigh)….. I'll be sure to return the favor." Perkins smirked at Stella whom gave a look of disdain.

"Just try! I'll return to it thrice-fold back!"

"I look forward to it."

"As do I!" Stella smiled at him for the first time, she was finally able to get over the death of Antorio and understand it wasn't Perkins that killed him.

"Take care you guys!" Perkins rode off on the ATV in the direction of Banapur following the GPS they gave him.

Ajay rejoined the convoy where he and the Condotierri loaded up to head off to their next location within enemy territory. On the supply trucks of the convoy were newly refurbished weapons from Longinus and ammunition to go with it. They were going to supply a particular place within the region. And the place they were headed to was Bagdahur Stronghold.


Four days ago, Amita's faction now widely regarded unofficially as the Golden Path remnant, a splinter faction from the main Golden Path was attacked by the people they once called brothers. Sabal, backed by the marines and the arms supply from Solomon weakened the remnant forces through attrition. Constantly hammering their forces and launching raids on their control points which they used to rally Amita's supporters and provide refuge to civilians being mistreated under Sabal's new Golden Path. And they were falling apart gradually, they thanked their lucky stars the Royal Army had chosen not to attack them for whatever reason they had but if they did, they wouldn't stand a chance. Amita was constantly pacing around the stone floor of the stronghold interior, its inner ambience did nothing to settle her heart.

Then a call came from the Royal Army stating their intentions to supply their fighters with weapons, ammo, food and medical supplies. They also stated the intentions of sending an envoy to broker a truce between the faction and the Royal Army. To Amita, it was a godsend. They no longer had to face the possibility of being butchered by Sabal's men due to no ammunition or strength left in them. Either way, if they accepted the conditions of the truce or not they were guaranteed the supplies they so desperately needed.

Today was the day they received those supplies. Kamala worked diligently to care for the wounded inside the strongholds inner sanctum. Amita was waiting upon the balcony inside that overlooked the entire region.

"There! To the North!"

"I see it! Five trucks!"

"Amita! It's the supply trucks!"

Amita got up from leaning against the wall's parapet and walked down to the stronghold grounds giving orders.

"Snipers, take your positions. Rifleman to the walls. Be on your guard! There's no telling if this could be a ruse by the Royal Army." Amita reminded them.

They had built a hasty barricade around the circumference of the inner compound. Barbwires surrounding a square for the trucks to park inside and sandbags to provide immediate protection from shrapnel and gunfire for the defenders of the compound.

The convoy got closer and blew its horn to let them know they were requesting access to the Stronghold.

"Open the gate!" Amita called out to the gatekeepers who engaged the motor to the fortified bastion door. The heavy reinforced oaken doors creaked slowly due to its overbearing weight.

Once the doors were fully opened, the convoy came in and parked in an orderly row next to each other. Then the gatekeeper closed the gate to prevent any outside forces from entering. All wits were about the trucks that had yet to show their occupants.

"Step out of the vehicles slowly with both hands raised!" The Field commander called out to the convoy. The riflemen and snipers readied their aim at the canvas of the supply trucks where troops were likely hidden.

The door of the lead truck opened and out stepped the last person they expected to be here.

Majority of the fighters frozen in fear as they instantly recognized the mask under the bright sun. Ajay came out of the truck with his hands raised obediently.

"Parley?" He said with a grin. But it did little to settle the fear in the fighters' hearts. They knew that if he put his mind to it he could shrew them all on his own. With him inside the walls the stronghold was no longer their sanctuary but had become their prison.

"Lower your weapons!" Amita called out as she walked up to where Ajay was. She stood in front of him examining him from head to toe and finally said. "Follow me, we'll discuss inside."

The Condotierri and Hunters stepped out of their vehicles and accompanied Ajay into the inner sanctum of the stronghold. All around, the fighters were nervous with their guns at the ready in case they decided to jump them instead.

Men and women from the quarters came rushing out when they heard the words "Demon, Envoy" put together made them curious to have a look. In the centre of the inner sanctum's courtyard was a table and chairs for them. Making them seem like the stars to an entertainment show for all the fighters that were standing around in the corridors and against the parapet wall on the second floor above.

"Have a seat. You'll excuse me for not being able to serve you any tea, we're on very short supply as it is." Amita motioned for him as he made his way to the seat she pointed out, Amita took no time to get herself seated as well. The Hunters and Condotierri was standing behind him watching.

A silence matured between the two parties at the table, until Ajay initiated the conversation.

"Were you expecting someone else?"

Amita kept a blank expression but it could not stop her heart from palpitating. She was fully aware of what Badala was capable of doing on his own, she had bore witness to it herself at Ratu Gadhi where he butchered her men.

"Not the least after you disappeared behind the mountains in the North." She answered calmly.

"…."

"We heard you were attacked by Sabal's friends not so long ago, is that what pressed you back into coming to Pacchim Valley?"

"Half-correct. While the marines were fun to play with, Army High Command has been hounding me for a week on how to deal with the de-facto group after you snitched Noore's Stronghold." Ajay smiled tapping rhythmically on the table. Amita unconsciously lowered her head by the pressure he was exerting despite not using any forceful intimidation.

"In the trucks are supplies and weapons that'll allow your group to sustain itself for at least a month. Depending on the conclusion today, you may or may not receive it."

"And what if we decide to take it anyway?" Amita dared.

"It's sitting in the courtyard, you're free to try." Ajay motioned to the courtyard. A silent threat.

The fighters who heard that gulped and started to release cold sweat. Ajay was literally dangling a juicy steak to the hungry animal. Amita frowned.

"But then you'd lose the perfect buffer against Sabal and his company. They'll occupy this Stronghold and further their assimilation of Southern Kyrat." Amita said confidently as she offered her stand.

"You're not exactly the most reliable buffer against Sabal's Golden Path. But then again, what need is there for a third party in an all-out war?" Ajay had completely shunned her idea to be a first-line defense against Sabal because it wasn't needed. Interests could change and she might rejoin the golden Path and further their goals instead after all the help Ajay might give. Amita bit her lip.

"What does the Golden Path mean to you?" Ajay changed the subject to a more familiar topic.

"Ex…cuse me?"

"When you first joined the Golden Path, what were your aspirations?"

Amita thought long and hard about it and consolidated her thoughts to convey them.

"Freedom from oppression, to the old guard and people like Sabal it was to depose the tyrant Pagan. But to me, it was more than that. To seek the strength to break free from a shackle binding tradition that enforces us, women to be forever subservient to the male gender despite the modern civilized world we live in. Is tradition what we truly need to survive in this country where death could come in any natural form?"

"Personally, I thought it was an excuse to do what they wanted in society! You might be right on why enforcing tradition made no sense in the current world but not everyone feels as strongly as you, Amita." Ajay laughed at the naivety as Amita wore a troubled expression as having to discuss a truce with him was more difficult than any other person.

"Do you realize what your aspirations mean, Amita? Or shall I spell them out for you?"

Amita was curious to know where she was wrong with the way she thought.

"This world is cruel only because its inhabitants make it so. Your clear display of radical reforms and change are your double-edge. It rallies people who believe in such a world or at least want to. But it also endangers the comforts of others who have lived that way for centuries. Its common human habit not to seek out danger and form sanctuaries to live out their days. What you should have done, was to feed their ego till you were strong enough to take control without opposition. But sadly, it was either too much of a hassle to you or you yourself was resistant to change."

Amita fell into stupor to his words, he spoke of a possibility for her to assume control over the Golden Path had she been more patient and less aggressive in nature. She had only herself to blame for her immaturity. "I-…I…."

"Nobody is going to tell you these tips to you beforehand, but now after all that's happened I doubt you and your supporters have anything even remotely Golden Path anymore."

"What?"

"The Golden Path clearly stands for whatever Sabal believes and you clearly stand for something else. Don't you think you should form your own group with your own aspirations, own beliefs? Or are you still chained to the word Golden Path, still chained to tradition?"

It was both a proposal and a challenge by Ajay. The words that Ajay suggested sent a lightning of anticipation in the hearts of the fighters under the granite roof. It spoke of a possibility they could achieve on their own, to be their own.

Amita begun to figure out that Ajay was trying to find a definition for her group as the current stance they were in was difficult for him to suddenly lend aid to. It would be like the Royal Army warred with the Golden Path yet supplied them.

It was time for Amita and her fighters to raise their own flag proudly.

"I have a few naming ideas, if you'll hear it." He offered

"I would if you please." Amita gave Ajay the distinctly beautiful smile he knew her for.

"This stronghold heralds the name Baghadur literally "Tiger's domain". Coincidentally the tiger happens to be your motif while in the Golden Path. Strong, fierce and prideful also very beautiful, but willing to stand against indifference and sought change for the better. Then your band should become the 'Mukti Tigers'!" Standing for liberation tigers in Kyrati.

Upon hearing the name, the warriors of Baghadur couldn't help but feel empowered after static passed through their bodies. Amita was no exception, in fact she was the most affected by the naming of their separatist group that had held the name remnant for over a week.

Amita closed her eyes as she thought carefully about her decision, from the moment he mentioned the name she had the wanton desire to call herself that but she controlled herself. She thought about why Ajay was suggesting these things for her and understood not long after. She had been playing into his hands all this while, who said he wasn't a skilled envoy who manipulated their motives with cleverly placed words. To her, Badala was becoming an unfathomable existence and to think she had the opportunity to shake his hand and say they'll have a truce was beyond any luck she'd had over the years.

Amita opened her eyes and got up from her seat and looked up to the fighters assembled on the parapets of the second floor and around her.

"Too long have we hidden behind another while holding visions of our own. Today begins a new chapter in our struggle, but we do so knowing that someday it'll come true. On this day, to set out intentions in stone we shall be known as the Mukti Tigers!" She shouted as she raised her hand. And in response the crowd cheered and shouted with joy! And anticipation. As she turned back to where Ajay was she had a strange feeling she had heard the words "Standing against indifference" somewhere, not too long ago. She quickly shrugged off the feeling for a better time as she went over to Ajay.

"If it's the Mukti Tigers that seek aid from us then you'll have it." Ajay held out his hand. Amita smiled again, but this time she truly meant it. It had been so long since someone had done something for her that brought her joy. Amita reached out and clasped the hand, giving it a firm handshake. The fighters roared in celebration.

"The Tigers accept your offer!"


Kamala had been watching the length of the negotiation. But it looked more like Northern Demon was controlling the entire conversation with his cunning words. Yet strangely, everyone seemed ok with the suggestions he gave out of good will rather than only to benefit himself which was what made everyone more incline to agree with what he said. It was genius in his handling of the situation, Amita knew what he was doing but couldn't agree more with what he said as well. It was more like what he said was….. pragmatic.

Badala and Amita walked back down to the compound where she began ordering the fighters there to unload the trucks of their supplies. The Royal Army soldiers assisted in unloading the supplies and weapons to the now unofficially named Mukti Tigers freedom fighting force.

Kamala walked closer until she was within talking distance, alongside Amita who was having a friendly conversation with the young lord. For some reason, when she looked at him there was this feeling of nostalgia. Like she'd seen him before, not just that but he was someone she knew fairly well but couldn't put a finger to it.

"Although you intentionally dictated this path for me and my comrades, I can't say I'm not grateful for what you've done. You have strengthened our resolve in our fight to protect those dear to us for that I cannot thank you enough."

"You're a smart woman, Amita. Sufficient to know where are you limits. In fact, you're probably one of the four smartest woman I've known in Kyrat."

"Oh? Really? Pray tell who are the others?" Amita leaned over inquiring playfully.

"You might be familiar with this one, Ishwari." Amita blinked with her eyes now widened.

"You knew, Ishwari Ghale?"

"Past tense. You could say I was like a son to her." Ajay smiled.

Now Amita was confused, to have been like a son to her when she left the country, what kind of history did Badala have with Ishwari Ghale.

Kamala pushed through the group of foreign mercenaries. "Excuse me, sorry!- Hurgh! Wait! I just want to ask him something!" The Condotierri held her back.

"It's alright, Ricardo." Ajay waved, he had not expected to see her here but was glad she was. At least he wouldn't have to fight her.

"Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for a friend of mine, he went escaped on the day coup with a girl. His name was Soren and here had a speech disability. I've been searching all over for them but couldn't find them anywhere in the valley, except across King's Bridge. He can speak through text but even then he's extremely reserved in his speech. I think he might have joined the Army there to support each other there and would likely be well known for his combat prowess. Please, if you have any info on him please let me know! I'm Kamala by the way!"

Ajay was incredibly touched, even after he left she still thought about him and worried for his safety. Perhaps he could just discard her worries-

"I think I may have heard of him. He's doing fine, in an admin job in my domain. Bhadra's alright as well. So rest be assured nothing has happened to them. Take care Kamala." Ajay continued on his way towards the truck that was now embarking to leave.

"…..Huh?" Blood drained from her head as she recalled that she never mentioned that the girl following Soren was Bhadra. Kamala stared at Badala as hard as she possibly could.

-No. It can't be-!-

"Will we expect another visit from the Vice-lord of the North?" Amita asked while she leaned against the truck which Ajay sat and started the engine.

"Perhaps when everything settles down on its own. Maybe it could even be over the bottle of whisky I owe you." He said as he drove off leading the convoy out of the stronghold.

Now it was Amita's turn to be shocked where she stood.

"Impossible-….. Soren?!"

It became clear to Amita now, that all this while, Badala had been playing with them while they waged that childish thing they called a civil war. Badala was miles ahead thinking for the betterment of Kyrat rather than simply destroying the Golden Path. It proved that he still considered them citizens of Kyrat and was willing to give them a chance to reform.

He had approved of her aspiration and supported it. Amita now counted herself one of the luckiest people in all of Kyrat.

She would strive to do what she thought was right, for herself and for the Mukti Tigers.