Sparks flew from the contact between the blades they handled, upon feeling the full force of the other, they realized how dangerous the other was. There was no time to even use their side-arms as they crossed blades.

Ajay jabbed his knife towards the foreigner's right chest which he parried just barely and Ajay's knife grazed his shoulder deeply. The foreigner's mouth gaped at the force of the attacks he'd just received, it appeared that he heavily underestimated him entirely and had his thoughts occupied with something else.

Ajay and the foreigner reached for their handgun at the same time, the foreigner was quicker at drawing and was almost aiming it at him but he used his gun to pivot the foreigner's aside as it blew the concrete nearby with the shot fired. Ajay turned his own gun towards that person but he countered with his machete, knocking the gun out of his hand. Ajay brought his kukri in a downward slash now that both the foreigner's hands had already made a move. The foreigner jumped back in the nick of time before he lost his machete arm, but received another deep cut losing the feeling in his right arm.

From the steps to the sanctum, the Mukti Tigers and the Royal Army Dragoons watched in awe as someone managed to contend with Badala. On the opposite side, the Golden Path fighters including Sabal had come to the front to witness in silence the melee going on between them. If anyone had the advantage it was Ajay's kukri having the most damage upon contact, but the foreigner's youth allowed him to compensate with energetic counters causing their situation to return to a stalemate.

Amita, the captain and Sabal seemed to accept this silent treaty behind Ajay and Jason's back as they were too focus on killing one another. Like the armies of old who sent out champions to duel on the armies' behalf and bring glory to their liege. Ajay fought because he nearly killed Kamala and Jason fought for his dear life to continue to find and rescue his friends. The helicopters carrying the troops of the 3rd and 5th battalion Dragoons were loitering awaiting the kill order from their commander. By now, it became a battle where the winner takes all. If Badala managed to kill Jason Brody, the Golden Path were likely to be annihilated here, if it was reverse however… It would be a critical blow to the Royal Army and Baghadur would fall into their grasps.

Jason shot at Ajay with his left hand as Ajay converged on him. The shots struck him in the torso and forehead but both barely did damage to him due to the mask protecting his face and the Kevlar vest absorbing the shot. Sparks cascaded from his mask from the shot as Ajay ran towards him and kicked the gun out of his hand and swung at him. Jason quickly rolled on the ground out of the way to reach the knife he dropped and got up just as Ajay swung down at him again. Jason parried again but he was using only one hand to block against two hands of Ajay's swing.

From afar, Sabal and the Golden Path warriors wore pale expressions as Ajay pushed Jason back and Jason was by no means not serious in his attempt to overpower the other. In the end, Jason Brody was still not enough against Badala, they faced the possibility of capture and torture. This was especially bad in Sabal's case as the leader representing the Golden Path, he'd be paraded in the streets and publicly executed for his treason against the crown.

-No! I will never yield!-

Sabal couldn't stand the thought and grabbed the rifle from a warrior beside him and hid behind his fighters as he tried to sneak a shot at Badala. He aimed his rifle at the quick movement of Badala and Jason, waiting for a clear shot. He had all the time to make it as everybody else was focus on the deathmatch in the compound.

Jason's moves were getting more aggressive as he was nearing the possibility of dying. He twirled the machete in his left hand to make quick slashes at Ajay to keep him back. Ajay decided to risk a slash and swung an uppercut with the kukri which Jason parried on reflex. Jason jabbed his machete towards Ajay who caught his arm, but through Jason's cunning and knife skill he let it drop from his held up and into the over hand which was badly damaged but still able to catch the knife. He thrusted again but fell short as Ajay had already seen his attempt and used the other hand to grab his right hand. Ajay kicked him in the gut to make him lose strength but Jason struggled to keep them locked together with all the strength he could exert through his hands.

"WHERE ARE THEY?!" He shouted, hoping that the man matching the description of Badala would answer his query. Ajay launched a kick to his abdomen again which broke their contact and Jason slid on the dirt floor coughing.

Ajay didn't answer him, his focus was purely on his movements that were beyond anything he'd faced until now.

"Where's Liza?!" Jason shouted as he got up running to ram Ajay, but Ajay jumped aside like he was dodging a charging bull and landed a heavy punch to Jason's forehead hoping to disorientate him, Jason collapsed hurt from the blood he was losing.

"I haven't the slightest clue who you are and who the hell is Liza? But if you're working with Sabal then there's no need to dally in saying useless things with you." Those in Sabal's employ had anything but noble intentions, this person was no exception.

Sabal was starting to sweat, Ajay was quickly revealing that Pagan might not have his friends. He had to act fast to silence him, but the fast movements of Ajay and Jason were preventing his mediocre shooting skills from hitting the right person in one hit. Jason leaped up to use his body to add to the thrust of his machete which Ajay parried aside with little effort as Jason had lost a significant amount of blood. He knelt panting away as Ajay circled him, he was fully aware not to underestimate him because a wounded animal was the most dangerous.

Jason recovered some strength to face him again as he struggled to stand.

"You're losing blood, stand down or whoever you're trying to save will die." Ajay advised him.

"Have to… find Liza-…." Jason swung his machete clumsily as he used as much of his power as possible.

"Enough!" Ajay kicked him back and he fell with his back facing the ground, Jason struggled to get up but was extremely battered. Everyone could see who lost this fight, Badala was still the reigning champion of CQC in Kyrat, this should have been apparent from the rumors in Shanath Arena.

"Captain, arrest those insurgents!" Ajay's words woke everyone back into reality.

"Yes, sir! All of you, drop your weapons!" The Dragoons followed their leaders orders to arrest and not kill the Golden Path insurgents.

The Golden Path became aware they were in a bad location as the Dragoons came forward demanding they drop their weapons. They turned to Sabal for instructions and that was when his silhouette was revealed to everyone that he was about to take a shot at the stationary Ajay. Kamala was the first to see this and moved into action. Everyone, Golden Path, Mukti Tiger and Royal Army all saw his cowardly intention but they were too shock to react or simply too far from him to do anything.

"SOREN!" Ajay turned around to Kamala who called him with his alias as he was surprised she knew who he truly was.

(Bang)

The report of the shot resounded into the backdrop of the mountains followed by an eerie calm. All eyes turned to face the victim of Sabal's underhanded attempt to kill Badala while he had the chance. But did he have it?

A body crumbled upon Ajay bleeding profusely from the exit wound.

Kamala had positioned herself between Ajay and the shot. He knew so because the shot struck him with less force than an unobstructed shot would have. Kamala had taken the shot for him.

"Bastard! Dragoons, open fire!" The captain roared in anger by their trickery, despite Badala's benevolence in sparing their lives. They were just ungrateful. The Dragoons fired indiscriminately upon the Golden Path that were just as shocked as they were. Knowing that they had already lost, the Golden Path warriors ran out of the stronghold and towards the protection of the forest canopy from the helicopter gunships. Taking advantage of this anarchy, Jason struggled to bring himself up as he ran along with the Golden Path. He knew, this operation was beyond salvageable and his condition could not warrant him to continue so he concentrated on staying alive.

"Kill that coward!" Amita shouted.

"""OOORRRAAAA!"""

The Mukti Tigers ran after the Golden Path as they were just as, if not more outraged by Sabal's actions, swearing to find and butcher him. They ran pass a dumbfounded Ajay still holding onto Kamala's grievously wounded body. To him, all the fighting and gunshots were muffled out as he held the bleeding body of his dear friend.

"K-….Kamala…."

Raising his hand which was soaked in blood, Ajay processed what had transpired and accepted it. He gently lowered her against the steps.

"Kamala. Kamala!"

"Urrhhh…" He heard a soft weak moan and knew she was alive. He dug into his pouch and drew his first aid kit and stuck a syringe of morphine into her. "Kamala stay with me!"

"….Soren…."

"It's me, just save your strength for later!" He ripped a sachet of Hemostatic agent to seal the wound as quick as possible. A medic from the dragoons came over to assist in quickening her medical aid.

"Call for that chopper for immediate medivac!" He told the medic who nodded and dashed off to get the helicopter to land in the courtyard of the stronghold.

"Soren…"

"I'm here! Look, it's me!" He took the mask off and threw it aside to show her it really was him. Kamala gave him a blood spurting smile, even though she was obviously in pain from doing so.

"… It really was you…"

"Yes, it was! It was! Please hold on, help is on the way. I'll have you sent to get treatment from an acquaintance of mine, the best in Kyrat!"

"It's…. So strange…."

"?"

"To hear you speak…" Ajay broke into a short laughter as she tried to break the serious atmosphere, but she coughed heavily after laughing as well.

"Kamala Malla, my dearest friend. Will you come back with me?" Ajay said with a gentle smile.

Kamala closed her eyes as she heard something she longed to hear from him, tears fell from her eyes.

"I'm so glad….. both you and Bhadra are alright…"

"We've been fine, you wouldn't believe how much she's changed even you wouldn't recognize her from the way she presents herself."

"Mmmm…" She grunted in acknowledgement.

"I'll show you the town we built, a tour through the arsenal- if you want I could bring you to Jalendu Temple! You said you always wanted to pray there at least once!-.."

"Soren-." Ajay couldn't hear her, didn't want to hear her.

"We could go to the Royal Palace, Bhadra and Pagan get along so well its unreal-."

"Soren, please-."

"NO! I refuse! You're not allowed to go!" Ajay shouted in denial, tears running from his eyes. Kamala reached her hand out weakly to wipe the tears from his eyes.

"….. Who would've thought the legendary northern demon could shed tears for an enemy." Ajay held her hand.

"You were never my enemy to begin with, you are the dearest companion I've ever had, you never once judged me for who I was nor where I came from!... I should never have let you stay in Banapur…. Stay in Baghadur!" Kamala looked like she was about to fall asleep but this time into an eternal slumber.

"Kamala, hang on!" He held her tightly, but she reached up and pulled his hands from her. Ajay was confused by her action.

"I want you to remember… this isn't your fault." Ajay's head hung. She reached out and placed her hand upon his head.

"I'm ready….. Kyra has granted me my final wish." She hoped to see him one last time before her departure and she had received her wish.

"I'm not!" He cried out.

"Listen Soren-."

"Ajay! It's Ajay!" Kamala remained quiet after hearing him declare his real name. She smiled ever so sadly and yet content.

"You'll forever be my Soren, the one I hold dearest to my heart….. the one I love." Ajay looked in surprise to what she said to him. Love him, but what was there to love about him, about all he's done?

"I don't want your love, I just want you to live happily!" Ajay refuted her immediately.

"I am, even if it's the shortest span of me doing so… I'm so glad I got to tell you my feelings, so grateful for all you've done for a clumsy ditz like me. Live in place of me, and remember that I'll always be watching over you….."

"Kamala?"

"My dearest…..my… beloved…." She no longer kept her eyes open as the body slumped against the steps.

"Kamala…" There was no response for her, only a peaceful expression she wore in her long awaited rest of eternity.

"I'm sorry…." Ajay brought her body up into an embrace.

"I'm sorry- I'm so sorry! Kamala….Kamala….."

The helicopter landed and the stretcher was brought, but it was too late. Rather, it would never have mattered whether they were in time or not.

The medic saw the exit wound from the woman's back where his lord held her in embrace, it was a miracle she could hold on for so long. She must have wanted to say all she wanted to say to the Vice-Lord.

It was for how much the person holding her meant.


Three hours of chasing, by the collaboration between the Mukti Tigers and the Royal Dragoons. Out of the four hundred remaining Golden Path warriors, three hundred and seventy were killed without taking a single prisoner, those that halted in their tracks and begged for mercy were mercilessly bayoneted or plowed by their knives.

They returned when there was no longer a single Golden Path member in sight, but they returned with unsatisfied expressions. Because the cause for their outrage, the attempted assassination of Badala and the cold-blooded murder of Kamala. Sabal of the Golden Path was nowhere to be found, likely the first to run off after committing the deed. That foreigner was not around either, if he was they would have captured and tortured him for intel on Sabal.

The Dragoon Captain and Amita returned to the stronghold compound. There they found Ajay holding on to Kamala's corpse unmoving, as if he had been there the entire time they were away.

To the rest of the Mukti tigers, what Badala was doing with Kamala in his arms was beyond them other than Kamala had used her life to save his. But to Amita, it was clear as could be. Badala was known to them by the name Soren, and he had been with Kamala during her rise in popularity.

The people of Kyrat would here of this, everyone from the assembled in Baghadur swore in their hearts. That Kamala was murdered by Sabal during a coward's attempt to strike Badala when his back was turned. Whatever they and the Royal Army had planned next, Sabal deserved every ounce of it.

Amita neared Ajay, not sure what to say. But she needn't say anything, as Ajay stood up with the body in his arms.

"High Command will send you the supplies you need, get patched up and keep a look out for any further activities. Captain, we're going home!" He said to Amita before walking with the corpse held close.

"Yes, lord!" The Captain shouted for the loitering Dragoons to gather and head on out.

Amita dare not refuse him for taking her body away to the North.

"I understand, please try not to tear yourself over this." Amita sympathized with him, Ajay didn't reply her and walked on.

Perhaps he would perform burial rites for her with full honors, it was the least she deserved after all the works she had helped them with. So as the helicopter left, all the Tigers maintained a moment of silence as a sign of respect for their fallen hero.

Within the helicopter, Ajay bundled her body in an insulated blanket and on his lap. The troops in the compartment were dead silent not to disrupt the solemn mood.

The mountains where the North was just over, came into view. Ajay recalled her desire to visit the North when the war was over.

Ajay wept once more for failing to help fulfil her wish.


The marines were tight in communicating with the frequency on the radio that belonged to the Royal Army's intelligence branch. The S2 branch as it was called in the Army had been a great help in giving them clues to where Willis's stash of dirty laundry could be hidden from the history encounters of Willis by the old Royal Army and the old staging areas and hideouts of the Golden Path.

But there was still no sign of those damnable files, if it was even a file to begin with. What exactly was so scandalous that Lynch was so afraid of the higher ups and the NSA for finding in his expedition decades ago with Willis.

Stew came in with the recent developments in the Golden Path.

"So Sabal fucked up again, seems like every plan he touches turns to shit." The marines laughed at Perkins funny but almost true insight on Sabal.

"That still doesn't change the fact that we still can't find his stash nor even a whiff!" David was most worried about the absence of this. They had the scouts shadow trail Willis to wherever he went hoping to get some idea of where he'd store his things. But the man never left the camps or Banapur when there was no operation in progress. He likely anticipated they'd tail him around even if he wasn't aware so he just didn't go to check. He had made sure they were in place even before their arrival to Kyrat.

"It won't be long before Lynch dispatches the Shadow Company to clean up." David reminded them all of the consequence if they didn't find the files fast.

"Should we defect then?" Perkins pointed out. And all heads were turned to him for an explanation to such an absurd suggestion.

"Our main concern is Command disavowing us, that's why we stick with Willis even if he's an intolerable asshole. But if Lynch's external assets come to clear us out, it wouldn't matter. We'd still be dishonored to save the organization's face. That's unless we get the files to clear our name, if we could join Badala in his efforts to capture Willis then he'd be able to torture it out of him. He might be a well-organized spook but everyone cracks. As it stands, we don't have any fall back point."

David thought about the point he was trying to pass across as did the others.

"So what you're saying is that if we're already stuck one foot into the pond, we might as well get wet. We'd be dead in the end either way if the files aren't retrieve, it's a matter of which is the most advantageous position, right?"

"Exactly!"

"You seem to have a rather positive outlook to this defection prospect, Staff Sergeant." One of the grunts pointed out the obvious in Perkins sympathetic view towards the Royal Army and Badala, the one they tried to kill and blow up his factory had actually taken care of their comrade and sent him back.

"What can I say, I was treated with dignity and respect that's all. For the rest of the time in this god forsaken country we need to decide where we want to be and commit to it."

"…." The grunt acknowledges his point.

"It boils down to your decision in the end, sir." Perkins looked to David for his reply as did the others.

"One question, what do we do with Staff Grilles and the three stooges?" Stew asked a valid point.

Perkins was now facing the most difficult part in his proposal, what to do with Fredrick, the bastard that left him for dead in the first place. David made him promise he wouldn't murder him so he would be brought back when this was over for fair trial. If Perkins was in charge, he wouldn't waste time at all, just gun them down and walk off with a clear conscience. But the same could not be said for David, it was an obvious fault in his superior that made him unsuited for this type of warfare where it involved getting their hands dirty for their countries sake.

"It ain't convenient bringing prisoners with us who might alert Willis on what we plan on doing, leaving them here isn't an option either." Stew stated.

"No. it's not." They were back too square one, having Grilles break free and join Willis was one way of screwing everything for them. Grilles was no longer on their side, but his own interests now that he stood to be court martialed at home.

In response, Perkins picked up the handgun on the table and marched out. "Gregor- STOP!" As David grasped what his intentions were.

Perkins stopped but the door without turning his head to face his superior and friend.

"Look away, let someone else who's more willing to do the deed deal with it. You saw nothing."

"I see everything! Their betrayal was my responsibility, your capture was my responsibility!"

"Was…" Perkins continued on his way towards the holding cells that held his traitorous colleague. David wanted to stand to stop him once more, but for some reason his body wasn't listening to him, some part of him wished they died. David cursed himself for having such wicked thoughts and weakness that his friend took it upon himself to answer for him.

The door thudded open and their communications operator keeping tabs with the Royal Army Intelligence came in.

"Sir! Important news from-… "the other side"." Perkins stopped in his tracks and went back towards the table to listen. David sighed in relief that Gregor didn't need to dirty his hands yet.

"Alright, let's hear it then."


Army High Command was brimming with Field Commanders from the various Battalions throughout Kyrat and representative officers for the areas too serious to send the senior officer back to the Royal Fortress.

General Arjun had called them in for a delicate operation that was to commence in three days-time, the failed attack on Baghadur was two days ago.

Arjun sat back in his office chair after the meeting with the senior commanding officers of the various sectors, including the Police Commissioner and his retinue who had a part to play.

"Any word from Lord Badala?" He asked his secretary who shook his head.

"He didn't return any of our requests ever since he returned with the 3rd and 5th Dragoons. Reports say he carried a woman's body to cremate at a shrine before returning to his homestead. The woman I believe was Kamala Malla, the hero of Banapur who took down Former Chief Sugun."

"…"

Arjun knew of this news, he knew that it was a front Badala employed to push suspicion of Sugun's death being a murder that was done by none other than Badala himself. Arjun was grateful for killing him no doubt, it helped him gain full support from the War council to be elected the supreme commander of the Royal Armed Forces.

"What was her relation to Badala?" Arjun felt like asking.

"Intel and rumors suggest that Lord Badala assumed the alias Soren during his infiltration into the Golden Path a month ago. Kamala had been his immediate superior during this time. Then, when his lordship left the Golden Path in Banapur during the coup by Sabal, Kamala fled to Baghadur seeking asylum with the Mukti tigers."

Arjun guessed she was a close companion to him, because after his return from Banapur, there were some subtle changes in his behavior. Badala seemed to be more generous to opinion and less aggressive in his demeanor, though he never forced anyone, his eyes said it all. Kamala had something to do with this change and why he opted to ally with Amita's forces and had not gone rampantly launching full-on attacks on the Golden Path like during the Meh Teh Offensive. The Golden Path literally couldn't sustain another failure like that operation and always feared him proceeding with another. But that never came, Badala focused on rebuilding the failed economy, revitalizing the logistics of the army and supplying them with domestically made equipment and refurbished their arms.

"(Sigh) And what of my daughter?"

At first, Arjun had remained ignorant to the whereabouts of his daughter for the past month but it became clear after the mountain incident when Badala scaled the mountain looking for a rare herbal remedy with his daughter. Naturally, worried about his daughter's safety since then, he checked in on her and found out that she was staying with him at his house. She, an unmarried woman that had a prior engagement to a friend's son who was still missing without a clue to where he was. She had initially told him she was living with Mistress Yuma's protégé while leaving out the part that it was Badala's house. What kind of arrangement Yuma's protégé had with Badala, he was clueless? But regarding his daughter, he could not allow this to continue on.

"She received the message days ago and said she'd comply."

"Good." Arjun sighed in relief that his daughter still knew filial piety, but then again she'd always been filial to him and his wife. Perhaps, it was he who was unused to her doing her own thing that went against his own principles. He had been forcing them upon her, his whole life. He really was a dinosaur living in the past.

"Sir, I would also like to report to you regarding the US marines."

"Yes?"

"It appears they have decided to defect." The news was satisfying to hear.

"Acknowledged, have them integrated into the upcoming op." His secretary nodded and dialed in a secure line to the Intelligence branch on their orders.

"They'll be critical in capturing our troublesome CIA agent unawares."


What was left of the Golden Path lay against the trees panting from exhaustion. After being chased by the Royal Army soldiers and Mukti Tigers they dared not slow down less they meet the same fate as the six hundred other comrades that died in yet another failed attempted to liberate Baghadur and perhaps bring a turning point in their predicament.

The remaining fighters looked at Sabal with contempt and began whispering to one another. He had risked everything on an uncalled for cheap shot at Badala, they were starting to lose all respect for him now.

Sabal could only scorn and grit his teeth as he tolerated their plotting behind his back, they were the only ones keeping him alive in their current scenario. Although, the remaining Golden Path members seemed more focus on helping Jason Brody in his condition. While in a poor state, Jason had caught up and rescued them from an advance party of Soldiers fending them off. They took turns carrying his battered body up over the mountains, determined to return the blood debt and hope that he would assist them further in their plight.

Jason leaned against the shoulder of the one carrying him presently, in a dream-like state.

-I lost didn't I. How could I lose?-

-So naïve.- The person said walking beside him being carried.

-Shut up!-

-You keep saying that but you don't mean it, if you really didn't want me you only need think it, hermano! Beside, you losing to that warrior was no surprise.-

His words confused him, he had never mentioned another person without giving him or her an insulting name or point out a flaw to him. And now it was calling that person, Badala a warrior as if he deserved his respect.

-Why don't you fuck him!-

-That would mean you fucking him, I'm still a part of you Jas… (Sigh) Let me give you a hint then. You lack resolve.-

-I have every bit of resolve!- Jason shouted back. But his other personality shook his head grinning.

-Your resolve is shit. You think you can just get back into the game after squandering away two years of limbo?-

-I've had training—

-Nonononono! Shooting targets isn't gonna preserve your willingness to kill. It's digging your knife into someone's gut and watching his life fade away that'll bring back your resolve, your strength that you forsook!—

-No!—

-Don't lie to yourself, hermano! You're a killer, even way before Citra scratched that ink into you arm you held that qualifications to be one. You just didn't know it yet.-

-No! I'm different now!-

-If you were, you wouldn't be seeing me. Your very existence, hermano. Is the definition of… Insanity.-

As much as Jason refused to accept it, he was right. He was…. Not right in the head. Even Liza became fearful of him and left.

-If you really want to save your chicken-necked friends there is only one way.- His words were as enticing as a whisper from the devil.

He knew, it was anything but desirable. Still he enquired.

-What is it?-

-Merge with me.-

-Never!-

-No indefinitely, no! But enough to bring yourself back to the state of mind and resolve to save your friends.-

-I can come back from this?-

He needed to know if he could return to himself at any time he wanted.

-… That's entirely up to you.-

-Why are you helping me?-

There had to be some sort of price for the assistance he was lending.

-Need I say?... You are me, and I am you. -


Ajay had not left his room since the private cremation ceremony with him as the only attendant. The priest handed him the silver jar that held her ashes which he held with extra care back to his house.

Ajay sat at the table with empty bottles of gin and the jar with the cremated remains of his friend. His pocket held an item which he had been intending to give to her, a box that held a gold chain necklace like Bhadra's but held a golden talisman with her name written on it. The last box that he wasn't able to give to the final recipient. Seeing it only caused him for plummet further into grief, in a way his choices were responsible for her death. He chose to leave her not once but twice and now he was painted with nothing but regret.

Maya had come to his room once to make him snap out of it because there were more important things to do. She tried some reverse psychology to get him worked up but he just accepted it as he was really the cause of her death. She beat him up for his arrogance and his sloth before storming out angrily and hurt. Bhadra chased after her hoping to enlighten her on his situation as she was most familiar with the woman named Kamala who was also her friend.

"You've barely touched any of the meals Bhadra prepared for you, talk about wasting her precious food." Saras laughed dryly as she could feel the atmosphere becoming heavier in his dark room.

She cleared aside the empty liquor bottles and sat beside him at the table.

"Who was she to you?" Saras believed that being around to listen to him would help him overcome his grief on his own. After a while of silence, he spoke his first words to them in two days since returning. When they came home from the party he was wearing a face full of sadness it was heart wrenching.

"She was a plain-looking clumsy ditz of a girl. She wasn't the best at anything, she didn't try to be… But for whatever she did, she did it with all her might and all her strength. She was the reason I believed the people in the valley were worth saving. She was the reason I learnt that not everyone was thinking only for their interests….. When I left the Golden Path. I had a thought for a moment, why didn't I bring her with me as I did with Bhadra? Because I thought she would reject me when I asked, so I didn't. When she was lucky enough to end up in Baghadur, I should have opted to bring her here but what did I do? I left supplies for the Mukti tigers and hoped for the best…."

"Ajay.."

"When Baghadur was assaulted and I came just in the nick of time before that foreign bastard took her life. What did I do? I played a dueling game when I was supposed to suppress them….. And then it happened. She took a bullet from Sabal that was meant for me."

"I'm sorry."

"Even after the way I treated her, why did she do that? I never asked to be saved! Why did she have to risk her life for a fool like me?! WHY WHY WHY!" He threw a bottle at the wall along with the box holding the undelivered item.

Saras enveloped her arms around his head to calm him down.

"…. Why did she still say she loved me?!"

Saras became shocked when she looked upon Ajay's face. Two red lines trickled down from his eyes, the colour of blood.

"Stop! Stop! Just stop it! Please stop hurting yourself!" She cried out as she clasped his face.

"I killed her. And I should have nothing to feel sorry to myself for."

"You did not! Ajay, what would she say if she saw you in this state of self-torture?"

"She's not here anymore." Saras slapped him across the face, Ajay turned to look at her expression which held angry and sorrow.

"Then what about me? What if I had died up in the mountains that day the Yetis attacked us, huh?! What then? You'd tear yourself then as you're doing now?!" She said with tears running from her face.

Ajay recovered some wit to understand that Saras was acknowledging the existence of the Yetis and of what he did in the Shrine. Saras leaned against him.

"I'm here now because of what you did for me. I'm here now because you tore away at your own heart, you let yourself get hurt, you gave a damn about me!"

"You tried to hide the truth from me to protect me, but now I'm choosing to live with the truth so I can stand by you and protect you as well."

Ajay got up hysterically.

"No! No! Please no! Please don't make me go through it again! Please don't make me experience losing another person I care for!" He said as he backed away frightened into a corner.

Saras felt a tang of pain seeing him this way as she reached out to embrace him again.

"Stop!-... Stop!-….Stop!" He shouted as she got closer every metre until she was finally next to him. Saras sat with her arms wrapped around him gently as she beckoned forward and kissed him.

"You'll never lose another person, because you'll be watching over me from now on. Am I right, Ajay?" Saras smiled warmly to him. It seemed to have a lasting effect as it calmed his hysteria and stopped his ranting of self-hate.

"I'm sorry I worried you." He said in a composed manner this time.

"Don't be, we all have our bending points. It's the most natural thing for everyone that has a beating heart."

"…" Looking back at himself, how Saras managed to deal with him after the difficulty he was posing was beyond him.

"I don't deserve you."

"No you don't which is why it'll cost you." She said with a smirk. Ajay sighed as he returned back to his normal self, but it was thanks to her no doubt about it.

"My long awaited favor." She reminded him that he still owed her.

"What will it be then?" Ajay said mentally prepared for whatever she had for him.

Saras held his chin as she moved closer.

"Let me comfort you." She didn't wait for him to reply as she overlapped her lip with his as if it was the most natural thing to do.

She was going to wash away all of his pain and suffering, and she would do it in the most affectionate way possible.


Author's notes:

To the Team Jason fans, don't worry. Jason isn't this pathetic or won't be for long.

.
Like a famous gasmask wearing villain once said:

(Peace has cost you your strength, Victory has defeated you.)

- Bane