Preparations for war.

Easier said than done, over the last few days Ajay had been signing off the paperwork to authorise the use of equipment from the army and the use of certain doctrines to enforce their fighting parameters. And he did all of this from the Special Operations Command, his office and home to Jatayu and many of the other special forces groups under the Royal Army and Guard. On the side that faced the parade square grounds to the Jatayu Para Commando forces. If it were three weeks prior, Jeeval would be here as well. However, he had been attending the Royal Academy course to work his way into attaining a commission. He hadn't been a member of the Royal Army before, so his status to command and order the soldiers was a questionable one. Not that Ajay's non-military status was any different, but in his own case Arjun and Pagan could confer him a military title based on his nobility status.

His was 'The 1st Kshatriyan Lord of Armed Force'. As cheesy as it sounded, this was part of Pagan's plan for a system of nobles that took up the banner to led and inspire men and women to fight for their countries interests, like the late-Roman Empires' Imperial Knights. It was supposed to be a system used when Kyrat was in open war or faced military threat. A propaganda effort, there were to be eight elective positions in total with Ajay occupying the first that was unquestioned. The appointment allowed him to requisition executive control over any forces to his disposal, and he was only under Arjun who was Marshal of the Armed Forces.

Pagan had entrusted him with placings for three while he withheld the last four not tell him of who he planned to confer it on. Pagan wasn't as free as he used to be with the war looming just over their shoulders. He had the most important job of appearing on TV to tell the citizens of why they were going to war and what was the cause of that. There was also another job that only he could do, which was establish a plan to remove the most troublesome aspect of invading Yinke in retaliation.

And that was the People's Republic of China.

China and India's control of territories around the Himalayas was a truly shaky one with conflicts that you didn't hear on the news very often, but they played their chess-pieces very carefully. There borders overlapped because both parties claimed it was theirs. What they were about to do was going to shake their chessboard so badly it would incur the wrath of the dragon very likely. India didn't mind as Kyrat was giving them ground, however they could not get involved in the coming conflict for it could be made out as they planned it.

But Pagan understood the way of his fellow chinamen very well. And he was further adept to the political situations having learn about politics from Hong Kong and all its civil matters with the authorities. It was the edge he had over his more ignorant triad rivals, understanding the way of the judicial and political system worked. Because in the end of the day, the system comprised of career-oriented white collar executives that ran the country like a company and bent certain ground rulings for their own personal advancement. It was invigorating, to see that there was still spark in Pagan left. He was left with the assuring words from said person.

"Leave it to me, and be amazed. The last time I played Interpol against the triads. This time, I'll deny Beijing of its prize and get away with it." He said with a fearless smile as to what would be the greatest con yet by Pagavel.

It was left to Ajay to move at the pace that he instructed for the plan to go through. While it was easy to bring five thousand men to Yinke via air insertion, followed with airlifts of several hundred tons of equipment, the military response that Yinke gave was something to consider as well as the probability they call up their Chinese neighbours from the Tibetan Autonomous Region, the Western Theater Army.

Yinke was no slouch in terms of self-defense, adding the partisan forces and the Golden Path to back them it could turn badly if they didn't plan this out carefully. Intel was key to preparation and that was what they sought. It was a surprise when the Sherpa representative councillor from Lakshman came forward presenting him with maps and routes his fellow Sherpas had used when traversing through the East towards Nepal and Tibet via Yinke. Ajay also paid a hefty price for satellite images of the layout of Yinkes territories, its military installations as well as imagery in various spectrums that could penetrate the earth to see what else was hidden underground by partisan or YLA forces. It was the Yinkians' home territory, but Ajay would make it resemble a home to the Kyrati forces as much as he could. The intel was sent to Arjun and High Command to process and produce a strategy to counter the Yinke Liberation Army and quell the partisans in that area.

The Jatayu Para Commandos, previous called Unit 58 for convenience sake had been involved in heavy cross training with Army units who simulated a defensive force against the Jatayu invaders. It was a given that the Brigade would go, and go first to clear ground for the 2nd Hussars Battalion. Ajay had arranged for the 2nd Hussars to mobilize with them, it was partly to keep the Canton Families in check by depriving them of their so-called coup de tat army. Even Pagan was fairly certain they had something cooked up by now and would most likely choose the time when the demon was out hunting to kill and usurp the throne.

Ajay was curious as to which person among the families would have the crown on his head. Was it Sun Kwan or someone from the Min Family? He didn't know and didn't care. But he did need the presence of the 2nd Hussars more than the 1st due to their equipment superiority. Out of the four thousand Yinke commandos that entered Kyrat, about a hundred threw down arms and were taken to Durgesh to extract information before their disposal. The new Chief Interrogator whom Ajay was acquainted from assisting in softening up Paul was responsible for handing him the intel on the YLA.

YLA had no airforce, that was a given. What they did have was an impressive armored force courtesy of the People's Republic. On the highlight of things to be concern about in Yinke was a three Armored Battalion-size group called the Republican Guard, these Chinese trained-tankers had rather formidable kit at their disposal, including air defense capability against close air support fighters Ajay might use against them. At the forefront of their vanguard were Ukrainian T-80 series main battle tanks as was identified by Captain David and Sergeant Perkins from the satellite photos. Apparently from their description and knowledge, nothing presently in the Kyrati Armies ground arsenal was capable of destroying them head on, not the handheld RPGs, not the anti-tank munitions from the artillery, not even the 105mm-equipped Patria AMV tank destroyers.

That was the only edge the YLA had over them, there were several options available for Ajay to choose from to deal with them however. One was a high-altitude dropped guided bomb or carpet bombings to destroy them, unfortunately they didn't have bombs for days as they were to be used to destroy critical installations in Yinke, their command structure, radar assembly, and logistical bases. In a similar instance, the Israeli Spike Missiles cache was not sufficient in numbers to deal with them. Another was to silence their mobile anti-air batteries to allow for the skies to be clear as if Yinke would allow that knowing the impressive array at Kyrats disposal. They had to deal with around seventy similar vehicles and destroy them efficiently somehow. Doing that would break the morale of the YLA greatly. If they could force the Republican Guard into a rout, that was as good a victory as any.

This war was brought upon themselves when they shook hands with Golden Path, the Kyrati rebels and physically sent troops to intervene in their civil war. Soldiers and Civilian alike perished from the Golden Paths ever reckless attitude towards friend or foe distinction and the Yinke soldiers were no better in taking part in looting. Ajay's house attendants and friends, Puru and Daya were such victims of these actions.

Ajay piled the stack of papers for Nagesh to collect and distribute later, he had another destination to go to. In fact, he had planned to go earlier had the pressing issues of mustering the forces at Sagarmatha air base to deploy to Yinke had not reached his desk.

He took with him a cremation jar, not the one with him at all times but one that belonged to the Khati Household.


The winds blew especially strong on Ajay ascend towards the Khati household, as if the very nature of Sano Pahada accused him for the death of its son. It did little to make him feel better about bringing Biraj's ashes back to his home.

"You took longer than I expected, Ajay Ghale." To his surprise, who should be at the porch of the house but old Bibek in a figure of an aged old man contrary to the legends about this legendary general.

"I apologise, I don't really have any excuse for that."

"Well, I suppose it was better than not coming at all." Bibek smiled sadly. Ajay stood where he was, not taking a step further. He was literally returning a son's ashes to his father.

"Why have you come, son of Ghale?" Ajay was confused by what Bibek was asking, what else would he come here for?

"I'm not really sure what you were expecting of me, but I'm only here to apologise and return Biraj home." Bibek scanned him for a moment and the tenseness of his facial expression subsided.

"Alright, come on in then. It was rude of me to deny entry to an honoured guest and friend to begin with." Bibek took his walking stick and hobbled along towards the door.

A shadow passed by and struck him whilst he was walking behind Bibek.

"Child!" Bibek raised his voice at the child that threw his ball at Ajay whilst glaring at him with a hateful look. Ajay remembered him, he was the boy who played ball with Biraj when they first came to the doorsteps.

"Why are you letting him in… after what he did to Big Bro!?" The child shouted back unafraid of retaliation.

"Arnav… child…" Bibek shook his head.

The boy bit on his lip and turned around, he faced Ajay with a dampened face but an expression of pain and hatred.

"One day, I'll join the Royal Army… when I do…. God will give me justice."

Bibek was slightly shocked by the young boy's provocation, rather it was a vow. He was about to open his mouth when Ajay raised his hand in front of him.

"And I truly hope that you might be the one that does that. But remember one thing, Arnav Khati. That strength to kill me needs to come from yourself, don't expect an effortless way towards powers to slay a demon. Especially prayers to this regions' God. Do that and I'm sure we'll meet again."

The boy shook as Ajay handed him a reply that took his declaration with every serious vibe. He slightly trembled at his own actions.

"Look at you, one minute ago you were spurring threats from the comforts of your home. Now you're shivering at the prospects, if you're that afraid then Biraj had never meant that much to you to begin with." Ajay stepped in front of him, as the boy backed away.

"While it was I that led Biraj to his death, do be careful about how you use Biraj's death as an excuse to exert your own emotions. You're insulting the memory of someone that I've approved of." Very word was calm and collected, yet there was a certain iciness to the tone that caused the boy to fall on his back forgetting his rage entirely.

Bibek sighed from afar, Ajay seemed to gain control of his emotions once again when he realised he was threatening a ten-year-old.

Ajay raised his hand and placed it upon the boy's head gentle, contrary to what the boy thought as he flinched.

"You have my sincerest condolence to the passing of your brother. No value can be placed on a person's life nor can it be quantified. I can't do anything to compensate you enough, but I can assure you that there will never be an instance that someone would have to die as he did. When you grow up, perhaps you'll take my words to heart, perhaps not. But take heed, when a person dies he lives on in here…." Ajay pointed to his small chest.

"And here." Then to his forehead.

"That part of Biraj can never die, so long as you remember it." Arnav felt a wave of emotions brew up in him and unrestraintly hugged Ajay's waist because he wasn't tall enough.

"I miss him….."

Ajay stroked his head gently as he could. "So do I."

Arnav went off with a different look on his face, one filled with hope for a future. Bibek's wife Aasha took him away to give the two older men time to talk. Bibek led Ajay to the familiar living area.

"You never cease to surprise me, Ajay Ghale. Young Arnav has been most stubborn these few days, at first when you both encounter I had my worries, but you handled it….. in a different way from what I imagined. You've safed us from another vengeful fool." Bibek chuckled.

"It still remains that Biraj died because I ordered it. Once again, I owe you my sincerest apologies." Ajay bent over to bow.

"Get up, boy. Get up. Do you have his remains?" Ajay proceeded to remove the jar that contained his ashes from the hacksack over his shoulders.

Bibek took the jar from him and wiped the engravings marking Biraj's name and date of departure.

"Welcome home, my stubborn child." A tear dropped from one of his eyes.

Ajay left him to fiddle with the jar, Ajay had gotten the submissive monks to perform their rites for the mass grave at Lanka and for Biraj along with the guarantee that they swear allegiance to the king before their vow of celibacy. Since the recently deceased head abbot and Raju loved to do dealings with the Golden Path so much he made it a point that if the clergy wanted to partake in any sort of involvement with earthly concerns instead of their gods, then it had better be for Pagan. Or the Kyrati Kingdom will no longer tolerate the presence of Gods.

"The King has ordered the muster of troops to dispatch for the expedition to Yinke." Ajay decided to release a few kernels about what they were planning to do with Bibek.

"I should have thought so, the king's temperament isn't one to indulge other's insults of him or his subjects." Ajay raised an eyebrow, why did Bibek seem so familiar with Pagan's antics?

Bibek raised a cup of tea and gazed at the ripples inside.

"Causality, tit for tat, and eye for an eye. You've managed to do what was thought impossible for twenty-six long years. And yet here we stand at the verge of another."

"….."

"War never ends, there is no peace. Only ceasefires and truces to the next, because no one wants to reside to their fate of defeat. When you travel to Yinke, be sure to member that, less you bring the same calamity that Yinke had brought upon itself."

"Understood." Ajay nodded.

Bibek also explained that on Pagan's birthday, he had come up to the mountains out of curiosity. Ajay had nothing to say about it, it was Pagan's choice of moving around.

"I think my presence has sullied your households' mood further if I stay. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to rest him where he belonged." Ajay said as he stood up to leave.

"Curious, you are nothing like your father." That sentence made Ajay stop where he was.

"Forgive me for being suspicious of you, Ajay Ghale. I suspected there was a different reason for you coming here."

"What other reason could I possibly be here for?" Ajay was a bit annoyed by Bibek's insistence.

"To learn the Royal Martial Art that makes the Devas a deva."

Ajay and Bibek stared at one another for a while before Ajay gave his answer.

"You mean the one that Darshan incorporated into his fusion fighting style and Vasu who failed to even understand the concept that he moves like he read it from a book?" Ajay showed very little interest in learning which caught Bibek by surprise that he laughed heartily at his interpretation of the very martial art that established the Kyrati Kingdom to what it was today. Bibek looked at Ajay thoughtfully, the latter seemed to only have good intentions in coming to his household.

"It appears that you don't put the Royal Art in your eyes, truly. Among many, both of those you mentioned failed to get pass the second form and had therefore created improvised movements deriving out of the 'Spring' form. Personally I don't blame you, but if you could see for your own eyes what the final fourth stage could do, you would be amazed. To see a small child fight off an army of a hundred warriors all by herself." It was just as Ajay said, they failed to get pass one of many continuous forms that enhanced one's prowess to newer heights. Darshan created his fusion-Hunnic fighting style to form something equally incredible on his own. Vasu formed the Crane guard formation with his brothers. Also, what was this about a girl?

"Any notes on its founder?" Bibek shook his head.

"The founder is all but lost to us, it was believed to have been made by a young martial artist that occupied an important position in the ancient court."

Ajay was having doubts about this martial art based on a forgotten knowledge. Could it have actually been a copy of a martial art manual imported from China long ago? Ajay did see hints of fluid form from the two that used it on him and each other.

"Would you like a demonstration?"

"Sure, I guess." Ajay just let Bibek lead him on, as it seemed the old man was willing to show him some moves.

Bibek walked out to the courtyard with Ajay in tow. He placed his walking stick to the side and stood in the centre of the square.

"Now, Ajay Ghale. Come at me." He said with a wry grin.

Ajay was a bit surprised that Bibek was actually eager to show off some of his techniques, he chuckled at the old man's enthusiasm but stood before him in a boxing ready pose.

"Ajay Ghale meets the opponent."

"Bibek of the Khati household, 37th Generation inheritor of the Khati Royal Art scrolls meets on."

In Ajay's mind, he was trying to think of ways to lighten his moves so that he wouldn't bruise or potentially comatose the old man.

Little did he know, he was about to get an ass whooping by a shakey-legged senior.


It was Maya that came up the footsteps towards a very familiar place to her, one that had offered her and her brother the safeties of a shelter and place to call home once. She was here because Ajay had not returned to Sagarmatha Air Base or even the homestead for the last three days. His last known location he was headed in was this place. He did send a message telling her to manage without him, talk about how irresponsible he was with his work. It was exactly like the time he ran off into the snow one day and brought back an alpha wolf he named after the divine lightning of the hindu deities because of its lightning-like reflexes.

But upon reaching her destination all her fury was blown away witnessing Ajay slamming into the dirt from a strike from old Bibek.

"Curious, you're making the same mistakes as Darshan did." Bibek pondered on it.

At this time, they noticed Maya's arrival.

"Oh, hey."

"Oh? Hey? Is that all you have to say?"

Bibek and Ajay looked at each other.

"Well, mister Khati. It was fun learning but moms here."

"Say that again! I dare you!" She was hot on Ajay's tail as he ran to dodged her with the pillars of the courtyard.

The orphans and the Khati couple laughed at their gag, when she realised she had been played into taking part in Ajay's joke she stopped and sighed at being so childish.

As she looked up to gather her breath from the running around Ajay made her to she noticed that the previous shabbiness of the estate had somewhat vanished, leaving a neatly rebuilt estate with subtle hints of character left. The tiles were replaced, the wood painted and the cracked windows exchanged.

"What did you do?" For once she was stunned.

"The young one, helped out with a number of house work while he was staying over. He still insists on not being paid." Aasha shook her head.

"You expect I'd come and have a free meal?" Ajay posed the question to her.

"….."

"Arjun could do with some time without me to do policies without me scrutinizing it." Even the Saras's old man had to admit that Ajay was too troublesome for even him to coordinate with. Now especially of all times when he had the appointment of 1st Kshatriyan Lord. He had an idea of who he wanted to appoint as the last three if they were up for it.

Maya huffed an exasperated sigh, it was pointless telling Ajay what to do. He always had some sort of justification brewed up for whatever he was doing. Although, she'd calmed down significantly at home with the return of Bishal. Strangely, the big cat and canine seem to get along fine despite being kings of their respective animal kingdoms.

"Is there something you need of me?" She wouldn't come for no reason.

"The King wants to assemble all the parties for a debrief tomorrow, Layak couldn't contact you a few days prior."

"I see, so its time then." Ajay nodded and prepared to leave but turned towards Bibek and bowed his head.

"Everything you said, and everything you've taught me I'll remember. On behalf of the House of Ghale, I extend my gratitude to all who bear the name Khati with pride." Bibek nodded assured.

"I know this is too much to ask but…" Ajay understood what he wanted to say.

"I'll bring Vasu Sen back home to you."

"Can you? Will you let his actions slip by after all he's done?" Aasha asked worried.

"No. Not as the Duke of Kyrat, but as Ajay Ghale. I'll do my best to bring your foolish son home." Ajay said smiling before bowing and departing.

Maya didn't question him about what he had just said for sparing the life of Vasu and bringing him back after capturing him. They left the Khati household for the last time before what would become the first ever regional war between Himalayan nation against Himalayan Nation in over five hundred years.

Bibke looked to his anxious wife.

"Was the words out of his own mouth not assuring enough?" He sighed but chuckled.

"Our child, Vasu has always had high morals and strived to be the greatest general in Kyrat. His lateral talent was always the best next to young Darshan." Bibek understood his wife's worries now and laughed heartily.

"True, Vasu had always been such a reckless child. That is why he was unable to master the second form of the Royal Art. Darshan was too absolute in revenge against the demon that robbed him of his life and family that neither could he. But Ajay boy…. At first when he came to our doorstep he had similar eyes as the latter two, but now…. Perhaps he has gone beyond the pettiness of revenge and has learnt to forgive. He might not have fully mastered the Royal Art yet as I have showed him but he will eventually. His clearness of mind and understanding of karma will allow him to surpass the previous generation."

His wife understood now that Ajay was indeed special to her husband as a student. He was only here for three days to be tutored by Bibek, yet the latter was confident in his success.

"But will he truly surpass the best of the previous generation...?" It was a question that loomed in Bibek's thoughts.

Vasu and Darshan were more impressive than many of their era, yet they weren't the best among their peers. Only top ten at most, Bibek knew because all ten had been taught by him.

But there was only one that had understood the principle of the Royal Martial Art that he could comprehend pass the first form of 'Spring' out of the Four Seasons of Pandemonium. How far had he gotten since he last surpass the Spring form, Bibek didn't know.

But he knew Ajay Ghale would eventually face down with him. After all, he was alive and well among Golden Path.

And one of Ajay Ghale's greatest opponents.


After a week of travelling nearly five hundred kilometres, the convoy of Golden Path and its guide, a group of Namdak's adjutants that were ordered to lead them safe passage into Yinke and the two Devas whom called it their adopted home for sixteen years.

They had travelled out of the valley into a sparse open plain with mountains at the far end.

"That's where Pada Mo City is!" The soldiers gave an estatic cry of joy, the yahd finally returned home.

The convoy of fourteen thousand souls made camp at the base of the mountain valley they'd just come out of. Currently, Mohan shared his makeshift shack with the Devas who were discussing the next line of action once they had negotiated with the ruling parties of Yinke. If they would not oblige, Mohan was confident the people would definitely back their founding father's interests over their government.

"I wonder if Colonel Namdak made it through." Ved was a little worried about the officer whom had readily followed him back to Kyrat against the politburos' executive orders. He had sacrificed his career to bring back someone great to the country, the founding father of Shining Way.

-That poor fool probably travelled in the direction of 'that' mountain against your instruction. I wouldn't expect him to return whole.-

His mistress had just communicated with him internally. Though she was not presently in the room where he was, she was aware of everything that was happening in her immediate vicinity.

"…." Mohan was silent but just smiled to assure his Deva.

"I'm sure he'd return safely, brother. If not, we will forever hold his courage in our hearts." Mohan said in confidence that Dr Ved laughed.

"You and your ways of the mouth. I wonder if your boy would pick up after you."

"I'm sure he would." Mohan said with a sad smile.

"Forgive me, that was uncalled for. I understand that he's currently in Pagan's hands."

"Fear not, for with Pagan he's actually safer than anywhere else. When we storm the Royal Palace I can find and reunite with him again. That bastard would have likely fed him with crap but it will be salvageable after all this."

Ved could not hide his concern, his son might have been in the grasp of Pagan for at least half a year already. Anything could happen.

(Knock) (Knock)

"Come in." After permission was given by Ved, two warriors escorted in two guests he would not have thought have come here.

"Yo. Got something interesting for you, boss." Exclaimed the ever-carefree Jason Brody. While it was the body of Jason, Mohan's comprehension of lore and utilization of magic and hexes allowed him to see his soul. And the image that projected hardly resembled the body, in appearance, eyes , race and even hairstyle which was in a ridiculous mohawk.

"And who have you here?" Mohan turned to his female friend.

"Really? You've not meet-… her names Daisy. And get this, this senorita thinks that she can bring that white boy back from your fiddly magic." Jason went over and whispered to him.

"So what has that got to do with me."

"Because you're the only one that can fix this condition." She stepped forward boldly and exclaimed before the two fighters' restraint her.

"At ease, brothers. I'd like to hear how more from this foreigner."

They released their restraint and walked out of the shack.

"So tell me, what is it you wish of me?"

"To give Jason back his body."

Mohan broke into a chuckle as he heard her ridiculous demand.

"Of course I wouldn't ask you to do it for free-. Hiiee!" A knife had suddenly pressed itself against her neck and Vasu loomed over her.

"I've had enough of your presence foreigner. And you, puppet. Scram!" He said to Jason.

Mohan placed his hand upon Vasu's.

"It's alright, this has been the most intriguing thing yet since Badala hid that Air Force from us for so long." Mohan was calm the entire way of the trip and even within the wall of Lanka when the bombs howled from being released off their sky carriages. Whatever was on his mind at the time, his calmness gave his people strength that he had not given up and was still determined to free Kyrat.

"So in exchange for granting back your lover-."

"He's not my lover and-…. I'd like you to source a body for him too."

"Awww-.. Daisy, you shouldn't have." Jason clasped his hands in a cutsy way as annoying as it was for the rest to see.

"Shut up!"

The only ones baffled were Ved and Swara.

"Both of you, let's give them time to discuss." Vasu understood they should not be around to see what Mohan could do…. Yet. Swara was more than happy to follow Vasu, while they had aged considerably from their younger days. They still held the memories of one another closely. Swara always had a certain affection for the stoic and steadfast Vasu. Ved sighed and followed them out, knowing things were kept from him for good reason. Sanjeev followed behind, knowing Mohan was more than capable of handling Jason should he turn on him suddenly, both with his magic and with his own prowess.

Once they had left, it was just Jason, Daisy and Mohan in the room. Seeing that it was just her and the two she spoke her end of what she had to offer.

"The location of your son and-….. the identity of Badala." She huffed a sigh as if it was even difficult to tell him. Mohan was more than familiar with certain parts on her that Jason and Sabal had indulged him over time.

A smile hung over his face as he broke into a laugh that had a tone of hypocrisy in it.

"So you'd betray a person's good will for you own gain." Daisy visibly flinched at the words he used because he was correct on every account, but she'd come this far. She should go all the way and deal with the consequences later.

"They say that the enemy of my enemy might be my friend. It's clear who's side you're one Miss Daisy. Never would I have thought that it would be a women that undid everything he turned out to be. But it makes me wonder, what was your relationship to Badala prior to coming here."

Daisy had to admit, Mohan was sharp. Even though she unconsciously gave many subtle hints, he managed to work out that they had an acquaintance. She remained silent as the response he expected from her to refute his words but none came.

"Hmph! Very well, Miss Daisy I can do as you request. So out with it then."

"No….. Only after you've reversed what was done."

"And if I don't?"

"Then you can forget about plying it from me even after torture."

Mohan laughed.

"Oh no, Miss Daisy. I wouldn't want to do that. I want you alive there to watch as I break the demon and tell him of your betrayal. Hahaha! Consider it as a request of mine."

"I refuse."

"No? I was wrong about you, you appear strong willed, but deep down you're just a filthy little whore!" Mohan laughed shamelessly at her. Daisy had no choice but to grit her teeth, every word was like a dagger in her conscience. She never expected that her regret would be this great but now it was too late to turn back.

"But alright, we'll have it your way." He reached out with his hand.

"Once you've made this deal, you cannot go back on your word."

"That was what I was about to say to you." She said calmly.

"Ha! What we'll do is a soul binding pact, if you go back on your word you will perish and be dragged straight into Naraka."

"What?" She was baffled by that place he mentioned.

"Hell." Upon clarifying, Daisy understood that this man who Ajay had denied as his real father was genuinely not. The things he could to were like nothing she had seen before.

"Deal?" He said once more with an outstretched hand.

"Deal." As she caught the hand a feeling rushed through her veins and it felt as if a shackle had binded around her heart. She knew at that moment what he meant by soul binding pact, if she chose to back out last minute her soul was doomed.

"Let's get you sorted then." He turned to Jason who smiled ever bashfully. Mohan sighed but with a smile.

He had him seated at a desk while he worked on Jason's tatau, on the formation he reworked from the spell Citra placed. Daisy waited patiently for him to finish, whilst he was working Jason had his eyes closed as if in a trance. She knew that Mohan was really doing something.

Then after a while of sorting through Jason with a combination of drawings and chantings with paper talismans. Mohan sat back and Jason opened his eyes once more. He looked around in surprise and his eyes landed on Daisy once more.

"Daisy?" Immediately she got off her seat and grasped Jason by the arms. "Is it really you?"

"What do you mean? Is it me? Course it's me! And why can't I remember-…. I was at Rajah Gulag with-."

"Ahem. I've done what you've asked, now its your turn." Mohan straightened her out. Being reminded of the soul binding pact she made with Mohan and the terrible thing she'd done that would place Ajay in danger due to their understanding of who he was, actually. Was he really in danger? If he was the son of Mohan wouldn't the Golden Path have convictions about fighting him? She wondered if this info was really harmful to Ajay in any way.

"(Sigh) Right….. The location of your son, I can't exactly pinpoint but he'd be on his way to you soon." Mohan frowned visibly as he felt her words had an ominous meaning instead of 'Ajay was free and was heading his way to reunite' kind of way.

"And Badala's identity?"

Daisy withheld her voice as she seemed to have an internal conviction that was causing her to short out in her thoughts. But she tightened her hands and straightened her eyes.

"I'd like to make another request."

"This late?"

"Please, it'll assure me."

"What is it then?"

"Don't harm him."

"Who….Badala?" She nodded.

"And let us be on our way."

"You have nothing to worry about me stopping you from leaving. I promise both of you safe passage any time you're ready to go."

"Didn't you say you wanted me to watch you torture him?"

"I've changed my mind." She shuddered at his whims but he had promised them a safe exit and that Ajay would not be harmed in any way. So-

"Badala….. and Ajay, your son…..(Sigh) Are one in the same person."

The pupils of Mohan widen with the greatest disbelief he'd ever encountered before as he got up and faced away from them. Daisy could feel the bind around her heart loosen and disappear, the deal was complete and so were her dealings here.

"Come on, Jason. We need t-(BANG)."

The hinges of the door burst open and the door flund with such force that it shattered against the opposite wall. An undescribable aura of frightening fury permeated the room. And standing at where the door was, a silhouette that Daisy could not recognise but to the other two they could. The cursed witch had come.

The master of Mohan swished her delicate hand sending an oppressive vaccuum that drew Daisy's body towards her under a second.

"Gurrgh!?"

Her white snowy hand wrapped around her throat like a vice around a nut.

"Harlot!" Her words carried a chill that sent instant icicles forming at Daisy's spine set shivering at this unknown dangerous person.

"I've watched you since you appeared, to think that after all the things he'd done for you. You repay his kindness with catastrophe."

Daisy's eyes turned to Mohan to abide by his agreement to allow them to go and persuade this woman who had an insanely strong grip despite her physique. She could tell that this person with enormous strength and that unknown suction power was a woman. She could tell that because 'Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn.' But all she could see was Mohan, laughing maniacally upon the revelation.

"So that's what it was! That's what you meant by having met before… My son!- AhahahahaHAHAHAHAAHHAHA!" And let out an insane grin, without a hint of anger or confusion. His current emotions were far from that. To think that his son had fooled the entire Golden Path into thinking he was the hand of Pagan. To have a combat prowess, intellect, and charisma that could rivalled and outmatched his brothers and sisters.

He expected nothing less of one who bore his blood as Ghale and a sion of Kalinag.

"Moh- guur- an!" Daisy called out to him struggling as she was losing her breath.

Mohan slowly regained himself and turned to her.

"My mistress, if you would?" He said gazing deeply at her. And after a while-

"Hmmph!" (Thump) She flung Daisy casually into the wall who coughed out violently to regain her breath but also coughed out blood from the pain she felt from slamming the wall, it was like falling vertically from a building.

"You knew that Badala was my son, did you not?" He explained calmly.

"…" She gave no answer but he was convinced that she did and she was watching him this entire time, she had something special planned for him.

"I have a proposal that will allow us to bring him over and satisfy both our interests."

"…. You wish to use that damnable harlot." She said with a regained composure.

"Precisely."

"What!? This isn't what-….. you gave us your word!" She said with unease that Mohan would break it.

"Correction, my first agreement by soul binding pact was releasing the soul of Jason Brody from his own body. Your second unreasonable request was to let you both go. Both, that is. So is your young friend willing to go?"

"What are you say?!" Daisy got up and went to a dazzed Jason and shook him.

"We have to leave now, Jason! Just trust me on this for once, don't lose yourself like you did the last time!" Jason was shaken about by her two hands but he placed his on her's gently with a warm smile.

"Alright, I trust you. But before we go, can you answer me one question?" He asked.

"Can it be later?" But she noticed his expression become serious.

Considering the time and place it wasn't the best place to explain all that happened, if that was what he wanted to ask but she would give him a summary if so.

"Fine, what is it?"

"Don't you think I deserve an emmy?" His gentle face twisted into a devious grin and one that laughed at her naiviety.

"…..Huh?"

"What do you think? Mohan, buddy?"

"I think you've broken her heart, that's what." He said laughing.

Daisy backed into a corner. "No…. No! Why? You gave your word! You even did that pact thing! You lied!"

"I've not lied to even a single word you said, Miss Daisy."

"What?" She was too shocked to say anything else.

"I did free the bindings to Jason Brody's soul allowing him full control of his body. And I have also allowed the other soul to take a body of his chosing, Jason's body."

"Then why is he still-."

"Because hermano was weak, my poor Daisy!" Jason said as he placed a hand on her cheek to face him.

Daisy's heart fell straight into the earths core and blood left her body almost instantly. She had been deceived in the worst possible way, Mohan had been true to her words, every word. But he also did more than that, he ensured the other souls reign over Jason's body. His second agreement was a trap, Jason was no way in his current state going to leave where he felt most at home to.

(Whack) Jason struck her on the back of her head to knock her out.

"Night Night Daisy!" He said before laughing insanely.

She could feel her consciousness darkening little by little. But before she did, a voice entered her head.

"Right! Let's bring Ajay- was it? Yeah! Let's bring that badass to the darkside!" Jason said in his excitement, the prospect of having Ajay around entertained him, especially after he knew of how Ajay was deep down. Just like him.

-You will be my bait for him, and once you have completed your task. Then you have the liberty to take your own life, and I'd advise that you do it quick. My mistress's kind are the type that despised treachery to the core that they would never allow you a painless death. Food for thought.- Mohan had somehow telepathically transmitted to her a dreadful message for her eventual fate.

She had now realised that she had compromised Ajay to forces even greater than she had imagined. Ajay led thousands, would that mean that she had also endangered more lives than just his. She was too late to regret what she'd done, she regretted not listening to her deeper conscience that was telling her from the start, that Jason was truly beyond saving. But that just wasn't her way of doing things. Now she had forfeited her own life whilst putting Ajay at greater risk and danger.

-Oh-God! This isn't happening- NoNoNoNoNoNOOO! What've I done! WHAT'VE I DONE!... Stupid! Stupid Girl!- She cursed herself.

No one save the witch could hear her internal shrieks who snorted pleasantly at her despair.

Two men carried her motionless body away to be locked up somewhere before their plan to trap Ajay was completed and prepared.

-Ajay… I'm so sorry…. Please-…. Forgive me…..- Daisy had finally reached the final point of consciousness when she heard a second voice.

-He will never forgive you.-


Author's Notes:

Just a reminder, this is purely fanfiction. It does not portray the countries and people the way as i describe them to be in any way.