Chapter One - Crab Rangoon

"Don't move. I will be right back."

Ajay's main host brought his phone upwards and he could hear the audible 'click' as he unlocked the device.

Quickly walking towards a nearby door Pagan took hold of the large door handle and brought the phone to his ear.

Before exiting the room Pagan declared in a serious tone; "Yuma, we need to talk."

After the terrifying pink suited man left the room the door locked closed with a loud thump. Now that he was finally alone Ajay allowed himself to let out a bottled up exclamation: "Holy shit…"

The simple two word observation did little to address any of the things that he had recently witnessed:

The soldiers shooting his bus… The bag placed that was covering his head for hours… Or the fact that he watched a man get a fucking fork through his hand, right in front of him!

This 'holy shit' was a woeful understatement for the situation. And if Ajay had of been able to think clearly his inner monologue probably would have agreed.

At the moment though Ajay really couldn't devote any spare time to thinking…

All he knew was that he had to get the fuck out of this mad house.

Hesitantly he leant forwards from his chair and reached for his mother's urn. He looked to either side, anxiously expecting the sudden return of either of his hosts… Or even one of the soldiers he saw earlier in the morning.

When his fingers made contact with the heavy urn nothing happened.

He waited a second, and still there was nothing.

'Woo… okay… let's go.' He thought.

Taking hold of his mother's urn he sat up from his chair and left the grotesque table.

'Now I've got to get a way out of here…' he mumbled to himself.

His eyes searched the room, from wall to wall to wall.

There didn't seem to be any options for him.

There was the door that Pagan had gone through, 'but' Ajay thought, 'I literally heard him lock it…'

Then there was, 'Ha!' Ajay thought.

He looked past the table towards the beautiful view in front of him.

'What about over the railing?'

Spurred on by the possibility of his hosts returning Ajay darted over to the wooden railing and quickly felt the cool wind pour over the skin of his face.

The view really was… stunning…

The fresh smell of the trees mixed with the wet smell of thawed ground and struck Ajay…

It was… familiar?

He shook his head before the panoramic view left him completely awestruck. 'I've got to get out of here first! Then I can admire the scenery.'

He took hold of the wooden railing and tentatively peered over the side.

'I could jump... no.' he grumbled in frustration. 'No way… The fall would kill me!'

A second thought spoke up in his mind as he considered just making the leap anyway. 'Okay maybe it wouldn't kill me… Oh come on Ajay! I'd break my leg, or an ankle or something… then I'd never get out of here'

Stepping away from the edge Ajay rubbed the back of his head and neck with his hand. Though it was cool and springtime in the mountains, he was sweating.

If it was because he was over heating or he was so stressed out he couldn't tell. The only thing he did know was that it wasn't looking too good for him right now…

Now he started to feel panic begin to well up in his chest, past the point he could keep it together.

'Okay… Okay… oh fuck, fuck, fuck!'

Ajay turned around from the railing and started looking all around the room. His eyes darted from object to object, from wall to wall again. Until his mind threw out: 'Okay downstairs!'

He nodded and began walking towards the stairs.

Passing the doors that Pagan walked through Ajay could hear muffled talking.

For a second Ajay considered waiting by the door to listen to whatever he was saying. But he shuddered, and the idea passed as quickly as it came.

Minding the sound of his boots on the wood floor Ajay quietly moved as fast as he could, he took the first few steps down the stairwell and looked behind, making sure Pagan wasn't about to appear through the doors.

Ajay chuckled to himself and sped up as he continued down the stairs.

When he reaching the end of the landing he made his way to the first door he saw. Grabbing the ornate latch he tugged upwards, no movement. Downwards; nothing either. It was locked…

"Shit!" He quietly exclaimed.

Looking to his side Ajay was about to grab another door handle when a horrible scream made its way from somewhere deeper in the basement.

He stopped motionless for a moment, and he whispered to himself, "That was Darpan wasn't it?"

After a few seconds his curiosity overrode his caution and Ajay inched his way towards the direction of the scream. He couldn't help but flinch as another wailing cry echoed through the building.

When he got as close as he dared, a shaking Ajay peered arounds the corner into the quaint hallway. All along the floor there were several drag marks worn into the wood.

Mud and dirt was caked into the worn grooves.

'…must have been left there by Darpan's boots.' He thought, then his inner voice made a declaration; 'I am not fucking going that way...'

'I'll find another way, anything else but down there!'

Turning around Ajay began running to each door in the main hall. The desire to escape overrode his desire to remain quiet.

He stomped from door to door, none would open, "Come on!" he whispered. Smacking the thick wood of the third locked door his breath began to increase in pace as his thoughts raced.

'Fuck it...'

Reluctantly Ajay walked back to the stairs.

He really did not want to make the climb back to the second floor, but what else could he do?

Quietly coming to the top of the stairs Ajay did his best to keep his breathing quiet. The thin mountain air was certainly not helping his state of mild panic.

Coming to the top of the stairs he passed the door Pagan had gone through.

Holding his breath he leaned against the wood and stopped to listen for a few seconds. Even though it was muffled he was able to make out a few words here and there:

"Yes… yes, no I know... he's here now." In addition to Pagan's voice he could tell that the man was pacing back and forth in the next room.

"Just a few... No, no, you don't need to do that. Excellent! Oh and Yuma? We're back in business hon. Oh yes I'm sure, quite sure."

He paused and laughed, before finishing, "Alright now, ta-ta! Talk soon dearie."

The call ended and Pagan chuckled to himself before he started walking towards the door. Ajay's eyes shot open as the muffled steps got louder and clearer.

"Shit, shit, shit!" he whispered. Stepping away from the door Ajay's eyes once again darted around the room. He looked for anything that might give him a thought.

Then his eyes came to rest on his chair and the table… "Oh goddamn it."

He tried speed-walking as quietly as possible, intent to be able to sit down before Pagan came through the doors.

Behind him the door's lock unclicked and just as Ajay's ass landed in his chair, Pagan pushed open the door.

The whole time Ajay's heart was beating at what felt like a million miles an hour. From the panic of the whole situation Ajay felt like his stomach was about to give at any time.

Despite how he was feeling inside, he did his best to be as plain-faced as possible.

"Oh, fan-bloody-tastic!" Pagan announced, "You sir, are a gentleman. I sincerely apologise. We saw terrorists in the area, and yada, yada…"

Pagan put his phone back into his jacket pocket and then looked back at Ajay.

"The Crab Rangoon, Right? It's..."

A long horrible scream resonated throughout the building and Pagan looked down in exacerbation before finishing.

"Fabulous!"

He gave an emphatic culinary "Mm!" before smiling and leaning away from the wall, "Well, come on let's go!"

Ajay stood up slowly, trying not to trip over his own legs. He hesitated before eventually croaking out a sentence to Pagan.

"W-where are we going?"

Pagan lightly hit Ajay's shoulder before answering.

"Lakshmana of course, now come on! We'll travel in style, much better than that bus you came in on."

He changed tone and immediately became apologetic, "Speaking of which, I am still very, very, sorry for that… screw up."

Without thinking Ajay spoke: "Why?"

Immediately his thoughts screamed, 'you idiot! Shut up!'

Trying to soften the blow of his abrupt and odd sounding voice he continued, "If…y-you don't mind me asking, I mean..."

Pagan seemed unfazed by both Ajay's flustered voice and his poor attempt to salvage the moment. Pagan also seemed to have decided to completely ignore the fact that Ajay was still terrified of him.

"Why?" Pagan repeated. Then his voice took on a jovial tone, "Oh Ajay my dear boy!"

He allowed a slight laugh to accompany an audible exhale. "I just couldn't bear the idea of losing you again. That's why... I had to punish the man who failed me"

The emphasis that Pagan subconsciously placed on 'failed' unnerved Ajay, but he couldn't help but be surprised more by the rest of what his host had said.

Before Ajay had the chance to summon enough courage to ask more questions Pagan's voice continued.

"Anyway, follow me, out this way, to the chopper." Re-buttoning his jacket Pagan opened the door he had previously come through and held it open while waving Ajay in ahead of him.

"Go on, I'll be right behind you."

Walking through a large study Ajay looked over the hundreds of books and scrolls on display and on shelves throughout the room and his pace slowed involuntarily. He didn't even notice that he spoke under his breath;

"Woah…"

Pagan smirked and let out a small chuckle, "Come on Ajay, this isn't the time to be dilly-dallying. Now look, it's just through there."

Pointing over Ajay's shoulder Pagan directed him towards a pair of large double doors.

Before Ajay could open them he flinched as Pagan loudly chimed up, "The doors sometimes stick! So, be sure to give it a good slight shove."

He rolled his eyes petulantly in an effort to soften the air between the two men.

"It's an inconvenience I know but it's the bloody mountain air on the old wood, makes everything fit differently."

Ajay complied with Pagan's words and pulled up his arm while bracing his shoulder against the door. When he felt comfortable he gave it a hefty push.

The old wood creaked and rattled as it swung open and bright sunlight quickly sank into Ajay's eyes causing him to squeeze them shut and cringe in surprise "Ah!"

Covering his brow with his hand Pagan started to comment, "Oh yes it is quite bright."

He laughed, "I haven't the slightest idea why 'De Pleur' enjoys keeping his home so dark, but to each his own I suppose."

As his eyes adjusted to the bright light Ajay looked forward towards the large helicopter about ten metres away.

Its engines started slowly revving up, and then one of the doors of the helicopter opened.

The pilot jumped down from the cockpit and roadie-ran towards Ajay and Pagan.

"Your Majesty," The man had to yell as the rotors and engine grew in loudness. Pagan nodded in affirmation and saluted.

Turning towards Ajay the pilot announced in slightly accented English; "Stay low as you proceed to the helicopter or you'll lose your head!"

Ajay nodded before looking to Pagan, his wide and scared eyes betrayed him. But Pagan wasn't about to leave Ajay hanging in the wind.

Leaning closely to Ajay Pagan shouted in a strangely reassuring tone: "Kamran always flies well Ajay! So take that scared look off your face, ha, ha!"

Staying low Pagan and Ajay followed behind the pilot Kamran as he approached the belly of the helicopter and opened the large bay door for his two passengers.

After entering first Pagan sat down, giddy with excitement.

"Come on Ajay!" He shouted as he pointed to the seat beside him.

"Relax, sit down, and just enjoy the ride!"

"It's a quick one, just over these mountains. We're not going to be that far from my palace actually!"

Sitting down Ajay quickly clipped into the seat and looked towards Pagan.

He must have looked pale as a ghost because Pagan leaned forward earnestly

"Are you okay?" He asked. There was a slight amount of concern on his otherwise bright face.

Ajay nervously nodded and Pagan then signalled to the pilot.

The helicopter began to take off and Ajay felt his stomach turn as he was launched back into his seat. Pagan looked over and gave a slight laugh.

"You'll get used to it Ajay! I actually find it quite boring now. This isn't going to be that long a flight so I doubt you'll be throwing up any time soon!"

Ajay nodded uneasily before looking out the window.

Despite Pagan's assurances he still felt a strong wave of nausea. It was the powerful combination of his anxiety and the motion of the chopper.

Before Ajay could get too distracted by his thoughts though, Pagan leaned over and lightly nudged his shoulder.

"The view's better without a bag on your head isn't it? Ha-ha!"

Ajay nodded hesitantly before looking back out, he almost wished he had a bag on his head still… Those trees and the landscape were moving way too fast for his liking…

But despite how he was feeling Ajay had to say something to his host.

This man sitting beside him was the literal King of this country!

Ajay just couldn't believe anything that was going on but he knew that he had to endear himself to the complete stranger beside him.

He swallowed and cleared his throat before finally working up the courage to speak.

"T-this… This country's beautiful!"

Pagan's brow was furrowed in confusion and he shook his head.

"I can't hear you my boy!" Pagan pointed towards the roof of the helicopter, "Wait till we land!"

Ajay laughed nervously at himself while he nodded.

He cringed in embarrassment and turned to look back out his window

-1-

The ride felt like almost no time had passed before the helicopter began to make its decent.

Gripping the hanging supports Ajay braced himself and his stomach as the vehicle began slowing down while the ground outside continued to get closer.

When the helicopter finally touched down and the engines began shutting down while the rotors slowed Pagan exclaimed, "Three point landing!"

Ajay turned towards him and Pagan furrowed his brow, "You know... part of me is surprised your mother asked for you to bring her all the way back here."

As Pagan was talking Kamran had jumped out of the cockpit and begun opening the bay door.

Pagan unbuckled his seat exclaimed; "Ah"

While exiting the body of the helicopter he turned to his pilot and spoke courteously "Thank you Kamran!"

Ajay asked hesitantly "You want me to follow you...?"

Pagan turned around and exhaled as he responded. His eyes looked up and he rolled his head before looking at Ajay.

"Jesus Christ. Yes boy, the ashes aren't going to scatter themselves!"

Ajay hurriedly unbuckled his seat and exited quickly.

Pagan turned forward and took a few steps before turning back around to Ajay.

When Ajay's feet touched solid ground Pagan paused before asking him a question, "Did your mother ever tell you about your father?"

Ajay shook his head, "Never. No."

"Mohan: the great protector of the Golden Path." Pagan's voice was sarcastic as he looked off in the distance. "Hmph, he was a cunt."

Turning back forward Pagan began walking and Ajay kept pace. In shock to hear someone who presumably knew his father call him a cunt.

"He whored your mother out,"

He paused, "sent her to spy on me."

His body language relaxed as his voice began to flow with emotion. Pagan thought through his treasured memories as he continued his story.

"But we fell in love… had a child."

Then his voice changed and he visibly contained his emotions.

"And that is when Mohan showed his true colours. He drove you and your mother away… even killed your sister; Lakshmana!"

Ajay's eyes grew wide in surprise at the bomb that Pagan so easily just dropped on him.

"Which brings us here…"

Pagan stopped in front of a quaint building, the walls of which were a cracked and faded white.

The door was already open and incense and candles could be seen adorning the room.

All around were other articles of traditional Kyrati funeral rights; bells, charms, holy mandalas. Even some ornate traditional children's toys were strewn about the floor.

Ajay turned back to Pagan to see a deeply emotional expression on his face, the King's voice was tinged with melancholy as he spoke.

"Lakshmana shouldn't be alone anymore."

He paused and exhaled as if he had finally put down a heavy weight. When he continued his voice was genuinely grateful.

"I'm so glad we're finally back together."

He nodded, and then pointed his head towards the room. "After you"

As Ajay slowly entered the room Pagan quietly closed the door.

Standing for a few seconds in awe of the quaint room, he could feel a tornado of emotion circle his head. Closing his eyes he did his best to stifle back all these emotions and then made his way towards the altar in the centre of the back wall.

With a degree of carefulness Ajay had never used before in his life he placed his mother's urn alongside that of his previously unknown sister.

Looking up from the small altar he saw the painted portrait of a beautiful baby girl holding a rattle hanging on the wall.

His sister…

'She looked like mom' he thought.

'Mom…'

'Lakshmana…'

He brought his hands together and held them close to his mouth as he closed his eyes to pray…

After a few minutes in silent reverence Ajay nodded to himself before opening his eyes to look down at the two urns.

He took a deep breath and tried to contain his emotions as he spoke;

"Goodbye mom..."

Tears started to well in both his eyes as he continued,

"Goodbye... Lakshmana…"

He rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath. Turning around he reached for the door and opened it.

Exiting the small mausoleum he let out a heavy breath before looking upwards at the sky.

'It was a beautiful day…'

Upon seeing him Pagan called from where he stood against the helicopter, "Oh good. Do you feel better now?"

Ajay nodded before walking towards his host. Then Pagan continued, "Did you get it out of your system?"

This time Ajay audibly responded, a slight chuckle in his voice at Pagan's expression, "Yeah."

Pagan smiled and nodded. "Good. And maybe now we can finally shoot some goddamn guns!"

Hoisting himself into the chopper Pagan sat in the door gunner's seat and waved Ajay to sit in the opposite one.

Kamran left the door open and quickly made his way to the cockpit. As the rotors started turning Pagan looked at Ajay and excitedly pointed to the bench seats they were on earlier.

"Check underneath! There should be a few machine guns under there!"

Ajay's eyes grew wide as Pagan leaned over and pulled what appeared to be an AK out from underneath the seating.

Cocking the weapon Pagan turned and looked out the side of the helicopter.

Following suit, Ajay leaned over and sure enough there was a loaded weapon clipped to the bottom of the seat.

Unlocking it from its fasteners Ajay pulled it up and out.

Keeping his finger off the trigger he cocked it, and looked to Pagan with a somewhat bewildered expression on his face.

Pagan laughed as he nodded.

"Ever been on a safari?!"

Ajay shook his head.

"Well you're about to have a hell of a time!"

Turning to the cockpit he yelled to Kamran.

"Let it rip Kamran, ha-ha-ha!"

Kamran pulled on his stick controls and the helicopter seemed to jump up into the air.

As they began climbing over the trees and buildings Kamran flicked a switch on his dash which caused the speakers on the sides of the craft to roar to life.

The Clash's "Should I stay or should I go" began playing and Pagan obviously loved it.

Looking towards Ajay he yelled; "Let go Ajay! Just start shooting!"

Turning towards the open doorway Pagan began firing his gun off indiscriminately at the woods and trees below them.

Ajay laughed in disbelief before he flicked off the safety and brought the butt of the rifle to his shoulder.

Aiming his gun at one of the trees below, he slowly pulled the trigger.

-2-

Author's Note 04/12/18: I've updated, edited, and reformatted the whole chapter and I'm going to be doing so with the next chapters as well. I hope you have enjoyed the first, new and IMPROVED chapter, and I hope that you will enjoy the rest of my story. Thank you very much. And as always if there are glaring issues or if you have any suggestions feel free to comment or send me a PM.