***

Guntur's guilt has caused him to wonder and rethink what next actions he should take. Should he tell Ara and Prince Surya that they are going to be free now that Garuda has complied? But what would it do to him? What is it for Guntur? Logically speaking, he knows that it will not do him any good. However, he still cares about Ara on the inside. They grew up together and that, at the very least, means something. The night falls and Guntur made up his mind. He will go and tell Ara to give her some hope. The last thing he wants is to break his own bestfriend. 

At around twelve midnight, while everyone is asleep, Guntur sneaks out of his room to go to the prisoner hallway. He tiptoes without any shoes to avoid making unncessary noises. Luckily the hallway is not guarded by anyone so Guntur can slip in safely. 

"Ara! Psst..Ara!" he whispered.

Ara, who is already sleeping at that time, flutters her eyelids open. She waits as she lays down because she is unsure who the person is. Is it Surya? Or is it someone else? 

"Ara! Wake up! It's me, Guntur!" he called again, which prompts Ara to sit up on her bed.

"What is it? What do you want?" she whispered back. 

"I am here to tell you something."

"Why now?"

"What do you mean by that?" he asked in confusion. 

"Why only now? You never once visited me nor cared for me all this time I am held hostage," said Ara, her voice rising up a notch, fueled by emotion. 

"I know. I am sorry. I was on a misson."

"That's not my problem," she answered.

"I still consider you my friend so I feel obligated to tell you this." 

Ara stays quiet, signaling Guntur to continue what he wanted to say. Guntur clicks his tounge in annoyance that Ara is now so cold to him despite his effort to knit back the friendship. Nevertheless, he proceeds, while leaning against the door to make sure that only Ara can hear this news. 

"Garuda has complied with the Neo Renegades demand. I am not sure about the details," said Guntur. 

"What?" Ara gasped as she springs up from her bed and walks toward the door to get her ears closer to Guntur. 

"I only heard that Hindia and Thalassia received good news from Garuda. I can only guess that means the Neo Renegades will get their demand in return of Prince Surya and you, Ara," he explained.

"No..." 

"What?"

"No, they can't agree to what these people demand! Not just for our lives!" Ara claimed in disbelief. She had thought that Garuda, Chahaya dan the King and Queen would do something to fight the Neo Renegades. She did not think that they would just comply to these rebellion organization. 

"I just want to let you know that. That you'll be safe. I hope with this, you can forgive me," said Guntur.

"No. I am sorry but I can't forgive you yet."

Guntur closes his eyes as his heart feels like it has been pierced with a hundred needles. He decides that there is nothing left to be said and walks away, barefoot. Ara, still leaning on the door, slumps to the cold hard floor. But actually, it is not just Ara. Prince Surya has closed his eyes in disbelief and pain as well in the room next door. He had woken up when Guntur came; hence, heard everything. 

"Surya," whispered Ara, moving from the door towards the wall that separates the two of them. 

"Yes?" he said.

"Were you awake?" she asked in a weak voice, filled with hopelessness. 

"Yes," he said again.

"I don't know how to respond to this, Surya. Yes, we will be safe. But what will become of the kingdom?"

"I don't know what my brother is doing by complying to this. I don't agree and I will not let myself be a hostage like this," said Prince Surya.

Ara stays silent again, waiting for Prince Surya to continue. 

"Let's get out of here. We have to get out before the deal is made," said Prince Surya, answered by Ara's nods in the room next door. 

"I agree. But how are we going to do it?" she said. 

"We'll get Guntur to come again. He is desperate to get your forgiveness."

"But I just told him that I couldn't forgive him."

"Yet. You can tell him that you couldn't forgive him yet. But upon consideration, you are ready now. Then get him to open your cell for a reunion or something."

"I see. But what about you?" she asked while imagining the scenarios in her head, thinking that it is very plausible. 

"You can then knock him out. Then open my cell for me. The headquarter is really rather simple. I am sure we can make it to the barrack where they store the submarines," he explained.

Ara, realizing how determined Prince Surya is, answers in agreement. This can very much be their escape plan. It is not just about them anymore. It is about a whole nation's fate.