***

With the plan settled, Ara prepares for the escape. She rehearsed the dialogue many time with Prince Surya, taking into account the many possible answers from Guntur and how she is going to answer to still achieve their goals. They count the time since breakfast was served. Two rounds from guards in the prisoner hallways means that at least it is now passed midday. During the third round, Ara calls the guard.

"I am not feeling good. I need to tell my friend, Guntur, something about my health condition," said Ara. 

"What do you mean?" the guard asked.

"I am actually ill. Now that I realized I am going to die here in this prison cell, I want to tell Guntur my message for my father in Rama."

The guard, who did not expect that kind of answer, is taken aback. He walks closer to Ara. His face shows sympathy and understanding. He then listens to Ara's story further, where she explains about her father being so hardworking back in Rama, about him being left alone now that she is gone. 

"I understand. I think there's nothing wrong with wanting to tell your father a good bye. I will call you friend," said the guard.

"Thank you so much. I will remember this," said Ara with a gentle smile, hoping that her genuine voice can be heard across regardless of her face not showing. 

"Don't worry. I will make sure your friend comes."

The guard then walks away to report the end of his round duty. He then proceeds to go to Guntur's cell, telling him what he heard from Ara. Guntur, being as surprised as the guard, agrees that he will come to Ara later. Although he is confused by the story. He literally just told Ara that she would be free. How is she telling him now that she chooses to die in this prison? 

'There is no way I can let that happen. The reason why I brought her here is because she was my mission. I thought she would then be a soldier like me here in the Neo Renegades, fighting for humanity and a just treatment of people of Rama. I already don't understand why she is imprisoned together with Prince Surya. Now, I am more confused by the fact that she chooses to stay as is. What is going on in her head?' he thought. 

Again, as the night falls more deeply, Guntur gets ready. He unlocks his cell as quietly as he can possibly do. Then walks quickly to the prisoner hallway. He approaches Ara's cell and knocks on her door, calling out to her. 

"Yes, I am here," answered Ara.

"What is it that you want to tell me?"

"I have come to a realization that I will die here in this prison cell."

"You don't have to. Fight with me. I can ask Hindia and Thalassia to get you a rank here."

"No. I can't bring myself to do that either," said Ara. 

She starts panicking because she did not see that coming, this answer from Guntur. She and Prince Surya did not think that Guntur would ask her to join the fight, siding with Neo Renegades. Her brain starts moving faster than before, trying to come up with ideas to explain her situation and to get Guntur to open her cell. 

"I am staying loyal to the kingdom. So, I would like to ask you to get a message to my father once this whole war thing is over," said Ara, making her voice sounds like she is extremely sad. There is a glint in her eyes as she is putting on the act. 

"What message?" asked Guntur in respond to Ara's request.

"I wrote it on my desk because I did not have a paper or fabric to write on. If you could just provide me with a paper or notebook, I will really appreciate it."

Guntur sighs, opening the cell door and entering the cell. His left hand is inside his pocket, trying to get a paper and pen while his right hand is opening the cell. Ara's heart is beating loudly as adrenaline rushes through her vein. 

'This is it. This is my chance!' she thought to herself. 

Ara guides Guntur to walk to her desk where she claimed she had written her will on. As Guntur, who is still rummaging through his pocket, approaches the table. Ara steps back to grab her chair and then slams his head with it. A huge banging sound echoing in the prisoner hallway, followed by another thud as Guntur falls face forward onto the desk. 

"I am so sorry. I will make up for it," Ara's voice raises at least a pitch higher as guilt and adrenaline are taking control of her consciousness. 

She immediately grabs Guntur's bundle of keys with trembling hands then runs toward the door. She closes the door, locking him in what has been her cell for the past weeks. In the other room, Prince Surya is gearing up as well. Plan and strategy in his head playing like a broken record. In a matter of minutes, his door is opened. Ara is on the other side, waiting for him. Her hair is messy and his face is covered with sweats. 

"Let's go!" whispered Prince Surya as he grabs her trembling hands and makes a dash to the end of the hallway.