by Kevin Missal
They called him the Dragon—he had been the strongest Asura at the time. He had fought against Lord Indra, eventually getting beheaded. Shukr told Kali how the myths about Lord Indra were not true. He had always been just a madman who believed in science and inventions and cutting down those who opposed his strict rules. Like the Asuras, he too was a foreigner, coming from the land of Swarg, the islands of North, far beyond Illavarti. They had stationed themselves at Mount Meru where stood the Temple of Shiva. With his brothers, he had come and destroyed everything. Half of Illavarti had been plunged into invasions by foreigners from all ends.
“Indra is considered a god, but it wasss Lord Vritra who challenged his tyranny. Now, he’sss just called a demon while Indra is revered as a majestic hero,” sighed Shukr.
“What’s the next plan? Am I going to be entertained by these history lessons?”
“At least you are being entertained.” Shukr smirked and Kali noticed that he was missing a few teeth. “We gather supplies and leave for the ocean.”
“Ocean?”
Kali shook his head in confusion.
“And I would like you to meet someone as well.”
Kali followed Shukr. The old man staggered towards the cottage that they had spotted earlier. A large boat made of wood had been tied to a pillar. It had a long mast, a cabin inside, and underneath it was a paper thin jib and a hull that was made of iron. The figurehead in the front was of a strange, growling figure—a demon, one could say.
Kali saw the hyenas inside the barricades. Bamboo enclosures had been used to contain the hyenas so they won’t jump outside. When they saw Kali, they growled. But Kali passed them, trying not to show any fear. He finally reached the entrance to the cottage with Shukr. Shukr knocked on the door. It was opened by a pale woman, who glanced first at Shukr and then at Kali.
But Kali instantly noticed something about her. She had golden eyes.
An Asura!
“You seem shocked,” Shukra said. “Come in.”
Kali entered. He found himself in a small space with two rooms.
“I welcome you to Alakshmi’s house,” Shukr said.
Kali turned to see that Durukti, Koko, and Vikoko were standing outside.
“Alakshmi?” Kali mused as he glanced at the Asura girl. She was beautiful. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“She will be our guide in the Black Ocean,” Shukr added. “That’s her boat out there and I know you have questionsss. How is an Asura alive like this? Well, aren’t you alive?”
Kali sighed. “I am alive because they thought my golden eyes was just a genetic trick and not because I am an Asura. No one believes that Asuras are still alive.”
“There are only a few left,” Shukr said. “And we need to protect ourselves. Also, golden eyes are not the only indication that you are an Asura. In fact, some of the Devas who came from Swarg were themselves golden-eyed, and some Asuras were brown and black-eyed.”
Kali looked at Alakshmi again. There was something off about her. But he got distracted when he realized there was an awful smell in the house. He looked at the draped room. “Has someone died in here?”
“I need to feed my babies,” added Alakshmi. She had a sleek, razor-like voice.
Ugh. There are carcasses in the house.
Kali was disgusted. He frowned as he said, “We should leave.” He went out hoping to take a breath of fresh air when he heard a whistle from Alakshmi. At that moment, the hyenas from the barricade jumped over and reached for Kali, growling.
At that moment Koko and Vikoko came forward to defend Kali and stood between him and the hyenas, ready to slice the animals if they harmed their lord.
The hyenas jumped over Koko and Vikoko and went for Kali.
Kali was shielding himself with his arms when he heard another whistle. He had closed his eyes in fear but when he opened them, he saw that the hyenas were sitting on top of him, calmly licking their paws. Their skin was soft and they had round, black eyes. Some of them had scars on their bodies.
Kali turned to see Alakshmi who came towards him with a sinister smirk over her face. “That’s for being rude.”
A woman who can control animals. Interesting.
Durukti came to Kali and asked if he was all right, but Kali ignored her. He kept watching Alakshmi. She walked towards the boat and the hyenas followed her. Koko and Vikoko just stood there, unsure of what to do next.
These animals have been trained to do her bidding.
“Who the hell is this woman?” Kali heard Durukti saying that to Shukr.
“None of your businesss, woman,” Shukr said in response.
“Shush, Durukti,” Kali chided her, patting her on the shoulder.
“I don’t know what is going on and why we have come here, to this island.”
“What choice do we have?” Kali snapped at her. “If you hadn’t betrayed me, we wouldn’t have had to come here.”
“You know?”
“Of course, I know.” Kali sighed, trying to calm himself down.
“I’m sorry.”
Kali simply walked away. He took Shukr to the other side, walking down with him towards the boat, ignoring Durukti as much as he could. His eyes were fixed on Alakshmi who was preparing the boat. She was tying up some of the hyenas inside the boat. Compared to other land animals, they were quite large.
“How did she do that?”
“When you are born into the world with these animalsss, you learn to speak their language.”
Alakshmi glanced at Kali and her stare was poisonous, but at the same time, sensual. She had a full mouth and her eyes, they spoke a thousand words.
“Who is she? How is she still alive?”
“I made sure she did,” Shukr said. “For you.”
“For me?”
“Yes.” He walked forward as Kali remained frozen. “She’s going to be your wife.”
They were in the middle of the ocean.
Kali couldn’t believe Shukr wanted him to marry Alakshmi. Sure, he wasn’t opposed to it, but then it was an absurd idea for now. He had no kingdom, he had no power, and Shukr, who was acting like Kali’s father and mentor, wanted him to be wedded to a mysterious woman who controlled hyenas.
The boat moved slowly and Kali looked at the ocean. It wasn’t black as it seemed from a distance. It had a crystal blue hue. But in the darkness of the night with only the burning fire lights that hung on the boat, it did look black.
He sighed as he moved to see Durukti in the corner. She had been watching him, avoiding his gaze. But Kali couldn’t care less about her. Durukti had crossed a line and Kali felt cheated. He was now looking at Alakshmi. She was steering the boat, surrounded by her hyenas.
Shukr came and stood beside Kali.
“Does she know?” Kali asked.
“Does she know what?”
“That you want her to marry me.”
“Yesss, she does. But you have not made a good first impression.”
Kali stifled a laugh. “Why do you want me to marry her?”
“The bloodline of Asuras shall not be tainted.” He coughed. “Marry a woman from your tribe and keep it pure. You are one of the last males in the Asura clan.”
“What about Koko?” Koko and Vikoko were Asuras as well. Kali had kept their identity a secret.
“They celebrate celibacy.” He shook his head. “You are an alpha male and she isss an alpha female. You both shall birth the purest of Asuras and the lineage shall continue. The bloodline shall be strong.” Shukr smiled to himself, as if his plan had finally come to fruition.
“What about Durukti?”
“What about her?”
“Asuras married their own sisters,” Kali nervously added. “Aren’t they the purest breed?”
“Ah,” Shukr smirked. “You want to bed your sister?”
Kali flustered. “Oh by the hells and mighty, no. It was just a question.”
“Yesss, they do bed their sisters and mothers. In fact, you can bed both o
f them. The more the merrier.” Shukr laughed. Kali tried to hide his embarassment.
“Why haven’t you bed Alakshmi? You are an Asura too.”
“I’m a priest. I cannot reproduce. But I want the Asuras to rule Illavarti, make them formidable again, just like our forefathers wanted.”
Kali nodded. He had never thought about his bloodline this much until Shukr had made him realize its importance. The ocean began to swirl rapidly and Alakshmi looked over at Shukr who nodded back at her.
“We are here.”
“We are where?” Kali looked at the ocean again. He could see nothing but the water. The moon overhead was turning red.
“Pataal.”
But there is nothing here!
He stood up and then glanced at the water. “I am sorry, but I don’t see it.”
“Because it’s plunged inside,” Shukr said, signalling at the water. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to swim. I want you to do something for me, all right?”
Kali nodded.
“The island dissolved with the First Shard of the Eye of Brahma and the the land wasss no more. To retrieve it, the Chakras of the Eye of Brahma have to be mixed with the Chakras of the water,” Shukr explained. Durukti and Kali’s guards were listening as well.
Kali had heard about the Chakras—energy atoms that are everywhere and can be used according to the person’s will. That’s how Vidhyadharas use elemental magic by mixing body energies with energies of certain objects.
“I want you to really look into the past of everything, of you, of the Asuras, of our people, and of the island. I want you to deepen yourself into the memory of our ancestors and of yourself, and learn the truth.”
The truth? What is this so-called truth?
“How should I do it?” Kali asked, peering at Durukti and sharing a worried glance with her. She was surely anxious about all of this and her eyes spoke volumes—she didn’t trust Shukr. But that didn’t matter because Kali did.
“Feel the Chakras.”
Kali nodded as he slipped his hand in the water. The water was cold but he could feel the waves slowly touching his fingertips, tickling him. And he thought about it—about all the things Shukr had just told him. The water began to burn and he realized the coldness was now inside him, and the water was now a part of him. The pain and pleasure began to topple him, his consciousness faded, and he opened his eyes to find himself alone on the boat. The water had turned completely black. And from then on, the blood red skies danced around him. It was just like the visions he had had, but this time he felt like he was in control of his visions.
And just around him, like magic, he saw images made of tiny little lights forming into individuals and creatures—he saw the Dragon standing over the water, he saw Hiriyankshipu and Hiriyanksha. He saw his father and his mother. And he saw his siblings. They were all made of lights and they were all dancing over the water, shimmering under the red sky.
He saw the other Asuras and then out of thin air, he was in Pataal. The boat came on the surface and Kali saw that the island was smaller than Illavarti. He could see tall iron buildings in the distance. The island was unlike any other he had ever seen.
And it was all surreal.
I want to see my past.
And just like that, he was pushed back. The images evaporated, coalescing to show Kali a forest.
He saw a lanky, tall man with long braided hair. His crown was tilted and he was wearing a long robe. He had soldiers around him. Holding a bow and an arrow, he pointed it towards Kali.
And Kali recognized him. He could recognize this man anywhere.
In front of him stood King Parikshit.
Kalki had almost forgotten about Shuko until he appeared in front of him. He flapped his wings and squawked at the snow as if it was something to eat.
I never liked the cold.
Kalki looked at the Vanars. They were repairing the ruptures in the barricades they had erected in Vanarvata. Lord Bajrang was instructing them. Ratna and Smrit were helping as much as they could.
Where were you for so long? Kalki asked. It was still very awkward for him to be communicating with Shuko telepathically.
Oh please, you didn’t miss me , the parrot squawked.
Kalki rolled his eyes. Shuko fluttered his wings and sat on Kalki’s shoulder. He was quiet as he played with the snowflakes when a shadow appeared before him. He found Lord Bajrang towering over him. His golden ornaments glinted in the light.
“Are you sure they were Rakshas?” Lord Bajrang asked.
“I’ve battled plenty of them. So yes, I am sure.”
Kalki sighed. Padma and Kripa had been abducted in front of his eyes. He was shaking in anger. But then, Kalki was furious at Kripa for what he had done to his father. He wanted to bash his head for it. Padma had to be saved but he would leave Kripa in Taar’s camp.
He can plunge to his death for all I care.
“We have a problem. My men say they saw some Manavs as well. Taar must have made a truce with the Manavs and the Rakshas,” Lord Bajrang mumbled. “Don’t stress. We shall find them.”
“How do you plan to do that?” Kalki stood up, irritated. He faced Lord Bajrang and said, “You don’t have enough men. Do you plan to grow in size and save the day?” He was referring to a myth. It was believed that Lord Bajrang had once grown to the size of a mountain.
Lord Bajrang remained calm. “I know you are angry but never forget that your tongue can be sharper than your sword when anger takes over it. And it can leave scars that one might not be able to heal.”
Kalki looked away, annoyed. But he understood what Lord Bajrang was trying to say.
“But that doesn’t mean I can grow tall, young boy!” He let out a hearty laugh. “We have a lot to do. The point is, do you want to help or sulk with your funny parrot?” He winked at Shuko.
He knows me , Shuko told Kalki.
Kalki wondered how, but he didn’t prod further.
“All right. I’m in.”
I am coming, Padma.
“You don’t believe in our cause, do you?” Lord Bajrang asked as he leaned forward, entering a dark pathway, engulfed in snow and large glaciers.
Kalki had no idea where Lord Bajrang was taking him. “No, I don’t. I don’t see the point of the Vanars fighting each other at all.”
“Vanars by nature are animalistic, like most tribes. We had been gifted by Lord Shiva to Illavarti to act as peacekeepers, guardians, helpers to the world. But none of the inhabitants of Illavarti wanted our protection. We were peace-loving, so they thought we were weak. So the Vanars decided to live in seclusion until Lord Raghav and King Sugriva signed a pact with us.”
King Sugriva? He had been Lord Bajrang’s ally. Some people even claimed that he had been like a brother to him.
“You made that pact happen?”
Lord Bajrang proudly nodded. They had now entered a strange rock-like structure and started ascending the uneven staircase.
“I thought living in seclusion would be for the best.”
“What happened then?”
“Lord Raghav left us and so did King Sugriva. People say the Endowed are blessed because they can live forever. I don’t believe so. It is painful to see everyone you love perish in front of you.”
They had reached the top. Kalki slipped on the step but Lord Bajrang grabbed his fist and pulled him up. Kalki grinned as he stood in front of the seven rivers. The sight was truly magnificent. He had seen it earlier, but from a distance. Here the seven rivers merged into each other.
“Wow.”
“Oh yeah.” Bajrang grinned.
“I have heard that you stopped waging wars after the incident with Lord Raghav.”
“Oh yes, I did. I have lived for a long time. I realized that wars—they might be good to solve a small conflict, but they have major repercussions later on. And that’s what Taar doesn’t understand. He thinks war is necessary to survive.” He sighed. “So here we are, doing exactly what he wanted�
��fighting. War never solves anything, Kalki.”
Kalki nodded. He remembered the corpses of the people of Shambala. He had those people up to fight against Durukti. That fight had led to the killing of the people he had loved.
Oh Lakshmi! Please forgive me.
“Do you think you’ll be able to stop him?”
Lord Bajrang looked at Kalki for a moment and grinned. “I can lift a mountain. What do you think?”
“Did it really happen?”
“Not really,” he shrugged his shoulders, “but I brought every herb on that mountain for brother Lakshman who was quite ill and wounded.”
Lakshman was Lord Raghav’s brother.
“What about you burning Dushasan’s—”
Bajrang lifted his hand. “You are a very curious child.”
Kalki laughed.
“Why are we here?”
Lord Bajrang turned serious. “Have you heard of the Eye of Brahma?”
“I know a bit. The teachers at my gurukul told me about it.”
Bajrang explained about the Four Shards and then he said, “I have the Second Shard.”
“Where is it?”
“Right in front of you.”
Kalki was stunned. “Wait, no . . . You? How is it you?”
“The Eye of Brahma is made of Chakras. One can dissolve those Chakras and join it with his own Chakra. There’s a reason why I am considered invincible. I know what Taar is doing right now. Unfortunately, I was busy at the Frontier and couldn’t foresee the infiltration by the Rakshas.”
“What is the history of the Eye?”
“Dushasan had given it to his advisor. The advisor ran away with it. Some say he was an Asura and left for Pataal. It then came into the hands of a good friend of mine. He had stolen it from someone. Giving me the Second Shard, he had said that it was an important object that would serve me well.”
“Your friend?”
Bajrang nodded. “You might know him. He has a scar on his head. We weren’t initially on good terms but he was kind enough to do give me the Shard.”
“Where does he live?”
“Where you plan to go—Mahendragiri.”