by Krutant Iyer
Vajra grunted his approval and dismissed the captain with a wave of his hand, as he closed his eyes once again.
The captain couldn’t believe his luck and jumped up with joy, running back to his crew and conveying the news to them and the boys. The dancing and singing resumed with a renewed vigour.
The next morning, Vajra led the troop into the jungle. They made their way towards the third level. The pirates were so taken in by the beauty of the jungle and its unique layout that they would often stray from the group, and had to be dragged back by the captain.
Once, they reached the pond on the edge of the second level, the boys started climbing the root of the mammoth rubber tree, just like they had done previously, followed by Vajra, and the pirates.
As soon as the pirates stepped onto the land, they felt the sudden change in atmosphere. While the weaker men among them collapsed, affected by the new milieu, the stronger ones gaped at the misty jungle ahead, with jaws and eyes wide open.
Once everyone had gotten used to the environment, Vajra gathered them around and instructed them to set up a camp in the clearing, just outside the misty jungle. He also warned the pirates of the dangers of venturing into the jungle.
The Angathari training began the next day for the boys, as the pirates watched on with fascination. Since all the boys wielded a different weapon, their training method differed as well.
While Ballu was being taught to exert as much force as he could muster in each strike of his mace, Raaka was asked by Vajra to keep swinging his Parashu on a nearby tree, till he got a hang of the technique. Mitra showed the most promising growth, using his Ear of Indriya to identify the target’s location and shooting it down with the arrows. The unfortunate rabbits scurrying along the edge of the misty jungle, fell victim to his arrows. The pirates would cheer loudly whenever Mitra’s arrows found its mark, as it meant delicious meat for dinner.
Murari’s method of training was equally exceptional and much more dangerous. Once he had gained an understanding of the basics of wielding his sword, Vajra made him duel with the pirates. Initially, he would have Murari take on one or two opponents, then slowly he increased the number of opponents, till he was able to take on the entire crew by himself.
But Vajra was not satisfied with this. As a final test of his skills, Vajra blindfolded him and asked him to use the Eye of Indriya to see his opponents and defend against their attacks. This would have proved difficult when he couldn’t control this power earlier, but now that he could clearly see the pirates even with his eyes closed, he effortlessly parried the attacks from the crew expertly.
The training lasted for a little over two months. The aura around the boys was much different than the first time they had arrived on the island. They were now well adept in the art of Kalari, and could easily take on the guardian beast of the jungle without flinching for a moment.
But, taking on the ferocious warriors of Balaloka or the Nisacharas from Narakaloka was not going to be as easy.
With each passing day, Vajra had gotten more and more sullen. He would keep to himself, and would often sit brooding in a corner during nights, forgoing sleep, even food on many nights.
After observing this for several days, Murari decided to approach him. As the rest of the group sat by the bonfire, enjoying the delicious meal of fruits and meat, Murari grabbed an Apple and headed towards Vajra.
“What’s the matter? Something has been bothering you for the past few days.” Murari inquired, as he sat beside Vajra.
Vajra gave him a weak smile, as he continued rubbing his limp leg.
“Why are you still up? You should sleep soon. Sleep helps your mind and body to recuperate,” Vajra said.
“If that’s the case, then you should listen to your own advice,” said Murari. “You haven’t eaten anything for a while. Here, I brought you an Apple.”
Vajra thanked him, as he accepted the fruit.
“What’s bothering you?” Murari asked again. “You have not been yourself for the past few days.”
Vajra did not respond and continued running his hand over his leg.
“Is that an old injury?” Murari asked, not willing to give up.
Vajra sighed and looked at him.
“It hasn’t been that long,” Vajra said, not willing to divulge further.
“What happened?”
Vajra looked at him curiously, “Why are you asking these questions all of a sudden? It’s very unlike you to beat around the bush like this.”
“I can say the same for you.” Murari shot back.
Vajra chuckled weakly.
The next few moments were spent without saying anything. They quietly watched the others dancing and singing around the bonfire.
“Look how carefree they are,” Vajra said. “unaware of the what’s out there. Sometimes, knowledge becomes a burden that pulls you down with it. On such occasions, ignorance truly feels like bliss.”
Murari did not understand what Vajra was trying to say but chose not to ask.
“We will need to get moving soon,” Vajra said. “We cannot spend more time here. The purpose of bringing you to this island has been accomplished. It’s time for us to resume our journey towards Tamisra.”
“But you haven’t taught them to control their Siddhi yet.” Murari reminded him.
“I plan to do that on our journey. The hard part of the training has borne fruits already.” Vajra said, looking at Murari. “You have turned out to be quite a swordsman. Though I was worried initially, now I am convinced that you chose the right weapon for yourself.”
Murari smiled knowingly.
“I am sorry for failing you,” Vajra said, with a disappointed look on his face. “It seems it is beyond my capabilities to awaken the Siddhi within you.”
“Is there no hope at all?” Murari asked.
Vajra could not peel his eyes off the ground as he shook his head slowly.
After a moment, his right eyebrow twitched, and he sat up with renewed liveliness, that wasn’t often seen in people of his age.
“There is one way,” he said, holding Murari’s arms in his hands, unable to contain his excitement.
“Really?” Murari exclaimed, mirroring his enthusiasm.
Vajra stood up and started pacing back and forth, murmuring something while he did so. An anxious expression had replaced the excitement.
“What’s the matter?” Murari asked.
“I hadn’t thought of this possibility, because it is almost impossible to achieve it,” Vajra said.
“Please tell me,” Murari said.
“There is another fruit that can stimulate the power of Siddhi,” Vajra said. “But it is not easily attainable.”
“Wow! There’s a fruit that can help me. Where is it?” Murari’s focus was entirely on the possibility of attaining the fruit.
“It’s known as Vanaphala, and it grows in Narakaloka,” Vajra revealed.
“Narakaloka – you mean the abode of Nisacharas?” Murari asked, seemingly undeterred.
“Yes, when I was in Narakaloka I had often heard the mention of the Vanaphala in the capital city’s marketplace. A fruit that can grow in an environment that’s completely devoid of sunlight is bound to be special,” said Vajra.
Murari was in a quandary about what to do. On one hand, he had been presented with an opportunity to awaken his Siddhi, but it was a dangerous path and would put everyone’s life at stake. On the other hand, if he decided to let it go, and continue on the journey as planned, he could never get powerful enough to save his Tata, and protect him and his Avva, the aim with which he had set out on this journey.
While he sat pondering over these things, he did not notice Ballu, Raaka, and Mitra standing behind him.
“You fool! What’s the point in thinking so much?” Ballu said. “Isn’t it decided already – Our next stop is Narakaloka.”
Murari turned around and saw the boys smiling confidently.
“We did not catch the whole thing, just the last
bit of your conversation,” Mitra said. “Something about fruit growing in Narakaloka that can help you awaken Siddhi.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Vajra interrupted their conversation. “Narakaloka is not an open field that one can enter and exit as one pleases. Just because you were able to master the techniques of Kalari, doesn’t mean you can take on the Nisacharas yet.”
The boys fell silent.
“I do not wish to put everyone’s life in danger.” Murari finally spoke.
“Who said anything about not going to Narakaloka? I am only saying, we will need to be better prepared if we are to make that journey.” Vajra said, as his face broke into a smile. “We are heading towards Tamisra anyways. The portal to Narakaloka lies there.”
The boys jumped in jubilation. Murari wasn’t even allowed to react or protest. Ballu and Raaka picked Murari up on their shoulder and carried him back to the bonfire, where the pirates were dancing like madmen, even as he tried hard to maintain balance. Just for that night, the jungle island had allowed the fire of grit and warmth of brotherhood to dispel its coldness.
✽✽✽
Dasha
Journey to the End of the Bhuloka
Dvaitavana seemed like a tiny speck of dust against the massive backdrop of ocean and clear blue sky. But even so, the mist surrounding the island ensured that it maintained its frightening outlook.
The pirates and the boys could not get enough of the sunlight. They had been deprived of it for over three months now.
Had the villagers back in Vanagochar seen the boys today, they wouldn’t be able to grasp the enormity of the transformation in them that had resulted from their rigorous training on the island. Their frame was much taller and their body rock solid.
Vajra stood on the ship’s nose, watching the sea carry them onwards on its waves.
“Sir, where are we headed? I and my crew have sailed these waters for a long time. We may be able to get us there faster.” The captain of pirates said, keeping his distance from Vajra.
After Vajra had permitted him and his crew to join them, the captain had steered clear of his way as much as possible, as he feared that the giant old man would change his mind and ask them to leave, ending their adventure abruptly.
But seeing that they were on the Seas and aboard the ship that he had commanded for several decades, he had picked up the courage to approach Vajra, hoping to impress him with his vast experience in sailing.
“We are heading towards Tamisra, the land that lies beyond the reach of this sea,” Vajra said, without turning back. “Maintain this direction, it will lead us straight to our destination.”
The captain received his command and scuttled away from Vajra.
For the next few days, the crew members followed the same routine. Vajra and the boys would get up early in the morning and begin their training. The boys continued practising the two forms of Kalari – Meipayattu and Angathari, till the Sun was high up in the Sky. Then they would dive into the ocean and swim alongside the ship, Vajra had said it would help in improving their agility and stamina. After that, the boys would help the pirates prepare lunch. After the sun dipped below the horizon, Vajra would gather the boys around him and teach them the ways of controlling and manipulating their Siddhi.
“Now that you can absorb and channelise nature’s energy, let me show you how to combine it with your Siddhi to use your nascent powers,” Vajra said.
“As I explained earlier, my Siddhi is known as Isitv,” Vajra started, “Mitra – you possess the same type of Siddhi. Don’t you?”
Mitra nodded.
“The ones who wield the Siddhi of Isitv can become, create, and control an element of nature. For me, it’s fire.”
Vajra held out his fist and opened his palm. A ball of fire sparked up from nothingness.
“Once, we have identified the affinity of your Isitv, I will teach you to alter its properties and make it your own,” Vajra said.
“Teacher, please tell me how I can find out where my Isitv’s affinity lies?” Mitra asked.
Vajra doused the fire on his palm by closing his fist and lifted his lathi with the other hand.
“That’s easy.”
Saying so, Vajra opened his lathi’s cap and upturned its content in front of him. No sooner had he done that; tens of daggers and reedy spears came tumbling out of the lathi.
The boys were amazed by the picture unfolding in front of them. They couldn’t believe their eyes.
Once all the weapons were out, a small black pebble fell out of the lathi.
Vajra replaced the weapons back into his staff and held the pebble in his palm.
He saw that the boys weren’t looking at him, instead, their gaze was still fixated at his lathi.
“This lathi that I wield is not an ordinary one, as you have noticed. Although it primarily serves as a strong weapon, its other function is to store things I deem necessary,” he said.
The boys were visibly impressed by their teacher’s array of weapons.
“This is known as Pesani, the pebble infused with all the elements of nature and Siddhi. It will help us identify the elemental affinity of your Isitv.” said Vajra, bringing their attention to the pebble. “Now, put out your hand.”
Mitra did as he was told. Vajra placed the pebble on his outstretched hand.
“Now, close your eyes, relax your mind and direct your Isitv into the Pesani,” Vajra said.
As soon as Mitra did so, the pebble trembled in his palm momentarily, before lifting off its surface and levitating over his palm.
“Aah! You have an affinity towards the wind. This is quite interesting,” Vajra noted.
Mitra opened his eyes and was surprised to see his power for the first time.
Mitra passed the Pesani to Ballu.
“Ballu – Your Siddhi is Vivarta. Your Siddhi allows you to form a pact with a beast and transform into a hybrid-form at will, bestowing you with its powers in that form.” Vajra said. “That being said, the characteristic of your Siddhi is very unique.”
“How’s that, Teacher?” Ballu asked.
“Just as the wielders of Isitv cannot choose their element of nature, the users of Vivarta cannot choose their beast-form.”
“But Teacher, if that’s the case then how does this work?” Ballu seemed perplexed.
“When you hold the Pesani in your palm, I want you to do exactly as Mitra did. Pour your energy into it.” Vajra said. “The pulsations emitted by the users of Vivarta are unique. Pesani has the power to carry it to all the beasts residing in this Loka. The beast that chooses to receive your energy and share its powers with you, will respond in a similar rhythm.”
Ballu’s blank expression betrayed his lack of understanding.
“Think of it as a mating call.” Vajra explained. “The only difference being, this is a subliminal signal to the beasts to share their powers.”
The boys chuckled at his explanation.
Ballu did as instructed by Vajra. No sooner had he done that; his body started feeling weird.
Massive energy shot out of Ballu’s body. The boys leapt away from him, not knowing what was happening. Ballu remained undaunted. It was as if he wasn’t aware of the energy he was emitting. Then all of a sudden, his body started contorting. His shoulders broadened and his muscles expanded, as thick, earth-coloured fur covered his chest and his upper back. The nails on his fingers transformed into long, sharp claws covered by a layer of thick fur.
The boys looked on, spellbound by Ballu’s transformation. His frame was at least a foot taller than Vajra. But what left them speechless was his face. His face had completely transformed into that of the beast who had chosen to respond to Ballu’s Vivarta.
Ballu had transformed into a Bear. But his transformation was not complete. It was a hybrid form, where he was half-man, and half-bear.
Ballu stood up to get a better look at his transformation. He seemed happy with his power. But when he opened his mouth to speak, a loud growl
came out of his mouth instead.
The pirates had not been paying much heed to the boys and Vajra, but as soon as they heard the loud growl and saw the man-bear on the deck, they scampered to the far corner of the ship in dread.
“Oi – Calm down. You are scaring them.” Murari said.
After a few moments, Ballu spontaneously transformed back into his human form.
“Hmm... Interesting,” Vajra observed. “If we take your weapon into consideration, and combine that with your muscular build, this is the best possible outcome.”
It was Raaka’s turn next. The beast who chose to respond to his energy pulse turned out to be a Goat. Similar to Ballu, Raaka’s head transformed into that of a Goat, with twisted horns emerging over his skull. But unlike Ballu, the rest of his body had managed to retain this original form.
If Raaka was disappointed by his beast-form, he wasn’t showing it.
For the next few days, Vajra continued to instruct the boys in using their Siddhi in combination with the combat techniques of Kalari.
A little over a month after they had left Dvaitavana, their ship docked on the shores of an unmarked land. Following Vajra’s direction, the captain of the pirates had ensured they stay the course during the voyage.
Having sailed the seas for decades, the pirates had often passed this land but had never come ashore to explore it. As far as their eyes could see, the land seemed desolate and covered in sand, with the dune-fields stretching for miles.
After securing their vessel a little away from the land, the odd group of people descended into the water in several canoes and rowed their way to the shore.
“Sir, this land seems as deserted as always. Why have we come here?” The captain of the pirate asked Vajra.
“We are in the right place,” Vajra said, without looking at him.
It had taken him and Veerabhadra almost twelve years to find this island and the portal.
The last time he had come here, Veera was with him. This is where they had battled the Nishada and his Nisacharas. If Shalva’s warriors hadn’t shown up, Veera would have been with him.