[Outskirts of Khandava Forest]
Karna could be seen looking at the horizon, his thoughts heavy with the weight of the recent battle and the promise he had made to protect Tara.
The sky above was painted with hues of orange and red as the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the scorched landscape.
The divine armor, Kavach, which had protected him throughout the battle, gradually dissipated, returning to the depths of his being.
Karna's golden eyes, now devoid of the intense battle fervor, reflected a sense of contemplation as he stood there, his gaze fixed on the setting sun. The world around him seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as the battle's tension ebbed away.
Taking a deep breath, Karna turned and began to walk away from the battlefield, his footsteps slow and measured. He knew that his journey was far from over, and the promise he had made to protect Tara weighed on his mind. It was a commitment he intended to uphold, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.
Whoosh!
"My lord, I am sorry Takshaka escaped from my grasp," a voice echoed from behind Karna.
Karna halted his steps and turned to see a figure approaching. It was Lilith, His recent summon.
"Lilith," Karna said, acknowledging her with a nod. "You did your best in pursuing Takshaka. It was a fierce battle, and your efforts were commendable."
Lilith, with her pitch-black hair and resolute gaze, bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, my lord. But it seems Takshaka was more cunning than we anticipated. He managed to evade capture."
"it's not your fault, We will find other means to deal with Takshaka," Karna reassured Lilith while patting her head lovingly. "His escape does not change our ultimate goal of ensuring Tara's safety and fulfilling the promise I made to Vali."
Lilith, though initially crestfallen by her inability to capture Takshaka, couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and reassurance in Karna's words and actions. She appreciated his understanding and knew that she served a master who valued her efforts.
With a soft smile, she looked up at Karna. "I am ready to assist you in any way I can, my lord."
Karna returned Lilith's smile with a warm one of his own. Her loyalty and dedication were qualities he greatly valued. "I know."
"My lord, Do you know where can we find this, Tara?"
Karna considered Lilith's question for a moment, his thoughts turning to the promise he had made to Vali to protect Tara, Vali's former wife. He had limited information about her, but he knew that fulfilling this promise was of utmost importance.
"I have some leads," Karna replied, his voice calm and determined. "She should be in the kingdom of Kishkindha, Because Vali was the former king of Kishkindha but something happened and his younger brother took the throne after killing Vali..."
"Wait! Wait! But my lord it was you who killed him right? then how could that younger brother of his can kill him?"
Karna nodded, acknowledging Lilith's observation. "You are correct, Lilith. I was the one who battled Vali and ultimately defeated him in our recent clash. However, there seems to be a twist in this tale. Vali's younger brother, Sugriva, took the throne of Kishkindha after Vali's death but it looks like someone revived him from death. I don't have all the details yet, but it appears that Vali's return to life is linked to the complex web of divinities and celestial forces that surround this world."
Lilith listened attentively, her dark eyes reflecting curiosity and intrigue. "So, Vali's revival could be part of a larger plan or divine intervention?"
Karna nodded again, his golden eyes filled with a mix of determination and contemplation. "Indeed, Lilith. And we must navigate this intricate web of destiny and protect Tara from any threats that may arise."
As Karna spoke, he began to walk once more, and Lilith followed in step beside him. The landscape around them was still marked by the remnants of their epic battle, but the setting sun painted the scars with warm, fading light.
Whistle!
A divine chariot materialized in front of them which they boarded, and with a simple command from Karna, the chariot began to move, carrying them toward the kingdom of Kishkindha. The wheels of the chariot glided effortlessly over the scorched ground, leaving behind a trail of golden sparks.
After some run-up, It took off into the skies, ascending gracefully. The divine chariot soared above the landscape, allowing Karna and Lilith to gaze down upon the changing scenery.
The once-scarred forest of Khandava now extended below them, and the vibrant colors of the land began to emerge as the sun's light continued to wane.
Karna couldn't help but reflect on the events that had transpired. The battle with Vali had been a turning point, not only in terms of his own power but also in the promises he had made.
Protecting Tara, Vali's former wife, had become a duty he took to heart, and he was determined to uncover the truth behind Vali's revival.
Lilith, sitting beside Karna, observed his contemplative expression. She knew that her master was not one to be swayed by the whims of fate but instead sought to shape his own path. Her loyalty to him was unwavering, and she was ready to stand by his side as they faced the challenges ahead.
"My lord," Lilith spoke softly, breaking the silence between them. "No matter the obstacles we encounter, I am here to assist you in fulfilling your promises and unraveling the mysteries of this world."
Karna turned to Lilith, his golden eyes meeting her dark ones. He smiled warmly, appreciating her steadfast support. "Thank you, Lilith. Your loyalty means more to me than you know.
***
[Kailash Mountain]
The trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh was gathered together after Alter's power had been used to enhance Karna's abilities in his battle against Vali and Tarakasura.
Their divine presence radiated an aura of authority and power, and the very mountain itself seemed to bow in reverence to their presence.
"That was something huh~," Vishnu remarked, a twinkle in his eyes as he addressed the others. "Karna's battle with Vali and Tarakasura was quite the spectacle, don't you think?"
Brahma, with his four heads, each representing a different aspect of creation, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it was a clash of powers that shook the heavens and the earth. The infusion of 'that' power into Karna's being created a unique fusion of divine and enigmatic forces."
"See~ See~ that is my son," Shiva chimed in with a proud smile. "He's always been one to push his limits and embrace new challenges. But now, let's turn our attention to what lies ahead. Vali's return from death and the circumstances surrounding it are not to be taken lightly."
Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh exchanged knowing glances, their divine wisdom allowing them to perceive the intricate threads of fate and destiny that had led to Vali's revival.
"It is clear that Vali's return is part of a larger plan," Vishnu mused, his eyes reflecting the deep blue of the cosmos. "The very forces of creation and destruction seem to be at play here. We must tread carefully and uncover the truth behind this divine intervention."
Brahma's four heads nodded in agreement, each head representing a different aspect of creation. "We should also consider the role of Tarakasura in this. His presence in the battle was not a mere coincidence. There is a deeper connection that we must unravel."
"But we can't intervene in the mortal world directly if it's not related to cosmic destruction or death of god-king," Vishnu noted, his expression thoughtful. "We must allow the mortals, and particularly Karna, to navigate this path. However, we can provide guidance and insights when necessary."
Shiva, the destroyer and creator, leaned forward with a knowing smile. "Indeed, my dear Vishnu. Mortals are bound by the threads of their own destinies, and it is through their choices and actions that the path of the world unfolds. We shall be the silent guardians, guiding them when required."
The trinity of divine beings continued their discussion, their voices resonating with the wisdom and authority that governed the cosmos.
As they contemplated the mysteries of Vali's revival and the challenges that lay ahead for Karna, they remained ever watchful, ready to provide guidance and support when the balance of the mortal world was at stake.
...
[Meanwhile on the other side of Kailash]
Just like the trinity of men was gathered together, The trinity of women was also assembled in a serene grove on the other side of Kailash Mountain. This trio of divine goddesses held a different kind of presence, one that exuded grace, compassion, and strength.
Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, sat gracefully on a lotus flower, her veena (a musical instrument) resting beside her. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, radiated a golden aura, and her eyes sparkled with benevolence. Parvati, the goddess of power and devotion, possessed an air of regal authority, her third eye symbolizing her connection to the divine.
They too discussed the recent events involving Karna, Vali, and Tarakasura, their divine perceptions granting them insights into the unfolding cosmic drama. But their focus was on other factors like-
"KYAAAA~ He looks so cute, Look! Look! MY son looks so cute and handsome." Parvati exclaimed with motherly delight, her eyes shimmering with pride.
Saraswati and Lakshmi exchanged amused glances at Parvati's exuberance. Parvati had always been the motherly figure among the goddesses, and her fondness for Karna was well-known among them.
"Saraswati, do you not agree?" Parvati turned to the goddess of knowledge with a playful smile.
Saraswati chuckled softly, her expression gentle. "Indeed, Parvati. Karna's valor and strength are commendable, and he carries himself with great dignity."
Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, added with a warm smile, "And his heart is as pure as his intentions. He has always upheld righteousness and honor."
Parvati nodded with satisfaction, her gaze still fixed on Karna as if she could see him at that very moment. "He has faced many challenges in his life, but he has always remained true to his principles. I am proud to call him my son. But-"
"But I want for him to call me M-Mother too, H-He don't even know about M-Me*Sob**Sob*"
As Parvati's voice trembled with emotion, Saraswati and Lakshmi exchanged sympathetic glances. Parvati's longing for a deeper connection with Karna, her desire to be acknowledged as his mother, was a heartfelt sentiment.
"I still regret 'that' moment when I gave him permission to go to 'that' dreadful WAR..."