Author's Notes:
Sincerest apologies everyone, it took a long while that turned into a long break, but I finally consolidated my future works on the chapters. This chapter, I did almost ten iterations of, the end is nearing anyway. The beginning of this month has been hectic for me as well, applying for a government job has tons of paperwork and application forms to fill out. If successful, things will be a breeze.
I wanted to say this a while ago but didn't have the chance. Horray for 100,000 views! Another milestone in fanfic writing.
-I never wanted this.-
His mind repeated in a neverending loop, why was it that things would never turn out the way it was expected?
When he challenged Golden Path led by Sabal and Amita, they didn't falter but became even more aggressive and steadfast. When he suppressed them, his father re-entered the scene and pushed Golden Path back into its full glory. When he drove them out, the other states became involved. He nearly entered a war with the Chinese, Private Military Contractors conducted their activities with equal unrestraint, even the United States became involved. Last but not least, the Ancient Rakshasa were here to sweep all before them.
He was lying to himself thinking that with every challenge, Kyrat was growing stronger. That each occurrence would have happened anyway, even if he didn't wish it. But that was wrong….
He was the root of all this.
When a rat gets cornered, they don't simply cower. They fight back like there's no tomorrow, he put Golden Path, Shining Way, China and the United States in such a scenario. The Rakshasa, Esha returned because he'd constantly been tapping into the Demon. Because an individual of X-strength was in the vicinity, an opponent of X-strength would compete as well.
His ego was the primary magnet for trouble. But if he were to remove himself from the scenes, the Himavanas would be left vulnerable to these threats. And if he stayed, he was sure that more dangers would naturally choose to reveal themselves.
When did he get stuck in this dilemma? He wished the best for Kyrat. He did his best, but it wasn't what it needed. Did he make the wrong choice? Was Kyrat better off in that eternal cycle of limbo? The people he met, the people he interacted with. Didn't just want to survive, they wanted to live. To achieve that, he intentionally broke the cycle. Endangering hundreds of thousands in the process, despite their blessings upon him. Ajay now started to understand the meaning of the word Hero.
A Hero was a villain wearing a mask of a saviour.
The results of his campaign. One hundred and Forty thousand people dead, Kyrati, Yinkian, Papirese, Chinese, American. Thirty million over peoples' lives had been turned upside down by his push. It was a worse feeling than in another life where he doomed just the entire Kyrat, he was going to bring the entire Himavana lowlands into chaos thinking he was doing the right thing.
How did he make it this far where he would have failed in the last reality? Ajay constantly questioned his mind, he knew that his mind was never strong, to begin with. That was when he remembered. Maya, Bhadra, Kamala, Biraj, Saraswati, Kamran. Not just them, but over thirty-three million had dreams they wished fulfilled. In light of the atrocity he'd committed and the fellow blood he'd shed. They chose to absolve him, he was the only one reaching for these ambitious heights where their dreams would be achieved. He was their hero, the villain wearing the mask of a saviour.
And so, he came to a conclusion. If there was to be permanent peace in the future.
Ajay Ghale must disappear from history.
The very name shook the world as it was. He was his former adoptive home's number one enemy, if they could they would have dispatched all available resources to assassinate him. The Rakshasa awoke because of him. And the Golden Path stirred at the mention of his name. Once Kyrat was finally free of all, there was no place for Ajay Ghale, let alone Badala the Demon in these mountains. He did not feel as bad as he should if anything he felt greatly relieved. Karma was about to be resolved, a peace of mind he long sought would finally be reached.
A plan had been set in motion, all that needed to be accounted for was Esha's next move.
(crunch) His ice axe struck a void in the ice, almost causing him to fall off the ledge. His ice axe dangled from his free-fall from his strap.
"Careful!" Voices of concern called from down below.
"I'm fine!" He returned their worry with an assurance he was alright.
Looking back up, Darshan had effortlessly overtaken him in the climb. Ajay's eyebrows furrowed. There was no possible gauge of Darshan's true strength. Naturally, he chose to hide it because the Rakshasa could see through easily if Ajay could as well. But that was not all, there was something about Darshan that seemed unnatural- no. Artificial.
Both Rakshasa and himself feared Darshan. The man he was and what were his abilities they knew thus far. He was definitely capable of ending Ajay's life before any of Esha's plans could be put through or Ajay's ambition for Kyrat with a mere sweep. But he wasn't, and that scared them both. He was both a man of patience and unrelenting will. Before the day ended, he would kill them both.
On this, perhaps Ajay could sympathize with Darshan. If Ajay ever went berserk as Kalinag had, Darshan would be there to put an end to it. But at the same time, something told him that there was another reason Darshan kept him alive. Something unrelated to his revenge on Esha.
Then perhaps, Darshan was the other wild factor which he needed to watch carefully.
Ajay reached a point where there was a ledge which Darshan disappeared over. His arms swung onto the top and lifted his body up. A plateau with a cavern entrance guarded by two humungous statues of bulky warriors. If that were the most iconic point, he would have noted that in his entry, however his first word on the statues that bore faces of monkeys highlighted that this wasn't "man"-made.
"Vanara…."
Here lay the gathered heirlooms of the long dead simian tribe. The last hidden reliquary of the forgotten tribe. And the resting place of a certain item they needed.
The soldiers sat attentively watching the television broadcast in the hangar, anyone who missed this event would forever loathe witnessing the most important event in their history. Within the tv, a crowd cheered from the background as the head of state walked up to a podium where the camera faced straight on.
*Family, friends. I am glad to address you still as King and servant. The news I bring comes to both as good tidings as there is grave news to be bored. We have come onto a dark time for our existence, forces come in tides from different directions to strangle the sovereignty that is Kyrat and in time to come, our neighbours alike. From the West, the United States of America, the original instigators of our internal strife. In the Eastern mountains, where Mohan Ghale and the New Golden Path wait for the right time to strike. And the North…. Where an ancient enemy that assembles, awaiting their orders to run us down, Men, women and children, they care for none as they were herds of sheep. They are our greatest nemesis; our ancestors call them Rakshasa.*
There was much commotion upon Pagan's declaration, yet no unrest. For the residents of Lanka, this was no ruse or lie. For the soldiers, they were the worst nightmare.
*Yes, it is true. Many afar might not believe my words even now, but I will say them nonetheless. You all deserve the truth of it, and the truth I'll give. This enemy has challenged by our ancestors every millennia for the right to live in these mountains. One such milestone over a thousand years ago, you may recognize. It was the epic of Kalinag. This is why we hold so much pride for our nation and why our fathers before us held in similar regard as did their fathers and so on. Now, it is our turn to face this trial by fire and prove to our ancestors we still have the right to live in peace.
Yet, how then do we contend with this ancient force now that we've exhausted ourselves against a long and bitter Civil War? How especially with our enemies numerically superior? I have discussed this with our military commanders and with our neighbours on the solution here in Lanka for the past few days since Lord Badala's trial. And we have unanimously decided, Kyrat, Papir, Kumsa and Yinke may do little on our own but together…. Many things are possible. Possibilities like the repelling of the Chinese PLA, the disruption of Golden Paths progress, and most recently defeating the US expeditionary armies. From today onwards, Kyrat and its fellow membered states of the Himavana Pillar Alliance will henceforth be consolidated as one power! One Nation! Friends and family, today you shall be part of the Himavana Federation. Unity of nations under one mountain one valley…*
The crowd broke into wild applause. Pagan placed a hand on his heart with the other raised over his head in an "ave" fashion.
(Pagan): I, Pagan Min, King of Kyrat. Have been elected by the supreme authority of the Himavana Federation, to take the term of four years as its Head of State.
(Tenzin): I, Tenzin Vgru of Yinke. Vouch for his Royal Highness Pagan Min's elevation to power in light to the safety of the Yinkian people.
(Dhir): I, Dhir of the Republic. Valid his claim in the interest and prosperity of Papir, as the new state and Capital of the Himavana Federation.
(Surendra): I, Kumsa Surendra, King of the Kumsa fiefdom. Leave the care of our people in his Royal Highness's hands. The protection of our lands to his armies and commanders. Our country is theirs as theirs is ours.
Then I shall undertake this challenge gladly! I hereby order the states military forces to unify under this banner.
(Arjun): "The Royal Army of Kyrat hears and obeys!"
(Dema): "The Yinkian Liberation Army complies with the commander-in-chief!"
(Kumsan Chief of Army): "Kumsa swears allegiance to the Federation!"
(Republican Chief of Army): "Glory of the Federation is the Glory of the Republic!"
(Pagan): …. Very good. Then as Commander-in-chief of the Himavana Federal Army, I order you to seek out and destroy the enemies of the Federation! United States, Golden Path, and the Akaashian Rakshasa.
(Uniformed response): """Success or Death, Loyalty nonetheless!"""*
The parade of soldiers at Lanka roared at the top of their lungs, hearts and minds. The crowd cheered even louder than before, a flock of caged doves were released on cue by the event coordinator to make the event even more dramatic. Pagan held his hands out to calm the commotion.
* I understand that there is only so much our newly formed "Federal Army" can do in its current state. The defence of the Capital comes as the ultimate priority. Just as is retaking the Velvet Palace back from the disillusioned Royal Prince of Kumsa and the Golden Path movement.
I understand that many of my decisions from now will ring with complaints and misgivings. I look to my associates to advise me in times of need and for the betterment of our civilization. That is why…* Pagan seemed reluctant to say these words. The crowd did not know it, but he had been struggling to find an available unit to liberate Kumsa for some time. None of the quote on quote "competent" units were around. Jatayu, Yinkian Republican Guard and V4 were in Pakistan, wrecking havoc amongst the US bases under the PAF military's supervision. The Hussars were fortifying Shanath along with the Dragoons. Arjun restricted him from deploying units preparing for the attack by the Rakshasa and Golden Path. Then Yuma came to him with an idea.
A simple idea to their solution, yet one he was heavily in doubt with.
*By my authority as the current sovereign of the Himavana Federation. I, Pagan Min, Commander-in-chief of the Royal Army of Kyrat, Honoured chieftain of the Prachin Vyadh Tribe and King of Kyrat. Use my royal prerogative to reinstate Military Commanders involved in the Canton Rebellion back into Command of the new formation. I place Sun Kwan Tang in command of these elements.*
The soldiers in the hangar who were of the specified descent that Pagan had reinstated live on television cheered loudly. Sun Kwan was amongst these soldiers as he watched Pagan mouth something away from the mic. A sense of nostalgia washed over him as he recognized the movement of the lips to a common blessing they used to give to one another upon an important mission in the old days.
-May the mountains watch over you, brother.-
These words were Pagan's sole words to Sun Kwan over kilometres away.
Within the tv, the crowds' cheers rose to even greater heights than before. A formation of aircraft flew overhead to make this Hallmark event ever so noteworthy in everyone's memories.
*Glory to the Federation!*
Sun Kwan switched off the television broadcasting the feed from the Lanka Assembly which he did not attend for obvious reasons.
"Alright, you've all got to see it. Now back to your stations, we're on a tight schedule as it is. Manendra would have no doubt watched the broadcast an know we are coming."
The respective field commanders assigned their NCOs orders to have the men continue with their operations. All were greatly invigorated. Not just because it was perhaps the greatest day in their modern history where a new nation was born as one nation under the mountains. But this was also the day, the Cantons could finally claim back their dignity as equals under the mountain.
Three full-regiments were up and about on the tarmac of Sagarmatha Air Base, loading their logistics onto the heavy airlifters for airdrops over Kumsa. They had already been given the brief, their mission was to retake the Velvet Palace and capture Manendra Kumsa, the estranged Crown Prince. This was the easy part of the mission, however, what came next was from them to hold the City until reinforcements arrived to flush out the Golden Path forward base and neutralize their associates from the Rakshasa party.
Sun Kwan held a letter from Badala, known to few as Ajay Ghale. A contingency directive, when engaging the worst enemy to face on the battlefield. An enemy that was invulnerable to most conventional weapons and could only be suppressed not killed. Sun Kwan was sure they picked the short stick in this campaign, but he wasn't about to complain. It was this sort of operation that would ensure the peoples' trust in the canton minority once more. From now on, they were for king and country no matter how dangerous.
The methods and tactics written down were logical yet ingenious to a certain degree. It required trained and well-experienced soldiers to carry them out. Luckily, the former veteran Canton Royal Guards were such who fit the description.
It was sometimes scary, it was as if Ajay Ghale knew them from the inside. Both the Rakshasa and them as well. How he shut down their pitiful excuse for a rebellion in one day, storming their supposedly impregnable fortress in a crazed stunt was something no words could describe.
Yet for someone as crazy in that sense to be this charismatic towards the people where they failed to live up as nobles, never lavished his wealth. He spent all of it on infrastructure and defence where the national budget would not budge. That was how marvels such as the Royal Kyrati Airforce and Armour Regiments, the highways and upcoming railway system were possible. Hence no one could accuse him of hoarding or corruption. He visited and interacted with men in the ranks and blue-collar workers, so no one could say he did not understand the needs of the lower income. There was but one flaw which should not have been committed yet he did so intentionally.
He challenged the worlds' authority.
If he had respected it, Kyrat may have risen to a respectable member of the United Nations in time to come. But by not only spitting in the most powerful Nation's face who commanded majority power in the united free world, by damaging their reputation as the world enforcer. He had caused internal strife. It would be no surprise if the American Fleets were parked one after another outside the Indian Ocean just to flex their muscle and force their home to submit. Although, something was holding them back. It had to do with that nuclear accident in the Arabian Sea, triggered by the former president of the United States. Apparently, there was another story to it.
The byproduct of the annihilation of the Carrier Group was an irradiated sector in the Arabian Sea, the winds blew in unforeseeable directions and carried the radioactive matter with it. This greatly affected sea commerce for the Middle East around the Persian Gulf and anyone passing from the Mediterranean coming through the Suez Canal. Even if the seas weren't high in toxicity, commerce convoys were generally afraid to venture out without some sort of chemical treatment which meant expense. The consequence of this was oil prices skyrocketing due to a widespread panic that the sea-faring sailors' health would be compromised by passing through and near ground-zero. Who was to blame? Everyone was looking at the United States with ire, especially the oil nations of the Middle East and Pakistan. Their concern was for their populace near the ports where the radiation would blow inwards. Even if the US wanted to point their finger at Badala, no one was going to believe a minor warlord of a dysfunctional state in the Himalayas even able to do up such a feat. Furthermore, nuclear weapons had what was called a Permissive Action Link. A safeguard that rendered the nuke harmless unless the only one capable of authorizing a nuclear strike had given the word and pressed the button. That person was the now-former president of the United States. All in all, the United States was in deep shit with international condemnation that even UN opposed. That was what made Badala to them frightening when they could not retaliate without worsening their situation.
Sun Kwan understood that heroic figures were often the catalyst required for a nation's birth or survival in perilous odds. Every great nation had one or a few. Often, these were gallant and chivalrous heroes who won public appeal more than they won battles. But there was another type of "hero" that history chose to write out or place in the back of the limelight for their unsatisfactory deeds to achieve their goals.
These people didn't have the title of hero, most of them were labelled as Tyrant, Dictator or Barbarian. And the sole reason for this is the publics' dissatisfaction in their ways that did not align with their morals. They were cruel when it was needed and magnanimous not to seek attention, but because of the goodness of their heart.
Shi Huang Di founded the Chinese Empire, yet he was herald as a tyrant. Kublai Khan was called a barbarian by both the horrified West and the defeated East. But he was the only one who conquered almost the entire world until today. Julius Caesar was an enemy of Democracy and fellow senators, but he paved the way to the Roman Empire led by his adopted son Augustus.
Some part of Sun Kwan felt that Ajay Ghale fell into this category, in the future, historians would glorify the aftermath of his cullings than to the good he did for the Himavanas.
He was sure that Ajay Ghale would become demonized, even now there were signs of it coming true. The religious movement at Chal Jama whom dubbed their actions under the mandates of this so-called "Eternal Dharma" were protesting Pagan's rule and the continued tyranny of Badala over their traditionalists. They were actually shameless enough to demand his head to appease the gods, something to do with an impending oblivion. How backward they'd become in their hysteria, Sun Kwan thought. They were simply taking a book out of the current crisis and justifying their sway over the populous once more like before. When Pagan ruled, he never barred them from practising their faith, nor raze their temples. Yet this was how they took his charity. Badala was an exception, they were scared of him because the King did not protect them when he struck. Hence his title, Demon.
And yet, the Royal Kyrati Army's' orders encompassed protecting these types of people as well from the invasion. He knew that in time to come, they would be the reason Himavanas would return to their old days of barbarism. Badala should have wiped them out, but he wouldn't. And Sun Kwan could not fault him because it was the same reason he protected the Cantons.
If all of Kyrat in the future would call him a boogieman or a devil. Sun Kwan would be telling his grandchildren a different story.
The story of a young man that save an entire minorities destruction and from themselves. This was the story of why they existed today.
It felt awkward, to see the fellows who used to sneer at you salute you with such regards. They even stopped their work just to salute him and him back to them. For he was not only one of Badala's posse, but he had been aligned with them in their Rebellion, for other reasons of course. In any case, there was respect for both his authority and his character. Bipin Kadayat was not one to turn his back on comrades, even if it meant turning against a friend.
"Sir, here are the forms. All weapons, equipment and other accessories accounted for and distributed."
"Thank you, Major. Although I can't say I like these Israeli weapons…." Sun Kwan said as he picked up a Galil Ace rifle from a drop crate, it was just one of the many assortments of weaponry that were provided to them.
Jericho handguns, Galil and Tavor rifles, Negev Machine guns, P90 PDWs, Spike Missiles, and numerous weapon attachments sights from said country. The local weapons manufacturing capability could not even supply their immediate demand for weapons as they were currently churning out weapons for already in waiting for rear echelon troops, volunteer corps and units under refit.
Curiously, an entire supply shipment of weapons sent to them by the Israelis in the early days of dialogue had been lying in Longinus's cache. Some of it was distributed amongst the armed police force so as not to confuse the supply chain in the Army, and they were rather picky about what they chose being the Tavor rifles for their compactness and handiness. However, this time they were badly in need of rifles.
"Beggars can't be choosers, Sir. Plus, I heard some good things about Israeli weapons. They're pretty rugged and wouldn't fail on us." Bipin proved this by slinging one onto his shoulders, effectively telling him he'd bring this piece to battle. Sun Kwan did not know how to thank this person, it was he who provided the clearance to even access those caches. The arsenal supervisors still held contempt for the Cantons and for good reason.
"You're right, we can't be picky about the situation. I hope I can count on you in the field, Major." Sun Kwan exclaimed as he breezed through the reports.
"Yes, Sir." Said as he stood his ground awaiting dismissal.
Sun Kwan stared into the mountains for reasons, Bipin stood where he was. "I hope Ah Geng is alright…." He murmured on concerns with his son.
"I wouldn't worry about it, Sir." Bipin cut in although it was not directed at him. "While I wouldn't hastily declare it magic, but he has Badala's protection. Lord Khati and Hamal are with him on their deep strike."
"It's not the voyage I'm worried about, it's his return."
"Why, Sir? Wouldn't your son's return bring you delight?" Sun Kwan looked at him with a smile for his question.
"Nevermind, I know it was silly to bring it up." Bipin was quiet to this statement for a brief while, he knew though. Sun Kwan would have known what his son was about to embark upon, a black stain on the Kyrati Army's reputation. But as of today, the Kyrati Army no longer existed as its elements had been absorbed into the Federal Army. There were no organisations to point fingers at now.
"I don't support it either, Sir. Believe me when I say I'd prefer if we left them alone. But I'm no fool to them. Regardless of whether we show leniency or cruelty, they'll retaliate. It's now a matter of when. In a few weeks time or in years. I'd prefer if their privileges to carte blanche were taken from them."
"…." There were no good people in this world.
"I know it's not what you want to hear, Sir. But this is the reality. I foolishly thought that once."
"Heh! So did I, son." Sun Kwan's spirit seemed restored. "I won't keep you from your deployment. Tell the Colonel you can leave when ready." He handed back the chart with his signature on it.
"Aye, Sir." Bipin acknowledged and collected the report to bring back to his C.O.
"And you don't have to call me that. Sir I mean."
"Why, sir? King Min installed you as the leading commander of this Brigade."
"Then do you see this fool as a Commander?" Sun Kwan said wryly. There was no hiding it, Sun Kwan was one of the people who threatened him and the 1st Hussars into fighting on their side.
"… You are my commanding officer, and I will provide you with every tactical assessment of the battlefield should you wish it, Sir. If you don't feel confident, then you need only act the part of Brigadier. The Colonel, myself and Commandant Fang will take it from there." Bipin added a salute before departing after Sun Kwan hesitantly gave his own in return. He left the older man to reflect before the drop.
Heading to the parked Ilyushin for immediate dust-off, he watched the vehicles get loaded up onto the heavy airlifters. Right now, expense was the least of their worries so much as survival was the top priority. He asked to be here instead of scouring the lands in search of the remaining Thangkas of Kalinag, and Ajay warned him that if he did there was a high possibility that the Rakshasa would be there waiting in Kumsa, maybe even a Pillar. And they had no defence against that sort of power, Ajay could personally vouch on that account. His power was roughly on par with Purushartha for only a moment. And that was only one of four, what happens when they were struck all at once by them? They weren't even the "Final Boss", Bipin didn't want to imagine.
Even with the pooling of resources, they weren't able to get certain equipment initially requested. The upgraded Ratels, Patria AMVs and BMP fleets were held exclusive to the Armour Corps. The best they could source was 6x6 Ural and ZIL military trucks and a lot of them, these vehicles were, however, handier than one would think. For Kumsa was tropical country, soft ground capable of miring the heaviness of armoured vehicles and hot humid weather that played havoc on hot-running engines. The quantity of trucks at their disposal allowed from fluid maintenance should there be time to repair. Due to their versatile nature in flatbed configuration, a multitude of heavy weapons could be mounted behind, providing significant firepower in a greater axis than most armoured vehicles at the expense of protection, however. From AA 40mm Bofors guns to 120mm mortars, they would need them in keeping heavy firepower on the move in the semi-urban of the Capital City. Apart from certain infantry small-arms like the Slugger, that was all they had against both Golden Path and Rakshasa threats.
"Hello, Bishal." Well, not entirely.
The big cat followed alongside him, chaffing. Courtesy of his sister who left the Tiger to protect him in the event he was assailed. Darshan had said something about it being a Guardian, he was not so clear on the subject, but it wouldn't hurt to have him around. Unfortunately, Bipin was no Hunter, so taming the beast to follow his bidding wasn't something he was capable of.
Bipin sprinted as he noticed his plane on the tarmac awaiting approval for take-off. For this operation to retake and subjugate the Velvet Palace, the abode of the Kumsan Royal Family, he was to be the vanguard. He was no paratrooper, but if it wouldn't stop him from being open to new experiences.
"Welcome aboard, sir!" Shouted the doorman over the scream of the engines warming up.
"Thanks for waiting!" He replied, surprised that the door operator could even hear him when he couldn't.
"The Colonel is in communications cabin! We leave the runway, ten minutes!" He signed to Bipin as he noticed he couldn't hear as well. Bipin saluted and entered. The cargo holds currently configured for about a hundred paratroopers. Scouts from the Brigadier and a platoon of Yuma's remaining Special Deep Strike Group soldiers trained in para drop operations to lead the assault.
Passing the many soldiers who gave him their regards and looking cautiously at the White Tiger accompanying him. When he opened the pressurized compartment door to communications within the Ilyushin airlifters, he was quite relieved that he wouldn't have to hear the humming all the way to their destination. He held the door for Bishal to follow him in, big cats didn't like noise either.
"Big Kwan's got and signed the ledger, we have a green-light." He told the assembly of officers, some from the Hussars, others were retired Cantons undertaking this opportunity as well.
"All of you had better return to your planes and men. I'll see you all on the ground." The field commander of the Brigade Vanguard told the rest of the Commanders who were sharing their line of action once they were dropped off on the highway, the only place which the Ilyushin airlifters could land in Kumsa.
Now it was just the two of them and one tiger, all the Junior officers were with their men. The comms cabin, the door operator called it. But that man and all other personnel to these planes were mercenaries on Lupus Caelum employment. They had turned this place into one of comfort for the long hours away from their beds by making the communications cabin into a lounge for rest while they were flying long hours. Sofas, tables and even a bar with a cabinet full of hard liquors.
"Just like flying first-class." The Colonel commented as she noticed him looking around.
"I'd prefer not flying at all if you know what I mean." Bishal was already occupying a whole length of the sofa as his place, and Bipin was not going to dispute him on that.
The colonel reached for a drinking glass.
"Should you be drinking?" He asked as she poured a glass of scotch and walked over to the seat which he occupied.
"It's not for me." She handed it out to him, to which he took a gulp from.
"I know what you're thinking. And the answer is no." She said as she read his mind on the topic he wanted to touch on.
"…. I still wanna say it. I think you shouldn't involve yourself with them anymore." Their history with the Cantons was touchy, even if they were neighbours.
"I do too. Hell, even mom was against it. I had to run from the house so that she wouldn't cry for me. Be that as it may, half of me is still Canton."
"Sam….. you owe them nothing." When he pointed this out, she sighed.
"This isn't about them." She looked out the small window at the soldiers loading up supplies onto the adjacent heavy airlifter.
The aircraft began the rumble, with only a few seconds that it needed to clear the runway with max speed. They had taken off, there was no going back. Only then did Samuelle sigh in relief as she smiled at her lover.
She poured a glass of water, holding it out in front.
"Here's to us. All or nothing." She said with a sly grin on her face.
Bipin had only seen that on occasion, Sam was by no means incompetent in commanding battalions in operation. She was by far the best in her generation that old Guang Min was forced to accept and inevitably use her mother as hostage in case she defied them with her growing influence in the Army. She was ironically supposed to be the counter to Ajay when he first debuted as Badala, although her former rival was Saras from the Royal Army.
Deep within Samuelle was an ambition like no other. The Golden Path and Rakshasa alike would soon know the Snow Leopard's hunger.
The sound of an automatic shotgun discharging resounded within the lonely granite walls of the man-made cavern network.
Falling to the ground thoroughly dead after receiving a hail of fragmentation shells were the unfortunate bears who they had stumbled upon and awoken during a hibernation cycle. The pair of bears thought an intermediate snack had come to them and learnt in their horror that it was, in fact, a bigger predator that came to them.
Smoking was the modified USAS-12 automatic shotgun in Darshan's possession, snatched out of Anish's hands. He was not about to let mere bears get in his way of retrieving that Soul Stone. Emptying the entire drum of Frag-12 into the bears, their faces no longer resembled a member of their species. Darshan once again demonstrated how ruthless he was in accomplishing his goal no matter the cost. Should anyone get in his way, he would show the same amount of sympathy as he did to these bears.
The automatic shotgun fell into Anish's hands once again after it was spent, with Darshan taking point once again.
"You're welcome." Anish answered to the thank you Darshan never gave.
In truth, he was surprised. That his substance inhaling companion for so long was actually some kind of hidden exorcist that hunted magical entities, specializing in Rakshasa. His wayward personality was just a front to hide his real personality and agenda from untrained eyes.
"This way." Darshan once again informed them, expecting for them to pick up quickly.
"Come on." Maya tugged Anish's shoulder as they continued on down the narrow and dark tunnelway.
"Man, you just love his attitude don't ya." He commented whilst getting up from the stumble he had chancing upon the bears in the first place.
"Your expression was funnier." Ajay chuckled along with the rest at Anish's expense.
"Haha, very funny. You're just as surprised as I am on that guy, aren't you Ajay?"
"Honestly, at this point. There is no such thing as no surprises around him now." Even Ajay wasn't sure of what to make of him, was the enemy of his enemy his friend? Or just an enemy?
"We've been walking through this damn tunnel for so long, where's the treasure?" Anish reminded them all why he had come along. The mention of an ancient reliquary meant sacred artefacts and jewels to honour the gods there were stacked to the ceiling with riches.
And treasure hunt it should have been. However, the equipment they were carrying hardly seemed appropriate. A slugger anti-material gun, USAS-12, an MGL-140 grenade launcher with "Hellhound" shot and an appropriated CNS XM2014 "gauss" rifle kept in a thermal sleeve to cool the 7-megajoule capable capacitors when its superconductor fins were inactive, and the rifle was in standby mode. Why did they bring the biggest firepower a man could carry when this place had been deserted for millennia?
Ajay didn't know the answer, but he didn't waste time scratching talismans into the ammunition they used for maximum effective damage. Including the gauss rifle's 10mm Depleted Uranium Slugs wrapped in an aluminium sabot, there were only five shots so it had to count when fired. Ajay would have preferred to have his Slayer with him than the mass-produced "Slugger" weapon, but the weapon in question was in pieces with severe damage to the barrel. The most important part of the system as a weapon.
Not even Darshan could put it back together nor field him a replacement with a rebuilt gun. There was something special about that gun he brought down from the Lost Valley. The barrel wasn't made like a firearm was, but rather how a sword was made. Folded steel. The type which the slayer was made of was called Wootz Steel, a variant of high-carbon steel alloy made by many indus weapons makers of old. And someone made the barrel out of a pure crucible steel rod. The time it would have taken to mill out the rifling would have taken more than the gun would have actually been worth.
But not for the owner or builder of the gun. Due to its durable nature, it could resist hotter loads of powder than a conventional steel gunbarrel could. Or for the fated hunter's choice of ammunition, custom sabot slugs with power and punch to down Yetis.
There was no point lamenting, it did its job to the fullest. He would honour the weapon by giving it a long-deserved rest, for the battle ahead was beyond simple conventional weapons. A gun couldn't stop the invasion two-days away.
They had to hurry, there was no telling how long it too for Darshan to prepare what he was doing after obtaining the soul stone, a.k.a, the Blood ruby.
Darshan stopped at what appeared to be the end of the tunnel where there was light shining.
"Why have we stopped?" Gettign closer, Saras realized why.
Greeting them, was a cavern so wide and open, it could even house a city. And it did.
For up ahead in front of them, stood the ruin of an ancient city carved from the rock. Despite age, it still stood without significant wear or crumbling of its integrity. There were many holes in the ceiling which luminated the entire city under the mountain. The was the sound of water streaming, but that was not all that seemed perculiar about this place. Only by taking off his iconic cyan jumper did Ajay realise.
"It's warm here." The others were quick to notice but kept quiet as they weren't sure if it was just their body reacting to the cold causing a fever. Immediately, they took off their insulative coats and jackets to adapt to this rather strange local environment.
"Magic?" Maya asked.
"As if." Anish refused to believe that magic was capable of influencing the weather indefinitely. Although Pillars like Bhaskar and Purushartha pulled it off easily.
Ajay walked in the direction of where the sound of water could be heard, and where the heat seemed to get stronger and warmer. Behind some ruins, through the vapour mist of water condensation, he found what caused this unusual temperature.
The rest caught up to him and realized the same. A ziggurat stood before them, streaming water and mist down its stepped slopes down into an aqueduct system that ran the entire city. Even in their ancient time and age, it appeared there was some level of engineering ingenuity amongst the former occupants of this city, wherever they were.
"A geothermal deposit, what are the chances?" Being of engineering background with significant study in geomechanics, Saras was able to discern instantly.
Anish was already dipping his bottle into the water of the streams.
"We don't know if that's safe to drink."
Realizing he just made a big mistake of throwing his water haphazardly into what could be water with high mineral content, Anish just sighed. Ajay took it a step further by dipping his hand into the waters and smelling then tasting the water.
"It's sweet."
"Really?!" Anish did not hesitate to try and was surprised by the mineral rich water. Already ranting about turning this into a distributed mineral water operation. "Mineral Water from the Himalayan alps." Something similar to a major french mineral water company that sourced its waters from Lake Geneva.
"What say we rest here?" Ajay suggested, since they hadn't taken a break since the long climb.
"Aye!"
"Yep!" The rest were already agreeing to his proposal. But the last member said nothing.
"Darshan?"
"The rest can, we need to get to the Stone." He was already raring to go.
"You've already confirmed it was there the last time, the ruby isn't going anywhere, Darshan." Ajay told him as he rested his rifle and pack on the stone pavement and sat on the steps of a ruined house.
"In the meantime, you can start explaining about this place and what value it had."
"It has no value." Darshan said straight.
"No value? This is the biggest historic find in our history, dear. A hidden city within the mountains, the mountain walls as a natural barrier, a water source and sunlight to sustain vegetation growth, a geothermal deposit to simulate a warmer environment. This place makes the Lost City of the Incas look like a dull tourist attraction."
Darshan stepped in front of her glaring in a way that her comment didn't favour him.
"It has no value." He repeated as he turned and walked alone into the ruined city centre. Saras could not understand why he acted the way he did and turned to Ajay.
"Never seen him so excited."
"That's excited?" Saras had trouble believing Darshan's expression from Ajay's comment.
"This place, he couldn't give a damn. But he's anxious, alright." The soul stone, Darshan was thinking of nothing but the soul stone. The size of a human's head. His trump was one the size of a peach, imagine what this one could do?
Ajay huffed and picked up his weapon, slinging his gear on.
"You guys take a break, we won't be long….. I hope."
"I'll come along with you." Saras insisted as Ajay held a hand out to prevent her.
"Save your strength, we still need to climb down." She still looked unconvinced, more afraid if he was left alone with the unpredictable Darshan.
"I'll be fine, have a look around with Anish. Maybe you'll find something neat, or maybe you'll just go home with a souvenir." Saras shook her head but a smile was present.
Ajay held her hand for a brief moment. "I'll be back."
He said before moving to catch up with Darshan. As Ajay had indicated, Anish was already searching around for any gold or jewels in the many houses. One sweep and he'll be a millionaire in an instant. Saras was a little curious herself about the nature of the inhabitants of this once great city.
The Vanara ape tribes, sentient apes from ancient Sanskrit scriptures and epics of immortal heroes. Right here, lay the only evidence to a semblance of civilization built by them left and preserved in such excellent condition. It was an archaeologist's field day.
"What's say we go for a wal-…" As she faced where her other colleague was sitting to suggest a sightseeing, but all she found was her bag and kit left behind.
"Maya?"
Ajay caught up to Darshan in no time, yet not a word of thanks or acknowledgement came from the old guy. Ajay was here as expected.
"We need to do this alone." Darshan stated his true intentions.
"…." Ajay was not all that surprised.
What was it that Darshan needed from him that he who was so capable of doing things himself want? It was definitely not a feat easily accomplished by humankind.
Standing before them, another hole in the cavern wall. Darshan unhesitantly led him through despite the darkness and the illumination of a torch.
It was here that Ajay started to have an eerie feeling creep in from all over, courtesy of his newly-awakened third eye. A presence was still present within these mountain walls.
"Who?" Ajay asked.
"A disincarnate soul."
"A spirit can't remain that long." Ajay might be new to this supernatural stuff but even he knew that lost souls or disincarnate souls as they were called were lunch to evil spirits and other likes or creatures to ominous to mention.
"If it were ordinary I wouldn't be needing your help, right?" Darshan stated frustrated that even he couldn't understand this at very least.
After a long silence between them, Darshan continued to explain.
"It was intentionally left to protect this place."
"Which is?"
"A mausoleum." In other words, this ground they were in from that other tunnel away from the city was a sacred ground. But it made sense for the soul stone to be where the dead were kept.
"What kind of help am I giving?"
The only reply was a grimace and a response. "You'll know soon enough." What was worth being so secretive about? Ajay wished he could trust Darshan but he couldn't. If the old man wished to fuck around with him, he'll bury him here with the Vanara spirits. His hand hovered over the HE grenades on his belt.
"I think you've long contemplate my retaliation by now, no?" Darshan said almost as if he had eyes on the back of his head.
"What I said was true, I wish Esha's death."
"But I want Kyrat to be safe."
"These are the same." Darshan countered.
"No, they're not." Ajay shook. "The cost doesn't weight on you, it's held by millions who don't even know the ground beneath their feet is owned by someone else."
"So you'll kill me for the sake of your people?" Darshan glared.
"I'll do all I can to protect them, even if it means you too." Darshan laughed in such a disdainful way at his comment.
"So self-righteous! The irony that you are the same fool who destroyed Kyrat in another era!" He sneered to Ajay's disbelief.
He had never mentioned that he came from another time, Darshan only knew he held fragments of Yalung. So what led him to this line of thought. It was as he thought, Darshan knew much more than he led on to make them believe.
"I've witnessed over dozens of Ajay's throw themselves against a tide that was themselves and Esha's invasion. Not a single one accomplished their goal, but at the same time neither did she." Darshan closed in on Ajay till they were face to face.
"You were just their next attempt over many more."
Ajay's mind felt heavy upon the already distasteful aura surrounding this place. What did he mean other Ajay's? Did Esha, the Rakshasa and Darshan travel over many alternate realities fighting to attain what they yearned? Ajay spared a glance at the small icon hanging from his wrist, the wooden medallion that transcended space and time to follow him here. The Kalachakra Wheel of Time.
"This will be Esha's last jump, on this I can swear to you, Ajay Ghale. The Rakshasa, we'll stop here this time. I bet my life on it." And for once, Ajay saw a sincerity in the man's eyes. It made him want to trust Darshan just once. Although something about those eyes seemed nostalgically familiar, and not just to the extent of acquaintances but someone he'd seen every day in the past.
They arrived in a chamber lined with more statues flanking both ends of the corridor, only some of them were in pieces and in very weird positions, unlike the rest. Like they had moved from their spot only to be destroyed. Ajay couldn't help but look to Darshan who gazed strangely worried at the statues for some reason.
He began to adopt a stealthier approach as he threw a talisman of concealment over himself and flung one to Ajay. He crept up slowly to the wall and peeked around the corridor. Ajay didn't know what spooked him, but he also sensed some strange fluctuations of Prana in the air that didn't seem very much like a spirit or Rakshasa for that matter. Yet, there was something awfully disgusting about that scent. It was pleasant in reality, but for some reason, Ajay's stomach turned and his inner-self felt a strong sense of irritation when nearing that scent and aura.
Ajay did not dare to be careless in his stealth as he followed every step that Darshan made to keep the guile. When he peered around the corner which Darshan looked, they could make out shadows cast by an illumination from inside one of the many chambers that stalked the corridor.
[Another empty cesspit, even in death these apes stink as bad as they were alive.]
They heard voices, the translating talisman converted the ancient tongue into something more intelligible for them. Whoever they were, they weren't human.
[This one most strongly agrees, my lord. But let us not forget that they possess the greatest treasure of them all.] A humbler voice agreed to the other one that spoke arrogantly in the resting place of many a great ape kind.
There was a laugh, so conceit it was as if the world was expected to please him.
[Who could forget, the Great ape Varish's principal weapon. Since he's already gone, he should naturally bequeath it to a worthy successor. One that will shake the mountains.]
Ajay didn't know why, but every time those voices spoke a rise in his ability to control his composure lessened. Deep within, the blood of Yalung was blooding uncontrollably till it begun to feel extremely hot for him. Darshan was not oblivious to this and rested a hand on his shoulder to tell him to keep it to himself and under control.
[And who better to wield it to smite his enemies, that treacherous harlot and the Rakshasa mongrels than I. Who is destined to be King of the Mountains!]
It was not just Ajay's temperament that seemed at a straining point. The demon banisher medallion shook even wilder than it had in the presence of entities like Purushartha, Esha or natural law of the mountains. Then the owner of the shadow walked out in full view of Ajay and Darshan. The Demon Banisher Medallion triggered off in its usual manner in the presence of certain fluctuations in prana.
Archenemy of Akaash,
Usurpers of the Mountains.
Kinsmen of Eternal Heaven,
the Demon demands their blood.
Son devours son within the Mountains,
So is the mandate of the King.
The Demon shall consume…
…
[The audacious 4th Royal Prince, Andhakan!]
…
"The Yaksha."
Author's Notes:
Edit on grammar 21/01/2018
