Warm sunlight spilled through the tall windows of the Principal's cabin. Ansh stirred groggily, blinking against the brightness. His shoulder still ached faintly, but the stabbing pain was gone.
Something soft shifted against his chest. Looking down, his eyes widened.
Curled on his belly, breathing softly, was the tiny fire bird. Its feathers glowed faintly like dying embers. At the sound of Ansh moving, the chick's golden eyes flickered open. It chirped, stretching its small wings before nestling back against him.
Ansh's lips curved into a smile. "So you're still here, huh? Guess you're stuck with me now."
The bird gave a happy cry, as though agreeing.
"Then you need a name," Ansh declared, tapping his chin. "Hmm… what about Daav? Strong, fiery, dangerous… just like you'll be one day!"
The little bird let out a delighted screech, hopping onto his shoulder. Sparks danced faintly from its wings. Ansh laughed. "Alright, Daav it is."
Before he could say more, a voice rumbled across the room. "Nice choice."
Ansh jumped. He turned to see Principal Veerendra seated behind his desk, watching him with calm eyes.
"P-Principal brother!" Ansh stammered. He straightened, trying to look serious.
The Principal's gaze softened as it moved from Ansh to Daav. "You did well protecting him. Your courage will not be forgotten."
Ansh's chest swelled with pride, but the feeling lasted only a moment. Veerendra's voice cooled.
"However… you also left the academy without permission, endangered yourself, and crossed into forbidden ground. For this, Rudradeva himself has ordered you a disciplinary detention of one month."
Ansh's jaw dropped. "A month?!" He clutched his head dramatically. "No games? No training in the forest? No sneaking into the village festivals?!"
"None," Veerendra confirmed.
Ansh flopped onto the carpet, wailing. "The gods have abandoned me!"
The Principal folded his hands, continuing mercilessly. "And in this one month… you will be under the Vice Principal's guidance."
Ansh bolted upright, his eyes wide with horror. He scrambled forward, grabbing the Principal's leg.
"No, brother Principal, please! Don't send me to the demon's den! Anyone but him! He hates me—he's just waiting for a chance to throw me out of the academy!"
As if understanding, Daav hopped down from Ansh's shoulder and waddled onto the desk. The tiny bird spread its glowing wings wide, chirping furiously at the Principal as though scolding him.
"See? Even Daav agrees!" Ansh cried, pointing frantically. "Look at him! He knows Rajyugas is evil!"
Daav let out a pitiful whine and tugged at Veerendra's sleeve with his beak, as if begging. Then it puffed up its feathers, flapped, and plopped right onto Ansh's head protectively. Sparks fizzled comically from his hair.
The Principal raised an eyebrow. "So now even a baby fire bird dares argue with me?"
Daav gave a sharp chirp in defiance.
"Don't punish him too!" Ansh wailed dramatically. "He's innocent! If you have to send anyone to Rajyugas, send me—but let Daav stay safe!"
Veerendra sighed, though the corners of his mouth curved into a rare smile. "The two of you truly are made for each other… reckless and noisy."
Ansh sniffled, hugging Daav tightly. "You hear that, Daav? We're doomed together!"
"Please, Brother Principal, do something! Save me from that demon!" Ansh cried, tears welling up. "He'll make me pull weeds until I starve! He'll make me fight monsters until I die! He'll… he'll probably eat me alive!"
"Ansh." The Principal's voice grew firm. "In this one month, all your training will be shifted to Rajyugas himself. He will not eat you. He will make you stronger."
"Nooo!" Ansh collapsed again, rolling on the floor. "Principal brother, save me! Please! I'll be good, I promise! I'll even clean your office! I'll feed the horses! I'll—wait, yes—I'll go to Aunty Meera! She'll save me!"
For the first time, Veerendra smiled openly.
Ansh froze mid-roll, eyeing him suspiciously. "Why… are you smiling like that?"
"Because," the Principal said lightly, "Mother is out on a diplomatic trip for a month."
Silence.
Ansh's face turned pale. His mouth opened and closed like a fish. Then he collapsed completely, pounding his fists weakly against the carpet. "Nooooooo! This is the end of me!"
Veerendra chuckled softly, but his eyes carried quiet resolve. "Don't worry, little brother. Rajyugas may be strict, but he will teach you what no one else can. This is your chance."
Ansh sniffled, looking up with watery eyes. "…Or my funeral."
Daav screeched in agreement