The morning sun washed the academy grounds in pale gold. Dew sparkled across the grass of the training field where three figures stood, waiting.
Ashwini's arms were crossed, her sharp eyes darting repeatedly toward Ansh. Beside her, Vijay tapped his foot impatiently, but his gaze too kept slipping toward the boy.
And there he was — a little distance away, crouched low, chasing Daav in a ridiculous game of catch. The tiny firebird squealed, wings beating frantically as Ansh lunged, tumbled, missed, and then leapt again with wild determination.
Ashwini exhaled quietly, her shoulders easing. "That's… the Ansh I know," she thought.
Vijay, too, allowed himself a breath. The memory of the other Ansh — the one cloaked in darkness, eyes void of humanity — flashed in his mind, and he clenched his fists. It was like day and night. If not for Rajyugas' strict command, he might have blurted it all out to Ansh right now.
Do not speak of that day. Not to him. Not to anyone. The Vice Principal's words echoed coldly in both their minds.
Ashwini frowned. "How long can we pretend nothing happened?"
But then she looked again at Ansh, his laughter ringing through the air as Daav zoomed just out of reach, and her heart softened.
"Maybe… it's better he doesn't know."
Moments later, Vice Principal Rajyugas appeared in his usual way — silently, as though he had always been there, the air bending to his presence.
The three students straightened instantly.
"You will have a day's respite," Rajyugas said. His voice was calm, but unyielding. "Yesterday's trial was harsh. Today, no training."
"hmm?!" Ansh's head shot up, scandalized. He jabbed a finger accusingly at Rajyugas. "it's YOUR fault we suffered so much!" " we deserve this holiday"
Vijay and Ashwini froze, horrified.
Rajyugas' eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "You think so?"
Ansh folded his arms and muttered, "Of course. Who else would make us run into crazy beasts and almost die? You're clearly the culprit."
Ashwini stepped forward, panicking. "A-Ansh! Shut your—"
But Rajyugas' expression shifted strangely. "I see. Do you wish to discuss your complaints with me? The academy herb garden will suffice. A quieter place."
Ansh's eyes bulged. He waved his arms wildly. "W-what complaints? I didn't complain! I was just… joking! Yes, a joke! Ha-ha! No complaints at all!"
Rajyugas leaned down slightly, his gaze boring into him. "Truly? Not even one?"
Ansh swallowed, sweat forming at his brow. "N-not at all. Perfectly happy student here."
To show he has no complain and he is a very happy student he lought but the sound of the lought was very ouckword.
"Good." Rajyugas vanished in an instant, leaving only a faint ripple of air where he stood.
Silence followed.
Ansh scowled. "Hmph. He's terrifying. If I said yes, he'd probably make me weed that entire herb garden!"
Daav chirped in agreement, flapping to his head like a crown of embers.
The three of them were left standing awkwardly. Vijay scratched the back of his head, Ashwini shifted her weight. They had been told to rest — but with Ansh around, true rest was a fantasy.
"Alright, let's go play!" Ansh declared suddenly, thrusting out his arm like a commander.
Vijay's jaw dropped. "Play? After everything yesterday?!"
Ashwini sighed, her lips pressing into a thin line. Yet her gaze drifted to Daav, who was hopping happily around Ansh, as though nothing dark had ever touched them.
"Maybe… this is what he needs," she thought reluctantly.
With a long exhale, she muttered, "Fine."
Vijay gawked. "What do you mean fine?! We're supposed to be recovering!"
Ashwini shot him a glare so sharp he stiffened instantly. "…Fine," he echoed, defeated.
And so, for the first time in what felt like forever, the three of them moved together, laughter slowly bubbling into the space between them.
For Ansh, the world was simple again: Daav on his shoulder, friends nearby, and no Rajyugas looming over him.
But fate was not so kind.
Later that afternoon, the scenery shifted. The dense, tangled jungle loomed before them, shadows creeping between the roots. The three stood at the edge, unease prickling the air.
"Remind me," Vijay said flatly, "why exactly are we here again?"
Ansh smirked, puffing out his chest. "Revenge, obviously."
Ashwini's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Revenge… on who?"
"That stupid monkey from yesterday!" Ansh declared, pointing dramatically into the forest. "It mocked me, stole from me, and humiliated me! Today, we settle the score."
Vijay's jaw dropped. "Are you INSANE?! That's why you dragged us out here?!"
Ashwini pinched the bridge of her nose, groaning. "Unbelievable. Truly, you're unbelievable."
Daav chirped enthusiastically, wings sparking, clearly in full support of the mission.
"See? Even Daav agrees!" Ansh said smugly.
"Daav is a bird," Ashwini snapped. "He doesn't count!"
Looking at ashwini anger daav again fly away from ansh.
"Traitor," Ansh whispered dramatically to the bird, who only preened its feathers innocently.
Vijay shook his head, exasperated. "You're going to get us killed over a monkey."
Ansh grinned. "Correction: I'm going to get us VICTORY over a monkey."
And before either of them could stop him, he plunged into the jungle with Daav darting after him.
Ashwini and Vijay exchanged a look of utter despair.
"…He'll never change," Ashwini muttered.
Vijay groaned. "And somehow, we'll die because of it."
But even as they trudged after him, deep inside, neither could deny it. For better or worse, Ansh needed them — not as rivals, not as fellow trainees, but as true friends who would stand beside him, even when his reckless heart led them into chaos.
The jungle swallowed their figures whole, shadows deepening, unseen eyes already watching from the branches above.
Somewhere, far in the trees, a familiar screech echoed — mocking, daring.
The monkey waited.
And Ansh smiled.
"Round two," he whispered.