Preparation Day 1 for Battle Against the Demon and His Members
The air was heavy with the aroma of expectation and resolve as Aravali went through her notebook, jotting down notes as Kuwarjeet provided information regarding the demon that they were gearing up to battle. She wanted to get everything right, knowing the weaknesses and strengths of the enemy could mean the difference between success and failure.
"Just how big is he again?" Aravali inquired, a teasing smile flickering onto her lips. The notion of a demon being measured by cows was almost hilarious.
"Around ten cows stacked on top of each other," Kuwarjeet answered, striving to keep a stern expression. No sooner were the words out of his mouth than Aravali laughed uproariously, the sight of so absurd a measurement sending her into spasms.
"How did you even take that measurement?" she gaped between her laughs.
"It was the most brilliant tech in the world, all right? Stop laughing!" Kuwarjeet stood up for himself, even as a smile broke on his face as he watched her laugh.
"Okay, okay!" Aravali was able to say finally, her laughing fading as she fought to recover her dignity. There was a soothing familiarity in these playful moments amidst the stern preparations.
Meanwhile, in another part of the training ground, Shiva was engaged in a mock battle with Hari. The air crackled with excitement as he concentrated on catching his elusive friend.
"This time I'm gonna catch you, Hari!" Shiva declared, a determined glint in his eyes as he lunged forward, his hand poised to strike with a special powder that could hurt any supernatural entity.
"Not that easily, Shiva!" Hari retorted, his ghostly figure vanishing in a swirl of energy. He teleported to avoid the hit, a chuckle escaping him. "But quite close!"
"Ugh, that's cheating! You're impossible to catch!" Shiva exclaimed, frustration evident in his tone.
"That's not cheating, it's reality, kiddo. By the way, here's some advice: most things are afraid of gunpowder and flame. I am too, to be honest. Use that as your advantage!" Hari warned, his joking nature giving way to a more stern one as he shared this vital bit of information.
"Thanks for the advice!" Shiva bobbed, his head whirling with tactics that would change the outcome of war.
Iaa, on the other hand, was trying out her powers amidst the assorted items Hari had collected—keys belonging to different spirits, each with a tale to tell. She held them aloft proudly, a self-assured smile on her face.
"That key belongs to Salam of Hyderabad, this one belongs to Willis of London, and this is, umm… Harish of Kota. How many have I got correct?" she asked hopefully, her enthusiasm evident.
"HAHAHA None!" Hari exploded in laughter, an uncontrollable guffaw that rang through the training room.
"Huh?" Iaa blinked uncertainly as her confidence faltered.
"It's Salman of Haryana, Waman of Lonavala, and Havesh of Kota. You absolutely have to recall them properly, stupid!" Hari laughed, shaking his head in pretended disillusionment.
"Good! Don't call me stupid," Iaa said, crossing her arms but trying to conceal her smile. "And by the way, these are the things that I came up with using my art power: a safety gun, a master key, a note-taking notebook, and finally, A LOT OF GUNPOWDER!" she cackled maniacally, obviously happy with her inventions.
Get that away from me!" Hari exclaimed, his eyes wide with fear as he gestured towards the gunpowder, feeling the potential for anarchy.
"Yeah, yeah," Iaa said dismissively, a sly smile on her face as she fantasized about what could be.
Meanwhile, Sita was deep in her own practice, singing and dancing with Kuwarjeet serving as guide and instructor. The melodies hung in the air, providing a melodic undercurrent to the day's intense training.
"SA~ PA~ DHA~ NI~ SA~," Kuwarjeet sang, taking her through the notes.
"SA PA~ DHA~ NI~ S—" Sita started, to be stopped short by Kuwarjeet's instructive hand.
"It's SA~ not SA," he corrected her patiently, demonstrating the right intonation.
"Okay, okay, whatever," Sita replied, a bit exasperated but grateful for his guidance.
"How's your dance going?" Kuwarjeet inquired after a brief pause, genuinely curious.
"I've killed a few spirits!" Sita said proudly, a triumphant grin spreading across her face.
"Oh, good start, Sita! Keep it up!" Kuwarjeet complimented her, his enthusiasm contagious.
Finally, as the sun went beneath the horizon and painted the sky orange and purple, all the people assembled in the central room, the atmosphere transforming from laughter to seriousness.
"I have a declaration," announced Kuwarjeet, drawing everyone towards him as they made a circle around him. "You all are quick learners, so tomorrow you will practice A REAL SITUATION this time. No kidding. You'll go with Hari, since he is now a part of your group now. Let's all get ready!"
A thrill ran through the group at the prospect of confronting a genuine challenge. "Now get to bed, as tomorrow is likely to be slightly draining. GOODNIGHT." And with that, Kuwarjeet exited the room, with each person following in turn, their heads racing with visions of the battle ahead and the collaboration it would entail.
As they fell asleep, their sleeping minds were filled not only with the demon that they would soon be battling, but also with memories of friendship, the laughter they shared, and the power they would take from each other in adversity.