"It's been eight hours since the princes and Angraj have been kidnapped. And there is no news of their safety," a courtier said while others nodded their heads.
"Your Majesty, we must exercise caution and patience. It is possible that this is a temporary situation, and the princes may return unharmed," the royal advisor suggested, though uncertainty lingered in his voice.
King Dhritarashtra, however, was not easily swayed by words that offered little comfort. "Patience? Caution? My sons and Angraj are missing, and you ask for patience? We need action! We need answers!"
The courtiers were at a loss, unsure how to address the king's concerns. The city of Hastinapur outside the Royal Arena was filled with anxious citizens, anxiously awaiting any news about their beloved princes and Angraj.
"THEY ARE BACK!!!"
A soldier came running inside without knocking or any manners, huffing and puffing, his face filled with excitement and relief. The courtiers and the king turned their attention toward the soldier, their eyes reflecting a mix of hope and apprehension.
"They are back, Your Majesty! The princes and Angraj Karna have returned!" the soldier announced, his words causing a wave of relief to wash over the court.
King Dhritarashtra's blind eyes widened in surprise and relief. "Returned? How is that possible? Where were they?"
"Royal Arena, Your Majesty. They appeared in the same place they vanished from before."
The sudden reappearance of the princes and Angraj Karna in the Royal Arena left everyone in astonishment. The courtiers, ministers, and citizens outside the arena couldn't believe their eyes. The soldiers and guards rushed to verify the news, ensuring the royal family's safety and Angraj's safety.
As the commotion settled, the princes and Karna stood seemingly unharmed at the center of the arena. The expressions on their faces were a mix of confusion and surprise as they tried to grasp the situation.
"They will ask many questions, and I have little patience at the moment. So I ask you all to answer them. I have to go now. Right, and don't try to expose my secrets because if you do, I will know right away, and you all know how bad my anger is."
Karna left right away after saying those words to the five Pandavas and Duryodhana respectively.
The courtiers and citizens were still in a state of shock and bewilderment as Karna made his swift exit. The sudden return of the princes and Angraj Karna had quelled the rising panic, but the mystery surrounding their disappearance and reappearance lingered in the air.
"Yuvraj (Crown Prince), what happened? Where were you all?" a courtier inquired, trying to make sense of the situation.
Duryodhana, still processing the recent events, glanced at his cousin brothers before responding, "It's a complicated matter, and we are not entirely sure. Karna... Angraj Karna saved us."
The courtiers exchanged puzzled glances, their curiosity growing.
"But where did you go? How did you return?" another courtier pressed for details.
Before Duryodhana could respond, Yudhishthira stepped forward, a composed expression on his face. "It was an otherworldly experience, and we were saved by Angraj Karna. Details of what transpired are not for public knowledge at the moment. Rest assured, we are unharmed."
The courtiers, though still curious, respected Yudhishthira's composed response. The princes and Angraj Karna had returned unharmed, and the assurance that they were safe eased the tension within the court.
As the courtiers continued to inquire about the events, the royal advisor approached King Dhritarashtra. "Your Majesty, it appears that the princes and Angraj Karna have been through an extraordinary ordeal. The details may be best left undisclosed for now."
King Dhritarashtra nodded in agreement, his blind eyes reflecting a mix of relief and concern. "Indeed, Advisor. It seems there are matters beyond our understanding. We shall wait for a more appropriate time to seek answers."
"MY SONS!!!"
Kunti ran past, stumbling and pushing through the crowd, tears running down her already puffy eyes.
Kunti, overcome with emotion, reached her sons, embracing them tightly. The worry and fear that had gripped her heart were replaced with the overwhelming relief of seeing her sons safe and sound.
"My sons! What happened? Where did you go? I was so worried!" Kunti's voice quivered with a mixture of emotions as she held onto her sons.
"Mother, we are fine. Angraj Karna saved us from a perilous situation. It's a long story, and we'll explain everything in due time," Yudhishthira reassured Kunti, patting her back comfortingly.
Queen Gandhari too came running, hugging Duryodhana tightly and expressing her relief at his safe return. The royal court and the city of Hastinapur gradually shifted from panic to a sense of relief, as the princes and Angraj Karna provided reassurance of their well-being.
Karna was walking aimlessly, his mind, however, preoccupied with the mysterious events that had unfolded. The reappearance of Kartavirya Arjuna, the clash of celestial and abyssal forces, and his transformation into the Shadow Monarch left him with more questions than answers.
[Karna, even though I don't know all the details, you have to be ready. I think something big is coming...]
'Artemis, I already guessed it, and I will be ready for them to come.'
[Karna, be vigilant. The power you've gained is unprecedented, and there are forces beyond our understanding at play here.]
Artemis's warning resonated in Karna's thoughts, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The divine flame-like aura around him flared momentarily, showcasing the newfound strength coursing through his being.
[The Shadow Monarch's power is a double-edged sword. It can be a formidable asset, but it also makes you a target. Stay wary of those who seek to exploit or control it.]
Karna nodded inwardly, acknowledging Artemis's counsel. The complexities of the divine realms and the machinations of unseen forces were becoming increasingly apparent.
"KAAARRRNNNAAA!!!" ×8
Eight missiles launched themselves at Karna, hugging him tightly. Kisses soon rained down on Karna from multiple directions.
The affectionate assault brought Karna out of his contemplation. He looked down to find his wives – Draupadi, Scáthach, Kali, Mandodari, Tara, Lilith, Kamini, and Brinda – expressing their relief and joy at his safe return in their own unique ways.
"Looks like my wives missed me," Karna chuckled as he embraced each of them in return. The varied expressions of love and concern from his wives warmed Karna's heart, grounding him in the present moment.
"Karna, you had us worried. Please don't disappear like that again," Draupadi said, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and playfulness.
"I agree! It's not fair to give us a scare like that," Scáthach added, her tone a blend of concern and affection.
Kali, with her usual intensity, wrapped her arms around Karna, saying, "You're not allowed to vanish without warning, understand?"
Mandodari smiled softly, "We were all so concerned about you. I'm glad you're back safely."
Tara, Lilith, Kamini, and Brinda also expressed their joy and relief, each in their own way. The courtyard, which had witnessed chaos and panic earlier, now resonated with the warmth of reunion and the bonds between Karna and his wives.
"Thank you all for your concern. I didn't intend to worry you, but sometimes, circumstances take unexpected turns," Karna replied, looking at each of his wives with gratitude.
As the wives continued to shower Karna with affection, a familiar voice interrupted the scene.
"Karna, my dear Bhrata, it seems you've stirred up quite a commotion," Krishna's voice echoed through the courtyard.
Karna turned to face Krishna, a thoughtful expression on his face. The wives, still holding onto him, looked toward Krishna with a mix of curiosity and confusion.
"But first come give me a hug, Bhrata."
Karna, still surrounded by the affectionate embrace of his wives, approached Krishna with a warm smile. He detached himself from the multiple hugs and extended his arms, sharing a brotherly embrace with Krishna.
"Krishna, it seems fate has woven a tapestry of mysteries around us," Karna remarked, his eyes reflecting a blend of gratitude and inquiry.
Krishna, with a playful twinkle in his eyes, responded, "Ah, Bhrata, the threads of destiny are indeed intricate. It appears you've become a central figure in a grand design."
As they separated from the hug, Krishna's gaze shifted to the wives surrounding Karna. "It's heartening to see the bonds of family and love in full display. I suppose you have quite the story to tell."
Karna nodded, a hint of seriousness in his expression. "Yes, Krishna. The events that transpired are beyond ordinary tales. The clash of celestial and abyssal forces, the reappearance of Kartavirya Arjuna..."
Karna nodded, a hint of seriousness in his expression. "Yes, Krishna. The events that transpired are beyond ordinary tales. The clash of celestial and abyssal forces, the reappearance of Kartavirya Arjuna, and my transformation into the Shadow Monarch—all intertwined in a complex narrative."
Krishna's eyes gleamed with a deep understanding. "The celestial and abyssal realms colliding is no small matter. It hints at a convergence of powers that could reshape the very fabric of existence."
"Krishna, do you have any insights into the origin of the Shadow Monarch's power and the Trident of the Abyssal Lord?" Karna inquired, his gaze unwavering.
Krishna's expression turned contemplative. "The Abyssal Lord's Trident is a relic of immense power, forged in the depths of oceans. Its connection to the abyssal energy is undeniable. As for the Shadow Monarch's power, it appears to be a manifestation of the clash between celestial and abyssal forces, a phenomenon that goes beyond my current understanding."
"Are we dealing with divine interference or something more elusive?" Karna pondered, his mind grappling with the complexity of the situation.
Krishna nodded. "The divine realms hold many secrets, and the interplay of forces often exceeds mortal comprehension. But, Karna, be vigilant. The powers you now wield make you a focal point in a larger scheme. Forces unseen are at play, and you must navigate these currents with care."
Karna's wives, who had been observing the conversation, listened intently to the exchange between the two brothers. The courtyard, once filled with chaos and uncertainty, now hosted a moment of profound discussion.