"Anyway-"
Grrrr...
Karna's stomach growled, interrupting Krishna's words and drawing laughter from the wives. "Seems like the great Karna is not immune to hunger," Krishna teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Karna chuckled, his serious demeanor giving way to a more lighthearted one. "Even the great Karna needs sustenance, it appears." The wives, still surrounding Karna, joined in the laughter. The courtyard, which had witnessed tension and mystery, now resonated with the warmth of familial bonds and shared laughter.
"Let's head to the palace and have a hearty meal otherwise he might eat us~" The wives laughed at the playful remark, and Karna rolled his eyes with a smirk. With Krishna included, the group made their way to the palace, leaving behind the courtyard that had experienced a rollercoaster of emotions.
As they entered the palace, the royal kitchen was alerted to prepare a grand feast. The news of the prince's return had spread, and the atmosphere shifted from worry to celebration.
Inside the grand dining hall, the atmosphere was festive. The long table was adorned with various delicious dishes, and the aroma filled the air. The wives and Krishna gathered around, ready to share a meal and unravel the mysteries surrounding them.
The feast was a lively affair. Laughter, conversations, and the clinking of plates and utensils echoed in the hall. The wives, who had been through moments of worry, now reveled in the joy of their husbands' safe return.
"Karna, Say Ahh..." Kamini laughed as she playfully held a piece of fruit before Karna. "Ahh..." Karna obliged, taking the fruit from Kamini with a smile. The light-hearted banter and the warmth of companionship eased the tension that had lingered earlier.
"Me too! Me too!" Brinda joined in, holding a piece of sweet delicacy. "Ahh..." Karna repeated the gesture, playfully indulging in the joyful atmosphere.
The wives took turns offering delicious treats to Karna, each adding their touch of affection and playfulness. Once filled with uncertainty, the courtyard had transformed into a scene of celebration and unity.
"Karna, you've become quite the hero, saving us from mysterious realms and wielding the powers of the Shadow Monarch," Draupadi remarked with a smile. "I must say, it's a unique title. Shadow Monarch suits you, my love," Scáthach added, her eyes gleaming with admiration.
Karna chuckled, appreciating the light-hearted comments from his wives. "I never expected such titles and powers to come my way, but fate works in mysterious ways."
Amidst the laughter and banter, the group continued to enjoy the feast. The wives, Krishna, and Karna shared stories, jokes, and moments of camaraderie.
The courtyard, now lit by the glow of friendship and love, stood as a testament to the resilience of bonds in the face of unexpected challenges.
"But what is this power actually Karna?" As the feast continued, the wives, curious about the newfound powers of the Shadow Monarch, turned their attention toward Karna.
They gathered around him, their eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation. Karna took a moment to gather his thoughts before addressing their queries. "I don't know all the abilities yet but I know the primary function of this power is a kind of resurrection into a shadow being but anyone who is resurrected will become my eternal servant. They will be bound to my will, and I can command them as I see fit."
The wives exchanged glances, absorbing the information with a mix of fascination and contemplation. The concept of resurrection as shadow beings raised intriguing questions about the nature of Karna's newfound abilities. "Resurrection as shadow beings... It's both fascinating and mysterious," Draupadi commented, her mind clearly processing the implications.
"Yes, and it appears to be a double-edged sword. While it grants a form of resurrection, the individuals resurrected become bound to my will, serving me as loyal shadow beings. It's a power I didn't anticipate gaining, and its origins are still unclear," Karna explained, his expression thoughtful.
Scáthach, with her keen interest in mystical powers, inquired, "Is there any limit to the number of shadow beings you can command, my love?" Karna nodded, "As of now, I don't know the exact limit. It seems to be connected to the strength of the individual and the balance of celestial and abyssal energies. But I need to explore and understand this power better."
Kali, with her straightforward nature, asked, "Can you resurrect anyone, regardless of their past deeds or affiliations?" "Yes..." Karna's response lingered in the air, the weight of its implications sinking in. The concept of being able to resurrect anyone, regardless of their past, carried both potential and peril.
"But, my love, what if someone with malicious intent is resurrected? How will you control them?" Draupadi questioned, her concern evident. "As I said before they are loyal to me, almost obsessed with me. Their will is bound to mine, and they exist solely to serve and obey." The wives, while understanding the nature of Karna's newfound power, couldn't shake off a sense of unease.
The idea of resurrecting individuals and binding them to unwavering servitude raised ethical and moral questions. "Karna, this power seems potent, but it also poses risks. The idea of controlling individuals, even in a resurrected form, is concerning," Mandodari voiced her thoughts, her gaze filled with a mix of understanding and apprehension.
Karna nodded, acknowledging the valid concerns raised by his wives. "I share your concerns, and that's why I must tread carefully. The power of the Shadow Monarch is not to be taken lightly, and I must ensure it is used judiciously."
"Stop this interrogation already, Karna came back to us is the most important thing," Kamini said, expressing a desire to shift the focus away from the complexities of Karna's powers. Brinda added with a smile, "Exactly! Let's celebrate the fact that Karna is back with us, safe and sound. We can figure out the details later."
The wives, sensing the need to lighten the mood, embraced Karna with affectionate smiles. The feast continued, infused with a blend of joy, curiosity, and the bonds that held them together.
Kamini sat on Karna's lap while he patted her head making a cute purring sound in return. The scene in the courtyard shifted from discussions about Karna's powers to a more lighthearted and affectionate atmosphere. Karna, surrounded by his wives and Krishna, engaged in playful banter and shared moments of warmth.
"Karna, it seems you've become quite the center of attention," Krishna remarked, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Well, it's not every day that one gains the powers of a Shadow Monarch," Karna replied with a smirk, his eyes reflecting a mixture of amusement and contentment.
The wives, with their playful teasing and affectionate gestures, created a sense of joy and camaraderie. The courtyard, which had witnessed moments of tension and mystery, now echoed with laughter and the bonds of family.
[Yamaloka, Grounds of Naraka]
In the realm of Yamaloka, A place where souls are sent for the expiation of their sins. A magnificent palace stood in the middle of the realm itself, surrounded by the ethereal essence of the afterlife.
Numerous neverending lines of souls filed in, each awaiting their judgment. The atmosphere in Yamaloka was somber, with the weight of countless destinies hanging in the air.
In the grand hallways of the palace, Many servants (Yamadutas)were running here and there doing their chores, ensuring the smooth processing of souls and the execution of their assigned punishments.
The bureaucracy of Yamaloka operated with meticulous precision, overseen by the presiding deity, Yama, the King of Death.
In the throne room, A huge golden-black throne surrounded by massive Buffalos horns stood elevated on a platform.
Seated on the throne was Yama, the stern and formidable ruler of Yamaloka. His dark complexion and penetrating gaze conveyed the weight of his responsibility as the Lord of Death.
But there was another title of Yama which was renowned throughout every realm—he was also known as Dharma Raja, the Lord of Justice. Yama's decisions were based on the principles of dharma, ensuring that every soul faced the consequences of their actions in life.
"MY LORD, I'M INNOCENT PLEASE RELEASE M-ARGGHHHHH!!!" A soul's plea was abruptly cut off as the Yamaduta, a fearsome servant of Yama, carried out the assigned punishment with swift and efficient precision. The cries and echoes of suffering filled the halls, a constant reminder of the afterlife's inherent balance.
Yama, with his unwavering demeanor, observed the proceedings. His eyes, like orbs of authority, scanned the souls and the realm, ensuring that justice was meted out according to the cosmic laws.
"This is a tiring job, I should file a resignation to Lord Brahma," Yama muttered to himself, expressing the weariness that came with the responsibility of overseeing the afterlife.
As Yama continued his duties, a sudden disturbance caught his attention. The fabric of the realm seemed to ripple, and a subtle shift in the cosmic energies signaled an anomaly.
"Strange... What disruption is this?" Yama mused, his gaze narrowing as he sought to discern the source of the disturbance. "MY KING! MY KING!" A man came running inside holding a divine-looking book which emitted a faint glow.
He approached Yama with an urgency that indicated the gravity of the situation.
"What is it, Chitragupta?" Yama inquired, his stern expression softening with a hint of curiosity.