2nd Gen Pandavas

न: The Fifth Rank - Part 2

CHAPTER 6

Of Snakes and Elephants

This was not fun. Watching detective shows is fun. Going on photography field trips with your dad is fun. Pointing out multiple logical fallacies in LOTR while your mom groans in frustration is fun. Being invaded by a herd of elephants is not fun. Especially when the elephants are each the size of a small house, covered with gold-plated armor, and knocking down the marble pillars like dominoes while chanting "DOON WUUT HOOMANTIII!!! UUUNSUUN MAARJAAATAAY HOOO!!!" At least that's what it sounded like with them trumpeting thousands of decibels into the air. But what really caught my attention was the fact that in place of where their tusks should be were just stumps with dried blood on it. And was one of them missing an eye?

Mom pulled me towards the main lobby where the elephant statue with the Otherworld portal was. I tried to look for any signs pointing to who could've done this, but it's really hard to think when the building is falling apart from stomping giving off a series of earthquakes. I did notice one thing before mom practically threw me through the portal with her. On their foreheads in what looked like spilt blood was a symbol similar to the one on the envelope: न , the Devanagari letter "N."

First "K" now "N"? What could it mean? But I didn't have time to process it because next thing I knew we were in the Otherworld again. Looks like no one changed the destination since we were back in the arena. Everyone was either confused, shocked, or in Suru's case, slithering around in circles.

"Chill out bro! Remember your breathing exercises!" said Priya.

"What do we do now?" asked Ghata.

"Our first priority is getting to safety." Dad said. "Maybe we can-"

Before he could give his suggestion, a chorus of hisses came from the distance. It sounded like...

"Hold on," said Brynne masi . She whirled her mace and threw herself high up into the air to scout. "It's an army of nagas ! But they don't look like they're on our side! I think they're chanting, but it's just coming off as a bunch of hissing."

The snakes got closer and quickly surrounded the arena. The seats quickly filled with serpents giving off jeers, blocking off all of our exits. They looked a lot like Suru did, only rather than having scales shining like jewels, they looked darker and faded, covered in what I guessed was soot. But most of them didn't even have scales and instead were covered in burn scars, leaving them looking pink and raw. In the books, nagas were able to talk, but it looks like these snakes were burnt so badly it reduced their speech to basic hissing. Most importantly, carved into the faded gems on their foreheads was the same symbol: न . As they got closer, Rudy mama stepped forward.

"Let me talk to them," he said. "They should listen to me. Maybe they can be reasoned with."

"Be careful, dear." said Mini masi .

"I will, my queen." he responded, kissing her forehead.

As he walked to the center, the nagas stopped and focused on him with looks of fear and curiosity on their contorted faces. He went into his full naga mode, growing to about 10 feet and turning into a full hooded cobra with red and yellow, a giant royal gem shining brilliantly on his forehead. Everyone, especially Priya and Suru, stared at him with awe. Was that the Sun Jewel from book 4? His voice turned lower and more raspy as he spoke with authority:

"As the crowned Raja of Naga-loka , Ruler of the Jewel-strewn seas, I order you to stand down. I have heard about the fire that burnt down your forest all those years ago and I will help you get the treatment you need. But before I can, I need you to stand down and let my family through."