The grand hall was adorned with flickering torches and lavish decorations, casting a warm glow over the assembled asuras - Daityas, Danavas, and Rakshasas. The air was filled with a sense of tension and anticipation as their centuries-old enmity had momentarily been set aside for this rare occasion.
At the center of the hall stood a long, ornately decorated table groaning under the weight of a sumptuous feast fit for the most powerful of beings. Roasted meats of all kinds - succulent boar, tender lamb, among many- were piled high on golden platters, their savory aromas tantalizing the senses.
Along with them were a vast array of wines, each jug more exquisite than the last. Deep reds, sparkling whites, and golden dessert wines beckoned to the assembled asuras, promising indulgence and escape from the centuries of enmity that had defined their existence.
Ajashakti, the undisputed ruler of this newly formed empire, sat at the head of the table. His imposing figure dominated the room, his presence a silent assertion of power.
"It is because of your leadership, my lord, that we stand united," Prakayant declared, his voice echoing through the hall. "Together, Danavas, Daityas, and Rakshasas, we are an unstoppable force. None shall stand against us."
"ALL HAIL ASUR-RAJ !"
"GLORY TO ASUR-RAJ !"
A thunderous roar erupted from the Daityas and Danavas, a cacophony of joy and celebration. Even the once defiant Rakshasas, their initial reluctance gradually eroding, joined in the chorus, their voices a hesitant counterpoint to the jubilant cries.
Ajashakti rose to his feet, his imposing figure dominating the hall. His voice, deep and resonant, carried across the room.
"We stand at the precipice of a new era," he declared, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "Soon, the heavens will be ours. Swarglok, with all its riches and power, will be ours for the taking. And when that day comes, these halls of feasting will pale in comparison to the celestial banquets we shall enjoy."
His words were a promise, a declaration of intent. A surge of excitement rippled through the crowd. The prospect of conquering the heavens was a heady brew, a potent mix of ambition and greed.
Even Ketunemi, seated at the edge of the hall, a silent observer of the festivities, was stirred by Ajashakti's words. The prospect of conquering Swarglok, a realm of eternal bliss, was a temptation difficult to resist. For a moment, the bitter taste of defeat was replaced by a flicker of hope.
Pralayant said, "Indeed my lord, victory shall be ours." And then he clapped his hands, a signal that brought two imposing Danavas into the hall.
They carried a colossal platter, upon which rested a roasted boar of enormous size. Its skin was a perfect golden brown, and the aroma of roasted meat filled the air. With a flourish, Pralayant presented the platter to Ajashakti, who erupted in laughter.
With a single motion, he tore off a chunk of limb that glistened in the torchlight. The meat was still sizzling with juices, and he took a big bite, easily tearing through it. His eyes closed in pure enjoyment, savoring every moment. A low moan of satisfaction escaped his lips, expressing pleasure.
Vakrang, seated amidst the Daitya contingent, seemed uninterested to the revelry around him. His jaw was clenched, a grim mask hiding the tempest of emotions raging within. The once proud king, now reduced to a mere shadow of his former self, watched with simmering resentment as Ajashakti basked in the glory of their combined victory.
Ajashakti had consolidated his power with alarming speed. Yet, a flicker of hope remained in Vakrang. This was a temporary arrangement, a fragile alliance built on convenience. He reminded himself that two months had already slipped by.
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Amarsri stood amidst a tapestry of celestial blooms, their hues as vibrant and varied. The meadow stretched out before her, an endless expanse of living color, each petal glistening with the soft luminosity of the heavenly realm. Her expression was one of profound introspection, her focused on each and every flower.
"Jiji ?" A voice caught Amarsri's attention, she turned around and saw Kartikeya approaching towards her. His peacock-feathered mount, Vaishravana, followed close behind, its iridescent plumage contrasting sharply with the verdant expanse.
Amarsri's expression softened as her eyes met his, "Ah, it's you brother."
"Indeed." Kartikeya's brow furrowed, his usually serene countenance etched with worry. His eyes held a storm of concern. "Did you see what happened ?"
"What ?" Amarsri asked.
Kartikeya told her, "A grave crisis has befallen the three worlds. I fear that the battle between him and devtas is inevitable. And I must raise my weapons against him. Jyesht Srinav, in his Ajashakti form, has done the unthinkable. He has united the Rakshasas, Danavas, and Daityas under a single banner."
Amarsri's eyes widened slightly, "He has done that already ?"
Kartikeya raised a brow, "How is it possible you don't know this ?"
"I was engaged with something else. Practicing or rather refining a skill." She replied.
He curiously asked, "What skill ?"
"Do you feel anything odd about this place, Kartikeya ?" Amarsri questioned.
Kartikeya's brow furrowed as he scanned the surroundings. A flicker of doubt crossed his face. He looked back at Amarsri, his eyes widening in realization. "These meadows... they aren't real," he said, his voice filled with astonishment.
And suddenly the flowering bushes vanished in thin air, like they never existed, leaving behind plain grass.
"How did you not notice it earlier ?" Amarsri asked, a sense of eagerness in her voice.
Kartikeya smiled sheepishly, "I suppose I was too focused on our conversation. Also, your aura is so potent that it often overshadows everything else."
"That is precisely the illusion I intend to weave around Ajashakti." She declared, a confident glint in her eyes.
"How do you plan to do that, Jiji ?" His voice held a mix of skepticism and anticipation.
Amarsri averted her gaze, suppressing a chuckle, "It's a rather silly plan, really, but I believe it will get the job done."
Kartikeya's lips curved into a knowing smile. He had witnessed Amarsri's divine wisdom firsthand. If she believed in a plan, it was more than likely to succeed.
"Very well, Jiji." He said, his voice filled with trust. "Let me know if there is anything I can help him."
Amarsri's gaze held Kartikeya for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossed her features before she spoke. "There is something you can do to assist me."
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A/N
Mayaputra vs Mayapatiputri 🌝
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AJASHAKTI ANUGAMINI : An HHS Spinoff
Fantasy"If destiny prevents you from being born of my womb, then let us forge a different path. Forsake your divinity, your memories. Become a Daitya." Driven to the brink by the ceaseless annihilation of her sons, Daitya-Mata Diti yearns for vengeance. Bu...
