Water to The Fire - Pandava x Reader - A Mahabharata Fanfiction

Part 3 - Rivals?

As the years went by, it became increasingly evident to Bhishma that Y/N possessed a sharp intellect to match her spirited nature. Consequently, she was included alongside the Pandava brothers in their rigorous education, which combined scholarly pursuits with combat training.

Under the guidance of the finest tutors, Y/N distinguished herself as a brilliant student. Mathematics, astronomy, literature—she embraced each subject with an insatiable curiosity. Often, she and her brothers could be heard passionately debating philosophical doctrines late into the night, their voices resonating through open windows.

Despite her prowess, it was Arjuna who consistently matched Y/N's academic achievements. Their rivalry in the classroom was as fierce as their competitive spirit in the courtyard.

"I solved the puzzle first this time, Brother!" Y/N declared triumphantly one afternoon, rushing to present her solution to the tutor. Arjuna glanced up from his parchment with a frown, acknowledging her accomplishment with a grudging smile.

"It seems you beat me this time," Arjuna conceded, his tone laced with both admiration and challenge. More often than not, their intellectual contests ended in close competition, pushing each other to greater heights.

In creative endeavors, however, Y/N's talents truly shone. Her evocative poetry and lyrical compositions moved audiences to tears and captivated listeners during royal performances. On such occasions, Arjuna could often be seen observing her with a half-smile, his expression a mix of pride and inscrutability.

Their bond deepened through sunrise tutorials, spirited debates, and late-night discussions under the stars. While their brothers took on significant political roles, an unspoken understanding emerged that it would be Arjuna and Y/N who would carry forward the Pandavas' scholarly legacy. Their rivalry had evolved into a profound kinship of intellect and spirit—one that was uniquely theirs, beyond the grasp of anyone else.

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The morning sun was high in the sky when Bhishma and Kunti happened to pass by the open doors of the study chamber. Raised voices reached their ears, drawing their attention to the spirited debate unfolding inside.

Peering through the doorway, they saw Yudhishthira and Y/N engaged in an intense discussion, surrounded by the other princes who watched with rapt attention. Papers were scattered across the polished tabletop, forgotten in the heat of the argument over philosophy.

"You claim that dharma demands non-violence above all, but what about self-defense? What about defending the weak?" Y/N argued, her dark braid swinging as she paced back and forth.

Yudhishthira paused, his brow furrowing in thought. "Violence breeds more violence, as the sages have taught us. Surely there are alternative solutions to armed conflict that we have yet to explore."

"True, reasoned argument and diplomacy are your strengths, Brother," Y/N countered swiftly. "But what if those approaches fail? Does dharma not also require us to protect the innocent, even if it means using force?"

A murmur of agreement rippled through the brothers, unaccustomed to seeing their crown prince challenged so deftly. Yudhishthira frowned, struggling to find a counterpoint. Before he could speak, Bhishma's voice cut through with a chuckle.

"It seems you've found a worthy match in wit and rhetoric, my boy!" Bhishma said, his tone light but appreciative.

The students jolted at the sudden realization that they had an audience. Yudhishthira's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, while Kunti approached with a proud smile. She placed a reassuring hand on Y/N's shoulder.