Rewriting the War (Duryodhan)

Chapter 12 - A God Parent

We spent hours in the pitch-dark tunnel, carefully placing our feet in the rock-cut pathway to avoid any mishaps from happening, and at last, Bheem, who was leading us the way, faced the dead end.

He hit the ceiling, and the lid gave way to sparkling light.

Bheem lifted himself up with much difficulty and then offered his hand in help for us to climb up to the land.

"What are we about to do?" Nakul asked once we bathed in the fresh air.

"We need transportation and resources." I started.

In the original, Vidura had given them both after meeting them at the banks of Yamuna, but that wasn't the case at the moment. I had planned our escape soon and swiftly. There was no way he would be able to provide now.

"Having lived your early years in the forest, you must know the resources that the forest gives to humans." I said, pointedly looking at their eager faces while knowing fully well that it was about to turn south.

"And which one of your godly parents would be able to provide us with a horse?" At my abrupt question, I was met with stumped faces.

"What?"

"It's just all of them will be able to provide us with horses." Sahadev hurriedly stated before Arjuna could utter.

"Good then." But the Pandavas remained nervous.

"Is there a problem?" I finally enquired.

"It's just we haven't called on them in the past twenty years of living." Arjuna commented.

"You mean that you haven't seen them since birth?"

"Yes." Yudhishthir scratched his neck.

"Well then. Let's make our first interaction today, shall we?" I raised my eyebrow in question, putting the rather expected revelation behind me.

"Sure." Bheem managed to cough out.

"Who is the lucky one?" Sahadev smiled with a cheek, clearly hoping for the victim to be his elder brothers.

"You." I answered with a straight face and saw his grin fall.

"Why?" Panic flashed in his eyes.

"Because your father is the one that might provide a normal horse." I retorted.

It was partially the truth, considering how extra Indra and Vayu were known to be with their gifts.

And as for Dharmaraj, his speciality was buffaloes, and at the rate at which it moved, it would take us forever to reach Kamyaka forest.

"Can I at least take Nakul with me?" He finally accepted his fate.

"Of course." The more, the merrier.

Sahadev dragged his twin into the water of the holy river. They both readily clasped their hands and started praying in reverence.

At the sight, I knew I had to leave them alone.

Signalling the rest to join me in the forest, I trudged towards it.

"List the things that we need." I announced brightly as the dried leaves crunched at my restless state.

"Wood."
"Fruits."
"Herbs."

I nodded at each's response.

"Let's begin collecting then."

I paired with Bheem on a mission to collect the wood. Whilst he chopped it, I gathered the pieces in small bundles.

Soon the time passed by, and the sky darkened.

"The horses are here." The twins arrival was a welcome to my aching arms.

Turning towards them, I noticed an unmistakable glow on their faces, and behind them stood six majestic stallions in various shades.

"How did it go?" Yudhishthir questioned, his arms filled with different kinds of plants and leaves.

"It went well." Nakul shyly admitted. I saw a faint blush rest on his nose despite his dark skin.

"I agree. They were understanding." Sahadev nodded in agreement.

"Why don't we rest for the day and start at the crack of dawn?" Yudhishthir observed after taking in the atmosphere.

It was a rhetorical question, and we abided by it.

Soon, a bonfire was lit, and we surrounded it, conversing about trivial matters until I vocalised on a grave matter, which I felt was better for them to know.

"I have something in my mind." I paused, before collecting my thoughts in order. "Actually, I have two." They seemed focused, hanging on to my words.

"Why do you want to be a king?" I started with the mild one as I addressed the son of Yama.

"Because it's the law." The dry, predictable answer came from his side.

"Which law?"

"The law of the Kuru states that the eldest must acquire the throne upon attaining the required training."

"Are you the eldest?" I asked bluntly, coming to the second thought in my head.

"What do you mean?" His face was scrunched in deep dubeity.

"Your mother has a secret. Even older than you." I wanted to start dramatically, and Yudhishthir didn't like it, judging by his scowl.

"Careful if you are to lie." Arjuna warned, his tone telling me enough of the thin line that I shouldn't cross.

"I won't, nor will I say it." I believed in respecting a secret. It was their mother's to tell them, not mine, but at least I could take the liberty to warn.

"But you must know that you aren't the eldest and that argument won't suffice if you are to claim the throne."

★★★

Author's note :

I just want to know whether you guys like this story so far or should I change something in my writing or plot and such.

Looking forward if you have any constructive criticism because I want to better myself and apologises if it isn't up to the mark.

That's all,
Thank you,
🪐