The Varaksha’s Curse

Kiran sat beneath the ancient tree, his back pressed against its gnarled roots as his mind churned with questions. The Varaksha lay a short distance away, its massive form coiled like a sentinel guarding a treasure. The forest around them was eerily silent, as though it, too, awaited answers.

The memories the beast had shown him felt vivid yet fragmented, like pieces of a puzzle scattered across time. His mother's face was clear in his mind—her soft smile, the way she whispered stories to him at night about guardians, protectors, and bloodlines destined for greatness. He had always dismissed them as fairy tales, but now he wondered if those stories had been truths she hadn't dared to reveal.

He turned to the Varaksha, its golden scales shimmering faintly in the dim light. "What am I supposed to do with this… connection? You say I'm your kin, but what does that even mean? Why didn't I know about this before?"

The creature's eyes opened, glowing like molten embers. The voice resonated in his mind again, calm yet carrying the weight of centuries.

"Your mother hid the truth to protect you. The bloodline of the Watchers has always been hunted. Those who seek power would stop at nothing to claim it."

Kiran frowned. "The Watchers? Who were they?"

"Not who. What," the Varaksha corrected. "Your ancestors were chosen by the earth itself, bonded to the creatures who guard its secrets. The first Watcher forged a pact with me, a bond of blood and purpose. Together, we were protectors—of balance, of life, of the ancient magic that flows through this world."

Kiran's pulse quickened. "Then why would someone hunt us? Why destroy my village?"

The beast's gaze darkened, and Kiran felt a ripple of anger and sorrow through their connection. "Power corrupts. What we guarded was pure, but those who crave dominion sought to wield it for themselves. Your family paid the price for defying them."

Kiran clenched his fists, the memories of the fire and chaos surging back. He had always blamed the Varaksha for the destruction, but now it seemed the truth was far more complex. "So my family wasn't just another victim? We were targeted because of this… legacy?"

The Varaksha nodded slowly. "Yes. The power within your bloodline is tied to me. Together, we are the key to unlocking what they seek. That is why I have protected you from the shadows, even when you believed me to be your enemy."

Kiran's breath caught. "You've… protected me?"

The beast's eyes softened. "When the flames consumed your village, it was I who carried you to safety. You were too young to remember, but your mother entrusted me with your life. I have watched over you ever since, ensuring no harm would come to you. The hunter you became, the skills you honed—they were all meant to prepare you for this moment."

The weight of the revelation settled over Kiran like a heavy cloak. All his life, he had seen the Varaksha as a monster, a creature of destruction. To learn that it had been his silent guardian all along shook him to his core.

He ran a hand through his hair, his voice trembling. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? Why let me live in hatred and fear?"

The Varaksha let out a low rumble, almost like a sigh. "You were not ready. The bond between us could not be forced; it had to awaken naturally. Only when you chose to confront me, to seek the truth, could the connection be revealed."

Kiran's mind reeled. His entire life had been a lie, but now that he knew the truth, he wasn't sure what to do with it. "If my bloodline is tied to you, what happens now? What am I supposed to do?"

The beast straightened, its wings unfurling slightly as if to emphasize the gravity of its next words. "You must reclaim your heritage. The Watchers' purpose has not ended. The balance of this world is fragile, and forces are already moving to tip it into chaos. We are the last line of defense."

Kiran frowned. "But I don't know how to fight for something I barely understand. I'm just… a hunter. How can I possibly take on this responsibility?"

The Varaksha stepped closer, lowering its head so its eyes were level with Kiran's. "You are more than a hunter. The strength of the Watchers flows through your veins. It is a power that has lain dormant, but with time and guidance, it will awaken. I will teach you."

Kiran stared at the beast, the weight of its words pressing heavily on him. He had spent his life sharpening his skills, preparing to face creatures like the Varaksha. But now he was being asked to embrace something far greater—a legacy, a destiny he had never imagined.

He took a deep breath, the doubts swirling in his mind battling with the sense of purpose that was beginning to take root. "If I do this… if I accept this bond and this responsibility… what will it mean for me? For us?"

The Varaksha's voice softened, almost tender. "It will mean we are no longer separate. Our fates are entwined. My strength will become yours, and your resolve will fuel me. Together, we will become what we were always meant to be: protectors of this world."

Kiran closed his eyes, the enormity of the decision weighing on him. He thought of his mother's stories, of the sacrifices his family had made, and of the fire that had taken everything from him. Slowly, he opened his eyes and met the Varaksha's gaze.

"I don't know if I'm ready for this," he admitted. "But if this is my destiny, then I'll face it. I'll reclaim what was lost and honor my family's legacy."

The Varaksha let out a low, rumbling growl that sounded almost like approval. "Then the journey begins. But be warned, Kiran—the path ahead will be fraught with danger. Those who destroyed your family have not forgotten. They will come for us."

Kiran's jaw tightened, a spark of determination igniting within him. "Let them come. I've spent my life hunting monsters. If they want a fight, I'll give them one."

The Varaksha let out a powerful roar that echoed through the forest, a sound that spoke of strength, unity, and defiance.

As Kiran stood beside the great beast, he felt a strange sense of peace. For the first time, he wasn't just a hunter or a victim of fate. He was something more—a Watcher, the last of his line.

And together with the Varaksha, he would uncover the secrets of his bloodline and face whatever challenges lay ahead.

To be continued...