The Varaksha’s Curse

The peace of the forest didn't last.

Kiran woke to the sound of the Varaksha's low growl rumbling through the clearing. He scrambled to his feet, grabbing his bow and scanning the area. The dawn light barely penetrated the thick canopy, but the tension in the air was unmistakable.

"What is it?" he whispered, his heart pounding.

The Varaksha's eyes glowed faintly as it sniffed the air. "They have found us. The ones who destroyed your village. Their stench is unmistakable."

Kiran's stomach twisted. "Who? The same people hunting the Watchers?"

The beast nodded, its body coiling in preparation. "Yes. They are not merely people, Kiran. They are remnants of an ancient order—the Ashen Circle. Long ago, they sought to control the power of the Watchers, to twist it for their own gain. When they could not, they turned to destruction."

Kiran felt a chill run down his spine. "The Ashen Circle? My mother used to tell stories about them. I thought they were just myths."

The Varaksha let out a low snarl. "They are real. And they are relentless. Their power is rooted in dark magic, a corruption that taints everything it touches. They destroyed your family because they feared what you could become."

Before Kiran could respond, a distant sound caught his attention—a deep, rhythmic pounding, like the echo of drums. It grew louder with each passing moment, accompanied by the faint shimmer of unnatural light in the distance.

"They're coming," Kiran said, tightening his grip on his bow.

The Varaksha crouched low, its wings spreading wide. "You are not ready to face them alone. But we must stand together. Do not let fear cloud your mind. Remember what you have learned."

The first of the Ashen Circle emerged from the shadows like wraiths. Clad in dark, tattered robes that seemed to ripple unnaturally, they moved with eerie grace, their faces hidden beneath masks etched with runes. Each carried a staff glowing with crimson energy, the air around them crackling with malevolence.

Kiran's breath caught as he felt the weight of their presence. It was as if the very forest recoiled from them, the trees creaking and the earth trembling beneath their steps.

One of them stepped forward, the tallest of the group. His voice was deep and resonant, carrying a sinister edge. "The last Watcher and his beast. You've been hiding well, but it was only a matter of time before we found you."

Kiran raised his bow, drawing an arrow. "Who are you, and what do you want?"

The figure laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "I am Malrik, a servant of the Ashen Circle. And what we want, little hunter, is simple. The power of the Watchers does not belong to you. Surrender, and perhaps we will spare your life."

Kiran's jaw tightened. "You killed my family. Burned my village. Why would I ever surrender to you?"

Malrik tilted his head, the runes on his mask glowing faintly. "Because you are outmatched. The power you wield is a flicker compared to the storm we command. Stand against us, and you will perish like all the others."

Before Kiran could reply, the Varaksha stepped forward, its massive form towering over the robed figures. Its voice boomed in Kiran's mind, but this time, it spoke aloud as well, the sound resonating like thunder.

"You have trespassed where you do not belong. This forest is sacred, and the power you seek will never be yours."

Malrik's laugh faded, replaced by a hiss of irritation. "Ah, the beast speaks. How noble. But your time has long passed, guardian. The Circle has risen, and soon, the balance you cling to will be nothing but ash."

With a flick of his staff, Malrik unleashed a wave of crimson energy. It tore through the air like a blade, aimed directly at the Varaksha.

The beast roared, raising a shimmering golden barrier that absorbed the attack. Sparks flew as the opposing forces collided, the ground beneath them trembling with the strain.

Kiran didn't hesitate. Drawing on the energy he had been training to harness, he aimed his arrow at one of the robed figures and released. The arrow glowed faintly as it struck true, piercing the figure's chest and sending him crumpling to the ground.

But the others didn't falter. They began chanting, their voices melding into an unsettling harmony. The crimson light around them intensified, and dark tendrils of energy began to rise from the ground, twisting and writhing like living shadows.

"Kiran!" the Varaksha's voice rang out. "Focus! Use what I have taught you!"

Kiran gritted his teeth, feeling the pulse of the earth beneath his feet. He reached for the energy, letting it flow through him as he extended his hand toward the tendrils. A wave of golden light erupted from his palm, cutting through the darkness and forcing the Ashen Circle to retreat.

Malrik snarled, his calm demeanor cracking. "Impressive. But your bond is still fragile. Let's see how far it can stretch before it breaks."

He slammed his staff into the ground, and a shockwave of crimson energy radiated outward. The forest seemed to darken as a massive figure began to rise behind him—a creature forged from shadow and fire, its glowing eyes fixed on Kiran and the Varaksha.

The Varaksha stepped protectively in front of Kiran, its wings spreading wide. "Do not lose focus, Kiran. This is a test of your resolve. Stand firm."

Kiran's heart raced as the shadow beast roared, its fiery breath scorching the ground. He could feel the Varaksha's energy coursing through him, steadying his nerves.

Together, they launched into battle.

The fight was brutal, a clash of light and dark that shook the forest to its core. Kiran and the Varaksha fought as one, their bond growing stronger with every strike. Kiran's arrows flew with precision, each one imbued with the power of the earth. The Varaksha unleashed devastating bursts of energy, its roars echoing like thunder.

But the Ashen Circle was relentless. Malrik commanded the shadow beast with ruthless efficiency, its fiery attacks forcing Kiran and the Varaksha to stay on the defensive.

As the battle raged on, Kiran felt his strength waning. The energy he had summoned earlier was draining him, leaving him lightheaded.

"Hold on, Kiran," the Varaksha's voice urged. "You are stronger than you know."

Drawing on every ounce of willpower, Kiran reached deep within himself. He felt the pulse of the earth once more, stronger and more vibrant than ever. With a cry, he channeled the energy into a single, powerful arrow.

"Now!" he shouted, releasing the arrow.

The golden missile streaked through the air, striking the shadow beast directly in its core. It let out a deafening roar before collapsing in a burst of light and flame.

The Ashen Circle faltered, their connection to the beast severed. Malrik glared at Kiran and the Varaksha, his mask cracking to reveal burning eyes filled with rage.

"This isn't over," he spat. With a wave of his staff, he and the remaining figures vanished into the shadows, leaving only silence in their wake.

Kiran sank to his knees, breathing heavily. The Varaksha stood beside him, its golden scales dimmed but still radiant.

"You did well," it said, its voice tinged with pride. "But this was only the beginning. The Ashen Circle will return, and their hatred will burn brighter than ever."

Kiran nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then we'll be ready. Whatever they throw at us, we'll face it together."

As the first rays of sunlight broke through the trees, Kiran and the Varaksha stood side by side, their bond stronger than ever. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: the fight for balance had only just begun.

To be continued…