Under the Ancient Banyan Tree
The evening air carried a strange chill as Agni and Neer reached the ancient banyan tree at the edge of the village. Its gnarled roots dug deep into the earth, twisting and sprawling as if guarding centuries of secrets. The branches swayed in a silent, ominous rhythm, whispering stories of those long past.
And then they saw it—hanging upside down from one of the thick, twisted limbs, a figure, suspended yet still. It was motionless, yet its piercing gaze seemed to bore into their very souls. A faint, eerie smile played across its lips.
Neer's grip on his sword tightened.
"Agni… look…"
Before they could react further, the figure suddenly flipped in midair, landing upright with supernatural grace. A deep, resonant laughter echoed through the clearing.
The being spoke, its voice rich with centuries of mischief and malice:
"Ah… so my feast has come to me willingly. I know who you both are…"
Neer's voice rang with determination, firm and unwavering.
"If you know us, then you must know the suffering you've caused the villagers. You must know that we are here to end your tyranny. We know your deeds… and today, we will grant you liberation."
The being's laughter deepened, echoing like rolling thunder:
"Liberation? You… you think you can free me, Neer? And yet, do you even know who you are? Are you truly who you think you are?"
Neer's gaze hardened, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
"I am aware of your attempts to confuse me with words. But I will not be ensnared in your illusions."
The creature's sinister grin widened.
"And Agni… will he falter?"
Neer's eyes darted around, heart pounding.
"Agni… where are you? What have you done with him, demon? Have you woven another illusion?"
The banyan tree seemed to tremble as the being floated closer, its aura thick with ancient power.
"Wait… Neer. You rush into battle, fully aware that you cannot defeat me. My magic, my powers—they surpass yours in every measure. You forget—I am a Vetala, bound neither by past, present, nor future. Time itself bends to me."
Neer steadied his stance.
"Then tell me… what must I do to free Agni from your grasp?"
The Vetala's laughter curled around the clearing like smoke.
"It has been centuries since anyone dared to face me with courage. Most flee at my shadow, trembling in fear. But you—dare to meet my gaze and speak with me. How bold. How… rare."
Neer's voice remained unwavering.
"What game is this, Vetala?"
The creature's eyes sparkled with mischief.
"You shall answer three questions… three, and only three. Answer incorrectly… and that which is lost shall remain so forever."
Neer's pulse quickened, but his resolve did not waver.
"Three questions, then. I will answer them all. Not just for Agni, but for truth itself."
The Vetala floated closer, its presence oppressive yet mesmerizing.
"Very well… Listen carefully. First question:
'What is truth that seems like a lie? That which, when heard, appears false… yet if it is denied, life itself becomes a lie?'"
Neer inhaled deeply, closing his eyes for a brief moment as his mind reached deep within.
"Truth is often what we do not wish to hear. It confronts us in forms we resist, yet its denial leads to ruin. The answer is… love. When someone says, 'I love you,' we often disbelieve it at first—whether it is truth or falsehood. But if ignored, life loses its greatest meaning. If embraced, life may yet be destroyed. That is the paradox of love."
The Vetala's grin broadened, a rare note of approval in its voice.
"Excellent… you have understood the essence of the first question. Now, the second…"
The being's eyes darkened slightly, as if peering into the depths of Neer's soul.
"Do you know yourself, Neer? If asked to look into a mirror, and the reflection staring back is not your own, can you still know who you are? Or are you merely what the world has made you?"
Neer's voice was calm, steady, yet carried weight.
"I know that who I am is a tapestry of many faces—past lives, current circumstances, the expectations of others, the marks of society. Yet beyond all of this exists the true 'I'—Neer… a being guided by duty, by karma, unshaken by external illusions. I know who I am because I am connected to… someone I have always known."
The Vetala's smile deepened, its eyes gleaming with intrigue.
"Very well… you understand yourself. The third and final question is the hardest. Listen carefully:
'What is the greatest illusion in this world? That which all believe to be true… or that which never truly existed?'"
Neer paused, the weight of centuries of thought pressing upon him. He spoke slowly, deliberately:
"Time… and the concept of 'forever.' Humanity believes it has endless time, that those it loves will remain, that hatred and loyalty will persist. Yet the truth is… nothing lasts forever. Not love, nor hate, nor kin, nor even ourselves. Yet we cling to the illusion of 'always.' That is life's greatest sorrow."
The Vetala's laughter rang out like bells tolling across the ages.
"Very well… you have answered all three questions. Go, awaken Agni behind the tree. But understand—this is not the end, Neer. This is merely the beginning."
Neer moved swiftly, finding Agni unconscious behind the ancient banyan tree. He knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. Slowly, Agni's eyes fluttered open. But instead of recognition, rage flickered in his gaze. He leaped forward, sword raised against Neer.
"Agni! What are you doing?!" Neer shouted, stepping back instinctively.
The Vetala's voice echoed around them, sinister and gleeful.
"This… is your true test. Who will prevail… and who will fall?"
Neer's heart ached, but he remained composed.
"Stop, Agni… I do not wish to fight you!"
Agni's voice was sharp, unrelenting:
"But I want to! I will take your life!"
Blades clashed. Neer deflected, parried, and then disarmed Agni, sending the sword clattering to the ground. His chest heaved, but his voice was steady:
"Enough, Agni! I could take your life if I wished—but I will not. I cannot kill you."
Agni's eyes burned with determination, but he paused, sensing the immovable resolve in Neer. He lunged again, and Neer defended once more, finally lowering his weapon.
"If you wish to strike me… take my life. But I will not take yours."
The Vetala's roar resonated through the air, an echo of approval and release. Its magic lifted, freeing Agni from the illusory grip that had clouded his mind. Agni staggered, blinking, finally recognizing Neer kneeling before him.
"Neer…? What… what is happening?" Agni's voice trembled.
The Vetala's voice softened, calm yet eternal:
"Neer… you have understood the depth of my three questions. You have chosen truth, duty, and sacrifice. You have chosen Agni's life over your own vengeance. No one has done this in five centuries. You… have restored my faith in love, friendship, and truth."
Neer's eyes met the Vetala's, his voice steady:
"We knew your sorrow. We knew only truth and love could free you."
The Vetala nodded slowly.
"And I… knew of you both, of who you are… though you did not yet know yourselves. My liberation is complete. But remember… the future will bring new trials. Never separate yourself from your karma and your soul."
Neer's expression hardened with understanding:
"What trials?"
The Vetala's form began to shimmer, fading into the night air:
"I cannot say. Only listen to your inner self. And perform my last rites—the pindadan and funeral. That is my final wish."
With a gust of wind, the Vetala vanished, leaving the centuries-old banyan tree trembling and breaking, finally succumbing to time itself.
Agni looked at Neer, still kneeling, bewildered.
"Neer… are you… alright? Why were you on your knees? And this sword in my hand… did you… sacrifice?"
Neer's calm voice reassured him:
"Be still, Agni. I will explain everything. First, we must perform the Vetala's final rites."
Together, they returned to the village, guided by the old sage who had first revealed the Vetala's secret. With reverence, they completed all the necessary rituals the pindadan, prayers, and final ceremonies granting the restless spirit peace.
Before departing, Agni placed a hand on Neer's shoulder, eyes meeting his with deep gratitude.
"Thank you, Neer… truly."
Neer smiled faintly, a mixture of relief and quiet pride.
"Let us go, Agni. The path ahead is long, and our journey is far from over."
As they walked toward the distant temple, the air was still, yet charged with the quiet hum of destiny. The banyan tree lay in ruin, but its centuries of secrets had finally been laid to rest. And in that calm, the bond between Agni and Neer tested by trials, sacrifice, and truth had grown stronger than ever.