Yash awoke to the muffled sound of voices and the faint scent of herbs. His body felt heavy, every muscle aching from the intense battle. Slowly opening his eyes, he found himself lying on a cot in the Sanctuary's camp. Takshak and Ashwatthama were speaking in hushed tones nearby, their expressions grim.
As Yash tried to sit up, Karan hurried to his side. "You're awake! Don't push yourself too hard."
"What's going on?" Yash asked, his voice hoarse. "Aarav and Gurdeep... are they okay?"
Ashwatthama turned, stepping closer. "They're stable for now, but we've confirmed that the rakshasa ambush unit used a rare toxin. It's not like anything we've seen before."
Yash frowned. "What kind of toxin?"
Takshak sighed, his serpentine eyes glowing faintly. "It's a venom infused with dark energy, possibly crafted by one of the rakshasa alchemists. It's designed to weaken a warrior's spirit over time, making them vulnerable in future battles."
Karan clenched his fists. "Is there a way to counter it?"
Ashwatthama nodded. "There might be. I've seen similar effects during my travels, but we'll need to find specific herbs and ingredients to create an antidote. The problem is, some of these ingredients are rare and only grow in dangerous areas controlled by the rakshasa forces."
Yash swung his legs off the cot, ignoring the protests from his body. "Then we don't have time to waste. Tell me what we need, and I'll get it."
Takshak placed a firm hand on Yash's shoulder, stopping him. "You're in no condition to fight. Rest first. We'll organize a group to retrieve the ingredients."
Yash shook his head. "Aarav and Gurdeep are my brothers. I won't sit here while their lives are at risk."
Before Takshak could argue, Ashwatthama interjected. "We'll go together. The rakshasas won't expect a swift counterstrike after their ambush. If we act quickly, we can retrieve the ingredients and return before they can reinforce their positions."
Takshak hesitated, then nodded. "Very well. But we must tread carefully. The rakshasas will be guarding these areas for a reason."
Karan stepped forward. "I'll come too. The more hands, the better."
Ashwatthama handed Yash a list of the ingredients, detailing their locations. "The first herb we need grows in the Forest of Shadows, a region infamous for its illusions and traps. The second is a root found near the Volcanic Caves, where the air itself is toxic. And the last... it's a rare flower that blooms in the heart of the Rakshasa Citadel."
Yash's eyes narrowed. "The Citadel? That's practically a suicide mission."
Takshak smirked. "Not for us. The rakshasas underestimate the bond between the Sanctuary and the Naga Clan. Together, we can achieve what they believe impossible."
Ashwatthama grabbed his blade. "Prepare yourselves. We leave at dawn."
---
At the Forest of Shadows
The group ventured into the dense forest, its eerie silence broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. Strange whispers filled the air, and the shadows seemed to move of their own accord.
"Stay close," Ashwatthama warned. "This forest preys on the mind. If you get separated, you may never find your way out."
As they pressed deeper, illusions began to take shape around them—visions of loved ones, lost battles, and unfulfilled dreams. Yash clenched his fists, refusing to be swayed.
"Focus on the goal," he reminded himself, his eyes scanning the area. Finally, they spotted the herb they needed, glowing faintly in the darkness.
Suddenly, rakshasa warriors emerged from the shadows, their laughter echoing ominously. "Did you really think we wouldn't guard this place?" their leader sneered.
Yash drew his blade, determination burning in his eyes. "Let's finish this quickly. Aarav and Gurdeep are waiting for us."
---
To be continued...