chapter 3: her introduction to the land of powers

"Disguise me?" Sanyukta asked, her voice small.

"Yes! We'll make you look like one of us"

Sanyukta's hand instinctively went to her short hair, which was already cut unevenly from her days in the forest. "But... will they believe it?"

"They will," Veer said firmly. "We'll make sure of it."

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The Transformation

Under the moonlight, the group set to work. One of them rummaged through their supplies, pulling out an extra set of robes and cutting them to fit Sanyukta's smaller frame. Arjun sharpened a blade on a stone, his movements precise.

"Don't move," he said, crouching in front of Sanyukta. She flinched as he carefully evened out her hair, making it look like a deliberate, boyish cut.

When they were finished. Sanyukta now wore a loose tunic and trousers, tied tightly at the waist to hide her figure. Her face had been smudged with a bit of ash from the fire to make her look more rugged, and her hair framed her face like a young boy's.

"She'll need a name,

"She looks perfect," , her tone a mix of pride and relief. "But we can't keep calling her Sanyukta. She needs a name that fits her new identity." veer said

"What about 'Jaya'?" Arjun suggested, looking thoughtful.

Sanyukta blinked, surprised. "Jaya?"

"It means victory," he explained, leaning against a tree. "You've survived so much already. You deserve a name that shows how strong you are."

Veer nodded in agreement. "It's simple, easy to remember, and strong. From now on, you'll be Jaya—a warrior in training."

Sanyukta, now Jaya, ran her fingers through her freshly cropped hair. The name felt foreign but powerful, like an armor she didn't know she needed. She straightened her shoulders, nodding to the group. "Jaya it is."

Mira grinned and handed her a small dagger. "Well then, Jaya, welcome to the team. You're one of us now."

_________________________________________ "her introduction to shaktidhara"

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As the gates of Shaktidhara loomed ahead, Sanyukta couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and nervousness. The city floated majestically , the mountains, its golden towers glinting in the sunlight. The monks—now her companions—guided her, their calm expressions hiding the weight of the secret they carried.

Her disguise was complete. With her short hair and her simple, boyish attire, she now resembled an eager young apprentice. She clutched the bow her mother had given her, the only piece of her past she had left, tightly in her hand.

The grand gates opened, revealing a bustling courtyard filled with warriors in training, their movements sharp and disciplined. Elders with wise eyes observed silently, their presence commanding respect. Sanyukta swallowed hard. This was nothing like her quiet village. Here, strength and skill defined one's worth.

The leader of the monks, who had brought her along, stepped forward and bowed to the elders. "We have found a promising boy during our travels," he announced. "He seeks to train under the guidance of Shaktidhara."

Sanyukta lowered her gaze, hiding her fear and determination behind a mask of humility. She repeated in her mind what the monks had told her—keep your head low, speak only when asked, and never let them suspect who you really are.

One of the elders approached her, his sharp eyes scanning her from head to toe. "What is your name, boy?" he asked.

"Jaya," she replied, her voice steady despite the hammering of her heart.

The elder nodded approvingly. "We shall see if you are worthy of Shaktidhara."

With that, Sanyukta was led inside. As she passed through the gates, she couldn't help but glance up at the towering spires of the city. She silently vowed that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would prove herself—not just to the world, but to herself.