The Gathering of the Unaware

As Hanuman's words settled into the hearts of the gathered souls, the murmur of confusion and doubt rose like a tide. Among the assembled warriors, a young woman stepped forward. She was tall, her black hair tied into a fierce braid, her eyes sharp with defiance and fear. Unlike some others, she wore a modern outfit—fitted jeans and a leather jacket that bore the marks of a battle. Her face was pale, but her spirit was strong.

She raised her hand. "Wait. You speak of Tarakasura, Nagmani, and ancient forces. But if you are Hanuman—the great Hanuman—why can't you stop this threat yourself?"

A murmur of agreement spread among the group. Others nodded, their eyes reflecting the same unspoken question: Why us?

Hanuman's expression did not change, but his eyes grew heavier, as if bearing the weight of an unseen burden. He spoke with calm authority.

"Your question is just. My power is vast, but this is not a battle of mere strength. There are rules that bind even those of divine origin. Tarakasura's resurgence is not a simple act of war—it is a corruption of cosmic balance, intertwined with the free will of humanity and the choices made across centuries."

The woman's brow furrowed. "So… you can't fight?"

Hanuman's eyes softened. "I can, but my role is not to fight this war directly. The struggle ahead belongs to you, the children of this age, for the choices that have brought the world to this brink are human choices. You are tied to this fate because the power of destiny flows through your bloodlines, your actions, and your hearts."

Another voice spoke, this one from a broad-shouldered man wearing a mechanic's jumpsuit. "But why us? Why drag us into a world we didn't know existed? We didn't choose this!"

Hanuman's gaze swept across the group, his eyes kind yet unyielding. "Few choose the burdens placed upon them. I have seen heroes from ancient times to now ask the same question. Arjuna stood before the armies of Kurukshetra and doubted his place in the great war. Even he, with the counsel of Krishna, questioned the necessity of battle."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "You are here because you have the spark of greatness within you. Whether by fate, bloodline, or sheer will, each of you has a connection to the ancient powers of this land. You have been brought here not only to fight but to understand. To wield magic and strength is not enough. Wisdom, unity, and choice will shape the future."

The woman crossed her arms, her defiance waning but her skepticism intact. "And if we refuse?"

Hanuman's smile was sad. "Then darkness will consume all—your families, your homes, your world. Tarakasura's return will bring an age of chaos where no mortal or god will be safe. The freedom to choose remains, but every choice carries consequence."

Silence fell. The weight of inevitability pressed on them all.

Ujjwal, who had remained silent, finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "I don't think we have a choice." His gaze swept the crowd. "We're here because the world needs us, whether we understand it or not. And if Hanumanji believes we're capable, then we owe it to ourselves—and to everyone we love—to try."

Hanuman's eyes glimmered with pride. "Well spoken, Ujjwal."

The woman sighed, her resistance giving way to grim acceptance. "Alright. But how do we even begin to fight something we don't understand?"

Hanuman stepped forward, placing his hand on the ground. With a soft rumble, symbols of radiant light etched themselves into the earth, forming a mandala of power and knowledge.

"Training begins now."