After being unconscious for quite a while, Ansh finally regains consciousness. As he opens his eyes, he sees a beautiful young girl standing in front of him with her hands joined together, emitting a green light from her palms.
The green light from the girl's hands was falling on Ansh's body, making him feel deeply relaxed. His eyes remained fixated on her.
After a while, the light from her hands faded, and she stepped a little away. Ansh no longer felt any pain or weakness in his body. It now felt as if he could get up and run or fight again.
Just then, Ansh hears some words in his ears—"Are you okay now?" He looks forward and sees Incharge Daksh standing there, who had asked him the question.
"Yes, I'm fine now," Ansh replies upon seeing him.
Soon the rest of the team arrives as well, relieved to see that Ansh has recovered. Everyone had been worried about him, and now that he was alright, they were happy.
"Infirmary Healer Isha, could you please heal the rest of them as well?" Incharge Daksh said with hopeful eyes, looking at her. Isha then began healing the others one by one.
Meanwhile, Ansh and Vedant stood outside alone—Ansh because he was already healed, and Vedant, who had just stepped out after being healed.
"I'm glad to see that you're okay," Vedant said to Ansh with a smile. Ansh just glanced at him once and looked away again.
Seeing this, Vedant continued, "I saw during the battle that you were doing everything alone. You didn't ask any of us for help even once. I don't know why you did that, but I hope you had a reason."
Hearing those words, Ansh looked at Vedant with a serious expression and replied, "I don't need anyone's help." With that, Ansh walked a little ahead and stood alone.
While all this was happening, the atmosphere in the Sanctum Chamber of the Protectors was different. Everyone there was still shocked to see Aryamitra and kept talking among themselves. General Armaan was lecturing Aryamitra, and General Vyom had to tell him to stop.
Suddenly, a voice rang out from the back, "Aren't you ashamed to return?"
It was General Sumati from the Earth Clan, whose elemental power was ice. She wore a white dress. But Aryamitra didn't react to her words either.
There were 15 Generals in the Protector Headquarters, each serving under five Clan Leaders. Each Clan Leader had three Generals under them, and their rankings were based on missions completed. The rankings were reviewed every six months. Aryamitra and his team always ranked first, keeping the Vidyut Clan on top. A Clan's overall ranking only changed when all three of its Generals topped the list. When this happened, their Clan Leader would become the Supreme Leader of the Five Protectors, although this change happened only once a year. Vidyut Clan had held this top position for many years. Even after Aryamitra left, the other two Vidyut Clan Generals had kept their top spots. But now, Aryamitra had returned.
While everyone was still discussing Aryamitra's return, a powerful aura suddenly filled the chamber. Everyone fell silent and turned to look in the direction of the source. The five Protector Leaders sat there, glowing with their respective energies, creating a chilling stillness in the hall.
One of them rose and spoke, "The decision to leave was yours, and I supported it. But the decision to return to the Protectors is not yours alone. It will be decided by all five Leaders."
This was Tejaswi, the Leader of Vidyut Clan. She looked like a fairy, dressed in white with blue patterns.
The five leaders began discussing whether or not Aryamitra should be reaccepted. The Leader of Jaladhi Clan, dressed in blue, said, "I think he should be accepted. After all, he's used his powers to save us from grave dangers."
Hearing this, the Agnikul Leader, named Varishtha, dressed in red and white, said, "That may be true, but rules are rules."
To this, the Vayukul Leader Tara, in green and white, replied, "But sometimes rules must be changed too."
Then, the Bhumikul Leader Prithusar, clad in a brown armored suit, said, "I agree with Jaladhi. Don't forget it was Aryamitra who defeated that Black Dragon in our absence."
The discussion among the five continued for some time until they finally reached a decision. They turned to Aryamitra and said:
"We will reinstate you, but you must join with a new team and serve under Vayukul. The top General of Vayukul will now serve under Vidyutkul. This decision has been approved only because Tara of Vayukul has taken full responsibility for you and your new team."
After saying this, the five Protectors returned to their seats. Aryamitra bowed his head, closed his fist to his chest, and gave them a respectful thank you.
"You all may leave now," said Prithusar, and the others saluted with closed fists to their chests and began to exit.
On the other side, Ansh and the others, including Incharge Daksh, had been fully healed. Their wounds were gone, and they had received their rewards. They were preparing to head home.
Just then, they noticed three people entering through the main gate. All three wore identical white outfits with blue patterns and blue capes flowing from their backs. It was clear they were members of Vidyutkul. Among them were a girl and two boys. The girl and one boy were talking casually as they walked in, while the other boy walked in silence.
That boy looked nothing short of a hero—tall, green eyes, a perfect body, and a stunning presence. Seeing him, Ayra, Nayra, Nandita, and Siya were instantly smitten. Vedant and Ishan looked at them with surprise, but far off to the side, Ansh stood silently, staring at the boy as he walked closer.
When the handsome boy and his companions got close, his eyes met Ansh's—and he too began staring back at him.
........।
Writer - 🕉️