As Karna's emotions threatened to overwhelm him, the voice of his trusted AI, Artemis resonated in his mind, urging him to regain control. Karna, with a deep breath, tried to compose himself. He nodded slightly, acknowledging Artemis's guidance, and reached for the Phoenix Feather in his inventory.
With a swift motion, Karna retrieved the Phoenix Feather from his inventory. The ethereal artifact, pulsating with ancient power, resonated with the turmoil in the air. The life force in it was so immense that it seemed to glow with a warm, golden light. Karna held the Phoenix Feather close to Mandodari's lifeless form, its aura enveloping her in a soothing glow.
"May the Phoenix Feather, bearer of the flame of rebirth, bring life anew to Mandodari," Karna whispered, his voice carrying a solemn plea.
The celestial energy within the Phoenix Feather surged forth, weaving itself into the very fabric of Mandodari's being. The field resonated with a gentle hum as the ancient artifact worked its magic. Slowly, Mandodari's body began to stir, and color returned to her pale complexion.
The wives, their grief-stricken expressions transforming into astonishment, watched as Mandodari's eyes fluttered open. The once lifeless gaze now held a spark of renewed vitality.
"Karna...?" Mandodari's voice was a soft murmur, filled with confusion and a hint of fear.
"It's okay, I am here." Karna smiled but tears glistened in his eyes as he gently cradled Mandodari in his arms. "You're safe now, my love."
Mandodari's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked up at Karna, her hand reaching out to touch his face as if confirming his presence. "I... I thought..."
Karna brushed away a stray tear from Mandodari's cheek, his heart heavy with the weight of their shared ordeal. "You thought you were lost to me, but thanks to the Phoenix Feather, you've been given a second chance."
The wives, overcome with emotion, gathered around Karna and Mandodari, their tears mingling with expressions of relief and joy. The field once shrouded in sorrow, now seemed to resonate with the warmth of newfound hope.
Krishna looked thoughtful, 'Feather looked like Garuda's but it was not his as it has so much life force to even resurrect the dead. There's more to this Phoenix Feather than meets the eye.'
As Karna and Mandodari embraced, Krishna stepped back, giving them the space they needed. The wives, still processing the miracle before them, exchanged glances filled with gratitude towards Karna and the mysterious power of the Phoenix Feather.
"Let's go Home," Karna said while tightly holding Mandodari, his voice a mix of relief and tenderness. The wives nodded in agreement, their eyes reflecting the shared journey of pain and triumph.
Kamini, Brinda, Kali, Draupadi, Scathach, Tara, and Lilith with Mandodari safely revived and embraced in Karna's arms, the group made their way back home. The journey was marked by a mixture of silence and subdued conversation, each member lost in their thoughts and reflections on the recent events.
As they approached their destination, the familiar sight of their home brought a sense of comfort and relief. The wounds of the past battles were still fresh, but there was also a newfound sense of unity and resilience among them.
"KARNA! KARNA!"
Radha Maa with Adhiratha came running from the palace towards the group. The joy on Radha Maa's face turned into a mix of relief and happiness as she saw Karna holding Mandodari, alive and well.
"Mother!" Karna called out, his voice carrying a mixture of emotions.
Radha Maa embraced Karna, her eyes welling up with tears. "I feared the worst, my son. You fought Mahamahim Bhishma and Guru Drona after that fought with Devraj Indra and his army too?"
"Ye-"
"Battle? He outright made them kneel from his aura alone~" Before Karna could say something, Krishna came with a mischief twinkle in his eyes, interrupting the conversation.
"Little Krishna!" Radha Maa immediately hugged Krishna, her affection for the mischievous deity evident in her embrace. But right after that pulled his ear, Krishna winced slightly as Radha Maa playfully scolded him, her love for him evident in her actions. "Krishna, you're always up to some mischief, aren't you?" she chided gently.
Krishna grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "What can I say, Mother? Life would be dull without a little excitement now and then."
Radha Maa chuckled, shaking her head fondly. "You haven't changed a bit, Krishna."
Adhiratha, standing beside Radha Maa, looked at Karna with a mixture of pride and concern. "My son, you've been through so much. I'm glad to see you safe."
"Karna's aura alone could make even the mightiest tremble," Krishna added with a hint of admiration in his voice. "He faced formidable foes and emerged victorious."
Karna, though grateful for the praise, remained humble. "It was not without sacrifice, Father. Many lives were lost in the battles, and Mandodari..." His voice trailed off, the memory of her lifeless form still fresh in his mind.
"Mandodari?" Radha Maa looked puzzled at Karna asking to elaborate.
Karna gently lowered Mandodari to the ground, and with a deep breath, he began recounting the events that transpired in the celestial battle. As he spoke, the group gathered around, listening intently to the tale of triumph and tragedy.
When Karna reached the part where Mandodari had fallen victim to the manipulations of those seeking to control him, Radha Maa's expression shifted from curiosity to sorrow. She exchanged a glance with Adhiratha, their parental concern evident in their eyes.
"Karna," Radha Maa turned to him, her tone grave, "the forces that orchestrated this, the ones who used Mandodari as a pawn, must be held accountable. Such deceit and manipulation cannot go unpunished."
Karna nodded solemnly, his gaze hardening with resolve. "You're right, Mother. Those responsible for Mandodari's suffering must face justice."
Krishna, who had been listening attentively, interjected with a thoughtful expression. "But let us not be consumed by vengeance, my friends. Justice should be tempered with wisdom and compassion."
Radha Maa and Adhiratha nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of maintaining balance even in the pursuit of justice.
"We will ensure that justice is served, but we must also strive to break the cycle of violence and betrayal," Krishna continued, his voice filled with conviction.
Karna's eyes softened as he absorbed Krishna's words. "You're right, Krishna. We cannot allow ourselves to be consumed by hatred. Mandodari's suffering has already taken its toll. It's time to forge a new path, one guided by compassion and understanding."
Radha Maa placed a comforting hand on Karna's shoulder, her eyes brimming with maternal affection. "My son, you've faced many trials, but your strength and compassion have never wavered. I have faith that you will lead us toward a brighter future."
[Suryalok]
"Swami (Husband), now we could meet our son, right?" Goddess Sandhya smiled at Surya Dev, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"We can but," Surya Dev looked at Goddess Sandhya, a mixture of joy and concern in his radiant gaze. "Priye (Darling), our reunion with Karna is a moment I've longed for, but we must approach this with caution. As you know Devraj died at the hands of our son could have unforeseen consequences. Our reunion must be carefully orchestrated to ensure that no harm befalls Karna or anyone else."
Goddess Sandhya nodded, her expression serious yet hopeful. "I understand, Swami. Karna's safety is paramount, and we must proceed with caution."
"Then what should we do Swami (Husband)?" Goddess Chhaya interjected, her presence shimmering beside Surya. Her eyes reflected concern, knowing the delicate balance that needed to be maintained.
Surya Dev contemplated for a moment, the golden aura around him pulsating with celestial energy. "Priye (Darling), we must seek the guidance of Lord Vishnu before proceeding. He possesses the wisdom and foresight to navigate the complexities of this situation."
Goddess Chhaya nodded in agreement. "Yes, Swami (Husband). Lord Vishnu's counsel will be invaluable in ensuring the safety of our son and the well-being of all involved."
Surya Dev, with determination etched across his radiant features, focused his divine energy, and a shimmering portal to Vaikuntha, the divine abode of Lord Vishnu, materialized before them.
"Let us seek the counsel of Lord Vishnu," Surya Dev said, gesturing for Goddess Sandhya and Goddess Chhaya to step through the portal.
Goddess Sandhya and Goddess Chhaya followed Surya Dev through the portal, their divine forms traversing the realms until they arrived in the celestial abode of Vaikuntha.
The air in Vaikuntha resonated with tranquility, and the presence of Lord Vishnu, reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta Shesha, imbued the surroundings with a sense of divine serenity.
Surya Dev, with a respectful bow, approached Lord Vishnu. "Mahavishnu, the time has come for us to seek your guidance," he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of responsibility.
Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, opened his eyes, and his gaze, filled with wisdom, fell upon Surya Dev and the goddesses. "Surya Dev, Goddess Sandhya, and Goddess Chhaya, what brings you to my abode?" Lord Vishnu inquired, his voice resonating with a soothing timbre.
Surya Dev explained the delicate situation involving Karna, his recent battles, and the potential repercussions of his actions in the divine and mortal realms.
Goddess Sandhya and Goddess Chhaya added their insights, expressing their concerns for Karna's well-being and the need for a cautious approach to their reunion.