Demise of the Demon King

by Utkarsh Srivastava

  King Bhargav freed Raajveer and left. Raajveer was staring at him.

  Soon Yugandhar also proceeded towards Naaglok, for the help of serpents. Before the battle, Akhand along with his siblings Veerbhadra, Sushen, Sahishnu, Jishnu, Shyamak and Vasusen came to his mother 'Vaishali' for her blessings. Vaishali was already aware about the conspiracy played by Bhanusen three years before, but she was still silent. Akhand was not aware about this, he lied down in front of his mother.

  'Be victorious, my sons.' All the brothers were blessed. Akhand reminded her mother.

  'I am going to fight for the unrighteous people, just because of the promise I made to you, mother. If we'll win this war, then it's ok. Otherwise, it's our last meeting. Now, permit us to leave.'

  Vaishali was unable to utter a word, before that she could speak anything, her all sons left that room. Queen Vaishali lied on the floor, she was continuously crying. She don't have any other option. Perhaps, she was worried about the huge destruction of the future.

  Within some days, the kingdom of Balishthgadh collected their four akshauhini army. Three lakhs of serpents, along with Naagraj Vishandhar was also with this army. Army Chief Sage Shankracharya, King Bhargav and his son Vrishbhaan were in front of the army. The command of the middle portion of the army was in the hand of Prince Tejasvi, who was ascended on his horse Vayujit. The former general of Balishthgadh 'Chakrsen' and 'Shalv' (The Prince of Magadha) was with him. The army of serpents were under Naagraj Vishandhar, who was along with his grandson Yugandhar. And the fourth part of the army was under Veersen, his son Surya, and Sanjay.

  All the warriors were with the armors on their body, and they were ascended on their respective chariots. But Tejasvi was a single warrior, who was just dressed as an ascetic, and was ascended on his childhood friend Vayujit. He had the divine Vijay Dhanusha in his hands, and the forester clothes on his body. He was a warrior, who neither wore an armor nor ascended on a chariot, just because of the oath he swore.

  'Soldiers……, proceed towards Vidarbh.' Sage Shankracharya ordered the troops of Balishthgadh.

  The army of Balishthgadh was about to reach Vidarbh. Soon a snoop came in the royal court of Vidarbh with this information.

  'My lord, the army of Balishthgadh has reached the border of Vidarbh. Perhaps, they will attack us, as the sun rises tomorrow.'

  Bhanusen stood up from his throne. He commanded his general.

  'Army Chief, Sage Kapish.'

  'Your order, my lord.'

  'Now we cannot wait for my father. Be prepare with our army, the war zone is waiting for us.'

  Then only the Demon King Markesh reached there, 'Don't lose your patience, my son. I am here for your help, and the demon's army are ready to fight for you.'

  Bhanusen was glad to see the Demon King, 'Come father, this throne of Vidarbh is waiting for you.'

  'Stop King Bhanusen, Stop.' Sage Kapish roared at Bhanusen, his eyes were red. He clearly warned Bhanusen.

  'Bhanusen, although you are not the son of former King of Vidarbh. But you are the part of his family. 'Shivanya', sister of King Bhabhuti, was your mother. That's why I have accepted you on this throne. If you will surrender this throne to the Demon King, then my bow will surely rise against you.'

  The Demon King tried to calm him down humbly.

  'The throne of Vidarbh belongs to my son Bhanusen, Army Chief. You should calm down, and prepare for the battle. I have come here, just to participate in this war, not to ascend on this throne.'

  Sage Kapish turned quiet, as he could not represent his anger. Then the Demon King turned towards Bhanusen.

  'You ascend on this throne of Vidarbh, my son. And I am just glad to know that, not only my son, my all grandsons are also with us.'

  Akhand interrupted 'My weapons, and strength are with you, but I will not kill my own brothers. My duty is just to protect my father, nothing else.' Akhand left the court.

  Within the time period of sunset, the army of Vidarbh also built their camps on the battlefield. In the night, Akhand was standing in front of a river, with the deep thoughts in his mind. Then only Sage Kapish came near him.

  'What are you thinking, Akhand?'

  'The army camp of Balishthgadh is just behind this river, Gurudev. Tejasvi, Yugandhar, uncle Veersen and even my beloved brother Suryam also are standing with our opponents. I don't know how I will raise my weapons on them.'

  'Not only you, it's a huge dilemma for me too, my son. I also have to raise my weapons against King Veersen and my disciple Suryam. But it's our destiny, we have to fight for the unrighteous people.'

  'I know, Gurudev, we are compelled to do so. But for me, there is only one responsibility, I have to protect my father at any cost, and I will fulfill this duty with all my efforts until I am alive.'

  'No, my son. Your preference would be to face that giant demon Vakrbaahu. Otherwise that giant mammoth is capable to destroy our whole army. And regarding your father, you need not to worry until I am alive.'

  'As you wish, Chief Commander. I am ready for the upcoming fierce destruction and bloodshed.' Akhand proceeded towards his camp.

  As like Akhand, Tejasvi was also standing near the coast of a river, and were in deep thoughts. Suryam came near him.

  'What you are thinking about, brother?' Suryam asked, when he felt that Tejasvi was worried.

  'It seems to be terrifying Suryam. I was thinking about the fierce massacre, which I could see in front of my eyes. I don't know who will be blamed, for this huge destruction. And even our elder Akhand is standing for our opponents, how we'll raise our weapons on him.' Tejasvi was distressed.

  'You should have thought it, before declaring this war. But you don't worry, we have Mahabali Vakrbaahu, he will stop Mahabali Akhand, and also he will widely destroy our opponent troops. Neither elder Akhand could defeat him eaisly, nor Vakrbaahu is capable of defeating our elder brother so soon. So I think that, Vakrbaahu would not let elder Akhand to cross our path in the war.'

  'No, Suryam. If Vakrbaahu arrives in the battlefield, then only there will be huge destruction. Tomorrow our prime target is to reach Bhanusen and kill him at any cost. So that the battle ends, and elder Akhand comes on our side.'

  'It's not easy, brother. Elder Akhand has vowed, that until he is alive no one could touch Bhanusen. And there are two more barriers in front of us, who will not let us reach Bhanusen, i.e. the Demon King Markesh and Sage Kapish.'

  In the darkness of that night, some footsteps of horses were heard. One warrior ascended on a chariot, was coming towards the camp of Balishthgadh. He was actually Raajveer (Prince of Balishthgadh). He stepped down from the chariot and came towards Tejasvi, Tejasvi turned his head in the opposite direction, he was furious to see him. Raajveer tried to convince Tejasvi

  'Prince Tejasvi, you have right to show your anger. But I request you, to forget the incidence of past, and allow me to participate in this war. So that I could atone for my sins.'

  When King Bhargav got to know about the arrival of Raajveer, he came out from his camp. Raajveer lied down on his knees and requested

  'Please forgive me father. Just give me one chance, so that I could atone for my sins.'

  'You are permitted to participate in this war, Prince Raajveer. You will be with your father and brother Vrishbhaan and will take care of one side of our army. Chief Commander Sage Shankracharya will be with you.' Tejasvi left after his command.

  'Tejasvi is a big hearted person. He condoned you for your sins, now you have to prove your loyalty towards him.' King Bhargav tried to motivate Raajveer.

  'You don't worry, father. I am ready to sacrifice my life for the atonement of my sins.'

  Soon the time elapsed. The Sun rises, the beam of sunlight was spreaded all over. Both the armies crossed the rivers, and were in front of each other.

  The design of the Balishthgadh army was as similar as they proceeded towards Vidarbh. The army of Vidarbh was also ready for attack.

  The commander in chief Sage Kapish was
leading Vidarbh's army, Bhanusen 'The King of Vidarbh' was with him. Second portion of the army was leaded by the Demon King Markesh, his grandson Subaahu was with him. Third portion of the army was under Mahabali Akhand, his brothers Veerbhadra, Sushen, Sahishnu, Shyamak, Jishnu and Vasusen was with him, and were eager to clash with the opponents.

  All the titans (warriors), puffed their shells before war, these blowing sounds shivered the whole environment. The six akshauhini army of Vidarbh were eager to clash with the four akshauhini army of Balishthgadh. Two akshauhini army of Vidarbh were humans, and four akshauhini army was of the Demon King Markesh, who were in the favour of Vidarbh's clan.

  Sage Kapish and Sage Shankracharya were about to command their armies for attack.

  The army of Balishthgadh was designed as a Makaravyuh(army in shape of a crocodile), and the army of Vidarbh was designed as a Kraunchavyuh (heron formation).

  'Har Har Mahadev…….. ' The roaring sound of Army Chief of Balishthgadh Sage Shankracharya, and his army, shivered the nearby mountains.

  Sage Kapish also raised his bow, the blowing sound of the string of his bow raised the confidence level of Vidarbh's army.

  'Attack…… ' After the command of attack, both the armies rushed towards each other in the thirst of blood.

  This was the beginning of a great demolition. The bloodsheds began to falls in the war zone, as like a water from the waterfalls. The ground of the battlefield turned red due to the bloodsheds of the warriors. Perhaps, this war was one of the fierce battle of that time period.

  Soon Tejasvi rushed towards Sage Shankracharya with his horse.

  'Do you remember our strategy, Tejasvi?'

  'Yes, commander. My responsibility is to the block the way of Sage Kapish. Yugandhar and Naagraj Vishandhar along with the serpent's army will stop the Demon King Markesh, from destroying our army. King Bhargav, Prince Raajveer and Vrishbhaan will face the sons of Bhanusen, and Suryam will block the way of elder Akhand.'

  'You are right, Tejasvi. These all warriors will be active to protect Bhanusen. To stop the sons of Bhanusen we need your father Chakrsen, Shalv and minister Sanjay. You go, because Sage Kapish is destroying our army rapidly, you go and stop him.'

  'As you command, Sage.' Tejasvi rushed in search of the general of Vidarbh's army.

  Yugandhar and Vishandhar along with the serpent's army blocked the way of the Demon King. 'Stop, Markesh. Why you are still fighting with the ordinary troops. The serpent's army is here with their venom, to destroy your army.'

  'You serpents are very proud of your venom. But now I will block the flow of your venoms in your veins.' Then the Demon King Markesh, evocated a divine weapon.

  But before he could aim that arrow towards the serpents, Yugandhar targeted his axe towardsthe Demon King, his chariot was destroyed and he falls on the ground.

  'Not today, Markesh. Today I will not let you evocate the Vishkat Astra. I know that you will not be affected through the venom, but the venom of these serpents army will surely destroy your demon's army.'

  'You are still not aware Yugandhar, that, how much divine weapons I have gained in these three years. You cannot stand in front of me more than moments.'

  'The divine god Sheshnag has given me the boon, until this Divine Axe is in my hand, even the greatest warrior of this world cannot defeat me. I am undefeatable Markesh.'

  'Oh…really, then let me test your boon, be ready to face my sword.'

  The Demon King Markesh rushed towards Yugandhar with his sword. The both weapons clashed, which shivered the whole battlefield. Naagraj Vishandhar and the serpent's army used their venom puffs on the demons. As a result, the demons were turning unconscious and falling continuously, thereafter the serpent's army started slaughtering the demons like a lamb.

  'Look over your troops Demon King, look over the vast destruction of your army.'

  The fierce battle among Yugandhar and Markesh was going on. On the other side, the great warrior Tejasvi blocked the path of Sage Kapish. Sanjay, Chakrsen, King Bhargav, Raajveer, Vrishbhaan and Prince of Magadh Shalv were engaged with the respective sons of Bhanusen, Veerbhadra, Sushen, Shyamak, Sahishnu, Jishnu and Vasusen in war. Veersen along with his army were creating havoc among the opponents. Suryam was in search of Akhand.

  Then only Subaahu crossed his path. Both the warriors jumped from the chariot, and the duel started between them. Soon Subaahu was disarmed, and falls on the ground. The mace of Suryam was about to crush the forehead of Subaahu. But Akhand reached there on time, and before that Suryam could kill him, he resisted his attack on his mace.

  'It's not right, elder. A prey of a hunter should not be snatched from him.' The eyes of Suryam turned red.

  'He is also my brother as like you, Suryam. And it's my priority to secure him.' Akhand pushed Suryam back.

  'Subaahu, go and help our brothers.' On his command, Subaahu stood up from the ground and rushed to help the sons of Bhanusen.

  'I don't want harm you, Suryam. So you should also go, and find some other opponent.'

  'My general has sent me to block your path, Elder. I'll not let you go from here.'

  'From childhood, we both had many competitions in a duel with mace. But remember one thing, you have not defeated me even a single time.'

  'If not that time, then today might be the day I was waiting for. I'll surely dominate you today. So be alert, elder.'

  'As you wish, Suryam.'

  Both the brothers rushed towards each other. The clashing sound of their mace leads to fierce thundering sound. There duel continued till a prahar. At last, Suryam was defeated, Akhand stuck him with the ground by ascending the mace on his chest.

  'As like earlier, you are defeated once more. Go and increase your skills, then you should challenge me for a duel.' Akhand stepped forward saying this.

  On the other side Raajveer was facing the youngest son of Bhanusen, i.e. 'Vasusen'. He was about to kill him, but then only Subaahu reached there and resisted his attack on his sword.

  'Our friendship has turned into hostility, Prince Raajveer. While we were friends, you were about surrender your sister 'Suvarna' to me, but you ditched me. And now Suvarna is the wife of that wretch Tejasvi. I'll surely punish you for supporting him.'

  'Don't utter the name of my sister from your tongue, wretch demon. You have invited your death, Subaahu. So be ready for the duel.'

  Both the capable warriors clashed, and one more duel of this epic war started.

  On the other side, at last Sage Shankracharya found Bhanusen. Sunset was near, demise of Bhanusen was mandatory. Therefore, Sage Shankracharya aimed the Jihva Astra to kill Bhanusen. But before that he could shoot that arrow, Akhand rushed towards him, he thrown his mace and destroyed his chariot. Sage Shankracharya has to jump from the chariot to save his life.

  The duel among Raajveer and Subaahu was still going on. With the strength of his both hands, Raajveer lead down Subaahu with his sword, while Subaahu was resisting him through only one hand and was continuously bending down through the pressure of the two hands of Raajveer. But one hand of Subaahu was free, he took the advantage of that. He pulled out a poniard from his waist and stabbed Rajveer with full speed. Raajveer was wounded, he was in severe pain, but then also he collected all his strength and pushed back Subaahu. But within that time, sun was set. Now Raajveer could not raise his sword, he falls on the ground. While on the other side, the duel among Akhand and Sage Shankracharya wasn't started yet.