“You will agree to the training regimens I implement, and you will attend the social events required of you,” Indra continued without pause. “When you are ready, I expect you to accept missions that preserve the peace and equilibrium across Triloka—the three realms.”
Ezra sat with the proposal for some time, unable to stop obsessing over Indra’s last words, which sounded strangely rehearsed and practiced. “Is maintaining equilibrium across Triloka the deities’ responsibility?”
Indra appeared unsurprised by Ezra’s fixation, if not exasperatedly prepared for the imminent confrontation. “We are the only entity capable of enforcing our forefathers’ philosophies.”
Mirth bubbled up Ezra’s throat, and he no longer remembered he was supposed to be intimidated by Indra. He took a step back and cut the air with the side of his palm in a gesture of unsuppressed hilarity. “Please tell me this is a recent aspiration to revisit failed expectations.”
Indra was impressively unperturbed. “Do you accept my proposal, Reaper?”
“If I accept, what will become of the bhutas and atrins?”
“They are not part of this negotiation. They will remain as they are until you and I can reach another arrangement.”
“And what of the mortal realm?” Ezra pressed. “If I go with you, will Eurus surrender?”
That incurred a moment’s pause from Indra. “I have given my word to Vayu that his mortal territory will undertake irrevocable damage. Such destruction is a necessary evil to revitalize his mortals. Should you agree to accompany me to Svarga tonight, I will ensure Concordia sustains as little damage as possible from the fallout. Your mortal family will be spared.”
Ezra threw back his shoulders, outraged at both the terms and Vayu’s sheer disregard for his mortals. He vividly recalled his tour to Eurus State and Agni’s insinuation that Vayu may have to destroy his territory to rectify the damage caused by an absent god. How dare he—how dare Vayu eradicate innocent mortal lives because of his own mistakes?
“Obliteration of Eurus will still require substantial losses from the other territories,” he reasoned, furious that Indra thought he could delude him into the true sacrifices of war. He squared up to Indra, his tone steely, “I refuse your offer.”
Indra appeared unsurprised by Ezra’s refusal. “Any further proposal won’t be as reasonable.”
“I’ll take my chances,” Ezra said simply, despite the prickle of unease warning him that he was gambling in a high-stakes game. “Naraka and the mortal realm need proper representation.” He adopted Indra’s earlier air of gravity as he parroted his words, “I will continue to uphold the equilibrium across Triloka like our great forefathers’ philosophies.”
Indra’s eyes grew hooded at the cheek. “You don’t even know who your forefathers are, you—”
“Maybe not. But for all the knowledge you possess and I lack, I, at least, know the basic principles behind maintaining equilibrium among the three realms—something that was clearly lost on the gods, who continue to demean and torment those they deem inferior.”
Avery Hendrex 