Chapter 12- The Heavenly Court

"Tina," Rohan's voice echoed softly amidst the cosmic stillness, "I need your help. I must see Avyaan."

Tina turned, her eyes reflecting the shimmering light of distant constellations. She recognized the urgency in Rohan's plea and stepped closer, her celestial garb flowing like stardust around her.

"Rohan," Tina said, her voice carrying the weight of ages past, "Gaining access to the Heavenly Court is no easy feat. and the also the royal court is heavily guarded by the powerful celestial troops. Even a small mistake would cause death. so I will not take risk of taking you to heavenly court."

Rohan's excitement shrunk by hearing Tina's warnings. Tina leaves the Inn by promising him to make arrangements to make meet him Avyaan. But Rohan couldn't wait for the right time instead he determined to go to the heavenly court all by himself. As dawn painted the celestial realm with hues of ethereal light, he adorned himself in a cloak of shimmering illusions which were made by Rohan using his sorcery spells, weaving threads of magic around him to conceal his true form.

As Rohan stepped into the golden roads that wound their way towards the Heavenly Court, a sense of reverence washed over him. The celestial realm seemed to hold its breath as he ventured forth, each step echoing with the weight of his purpose.

The golden roads shimmered beneath his feet, casting reflections of celestial light in all directions. Along the way, Rohan passed by towering spires adorned with intricate carvings, each telling a story of the celestial masters and their bravery that raised the head of the Heavenly court. 

With each step, Rohan felt the presence of the celestial realm growing stronger, a palpable energy that hummed in the air around him. He knew that he was drawing closer to the heart of the Heavenly Court. He found solace in the beauty of the celestial realm that surrounded him. The golden roads wound through fields of shimmering starlight, past cascading waterfalls of celestial energy, and beneath archways adorned with constellations that glimmered like jewels in the cosmic expanse.

He knew that the journey ahead would not be easy, but he was prepared to face whatever challenges awaited him in his quest to reach Avyaan. As Rohan approached the gates of the Heavenly Court, he noticed a steady stream of celestial beings entering the grand entrance, each bearing offerings or messages for the celestial council. Celestial guards stood watch, their vigilant eyes scanning each newcomer and the items they carried. With his heart pounding in his chest, he observed the careful scrutiny with which the guards inspected each offering. He knew that his disguise and the Sword of Light hidden beneath his cloak would need to withstand their scrutiny if he were to gain entry unnoticed. As he was thinking about the ways of passing the scrutiny he overheard the people talking about the birthday of elder son of King Nakh. Idea Flushed in his mind to pass the scrutiny by heavenly guards easily without any doubt. With a quick and practiced gesture, he invoked a powerful enchantment, channeling his magical abilities into the Sword of Light concealed beneath his cloak.

In an instant, the gleaming blade transformed into a luscious, celestial fruit, its surface shimmering with ethereal light. With the Sword of Light now disguised as a harmless offering, Rohan presented it to the guards with confidence, knowing that his magical spell would withstand their scrutiny.

The celestial guards, their eyes trained on the offerings presented before them, inspected the fruit with a cursory glance. Satisfied that it posed no threat, they nodded in approval, allowing Rohan to pass through the gates unhindered.

The Heavenly Court stood as a beacon of celestial majesty amidst the boundless expanse of the celestial realm. Its towering spires reached towards the heavens, their crystalline forms shimmering with ethereal light that danced like starlight upon the walls. Rohan stepped into the grand halls of the Heavenly Court, he was immediately enveloped in a symphony of celestial beauty. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the history of the celestial realm, each panel a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship that seemed to come alive with celestial energy.

The air was alive with the hum of celestial beings going about their divine duties, their celestial auras pulsating with otherworldly power. Celestial orbs floated effortlessly through the air, casting pools of soft light upon the gleaming marble floors. Above, a celestial dome stretched overhead, its surface adorned with constellations that glimmered like jewels in the cosmic expanse. Celestial energies crackled and danced across the dome, casting a mesmerizing display of light and color that seemed to transcend mortal comprehension.

At the heart of the Heavenly Court stood the celestial throne, a resplendent seat of power where the celestial council convened to govern the affairs of the celestial realm. The throne was encrusted with celestial gemstones that sparkled with celestial radiance, and a celestial canopy arched overhead, casting a soft glow upon the assembled beings below. Every corner of the Heavenly Court exuded an aura of celestial beauty and grandeur, a testament to the divine power that governed the celestial realm. For Rohan, it was a sight unlike any he had ever beheld, a breathtaking panorama of celestial splendor that filled him with awe and reverence.

As he ventured deeper into the hallowed halls of the Heavenly Court, Rohan couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the boundless beauty that surrounded him. It was a place of divine majesty and celestial grace, where the very essence of the celestial realm seemed to converge in a symphony of celestial beauty that transcended mortal understanding. However, his attention was quickly drawn to the long line of beings that stretched before him, each awaiting their turn to offer birthday wishes to the first prince of the celestial realm. Rohan's heart sank with disappointment as he realized the magnitude of the occasion and the countless well-wishers vying for attention.

As Rohan wandered through the celestial splendor of the Heavenly Court, lost in the grandeur of his surroundings, he suddenly found himself colliding with two figures clad in resplendent royal attire. Startled, he stumbled backward, his heart racing with surprise at the unexpected encounter.

The two young men, their celestial robes adorned with intricate patterns of celestial symbols, regarded Rohan with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. Their celestial auras pulsed with youthful energy, imbuing the air around them with an aura of vibrant vitality.

"I beg your pardon," Rohan stammered, his voice filled with apologies as he regained his composure. "I did not see you there." they were the third and fourth sons of the Heavenly King, With a gleam of mischief in their eyes, the two princes exchanged a knowing glance, their celestial auras crackling with unrestrained energy. Rohan's heart sank as he sensed the danger of the situation, realizing that he had unwittingly crossed paths with two of the most unpredictable figures in the celestial realm.

Before he could react, the princes' demeanor shifted from curiosity to hostility, their celestial gazes ablaze with fury. With a flick of their wrists, they commanded the celestial guards to seize Rohan and bring him before their father, the Heavenly King, to face judgment for his perceived transgressions. As Rohan was presented before the Heavenly King, he fell to his knees in submission, his head bowed before the imposing figure seated upon the celestial throne. The Heavenly King regarded him with a gaze that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of reality, his celestial aura pulsating with divine authority.

As Rohan raised his face, his eyes widened in awe and trepidation as he beheld the majestic figure seated upon the celestial throne. It was none other than Nakh, the revered King of Heaven, whose presence filled the grand halls of the Heavenly Court with an aura of divine authority.

Nakh, with his regal countenance and celestial aura pulsating with radiant power, regarded Rohan with a gaze that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of reality. His eyes, like pools of celestial wisdom, held the weight of countless eons and the secrets of the celestial realm.

"Rise, Rohan," the voice of Nakh resonated through the hallowed halls, its celestial resonance echoing with the power of the cosmos. "You stand before the King of Heaven, and your fate shall be decided by the laws of our realm."

With trembling limbs, Rohan obeyed the command, slowly rising to his feet and bowing his head in reverence before the celestial majesty of Nakh. He felt a surge of humility wash over him, realizing the magnitude of his presence and the gravity of the situation in which he found himself. Rohan stood before the celestial throne of Nakh, the King of Heaven, he summoned the courage to speak truthfully of his encounter with the two princes.

"Your Majesty," Rohan began, his voice steady despite the weight of the situation, "I must clarify that I had no intent to trespass upon sacred ground or defy the laws of our realm. I was merely wandering the halls of the Heavenly Court when I accidentally collided with the two princes. I immediately apologized for my unintentional actions."

Rohan stood before the celestial throne, prepared to defend himself against the accusations of the two princes, his heart sank as they spoke out against him with false claims.

"Your Majesty," the first prince began, his voice dripping with malice, "we must bring to your attention that this traveler, Rohan, not only trespassed upon sacred ground but also committed theft in our presence." Rohan's eyes widened in shock at the blatant falsehoods being hurled against him. He knew he had not committed such a crime, yet the princes' words threatened to sway the judgment of the Heavenly King.

"We were in possession of precious royal jewels," the second prince continued, his expression twisted with deceit, "and this traveler, Rohan, was seen leaving the vicinity shortly after they went missing."

As the two princes accused Rohan of theft, Rohan's heart raced with panic, knowing the weight their words carried in the celestial court. However, he stood firm, his resolve unyielding in the face of their false accusations.

"Your Majesty," Rohan spoke, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him, "I categorically deny the accusations made against me by the princes. Their claims are false and without merit."

The celestial court fell silent, all eyes turning to Rohan as he spoke. His words rang with conviction, and there was a palpable tension in the air as the truth of the matter hung in the balance.

Nakh, the King of Heaven, regarded Rohan with a gaze that seemed to penetrate to the very depths of his soul, his celestial aura pulsating with divine discernment. For a timeless moment, silence hung heavy in the air as the King deliberated the accusations brought before him.

Finally, Nakh spoke, his voice carrying the weight of celestial authority. "Rohan, traveler of the celestial realm," he said, his tone filled with solemnity, "I must weigh the evidence presented before me and render judgment accordingly. "As Nakh, the King of Heaven, deliberated Rohan's fate, he ordered the guards to thoroughly search Rohan for any stolen jewels. Rohan stood still, his heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and determination as the guards began their inspection. Meanwhile, amidst the tension of the moment, the grand doors of the celestial hall swung open, revealing the entrance of the elder prince, whose birthday celebrations had been interrupted by the unfolding events.

Rohan raised his head to meet the gaze of the elder prince who had just entered the celestial hall, his heart skipped a beat as he realized that the prince was none other than Avyaan. 

Shock and relief flooded through Rohan as he locked eyes with Avyaan, his mind struggling to comprehend the twists of fate that had brought them together in this moment.

"Senior," Rohan whispered, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes brimming with tears of joy and relief. "It's you."

Rohan's heart sank as Avyaan's demeanor shifted suddenly, his gaze filled with a cold detachment that sent a shiver down Rohan's spine. It was as if Avyaan didn't recognize him, as if their shared history and bond had been erased in an instant.

"Avyaan," Rohan whispered, his voice tinged with desperation, "it's me, Rohan."

As Rohan's revelation hung in the air, the celestial hall fell into a stunned silence. In the celestial realm, to address a prince by their name was not just a breach of etiquette—it was a crime punishable by celestial law. The gravity of Rohan's accusation was heightened by the fact that he had dared to utter Avyaan's name in public. Whispers of disbelief and unease spread among the celestial beings, their celestial auras flickering with apprehension. None dared to voice their thoughts aloud, for to do so would be to invite the wrath of the celestial court and risk punishment for their transgression.

"Your Majesty," one of the princes spoke, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "we cannot ignore the fact that Rohan has not only trespassed upon sacred ground but also dared to address a prince by name, a crime punishable by celestial law."

The celestial court murmured with agreement, acknowledging the severity of Rohan's actions. In the celestial realm, to defy the established protocols and customs was to invite divine retribution, and the consequences of such defiance could be dire.

As the tension in the celestial hall reached its peak, one of the guards tasked with searching Rohan's belongings approached him with caution. With a practiced hand, the guard reached into Rohan's pocket, his fingers brushing against an object concealed within.

With a sudden realization, Rohan's heart skipped a beat as the guard withdrew his hand, revealing not stolen jewels, but a single piece of fruit. However, this was no ordinary fruit—it was the Sword of Light, transformed by Rohan's magic to bypass the scrutiny of the guards. With practiced precision, the guard's hands moved swiftly, probing every pocket and seam of Rohan's celestial robes. And then, with a sudden motion, he withdrew his hand, revealing a cache of stolen jewels concealed within one of Rohan's pockets.

As the celestial court awaited Nakh's judgment, Rohan stepped forward, his voice ringing with clarity and conviction amidst the tension-filled hall. "Your Majesty," Rohan began, his words carrying the weight of truth, "I stand accused of crimes I did not commit. These jewels were not stolen by me, but were deceitfully planted on me by the princes themselves."

As Nakh, the King of Heaven, listened to the unfolding trial, a storm of anger brewed within him. Despite the truth revealed, his celestial wrath was swift and unforgiving. With a voice that thundered through the celestial hall, he pronounced his judgment.

"Rohan," Nakh's voice boomed, filled with celestial fury, "for your defiance of celestial law and your accusations against the princes, I condemn you to the Dungeon of a Thousand Lightnings."

Gasps of shock echoed through the celestial court as the severity of the punishment was revealed. The Dungeon of a Thousand Lightnings was a place of unimaginable torment, where bolts of celestial lightning would strike relentlessly, ensuring a swift and agonizing demise.

As Rohan knelt before the pronouncement of his punishment, he raised his head, seeking solace or perhaps an ounce of understanding from Avyaan, who stood among the celestial court, his expression unreadable. Their eyes met in a charged moment of silent communication. Rohan searched Avyaan's face for any sign of recognition, any hint of the bond they once shared. But Avyaan remained stoic, his celestial aura betraying nothing of his thoughts or emotions.

Rohan felt a pang of anguish as he realized that Avyaan, stood silent and unmoved by his plight. It was a bitter realization, a stark reminder of how much had changed between them. With a heavy heart, Rohan bowed his head once more, accepting his f ate with a sense of resignation.