DHARMA TRIALS: THE SUTRA'S CHOSEN

The sun broke through the forest canopy, casting golden beams onto the path ahead. Aryan walked in silence, his staff slung over his back, while Vaanya led the group, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. Kiran walked beside Dev, the fiery new addition to their group, who whistled a carefree tune as he strolled along.

Aryan couldn't help but glance at Dev every few moments. The red-haired swordsman carried himself with an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. His sword, etched with glowing runes, seemed to hum with latent power. It was clear Dev wasn't an ordinary traveler, but his motives remained a mystery.

"Do you always talk this much?" Vaanya said without turning around, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Dev grinned. "What's wrong, Vaanya? Afraid you might start liking me if I keep talking?"

Vaanya rolled her eyes but didn't dignify him with a response.

Aryan decided to break the tension. "So, Dev, why are you really here? You said you're a Sutra enthusiast, but that doesn't explain why you want to join us."

Dev stopped whistling and glanced at Aryan. "Straight to the point, huh? I like that. Alright, here's the deal—I've been hunting for the Flame Sutra for years. It's said to be hidden somewhere in the Medium World, and I think sticking with you might lead me closer to it."

Aryan frowned. "And what happens when you find it?"

Dev's grin widened. "Simple. I claim it. But don't worry, Sutra boy. I'm not looking to steal yours. I've got my eyes on my own prize."

Kiran, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "The Sutras aren't toys to be collected. They're bound by destiny. If the Flame Sutra isn't meant for you, no amount of searching will change that."

Dev shrugged. "Maybe. But I'm willing to take my chances."

Vaanya turned around, her eyes narrowing. "And what happens if someone else gets to it first? Are you willing to betray us to get what you want?"

The air grew tense, but Dev didn't flinch. He met Vaanya's gaze head-on, his grin fading. "I don't betray people I fight alongside. You have my word on that."

Vaanya studied him for a moment, then turned back around. "We'll see."

---

### The Training Grounds

By midday, the group arrived at a clearing near the edge of the forest. The sound of rushing water filled the air, and a small waterfall cascaded into a crystal-clear pool. Aryan looked around, his instincts telling him this would be the perfect place to rest and train.

"We'll camp here for the night," Vaanya said, setting her pack down. "Aryan, you're going to work on controlling the Sutra. Kiran and I will keep watch."

"And me?" Dev asked, raising an eyebrow.

Vaanya smirked. "You can sit and look pretty."

Aryan couldn't help but chuckle as he unshouldered his staff and took a seat near the waterfall. The Vishwakarma Sutra's golden energy flickered faintly around him, like a flame struggling to stay lit.

"Alright, Sutra boy," Dev said, sitting cross-legged across from Aryan. "Show me what you've got."

Aryan hesitated. "I'm still learning. It's not like I can just summon it on command."

"Then start small," Dev said, leaning forward. "The Sutra is alive. Treat it like a stubborn animal—earn its trust. Don't try to force it."

Aryan closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. The Sutra's warmth began to spread through his body, but it remained elusive, like a shadow slipping through his fingers. He gritted his teeth, frustration mounting.

"Stop fighting it," Kiran called from nearby. "The Sutra isn't your enemy. Let it guide you."

Aryan exhaled slowly, releasing the tension in his body. He imagined the Sutra as a river, its golden energy flowing freely. Instead of trying to control it, he allowed himself to be carried by its current.

Suddenly, the golden glow around him brightened. The energy coalesced into a shimmering sigil that hovered above his palm. Aryan's eyes snapped open in surprise.

"I did it…" he whispered.

Dev clapped his hands. "Not bad, Sutra boy. Not bad at all."

Vaanya, who had been observing from a distance, crossed her arms. "Don't get cocky. That was a small step. You've got a long way to go."

Aryan nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "Then I'll keep going."

---

### Vaanya's Nightmare

That night, as the group settled around the campfire, Vaanya sat apart from the others, sharpening her daggers. The firelight cast flickering shadows across her face, but her eyes were distant, lost in thought.

Aryan approached her cautiously. "Vaanya… are you okay?"

She didn't look at him. "I'm fine."

"You don't seem fine," Aryan said, sitting down beside her. "If something's bothering you, you can talk to me."

Vaanya's grip on her dagger tightened. For a moment, Aryan thought she might snap at him, but then she sighed and set the blade down.

"I keep seeing their faces," she said quietly. "My family. Every time I close my eyes, I see them."

Aryan didn't know what to say. He remembered her story about the Shadowed Hand and the tragedy that had shaped her life.

"I can't let them go," Vaanya continued. "Not until I've made the ones responsible pay."

"You will," Aryan said, his voice firm. "We will. Together."

Vaanya looked at him, her eyes softening. "You're a strange one, Aryan. Most people would run the other way if they knew what they were up against. But you… you keep pushing forward."

Aryan smiled. "I guess I don't know how to quit."

Vaanya smirked faintly. "Good. Because quitting isn't an option."

---

### A Shadow in the Dark

As the group slept, a faint rustling in the trees woke Vaanya. Her eyes snapped open, and she instinctively reached for her daggers. She scanned the darkness, her senses on high alert.

A shadow moved between the trees, too quick to be an animal. Vaanya's heart raced as she silently rose to her feet.

"Kiran," she whispered, nudging him awake. "We've got company."

Kiran stirred, his eyes narrowing as he sensed the disturbance. He grabbed his bow and nodded to Vaanya.

The two moved silently through the trees, their movements synchronized. They reached the edge of the clearing, where the shadowy figure was crouched, watching the camp.

Vaanya raised a dagger, ready to strike, but the figure suddenly turned and vanished into the darkness.

"Whoever it was, they're gone now," Kiran said, his voice low.

Vaanya's jaw tightened. "They'll be back."

---

### The Journey Resumes

The next morning, the group set out once again, their resolve stronger than ever. Aryan could feel the Sutra's energy flowing more smoothly within him, but he knew he still had much to learn.

As they walked, Dev fell into step beside Aryan. "So, Sutra boy, what's next? Another trial? A showdown with some big bad villain?"

Aryan smirked. "Something like that."

Dev laughed. "Good. I was starting to get bored."

Vaanya glanced over her shoulder, her expression serious. "Stay sharp. The Shadowed Hand won't wait for us to be ready."

Aryan tightened his grip on his staff. The road ahead was long, and danger lurked at every turn. But with his allies by his side, he felt more prepared than ever to face whatever came next.

---

*To be continued…*