Vishnu and Shiva have been friends since time immemorial. The latter was rescued after granting a greedy Bhasmasura a boon which almost led to Shiva's annihilation. Now, Vishnu wonders why his bud would set free one of the most dangerous prisoners imprisoned in Hell.

The Chief Protector of the Devas was greeted by Nandi. This humanoid bull was dozing off when a snap of Vishnu's fingers caused him to awaken.

Nandi: Who dares disturb the abode of Mahakal... Oh, it's you, Lord Vishnu. Please go ahead, I think the Master is expecting you.

Vishnu: I would hope so. Is Parvati in?

Nandi: No sir, she is currently indisposed. I have no idea where she is at, momentarily.

Vishnu: Even if you did, you wouldn't give her up, right? Glad to see you are still loyal.

Nandi flared up for a second before regaining his composure. The hierarchy must never be forgotten. After all, the Preserver is a Supreme One.

As Vishnu entered the enclosure located inside the holy mountain, the temperature began to drop.

Vishnu: For my sake, turn down the pace of the winds Shiva!

Shiva: Oh you are finally here! I was wondering when you'd show up.

The Destroyer spoke drowsily, but he didn’t seem irritated by the presence of his friend.

Vishnu: Have you lost your mind? Meghnaad is a Category S criminal. He wiped out half the Vanar army using the Brahmastra and almost killed one of my Avatars. What are you doing releasing him into a different realm? Why didn't you consult me before causing this blunder?

Shiva: Shall I ask you something, dear pal? Tell me, what is the true nature of justice?

Vishnu was perplexed. Shiva had rarely debated with him prior to that day. He thought long and hard before an answer rose to his lips.

Vishnu: It is quite simple. Justice benefits those who have been wronged.

Shiva: Exactly! 7000 years of torture is enough. He has paid for his crimes against you and the human race. What is the purpose of keeping him locked up? Indrajit was freed because I deemed it so. He is the son of Ravana, the King who loved me the most. To this day, I hadn't heard a composition better than the Tandav Stotram, and Lankeshwara was crying profusely when he came up with that. He even fashioned a veena out of his ribs…

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Vishnu: So that's it! Do you think you owe the Demon King's kith and kin because of his sincere devotion towards you? How can you be so sentimental when the beast you let loose can cause tremendous disarray?

Shiva: Mate, how long have you known me for?

Vishnu: Since the beginning of my time, Sadashiva.

Shiva: Precisely! This boy served his father just like the latter served me. How can I forget that? He had the chance to turn tail and join your Avatar's forces like Vibhishana the Chiranjeevi. Without Lakshmana's intervention, Meghnaad would have won the war against Rama. You know that.

Vishnu was about to shout at his best friend but controlled his rising temper.

Vishnu: Nevertheless, why release him now? What are you playing at?

Shiva: Just wait and watch bud. I promise you, it's gonna be one hell of a ride.

Vishnu: That is what I am worried about. If this experiment of yours goes astray, what then?

Shiva: You are always worrying about the world. Let the weight on your shoulders lighten, amigo. Relax. He is my responsibility. If push comes to shove, I will handle the matter since I set him free.

Vishnu: I will hold you to that. Where is your wife, by the way?

Shiva suddenly started laughing. The roar shook the mountain and his Rudras were frightened because of it.

Shiva: Again with the anxiety. The situation is under control. Just drink the bhang lassi. I got it straight from Rajasthan this morning.

Vishnu let out an exasperated sigh. He had forgotten that Shiva couldn't be reasoned with once he set his mind on something.

Vishnu: Oh well, where is your stock of bhang lassi?

Shiva: Hang on, let me fetch the vessel. I got it last night, straight from Rajasthan. Are you sure you are in the mood for it.

Vishnu: This is not my first rodeo, Shiva. Plus, I need to cool off.

Shiva: Right you are, bud.

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Scene Shift - Planet Scalon

In his previous life, Meghnaad couldn't finish his sacrificial ceremony. After swiftly catching a gigantic fish, he focussed on the image of Devi Nikumbila and peered into the yawning fire.

The fierce manifestation of his Devi caused all wildlife to shriek in fear. Most fled from the surroundings of the spot.

Nikumbila: Ask my son. What do you seek?

Meghnaad: I need the blessed cVishnuot, Madame. Could you help me out with that?

The Devi smiled.

Nikumbila: Say no more dear one. With this vehicle, you shall be invincible in all battles. Use it well. My husband unshackled you, didn't he?

Meghnaad grinned from ear to ear. He still didn't understand Shiva's motives, but he had plenty of time to worry about them later.

Meghnaad: I humbly express my gratitude for your kindness, Madame. Hopefully, this new path I have embarked upon will have a rainbow at the end.

Nikumbila: Remember dear one, a rainbow often materializes after a violent hurricane. Farewell!

And just like that, the Goddess faded from his view.

A loud neigh startled the Illusionist. He looked in the direction of the sound and cackled with glee.

A black horse with 6 heads lay connected to a golden cVishnuot. He hadn't seen such a decadent vehicle in eons.

Meghnaad: If I am going to live here, I need a home base.

It has been said that Ravana built a palace entirely out of gold with the help of his sibling Kubera. That is simply not true. The whole palace was an illusion, made possible using Meghnaad's abilities. That is why archaeologists are yet to find evidence of it. Once the demon perished, the palace was nowhere to be seen.

With his foot firmly on the ground, Meghnaad pointed forward and began chanting. A blue glow lit up the whole landscape as the terraforming commenced.

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Glossary:

Nikumbila- A form of Devi Parvati, the chief consort of Shiva and his wife. Sometimes associated with the Narasimha avatar of Vishnu as well.

Nandi: One of Shiva's countless guardians, possibly his dearest.

Rudras: Shivas trusted companions and soldiers.