Introduction

Mithuna 17, 5140

Standing amongst the carnage and now ruined Lanka palace, the emotions are overwhelming as I realize it's over. All these years I have lived and fought alongside Rama in the wilderness, slaying rakshasa after rakshasa just to stay alive. I have to say I think I'll miss it. But as we are preparing to go back to Ayodhya for Rama to be crowned king, I can't help but think that our adventuring days are over. We'll both be in the city for the majority of our days, no longer the dynamic duo of good. Still, that doesn't mean I have to forget, or that anything has to be forgotten. Should the history of this great conflict be dissolved by the tides of history, I shall be filled with sorrow and regret. This battle has left thousands dead and even more injured, and their stories deserve to be remembered. Their blood, their sacrifice, everything they gave just to end the demon king's reign.

I've begun collecting their stories. Hanuman has promised to bring me his perspective alongside Sugriva's and his armies'. Jambavan was already keeping records; that bear is meticulous in everything he does, so I'm sure I'll receive a full novel from him. I have yet to ask Rama but I'm sure that Sita will be writing both hers and his, so I may as well ask her first. Even with all of these daring tales from key figures in the war, I must tell the stories of those who lost their lives, even on the other side. An epic tale of righteousness and glory is nothing without an antagonist. I will request that Vibhishana return not only his own story, but that of Ravana and the rakshasa army as well.

And so whoever may be reading this journal in the future, no matter the success of my endeavors, recognize the importance of remembering the sacrifices made so that this world would no longer live in constant fear of the rakshasa army. Recognize that no matter how grim the circumstances may seem, the forces of righteousness will always prevail as long as there is hope.

Lakshmana