Vibhishana

Vrishabha 28, 5140

I tried to warn him. Let it not go down in history that I did not let him and the entire kingdom know of the plague of righteousness that would sweep over the land. But they didn't listen; well, one did. During my warning I locked eyes with Mandodari and saw a deep fear. She knew that what I spoke was true, and maybe she will be able to do more than I could.

I would worry that Ravana would have me tortured for the words I uttered against him if I weren't leaving tonight. Lord Rama is just across the sea and I can't wait to gaze upon his glory and power, a true beacon of hope in this pit of despair! I will do everything I can to support him, and I know what must be done. I’ve sent word to have him meet me in private, but still I must be careful as to what I say. Ravana’s spies are everywhere and if I were caught, well, it wouldn't be pretty.

-Vibhishana

Vrishabha 29, 5140

My meeting with Rama went well I believe, although I cannot be certain. I have recorded our conversation should I need to speak in secret with Rama again.

“Hail, stranger, speak your name and approach with what you seek.”

“Lord Rama, it is I, your humble servant, who comes to your aid with words to soothe the worry of your coming conflict. I ask only that you allow me to speak the wisdom of my own blood to share how you may relieve your heart's longing!”

“Very well, I hear your pleas to speak the truth of your blood in ending a husband's misery.”

“Oh great Rama, know the divine rose has long been burdened by a thorn which the rose itself is not able to destroy, but knows that one day a gardener may prune this rose's blight. The thorn seemed impenetrable by the gardener with his shears, who was unable to remove it lest he knew the thorn's origin. The thorn drew its power through the rose much in the way a baby draws life from its mother. Severing this connection in both respects is the key to the thorn's destruction.”

“Know that your warning is heard and understood, and I thank you for the knowledge bestowed upon me; know that the gods are pleased and shall reward you. Now go, stranger, so that you yourself may avoid being pricked by the thorn as you search for the rose, as it comes shortly.”

Writing the conversation down I am nearly certain that Rama understood the meaning of my message. I pray that he puts the information to use when the time comes.

-Vibhishana

Mithuna 14, 5140

Indrajit and Trishira confronted me when I arrived in Lanka, but I managed to convince them I was spying for their father. They are fools, blinded by their loyalty; they can't see this is a battle they have no chance of winning.

-Vibhishana

Mithuna 18, 5140

The battle has begun. Terrifying rakshasas continue to pour from the city into the awaiting monkey army, creating a path of devastation and blood. Rama has hidden me from both armies to protect me, as I'm certain my brethren would not think twice about ripping my head off. I can't help but feel sad at the carnage around me, even though I know it's for the better. The rakshasas deserve to be respected, not feared. I hope that this battle will lead to a brighter future.

-Vibhishana

Mithuna 21, 5140

As I stand atop the throne of my brother, I know that this era of terror is over. I shall do everything in my power to serve as a righteous King in the shadow of Lord Rama in order to redeem the past actions of my kind. Today marks a transition from fear to hope.

-Vibhishana

Mithuna 25, 5140

Mandodari brought me scraps from Indrajit's journal. There's very little left, but Lakshmana has asked me to present what information we had.

.... I see now what Father meant when he said this battle would be not only against Rama, but against the entire force of the gods. Garuda appeared today and revived the thousands of enemies that I slew, including Rama and Lakshmana. If this is how they wish the fight to be....

... monkey. We should have slain him when he was captured, regardless of tradition. It is obvious that Rama's side is not withholding any might, so why did we? Even more infuriating is the discovery of Vibhishana's betrayal. I swear now that one of us will not make it through this war. I will tear him limb from limb for this treason; he lives in hiding now, but my spies will find him...

...last entry. I know now that Lakshmana is no ordinary human, as the divine weapons refuse to touch him. He has destroyed the Yagna and spies tell me he has not slept or eaten for 13 years. Tomorrow will be my last day. Father was furious when I pleaded with him to surrender, so I must rejoin the fight soon. I will go now to Mother and Sulochana and share with them my future so that we may spend one last night...

-Indrajit

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Author's Note: I wanted to attempt the EmpoWord "The Secret" activity where two characters must discuss a secret without actually saying what the secret is. It would have been awkward to have a journal entry with only dialogue so I included the lead-in to the activity. I used the thorn on a rose metaphor as nature is a well understood part of life that seemed reasonable for them both to understand. Reading it again, it is a little convoluted but overall I'm happy with how it turned out.

The general theme of Vibhishana trying to warn Ravana before turning to Rama's side and telling him of Ravana's weakness is true from the Ramayana. Of course the big difference is that there wasn't a "secret" meeting where Vibhishana had to tell the weakness without specifically saying it. Vibhishana played an incredibly important role leading into and following the battle. Had Vibhishana not told Rama of Ravana's weakness, there's a good chance Ravana could have eventually overtaken Rama. After the battle, Vibhishana is proclaimed the new king of Lanka, and leads the rakshasas into a new age where they are respected. I included the scraps of Indrajit's diary as I don't have enough weeks to continue making full entries for everyone. His story follows alongside the Ramayana and stays true to the story.

Bibliography: Ramayana by Valmiki