The Aurenians had gathered, eager to glimpse the last Kshatriya couple chosen for the Earth mission, their excitement adding a palpable buzz to the air. As the Cydro arrived, a wave of excitement swept through the crowd, their cheers echoing through the vibrant marketplace.
The royal guards stepped out from the platform, followed by Purnama. A hush fell over the crowd as all eyes turned to him, a mix of anticipation and curiosity filling the air. Many had hoped that Kshatriya Survanaputra and Xin Rue would be the final choices on Purba's list.
However, the cheers returned with renewed fervor when Suria stepped into view. The crowd roared with admiration, tales of her courageous battles against Puaka generals swirling in the air like whispers of myth. Suria waved graciously, a warm smile gracing her lips, while Purnama continued forward, seemingly oblivious to the admiring glances.
Among the throng of Aurenians, a woman with a blue scarf wrapped around her neck approached them, her infectious energy preceding her. Atty was a whirlwind of exuberance; her sun-kissed skin glowed, and her wild, curly hair framed her face like a halo. She wore a fitted racing jacket adorned with colorful patches that told stories of her past escapades, paired with rugged, worn jeans that hinted at her reckless lifestyle.
"Name's Atty, yer Tycart handler! Poly's my lil' cuz! He couldn't stop talkin' 'bout that adventure y'all had. It's an absolute pleasure meetin' ya in person! I'll get y'all to Platform 3B in no time!" She threw her hands up excitedly, nearly losing her balance, but quickly regained her composure with a comical twirl. Striking a playful pose as if ready for a race, she winked at the crowd, eliciting a few chuckles.
The crowd warmed to her instantly, leaning in closer, drawn by her exuberance.
Purnama and Suria exchanged amused glances, their earlier tension fading under the influence of Atty's fiery spirit.
"Ever tried racin' a Tycart? It's like ridin' a wild horse, but faster! Just hang on tight, or ya might end up flyin' off! Last time, I almost plowed into a market stall—whoo boy, they weren't too happy 'bout that!"
"Nice to meet you, Atty. Sorry to keep you waiting," Purnama said, offering a friendly smile.
"No worries! It's an honor to serve the Kshatriya!" Atty replied, her enthusiasm bubbling over.
The royal guards returned to the platform, leaving Atty in charge as she escorted Purnama and Suria to Ty's parking bay.
Much like on the Morganite plate, they passed through a bustling marketplace, this one filled with the common folk—a lively mix of merchants and shoppers. As they wove through the maze of stalls, locals gazed at the Kshatriya pair with a mix of awe and trepidation, a direct reaction to the persistent rumors swirling around Purnama. Atty quickly picked up on the hushed whispers.
"HEY NOW, Y'ALL! C'MON, GIVE MY GUESTS SOME SPACE, WILL YA?!"
For a moment, her sharp command silenced the marketplace. The crowd paused, their curious eyes trained on them. But soon enough, the murmurs returned, softer yet persistent.
"It's fine," Purnama said gently, offering Atty a reassuring smile.
With an irritated flick of her gaze to the left and right, Atty sighed heavily.
Then, a delicious scent caught her attention, tickling her nose. Her expression shifted from frustration to curiosity as she followed the aroma to a nearby stall selling mini pancakes drizzled with honey and filled with chocolate. She bought a whole pack, munching on one with a satisfied smile before offering the rest to the twins.
Soon, they reached the parking bay, a vast expanse filled with countless Tys, each uniquely adorned by its handler. Atty dashed ahead, embracing a large Ty draped in a blue scarf that matched hers. The Ty's reddish fur was a beautiful contrast to the deep blue scarf and the vibrant marketplace around them.
"Here! This is my Tycart! Hop on in, will ya!" Atty exclaimed.
As they settled into the Tycart, Purnama realized Atty was something else entirely. Her cart had a funky, rebellious look that hinted at her daring nature. Known for her reputation as an illegal Tycart racer, her driving style promised a thrilling blend of speed and chaos.
"Hold tight, y'all!" Atty shouted, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Atty yanked the reins attached to Ty's bit with a swift motion. Sensing the urgency, the creature flexed its powerful legs, and with a sudden burst of energy, the Tycart shot away from the pillar, hurtling westward.
"Yeeehaaw!!"
"Whoa! This is both exhilarating and terrifying!" Suria exclaimed, gripping the sides of the Tycart tightly as the wind whipped past them.
In her typical fashion, Atty navigated the streets with a racer's instinct, weaving around slower carts—some adorned with colorful banners, others boasting intricate carvings. Handlers hurriedly steered aside, desperate to evade her erratic maneuvers.
"Hey! Hey! We're about to crash!" Suria shouted, pointing towards the Tycart crossing their path.
Atty, with a reckless disregard for safety, yanked the reins, guiding the Tycart in a sharp swerve. They narrowly avoided a collision, speeding past the other vehicle. Purnama, stunned by the sudden maneuver, was unsure whether to be shocked, amazed, or resigned to the madness.
"HA! Ain't nothin' ta worry 'bout when I'm y'all's handler!"
"Phew... That was close!" Suria let out a sigh of relief before glancing toward Purnama. The dense, vibrant energy of the crowd gradually thinned, allowing the wind to rush past them more freely.
"Purnama, it's strange that you've decided to stay quiet about the rumors," Suria began, frustration seeping into her tone.
"I know you're frustrated, but please trust me," Purnama insisted. "The truth is safer if it stays tucked away for now."
"Hmm, yeah, you've mentioned that... even so…" Suria hesitated.
The Tycarts' rhythmic clatter became slower as the ground grew smoother. Purnama noticed the vibrant chaos of the city giving way to a tranquil stillness; he could now smell blooming flowers and fresh greenery instead of market spices. The Tycart entered an Aurenian residential area, where the homes were built from natural stones of all colors and shapes. The gentle sound of birds replaced the city's distant hum.
"Anyway, this is our chance to visit Rona! Wouldn't it be amazing to live there? Imagine experiencing all those magical wonders firsthand!" Suria's eyes sparkled with excitement as the wind whipped through her hair.
"I've been there," Purnama replied, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
Suria blinked in surprise. "WWHAT?! Why didn't you ever tell me about that before?!"
"Because you never asked," he shot back, his tone matter-of-fact, though he couldn't hide his amusement.
"S-so what's it like? Is it like what the book says?"
Purnama turned to her, genuinely intrigued.
"What does the book say?"
"It goes something like this: you become not you; time flows differently, almost like a dream. Day and night become a continuous festival, with all sorts of magical creatures dancing and playing musical instruments. You can experience all four seasons in a single day, with cherry blossoms falling in the warmth of summer, golden leaves swirling in autumn, and snowflakes dancing in the winter breeze—all at once!" Suria's enthusiasm bubbled over as she recounted Rona's wonders.
The Tycart jolted over a stone, and Atty's voice cut in, rich with her signature charm.
"Shoot, that sounds like a hoot! I'd love to race through there! Just imagine me zoomin' past them magical critters and snaggin' up them glowin' fruits! Y'all are dreamin' big!"
Purnama chuckled softly, enchanted by Suria's vivid description. "Well… it sounds like the book got it right. Maybe I had a different experience there, but Rona is indeed a marvelous place."
"I want to go! I want to go! Can we visit Rona, Purnama?" Suria pleaded, her excitement palpable.
"To be honest, I don't know exactly where the entrance to Rona is," Purnama admitted, his tone shifting to seriousness.
"The entrance keeps changing locations. The only way to know you're in Rona's territory is when the Dykin seed starts to glow, or someone invites you."
Suria frowned, her excitement waning slightly.
"So, you're saying it's like a treasure hunt? That sounds so… uncertain."
"Exactly," Purnama said, a hint of a smile breaking through. "But isn't that part of the adventure?"
"Dreamin' is all fine and dandy, but don't forget to live it too!" Atty called out, her voice full of enthusiasm.
As they passed through the residential area, the Tycarts opened up onto a vast farm. Here, the final light of the glorious sunset washed the land in brilliant warm hues, reflecting in the wide, excited eyes of children waving goodbye. The air thickened with the earthy scent of the crops the farmers were busy wrapping, a grounding, nostalgic aroma before the final flight.
Instead of following the usual path, Atty chose a more daring route, guiding the Tycart across one hill after another. Purnama felt the elevation rising and the air growing crisp as the farming area quickly shrank behind them.
As they reached the steep rise, it seemed like a dead end, but then the Langit Station emerged, silhouetted against the breathtaking sunset. Spotting a shortcut, Atty slowed at the peak, her keen gaze fixed on the winding path below.
"Hold on tight!" she shouted, excitement bubbling over as she careened down the slope.
The Tycart bounced wildly, jostling the twins.
Purnama braced himself, heart racing from the speed, a strange mix of fear and exhilaration he hadn't felt in centuries. Suria let out a startled scream, gripping the sides of the cart. Miraculously, Atty landed safely, her laughter ringing as she sped toward the Langit Station.
"Told ya, I know the shortcut! Yeeehaaaw!!"
Suria and Purnama exchanged wide-eyed glances, stunned and impressed as Atty skillfully maneuvered the Tycart, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.
"Just keep us in one piece, Atty." Purnama chuckled, the tension in his chest loosening just a bit, a glimmer of excitement igniting.
"Oh, honey, don't y'all worry! I got this!" Atty replied with a wink, her tan skin glistening in the sunlight. "We're gonna have a blast! Buckle up, buttercups!"