CESAGA

The Tycart station thrummed with energy. Handlers, their faces etched with anticipation, tended to their Tycarts.

A young handler, Poly, spotted the twins and sprinted over, excitement radiating from him.

His tousled brown hair and freckled face framed a wide grin. A blue scarf fluttered around his neck as he gestured towards the twins.

"You're the Kshatriyas!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.

"I'm Poly! Your handler! It's been an honor to transport the Kshatriyas who served in the Great War! Over here, sir, ma'am!"

His voice filled with enthusiasm as he gestured toward his magnificent Ty, which wore a matching blue scarf and grazed on fresh grass in the station bay.

The other handlers were also awestruck, gazing at the last chosen Kshatriyas for the mission on Earth.

The Ty was a breathtaking creature, a majestic fusion of strength and ethereal beauty. As large as a mature rhinoceros, it stood tall and proud, its six powerful legs crafted for endurance and agility.

Each leg was adorned with intricate patterns of iridescent fur that shimmered in a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a mesmerizing effect as it moved.

Its head featured a powerful, broad structure with a muscular forehead framed by tufts of thick, velvety fur. The rounded snout, soft yet strong, evoked a blend of quiet wisdom and raw power.

Sharp baby blue eyes, set deep beneath a pronounced brow, sparkled with intelligence, observing its surroundings with a calm, grounded presence.

Its floppy rabbit-like ears hung low at the sides of its head, twitching gently with each sound in the air, giving the Ty a softer, more endearing look despite its overall strength.

Instead of a tail, the Ty sported three grand swirl horns that spiraled elegantly from its head, each horn resembling a delicate work of art. These horns glimmered like polished gemstones, catching the sunlight and casting playful rainbows on the ground.

As Poly beckoned them closer, the Ty let out a deep, resonant rumble that echoed like distant thunder. Its broad chest expanded with each breath, showcasing a robust physique that radiated both power and grace.

The Ty was more than just a mode of transport; it was a loyal companion, embodying the strength and spirit of the Aurenian people.

Legends spoke of Ty being able to sense the emotions of their riders, guiding them through perilous journeys with a bond that transcended the mundane.

"Climb aboard!" Poly invited, his infectious enthusiasm evident as he helped them settle into the cart.

As they took their seats, the Ty shifted eagerly, its vibrant fur glowing in the warm light of Aurea, ready to embark on their adventure—a creature of wonder and majesty.

As the Ty trotted steadily away from the station and onto the forest path, the air grew noticeably cooler, with sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above.

Towering trees with thick, rugged bark stood as ancient sentinels, their reddish trunks supporting a dense canopy of leaves that created a lush, brownish roof, shielding the path from the world beyond.

The branches stretched upward, reaching for the light, creating an almost cathedral-like expanse, where the soft rustle of leaves filled the serene silence.

Suria couldn't help but be captivated by the forest's solemn beauty, its tranquility enveloping her like a comforting embrace.

"Forgive me for interrupting your ride, but have you heard the latest rumors spreading through Aurea about you, Sir Purnama?" the handler, Poly, began, his voice a blend of excitement and curiosity as he skillfully swung the reins.

"Huh? Rumors? About me? What's about it?" Purnama replied, intrigued.

"They say you ran away from the battle with the Darkseed, only to reemerge after victory was assured. That's one part of the story…"

"Oh really? And what's the other part?" Suria asked, her tone playfully challenging.

The handler smiled, leaning in slightly as if sharing a secret.

"Ah, that's the interesting part! Many Celestrias are whispering that Sir Purnama rushed to aid our injured King Awan during his fight with the Puaka King. They say it was Sir Purnama who ultimately defeated Blackcurst!"

His eyes sparkled with excitement, clearly enthralled by the drama of the tales.

Purnama remained silent, listening intently but offering no confirmation or denial. The weight of the rumors hung in the air, and he felt the eyes of both Suria and Poly upon him, awaiting a response.

A familiar pang of discomfort twisted in his gut. He had never sought glory, yet here it was.

"Does anyone really believe that version of events?" Suria interjected, crossing her arms. "Especially when the king himself hasn't even mentioned it?"

Poly chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"Exactly! It's easier to believe the sensational tales, isn't it? But I suppose that's the nature of stories—they morph and twist, reflecting our hopes and fears."

"True valor isn't always recognized in the moment," Poly added, his tone growing more serious as they continued their ride.

"What matters is the actions you take, not the stories that get told." His words, wise beyond his years, surprised the twins.

Purnama nodded slightly, appreciating the sentiment but feeling a lingering weight of unspoken truths.

"And sometimes, the truth remains unspoken," he replied quietly, his gaze fixed on the horizon, contemplating the weight of the past.

As the Tycart continued along the path, they left the dense forest behind, the towering trees fading from view.

Soon, a grand structure emerged before them—an enormous arena, standing like a beacon of strength and glory amidst the open land.

The white-and-gold building gleamed under the midday sun, its massive arches adorned with intricate carvings depicting Aurenian warriors in battle.

From the outside, the arena exuded power, its marble façade etched with emblems of heroism and legendary statues of Kshatriyas locked in combat.

Cheers echoed from within the arena, the roaring crowd fueling the intensity of the battles taking place inside. Purnama and Suria could feel the charged atmosphere, the cheers mingling with the sound of clashing weapons.

"Wow, must be something really exciting going on in the arena right now, just listen to the cheer!" Poly said, his eagerness shining in his bright eyes as he looked towards the arena.

"You know what's really exciting, Poly?" Purnama asked, a faint smile playing on his lips. "A joke. You want to hear one?"

"P-Purnama... I don't think this is the right time for a joke," Suria interjected, trying to avoid the impending awkwardness.

Poly looked momentarily taken aback.

"Er… sure… sir," he replied hesitantly, curiosity piqued.

Purnama leaned closer, his grin widening.

"What happens when a chicken crosses the road?"

"Err… what? Uhm, they... they died, I suppose?" Poly responded, his confusion evident in his tone.

"Wait, did they?" Purnama's grin faltered.

His lighthearted expression quickly faded, the attempted joke unraveling into something unexpectedly somber.

Poly blinked, his brow furrowing, unsure how to react.

The atmosphere, once playful, now carried a strange, awkward tension.

Suria exchanged glances between the two of them, her brows knitting together in concern before a small smile broke through.

"Well, that definitely took a turn."