CESAGA

The Aurenians gathered outside the ZOE platform in Amethyst, eager to catch a glimpse of the last Kshatriya couple chosen for the Earth mission.

As the royal 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.

With the royal guards escorting them, they emerged from the Amethyst pillar. Among the throng of Aurenians, a woman with a blue scarf wrapped around her neck approached them, her energy infectious.

Atty was a whirlwind of exuberance, her sun-kissed skin glowing, 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.

"Kshatriya Purnama! Kshatriya Suria!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing on her feet. Her voice was full of energy, thick with a country drawl.

"Name's Atty, yer Tycart handler! Poly's my lil' cuz! He couldn't stop talkin' 'bout that adventure y'all had. It's a real pleasure meetin' ya in person! I'll get y'all to Platform 3B in no time!"

She threw her hands up in excitement, 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.

"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!"

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.

"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 the Ty's parking bay.

Much like on the Morganite plate, they passed through a bustling marketplace.

However, here, the crowd was not filled with soldiers, guards, trainers, or trainees; instead, it was a lively mix of ordinary Aurenians.

As they moved through the throng, Atty picked up on the hushed whispers surrounding Purnama.

"HEY NOW, Y'ALL! C'MON, GIVE MY GUESTS SOME SPACE, WILL YA?!"

For a moment, her outburst silenced the marketplace. The crowd paused, their curious eyes trained on them. But soon enough, the murmurs returned, softer yet persistent.

"It's okay," Purnama said gently, offering Atty a reassuring smile.

With an irritated flick of her gaze to the left and right, Atty let out a heavy sigh.

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 with a variety of flavours, drizzled with honey, and filled with chocolate.

She bought a whole pack, munching on one with a satisfied smile before turning to offer the rest to the Celestial Twins.

As they wove through the maze of stalls, the locals gazed at the Kshatriya pair with a mix of awe and trepidation. Some admired them openly, while others, troubled by the rumors swirling around Purnama, kept their thoughts to themselves.

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 her own.

"Here! This is my Tycart! Hop on in, will ya!" Atty exclaimed.

As they settled into the Tycart, Purnama quickly realized Atty was unlike any other Ty handler. Even her cart had a funky, rebellious look, hinting at her daring nature.

Known for her reputation as an illegal Tycart racer, her driving style promised a wild ride—a thrilling blend of speed and chaos.

"Hold tight, y'all!" Atty shouted, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

With a swift motion, Atty yanked the reins attached to the Ty's bit. The creature, sensing the urgency, flexed its powerful legs, and with a sudden burst of energy, the Tycart shot away from the pillar, hurtling westward.

"Whoa! This is both exhilarating and terrifying!" Suria exclaimed, gripping the sides of the Tycart tightly as the wind whipped past them, carrying the mingled scents of spices and the distant sounds of lively music from the marketplace.

Purnama, on the other hand, remained calm, his composure a stark contrast to Suria's exhilaration.

"Purnama, it's strange that you've decided to stay quiet about the rumors," Suria began, frustration seeping into her tone.

"Aurea's a wonderful place, but with all these whispers floating around, it's hard to walk through the streets without feeling weighed down."

"I know you're frustrated, but please trust me," Purnama insisted. "I have my reasons, and they're for the greater good."

"Hmm, yeah, you've mentioned that... even so…" Suria hesitated, searching for a way to steer the conversation.

"Anyway, what do you think's waiting for us on Earth? I hope it's more exciting than Atty's crazy driving!"

"Hey now! I'll have y'all know I'm a pro at this!" Atty hollered over her shoulder, a playful grin lighting up her face.

"If ya can dodge a market stall, ya can dodge anything! But seriously, y'all are in for one wild ride! I've heard tales 'bout strange critters and even stranger folks down there. Last time I raced through the outer roads, I swear I saw a giant chicken! No joke!"

"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!" she replied with a wink, her tan skin glistening in the sunlight.

"We're gonna have a blast! Buckle up, buttercups!"