Pulling back into the darkness the Riders begin to head towards Track C. Catching up with the group Twilight and the others begin to chase after Empat.
"Twilight!"
[Sirisa]
"What happened to the other racer?"
[Crystal]
"It looks like he was taken out by the scorpion, I was unable to help him."
[Twilight]
"Well I'm glad you're okay."
[Sirisa]
"Do you think we can pass Empat now?"
[Twilight]
"Not sure, after our last encounter with her, she made her way ahead."
[Crystal]
"Well if we hurry maybe we can."
[Twilight]
As the Riders approach the finish line, Empat begins to send feathers back at the other three. Dodging as best they could, Crystals was able to make her way to Empat's side. Now riding side by side Crystal and Empat exchange blows. A peak of Empat's Animal, Kilgo, on Otimar, makes him swipe across his face. With Kilgo now injured he began to back off of Otimar. Empat, not wanting to retreat, cracks her whips causing Kilgo to ram into Otimar, knocking him over, as well as Crystal clear off. Empat continues ahead, and Crystal speeds back on to Otimar. Otimar begins to move in full force on all fours towards Empat and Kilgo. Grabbing the back of Kilgo, Otimar sends her flying into the sky, just as they pass the finish line.
[The coward begins to cheer as Kilgo lands well behind Sirisa and Twilight]
[Off in the distance]
"Tch, I can't believe I lost to that kid."
[Empat]
"I guess..I guess this means you're as weak as 'little Lima'."
[Stranger 1, snickers]
"Well that doesn't matter, do you have a plan to catch him, I think we should grab him now, at least to say hi. He is close and all yall."
[Stranger 2]
"Yeah, don't worry I have a plan. Just be ready for Tiga. Anyway here they come."
[Empat, hanging up cellular device]
[Back at the Finish Line]
"Congratulations Riders. It looks like in First place we've got Crystal, in Second we've got Sirisa, and in Third Twilight. From there the only other player left in the race is Empat, making it in Fourth place."
[The Announcer]
[Crystal begins to make her way toward the Announcer]
"Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce you to the Luminous Grande, Gio."
[The Announcer, as he points to the entrance at the top of the arena]
As the Luminous Grande begins to descend the crowd begins to fall silent in order to show respect. Making their way onto the podium, they remove their hood revealing and stunning women. Unlike most of the Citizens though she had black wings, that were a bit more jagged. The others asked Crystal what this meant, she explained it meant that within the Ascended blood line she was categorized as a Demon. There weren't many left since the Corruption was released by the Cult, but a few years back there were a ton. The Luminous Grande begins to clear her throat to speak.
"I want to thank everyone in this stadium for coming. I know y'all have busy lives keeping our Citadel safe and running smoothly. Our Luminous Regional is a tradition from ancient times. Starting as just a fun race amongst people, and flourishing into the way we Grandes find our Exo's."
[Gio, moving about on stage]
[Crowd cheering]
"With this year's Regional officially ending I want to thank our winner and new Exo Luminous Crystal! Let's give her a round of praise!"
[Gio, as she approaches Crystal]
The crowded cheers as celebratory music begins to play, and small petals begin to descend in the arena. Turning off the microphone Gio begins to talk to Crystal.
"Congratulations young lady."
[Gio]
"Thank you, Luminous."
[Crystal]
"You know before myself, and well you know there were no female Luminouses."
[Gio]
"Yes, I've read the history since I was a kid. I really admired your time with Shiro."
[Crystal, excitedly]
"Oh, that was nothing, it's not like I was a Guardian or anything."
[Gio, laughing]
"Right but you did get to be second guard to Trahan the Guardian of Wrath who was also an Ascended Demon type."
[Crystal]
"Yes I was, you're definitely telling your truth about knowing your history. I want to give you these tickets for the next island. On it you will find an area filled with trees of a glowing hue. The Carnival of Illumination is located there."
[Gio]
"Is this my reward for winning the race?"
[Crystal, curiously]
"Yes and no, it seems just like within our slums the cult has made their way into that carnival somehow. Everyone I've sent hasn't returned. I saw you and your capable team and thought you might be able to help. Especially since you're now the Exo Luminous."
[Gio, explaining]
"Yes Mam."
[Crystal]
"I'm guessing you know where my home is located?"
[Gio]
"Correct."
[Crystal]
"Then meet me there once you have more information, or stop by anytime for training."
[Gio]
Giving a Thidimon Citadel goodbye Crystal made her way back to the group as Gio made her way out of the arena. As Crystal was about to inform the team what the Luminous Grande needed for them to do. Empat approaches.
"You're more than lucky you won that one."
[Empat]
"That wasn't luck, it was skill."
[Crystal, as Empat speeds off]
"Anyway, what were you about to tell us?"
[Sirisa]
"The Luminous Grande sent us on a mission to Diamond, apparently there's a Carnival on there called the Carnival of Illumination. The Cult has infiltrated it, and she'd like for us to, I guess, defeat them. She just asked me to inform her if it's truthful for now."
[Crystal, calming down]
"If the cult really is there, then I'm joining. I need to figure out who's behind it all, especially if there's a general there."
[Twilight, a bit angry]
"She gave us 3 tickets so other than me and you, who should we bring?"
[Crystal, showing the tickets]
"Let's wait till we get around the others and make sure everyone is okay first."
[Sirisa, slowly leaving the arena]