Chapter 1 : The World We Knew
In a world where the stars sparks above, casting their mesmerizing glow upon the earth below, questions linger like wisps of Garden in the night air. Among the group of people, a strange and raspy voice cuts deep through the stillness, stirring the souls of those who listen.
"What do you know about the world you live in?" it asks, its words carrying mystery and wonder. "What secrets does this world contain?"
All Eyes turn to the sky, captivated by the celestial design above, as if seeking answers written in the constellations themselves. The voice persists, weaving through the night like a haunting melody.
"Why do we exist?" it muses, probing the depths of existence. "What is your purpose? What is mine?"
As the voice fades into the Darkness, leaving only echoes of its enigmatic questions, the world is left to ponder its own mysteries, searching for meaning in the vast expanse of the dark unknown
Meanwhile, in a distant land, a temple burns, flames cloaking the sky with fervor. The scene unfolds like a painting of chaos and destruction, yet within the inferno lies a secret, buried beneath the ashes.
As the sun rises, a burst of color rolled into a city: a yellow modern bus with bold blue stripes. Its arrival sparked whispers among the mortals, a promise of connection and adventure as its doors swung wide.
The bus sighed to a stop, its doors swinging wide to reveal her,... A teenage girl with a blonde hair catching the last light of day as she stepped out with backpack and baggage in tow. Her red gaze, a hint of determination, a promise of adventures.
After enduring six hours on the bus, the girl finally arrived. With a stretch, she raised both arms, declaring, "Im actually here, Dawn City, " Her words echoed with a mix of relief and excitement.
In the bustling Bus Terminal, vendors' voices clamored for attention, each boasting their offerings
"Grilled beef!" cried one, enticing with the aroma of sizzling meat.
"Dawn Toys!" called another, promising delights for the young.
"Refreshments, get your refreshments here!" beckoned a third, offering relief from the heat.
And amidst it all, "Cheese Ballz!" tempted with cheesy goodness.
Among the crowd, the girl's gaze lingered on the kiosks. Her stomach growled as the scent of grilled beef reached her.
"I think I'll have that," she decided, following the aroma to satisfy her craving.
The girl approached the grilled beef kiosk, her mouth watering at the sight of the sizzling meat. She glanced up at the vendor, her curiosity piqued.
"How much for the grilled beef?" she ask, her voice tinged with anticipation.
"10 bronze crowns for 1 grilled beef, ma'am," the vendor replied with a warm smile.
The girl reached into her purse and withdrew a silver crown, placing it in the vendor's hand. With a nod of gratitude, he handed her a plate piled high with the savory delicacy.
Taking a bite, the girl closed her eyes, savoring the explosion of flavor on her tongue.
"Mmm, this is amazing!" she exclaimed, her words punctuated by a contented sigh. As she continued to enjoy her meal, the bustling sounds of the place faded into the background, leaving her lost in the simple pleasure of good food.
As Joy indulged in the delicious grilled beef, she felt a warm gaze upon her. Looking up, she found the vendor's eyes fixed on her with admiration.
"You looked very beautiful," he remarked, his tone sincere. "Are you a celebrity? May I ask your name?"
Joy couldn't help but giggle at the unexpected compliment, her cheeks flushing red. With a gracious smile, she replied "Thank you for the compliment, but no.... I'm not a celebrity. My name is Joy."
The vendor's smile widened at her response, his eyes twinkling with genuine appreciation. "Well, Joy, it's a pleasure to meet you. Your beauty brightens up the day."
Joy's heart warmed at his kind words, grateful for the unexpected encounter amidst the hustle and bustle of the Bus Terminal.
As she savored the last few bites of her meal, she couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and contentment.
With her hunger satisfied and a contented smile on her lips, Joy bid farewell to the friendly grilled beef vendor. As she strolled through the bustling streets of Dawn City, she immersed herself in its rich culture and vibrant atmosphere.
Her footsteps echoed against the cobblestone pathways as she wandered, her eyes drinking in the architectural wonders that adorned the cityscape. With her phone in hand, Joy captured the beauty of Dawn City, each click of her camera preserving a moment in time.
"These photos will make great memories," Joy muses to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't wait to explore more."
Joy continued her exploration of Dawn City, eager to uncover its hidden gems and create even more moments.
With a hopeful heart and a determined spirit, Joy approached a group of locals in her search for the Mayari Temple. Their response, however, shattered her expectations like fragile glass.
"Mayari's temple? It's just a story now, the temple is already gone and doesn't exist anymore," the locals explained, their words carrying a sense of finality.
Joy's eyes widened in disbelief, a pang of disappointment piercing her heart. She thanked the locals for their time, though her voice betrayed her disappointment.
"Oh, I didn't know..... Thank you for your time," she replied, her tone tinged with sadness.
As she wandered through the serene confines of Dawn City's Park, Joy found herself grappling with a flood of emotions. Disappointment weighed heavily on her shoulders as she pondered her purpose for visiting the city.
"Why is it gone?... What should I do now?" she murmured to herself, the words heavy with uncertainty.
Seating herself on a nearby bench, Joy gazed up at the sky, lost in thought. The weight of her mother's unfulfilled wish bore down on her, threatening to crush her spirit.
"I'm sorry, Mom... maybe Dad.. - maybe Dad was right about me... that I can't do anything... I can't even fulfill your last wish," Joy whispered, her voice choked with emotion as tears welled in her eyes.
But amidst her despair, a flicker of determination ignited within her. Retrieving her smartphone, Joy scrolled through photos of her mother and herself, captured in moments of joy and love.
"No, Mayari's temple does exist. I'm sure it exists. I will find it and fulfill my mother's wish," she declared, her eyes ablaze with newfound hope and resolve.
With her mother's memory as her guiding light, Joy embarked on a quest fueled by determination and a desire to honor her mother's legacy. Though the path ahead was uncertain, she faced it with unwavering courage, knowing that her journey held the promise of discovery and fulfillment.
As Joy immersed herself in thoughts of her next move, a mysterious figure emerged from the shadows.
"Are you in search of Mayari's temple?" The stranger's voice cut through the silence, sending a shiver down Joy's spine.
To be continued....