The journey to the magical airport was a spectacle in itself. The path wound through lush forests, with trees so tall they seemed to brush against the clouds, their canopies filtering the sunlight into dappled patterns on the ground. As they reached the outskirts of the city, a shimmering dome of light appeared on the horizon, an ethereal beacon that marked the entrance to the Skyborne Gateway—the fabled aerial port that connected the magical world to realms far beyond.
The Gateway rose like a forgotten temple from the mists, its grandeur unmistakably inspired by the ancient architecture of India. Towering spires, carved with intricate depictions of mythical beings and celestial dances, seemed to pierce the heavens themselves. The stone walls shimmered faintly with a pearlescent glow, as if infused with magic, and the air around it pulsed with a quiet, almost musical energy.
Massive archways, flanked by statues of Garuda-like creatures with outstretched wings, served as entrances. These guardians were carved from marble, their eyes embedded with gemstones that glinted like the sun. Above the archways, celestial motifs of stars and swirling galaxies spiraled outward, as though the very heavens were carved into the stone.
Inside, the terminal was alive with movement. The vaulted ceilings stretched high, painted with vibrant murals of cosmic voyages and the history of magical flight. Chandeliers of glowing crystals floated gently in midair, casting warm, golden light over the bustling crowd below. The floor was a mosaic of polished lapis lazuli and gold, depicting the constellations as they appeared on the night the airport was first enchanted.
Travelers from all walks of life hurried about, their robes shimmering with enchantments, their chatter a blend of languages both ancient and modern. Magical beings—some human, others not entirely—flitted through the crowd, their auras sparking with colorful energy. Luggage floated alongside them, carried by spells that made the airport a seamless blend of tradition and convenience.
The air was perfumed with a strange, enticing mix of incense and ozone, as though the place itself vibrated with the anticipation of flight. Large kiosks, resembling ancient shrines, were manned by attendants in flowing robes. They used luminous scrolls to check tickets and direct travelers to their departure gates.
At the heart of the terminal stood the boarding area, a massive open platform surrounded by carved balustrades that overlooked a vast expanse of open sky. This was where the Vimana, the legendary magical planes, awaited their passengers.
The Pushpak Vimana that would carry them to Manthana Vidyalaya stood ready, a marvel of magical engineering and ancient artistry. Its body, sleek yet ornate, gleamed as if made of burnished gold, etched with patterns of swirling wind and flowing rivers. Its shape combined the aerodynamic elegance of a bird with the stately grandeur of a chariot. Wings that looked like they were spun from molten sunlight stretched outward, subtly shifting as though alive, catching the light with a shimmering, feather-like effect.
The cockpit, encased in a translucent dome of enchanted crystal, revealed faintly glowing controls that pulsed with magic rather than technology. Above, a tall mast crowned with a radiant gem—the Sky Jewel—seemed to draw energy from the heavens, keeping the craft aloft and ensuring a smooth journey.
The fuselage was adorned with intricately carved depictions of celestial beings—apsaras, devas, and rishis—engaged in cosmic dances. Beneath each carving, tiny runes glowed softly, humming with the spells that powered the craft. The entrance to the Vimana was a wide ramp lined with floating lanterns, their flames flickering in an unseen breeze.
"This... this is incredible," Solace murmured, his golden eyes alight with wonder as he craned his neck to take it all in. The wind stirred his blonde hair as if the Vimana itself were welcoming him.
Kiyone tugged at his sleeve, her wide eyes sparkling. "Do you think they let us sit by the wings? They move, Solace! Look at them!"
Talia smirked, throwing an arm over Solace's shoulders. "First time seeing a Vimana this close, huh? You know, they say each one has a soul of its own. This one's a beauty—I bet she'll give us a smooth ride."
Lyra, as composed as ever, gave her sister a sidelong glance. "That's not entirely true. The soul of the Vimana is the enchantment, not the craft itself."
"Oh, don't ruin the magic for them," Talia quipped. "Let the kids dream."
Lyra adjusted the golden tassel on Solace's ear with precise fingers, her icy blue eyes soft with maternal pride. "You'll be fine," she said, her voice calm but brimming with unspoken emotion. "Manthana will be a challenge, but I know you'll thrive. Just remember to—"
"Not get caught causing trouble," Solace interrupted with a mischievous grin, cutting her off with a mock-serious salute. "Got it, Mother."
Kiyone tugged at his sleeve, her cherubic face scrunched into an unconvincing pout. "It's not fair! I want to go too! Why does he get to go on an adventure without me?"
"Kiyone, your time will come," Lyra said firmly, though her lips twitched with a faint smile. "You still have a few years before you're ready for the trials of Manthana."
Kiyone folded her arms, puffing her cheeks. "I could totally handle it. I'd be the best student there!"
Talia crouched beside her, ruffling her platinum blonde hair with a conspiratorial grin. "I bet you'd overthrow the headmaster within a week. But for now, someone has to stay behind and keep me out of trouble, don't you think?"
Kiyone perked up, her golden eyes gleaming. "I do have my work cut out for me with you around."
Solace chuckled, giving her a one-armed hug. "Don't worry, little fox. I'll bring back stories that'll make your pranks look like child's play."
As the final boarding call echoed through the terminal, the family began their goodbyes. Solace exchanged an earnest handshake with Talia, who slipped something small and wrapped into his hand with a wink. "For emergencies—or snacks," she whispered.
Lyra pulled him into a brief but warm hug. Her voice was steady, though there was a hint of softness that she rarely let show. "Stay true to yourself, Solace. And don't let your wind get carried away."
"Oh, Mother, you wound me," he replied with a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest. "I am the pinnacle of self-control."
The collective groan from his family was drowned out by Kiyone's sudden burst of laughter, which quickly turned nervous as Lyra's sharp eyes landed on her.
It didn't take long to figure out why.
Lyra opened Solace's luggage for a last inspection and uncovered a suspiciously wriggling bundle. With one elegant flick of her hand, the bundle unfurled to reveal Kiyone, curled up and grinning sheepishly.
"Surprise?" Kiyone offered weakly.
"Kiyone," Lyra said with exasperated patience, lifting her out of the luggage like an errant kitten. "You are not sneaking onto a Vimana."
"But I fit perfectly!" Kiyone protested, wriggling in her mother's grasp. "And you wouldn't even know I was there until it was too late! I'd be the perfect stowaway!"
Solace burst out laughing, doubling over as he clutched his sides. "Kiyone, you'd have made it exactly five minutes before you started asking the steward for snacks."
"I would not!" she retorted indignantly. "I'd wait at least ten!"
Talia clapped her hands, her laugh echoing through the terminal. "Oh, I don't know, Kiyone. You had a good plan going there. Too bad Lyra's always ten steps ahead."
Lyra set Kiyone down gently but firmly, giving her a pointed look. "You'll say goodbye properly, or you'll spend the next week grounded from everything. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mother," Kiyone muttered, though she still glared at Solace with mock betrayal. "You should've smuggled me in."
Solace crouched to her eye level, ruffling her hair. "You'd just steal all my thunder. This way, when you come to Manthana, you'll have a reputation to live up to. Until then, keep the home front chaotic for me."
When the final call came, Solace stepped back, the wind tugging at his hair as though urging him toward the Vimana. He turned and waved, his golden eyes shining with excitement and a hint of sadness.
"Don't miss me too much!" he called, his grin as wide as the horizon.
Kiyone cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted back, "Bring me something cool, or I'll never forgive you!"
Lyra raised a hand in farewell, her serene smile the last thing he saw before stepping onto the ramp.
The Vimana's golden wings gleamed in the sunlight, and as Solace took his seat by the window, he looked out to see his family still standing there, waving. Kiyone had climbed onto Talia's shoulders, her small form defiant and radiant in the afternoon glow.
Solace leaned back in his seat, his leaf vessel brushing against his chest. The adventure was just beginning, but he knew he was carrying a piece of home with him, no matter how high he soared.
Passengers were settling in, their excitement palpable. A steward in robes resembling the uniform of an ancient sage greeted them with a polite bow, his voice resonant as he intoned, "Welcome aboard the Arundhati, bound for Manthana Vidyalaya. Please ensure all personal artifacts are secured. The winds await your presence."
Solace couldn't resist leaning toward the steward. "Do you think the winds will behave today, or should I have a word with them?"
The steward, unfazed, gave a faint smile. "They seem to favor you already, young master."
As he settled into his seat, Solace found himself gazing out of the window at the sky that stretched endlessly beyond. His fingers brushed the leaf vessel hanging from his necklace, a quiet excitement stirring in his chest. This was it—the first step toward something vast and unknown, a future he could barely begin to imagine. The Vimana's hum grew louder, the wings flexed as though testing the air, and the sky beckoned.
As the craft began to rise, Solace grinned. "Here we go," he whispered, the wind curling around him like an old friend.
The craft began to hum, its magic thrumming through the air like a heartbeat. As it rose, the platform fell away, and with a rush of wind, the Skyborne Gateway vanished behind a sea of clouds.