Shakti, the life force that fueled their powers on the outer realm, was nullified within Rona. Everyone was equal, peace reigned supreme, and those who dwelled within Rona lived in harmony, free from conflict and strife.
The longer they stayed, the more their memories faded, shedding away like the last rays of sunlight at dusk until nothing remained but the memory of their first day stepping into Rona. Most embraced this path, welcoming a fresh start.
However, a few, clinging to the vestiges of their past, wrote memoirs, preserving fragments of their former lives as a reminder of the world they left behind.
A joyous atmosphere permeated every corner of Rona. A dog dressed as a pirate strummed a jaunty tune on her guitar while a six-armed ogre pounded rhythmically on his bongo drums, the beats resonating like heartbeats in the festive atmosphere.
Nearby, a band of animated flowers in tuxedos elegantly conducted the lively orchestra, their petals swaying in time with the music. Centaurs with shimmering wings soared through the air, their flutes weaving enchanting melodies that danced like fireflies in the twilight. Bubbly musical notes, visible to the naked eye, shimmered and twinkled, inviting locals to join in the revelry that felt like a celebration of life.
Imposing structures, rich with ancient carvings, shared the skyline with sleek towers bathed in neon light while animated holograms drifted through the air. Enchanting murals shimmered, their colors and patterns shifting and swirling with every step, drawing the eye and sparking a sense of wonder.
The structures ranged from traditional pagodas to domes suspended in the sky and towering spires spiraling impossibly high, bathed in shifting hues of pink, blue, and turquoise, like a living canvas painted by the whims of creativity.
A colossal bridge spanned a crystal-clear river where candies aquatic creatures leaped and frolicked, their scales catching the light like scattered jewels.
Winding walkways that felt as soft as mushroom caps led to magnificent castles and forts for endless revelries, while smaller paths twisted toward tranquil forests and mystical valleys.
In every corner of Rona, one could embrace the seasons within a short walk, wander from spring blossoms into summer meadows, drift into the red-gold of autumn, and end beneath a quiet snowfall as if the world itself shifted to match one's pace.
Rona was a place where the past, present, and future existed together in perfect harmony—a dazzling blend of history, fantasy, and boundless joy, where each soul could find their melody in the symphony of existence.
As Riang galloped towards the nearest town, her four deer legs began to tremble. Her fishtail drooped like a fish gasping for air, and her furry caveman torso heaved with exhaustion.
"Huu... huu... apparently, my stamina in this body is even lower, Suria... looks like I'm out of gas. Meeeeeeeeeheee!" Riang gasped, her braying echoing through the fantastical landscape.
"You shouldn't have wasted your energy galloping like a wild horse earlier!" Suria chided, her antennae twitching in frustration. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she shifted her position, lying flat on Riang's back with her hands cupped under her oversized head.
Above them, the majestic sky of Rona unfolded in a spectacular panorama.
Clouds danced and swirled in a symphony of colors, their forms shifting and morphing like whimsical creatures. A group of clowns bounced from one cloud to the other, avoiding flying kites of every imaginable shape, soaring through the air, some trailing long, vibrant tails, others exploding into showers of brilliant fireworks.
The sky seemed to darken momentarily as if to provide a canvas for the dazzling display, then shimmered back into a vibrant tapestry of colors — a testament to the magic that permeated Rona.
"Holy blimey," Suria murmured, a touch of awe in her voice. "Now I'm accompanied by an utterly ridiculous and useless creature while witnessing this magical spectacle. What are the odds?"
"Meeeheeeeee!!" Riang brayed with laughter.
"Shuttttttuppppp!!" Suria snapped, her mandibles clicking in annoyance.
They slowly made their way through one of the majestic cities of Rona. Their attention was captivated by a mesmerizing sight: a colossal globe of Earth, slowly rotating in mid-air.
Above it, a holographic rainbow shimmered, casting iridescent light upon the intricate carvings that adorned the globe's surface. Beams of light, like playful sprites, flitted around the monument. They illuminated miniature leprechauns who danced and scattered shimmering gold dust on the monument.
Suria and Riang stared in awed silence, their weariness momentarily forgotten in the face of such enchanting beauty.
Beneath the monument, four directional markers pointed the way:
['Santu-Bong'] to the north,
['Ul-Ek'] to the west,
['Le-Dang] to the east, and...
['Tu-Juh'] to the south.
"Riang," Suria said, her voice filled with urgency," we need to ask the locals for directions. As enchanting as this place is, we don't have time to waste. We must catch up with the Skyrea, and remember, four hours here is five days outside."
"I agree, Suria," Riang replied, her donkey head nodding in agreement. "Purnama gave us a four-hour limit, and I think we've already been here for like thirty minutes."
"Let's sort this out. First, we'll locate the motel and wait for Purnama. While we're there, we can ask around about Belang's whereabouts. If we don't find either, we must leave this place as soon as possible."
"You just repeated what Purnama has instructed us to do..." Riang's voice was light and teasing. "I thought you'd come up with something more fun, like, Let's forget everything and play around in Rona!"
Riang grinned, playfully mocking Suria as she began scanning their surroundings.
"Suria, look at that weird bear!" Riang exclaimed, pointing with her hoof. "We should ask him for directions."
A massive bear with a chill demeanor rode by the monument on an old bicycle.
His thick brown fur was styled in a cornrow hairstyle, with a neatly trimmed beard that contrasted with the laid-back vibes of his bloodshot eyes. He wore a green jumper and puffed contentedly on a joint, a wisp of smoke curling from his lips.
A radio backpack bounced rhythmically against his back, pumping out reggae tunes that filled the air with a mellow groove.
Suria and Riang quickly flagged him down.
"Excuse me," Suria said politely, "do you happen to know where the Aracca Motel is?"
The bear blinked slowly, taking a long drag from his joint.
"Whoa, man, like... newcomers, right?" he drawled, his voice a hazy rumble.
Taking another puff, he continued.
"Arraca Motel? Yeah, mon, that's not far. Just head straight towards Santu-Bong; no turns needed. Before the end of the mushy road, you'll see it on your right. Don't get lost, man. Rona is a huge place. Peace out!"
With a final puff and a wave of his paw, the bear popped a wheelie on his old bicycle and rode away, leaving a trail of sweet smoke in his wake.
"Thanks a bunch, Mr. Bear!" Riang called after him, chuckling as she waved her braided beard. Turning back to Suria, she added, "Honestly, Suria, I'd love to explore Rona more, but duty comes first, right?"
"Yes, I second that," Suria agreed, her antennae drooping slightly. "It's a waste to be here and unable to enjoy anything."
And so, the duo continue their journey, searching for the motel without wasting time.