Bus Trip Up North

[INT. ALESSIO'S MINIBUS- DAY]

The color of Alessio's minibus is a shiny silvery grey. The inside is well-maintained and clean, though not overly sterilized. There are many little pockets and trays placed throughout, for holding small items and other things, while the driver's seat and front passenger's seats each have a retractable cup-holder embedded in the arm rest. An array of various buttons and switches line the top of the dash, allowing the user to adjust the temperature, seat position and adjust other settings as needed.

Alessio: Please make yourselves comfortable and let me know if you need anything.

Hffyl: It's quite comfy

Alessio chuckled and turned on the air-conditioner.

Alessio: I am glad you find it comfortable. It's an old minibus but it still runs well, and the seats have not lost their cushioning over time.

Alessio had driven the minibus out of the port and started heading north. The roads were relatively well-maintained, and the traffic was moderate. The passengers settled in for the ride, some conversing with each other while others relaxed in their seats. The scenery outside the windows was beautiful, with a mix of rolling hills and forests. The road was bumpy at times, but the ride was relatively smooth for a minibus.

[INT. ALESSIO'S MINIBUS - AUTOSTRADA A7 HIGHWAY - DUSK]

Alessio: (Changing lanes) We might need to stop for a moment in Milan. It's getting dark.

Suresh: So, how long have you been doing this?

Alessio: Oh, many years. I've seen the beauty of these roads change with each passing season.

The minibus smoothly glided along the highway, surrounded by hills and occasional glimpses of quaint Italian villages. The passengers admired the landscape, occasionally snapping photos.

Mei Ling: (looking out) This is breathtaking.

Alessio: Italy has a way of doing that to people. The Autostrada A7 has its own charm. Milano Serravalle sure picked quite a route.

The minibus continued, merging with the ebb and flow of traffic. Alessio, the seasoned driver, maintained a steady pace, occasionally pointing out interesting landmarks. Hffyl seemed to be staring into the distance, which had caught the attention of Alessio.

Alessio: So, what's your name, kid?

Hffyl: Huh? Oh, Hffyl. You saw me?

Alessio: Rear mirror. Besides, this bus isn't really that big. So, you're the only kid here?

Hffyl: Yes...

Alessio: (checking the crew) Which's one is your parents?

Hffyl: Oh, uh...

Captain Ajwad: (interrupts) They're not here. This is more of a field trip.

Alessio: With only one kid?

Captain Ajwad: Not really, others in here as well. He's just the youngest.

Alessio: Ah, interesting. So, you're missing your family at home?

Hffyl: (nods)

Alessio: Don't worry, kid; life of an adventurer. I too have to leave my parents behind for plenty of trips.

Hffyl: I know. Just a bit homesick.

Alessio: Usually, when that happens, I talk to my clients. Try making friends when you arrive at your destination. Who doesn't like to be friends with someone from another faraway country?

Priya: Haha, right. How long till we get to our stop? It seems to be getting dark.

Alessio: I think we should stop in Milan. You could do some sightseeing in Italy at night.

[INT. ALESSIO'S MINIBUS - MILAN - NIGHT]

*Vans door open*

Alessio: Well, we're here. Our pit stop.

The crew stretches their legs, feeling the refreshing change from the confines of the minibus. Captain Ajwad, glancing around, notices a nearby café.

Captain Ajwad: How about a quick break? We can grab some refreshments.

The crew agrees, and they make their way to the café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air.

Priya: Need a caffeine boost to keep us awake?

Hamzah: (smirking) Not really, I don't drink coffee.

As the crew enters the café, Alessio stays behind to check on the minibus. Inside, they find a cozy corner and settle in. The waiter approaches with a warm smile.

Waiter: Buona sera! What can I get for you?

Captain Ajwad: Coffees for those who drink it, and perhaps some bread for snacks.

The crew places their orders, and the waiter hurries off to fetch their drinks. The café, with its dim lighting and rustic charm, provides a welcoming atmosphere.

Mei Ling: (looking around) Milan at night has its own charm.

Suresh: True. The city lights add a special touch.

The waiter returns with a tray of steaming coffees and an assortment of snacks.

Waiter: Here you go. Enjoy your evening.

The crew expresses their gratitude, sipping on their coffees and nibbling on the snacks. Hffyl, quietly observing the scene.

Hffyl: Never thought I would even set foot in Italy. This place is something.

As the crew enjoys their break, Alessio joins them, grabbing a coffee.

Alessio: Milano by night is a different experience. Energizing, isn't it?

Captain Ajwad: Indeed. Thanks for the suggestion, Alessio.

After a short break, they gather their belongings, ready to continue the road to Geneva.

Alessio: Everyone ready? We have a bit more road ahead.

Meanwhile, Hffyl already seemed to be asleep.

...

____________________

Hffyl woke up...

Hffyl: (Rubbing eyes) Heh, sorry for taking a nap, what's with this bright ligh... (open eyes) ...not again...

[EXT. MILAN - 1510 - DAY]

Hffyl seemed to be walking through the old streets of Milan. The buildings' pillars were made from marble pillars.

Hffyl: Now where am I this time? Is this the Renaissance?

???: Hffyl?

Hffyl turns around as someone calls for his name.

Laksamana & Hffyl: (at the same time) How did you get here?

[EXT. WORKSHOP - MILAN - 1510 - DAY]

Laksamana: I was looking for you in Istanbul, but you'd disappeared.

Hffyl: I have a way of moving between places.

Laksamana: Well, I wasn't surprised by a young child who had fallen from the sky.

Hffyl: So, why are we here?

Laksamana: I want to meet with someone here. I heard that he is a very genius inventor.

In a brief moment, an old man wearing Renaissance-era clothes came in through the door.

Inventor: Ah, greetings! Come in and take a seat.

Laksamana: Thank you. We came from a faraway land.

Inventor: And who is this young man?

Hffyl: Hffyl. Hffyl Ajmal.

Inventor: It is great to meet you two. You can call me Leonardo. Leonardo da Vinci.

Hffyl fainted.

Leonardo: (Concern) What? Is he ok?

Laksamana: I'm not sure.

Hffyl: (wakes up) No, I'm ok.

Laksamana: Well... (continues) we heard of your ingenious creations and artistic brilliance. We come seeking your knowledge.

Leonardo: Knowledge is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the world. What brings you from a distant land to my humble workshop?

Hffyl: We... (trying to remember) ...we recently had been gaining threats from foreign enemies.

Hffyl tries to explain the story. Leonardo's eyes sparkle with curiosity.

Leonardo: A journey across time? Fascinating. Tell me more.

Laksamana and Hffyl proceed to explain their extraordinary journey and the mysteries that unfold.

Leonardo: (stroking his beard) An intriguing tale indeed. Time, the ever-elusive river, and you, its travelers. I may not fully comprehend, but I am willing to offer what guidance I can.

Hffyl: Thank you, Leonardo. Your willingness means plenty to us.

Leonardo: There is much to learn and discover.

They look towards Leonardo's invention and paintings.

Hffyl: Leonardo, your ability to conjure such innovative ideas is truly remarkable. How do you manage to do it? What is your secret?

Leonardo: (smiles) Ah, my dear friend, the pursuit of knowledge is a journey, akin to an artist refining his craft. Ideas are like whispers from the muses. I find inspiration in the world around me—the play of sunlight on the landscape, the intricate gears in a clockwork mechanism. Every observation is a stroke on the canvas of creativity.

Hffyl: But your inventions and ideas were so ahead of your time. How did you come up with them?

Leonardo: Imagination is the key to unlocking the mysteries of creation. I let my mind soar freely, exploring the realms of possibility. It's a mix between art and science, intuition and reason. I observe the world with a curious eye, always asking questions, always seeking to understand. The convergence of disciplines is where innovation flourishes.

Hffyl: Your perspective is truly enlightening. How do you stay so open-minded and gain to new ideas?

Leonardo: The mind is like a fertile field—it yields its best fruit when tended with care. Be receptive to the whispers of nature, to the voices of others, and to the silent wisdom within yourself. Seek knowledge tirelessly, for the more you learn, the more you realize the vastness of the unknown.

It's been about an hour since their visit. It seems like it's time for them to depart.

Laksamana: We appreciate your help, Leonardo.

Leonardo: No need. Come and visit again soon if you have a chance.

[EXT. STREETS - MILAN - DAY]

Laksamana: Where are you heading next?

Hffyl: I'm heading back, I think. I don't know. I'll just figure things out.

Laksamana: Very well. I guess we have to depart. I'm heading towards Rom next to speak with the ruler.

Hffyl: Oh, and one more thing. If you meet me again in Malacca, just a reminder that I might not know what happen here yet.

Laksamana: Alright then. Take care, and be careful of the French soldiers occupying the city.

[INT. ALESSIO'S MINIBUS - MILAN - NIGHT]

Hffyl woke up back in the minibus. He turned around to see the rest on board, some were sleeping and some were staring into their phones.

Hffyl: (Stretching) ...How long was I'm out?

Dollah: About 15 minutes.