The Carnival Parade
After the beautiful and colorful fireworks lit up the sky on the night of the fourth day, the fifth and final day of the Carnival arrived with excitement. The streets of the Capital City were filled with energy as everyone prepared for the most awaited event , The Carnival Parade.
From early morning, people gathered along the main streets. Decorations covered every building , long ribbons in red, blue, gold, and green fluttered in the wind. Colorful petals were scattered across the road, and musicians played cheerful tunes on drums, flutes, and violins.
The Carnival Parade was not just any celebration , it was a moment when cities and towns from all over the kingdom came together to showcase what made them special. Magic, dance, music, acrobatics, and costumes filled the streets as everyone cheered and clapped.
There were few much more memorable performances.
One of the stunning displays came from Puresa City. Their performers wore glowing white and silver outfits and performed a beautiful sky dance using floating platforms. They moved with grace, casting light magic that sparkled like stars, drawing gasps from the crowd. Their theme was "Purity and Light," and it was a dance that felt like it touched the heart.
Filune City followed with a breathtaking musical performance. Musicians stood atop moving stages, playing long horns, string instruments, and crystal chimes. The melody carried through the streets, rising and falling like waves. Dancers in blue costumes twirled around the floats, each step perfectly timed with the music. Their performance told the story of a hero who brought rain to their dry lands.
Daqi City brought their strength. Warriors in traditional armor marched proudly, showing off their skill in sword techniques and synchronized fighting formations. Sparks flew as blades clashed in the air , all part of a carefully choreographed performance. Their display honored the guardian spirit of the mountains that protected their region.
Vinse City, known for its inventors and strange gadgets, amazed the crowd with mechanical puppets, walking golems, and floating machines. Children stared in wonder as a small flying dragon made of gears and steam zipped through the air. A tower-like float opened up to reveal a spinning stage with performers dancing in mechanical costumes. It was strange but exciting, and no one could stop talking about it.
And then came the Capital City's grand finale.
It was led by royal guards in shining armor, followed by dancers wearing the colors of every city in the kingdom. The main float, shaped like a giant phoenix, moved slowly as performers danced beneath it. It breathed sparks into the air, and from its wings flew magical birds of light that circled above. Behind it, a choir sang a powerful song of unity, and a group of mages cast fireworks into the sky in daylight , red and golden bursts that painted the sky even before sunset.
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Among the crowd were our heroes , each enjoying the parade in their own way.
Lila stood near the front of the crowd, her eyes sparkling as she watched the swordplay of Daqi City. She admired the discipline and elegance of their moves. She imagined herself on that float one day, showing off her own strength and courage.
Adrian, still healing, stayed close to Sera. The two stood near a merchant stand, smiling and cheering. Sera clapped happily during the music performance of Filune, humming along. She especially enjoyed Puresa's magic display and quietly tried mimicking the healing light they used.
Doran and Zora walked along the street following the floats. Zora kept awestruck by the inventions of Vinse, while Doran focused on the sword held by the performer, and mad comments on each one of them. Fizzle, meanwhile, disappeared for long moments only to return with some bizarre snack from a street stall , cotton clouds, spicy sticks, sweet puffs, and once, even something that glowed.
Drakar was quieter than usual. He watched closely, eyes focused, especially on the warriors from Daqi. He studied their form and movement, mentally noting things he could improve in his own training. The fire in his heart from the last battle had not faded. He wanted to learn.
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As the sun began to fall and the skies turned orange and pink, a large open field just outside the city was prepared for the final gathering of the Carnival , the Bonfire Night.
In the center of the field stood a huge wooden pile. As the last light of day faded, it was lit with magic. Flames leaped high, golden and warm, and people gathered around, laughing, clapping, and dancing.
Drums played again, this time faster, louder. Circles of people danced around the fire, holding hands or waving scarves. Some sang old songs, while others simply laughed and spun.
Adrian joined the circle with Sera, laughing even as his arm remained in a sling. She helped guide him gently, and they shared a quiet, sweet moment under the firelight.
Lila danced with a group of children, showing off quick footwork and fancy moves. She grinned as the kids tried to copy her.
Zora and Doran had mugs in hand, toasting to the end of a successful Carnival. They were enjoying the moment at the fullest. Fizzle floated around them, leading a loud, funny song about food and treasure that had half the crowd singing along.
Drakar stood near the edge of the circle, watching for a while. Then, slowly, he stepped forward and joined in , not dancing, but sitting beside a group of elders, listening to stories and asking questions about ancient training methods.
The night was full of laughter, music, and joy. The Carnival had brought people together — not just to celebrate, but to remember what they were protecting, what they were fighting for.
The flames burned tall into the night sky, and eventually, as the stars shone above, people began to leave. The fire was left to burn low, the music faded, and slowly, the final night came to a close.
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The next morning, as the city returned to normal, a message arrived for The Grand Party and the Rising Heroes.
They were summoned by King Arthur to the royal chamber.
It was something important.
Something serious.
And so, they gathered at onceee…