Days later…
The dark sky shattered, collapsing into the sun's glorious radiance. The ambient glow illuminated the earth and woke Missio from his slumber. The ascendant awakened. He opened one eye, scanning his surroundings. He was in the RV, not in the mountains anymore. It had been twenty days since they had left the trek yet he couldn't forget – not for a single moment.
Groaning, he jolted from his bed and stepped into the bathroom. The rattling caused Dante to wake as well. He rolled his body, pressing it against the sheets. Then, he shot up as well.
"It's that day." He stated with a lazy grin.
One after another, both brothers finished their business. After, Dante pulled out their pristine white suits and tossed Missio's over Missio caught his mid-air, staring at the fabric in confusion before it finally clicked. He snapped up, locking onto his brother.
"Is today Pangea's Natalis?"
"It is." Dante smiled.
Excitement burned in Missio in that exact moment. He swiftly put on his suit, snapping the buttons into place. Sliding his fingers through his hair, he looked at himself in the mirror. He squeezed a little oil out of a bottle, rubbing it onto his palm then, he covered his hair in it. Dante handed him a comb right after. He snatched it and styled his hair into a middle part.
Patting his nape, he felt the thickness of the mullet. He placed the comb back and straightened. Dante shifted in his suit and locked eyes with his little brother.
"What are you waiting for? To the festival, we go!" Dante rushed out of the RV.
"Wait up!" Missio exclaimed.
As he stepped out, the vehicle locked itself down. The transcendent never looked behind, catching up with Dante. He tucked his hands into his pockets, smiling as they headed to the city center.
***
August 26th of the year 2984 of the Modern Age.
Pangea's Natalis – The Founding Emperor's Birthday.
The citizens of Bolzano crowded the city center, wearing their best and most expensive attire. Missio and Dante were no different. They stood near the edge of the crowd – waiting. A few minutes passed by. Then, the next second, a war horn blew in the far distance. The instant that sound bounced across the air, every person who stood at the center in that moment snapped their heads in the direction of the noise.
Their faces lit up with the excitement of a child as if they were witnessing a one-in-a-lifetime event. Because it was for them. From the southern road, officers marched in unison. Imitators donned in golden armor similar to that of the Pope's guards marched alongside them as well. Behind them, several chariots rode along, each carrying a hologram of the emperor's legacy.
Missio's jaw dropped. His azure eyes lit up as the march passed.
"My god…" He mumbled.
The first chariot held the hologram of his crown. The second chariot held a hologram of two daggers with a design like the storms themselves. The third chariot held his royal uniform and the final chariot held a hologram of Pangea himself.
The citizens peered at this marvel in utter awe. They had seen this performance countless times, yet it could never become dull. They trailed it like curious children. Following the parade across the city, confetti flew in the air, hands rose and fell like the waves but loudest of all was…
"All hail, Pangea!"
A chant echoed, repeating itself through the area. It wasn't merely a chant, to the residents of Novopangea, it meant something more than praise…
Eventually, this parade reached a grand estate near outside the city. The chariots marched into a carnival filled with whimsical adventurous activities. The chariots parked near a raised platform as the crowd scattered. Kids pulled their parents to experience the rides. Young adults and teenagers also hopped on. Best of all, there was no fee for any ride as this program was funded by the empire itself.
Missio pulled Dante to one of the rollercoasters.
"Oh, look. It's your favorite." Dante remarked as they sat.
"Yes!" Missio squealed, snapping his belt into place.
Both looked ahead. They gripped the armrest of their seats, awaiting the eventual burst. Then, after three or four seconds…
"OHHHH!!"
They shot out. The ride rose into the sky, dragging them to the peak of the coaster. Then, the tip of their vehicle leaned off the descent. Drawing their breaths, the siblings fell to the ground. The ride shot forward and flipped upside down. It twisted and spun like a tornado, making the passengers heads ring.
After a few minutes, the rollercoaster stopped. Missio and Dante stepped off with exhausted laughter.
"That was… amazing." Missio clutched his stomach.
"Oh, bro. That was a good one." Dante slapped Missio's back.
Then, the two headed off, planning to enjoy the carnival to the fullest.
***
A few hours later…
The officers rallied the people near the raised platform where the chariots were parked. They laid out a mat and made everyone sit on it. The citizens sat down without question, making themselves comfortable. After everyone had settled into place, the officers stood at attention. Missio and Dante, who were near the front, eagerly waited for the event planned to happen next.
After a few minutes, a young pastor stepped onto the stage. With an earset stuck to his ear, he raised his arms.
"Good morning, dear citizens of Bolzano."
His voice resounded throughout the area, grabbing the attention of everyone present. Smiling, the man spread his arms.
"Today, we are gathered here the commemorate the day our Founding Emperor, Pangea the first was born."
He shifted, stepping to the side just barely.
"Every year, our officers march down the city streets with chariot carrying holograms of the Founder's legacy. And, every year, we also gather here to learn about who the Founder is? What was his life like but most of all, how did he become who he is today?"
The pastor halted, touching his fingertips.
"That is why each year, you gather here to listen to The Tales of the Storm Chaser, a collection our Founder's diaries."
The man raised a finger.
"However! With the latest expedition of the forbidden continent, the, now deceased Sterling and Charles, may God bless their souls, discovered and brought back the very first diary of the Founder!"
The audience clapped in excitement. Within the crowd, Missio and Dante leaned closer.
"Have you read the first diary?" Missio whispered.
"No, only the emperor has." Dante answered. "The contents were just released today."
A wide grin made its way onto Missio's face.
'This is the only part left to read…'
Clasping his hands, the priest drew their attention. "Now… let us read the tales of our legendary Emperor!"