The moment the door closed, the mana powered engine awakened with a low vibration. The vehicle lifted slightly as the internal mana circuits activated, and then the automobile surged forward smoothly onto the road.
Through the window the lively theater district began to slip away behind them.
The glowing projections floating above the buildings shrank in the distance. The crowds became smaller clusters of movement beneath the lantern light until they were eventually swallowed entirely by the dark outlines of the city streets.
Lily leaned her head lightly against the window, watching the city blur past with quiet fascination.
Ash perched on the edge of her shoulder, his small wings occasionally fluttering as he followed the shifting lights outside.
Lucy rested comfortably against the seat, a faint content smile lingering on her face.
Sophie sat beside Bruce, her presence calm and steady as the quiet hum of the mana engine filled the vehicle.
For a while none of them spoke.
