"Mom! Dad! Look over there!"
A tiny voice pierced the morning air, bright and loud enough to rival the fireworks overhead.
A child, probably no older than six, was bouncing in place while tugging on her parents’ sleeves with all the urgency of someone who had discovered a new galaxy.
Her eyes were completely round, her mouth hanging open as her little finger pointed sharply at the sky.
Above them, daytime smoke-shell fireworks burst in brilliant swirls. Reds, blues, golds, and shimmering silver spiraled outward like painted comet tails. The air crackled with the unmistakable sound of celebratory explosions.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
People roared in excitement. Cheers rolled over the crowd like a tidal wave. Claps, whistles, and ecstatic shouting filled the streets lining the entrance plaza of the Imperial Summit Exhibition Center.
Just then, a solemn honorary silence suddenly descended as three unmistakable figures of the Imperial Family stepped out onto the balcony, standing tall above thousands of attendees.
Like a wave, the people bowed and showed respect to their sovereigns, and it was truly a sight to see when even those watching at home or at work showed their reverence one way or the other.
Then, without the need for long-winded speeches, the Emperor lifted his hand for the ceremony to begin...
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Three thunderous blasts erupted across the sky.
The child yelled again. "It’s starting! It’s starting!"
__
Amazed gasps rippled through the streets.
High above the crowds, fighter crafts streaked across the sky in tight formation. They looped, twisted, and spiraled, drawing trails of light behind them. The stunts were sharp and flawless. People screamed with awe each time one jet nearly brushed past another.
Then, with a dramatic swoop, several jets descended low and released glittering cascades of confetti.
Gold. Red. White. And blue. Thousands of pieces rained down like a sparkling storm.
On the ground, Imperial soldiers marched forward behind the Marshal. Their armor glinted with the morning light. Their boots moved in perfect rhythm. The Imperial Guards followed suit, their formations crisp and intimidating as they surrounded the entrance of the Expo Hall.
Every step seemed to shake the very air.
They marched until they reached the massive doors of the hall. Then they diverged into flawless formations, guarding the entrance like statues carved from steel.
__
Up at the balcony, Princess Nina clung to the railing with white-knuckled excitement.
She was very clearly losing the fight against her own impulses.
Her entire body was itching to lean forward. Her foot tapped. Her eyes sparkled like she wanted to leap off the balcony and join the parade herself.
Even the military had put in more effort this year.
She could feel it.
And she couldn’t be more excited!
__
Then came the delegations.
Each one entered according to the order they had drawn.
First up...
The Dwarves.
The runway, wide and long like an actual aircraft landing strip, rumbled.
Everyone leaned forward.
Engines revved.
RMMmmm–VRRRRRRMMMM!


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