Chapter 1-3: A Good Omen
Sometime later, in the classroom, Kalim asks Cater and Lilia if they want to go to the Scalding Sands.
After explaining, Kalim says, "...And that's why I'd like to invite you both to the Scalding Sands!"
"It's a whole big festival!" Grim happily says.
Cater happily says, "Sweet! I'd love to go, Kalim. Scenic cityscapes, local cuisine, alabaster palaces towering above the desert… There'll be super 'cammable stuff all over!
I've always thought the Scalding Sands was a cool place, y'know. But I don't exactly have money for vacations, so I never expected to GO there. This is amazing! AND I get to see a fireworks show that only happens once a year? My pics are gonna go viral for SURE. Not to mention we've got the best seats in the house! Guess that's a perk of being friends with you."
"I'm glad you're so excited!" Kalim says with a smile.
Then turns to Lilia, "What about you, Lilia?"
"The Scalding Sands, eh? I've been there before, long ago," Lilia says, "I found it most intriguing. I imagine the cities there are quite different nowadays. I'm curious to see how it's all changed over the years."
"How long ago was it, Lils?" Cater asks.
Lilia giggles, "Khee hee hee... I'm not telling. Secrets add to a person's charm, you know. Anyway, who am I to refuse such a generous invitation? It would be a lot of fun to go back there."
"Then you're coming too? Great!" Kalim happily says, "Wow, I get to take the whole Pop Music Club on vacation! This is gonna be a blast." He then remembers, "Oh, right! I still have two extra seats. You're both welcome to bring a friend if you want!"
This has Cater excited, "For realsies?! Ooo, who should I bring?"
"Hmm... Well, I know who I'm bringing," Lilia says, "This will be perfect for him. It should really help to expand his social horizons."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Grim asks.
Lilia giggles, "Khee hee hee, I won't spoil the surprise."
The next day in the hallways…
Kalim and Jamil are in the hall. Kalim, of course, is very excited.
"It's festival day! Let's get on over to the Mirror Chamber, Jamil!" Kalim says.
"No need to rush. It's not time to meet with Briar and the others just yet. And remember, you have an important job to do once you get home. Don't get too carried away," Jamil says.
"Yeah, I know," Kalim says, "I always get the job done when it comes down to it. I hope Grim and the others didn't oversleep. We're meeting them way earlier than class usually starts."
"Don't worry about that. I told Briar in no uncertain terms to make sure Grim wasn't late. I also gave them five alarm clocks, just to be safe. Though, the others will help as well," Jamil says.
He then notices, "Ah, there's Briar and the others now. Excellent. We've met up a little early. I'll take that as a good omen.
"Good morning guys," Briar says.
"Good morning," Sereia says.
"We're right on time!" Grim says, "I was so excited for the festival, I woke up before my alarm. But then a bunch of alarms went off anyway, just like BEEP BEEP BEEP... It drove me nuts, I tell ya!"
"Ah. Sorry about that, Briar. I shouldn't have saddled you with unnecessary work," Jamil says.
"It's okay Jamil. Grim does have the habit of sleeping in, but I guess we can wake up early when he wants to," Briar says.
"Especially when there's food involved," Jasper says.
Grim glares at Jamil, "What about my apology, huh?!"
"I totally woke up early too, Grim! I was so pumped, I barely got any sleep!" Kalim says.
Then turns to Jamil, "You were up pretty late yourself, Jamil. Were you excited too?"
Of course not. I was busy preparing for today," Jamil says, "While you were sleeping, I checked our luggage, reviewed the schedule, and made some calls to home."
Kalim is surprised, "Oh, gosh! I would've helped if you'd said something!"
Jamil sighs, "It's fine. It's my job."
"You're always so on top of things, Jamil!" Kalim says with a smile.