Chapter 2-1: Born and Raised Here

Soon enough, the group arrives at the country of the Scalding Sand. And soon, they arrive in a large city. The city is a large city that has many different buildings, tent vendors, and even a river with people riding on boats or canals.

Kalim happily says, "Ahh, it's so bright out! Feels good to be home."

"Yeah, we haven't had much chance to come back before this," Jamil says.

"Wow. So this is the Land of Scalding Sands!" Briar says.

"Yup! This is our home. Isn't it just full of energy and excitement?" Kalim says.

Briar smiles, "Yes. It is."

"It's so pretty," Sereia says.

"I'm guessing you didn't visit many of those back in your world, huh, Briar?" Kalim asks.

"No, not like this," Briar says.

Then Cater fans himself, "Whew, talk about sweltering! Definitely different than the weather on Sage's Island. I'm sweating already!"

"The temperature's hot, but you really need to watch out for the sun. Its rays are quite strong," Jamil says.

"Yeah, I think I can actually feel the heat from the sunlight reflecting off these stone walkways. Better make sure I got sunblock on at all times!" Cater says.

"Yeah, I should've worn a hat. Yeesh…" Trey says.

"I have to agree. I didn't expect the place to be this hot," Tanzanite says.

Then Jamil explains, "The Scalding Sands is home to a vast desert and has a torrid climate. Most of the land sits on a peninsula facing the sea. You can find many affluent neighborhoods and resorts along the coast. This city is the center of the Scalding Sands. It's quite popular with tourists, both domestically and internationally."

"That would explain the throngs of people carrying around maps," Malleus says.

"Probably guidebooks, yeah," Cater replies, "And I gotta say, I'm slightly jelly of their short-sleeved shirts and shorts right now."

"No kidding. We're the only ones wearing stuffy uniforms," Trey says.

"So, what's this city called?" Cater asks.

"Silk City," Jamil answers.

"Silk City?" Sereia questions.

"Jamil and I were born and raised here," Kalim adds.

"Oh, cool! I read about this place in a guidebook," Cater says, "Its description was pretty spot on. All these white stone buildings are gorgeous! I gots to get a pic of 'em," and take pictures of the place with his phone.

Then Jamil says, "Large amounts of wood were hard to come by in the olden days, so they made buildings using stone mined from quarries. Nowadays we have much better access to construction materials, but stone helps insulate against the heat, so the tradition remains."

"I guess stonework houses are a hallmark of Scalding Sands architecture, huh," Trey responds.

"They're so stylin', it's like I'm on a movie set!" Cater says, excited.

"We also have amazing food!" Kalim says with a smile, "The seaside cities ship fresh seafood here every day through the canals. There's something for everyone, even the die-hard foodies! We've got tons of award-winning restaurants!"

Soon, Grim rushes over to see a river, "Hey, check out this river! It's nice and cool over here!"

"That must be one of the canals you mentioned," Malleus says.

Grim looks at the water and leans forward, "Ooo! Some water splashed up! Are there fish in here?"

"Careful, Grim. Don't get too close to the edge," Trey says.

But Grim laughs it off, "Myahaha, don't patronize me, Trey! I ain't THAT clumsy," and leans close towards the water. Too close that he falls over, "MRAAAH!" and falls into the water.

Grim tries to swim out, but struggles to do so because of the current.

Cater cries out, "ACK! Grimmy fell into the canal!"

"What did I just say?!" Trey cries out.

Tanzanite looks at the canal and notices, "And we got bigger worries."

Everyone turns their direction to see one of the boats is sailing towards where Grim is flailing.

Grim cries out, "Mrah?! A boat's coming this way! It's gonna hit me!"

"Oh no!" Briar says.

"We gotta get him out of there!" Jasper says.

Soon, Sereia runs towards the edge.

"Sereia, wait!" Trey cries out.

"Sereia, hold on!" Briar calls out.

However, dives into the water. Soon, she resurfaces to reveal her mermaid tail. Sereia has changed into a mermaid and swims to Grim. Grim continues flailing and struggles to keep a float until Sereia grabs him in her arms. Then swims away from the boat. The sailor notices and tries to stop. Luckily, Sereia acts fast and jumps out of the water and lands on the streets in her mermaid form. Once back on the surface everyone is relieved as Grim coughs out the water. Soon, the sailor stops where the group is at the check on them.

The sailor asks, "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay," Sereia says.

"Good, but you need to keep a better eye on your pet. Someone could've gotten hurt!" The sailor says.

Jamil apologizes, "Yes, we're terribly sorry…"

"We're sorry sir," Sereia says.

"I ain't no pet!" Grim whines and coughs out some more water.

"Oho. I see you still have energy to talk back, even after all that flailing," Malleus says.

Jamil sternly says to Grim, "Canals operate the same as roadways. They're a key part of our commerce, so they always have a steady flow of boat traffic. Naturally, swimming in them is prohibited on account of how dangerous they are."

"It's a good thing Sereia is able to rescue you, huh, Grim?" Trey replies.

Then Grim complains, "Nothin' about that was good! I hit the water like a ton of bricks, got dragged away by the current... I was totally freaked out! My legs were gettin' me nowhere, and that boat was heading straight for me! I thought I was done for!"

"Trey warned you not to stand near the edge, it's dangerous," Briar says.

"It's a good thing Sereia can change into a mermaid when she gets in the water," Jasper says.

"You were great there," Tanzanite says.

"Thank you," Sereia replies.

"It goes to show that you have to be careful, even on vacation. Let this be a lesson to you, Grim," Trey says.

"And to you, Sereia. While it's brave of you to go save Grim, you shouldn't be swimming in there either. Even though you can change into a mermaid and surprisingly a good swimmer," Jamily says.

"Jamil is right, you could have gotten hurt," Briar says.

Sereia nods, "I understand."

Then Jamil says, "Now stand still so I can towel you off. The last thing I need is for you to catch a cold."

"Mrrr…" Grim mutters.

Sereia giggles, "Don't worry, I don't feel too wet as a mermaid," and changes back to her original form.

"Just in case, let's get you dried as well," Jamil says.

Sereia nods in response.