Chapter 1-1: Al'ab Nariya

One day at the Scarabia dorm, Jamil is in his room, packing stuff in the suitcase.

Soon, Jamil is finished, "Whew... And that takes care of that. I can't believe I managed to fit all of my stuff and Kalim's into a single duffel bag. Still, we're bringing a lot more than I anticipated. I know we haven't been back home in a while, but I might've gone a little overboard with the souvenirs for my family. Kalim might have more he wants to bring too. I'd better go check."

Jamil then leaves his room, walks down the halls, and towards Kalim's room. When he knocks on the door, no one answers.

"Hm, is Kalim not in his room? Wait…"" Jamil responds.

But notices Kalim walking down the hall, "He's coming over now," And shocked by what he's seeing, "Why does he have so much stuff?!"

What he sees is Kalim carrying a lot of suitcases.

Kalim cries out, "Jamiiil! Help meee! I've been packing for tomorrow. I just can't get this one suitcase to close!"

"Didn't I tell you I'd pack your luggage? How did you go from that to THIS?!" Jamil questions, trying to remain calm, but is too shocked to do so, "Who packs EIGHT suitcases for a quick trip home? It's not like we're going on an extended holiday overseas!"

"But these are just the bare necessities!" Kalim says and begins to list off his stuff, "Like my favorite pillows, my pajamas…"

"Don't you have all those things at home?!" Jamil questions.

But Kalim continues, "My cushions, my drums, my coconuts…"

But Jamil says, "You don't need ANY of that! You'll be fine with what I packed!"

Kalim soon complains, "Awww! But, c'mon... I just wanna be prepared."

"You don't have to worry about that. I'm handling the preparations. It's all under control," Jamil reassures.

"Well…" Kalim replies, and soon accepts, "Okay! I'm sure you've got it covered!"

"You never fail to keep me on my toes…" Jamil says.

"Hi Kalim. Hi Jamil," Briar's voice calls out.

The two boys turn to see Briar and her friends walking over.

"Ah, Briar. Along with Grim, Sereia, Tanzanite, Jasper, and Trinket," Jamil says, "What can I do for you?

"Heeey, guys! What's up?" Kalim asks, with a smile.

"The headmage asked us to tell you guys you're clear to use the Dark Mirror!" Grim says.

"Ooh, great! Thanks! Then we'll get there in no time flat," Kalim says.

Briar and the others notice a lot of luggage.

"That's a lot of luggage you're bringing?" Tanzanite says.

"So where ya goin'?" Grim asks.

"Al'ab Nariya," Kalim says.

"What's that?" Sereia asks.

"Some kinda fancy entrée?" Grim says.

"It means 'fireworks' in the old Scalding Sands language," Jamil answers, "The Yasamina River Fireworks Fest is pretty well-known, I'd say."

"Yasamina? Never heard of it," Grim replies, confused.

Kalim becomes surprised, "Really?! It's this super famous fireworks festival," He then explains, "Tons of tourists from all over come to see it! There are bazaars and street stalls that sell all sorts of neat stuff—fancy souvenirs, colorful fruits, you name it! And then there's this huge fireworks show to cap it all off! It's the coolest! I just love the way the whole city comes alive during it!"

"Now THAT sounds like a good time!" Grim says.

"Yeah. It sounds cool," Jasper says.

Then Jamil says, "Well, there are some in power who use their influence to make money off of it as well…"

Then Kalim has an idea, "Oh, I know! Why don't you come with us, Briar?"

"Huh?" Briar says, confused.