Chapter 2-8: Asim Palace

Soon enough, everyone arrives at Kalim's place. It's a very large building that is like 50 feet tall and has very tall structures. It has blue, cream, and yellow color scheme and decor. There is also a large pathway with palm trees on each side.

"Look, there's my house now. I'm so glad I get to have you all over!" Kalim happily says.

However, he notices how silent everyone is, "...What's wrong, guys? You've gone silent."

"It's…" Some say.

"It's what?" Kalim question.

Then everyone shouts in shock, "IT'S HUGE!"

That surprised Kalim.

"Are you seriously telling us this palace is your HOUSE?" Trey asks, shocked

"Locals like to refer to it as Asim Palace," Jamil says.

"Man, humongous doesn't even begin to cover it!" Cater says.

"It's like a million times the size of Ramshackle... And get a load of how shiny it is!" Grim says.

"Ah, what a wonderful example of bilateral symmetry. I see its axis runs through the park. The architecture is quite beautiful," Malleus says.

"I agree. The place looks so beautiful," Briar says.

"It's such a brilliant shade of white, too! No sparkle filter needed," Cater says and takes the picture.

"There's no way your smartphone can get the whole building in one shot," Trey replies.

Then Jamil says, "Kalim's father is a key player in our government and economy. He conducts much of his business within these walls. While it is a private residence, it's also used for government functions, official visits, ceremonies, and more."

"Okay, that would explain the size," Trey says.

"So basically, don't think of it like a regular ol' house. Got it. You know, it can't be easy livin' in a place like this," Cater replies.

Jamil continues, "Economic growth has led to high-rises being built all over the Scalding Sands. But Silk City still has a number of traditional buildings, like the Asim estate. And when new buildings go up, people generally prefer them to be in a traditional style as well. The city's a tourist destination after all. It's important we preserve our historic architecture."

"Does this place remind anybody else of Scarabia Dorm?" Grim asks.

"You're right, the structure seems kind of similar," Serai says.

"It should. Our dorm's based on the Scalding Sands architectural style," Jamil answers, "It has a number of things in common with the Asim estate, like the domed roofs and symmetrical structure."

"Dad told me he hired an architect from the Scalding Sands to build it," Kalim says.

"Really?" Sereia asks.

Jamil nods and says, "When Kalim enrolled, the school renovated the entire dorm. The Asim family paid for it, of course."

"How rich are these guys?!" Grim asks.

That makes Trey remember, "I remember how big a deal that was. Everyone was gossiping about it, wondering who the new student could be. But people were happy enough to get a new dorm."

"Whenever I see Scarabia's rooftops, I get a hankerin' for some onions," Grim says.

Sereia turns to Grim, "Don't you think of anything else besides food."

"What. It's what I see from it," Grim says, shrugging his shoulders.

"Wow. You actually eat onions, Grim?" Jamil asks.

"Mrah? Yeah, what about it?" Griim responds, confused.

"I was told cats couldn't eat them," Jamil says with a smirk.

"Good thing I AIN'T A CAT, THEN!" Grim says.

"Even though you look like a cat," Briar says.

"I AIN'T A CAT, BRIAR!" Grim shouts.

Cater laughs, "Ahaha! Leave it to Grimmy the Bottomless Pit to look at a beautiful building and see FOOD."

"I've always thought they looked like turnips, myself," Trey says.

"Really? You thought something similar, Trey?" Cater asks.

"I think I understand what you mean, Trey. When I first saw pictures of the Taj Mahal as a kid, I thought they looked like upside down turnips. Kalim's house is kind of the same, but wider than normal turnips," Briar says.

"You too, Briar!" Cater says, surprised.

"The roofs on Kalim's house look like pumpkins!" Grim says.

"I dunno, they remind me more of unripe tomatoes," Trey says.

"I have to go with Grim on the onions," Jasper says.

"They look like turnips to me," Sereia says.

"I'm seeing bell peppers," Malleus says.

"I was thinking the same," Tanzanite says.

Trinket nods her head in response.

Cater is surprised, "Not you you and and the other too, Malleus!"

"If the exterior is any indication, I'm sure the interior is splendid. I'm very interested to see it," Malleus says.

"Yeah! Let's get on inside!" Grim happily says.

"Good call. We need to drop off our bags anyway," Trey says.

Then Kalim says, "Oh, right! You should get changed too!"

"We should?" The group responds, confused.

"Yeah! I got you all some traditional Scalding Sands attire," Kalim says.

"You did?!" The group replies, surprised.