Chapter 5-1: Worth Cheering For
Late in the evening, Briar and her group arrive at the Stone Step and are excited for the firework show to start. They soon look to see the beautiful red sky.
Trey says, "Wow, look at how red the sky is."
"I think this might be the most gorgeous sunset I've ever seen," Cater says.
"The heat's died down too. It's a lot more comfortable out now," Trey says.
"Agreed. And there's quite a pleasant breeze. We'll be enjoying the fireworks in comfort, "Malleus says.
Then Cater spots, "I spy a drink vendor! What're they selling?"
"Mint lemonade, eh? Now THAT sounds good," Trey says.
"That sounds really good," Briar says.
"Yeah. It's a blend of lemon juice, sugar, and fresh mint leaves," Jamil says.
And Kalim says, "We drink it all the time here! It sells like hotcakes during the festival."
"Looks cool and refreshing. The color's nice, too," Trey says.
"Peacock green, same as the canopies! That color really is all over the Fireworks Fest, huh?" Cater says.
"I suppose that makes it a special festival drink. I'd like to try a glass," Malleus says.
"I would like to have some too," Briar says.
"Me too," Sereia says.
"Okay, I'll get enough for all of us. Be right back," Jamil says.
He walks over to the vendor, purchases the drinks, and then returns with food and drinks.
"All right, here you go," Jamil says.
Everyone thanks Jamil as he gives them the drinks.
"Thank you. I'll have some right now," Malleus says.
Before he can drink it, Cater says, "Hold up, Malleus. We should have a toast!"
"A toast? Is there something to celebrate?" Malleus asks.
"Well, yeah. We're all catching a fireworks show together! That's cause for celebration in my book," Cater says.
"Ah, I see. You do have a point," Malleus says.
Cater happily says, "Great! Okay, guys! Let's raise our glasses, and…"
Everyone shouts, "CHEERS!"
They have a toast and then drink the lemonade.
Grim happily says, "Woo! This lemonade goes down SMOOTH! Tastes fantastic too."
"It does. I was actually expecting more mint, but it is nice. I'm tasting honey, and...perhaps a surprise bit of pepper? I should try making this when I get back," Trey says.
"You're right. It tastes sweet, but I can taste the mint," Tanzanite says.
Kalim asks, "So how'd you all like Zahab Market?"
"It was a blast. I got a ton of great souvenirs," Trey says.
"For sure! I hope Lilia likes what we got him," Cater says.
I was able to acquire an article of clothing I would never buy on my own. I'd like to wear matching shirts with Lilia sometime," Malleus says.
"I got a lamp and a whole BOATLOAD of sweets," Grim says.
"We also got a few clothes as well," Briar says.
"And a couple of games," Tanzanite says.
"Nice! I'm glad you had fun shopping," Kalim happily says.
Soon, the Pyrotechnician walks over and calls out, "There you are! Hey, Jamil!"
Kalim notices him, "Hey, it's our pyrotechnician friend again. Is something going on?"
This has Jamil concerned, "Oh no, don't tell me something else went wrong. Is the fireworks show off?!"
"Jamil! Thanks again for all your help," The Pyrotechnician says.
"Please, think nothing of it," Jamil says.
Then the Pyrotechnician says, "I was trying to think of some way to repay you… So how would you like to give the launch cue for the finale?"
"Wait, the finale? You mean the most critical part of the Fireworks Fest?" Jamil questions.
"Yep! The 100-shot grand finale!" The Pyrotechnician says, "We may have updated our firing methods… But the impact of Al'ab Nariya's beautiful fireworks remains the same. Getting to launch the fireworks is the highest honor someone can receive at the Yasamina River Fireworks Fest. Since you got my USB stick back, I'd like you to have that honor, Jamil."
Kalim happily says, "That's amazing! Nice going, Jamil!"
This has Jamil shocked and quickly says, "Wait! I couldn't possibly accept such an important job! I just work for the Asims. If anything, the honor should go to Kalim, since he's the family heir and one of the hosts. I couldn't possibly deny him the opportunity…"
But Kalim laughs, "Ahahaha, you're so silly, Jamil! It IS a big deal. That's why you're the best one for the job—because you worked the hardest today!"
"He's right, you know. And you wouldn't just be making Kalim and our technician friend happy. I bet Najma would be delighted to see her brother take center stage," Trey says.
And Cater says, "You were on point the whole day. You're gonna nail this, guaranteed. And don't you worry! I'll make sure to get it all on video for you!"
"Sometimes we must accept what's offered to us with grace, Viper," Jamil says.
"I think you should do it," Briar says.
"You got this in the bag man!" Jasper says.
"We're rooting for you!" Sereia happily says.
Jamil remains silent for a minute and then says, "Well, I can't back out after you said all that. All right... I'll handle the fireworks launch. And I'll make sure it's a show worth cheering for!"
"Great! That's one more thing to look forward to. I can't wait!" Kalim happily says.
Malleus wonders, "...Should we not toast the occasion?"
"Oh yeah, you're right! Good call," Kalim says, agreeing to the idea.
"You catch on quick, Malleus. Professor Cay-Cay is proud of you! Okay, guys. To Jamil's big break!" Cater says.
Everyone shouts, "CHEERS!"