Chapter 31: Cultural Festival pt.1

The entire campus was somehow blasted with a large rainbow beam, because it was the only way to describe the mesh of colors visible e v e r y w h e r e. Evan primarily believed he was sent into an alternate universe for a second there, because the campus was just so different from what it was like yesterday. Large banners were hung up on the many dorm buildings, with different languages saying 'Hello' as though every continent spoke the common tongue, plenty of other languages did exist.

Evan was impressed with the sheer amount of work and dedication placed into the festival just from the outside, as he had only just left his dorm. Classes wouldn't happen for the next 3 days, something that Evan honestly relishes in. His classes are getting tougher as they progress through the semester and it makes him so exhausted at times, especially with the extra training he has to do.

While walking towards the main building on campus, that usually taught all other years aside from freshman, a hard body bumped into him. Evan fell backwards onto his back and he groaned in pain, blearily looking up at who he bumped into. "O-osser? Hey.., mind helping me up?" Osser didn't respond, but grabbed Evan's hand that was reached outwards, pulling him up straight into his chest. Evan was steadied for a second before thanking the giant in front of him.

"Which er..both do you plan to go to?" Evan asks, curious about what the merman would be interested in. He hadn't seen Cole yet, but the two had planned to walk around together on the second day at least. Evan just kinda stands around as Osser thinks about the question. During the time the two have been friends-ish, it has become apparent to Evan that the dark purple eyed male is more often than not...slow. He takes his time while answering questions and it's why the guy had originally ignored him. Evan could understand that, as a classmate from his previous life was pretty similar. The guy had been really slow with almost everything and it could take a few minutes for him to answer simple questions.

Finally, after 3 minutes, Evan gets an answer. "I..plan to..go to..the Ophinx..area.." Osser quietly trails off, his stare hardening a bit. That was another thing Evan noticed, was that Osser was kinda closed off at times or unintentionally scary. The poor guy didn't realize how his glare could make other students run away in fear.

"I plan on going there as well! Lets go together." Evan offers..kind of planning to use Osser as a shield of sorts in case that girl stalks him again. Hopefully he'll scare her all the same and get her to back off. Osser ends up agreeing to his request and the two venture off towards the Ophinx booths, full of amazing weapons, craftsmanship, and even clothing.

When the two finally arrive at the booths, Evan is completely surprised by the festive atmosphere. If he didn't know he was on campus at the academy, he'd think he was possibly in Ophinx. Streamers full of beautiful colors and fire flowers filled the hallways. Once again, Evan felt that connection to fire, though it wasn't his affinity per say. Maybe he should get checked out again sometime..

Osser ended up going towards a booth that specifically sold beautiful colorful pendants shone brightly. They attracted Evan, but he was still enamored by the festivities going on around him. Many of the dwarven students were partaking in competitions based on their favored craft and he decided to watch them. His favorite competitor was a bald girl with bright lime eyes who had amazing focus, despite the noise going on around her. The girl's nose scrunched up in concentration as she did the finishing touches on what seemed to be a golden dagger with red jewels encrusted in the hilt.

However, the girl wasn't quite finished yet, as she embedded her own fire magic into the weapon, lighting the whole thing on fire. The dagger didn't melt at all, instead presenting itself as a powerful magical weapon. Evan's heard of them before, but they are incredibly difficult to create as the creator needs to be so in tune with their own magic that it doesn't destroy their weapon.

Bystanders, who were both students and alumni, as well as outsiders, all clapped for the bald girl who deserved the praise. He heard some murmuring next to him, explaining how the girl's a 4th year student in both the support and regular courses. She's also the school's top weapon creator. Evan didn't hear any murmur of the girl's name but he was curious about her and her talents. He promised to ask Cole about her, who he considered to be a gossip king.

Evan went over to where Osser was, who was still enamored by the pendants. His eye caught a red/white pendant and without even realizing what he was doing, he bought. It reminded him of the guy he met in the forest and he just couldn't help himself. He kind of wanted to slap himself silly for remembering the creep but it made the fox part of him very happy..which was odd, considering the fact that his fox side didn't really play into much as he was a hybrid.

"Hey Osser, you find anything you like?" Evan didn't want to leave without Osser or his guard. His pal stayed quiet for a bit, before pointing towards a pendant that reminded him immensely of Cole's eyes. Osser also purchased a small bracelet that had a jewel the color of Cole's hair and it made Evan wonder whether or not the guy just wanted friendship bracelets of sorts. Putting it in the back of his mind, Evan waited patiently for Osser to purchase what he wanted before he dragged him over to other booths.

He picked up an Ophinx information book, with the continents history in it to sate his curiosity. He wanted to go to the place one day if he could, maybe with his family. The thought brought upon more sour feelings, as yesterday's call was unproductive in terms of getting information. Evan didn't even get to talk to his mother, who was taking a shower at the time. His father, on the other hand, avoiding answering his more prudent questions and only wanted to talk about his school life.

He could understand them not wanting to worry him, but he refuses to lose another set of parents, so of course he wants to be updated on all the current information through his only source...or was his only source. Evan had another objective during the cultural festival and that was to get information on what's happening in Astoria from those who have come to see the festival in all its glory.

Evan and Osser made their way towards the Masain booths, planning to meet up with Cole. The only problem is that on the way there....they bumped into his number one stalker.

Goddamnit.