Twisted Wonderland 2

Worth Cheering For

The sun has now set. Only the beautiful starry sky and the lanterns are the only lights around.

"The fireworks should start any minute now." Jamil says.

"Well, what's the verdict, guys?" Kalim asks. "Is Silk City a fun place or what?"

Cater nods. "Oh, for sure! We did so many cool things in just one day!"

"I never knew travel could be so wonderfully liberating." Malleus smiles softly. "I must thank Lilia for giving me the opportunity."

"I got to stuff myself with good food!" Grim cheers. "If this is what vacations are like, I wanna go on one every day!"

Trey chuckles. "It was also nice getting to wear some traditional clothes."

A bright beam of light shoots into the air, exploding with a loud bang.

Kalim grins. "Look, the fireworks are starting!"

Multiple fireworks join the first. A colorful array of lights and sparkles eliminates the night sky.

"Oh man, this is incredible." Cater tries to take a picture.

Trey stares in awe. "I've never seen such huge fireworks before!"

Malleus nods. "It feels as though I could reach out and touch one."

Kalim laughs. "You'll miss half the fun if you just stand there watching, you know."

"Why's that?" Trey asks.

"This festival's all about dancing under the fireworks!" Kalim stands from his seat.

"The tradition stems from when people danced to celebrate the young man and princess's marriage." Jamil adds. "So, how about it? Want to join in and celebrate them as well?"

Malleus stands as well. "If it's one of your traditions, I would be honored to take part." Malleus offers a hand to you. "Care to dance with me?"

"C'mon, Y/N!" Grim tugs on your sleeve. "Dance with us!"

You laugh. "I'd love to."

Placing your hand on top of Malleus's, he helps you stand and leads you to where everyone else is dancing. You and the boys dance under the light of the fireworks. The fireworks casting various colors on you and the boys. When Jamil's cue came, he raises a sparkler high into the air and the big finale begins. The crowd cheers as the biggest and brightest fireworks burst into the air.

"Amazing! Look at the size of that one!"

"The fireworks are going off in time with the music. This has got to be the most thrilling fireworks show I've ever seen! It's so fantastical!"

Najma's friend smiles to her. "Another great show, huh, Najma?"

She nods. "Definitely! I dunno why, but I think the fireworks this year are the prettiest ones we've had yet."

Jamil sighs. "Looks like everyone's into it. Guess that means I did my job right."

"Flawless timing, Jamil." Cater grins. "You know how to build that hype!"

"Indeed." Malleus nods. "Fine work, Viper."

"You really pulled it off." Trey adds.

"We've been going to this festival since we were kids." Kalim says. "Were you nervous to give the signal? Did it feel like a lot of pressure?"

Jamil scoffs. "Of course not. I do a high-pressure job every day."

Trey chuckles. "Seeing the fireworks light up the night sky is just awe-inspiring. All of them different colors, no two exactly alike... Every moment beautiful in its own way."