Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Modern AU

chapter 5 Noah

I arrived there on time and looked at the time I was to preform.

6:45

Sigh I got here at 5 to sign in as they required or be disqualified, do they really not trust us to be on time
Well might as well listen to the people before me.
There was quite a variety of songs some were sung others were just instruments, some were soft and others bombastic. I found myself enjoying it but keeping a very close eye on the time.
One that stood out to me it was a single girl with short white hair yellow eyes and cat ears. Her dress was very elegant showing off her crystal in her chest changing from red to blue in a lava lamp style. She was breath taking until I saw that dispite this being a independent competition she was a agnian. She played a peice that was very similar to the school song but altered it to a fashion in a style close to mine.

6:30

Figures that I could leave to warm up and refresh my peice
I left after the song was done and found a practice room. Refreshed and took this time to calm my nerves down.

I rushed back to not be late to my part of the competition.  Brushed off any dirt or wrinkles I could and prepared myself nothing new here

°Off seer Noah°

As I hear the small applause I bow and head off stage. I look at the time and see it's currently 6:35. I should be getting home then I can relax for Sunday

As I was pondering asking for a ride or just walking home chilled I saw the agnian alone.  Too apathetic about rivalries to cause a fuss. "Hey you did good today keep it up"
Startled she looked up shocked at the comment let alone from a obvious kevesi.
"What do you want?" Her voice on edge
"Just good luck for you" and left cutting off words in exchange of going home sooner exiting the building The crisp air entering my nose this is starting to get chilly maybe I should bring my jacket more often.

It was getting dark but not close to pitch black

And it now it was definitely cold now. I shivered then rubbed my arms trying to warm up. My phone buzzed with Rikus call
"H-hey riku what's up?"
"Good have seen Mwamba today?" With worry notably in his voice
"Not since yesterday what's w-wrong?"
" was at the work shop and Riku overheard someone was saying that he was going to get a 'lesson' but when looked  for no one was in sight" not a good thing
"Okay I'll keep an eye out for him"
"Noah also stay safe"

This was worrying
I texted Lanz if he had any idea where Mwamba was at after getting nothing from Mwamba himself. He was told that he was getting snacks from the Alfeto store.
He was still not picking up any calls. And as I was shivering with anxiety and cold I bumped into the aginan again.
"Oof s s sorry I b b bumped into-o y y you"
"Just watch it you..." her retort died down when she recognized me "you're from the music competition right" I nodded "I'm looking for my friend Kyte have you seen him I shook my head I'd specifically been trying to avoid any agnians if possible.

She noticed my shivering and suggested "why don't we go inside Alfeto store and warm up?" I nodded and started to head inside and was introduced to the smell of hot chocolate and coffee.

The store wasn't all that big but it had a lot of stuff for collage and basic living with a drink shop. "Would you like something?"
I thought about it for a moment a "p-peppermint chocolate or regular if they don't have that"
I sat down to a close by booth and shivered again but less violently this time. When she got back she had just mine.
"Didn't you want something too? She shook her head "it's a bit to late for coffee"
"Are you sure? I could get you something"
"that's fine" after an awkward pause while I drank my chocolate "my name is Mio and...
you've probably been the kindest kevesi to me yet" She softly spoke
I stopped drinking and looked at her quizzically "surely there have been some that have been nicer than a compliment?"
"Nope that's why I was suspicious of you at first I was wating for the backhand"
"That's quite sad"
"Yeah, you feeling better?" I wasn't shivering anymore and I noticed now I look at her she's wearing a white jacket that looks fluffy and simpler clothes underneath.
"Yeah thanks, where was your friend last seen?"
"Right around here in alfeto store though Sena saw he was following Someone if they were in trouble or would cause trouble.
"Did she see where?"
"Yeah in a alley way but Kyte said to go on ahead and I was waiting for Sena but she has a bad sense of direction especially at night and I didn't want to go alone."
"I could come with you I may not be as strong as my friend but I know how to throw a punch or two and run." I offered
"You would?" She sounded shocked
"Yeah this almost sounds like my friend would get in trouble even if it wasn't his fault" Snickering at the similarities
"Oh and my names Noah it's been a pleasure to meet you if only briefly" I gave a small smile
She smiled at this "glad to meet you Noah"