Chapter 14: Excited City

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Main City- Main Street)

(Scene: The boys make their way through an even more active and bustling Main City)

*A massive crowd of people excitedly prepare for what seems to be a large scale event that required a whole podium to be set up in the city center as well as flags and banners of the Crystal Kingdom’s royal insignia being hung from high buildings, walls and flagpoles. It was the same symbol found on the capes of Royal Guards; a five-sided crystal with swords coming from all points meeting at the center.

*With so many people about, it was a great time to make sales on all sorts of goods.

*Potatoes, corn and a variety of other ground grown vegetables were harvested by the farmers in the fields and resold to the commoners for profit. Fish of many varieties caught from artificial lakes and ponds found throughout the wilds where also sold here. Since it was getting colder and colder by the day, wool, cotton and other textiles were on high demand. Designers and other clothing manufactures were trying to beat out their competitors by trying to acquire the resources first. Whether it be on a bargain, or folks were auctioning money for the biggest cow in town, you could always find a deal in the Crystal Kingdom.

*But all these people weren't helping with how crowded it was getting next to the union workers and their machines that were hard at work running on crystal energy. Platforms and long, heavy beams made of wood and steel were levitating thanks to the advance technology at use. The men were able to construct and organize the materials used for the foundation by following a blueprint of what they wanted to build and put the pieces together. Then, by using other power tools, they were able to hoist, secure and stabilize the structure all while remaining safe from hazards that could otherwise potentially fall.

[Construction Worker]: *Shouting* Hey! Make sure that stage is stable! If that thing falls while a royal stands on it, I'll have your head! Right before they take mine! You hear me!?

[Manager]: Those royal flags better be lint-free and spotless! Everything must be perfect for her highness, or so help me Goddess!

[Finn]: *Ugh* Geez, you don't realize how many people live in this damn city until they're all standing outside on the streets…

[Barrtio]: Seriously, what the hell's going on anyways?

[Baku]: Okay, this is bullshit... Excuse... Me!

*Baku and his friends find their way out the crowd of people. They couldn't remember the last time the city was this busy as the boys took a break on a side walk that was headed out of the city.

[Barrtio]: Seriously, what was up with all of that? Are they building something over there?

[Finn]: I don't even know... Did you overhear what they were talking about? Are the King and Queen coming into town tomorrow? Is that why they're putting those flags up?

[Baku]:*Sigh* Whatever, this whole thing just looks stupid. Hey, I'll see you guys tomorrow!

[Barrtio]: Yoo, Baku! What do you wanna do for your birthday, broski?

[Baku]: I don't know, we'll figure something out. Probably just the usual stuff! See ya!

*Baku splits from his friends as the day comes to an end and heads for the Crystal Fields.

(Setting: Crystal Fields: Baku's Home- Kitchen Area)

(Scene: Baku meets his mother and they talk about their separate days)

*Nicolatrice was preparing dinner. It smelled really good as always. She looked a little tired like she'd been on the move all day. But seeing her son home safely revived her.

[Baku]: Mom, I'm home!

[Nicolatrice]: *Smiling* Oh, hello Baku! You’re home earlier than usual. How was school? *Jokingly* Or did you skip again?

[Baku]: *Pssh* Geez, Ma... We had a half day today because they are setting up for a big Winter Homecoming Dance or something. Besides, I still have a promise to keep. Or did you happen to forget?

[Nicolatrice]: *Smiling* Oohhh, a dance, huh? That sounds fun! Did you get a date?

[Baku]: *Psshh* C'mon Mom, you know me. My locker had a ton of love notes shoved inside of it from a bunch of cuties. But I'm not big on dancing, so I might have to rain check them.

[Nicolatrice]: *Smiling* You’re always so picky when it comes to girls. So, I trust you had a great day today?

[Baku]: It was alright, Astronomy class was fun, as always. Hey, did you see the massive crowd in the Main City? What the heck is going on with all that?

[Nicolatrice]: I don't know, maybe the Royals are planning for something... The people get very excited when the King and Queen have news for us. It's always a nice treat to see her highness, she's so pretty and elegant. It was very busy today, I saw the construction workers building things, so who knows what it will be for?

[Nicolatrice]: But the good news is, I sold a lot of the crops you helped me pick and we made a good amount of money from it, and I was able to get more food supplies thanks to it and some clean clothes made for us... Oh! Now that I think about it, isn't it around that time for that competition that all the warriors and knights like to participate in... The Crystal Dome Games? It seems a little early compared to previous years, but maybe that's it?

[Baku]: Oh yeah, those are always fun! Do you think we can get tickets for it this year?

[Nicolatrice]: *Smiling* I suppose we could have a little date if I'm not too busy. If not me, I'll buy you a ticket so you could go with your friends!

[Baku]: Haha, that sounds awesome, Mom!

*Baku and his mother spend the rest of the evening together talking about their days and what's going on in the Crystal Kingdom. Nicolatrice shown Baku some of the clothes she got for him today. A green cottonwool hoodie that had pockets to keep his hands warm, that was insulated on the inside to keep the warmth in as well. A new pair of jeans also came with her purchases. Baku loved getting new pants. Everytime he did, he'd get rid of a pair the most worn out, old and tattered trousers he was used to wearing that always hung high past his ankles. He also got a new pair a running sneakers too.

*Now he could toss those shoes whose soles were falling off and would let water fill into his socks everytime he mistakenly stepped in a puddle. They shared dinner together, lamb chops, mashed potatoes and green beans. Baku didn't really like green beans, but he still ate what Nicolatrice worked hard to get for them and make. The lamb chops were seasoned perfectly and cooked to be just in the middle of tough and chewy, and the potatoes weren't lumpy at all.

*Later that evening, Baku appears in his bedroom ready for bed.

[Baku]: *Siigghh* ... Today was quite alright... Can't believe I'm turning 15 tomorrow... I wonder what'll happen... *Yaaawwwnnn* …