The walk takes about half an hour and along the way we pick up some of our other classmates who live in the same quadrant. Not surprisingly many of us only wear a combination or a set of our plainclothes and so far only Darwin's wearing a modification of you can call a smiley face drawn on using washable marker a modification. Some, like Keanu, only wear sports gear and I'm glad I'm wearing at least sports trousers as they're much more breathable compared to the other plainclothes. Cynthia's choice of clothing was a little disappointing. As our class rep I thought she might have worn the best clothes but, then again, wearing the correct colour set does follow rules and regulations even though it might be a bit boring.

By the time we get to Mytopia square, the sun has already started to set and it silhouette creates an image of fire leaping above the walls surrounding us. There was a time when I thought there couldn't be anything more beautiful but now I can hardly stand to look at it. Bioluminescent trees light up the street getting brighter every second, the warm glow creating shadows that dance along the interlocking pavement. Almost everybody is wearing the colour set for the day except for those still on duty and those of us who have graduated and are allowed to wear whatever we want for this evening.

This is probably the first time where I haven't blended in and with the exception of the quick glances shot at us it feels quite good to stand out for a change. It also makes it a lot easier to find our other classmates which is a huge help as all we have to do is follow the line of differently coloured individuals when the mayor starts his speech.

Judging by the commotion it appears as though we still have some time before the graduation ceremony and off in the distance I see a small crowd of different colours walking towards us. Again some wear sports gear whilst others wear a combination, however, at the back of the crowd is someone wearing something I've never seen before, something that puts Darwin's attempt at a modification to shame.

The group becomes clearer as they get closer but I still can't make out the person at the end. They're relatively short and from the figure, I'm going to bet that it's a boy but who I don't know for sure. When the other group is 100 meters or so away we walk to meet them in the middle.

From our classmates in the crowd, I can work out that they came from the North-East quadrant but I still don't know which classmate is at the back. They wear a coat with a hood which resembles our green colour set but it's been modified by such fine needlework that there is now a lining of fur that cast a shake across the occupants face. I walk closer and notice that a tuft of yellow fur occasionally spikes out from within the beige lining but the longer I look the more it looks like hair instead of fur... Blonde hair. It's too light to be Elliot's and Kai lives in the Western Hemisphere. Could it possibly be...

"What! Sebastian is that you?" I hear Darwin tell from behind me before running up to meet the other crowd.

At first, the comment completely flies over my head but as I see a pair of deep orangey brown eyes reflect the same colour as dusk around us I feel my feet almost freeze in place. I knew that Sebastian wasn't terrible at art but I never knew he was this good. If he weren't where he is now I would have a hard time believing that it's Sebastian underneath the hood but when Darwin called out to him the other group was surprised that Sebastian was even behind them and the only person I know who could stalk someone for an indefinite amount of time without being detected is Sebastian. His presence reminds me of someone in a basketball movie I saw once before and I've been a victim of more jump scares than I'd like to admit.

A crowd slowly starts to form around Sebastian, classmates and neighbours alike throwing compliments as if they're going out of date. Sebastian looks even more uncomfortable as more people flock towards him and his meek nods simmer down until the crowd starts to slowly disperse allowing a linear gap where Sebastian and I catch each other's eyes.

I wave to him and he waves back, his face barely twitching into a smile. I purse my lips allowing my dimples to show, I know Sebastian isn't fully comfortable in social situations but after the past few months of trying to coax him out of what was an impenetrable shell at time, I thought he would at least have the confidence to smile.

I walk up to him raising a hand. He mimics me and for a second it looks like I'm going to hi-five him like many others have but as tempting as it would be to flunk the hi-five and say hit him square in the chest I divert my hand to the hood of his coat and yank it off his head.

"Oi, Seb! Does it look like it's snowing?"

I few heads turn to look at me and my classmates, of whom have already arrived, stare at me as of now I'm the bad guy.

I curse under my breath, although it's hypocritical even I don't feel comfortable when lots of people stare at me. I wish I used my 'inside voice' as I've been told too many times before but thankfully due to my stature onlookers who have just witnessed by outburst are already walking away probably dismissing the event as a childish squabble. However, my classmates still have disapproving looks and it's too late to back out now. I just hope my face isn't as red as it feels and my throat won't tighten up any more.

"Well?" I question, my voice slightly cracking, "does it?"

Sebastian shifts his gaze towards the ground and he shakes his head. I sigh. I might have overstepped boundaries but before I can apologize, Sebastian does instead.

"Sorry."

"Ummm." I feel my classmates watching us and even though I was going to apologize anyway it feels as if I won't they won't drop the matter until I do apologize. "I'm sorry too. It's just I... I don't know, I just got upset that, well, you know, I thought you could have handled the situation better."

I see Sebastian's face light up into a small grin which only means he's going to say something along the lines of 'I told you so.'

"I'm sure you could have handled this situation better as well, huh?"

Now it's my turn to cast my gaze to the floor.

"Don't worry about it though." Sebastian lays a hand on my shoulder, "we all make mistakes."

I roll my eyes. I wanted to teach Sebastian a lesson but I guess I ended up learning more before I could even tell him what I wanted to say. I still feel my classmates watching us closely and before I allow the opportunity to slip I clear my throat and lightly dig Sebastian in the shoulder.

"Yeah sure, but that doesn't give you the excuse to brush off compliments. I mean, come on, if I had amazing sewing skills I would definitely flaunt them."

I see Sebastian raise an eyebrow and I pout slightly rubbing the back of my head. "Okay, maybe not flaunt but you know what I mean."

"Sure," Sebastian says coolly.

I cast a quick look behind me and I still see the flares of my classmates on my back like targets on an archery course. I sweat drop. I may have had a little outburst but that shouldn't be reason enough for them to shoot evils at me.

'-He only cares for himself and doesn't think of how his behaviour affects other people'

Guiltily, I look toward Keanu but there's no malice in his posture. Of course, there wouldn't be, he only said that in the aptitude test - actually he never said that. He's my friend and even though he has his arms crossed I can see from his eyes that he believes what I'm doing is right even if they look slightly worried. I look to Keanu's right and see Cynthia who's patience isn't holding up as well as his. I don't know how much longer they'll wait for things to play out but from the atmosphere, it's obvious that I don't have much time left. I feel a nervous chuckle escape my throat and take a deep breath hoping my general quick thinking can help me out.

Before I know it, I hook one arm around Sebastian's shoulder and bring him close to me. I can feel his warm breath on my throat and his steady heartbeat against my ribs. I hear Sebastian muffle a quiet protest but I ignore it guessing that it's only due to mild discomfort at worst.

"How does everyone look?" I whisper.

"Colorful?"

"No, not how they're dressed. I mean, what do you think they're feeling right now."

"They look pissed," Sebastian blatantly states as easily as it would be to say that the grass is green or the sky is blue.

"I wouldn't say that," I defend, "maybe slightly annoyed..."

"No." Sebastian shakes his head, his face stoic. "They're pissed at you."

I have the urge to whisper-yell at Sebastian to stop saying 'pissed' but now doesn't look like the best time. I sigh in defeat. "Fine, they might be, but it's not all my fault."

Again Sebastian's face remains expressionless. "Nope." Sebastian says popping the 'p'. "Definitely your fault."

I sideways glare at Sebastian but as soon as he popped the 'p' I could tell that his toying with me. Well if he wants to play then I guess I'll join in by placing my bid.

"Hmm," I say trying my best to match Sebastian's monotone expression, "Yes, I suppose the same way 'I destroyed' a certain musical instrument a few years back."

I feel Sebastian's pulse speed up and that means I've hit the jackpot.

"Are you blackmailing me?"

"Nope." I mimic. "Just reclaiming a deposit."

I hear Sebastian mutter something under his breath, too quiet for even me to hear, but from the rise and fall of his chest, I can feel that he doesn't have any resentment.

"So what's your plan then?"

"That," I say scratching my chin, "I haven't thought of yet."

Without even looking I can tell Sebastian is deadpanning.

"But-" I continue, "Going back to what I said earlier about taking compliments- do you remember that movie we saw a while ago about the talking zoo animals?"

"The one with the group of penguins?"

"Yes! That one exactly." I can feel a plan formulating in my mind. "And do you remember what the lion said?"

"Smile and wave?"

"Yeah, just smile and wave, smile and wave." I jab a finger into Sebastian's chest remembering why I was upset earlier. "If you remembered that then why didn't you do it?"

"Uhhh... I forgot?"

I take a deep breath. "Whatever. The point is smiling and waving might just work in this situation as well so on the count of three just smile and wave at the others."

"3-"

"Is this really necessary?"

"Yes, it's necessary." I place my hands on my hips. "I might heal fast but that doesn't mean I want a black eye and-" I glance in Cynthia's direction. "I think you know what I'm talking about."

I hear Sebastian visibly gulp as finish the countdown. We smile and wave at the same time and although Cynthia stopped her foot tapping, judging from Keanu's gaze it doesn't seem like she's fully appeased.

"Now what?"

Sebastian shrugs, "I don't know. Maybe we should just face our problems head-on."

I shudder remembering the last time I fell prey to Cynthia's wrath. "Easy for you to say, you're not the one who's going to get beaten to a pulp."

"Come on." Sebastian says walking toward the others, "It's not that ba-"

One raised eyebrow from me is all it took for Sebastian to stop mid-sentence. I follow him towards the others and from the small gleam on Sebastian's skin I can presume he's already breaking out into cold sweats.

I walk toward the now larger group of one and as expected Cynthia cuffs me around the head. "What were you thinking? You not only disrupted the peace but you could have also ruined Sebastian's handiwork when you almost yanked his head off."

Once again I let out a nervous laugh and I hear Cynthia huff.

"Sorry."

Cynthia bites her bottom lip but just as it looks like she's about the chew me out again she turns to Sebastian who looks whiter than a polished chicken egg.

"And don't think you're getting out of this," Cynthia says, her eyebrow twitching on each syllable. "You may not have done anything as obvious as Aegis-"

Cynthia takes a second to glare at me and I feel that I might melt like the victims of superheroes with laser vision.

"But." The creases on Cynthia's forehead slacken a little. "Although Aegis can be an idiot at times, he's got one of the strongest moral compasses and I know that he wouldn't make a mountain over a molehill."

"Yeah," Sebastian adds, "I'm sorry too."

Cynthia tuts and if she could fold her arms twice I think she would have. If Cynthia didn't want to be a Mayor's apprentice then I'm sure she has the qualities to be a care because at moments like these she brings a little piece of home to any situation.

"Why are you numbskulls just apologizing to me?" Cynthia continues making me wonder if what I just thought is as accurate as I believe.

I look at Sebastian in confirmation before apologizing to the rest of the group but when we finish Cynthia is still 'pissed'.

"Apologize to each other as well then," Cynthia says rolling her eyes, "and remember to shake hands."

Not wanting to get into any more trouble I stick out my right hand just to remember that Sebastian is left handed. I change hands to amend my mistake but Sebastian seems to have the same idea and we end up the same way someone would if they were both trying to win and lose at Rock Paper Scissors. In only two failed attempts Cynthia's fuse had run out and we ended up shaking arms instead but the awkwardness of the situation is greatly outweighed by the now relative peace at hand.

As soon as we shake hands it feels as if a storm has just blown over. Cynthia has the face of a little girl who's just got given a giant bag of candy and the only evidence of the previous events are our zombified faces which look as if we haven't slept in weeks.

Right on cue, the fireworks start signalling for us to get to centre stage. Cynthia leads us happily almost skipping along. We have about five minutes to get to centre stage but by the time we get there the remainder of our classmates are already there waiting for us. The contrast between our groups is as stark as day and night and whilst Cynthia catches up with Sylvia we merge our groups. The other half seem a lot more jubilant and considering how Sylvia is almost identical to Cynthia it can be assumed that the other half of us didn't do anything to tick Sylvia off.

"Let me guess..." Elliot says motioning towards Cynthia who is too preoccupied to notice.

I nod and with a quick glance behind me, I see a tide of ashen faces nodding vigorously as well.

"Yeah, I remember the last time Cynthia went psycho," Lucas grins whilst resting his neck on his hands, "I wandered off during a school excursion and I'm sure you guys remember the rest."

Its true, or rather it's impossible to forget. Cynthia rarely gets mad but when she does it's like being in a black holes event horizon. Honestly, we got off really light this time but it will still take some time for 'Machiavelli' or what we dub 'Sylvia' syndrome to wear off.

"So when did it happen?" Elliot questions us further.

A few murmurs are made before we agree that it's been about half an hour.

"Why so glum then?"

I jut my lower lip out and shrug my shoulders. Compared to most of the others I've recovered quite fast which is strange considering how I received the harshest fear treatment.

"You mean you don't know?"

The other group including myself shake our heads.

"It's understandable that you might have forgotten but try to remember why we call the after affects our of class reps' lectures the 'Sylvia' syndrome."

I blink a few times trying to register what my group are trying to say but in all honesty, I don't actually remember why we called it the 'Sylvia' syndrome.

"Think back to the last time we had a 'lecture' from Sylvia," Riley says using air quotations, "and then correlate how often they happen."

I blink a few times again but the third time I do so I feel the blood drain out of my face and it looks like I'm in a black and white movie. I can't quite explain the last time Sylvia gave us one of her lectures but it was scarier than anything I've ever seen before, so scary that it makes me feel embarrassed about my aptitude test, so scary that I involuntarily pushed it to the far recesses of my mind. Although Sylvia's lectures are on a 1:100 ratio of frequency compared to Cynthia's comparing the magnitude would be the same as comparing a construction zone to a level 10earthquake on the Richter scale. What makes it worse is that all of her lectures follow a very predictable pattern and if my calculations are right then the next one is scheduled very soon.

I find it hard to gulp and I choke a little in surprise when suddenly as if one cue Sylvia turns to look at with eyes as cold as a river pebble on a bare winter night. It's probably because Cynthia mentioned the incident from earlier but to anybody else, it would appear as if she could read my mind.

Thankfully the last firework of wave 1 ended just as a shiver ran down my spine. Once again I follow the group and as I get nearer to the centre I feel adrenaline masking the almost irrational fear of what may or may not happen. The closer we get the more buzz of energy I can feel from everyone.

Walking up the stage I place my hand out to the side of me as I have seen many graduated before I do but instead of a medal or certificate when it's my turn to receive something, two small cylinders are placed in the palm of my hand. I look at them in confusion and attempt to ask the person handling the cylinders out what they were for but my group follows capillary action until all of us are standing in a horizontal line on stage behind the mayor. With a few quick instructions, I learn that the cylinders are modified ear plugs and considering the rumour that the mayors' speeches from centre stage can be heard all the way at the outskirts of the wall circumference it only makes sense that we would need some kind of ear protection.

When all of us have worn our earplugs correctly the mayor started the speech but, as if I had stepped into a time machine before I knew it I was walking off stage with the crowd giving us a traditional applause. The next few events turned out the same as the speech and hopefully, my autopilot mode didn't behave the same way as I do during a sugar rush. Strangely enough, I've paid more attention to the minor details than the most exciting moments of my life. With a mere blink, dusk seemed to turn to night and I guess that confirms the old wives tale of time flying when you're having fun.

With little stalls scattered throughout the town square our plan of staying as a class slowly diminished, a single person slowly drifting away like the fireworks in the night sky. On special days like this common rules are discarded and I'm glad because I don't know how many hours past curfew I have spent on small games and stuffing myself with more sugar than I eat in an entire year. Each small event paints a little snapshot in my mind as I start to feel my first yawns I replay my favourite moments of the evening when I close my eyes already wishing I could redo the day again even if it meant suffering Sylvia's wrath again. Shuddering slightly, I'm thankful that I took a bathroom break whilst Sylvia gave her lecture but the shivers from the aftermath still linger in my bones.

I feel a soft hand brush against my shoulder and immediately as if I'm being electrocuted I know who it is.

"Well," Sylvia says, flashing her innocent smile, "it's been fun hasn't it."

"Yeah." My face softens into a goofy grin. "Yeah, it has been."

"So, see you around then?"

I nod my head before shaking Sylvia and then Cynthia's hand. "See you around and may the Worm be with you tomorrow."

"You too." The two girls say in unison as they walk away into the distance, only illuminated by the intermittent stall lanterns and various fireworks erupting into the sky.

I wave until they're out of sight before letting out a huge sigh. I rub my eyes just realizing how tired I actually am and if it weren't for the slight chill in the air I might have fallen asleep standing up.

"So what should we do now?" I ask turning around to face the crowd behind me but there's no answer. That's strange. I rub my eyes again hoping to see someone but the only things behind me are stalls that are slowly shutting down for the night. Not everyone could have gone home could've they? I do a 360 but "It looks like I'm alone then" I mutter aloud.

"Not yet." A quiet voice whispers beside me which cause me to literally jump at least 10cm off the floor.

When my heart calms down I rub my eyes once more and when I open them Sebastian slowly comes into focus, his amber eyes glowing slightly underneath his furry hood. Looking around quickly to see if there is anybody else around ready to jump scare me I yank at Sebastian's hood again when I'm satisfied no one is watching.

"Hey. What did I say about that hood?" I hiss, my teeth still chattering slightly from the jump scare. "And what did I tell you about scaring people like that?"

When Sebastian doesn't immediately answer I just sigh and shake my head. "Whatever," I murmur, "let's just go already."

I start to walk off in the opposite direction when I notice that Sebastian hasn't moved and then I remember why he waited for me. He's afraid of the dark and he hasn't told anyone besides me. I have the urge to facepalm but for some reason, my mouth forms into a tiny smile knowing that I'm the only one he trusted to tell his secret to.

"Didn't I say let's go?" I walk past Sebastian towards the Western quadrant, "I don't need to hold your hand do I?"

Hearing Sebastian's feet shuffle I pick up the pace to a brisk walk as the night gets colder. Soon enough Sebastian has caught up to me and likewise, we've caught up to the class reps' before we split up at the junction that divides the Northwest from the Southwest.

Soon enough a feel a white speck dance along my nose as we near the junction and as I wipe it off, more start to drop the sky. Initially, I brush it off as ash from the fireworks but when they start to melt on my skin I feel Sebastian nudge me in the ribs wearing an 'I told you so' smile.

"Oi Aegis! Is it sno-"

"Just shut it." I cut Sebastian off placing my hands over my
Ears but not before hearing the first few giggles from our classmates. Geez, the irony of the situation couldn't have gotten any worse but at least my face flushing warms it up.

"But the weather forecast didn't say there was any chance of snow for another few months," I say crossing my arms and placing my hands underneath my armpits to warm them up.

Sylvia shrugs. "Perhaps the firework stimulated the weather. You know how combustion results in water vapour and that probably added enough to the clouds that they became dense enough to snow."

I nod slowly not wanting to accept Sylvia's explanation.

"Sooo... Walking your future partner home Aegis?" Cynthia teases as I lower my hands to wave goodbye at the junction.

"Whaaa! Of course not!" I retort.

Checking behind me for Sebastian's input I see that he's already bypassed me and is walking ahead. I stick my tongue out at Cynthia and Sylvia as we say farewell for the second time tonight but my tongue quickly retreats when it's pierced by a snowflake's chilled knife. Running up to Sebastian, he shows no signs of hearing Cynthia's joke earlier but if he had I wonder what his reaction would have been. By the power of The Worm, it's impossible for Sebastian to be my future partner, after all, we aren't 'biologically compatible' or whatever that means but even though I shouldn't care I cannot help but feel my throat tighten slightly.

The next five minutes to Sebastian's Upbringing is in relative silence except for the occasional cricket chirp and owl hoot. Along the way Sebastian did help
Point out the directions to the police station and ways of differentiating one street from another. He also did manage to ask me a single question about my choice of clothing but that's pretty much the only conversation since.

I still can't believe how long it took me to decide what to wear and as childish as it might seem I let Eeny meenie miny mo decide for me. Only The Worm knows how in Mytopia I found the courage to explain that to Sebastian without choking on my words but I guess that's one thing I love... like about him. He can make me feel calm in almost any situation and we trust each other enough with some of our most embarrassing moments. Just thinking about the great, and often silent, silent times we spent together makes me feel nostalgic and on impulse, I hug Sebastian. Stupidly, my mind didn't register that I totally invaded his comfort zone until the sudden jolt of concrete hitting my bum made me aware of how strong Sebastian can actually push. Somewhat dazed, I see Sebastian bite his bottom lip before mouthing a quiet apology. I want to get up and say something but even if I did I don't think Sebastian would have accepted what I have to say.

Sebastian's my study buddy and on top of that, he's probably been my best friend since forever even if he wouldn't say so himself. Actually, he didn't speak to anyone, or at least not publicly until near the end of primary school and since I know that I also know that he doesn't feel comfortable with physical contact. I already overstepped my boundary earlier when I hooked one arm around him during Cynthia's lecture and now I don't know if I can walk back from what I've done. I just hope that one day Sebastian can forgive me but from the tension on his face when he apologized when I should have instead I don't think it's going to be anytime soon.

Resting my head in between my knees I feel my gut wrench. My eyes have started to itch from the cold but when I go to rub them I feel that they're wet and I doubt that it's just from melted snowflakes.