Twisted-Wonderland: Our Precious Treasure (Part 2)

(106) TMotDS: Momentous Homecoming!

Jamil was used to it whenever Kalim brought back a new friend to the Scarabia Lounge, whether it's for a study group or just hanging around. Though, the guest this time was someone Jamil has been interested in. The small redhead, the magicless child whose pet cat burnt Kalim's butt (which Jamil swore he wasn't laughing at that) known as the 'Captain of Ramshackle', as many would point out. Many rumors mentioned that the boy was always there when terrible things happen. Could it be that he brings bad luck or is he the savior? He had seen the battle during the Octavinelle rampage, even if it's just a glimpse. It was a pretty intense battle and it was a miracle that all of them survived that.

Carrying the tray with two mugs of warm milk and a plate full of laddu, Jamil knelt on the carpet putting the tray between his prefect and his guest.

"Thank you, Jamil!" Kalim cheered, picking up the mugs before offering one of them to the captain. "Here."

"Umm... Thank you," he muttered, accepting the mug.

"So, what happened?" Kalim asked as Jamil sit next to him, genuinely interested in the captain tale. "You were there back when Senior Ashengrotto overblotted right?"

The captain winched. "Well... He and I had pretty bad fights leading up to that." Glancing down at his hand, Jamil noticed the way his hand clutched the mug tighter. "I... I don't really want to go in detail."

Kalim tilted his head to the side before smiling. "Don't worry if you're not comfortable telling it. We're not that close, so telling your whole life problem to a stranger might be weird."

The captain let out a relieved sigh. "Thanks." He cleared his throat before continuing. "Anyway, we need some time off from each other until we feel better and start to talk again. So, this school break might be a good thing." He then frowned slightly before looking between the two of them. "You're not going home?"

Kalim shook his head, while the smile on his face slipped slightly. "Nah. We have a two weeks training camp since the beginning of December."

"We didn't get a place in the Magishift Tournament. And then the test result came out and it wasn't too good," Jamil added. "Maybe this training camp can boost the member's morale."

Kalim grinned at the explanation. "Yeah. Like what Jamil said." He popped a laddu into his mouth, humming at the sweet taste, before continuing, "We only have a few days left. It'll end next Wednesday and everyone can go back home for Wassailia."

The captain perked up at this. "Wassa what?"

Jamil and Kalim blinked in confusion before exchanging a glance at one another and back to the captain. "You don't know what Wassailia is?" Jamil asked.

Frowning, the captain shook his head. "Is it a school event?"

Kalim gasped loudly. He put his glass to the floor before crawling to the captain (Jamil had to grab the mug before Kalim accidentally kick it), invading his personal space. "It's a wintertime holiday!" Kalim said excitedly. "During Wassailia, families celebrate each other's company by giving gifts, decorating a tree, having a large meal, and lighting a ceremonial candle."

A small smile grazed the captain's lips. "Hee~ Sound cozy..."

Kalim nodded. "Are you gonna come home for Wassailia?"

"Umm... I..." The captain averted his gaze, chuckling softly. "I don't have any plan yet." He then perked up as if he just got struck by an idea. "Hey. Since I have nothing to do for the next few days, how about I join your training camp?"

"What?"

"Oh, that will be fun!" Kalim cheered, completely overshadowed Jamil's reaction. Kalim pulled the captain into a one-sided hug. "It'll be like a sleepover!"