Twisted-Wonderland: Our Precious Treasure (Part 2)

(117) TTotSS: The Strategy's Dilemma!

Kalim was true to his words. The training was just as harsh as before. The training was just as harsh as before and longer. They didn't stop until it was nearing midnight and Kalim announced they were done for the day, but also added that they will have another march the next morning, much to everyone's dismay but he didn't care. Jonah walked slowly with Grim in his arms and Senior Viper by his side, escorting him back to his room and making sure he didn't fell asleep in the hallway. But really, Jonah probably won't be sleeping. The thought of Kalim's tyranny still ringing in his mind. The clue was right in front of his eyes, dammit!

"Jonah?"

"Huh?" Jonah looked up to the senior.

"You're spacing out," Viper said. "Too tired?"

"Uh..." He looked down at his feet. "Just thinking."

"About what?"

Maybe he could find an answer? Well, it won't hurt to try. "Did..." he gulped, "Did something happen to Senior Kalim back then?"

Viper blinked confusedly. "What do you mean?"

"Well. When you left for that ice cream, he was fine. But when he got back, he changed again." He looked up to Viper again. "Is there some sort of trigger in the kitchen?"

Viper thought about it, fingers on his chin. "I don't think so," he said. "He just grabbed a bowl and suddenly he dropped it. It was instant."

"Hmm..." Jonah sighed. Maybe he was wrong? But still... Looking up, he saw the junction hall. "Oh. I can go back to my room from here, Senior Viper."

"You sure?"

Jonah nodded, giving a small smile. "I'll be fine. Good night."

Viper nodded back at him and kept walking forward while Jonah turned right. Or at least just for a few steps before stopping in the middle of the hallway. Glancing back behind him. He couldn't see the Scarabia senior. Maybe he could make sure for a bit...

Turning around, Jonah walked down the same hallway he went through before, doing some basic elimination in his head. Passing the lounge, he finally reached the kitchen. Looking at the door, making sure no one was there, he opened the door. The kitchen was dark and empty, just as he expected.

Grim tossed in his arm, opening his eyes. "Are we finally sneaking out?" he mumbled.

"Not really," Jonah answered, walking into the kitchen. "I need to confirm something." He looked around the room, spotting a single big trash can at the corner. After placing Grim on the counter, Jonah walked to the trashcan and opened the lid.

"Ew! Jonah! What are you doing?" Grim watched Jonah, disgusted when the boy put his hand into the trash can and digging into it.

"Shut up. Watch my back," Jonah hissed. Grim covered his nose with his paws from the horrible smell, but the boy blatantly ignored it. Jonah emptied the trashcan, opening all the plastic filled with vegetable skins, wrappers, and expired yogurt. Once he was done, he stepped back, looking at the mess he had made. He clicked his tongue. "Nothing here, huh."

"What are you looking for?!" Jonah ignored him again and walked to the fridge. On the wall, the kitchen has cabinets where the students kept the utensils. Jonah started to pace, counting the door. If his memories served him correctly, the door he was looking for was...

"Here." Opening the door, he found the bowls, stacked to the top. No bowls were left on the counter below it. And the floor under it was clean. "How curious..."

"HEY!"

Grim and Jonah whipped their head to the door. Ashoka and Chandra stormed in, shining their glowing magical pen at him. "Why are you two still up?" barked Ashoka.