Battle of Bones (Anomaly Saga #5)

53

Knocking first, Camellia let herself into the room where Preston was to be staying until he fully healed. She held Cathaniel in one arm. "Hey," she said, shutting the door behind her. "I brought a friend."

"Oh, a cat," Preston said unenthusiastically, lowering his Switch. "I'm sure it will be great company."

Camellia set Cathaniel on Preston's bed. "His name is Cathaniel, and he is a wonderful kitty. I'm sure he's glad to be out of the S.S. Chaps; aren't you, sweetie?" She scratched his ears and then leaned against a wall at the bedside. "So, how's your . . . everything feeling?"

"Better, I think, now that I'm not actually moving around."

"Funny how that works."

He scratched the back of his neck. "Hey, uh, thanks for backing me up there. I don't think I would've made it out this uninjured if it wasn't for you."

She shrugged. "Jacob is one of the biggest jerks I know. It was my pleasure to help you smash his stupid face."

Preston grinned. "Oh, yeah, it felt so good to finally get to just . . ." He mimed punching Jacob, then groaned in pain when his ribs didn't respond well.

"Idiot, don't do that."

He winced. "Mm, yeah, good advice. Hey, speaking of smashing-" He popped the Joy-Cons off of his switch and offered one to Camellia. "Wanna play?"

She took it. "Why not?"

He carefully scooted over on his cot to let Camellia sit and booted up a new game of Super Smash Bros Ultimate. As they chose their characters, the door to the room opened again, and in walked Alf with a plate of grilled cheeses. Cathaniel, who had already settled in at the end of the cot, lifted his head in surprise. "There are the two other newly dubbed Heroes in Anomaly Hunting!" Alf exclaimed.

Camellia pursed her lips to avoid grinning with too much pride as she looked down at the pin she had stuck on her jacket, symbolizing the honor she, like Alf and Preston, had had bestowed upon her for her part in defeating the Mega-Gorblus. "'Sup, Alf?"

"I've brought snacks," he said, setting the plate of grilled cheeses on the cot. "One for each of us, just a little something to celebrate with."

Preston eagerly grabbed his sandwich. "God bless you, Alf. Er, guardians bless you, I guess."

Camellia took one for herself and broke it in half. She held up one half. "To the Heroes in Anomaly Hunting."

Preston raised his grilled cheese. "And to Smash Bros!"

Alf added his to the toast. "I can eat to that!"

They 'clinked' sandwiches and each took a bite.

"Oi, can I play the winner?" Alf said with a mouth full of grilled cheese.

"Sure," Camellia said, "I'd be happy to play you."

"Now, hold on," Preston said. "What makes you think you're gonna win?"

"Logic. Now, start it!"

As Preston hastily pressed start, Camellia pushed her pink hair out of her eyes. She was not about to let him beat her.