Twisted Wonderland Book 5: A Beauitful Tyrant

Chapter 53: Appreciating Heights

After that, Briar and the others arrive in another classroom for the booth of the Mountain Lovers Club. There are a few members of the club, including Jade.

Jade soon greets the group, "Why, hello there. It's an honor to receive a personal visit from the culture fair management committee chair. Welcome to the Mountain Lovers Club exhibit."

Floyd walks over with a smile as well, "Heya, Goldfishie! Glad to have ya. You get our First Guest Prize: a mystery mushroom, hand-picked by Jade." and presents the mushroom.

And practically shoves the mushroom in Riddle's face.

Riddle shouts, ""Hey, don't shove weird objects in my face! What do you think you're doing?! And stop calling me by that silly nickname!"

"I'll have you both know that it's not a 'mystery mushroom' OR a 'weird object.'" Jade says. And soon show everyone the brown color mushrooms. "It has a name: brown beech mushroom. And it's perfectly edible."

Riddle tries to push Floyd and the mushroom away, "Keep your brother in line before you start worrying about corrections! I'll have both of your heads!"

"What's all the commotion at the entrance?" Trey asks as he walks, and soon sees the problem, "Ooh, I see. This is an exhibit of terrariums and photos."

Jade chuckles and says, "Heh heh. By all means, Trey, feel free to join us. This is a pastiche of all the things I've foraged in the mountains."

Seeing the group Floyd happily says, "Heya, little shrimpy and Sealie, little Angel Dust, twin catfish, and little plankton. Nice to see you too, Sea Turtle."

"Hm? Am I the sea turtle here?" Trey asks, confused

Grim grows irritated, "Grrr... Ever since I found out why he calls me "Sealie," I feel like I'm bein' insulted."

Briar thinks and wonders, "Why was it again? Because of your round tummy?"

"Maybe," Sereia replies.

Trinket begins tinking and feeling mad.

"I think Trinket is offended for being called a plankton," Jasper says.

Riddle then asks Floyd, "And what are you doing here, Floyd? Aren't you in the Basketball Club with Ace and Jamil? Surely you all should be working on building the Blue Stage in the gymnasium."

"I wasn't in much of a buildin' mood, so I was draggin' my feet. Then they kicked me out. Aha hah," Floyd answers, and laughs in reply

Riddle sternly says, "Culture fairs only come together when students work as a team. Neglecting your duties because of a little mood swing is worse than breaking the rules!"

"What's the big deal?" Floyd questions "The captain said I could go, so I went. Besides, I gotta do a bunch of Mostro Lounge work this afternoon. I'm gonna be carrying around heavy tanks and walkin' around selling drinks. Man... Jade doesn't gotta do any work. Why do *I* have to do all the heavy lifting today? I wanna mess around like you guys are."

"We're doing management committee work right now! We are NOT 'messing around.'" Riddle says, sternly.

Jade chuckles and says, "Heh heh. Don't fret, Floyd. There's a special bonus to be earned by the vendor who makes the most drink sales. Azul said so himself."

"You know I don't care about stuff like that," Floyd comments.

Then asks, "In fact, doesn't the Mountain Lovers Club do a bunch of mountain climbin'? Doesn't that count as a sport? Don't go tryin' to pass it off as an arts club now."

"Ooh, so you guys do mountaineering?" Trey asks.

But Jade says, "Actually, hiking isn't our primary activity. We're not scaling tall mountains and collecting proof that we reached the summit, or anything of that sort. We just go on leisurely walks in the mountains around campus, where we take in the scenery, as well as the flora and fauna. Our main goal is to appreciate the mountains' bounty, while also enjoying its edible plants and mushrooms."

"Ah, I see. That puts it closer to a photography club or cooking club," Trey replies

And Jade says, "I don't know about that. I simply take in the mountains with my senses and enjoy the experience. Sometimes I do observe things, but I'm not doing any serious experimenting like the Science Club."

"So basically, you just go to the mountains and scavenge for grub," Grim replies.

Jade chuckles again, "Heh heh. I certainly wash and cook what I find, but generally speaking, yes."

"I see photos of plants and rocks on the wall. Did you take those?" Riddle asks.

I did indeed," Jade answers, "I'm sure it all looks rather mundane and humdrum to you land-dwellers..."

"Even then, you pick the most boring subjects. It's all rocks and plants you could find anywhere. I don't get what's fun about it. Even our ancestors would at least collect rarer things," Floyd says.

Jade chuckles, "Heh heh heh. Maybe that's why I'm the only member of the club."

Just then, the bell rings and the PA system announces, "This is an announcement to all students preparing for the culture fair. Festivities will open to the public in five minutes. Please return to your booths and make your final preparations."

Riddle says in surprise, "Oh no, it's almost opening time already! I haven't even checked the east building yet!"

"Then I think we'd best get going. Here's hoping your booth is a success," Trey says.

"Best of luck to you as well. Thank you all for visiting," Jade says.

Floyd waves, "Bye-byeee!"

Soon, the group leaves the classroom and into the hallway.

As they walk down the hall, Trey says, "It definitely had a distinctive atmosphere. I suppose most things do, when the twins get involved."

"I still don't know what that club's supposed to be about," Grim replies.

With his arms crossed, Riddle says, "They're not doing anything disruptive, and that's all I care about. Let's move on."