Twisted Wonderland Book 6: The Watchman of the Underworld

Chapter 43: Extra Demands

Later in the Styx Institute Conference Room, things are starting to get a little heated. Soon, Idia, Ortho, and a trooper enter the room.

Vil is the first to notice, "Ah, I see the acting director and his aide have finally decided to grace us with their presence. Would you be here to offer some words of gratitude to the subjects who completed your entire slate of tests?"

Then Leona speaks out his frustration, "Hey, Radish Sprout. What's up with all this canned food and powdered junk? They make the cheap steaks at the school cafeteria look like five-star restaurant fare."

"Agreed," Jamil replies, "Nutritionally speaking it's fine, but I can't eat foods with such unconsidered flavor and texture. Oh, but if this is traditional Island of Woe cuisine, then I do apologize for my discourtesy."

And then Riddle demands, "IDIA! I demand you supply me with tea this instant! Rule 339 states... 'The post-meal beverage is to be lemon tea with two sugar cubes.' I know we're not on campus, but as Heartslabyul housewarden, it falls to me to uphold the rules wherever I can.

Then Azul says, "I know better than to ask for unfettered internet access, but at least let me read the morning and evening papers. Preferably one that focuses on world and economic news. I need to stay on top of my investments."

"Yap, yap, yap..." Idia says in an annoyed tone, "What is this, a zoo?"

Then says to the others, "You guys are forgetting the chain of command here. I really wish I didn't have to keep spelling it out, but... I'M THE BOSS!"

But then Vil says, "In that case, I have some choice words for the boss. Isn't it YOUR JOB to make sure we're treated adequately after you dragged us here by force? If I might quote Styx's core mission... You ensure our 'magical lives are safe to explore.' And we're all contributing our data to your efforts for free. I think we're entitled to a reward."

"Do you all realize you overblotted and caused serious problems for everyone around you?" Idia questions.

"Certainly," Vil answers, "But I never caused any trouble for YOU.

Some people just like playing the victim and lording it over the offender, even when it didn't impact 'em at all," Leona says.

"Uh, excuse me... You overblotting has majorly impacted me," Idia softly says to himself, "Again -I didn't ask to do this. Now I'm way behind on my favorite character's event, and all my consecutive login bonuses are shot... I've got a bone to pick with ALL you epic troublemakers. Why did both my parents have to step out now of all times?"

Ortho whispers, "Maybe they thought the subjects would be more at ease, since you all know each other."

"Anyone with two brain cells could figure out that its infinitely harder BECAUSE we know each other," Idia says. "Classic Mom and Dad, always prioritizing efficiency over people's feelings. Their travel logs show they're headed to the Land of Dawning to investigate things further. Probably to question the headmage. Y'know, since he's the one in charge of the school with all the troublemakers. If they needed my help, they could've at least given me THAT job."

"But this is the first time you've had friends over, right? I'm rather happy about that, myself," Ortho happily replies.

Idia becomes confused, "Huh? Friends..."

"Yeah," Ortho answers, "We haven't experienced this personally, but... I've seen lots of scenes in TV shows and anime where classmates or clubmates hang out at each other's houses. It's called 'having friends over.' Isn't it a perfectly common form of socializing for regular people?"

"Maybe for regular people. But for us? It's just fiction," India says.

He then says, "Besides, this wasn't 'having friends over.' It was forcibly dragging acquaintances into a lab and making them test subjects."

"But you still brought people you know into your residence," Ortho points out.

"It's not the same," Idia says, "Those two things are as different as Elysium and the Underworld. You need to update your logic systems. And who would call this bunch of troublemakers friends, anyway? You gotta be kidding me."

Suddenly, Vil speaks out, "Excuse me, what are you two whispering about? Are you even listening to us?"

That ends up catching the two's attention.

And Vil says, "Now that we're finished with the tests, I'd like to get in my daily workout or some yoga."

Then Jamil says, "I could use a bit of exercise myself."

Leona demands, "Give me meat. Any kind."

"I must have tea!" Riddle also demands.

And then Azul says, "Bring me a business paper!"

And soon, Idia screams from the pressure, "AAAUGH! SHUT! UP! You're all going home tomorrow. Would it kill you to exercise a LITTLE PATIENCE?!"

Ortho then turns to Briar who has been remaining quiet the whole time.

Ortho walks to Briar and asks, "Do you wish for something, Briar? You've been quiet for some time now."

"Well..." Briar says, "It just... I haven't seen Grim since I got here, and I really want to know if he's okay..."

Ortho smiles and says, "Oh you don't need to worry. Grim is happily sleeping in one of the rooms as he talks about food in his sleep."

Idia sighs, "Even after being abducted here, that beast has a one track mind when it comes to food."

Briar giggles, "Yep, that's Grim alright. Even in his sleep, Grim always thinks about food. Sweets, tuna, meat, you name it."

Then Briar sadly sighs, "At least I know Grim is back to normal, but..." and looks at the scab of the scratch Grim has given to her, "I'm worried he'll act again if someone goes Overblot."

"Don't worry Briar, we'll find a solution to that problem. It might take longer to learn about Grim, and you for that matter, but you all will be returned to campus first thing, tomorrow. So just sit tight and enjoy yourself."

Briar smiles and says, "Thanks Ortho."

"Thanks my brother too," Ortho says.

"Um thanks Idia," Briar says.

Idia sighs, "Yeah yeah. That doesn't change that you're also one of the troublemakers."

"Why?" Briar asks, confused.

"Well, you're a troublemaker for a different reason. Besides you and your friends somehow managed to cause trouble, you all mainly end up making a habit of getting yourselves into trouble," Idia says.

Suddenly, the alarm goes off, shocking everyone in the room.

Then the PA System announces, "Testing of Subjects ROS-859A and SUS-3320B will commence at 1300. Currently thawing Phantom subjects' cages. The facility will go into full lockdown for the duration of the test to ensure the safety of all personnel. All personnel, please return to your stations immediately."

Soon, the lights in the halls turn off as the doors heal.

Idia understands and says, "...Oh, I guess there's an A-class Phantom test today. That's gonna take a while. Well, guys, you're not leaving this room for the next two or three hours. You're gonna have to entertain yourselves."

Everyone exclaims in shock, "WHAT?!"