Scarlet Vision | Twisted Wonderland

welcome to the jungle

[Name] and Grim walked (more like [Name] as the feline was hanging off their shoulder), their footsteps echoing through the winding pathways that led to the college's botanical garden. They noticed in the far distance they could see a large glass building reminding them of a greenhouse. They assumed that was the place for the garden.

The guidance from a helpful second-year was still fresh in their minds. They couldn't go home with Grim after classes ended as they couldn't shake the reminder from Ace, who had texted them, about meeting at the garden for the chestnut-gathering mission. It was something they weren't looking forward to, especially after thinking of a plan to get out of doing it.

[Name] felt a slight pressure on their chest as their eyes glanced down to see the camera around their neck tied by a durable string around their neck. They made a mental note to put key charms and stickers too. They wanted to make the camera feel like it was theirs even if they had to return it to Crowley later on. They only brought the camera because it felt like making a chestnut tart with the others was a photo worth taking (they ignore the pang in their chest as their mind flash back to baking with Billy and Timmy).

Grim, perched on their shoulder, broke the silence. "Hope you take good pictures of me, nyah! Gotta take my best side!"

[Name] chuckled, the sound echoing. "Don't worry, I will try my best, Grim. At this point, I will take pictures of everything and make it hard for Crowley to look through them. Sweet revenge, no?"

"Bet he is going to make someone else do it," Grim remarked with a snicker.

"Pfft." [Name] replied with a chuckle. "I wouldn't put it past him."

In due time, the duo arrived at the woods leading to the botanical garden, and Grim couldn't help but release an awed sound at the sight that unfolded before them. "There are so many chestnuts! Who would just leave these hanging around? Oh well, more for us! I can't wait to try Trey's chestnut tarts now!" Grim's head swiveled around in excitement. [Name], squinting to make out the details, noticed the multitude of fruit trees planted in designated areas, each creating its unique little ecosystem. They assumed the college was planted here as it could not fit into the garden and it made sense as some of the trees were huge.

In front of the pair stood a chestnut tree and luckily the two found the treasure trove. It was better than looking around for it like headless chickens.

A small wince escaped [Name] as Grim unsteadily rose on his hind legs, paws pressing against their shoulder. They knew that one wrong move and Grim might accidentally employ his sharp claws to stop himself from falling to the ground. Grim grunted, "Keep ya steady, [Name]!"

"Maybe if you weren't standing on me," [Name] quipped, rolling their eyes, as Grim reached for a chestnut from one of the many trees.

Grim's tongue peeked out as he scrutinized the nuts for a ripe one. Finally, his eyes landed on a light brown chestnut that seemed perfectly edible. "Ah ha!" Grim exclaimed as his paws latched onto the nut, only to release a pained sound as the spikes dug into his hands. "Ouch! Those spikes pricked my paws!" he exclaimed, hastily letting go of the chestnut.

Grim quickly lost his balance and tumbled back down onto [Name]'s shoulder with a thud. "Oof, that's sharp!" he complained, wincing in pain.

Concerned, [Name] asked, "Are you okay, Grim?" They gently moved him to a more comfortable position on their shoulder.

"Nyah, I'll be fine. Just gotta be more careful," Grim replied, shaking his paws a bit.

"No, let me see your paws," [Name] insisted, and Grim reluctantly showed them his injured paws. They examined his paws carefully, noticing that some of the spikes were still embedded.