Twisted Wonderland - Beanfest: Bean or Be Beaned

Chapter 4: Hurting Your Grade

In the Monstro Lounge...

Azul and Jade are having a chat.

"Now that we've finished counting the till, we should probably call it an early night so we're rested for tomorrow," Azul says, "Tomorrow is Beanfest—the day we've all been waiting for. And there's nothing more essential than sleep for recovering your energy."

"We were on separate teams last year, and I'm afraid it's no different this year," Jade says.

Then Azul says, "In my freshman year, I was a farmer who got caught by a monster within minutes of the game commencing. Which, in turn, led to me having to suffer through nonstop strength training with Vargas until the end of the game," Then says in a serious tone, "I will NEVER forget that humiliation. Or the resulting soreness! Surprise me once, shame on you. Surprise me twice, shame on me...and I won't be shamed this year. Trust that I will do my part and then some as a member of the monster team. Heh heh heh...

"While I may be on the other team, I look forward to seeing you in action," Jade says.

Azul scoffs, "Hmph. Patronize me while you still can."

He then notices, "By the way, Floyd's been conspicuously absent. Where is he?"

"I believe you'll find Floyd slumped over a lounge sofa, limp as a butterflied sardine," Jade says, turning towards the sofa.

Azul also looks to see Floyd slumping on the sofa.

Floyd groans in annoyance, "Aaauuugh... Beanfest is, like, lame city... Should I ditch? I kinda wanna ditch."

"Remind me who spent the whole day leading up to it last year talking about how fun it sounded? Your mood swings never cease to amaze me," Azul replies.

"It's cool for you guys. You get to be on different teams this year," Floyd says, "But me? I'm back on the farmer team. Been there, done that, don't wanna do it again. I hate bein' chased around. I wanna be on the monster team!"

"Ah. That would explain why you've been in such poor spirits all day," Jade replies.

I was leanin' on my classmates just a teeny-tiny bit, y'know? Askin' if they could give up their monster team spot for me, right? And the teacher just about chewed my head off. I don't care if I take a hit to my grade. I'ma catch up on some sleep tomorrow in my dorm," Floyd says.

But then Azul says, "Oh, dear... And here I was happy that I got to be on the same team as you this year."

"I don't see what the big deal is about us gettin' grouped up," Floyd says, not caring.

"Seeing as I'm on the monster team, your lack of motivation is only beneficial to me..." Azul says, But ditching Beanfest is guaranteed to hurt your grade. Not to mention, I hear Coach Vargas has a mandatory 'special lesson' for people who skip out."

That really brings down Floyd's mood even more, "Seriously? Aw, maaan... Vibe officially ruined."

"I think the smarter play for you would be to show up for morning roll-call and then slip out to hide for a while," Azul says.

Floyd thinks a minute, "Mmmmm... True..."

"That's sensible enough. Students are free to act as they choose during the game. Lying low and remaining concealed is a moray specialty, as biology would have it—so I say embrace your nature," Jade says.

Floyd thinks more, "Hrmmm..."

Azul and Jade remain silent.

Azul turns to Jade, "He's going to get stuck taking Coach Vargas's special lesson, isn't he?"

"So it goes with him. Let's leave him to his own devices for now. Maybe he'll change his mind in the morning," Jade says.

Azul however is not really confident about it.