Twisted Wonderland 2

A Good Omen

The next day, Kalim and Jamil wait in one of the schools hallways. Kalim can't seem to stand still, practically bouncing with excitement. "It's festival day! Let's get on over to the Mirror Chamber, Jamil!"

"No need to rush." Jamil rolls his eyes. "It's not time to meet with Y/N and the others just yet. And remember, you have an important job to do once you get home. Don't get too carried away."

"Yeah, I know." Kalim smiles. "You always get the job done when it comes down to it. I hope Grim and the others didn't oversleep. We're meeting them way earlier than class usually starts."

"Don't worry about that. I told [MC] in no uncertain terms to make sure Grim wasn't late. I also gave them five alarm clocks, just to be safe." Jamil spots you further down the hall. He smiles when he sees you. "Ah, there's Y/N and Grim now. Excellent. We've met up a little early. I'll take that as a good omen."

You wave to the boys. "Good morning. I made sure we weren't late."

"We're right on time!" Grim runs in a circle around your feet. "I was so excited for the festival, I woke up before my alarm. But then a bunch of alarms went off anyway, just like BEEP BEEP BEEP! It drove me nuts, I tell ya!"

Jamil chuckles. "Ah. Sorry about that, Y/N. I shouldn't have saddled you with unnecessary work."

"What about my apology, huh?" Grim folds his arms indignantly.

"I totally woke up early too, Grim!" Kalim grins. "I was so pumped, I barely got any sleep! You were up pretty late yourself, Jamil. Were you excited too?"

Jamil shakes his head. "Of course not. I was busy preparing for today. While you were sleeping, I checked our luggage, reviewed the schedule, and made some calls to home."

"Oh, gosh! I would've helped if you'd said something!"

Jamil just sighs. "It's fine. It's my job."

Kalim claps Jamil hard on the back. "You're always so on top of things, Jamil!"

Grim flicks his ears to the sound of footsteps down the hall. "Check it out, here comes Cater! Heeey!"

"There he is!" Kalim waves to him excitedly. "Morning, Cater!"

"Ah, we've run into more of our party before even arriving at the Mirror Chamber. So far so good." Jamil nods. "Good morning, Cater. Glad to have you with us."

Cater waves. "What's up, peeps! Is this the perfect weather for our vacation or what?"

"But we don't know what the weather'll be like over there." Grim tilts his head.

"Oh, yes we do!" Cater grins. "I looked it up on my phone. It's nice and clear in the Scalding Sands too! I'm gonna get MAD PICS today. My battery's at a hundred percent, and I made sure to pack a portable charger!"

"Who did you end up inviting?" Jamil asks.

"Ooh, curious, are you? Okay, time for the big reveal Give it up for the super rad fellow chosen to vay-cay with Cay-Cay!"

Trey smiles as he shakes his head. "Could you please not build me up like that?"

"You invited Trey!" Kalim cheers.

"Huh, no surprises there." Grim rolls his eyes.

Trey waves a hand. "Morning, Kalim. Jamil. Thanks for having me." Trey smiles to you. "And Y/N. It's lovely to see you."

You smile cheerfully. "Good to see you too!"

Cater slings an arm around Trey's shoulders. "I thought Trey would jump at the chance to visit the Scalding Sands, and guess what? I was right!"