Twisted Wonderland 2

A Fine Opportunity

In the Heartslabyul lounge, Ace has his arms folded as he glowers. "Okay, I know the reps have already been chosen, but... How is drawing lots REMOTELY fair?"

Deuce rolls his eyes. "Oh, get over it, Ace. You're just jealous that you didn't get picked."

"Maaan!" Ace complains. "It doesn't make sense that Deuce of all people gets to represent the school! My grades are higher AND I'm a pro at schmoozing. I'm obviously the better pick."

"Indoor voice, Ace." Riddle says. "You're distracting me from my packing."

"Yeah," Ace scoffs. "the packing you're doing because you also won the raffle!"

"IKR?" Cater slumps on the couch. "Kinda sucks I didn't make the cut either. Fleur City would've been like, the hottest of all Magicam hotspots!"

"Couldn't you just stop by there the next time you go home to the Shaftlands?" Trey asks.

"You don't get it, Trey. I have to go during the once a year festival. Otherwise what's even the point?"

Ace nods. "Yeah, I wanted to party it up at the festival too."

Trey rolls his eyes. "Good grief. Maybe it's better that Deuce and Riddle are the reps from our dorm. At least they take these things seriously. Guys, make sure you're not forgetting anything. Did you pack your toothbrushes?"

Deuce sighs. "Trey, you've asked that seven times now."

Riddle folds his arms. "Despite the headmage's pitch, the purpose of this visit is to attend the social. Not to goof around. This is a fine opportunity to learn what manner of curriculum is offered at other arcane academies. Since I'm representing Night Raven College, I must ensure I comport myself accordingly."

"Yup, that's our housewarden." Deuce nods. "And I'll do my part to act like an upstanding honor student, boss!"

"Take lots of good pics, guys!" Cater waves.

Ace smirks. "And you better not forget the gifts for your dormmates."

In the Savanaclaw lounge, Ruggie walks with a large backpack as he hums a song.

Jack approaches the hyena. "Hey, Ruggie. Is that your luggage for the social?"

Ruggie nods. "Yup! Just finished packing."

"You're only staying two nights, right?" Jack asks. "Why the huge backpack?"

"Oh, there's just a change of underwear and a phone charger in there. The rest is empty space."

Jack quirks an eye. "Why?"

"So I can bring back lots of stuff! Non-perishable food is a given, but there's gotta be other cool stuff in the Shaftlands that you can't find here. Way I figure, if I can pick up some cheap souvenirs over there, and then pitch 'em right when I get back." Ruggie laughs. "I can smell the money already!"

"An opportunist to the end, huh." Leona says as he walks into the lounge. "Fine. All I ask is that you only bring back things you got through legitimate means."

Ruggie rolls his eyes. "I know, don't worry."

"You look so excited." Jack chuckles. "Wish I could've gone."

"Did you wanna go to the social?" Leona asks.

Jack shrugs. "I was more interested in sizing up the other mages. The more rivals I meet, the better. I can't content myself bein' a big fish in a small pond."

Leona folds his arms. "Maybe you would've been a better rep than the guy with thaumark signs in his eyes."

Ruggie raises his arms in defense. "Hey, what's with that look? I'm not giving up my spot to either of you!"