Twisted Wonderland 2

A Fun, Educational Trip

On the day of departure, all the students selected gather in the Mirror Chamber. Crowley gathers everyone's attention. "The time has come for you to set out. Are all of our representatives here?"

"Yes, sir!" Deuce shouts.

"Present." Azul says.

Idia sighs. "Wish I wasn't."

"Of course." Malleus nods. "I've been waiting for hours."

"Yup." Grim smirks. "I'm good to go."

Everyone turns to Grim in shock.

"What are you doing here, Grim?" Deuce asks.

"Well, you see..." Crowley awkwardly explains. "Grim has been badgering me to let him go on the trip ever since the raffle. Unceasing! Day in and day out! His yowls even began to echo in my brain."

Ruggie puts a hand to his hip. "So you decided to let him go? You're the headmage of a prestigious school, and you caved to some pestering? What happened to the 'fairest possible means'?"

"If there's room for exceptions, we demand one as well! Let Lilia join the trip!" Sebek demands.

"That's far from what happened!" Crowley exclaims. "I was struck with a thought, you see. Noble Bell College is normally off-limits to us. Perhaps such a place would hold the key to reaching another world."

Epel's eyes widen. "Another world?"

"Wait, you mean...?" Deuce trails off.

The boys look to the door as you step into the room. You carry a backpack and your bag. You wave to the boys. "Hey, everyone."

Malleus smiles. "Ah, if it isn't Y/N. What brings you here? Though judging by the luggage you're carrying, I think I might know."

You smile brightly. "The Headmage said I could come with you guys!"

Crowley nods. "Yes, Y/N and Grim will be joining the group as attendants."

Grim chuckles as he rubs his paws together. "We'll be taggin' along and takin' care of you guys. Which means partying down, gettin' fawned over, and eatin' everything in sight! Mya-hah!"

Azul throws a glance to Crowley. "Now I see. You used Y/N as a pretext to get Grim off your back."

Jamil folds his arms. "Some Headmage we have."

"I don't see the problem!" Idia picks Grim up from under his arms. "Now we've got fuzzy companionship AND valuable emotional support! Bring on the floof!"

"I dunno about the floof part," Deuce looks to you with a smile. "but I'm glad you get to come along, Y/N."

"I'm so glad I'm able to come with you guys!" You laugh.

Rook wraps an arm around your shoulders. "This is a fine opportunity for you to see more of Twisted Wonderland. Let us enjoy this fun, educational trip together!"

"Good point." Riddle turns to you. "I've studied up on Fleur City, Y/N. Feel free to ask me any questions you like."

You smile gratefully. "I'd love to."

Riddle chuckles. "Though admittedly, this will be my first real trip abroad. I might not've covered everything we will encounter. I wish we had a more experienced traveler with us. Someone familiar with the local history and culture."

"We have that covered, actually." Crowley says.

Trein walks into the room. "Are you all done chatting now?"

"Huh? What's Trein doin' here?" Grim asks.

"I'll be your chaperone for this trip."

Idia groans, hugging Grim to his chest. Grim bats at Idia's long hair.

"Professor Trein hails from the Shaftlands, and he's knowledgeable about various histories and cultures worldwide." Crowley informs. "He used to do a great amount of fieldwork as well. I say he's the best possible chaperone you could have. It's all part of my efforts to enrich your travel experience. Which is out of the pure kindness of my heart, of course!"

"All right, everyone." Trein states. "I have some important words for you before we leave. We are traveling to a faraway land. I understand that's exciting, but this trip is not all fun and games. Learn the history of Fleur City and Noble Bell College. Rethink your conceptions of what a mage should be. Observe the other arcane academy students and examine what views your brethren hold. Approach the social with open minds, accepting the stimulating experiences it provides. These will nourish your future development."

Deuce whispers to you. "Okay, uh... This is kind of over my head."

Epel nods. "I wasn't expecting Professor Trein to be our chaperone."

"You must mind your manners at all times and never get distracted." Trein says.

Riddle nods. "I couldn't agree more, sir."

"Yes, absolutely!" Azul grins. "I'm extremely honored to receive such a valuable learning opportunity."

"Mm, yes, a most satisfactory response." Trein pets the black cat in his arms. "However, I'm worried, QUITE worried about Lucius."

The cat mrows and nuzzles Trein's hand.

"Aww... You're willing to be patient and wait for me? What a good boy you are!"

"Oh, you're leavin' Lucius here?" Ruggie asks.

Trein nods. ""I wouldn't want him to have an emergency in an unfamiliar place. I've asked Professor Crewel to watch him while I'm gone. Normally I wouldn't dream of leaving Lucius in the hands of a dyed-in-the-wool dog person." Trein sighs. "But considering the other faculty, he was the only choice."

"You mean Couch Vargas and Sam.." Ruggie chuckles. "Yeah, I get that."

"While dogs and cats do differ, Professor Crewel still cares for living creatures." Trein gives Lucius a soft smile. "I'm sure Lucius will be fine."

"Indeed." Crowley nods enthusiastically. "He was most enthusiastic about teaching Lucius commands like stay and place!"

"Lucius, ignore everything he tells you."

Lucius just meows in response.

Crowley sighs. "Though I arranged the trip, I'll be remaining here. Don't worry about getting any gifts for me. As a side note, I prefer treats with subtler flavors rather than overpowering one. But really, don't worry about it at all!"

Trein rolls his eyes. "Oh, Headmage..."

Crowley clears his throat. "Does everyone have all their belongings?"

Everyone nods. "Yes, sir!"

"Then have a swell trip!"