Twisted Wonderland 2

You Guys Rock

Ruggie grins. "Well, we all got what we wanted, and with plenty of time to spare."

"Yes," Silver nods. "we don't have to meet up with the others quite yet. What should we do next?"

Ruggie flicks an ear. "Hm? What's that noise?"

The boys turn to Idia who is guzzling down a drink.

"WHEW! I feel alive again!"

"Huh? What're you drinking, Idia?" Ruggie asks.

"Uh, famous Fleur City grape juice." Idia holds out the bottle. "It's grape-tastic. Why?"

"When did you even buy that... and who ditches their group to get a drink just for themselves?" Ruggie exclaims. "You're a junior! You're supposed to be more mature!"

Idia rolls his eyes. "Dude, you don't have to go full aggro on me. Unlike you guys, my stamina's nonexistent. My fatigue meter is beyond maxed right now. So I was replenishing my sugar and water before I keeled over. Wouldn't want you guys to just leave me collapsed on the street..."

Silver picks up the bottle, examining the label. "That looks good. I was just getting thirsty myself."

"Likewise." Rook smiles. "Perhaps we could all go get some drinks?"

"Count me in!"

Turning around, Idia smiles when he sees you. "Oh, hey there, Y/N! And Grim and Professor Trein."

You wave. "Hey, guys."

Trein nods in greeting. "I'll admit, I was a bit concerned when I saw the roster for Team Star. But I can see you're all out and about, doing fieldwork as a proper group."

Idia shrugs. "Eh, more or less."

"Just barely." Ruggie adds.

"We were about to guy some grape juice." Silver says. "Idia was telling us about it."

Trein smiles slightly. "That's a fine idea. Fleur City grapes are delicious. Y/N, you should try some as well. I say we join them."

Idia leads you and the boys to where he found the grape juice.

"Well, uh..." Idia gestures with a nod of his head. "Here's where I got my grape juice. Let's see... 'Grapes for sale! Available for eating by the bunch. We can also juice them for you. The choice is yours! Whether enjoyed whole or as a drink, you'll see why they're the jewels of our city. You'd even break the five-second rule for them! ...That's what the signboard says."

Trein nods. "And I note they do in fact sell baskets of fresh grapes. I suppose people just stroll around eating them. How unusual."

"Sounds like they'd choke on the seeds that way." Ruggie says. "That's why I always make sure to chew 'em real good."

Grim hums. "What a tough choice. Fresh grapes or grape juice... What're you gonna get, Y/N?"

After walking around, you feel a bit thirsty. "I think I'll try the juice."

"Good choice." Idia grins. "Your hands don't get all messy with juice. And it's an easier way to get all the nutrients. Plus... Uh... They juice the whole grape, skin and all. The vendor was real pushy about it, actually. They were like, 'The skin's where the good stuff is! You gotta have the juice!'"

"That's a good point." Silver nods. "And you could use all the nutrients you can get, Idia."

Grim glances between the two options. "You all just made it harder to decide. Now I want both..."

"As much as I'd like to buy you both," Trein says. "it wouldn't be fair to the other students if I did. You must be judicious with the funds the headmage gave you."

"Never fear, Grim." Rook places a hand to his chest. "I shall pay for my dear underclassmen."

Ruggie's ears perk up. "Whoa, for real? NICE. You're the man, Rook!"

Idia holds his arm. "Huh? Ummm... Uhhh... Okay, I'll pay too."

Rook looks to Idia. "Oh dear, my apologies, Idia. Have I overstepped and put undue pressure on you? This is simply my way of showing gratitude to our group for spending the day with me. Think nothing of it."

"Uh, that only ADDS to the pressure..." Idia grabs a couple bottles of the grape juice. "Here. I mean, it's not like a few drinks are gonna break the bank for me anyway. So, uh... I'll cover half."

Rook smiles cheerfully. "You will? Thank you."

Grim smirks. "Sweet, now I can get both!"

The two pay and hand out the grapes and drinks.

You smile as Idia hands you one. "Thank you guys so much!"

Idia's cheeks tinge pink. "Oh, uh, it's nothing. Really."

"I'm greatly humbled by your generosity." Silver says.

Trein nods approvingly. "Hunt and Shroud, you've both shown laudable consideration. I hope the rest of you appreciate it."

Ruggie grins. "Oh, you bet I do. Idia, Rook, you guys rock! Thanks a bunch!"

"I'm gonna start with the juice." Grim takes a swig of his drink. "Mmm, now that's a tart one!"

Silver nods. "It goes down so smoothly. Perhaps because it's a concentrated juice the rich grape flavor is enhanced. But in any case, it's delicious."

Rook tries a grape. "The grapes are rich and satisfying on their own as well."

"Wow..." Ruggie says after he tries one. "It's like, sweeter than sugar. I've never had grapes this sweet before!"

"The vendor told me they've got vineyards outside the city." Idia says.

"That's right. Grapes are one of Fleur City's specialty crops, and they're a popular thing to give loved ones." Trein informs. "Even now, the people running the vineyards selectively breed their grapes to try and create better varieties."

Grim's eyes widen. "So I could eat even BETTER grapes next time I'm in town?"

"Already planning your next visit, huh?" Ruggie chuckles. "You might be gettin' ahead of yourself, Grim."

Grim lets out a satisfied sigh. "That was a real treat."

"We best be going now." Trein says. "Do continue learning."

Rook nods. "Thank you for the lovely time, Professor Trein. And of course Y/N and Grim, too."

Silver smiles as he bows his head to you. "See you soon, Y/N."

"Bye guys!" You wave.

"Later." Idia gives you a little wave. "...Next time, huh. I've gotta make sure Ortho can try some of these grapes then. And for that, right now..."

"Okay, what do we check out next?" Ruggie asks. "I'm down for some food if you guys are payin'."

"I'd like to thank you all as well, actually." Silver adds. "Please, let me know what you want and I'll help you find it."

"Truly?" Rook smiles. "Then would you assist me in finding souvenirs for everyone?"

Idia sighs. "Right now... I just have to make it through these next few extrovert-filled days."