Twisted Wonderland 2

Firelotuses

The sun has set below the horizon. The lanterns and street lights illuminating the streets. The toll of the bell rings throughout the night.

"Alas, the nighttime bell has rung." The jester announces. "It's time for our delightful festival to come to an end. Did everyone have some topsy-turvy fun? You're always welcome to come back again! We'll see you at next year's Topsy-Turvy Fest!"

The crowd starts to disperse. The street vendors packing up their wares and the performers start to leave as well.

"Boy howdy," Epel laughs. "my cheeks hurt from laughin' so much!"

Rook nods. "All the locals looked like they had a blast. What a great festival."

"Attention, all arcane academies attending the social!" The vice president announces. "It's time to return to Noble Bell College. President Rollo already went back to school. I'm sure he's making preparations to welcome everyone."

Trein hums. "I see. I feel bad putting him to so much trouble."

Azul looks to one of the aides with a chuckle. "Considering how many mages you're hosting, it must've taken a great effort to get things ready for today alone."

The aide laughs. "Yeah, honestly, it did. And our president's been especially busy. He's worked harder than any of us to make this social happen."

"Say what?" Idia quirks an eye. "So Rollo's the kind of guy who looks all chill and detached, but who secretly wants to make friends?"

"No, actually." The vice president says. "He generally prefers to keep to himself. I was surprised when he brought up the idea of the social. I'm sure he did all this to open up new learning opportunities for us. He's strict with everyone, including himself, but he's very diligent."

The aide nods. "He's also self-disciplined and discreet, his grades are outstanding, he's got magic in spades, and he's truly imaginative. Every student at Noble Bell College looks up to President Rollo."

In the Noble Bell College, Rollo stands in front of the grand fireplace. He stares into the flickering flames.

"Ridiculous. All of it. Magic, a blessing? A gift? FUN? Lies, all of them. Utter tripe spewed by complete fools. Otherwise, what am I doing this for? But I won't dwell on it. The suffering will finally be over soon enough. The time has come. Like these flames, they will engulf everything. And I shall right this sorry state of affairs. I can hardly wait."

You make it back into Noble Bell Collage. You and the boys gather in the grand hall you've arrived in. The other schools have gathered as well. The candles from the chandelier casting a golden glow to the floor.

Grim slouches on your shoulders. "I'm beat after puttin' on that big show. I just wanna go to my room and pass out."

"You must wait." Malleus says. "One of the students here asked all social participants to assemble in this hall."

Azul glances around. "I think all the students from the other schools are here too. Perhaps they're going to give us our schedule for tomorrow?"

A loud toll of the bell causes you to jump. The boys glance around.

"Is that... the Bell of Solace?" Sebek asks.

"It must be." Silver answeres. "There's no mistaking that distinctive ring."

Riddle tilts his head. "I thought the bell only rang at morning, noon, and night. And the nighttime bell has already rung. So why is it ringing this late?"

Azul spots something from the corner of his eyes. "Is there some sort of flame in the corner of the hall?"

Glancing over to where Azul is looking at, you see an orange glow at the end of the hall. Taking a step closer, you realize it's not a flame but a group of flowers. It's orange, glowing petals twist and curl as if it's a real fire.