Twisted Wonderland 2

To The Bitter End

The boys race down the hall and burst through the doors into the lecture hall. The firelotuses still cling to the floor and the walls.

"We're back to where we first fought the flowers!" Deuce says.

"Let's see.." Idia looks around. "The bell tower was the next building over, right?"

Rook nods. "Indeed. I saw a skywalk on the second floor when I was gazing down from the top. It connects the main building to the bell tower. Let's head for the side stairs that go to the second floor."

"If only it were that easy." Azul gestures to the flowers.

Idia's eyes widen. "Whoa... The entire hall's covered in firelotuses."

"There were many students gathered here when the flowers first struck." Malleus says. "It must've been a prime location for them to flourish, given all the nourishment around."

Rook hums. "It seems they've continued multiplying, feeding on the magic of the collapsed mages." His eyes widen. "Ah, I see the Roi des Neiges!"

The students who were trapped by the flowers lay on the ground unconscious.

"Man," Duece frowns. "they helped us escape and now they're really suffering..."

"We can do nothing for them here." Malleus says. "If we are to save those lying at our feet, we must turn our gazes upward."

Deuce nods sadly. "Yes, sir."

Silver steps forward. "Sebek and I will secure a path to the stairs."

"Let us go, my liege!" Sebek shouts. "...And the rest of you humans!"

Silver and Sebek cut a path through the flowers wile the other boys keep watch for any oncoming flowers.

Malleus glares at the flowers. "The sheer volume of flowers is staggering, and their scent is positively suffocating."

The flowers reach the chandelier, growing too numerous for the chandelier to take. It groans under the weight.

Rook looks up. "Oh no! That chandelier is going to fall from the flowers' weight! Everyone, get clear!"

"Idia, watch out!" Deuce pushes Idia out of the way.

The chandelier crashes to the floor. Sending debris and dust flying.

Silver stands, waving the dust from his face. "Is everyone okay?"

"Yes, barely." Azul brushes the dust off him and cleaning his glasses. "I have to hand it to you Diasomnia gentlemen. You certainly have lightning-fast reflexes. You dodged clear of the chandelier with ease." He looks to Idia. "Meanwhile..."

"You want 'barely'?" Idia exclaims. "It literally grazed the tip of my nose! If Deuce hadn't yoinked me back by the collar, I'd be 2D right now! The Track Club's no joke. You must've put all your points in agility. For the first time in my life I actually respect a sports club-wait... Uh, Deuce? You're not lookin' too hot..."

Deuce stays on the floor, grimacing as he holds his ankle. "Think... I twisted my ankle there..."

"Oh dear." Rook kneels beside him. "Let me see."

Azul frowns. "It doesn't look broken, but..."

Deuce shakes his head. "I can walk on it okay, but I don't think I'm gonna be able to sprint for a while. Guys, could I ask a favor? Please, just... leave me here and go."

"Deuce, no!" Rook exclaims. "You mustn't talk like that!"

Idia holds his arm. "Dude, do you realize how much of a guilt trip this is? You got injured saving me. I didn't even get a say in that!"