Twisted Wonderland: Glorious Masquerade - Let the Bell of Solace Ring

Chapter 1-3: By All Means, Cry

In the Octavinelle Dorm lounge, there are a lot of crashing and banging sounds. Turns out, Floyd is upset that he isn't able to go on the trip, and is really upset that only Azul is going on the trip.

Floyd whines, "NO FAAAIR! How come Azul gets to go have fun without me?" and continues smashing and breaking, "THAT'S MESSED UP."

Azul simply laughs, "Ah hah hah hah hah! Oh, I'm in SUCH high spirits! By all means, cry about it."

"Don'tcha think it's weird that you're the only guy in Octavinelle to get a spot? You totally rigged it!" Floyd says.

"There's nothing weird about it," Azul says, "The headmage is all about appearances. He's undoubtedly champing at the bit to flaunt Night Raven College's superiority. It's reasonable to think he arranged things so he'd have a greater chance of drawing the school's illustrious housewardens. Which means you and I had highly different odds of winning the draw," and has a smug smile on his face.

"That smug look on your face is gettin' on my nerves..." Floyd says, angrily.

Soon, there is a sound of knocking followed by a door opening. Then footsteps walk in to reveal Jade.

Jade says, "I could hear Floyd stomping around from all the way outside the lounge," and presents the cards to Azul, "Azul, the business cards you ordered came in. Here. You got quite a bit extra this time."

Azul chuckles, "Heh heh heh, this social is a prime networking opportunity. I wouldn't dream of squandering it. I'll be throwing my business cards at every promising mark—ah, mage—that I can!"

"That sounds delightful," Jade says, "It's truly a shame that I can't accompany you on your trip. In fact, I can feel my hackles rising as we speak. May I join Floyd in throwing a tantrum?"

"Suit yourself. I'll be doing final checks on my luggage," Azul says with confidence.

And Floyd says, "Maaan, this blows. Maybe it'd help if I busted up the lounge while you're away."

Azul however, refuses to let that happen, "Hey now, none of that!Halloween is a prime money making time for the Lounge. You had better do your job. But don't worry—I'll bring back some stories that'll keep you suitably entertained. I promise. So I trust you to do your part while I'm gone."

"If I must, I suppose," Jade says, "I'll tend to my duties as vice housewarden and live up to your expectations. Have a pleasant trip."

"The stories better be completely true, or you're gonna get the squeeze of your life, capiche?" Floyd says, still irritated.

At the Scarabia Dorm Lounge, Jamil is making sure everything is organized for his leave to Fleur City, and to be sure everything at the dorm is set for Kalim.

"Okay, I'll go over it again," Jamil says, "Towels are on the second shelf. Your comb is in the box beneath that, next to the hair dryer."

"Uh-huh," Kalim says with a nod.

Jamil continues, "There's medicine for headaches and stomach issues in the first aid kit. All other medicine is in the chest of drawers, top drawer."

"Got it!" Kalim says.

"I put out some spare soap, but if you need more, it's in this box here," Jamil says.

"Okay!" Kalim says.

And Jamil says, "Oh, and if it suddenly gets cold, your comforter and warm pajamas are in the storehouse..." He soon gets frustrated, "Augh, I'm worried! Are you really going to be okay on your own for three days?"

But Kalim reassures, "Don't be such a worrywart, Jamil! Nothing's gonna happen. And if something DOES happen, the rest of the guys in Scarabia will be here to help. It'll be fine."

"Well, I DID issue the whole dorm a manual on what to do during any unforeseen events, but still..." Jamil says.

"Then we're good!" Kalim says with a smile, "I just wish I could've gone to Fleur City with you. The name alone makes it sound beautiful. Aren't you excited? This is a chance to make friends from other schools. You lucked out big time, Jamil!"

"I doubt one single social would be enough to form any meaningful friendships..." Jamil says.

"Hm? So you're NOT excited?" Kalim asks.

"Well, I suppose I'm looking forward to touring around somewhere new," Jamil says.

"Yeah, there you go!" Kalim says, "I'll be super happy if you enjoy yourself. Tell me all about it when you get back!"

"Okay, okay," Jamil says, "If you care about me at all, PLEASE be careful not to get hurt or get sick while I'm away."

"Sure thing!" Kalim happily says.

But then Jamil says, "All right, let's go over it one more time. Towels are on the second shelf..."

"Again?!" Kalim exclaims in shock.