Twisted Wonderland 2

Brains and Brawn Only

The boys step out of the mirror and into a bright, sunlit clearing in the woods. The abandoned cottage sits just atop the hill.

"So when the headmage said 'IN the mountains'... He meant a MINE?" Ace exclaims.

Deuce's shoulders slump. "I can't believe we're back here again..."

Floyd quirks an eye. "Oh yeah? Have you guys been here before?"

"Yes." Deuce scratches his neck. "We came here once with Grim and Y/N."

Floyd tilts his head. "Huh. You guys got some weird hobbies, runnin' around an abandoned mine. Are you mountain superfans like Jade? When I told him we were goin' camping, he whined nonstop about how the Mountain Lovers Club should totally count as a sports club. You guys oughta take him with you next time you go mountain climbin'."

"Uh, I dunno, man... I'd kinda rather not?" Ace snickers. "Besides, Deuce wouldn't be able to handle it. You wouldn't believe how much he was shakin' in his boots last time we were here."

Deuce glowers. "I was NOT shaking. And Grim was way more scared."

Ace grins. "Okay, I'll give you that. Still makes me laugh every time I remember Grim cowerin' like that."

"Heeey!"

Ace tilts his head. "Huh? Did you guys hear a strangely familiar voice, or was it just me?"

The bushes rustle as something charges through them.

"Took you all long enough! I've been waitin' here for ages!"

Deuce and Ace's eyes widen. "Grim?"

You step into the clearing, waving to the boys. "Morning, everyone."

Ace smiles when he sees you. "And Y/N too!"

"What are you two doing here?" Deuce asks.

Grim proudly smirks. "We're the record keepers, DUH."

"They're here at my behest." Crowley joins the group. "I've tasked them with log keeping and capturing your efforts with their Ghost Camera for posterity."

Grim places a paw to his chest. "You're talkin' to Master Photographer Grim an' his assistant Y/N. And you can bet I'll capture every last one of your embarrassing moments!"

Ace rolls his eyes. "Smug as ever, I see..."

"Additionally," Crowley continues. "at Coach Vargas's request, I've spoken with the local denizens. The ghosts in the mine will assist you for the duration of the camp."

A few ghosts materialize and wave to the boys. "Heya!"

You step back, recognizing them as the ones who chased you in the mines from before. Let's hope they aren't up to any mischief...

Vargas gives Crowley a salute. "Thanks for your support, Headmage."

Crowley waves a hand. "Think nothing of it! It's the least I could do, what with my infinite generosity!"

Grim narrows his eyes at the ghosts. "Those ghosts look awful familiar..."

The ghosts disappear with a laugh.

"All right." Vargas claps his hands together. "Everyone's here and rarin' to go. Camp Vargas is officially in session! But before we get to the challenges, I've got a job for you guys... Pitching tents!"

Ace groans. "Man, we gotta set up our own tents? What a lousy way to kick off our trip. Oh well, we'll just bang 'em out with a little magic and call it a day. Let's get this over with..."