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

Chapter 2-12: You Guys Rock!

Idia turns to the stands, "Well, uh... 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."

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

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

"Hmm. What a tough choice. Fresh grapes or grape juice..." Grim says.

"I would like some grape juice," Sereia says.

Trinket agrees.

"Jasper and I would like some grapes," Jasper says.

Grim then turns to Briar, "What're you gonna get, Briar?

Briar thinks and says, "I'm thinking of the juice."

India snickers, "Hee hee, yeah, good choice. 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. And you could use all the nutrients you can get, Idia," Silver says.

And Grim groans, "Ugh, you all just made it harder to decide. Now I want both..."

"As much as I'd like to buy you both, it wouldn't be fair to the other students if I did.

You must be judicious with the funds the headmage gave you," Trein says.

"Never fear, Grim. I shall pay for my dear underclassmen," Rook says.

"Whoa, for real? NICE. You're the man, Rook!" Ruggie says.

"Huh? Ummm... Uhhh... Okay, i'll pay too," Idia says.

Then Rook says, "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... Here," Idia says, "I mean, it's not like a few drinks are gonna break the bank for me anyway. So, uh...I'll cover half."

"You will? Heh, thank you," Rook says with a smile.

"Sweet, now I can get both!" Grim happily says.

"Thank you," Briar says.

"Thank you," Sereia says.

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

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

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

"Thank you," The twins reply.

"I'm gonna start with the juice," Grim says, deeply hungry, and begins drinking and eating, "Mmm, now that's a tart one!"

"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," Silver says.

"Grapes are rich and satisfying on their own as well," Rook says.

Ruggie eats as well, "Wow... 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 says, "Even now, the people running the vineyards selectively breed their grapes to try and create better varieties."

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

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

"Phew... That was a real treat," Grim says.

"We'll be checking on the other groups now. Do continue learning, everyone," Trein says.

"Thank you for the lovely time, Professor Trein. And of course Briar and her group, too," Rook says..

"See you soon," Silver says.

"...Later," Idia says.

The group then takes their leaves.

Idia says to himself, "...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? I'm down for some food if you guys are payin'," Ruggie says.

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

"Truly? Then would you assist me in finding souvenirs for everyone?" Rook says with a smile.

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