Twisted Wonderland 2

Oddly Motivated

You walk along the forested trail on your way to check on the clubs. On your shoulder, Grim swats away the pesky bugs that fly around his ears.

"Ack! Shoo, shoo! Man, this forest's crawlin' with bugs."

You wave a hand to swat away the bugs. "The bugs weren't as bad last time so I didn't think to bring any bug spray."

Grim spots something through the trees. "Oh hey, there's the Film Research Club. What's up, boys?"

Vil smiles when he notices you approach. "Ah, Y/N. Always a pleasure to see you. You've picked an unfortunate time to check on us. See for yourself. We're supposed to be gathering firewood, but we've gotten nowhere."

Vil gestures with a hand to his club members who all frantically run around and swat at the air.

"Stupid bugs... They just keep coming, no matter how many times I move or shoo 'em away!"

"BUG! Please don't bite me!"

Vil shakes his head with a sigh. "It's been a lot of that. Really now, what ARE you boys doing? Did you not even think to bring bug spray? The Film Research Club works outside all the time. Wearing sunblock is a given, as should be protecting oneself from bug bites."

Ortho walks over, tilting his head curiously. "I've never gotten a bug bite before, but the itchiness sounds unbearable."

You let out a laugh. "It's definitely not fun. You're pretty lucky, Ortho."

"Being itchy isn't the issue." Vil kneels down and starts gathering some herbs. "What's worse is that the bite can swell up and turn red. Sometimes it can even leave scars. This club is such a handful. Hold on a moment."

Grim leans over on your shoulder, watching Vil. "Whatcha doin' in the grass?"

"Picking some herbs. Peppermint and thyme are good for cooking, of course, but they also work as bug repellent." Vil stands and hands the herbs to his club mates. "We don't have time to trek back to the tents for bug spray. Rub these between your hands and put the oil to your skin."

The boys follow Vil's instructions.

"Whoa, it's so cool and refreshing. I hope this is enough to keep the bugs away..."

"Mosquitos are drawn to the smell of perspiration." Vil informs. "You may wish to smear mud on any parts of your body that get particularly sweaty."

Some of the boys cringe back. "Uh, I think I'll pass on the mud..."

Grim bursts out laughing. "C'mon, just slap some on! It'd be a hoot seein' your faces all muddy!"

Vil smirks. "Oh, really? I'd be happy to put some on you as well. Here, tilt your head up."

Grim ducks behind your hair. "WAH! No thanks. You stay away from me!"

Azul and his club walks over, smiling as he approaches. "Why, if it isn't the Film Research Club and our diligent record keepers."

"Hey, Azul." You wave to him cheerfully.

"Ah, the Board Game Club." Vil nods his head in greeting. "Hello there. Are you gathering firewood as well?"

Azul shakes his head. "We've split up, as it happens. It's more efficient to work on all three challenges in parallel."

"So is Idia fishin' or minin'?" Grim asks.

"YOOO, AZUL!" Idia shouts from a little further away. Picking up a stick and swinging it around. "Check out this stick! It's totally OP. It's gotta be fifty STR, easy!"