Twisted Wonderland 2

A Lovely Day

Into the early morning, the ghosts hover by the tents with pots and pans. Mischievously grinning as they raise the metal utensils above their heads. The ghosts bang the pots and pans together with loud bangs, startling the boys awake.

Trey stumbles out of his tent. Putting his glasses on with a groan. "What's that noise?"

"Good morning, Trey." Rook cheerfully greets. "Isn't it a lovely day?"

"Can you even call it morning if the sun's not up yet?" Trey glances around. "And are you making all that racket?"

Rook only laughs. "No, I simply arose early and have been gazing at the fire. I believe HE is the source of the commotion. Look."

Rook points to a ghost floating above their camp.

The ghost bangs two pans together to make a loud racket. "Rise and shine, boys! Time for your next challenges!"

Trey runs a hand through his hair. "Of all the things... A ghost banging on a frying pan?"

The clubs have all groggily gathered together, rubbing their eyes and yawning. Some muttering complaints under their breath.

"Good morning!" Vargas grins. "I see everyone's assembled."

Jade nods his head in greeting. "Good morning."

Cater groans. "So tired..."

Kalim lets out a yawn. "Maybe we should've actually gone to bed instead of staying up all night goofing around."

"Well aren't you two looking rather groggy?" Lilia chuckles. "Jade appears to be in fine form, though."

Jade smiles. "Yes, I squeezed in some shuteye where I could."

"Okay, here are your challenges for day two!" Vargas announces. "There are three of 'em again. First, survival! You'll need to brew potions in case of an emergency. Go out and find a lanternblossom. They grow in the area, and are used in potions to help heal cuts and scrapes faster."

"A lanternblossom?" Jade tilts his head. "As I recall, they are exceedingly rare. A limited quantity of them pass through the market. This task will be much more difficult than anything from yesterday. We'll need to be careful with our time management."

"Second, sustenance!" Vargas says. "When catching your own food, you must also be aware of its environment. There are giant catfish in the lake that prey on the smaller fish. Catch one."

Trey's eyes widens. "Wait, there are? I've heard rumors, but never seen proof of any catfish in that lake."

"Third, education!" Vargas continues. "You'll need to utilize a more practical knowledge of magestones today. Go back into the mine and get another stone. But this time, I want an even larger one! Your stones must be about two cubic centimeters and weigh around seven grams."

"We had a hard enough time finding the one from yesterday." Vil places a hand to his hip. "Now he expects us to mine an even larger stone?"

Azul adjusts his glasses with a hum. "I suppose that means we'll have to further into the mines. We'll need to prepare thoroughly."

"Once again, you have until sunset. Day two of Camp Vargas begins... NOW!" Vargas blows into his whistle to start the challenge.

Trey looks to his club. "Well, which challenge should we tackle first?"

"Catching the giant catfish would be the most fun." Rook suggests. "I hear the larger specimens can sometimes reach up to five meters long. I would love to see the majesty they possess."