Twisted Wonderland 2

Deeper into the Woods

The Pop Music team searches through the forest for a lanternblossom but hasn't had any luck so far. Kalim scours through some bushes but comes up empty handed.

"I don't see any lanternblossoms around." Kalim looks over his shoulder. "Any luck on your end, Cater?"

"Nope." Cater shakes his head. "Lots of flowers, but not what we're lookin' for."

"I feared this would be the case." Jade says.

Grim trots over to the boys. "Well, hey, if it ain't the Pop Music Club and Mountain Lovers Clubs. Havin' a tough time?"

Jade nods. "I'm afraid so. I knew finding a lanternblossom wouldn't be easy, but still. It might behoove us to review what we know about the blooms and their habitat."

Cater walks over to you with his hands behind his back. He smiles as he bows and presents a beautiful purple flower to you. "For you, my lovely princess."

You let out a bashful laugh. "Oh, thank you, Cater. It's really beautiful, but you didn't have to when you need to complete the challenge."

Cater only shrugs as he tucks the flower behind your ear. "I found this flower while searching for the lanternblossom and immediately thought of you."

You feel your cheeks flush as you smile at him. "Thank you. That's really thoughtful of you."

Jade tilts his head in thought. So you like flowers, it seems. Well, he'll just have to find you a better one.

Cater brings a hand to his chin. "Lanternblossoms convert nutrients into magic, which they store. Then when they bloom, they release the magic and wilt immediately. And they grow in sunlit areas that don't have many other flowers around. How's that?"

"All correct." Jade nods. "There is one additional factor that can greatly stimulate their growth. Namely, if the location has an abundance of energy. Like places where magic is often used, or where magestones are produced. I believe there are people conducting research into artificial cultivation techniques using that very trait."

"Interesting." Cater tilts his head. "I guess with the mine nearby, this forest might be a good place for them to grow."

Kalim smiles brightly. "Wow, you guys are so good at remembering details! So they only bloom for a short time, right? What if they're all wilted?"

"At this time of year, they may or may not be in bloom." Jade says. "Your concern is valid, but considering Coach Vargas gave us the challenge, he must've verified that they're somewhere on the mountain."

"Yeah. He might be demanding, but he wouldn't ask us to do something that was literally impossible." Cater plays with a strand of his hair. "...I hope."

Jade nods his head towards the trees. "Let's go a bit deeper into the woods. We might find a more likely spot for them to grow."

Grim glances around. "Say, Lilia's not here. Where'd he go?"

"Oh, Lils is off catching the giant catfish." Cater says. "We're gonna join him once we're done here."

"He's tryin' to get one of those giant fish all by himself?" Grim tilts his head. "Talk about reckless."

Cater throws his hands up. "Right? I wanted to help him, but he said the lanternblossom would be harder to find."

"He's right, though." Jade adds. "One can lay traps for the catfish, but the only way to find a lanternblossom is to wander around."

Cater shrugs. "Well, let's just try to find one quick so we can get back and help Lils. I know I can't upload any pics to Magicam right now, but still, you don't see a giant catfish everyday."