Twisted Wonderland 2

Execute the Plan

Vil stands at the campsite, now completely surrounded by shadows and eerie silence. He glances around, trying to spot the beast.

"Show yourself, fiend."

A rustle from the bushes alerts Vil. He turns around as a tall shadow steps from the leaves.

"You." Vil narrows his eyes. "You're the monster that attacked our camp. Come and catch me if you can!"

The beast lunges for him but Vil holds up a hand and a burst of bright light flashes from his hand. The beast stumbles back and brings an arm to cover its eyes. Vil takes off running towards the lake.

Hiding somewhere in the woods, Azul and Jade see the burst of light.

"There's the flash." Jade says. "Things are kicking off."

Azul nods. "Yes, I have to hand it to Trey. This is an inspired plan. Since the monster struck in the dark, its eyes must be used to the darkness. Which means that Vil's magical flash should stun it for a moment."

"I applaud how efficient this is, using a single spell as both a stall tactic and signal." Jade adds. "Vil's headed our way. It looks like the first phase was a success."

"Indeed. I'm very glad Vil is here." Azul shakes his head. "He has to sprint in a zigzag while both avoiding attacks and making sure we can keep up. I shudder to imagine how this might have gone if we didn't have someone who jogs every morning."

Jade tilts his head. "Still, that monster moves fast. We should provide ViI with magical support as we make our way toward the lake."

Azul chuckles. "Normally I'd flat out refuse to run outside of PE, but I'll give this my best. After all, with Vil working at the lounge for two days and sharing his smoothies, our sales will certainly get a boost. And what's more, I get FIVE WHOLE DAYS of Trey's confectionary expertise! If we offer top-notch treats made by Trey himself, we'll have a flood of customers pouring in!"

Jade grins. "Ah, so you put on a show of haggling for Vil's time to mask what you really wanted, Trey. Isn't it nice that your real aim went over their heads?"

"Oh, it's lovely." Azul smirks. "That was a golden opportunity I just couldn't miss!"

Vil is getting closer to the lake but the beast is steadily gaining on him.

Glancing over his shoulder, Vil smirks. "What's the matter? I'm right here, and yet you still haven't caught me. Some monster you are."

The beast roars and charges after Vil. Azul and Jade chase behind, staying in the shadows of the trees so the beast won't notice them.

"Are we... at the lake yet?" Azul groans. "I'm drenched in sweat!"

Jade chuckles. "Keep going, Azul. Vil's taking lengthy detours to ensure we can keep up. And don't stop your spellfire, or the monster will catch Vil."

"Think of the sales... This is for the Mostro Lounge..." Azul glowers at Jade. "And you, stop relishing in my suffering and get to work!"

Vil breaks through the trees and makes it to the lake. "Trey, I'm here!"

Trey nods. "We're all set. Okay guys, time for phase three."

The beast charges through the trees with a roar.

"Azul! Jade!" Trey shouts. "Pincer attack, now!"

The two jump from the bushes on opposite sides of the beast, about to attack when the beast moves out of the way the last second. Jade and Azul jump back to Trey and Vil.