Twisted Wonderland 2

A Dramatic Last Stand

Kalim looks up from Ernesto's outstretched hand to the paralyzed boys. He stares into their eyes, a million thoughts seem to be racing through his mind. Taking a deep breath, Kalim looks back to Ernesto and takes the fox's hand.

Ernesto smirks and lifts Kalim onto the stage.

Kalim holds his arm as he turns to the boys. "Ace... Ortho... I've never told anyone this before, but the truth is... I'm REEEALLY bad at studying!"

"You know we know, right?" Ortho calls out.

Ace rolls his eyes. "What a time to fess up..."

Ernesto mutters to himself. "And here I thought those fancy schools only let in bona fide poindexters."

Kalim shakes his head. "Even when I try to buckle down and study, I always get tempted by something more fun! Beautiful songs, flashy dancing, good food... There are so many temptations in the world. I've got so many things I'd love to be doing besides studying." He chuckles to himself. "Silly me."

Ernesto places his hands to Kalim's shoulders, grinning. "Yes, yes, exactly! Nobody wants to study, right? What could be more tedious? You should be a star instead!"

Kalim steps out of Ernesto's hold, looking to the floor thoughtfully. "But... Even if there wasn't dancing, singing, and food to tempt me, I would never view school in a negative light. I'm bad at studying, and I don't like doing it, but I know it's necessary." He looks up to the fox with a bright smile. "Besides, school isn't JUST about studying. It's a place for sharing laughter and surprises. A place where lifelong friendships are formed!"

Ernesto's ears perk up in surprise.

"If I hadn't enrolled in Night Raven College, I never would've met Ace or Ortho." Kalim gestures with a hand to the boys. "These guys are like precious baby brothers to me, I can't imagine life without them! Plus, there's the guys in Scarabia, my classmates, my clubmates, and so many more people who've become near and dear to me." He smiles softly, thinking of you. "Studying might be rough sometimes, but when I think about all the friends I've made... I can't help but feel like there's nowhere I'd rather be BUT Night Raven College."

Ernesto groans as he rolls his eyes. "Please. Platitudes make me wanna puke. All of you skipped school and came here without permission! You're all lousy students! Let's be real, deep down, you all hate school. You can't fool me. Quit with the excuses and just admit it!"

Kalim takes a step closer to the fox. "You're right that skipping school was a bad thing to do. Jamil tried to stop me, but I ignored his warnings... I owe him the biggest apology when I get back. I know I have obligations, but I still want to do fun stuff. Every day's filled with temptations for me. So sometimes it's hard to tell what's right and what's wrong. But I definitely know that abandoning friends is a bad thing." He narrows his eyes. "Ernesto, you want to know what I say? I say that there's no way I'm ever abandoning my friends to save myself!"

Ernesto flattens his ears with a growl, his grip on his staff tightening.

Gino stares at Kalim in shock, his eyes wide.

Ace chuckles. "I had a feeling that'd be his response. I mean, he's such a softy that he wouldn't even abandon a trash-talking freshman like me."

Ortho grins under the mask. "Yeah. Kalim, you really put him on blast!"

"Wow, really? Thanks!" Kalim sheepishly rubs the back of his neck. "Also, what's 'on blast' mean?"

Ernesto's tail flicks in irritation. "Way to take the wind out of my sails. I was really hoping I could get your last hope to betray you, teaching you a tough lesson about the real world. But this kid's so much of a good egg, it's actually a letdown. Guess rich preppie kids can afford to be wholesome."