Chapter 16: Hasty Schemes
After morning Spelldrive training, Briar and her group, including Jack, Leona, and Ruggie are having breakfast in the cafeteria.
Satisfied with the meal, Grim says, "Nothing beats a good breakfast after workin' up a sweat! Grim craves protein—bring on the MEAT!"
"I don't think they invented a food you don't like," Briar replies.
Slightly annoyed, Leona says, "So, like, what were you thinking, cuttin' a deal with that cephalo-punk? How stupid can you get? Now you're crampin' MY style as a result."
"Um sorry about that. As to how we got involved, it's like this. I was kind of asked to talk to Azul about stopping his little operation, and I kind of made a contract to free the students who have made a deal with him," Briar explains.
"Hah! You made a deal to free all the chumps who contracted with him to get ahead in their finals?" Leona says.
And Leona starts laughing, "BAH HA HA! That's rich. I shudder to imagine being that dumb."
Then Ruggie says, "Rumor has it that Azul's study guide is the real deal, though. I kinda get why people would wanna get their hands on that."
"So you guys steered clear of Azul's scheme, huh?" Jack replies, "I figured you'd go for the easiest out you could get, Leona... Ah, no offense, of course."
"Are you kidding? Who in their right mind would voluntarily keep making deals with that swindler?" Leona questions.
Then says, "I've made a few deals and paid the piper for 'em. There's always a steep catch."
"Yeah, he ain't the kinda guy you wanna turn to at your first resort. He's definitely a capable magician, though. He can grant some real tall orders just like that," Ruggie says.
Then Leona says, "The guy who wants something outta a deal is always the one at a disadvantage. That's Negotiating 101. When dimwitted herbivores sign contracts on a whim, they always end up getting suckered somehow."
"Now I'm getting nervous," Sereia says.
"Can we really win this bet…?" Tanzanite wonders.
"I know how you feel .I'm nervous about this too," Briar says.
Then Leona questions, "Y'know what? Let's hear it. What were your terms, exactly?"
Briar then begins to explain to Leona about the terms of the contract. Of course, Briar doesn't mention the additional agreement she made with Azul. They'll freak out if they learn that Briar is willing to take the place of 225 people and has given up her medallion in the process until she fulfills the deal.
"Before the sun sets on the third day after signing…" Leona says.
"You have to sneak into the Atlantica Memorial Museum, steal a photo, and bring it back?" Ruggie questions.
"Um yeah. That sounds about right," Briar says.
The two then remain silent.
Ruggie grins and says, "Boy... Stinks to be you."
Grim gets mad and says, "Hey, we ain't even gotten started yet! Don't go jinxin' us!"
"Isn't the Atlantica Memorial Museum underwater? How are you gonna get there, brainiac?" Ruggie questions.
"They gave us water-breathin' potions," Grim answers.
Briar then brings out the potion bottle.
"Azul told us that it will give us the ability to breathe underwater once we drink it," Jasper says.
"No idea how well they work, though," Jack adds.
But Ruggie says, "Huh. If Azul gave 'em to you, they probably work just fine. He's got his pride. I doubt he'd ever give someone a wonky potion."
Hm… I'd get the ball rollin' now, if I were you. Time is money, as they say," Leona replies.
Myah! Good idea! Hey, guys, let's hit up the Atlantica Memorial Museum right now!" Grim says.
Jack agrees, "Good call. With only three days, we don't have any leeway here."
"You're right. The sooner we head there the better.
"I'm bringin' Ace and Deuce along, too. Let's mosey!" Grim says.
"Sounds like a good idea. Let's meet in the Mirror Chamber," Briar says.
Everyone nods their heads and takes their leave. Everyone, but Leona and Ruggie leave the table.
Aaand they're gone," Ruggie replies.
Then turns to Leona, "I gotta say, Leona—you're a real piece of work."
"Hah. I've got no idea what you're talkin' about," Leona says in remark.