Chapter 5-5: Simply Better Trained

Grim turns to Epel and asks, "Hey, Epel. You know the time?"

"It must be past midnight by now. Probably around 2 a.m," Epel answers.

"So we still got a while before the headmage gets here," Grim says, and shivers, "Brrr... This campfire ain't even warmin' my whiskers. Don't we got any coats or blankets?"

"It does get cold at night here. There should be a bunch of blankets in the tents…" Jamil says.

"A bunch, you say? That means there's enough to share with your ol' pal Grim! I'm gonna go snag one!" Grim happily says and runs off to get a blanket.

But Ruggie says, "Slow your roll, Grim. It's too dangerous to go by yourself. We need to stick together."

"Aww, c'mon! The tents are like, right there! I'm freezin' my tail off! I'm gonna catch a cold if I don't warm up soon. And don't think I didn't see your teeth chatterin', Jamil!" Ruggie says.

Jamil sighs, "Okay, fine. Would a few of you come with us? We're going to get some blankets."

"I'll join you," Briar says.

Then Jasper says, "I'll go too."

Then Epel says, "Ooh, I'll come along. I could use a blanket myself. I'll get one for you too, Ruggie!"

Then the Equestrian Club members say, "I'll go and grab a few for the Equestrian Club."

Thank you, much appreciated," Epel replies.

A Track Club Member, "I'll go, too!"

"I guess that's a big enough group," Ruggie says.

Soon, the volunteers head off to go get the blankets from the tents.

Sebek crosses his arms, "Hmph. Humans are weak indeed if this minor chill is too much for them."

Floyd turns to Riddle and notices, "Whatsa matter, Goldfishie? You're tremblin', and your lips are all blue. You won't be a goldfish any more if your hair turns blue too. Whaddaya think I should call you then?"

Riddle growls in anger, "Grrr... You never lay off, do you? Not even in an emergency!" and his face is turning red.

Floyd laughs, "Ahaha, now you're all red! Glad you warmed up."

"I guess you and Sebek don't mind the cold, Floyd?" Ruggie replies.

"Nah. I'm from waters way colder than this," Floyd says.

Sebek then says, "Hmph. I'm simply better trained than mere humans.""

Ruggie turns to Jack, "Say, Jack, aren't you from somewhere cold too?"

"Yeah. This weather would be downright temperate back home," Jack says.

"Must be nice. Man, it's seriously chilly…" Ruggie says.

Time has passed and everyone has been waiting for the group to get back.

Silver notices, "Jamil's group is certainly taking a while."

"Maybe they're having trouble carrying all the blankets," Ruggie says.

"If that's the case, we should go help," Silver says.

Everyone remains silent and stays close to the fire, trying not to freeze.

"I don't think anyone wants to leave the campfire," Ruggie says.

And then Silver says, "All right. Then I'll go," and heads off to find the others

"What a stand-up guy," Ruggie replies. Then turns to Sebek, "You sure you don't wanna go with him, Sebek?"

"Why are you asking me?" Sebek asks.

"Because you two are always together," Ruggie says.

"WE ARE NOT!" Sebek shouts, "We simply happen to work together often as Malleus's guards. He makes for a more competent guardsman than the rest of the rabble, at least."

"Sounds like you just admitted he's good at what he does," Ruggie says.

More time has passed, and the group still hasn't returned.

Ruggie then speaks up, "...Uh, Silver hasn't come back yet, has he?"

And Jamil's group has been gone for more than five minutes.

"That is strange. I can't hear them either," Sebek says.

"Yes. Briar and Jasper haven't come back either," Tanzanite says, worried.

"Oh no…" Ruggie says, worried, "Did that dark shadow get all of them?!"

This has Ruggie more concerned, "Okay, guys! Get your backs to the fire and keep your eyes peeled! The shadow that attacked Coach Vargas could be right around the corner!"