Chapter 5-12: My Head Held High

Seeing what's going on, Silver says, "Heh, Deuce and Epel seem well. When I see everyone's bright faces, it makes me truly glad we got rid of the fire lotuses.

"Saving the world a few times is but a trivial task for the great Malleus!" Sebek says, "The rest of us pale tremendously in comparison to his greatness… But I'm still honored to have played some small role in his success. I feel as though I've grown from this, and that makes me quite proud."

"Yes, I can report all this to Father with my head held high," Silver says.

"Agreed. I must inform Lilia that I won our flower-slaying competition," Sebek says.

But Silver says, "Sebek... It's wrong to lie."

Sebek cries out, "WHAT?! I'm not lying! I slew more than you did!"

"No, I won. You saw my mountain of wilted flowers," Silver corrects Sebek.

But Sebek says, "Those just had more petals! I had the most stems!"

"I wouldn't feel right reporting false information to Father. I'd love to let you win this, but…" Silver says.

"LET ME?! How dare you talk like you're better than me!" Sebek shouts.

Then Jamil and Ruggie walk over.

Then Jamil notices them, "So much yelling... Please don't start a scene at another school. They'll think we were raised in a barn."

"You guys were weeding until dawn and you still have the energy to bicker? Where can I get some of THAT stamina?" Ruggie says.

Noticing them, Silver says, "Jamil. Ruggie. Good morning."

'Good morning...or evening, I suppose," Ruggie says.

Silver asks, "Are you two all right? You must've had a hard time battling the firelotuses.

"Yes, I admit I was surprised when you both volunteered to step up before we did," Sebek adds, "But your brave words were deeply reassuring to me. Thank you, I'm most grateful. I'm sure dispatching all those firelotuses was no mean feat for two humans like yourselves."

And Jamil says, "Yes, acting as bait wasn't easy by any stretch with just the two of us. But we had to do it for all of you. It didn't matter what happened to us, as long as we could draw them away," And turns to Ruggie, "Isn't that right, Ruggie?"

"Oh yeah, for sure! That's us—the guys who put it all on the line for their peers!" Ruggie says.

"Such dedication! You're deserving of my respect!" Sebek says with a smile.

And Silver says, "You showed incredible courage. I should learn from your examples."

"By all means, do,' Jamil says.

"Sheesh…" Ruggie softly says. Then turns to Jamil, "Given what these guys just said, and with Riddle's group looking all happy, there's no way we can tell any of 'em the truth. We managed to run all night by usin' a buncha Noble Bell College students."

"And that's why I could only pull off that plan with you," Jamil says.

Ruggie snickers, "Shyeheehee. Wow, Jamil, you must really trust me! Y'know, I see you in a whole different light now. I always thought you were the long-suffering type, but boy, you know how to get a job done. Sure helped me out."

"Heh. It's scary getting a compliment from you, Ruggie. There's bound to be a catch," Jamil replies.

And Ruggie says, "Right back atcha, Jamil. I can't take any compliment from you at face value. Shyeheehee."

Silver soon says, "Jamil. Ruggie."

Jamil turns his attention to Silver, "Hm? What is it? Why are you and Sebek marching toward us like that?"

"Silver and I were just discussing something... We shall heave you both into the air in honor of your exploits!" Sebek says.

Ruggie & Jamil exclaim, "WHAT?!"

"Can we not?! I don't get anything out of that!" Ruggie cries out.

"Lilia always says an aerial toss is the best way to honor bravery," Silver says.

"We shall abide by his teachings and reward you both properly," Sebek says.

"That sounds really embarrassing. I don't want to be the center of attention!" Jamil says.

"You know, you guys are the ones who supported the group 'til the very end. We should be celebrating you instead!" Ruggie says.

"Really? Thank you for the offer. I'll take you up on that later. But first, you two can—" Silver says.

But someone shouts, "MYA-HAAAH!"

And everyone turns to see Grim, "If you wanna toss someone in the air, I'm right here!"

Sereia, and the others walk over as well.

"Grim! Sereia, Tanzanite, Jasper, and Trinker! I'm glad you're all okay," Silver says.

"'Course we are. I did so much work, the rest didn't even get a chance to do nothin'," Grim says with confidence.

Sebek says in remarks, "Hmph, a bold claim. But one that may lack credence. Are you certain Sereia and the others didn't have to constantly bail you out of trouble?"

"What?! I'll have you know I was protectin' both my hench-human AND Trein!" Grim shouts. Then turns to the others, "Ain't that right, guys?"

"Well, you did help us with the flowers," Tanzanite says.

"I dunno about THAT…" Jasper says, rolling his eyes.

Grim glares at Jasper, "Hey! don't get all cheeky just 'cuz you helped a little!"

"Say, I don't see Professor Trein. Where is he?" Jamil notices.

Then Silver asks, "Did something happen to him...?"

Then someone answers, "Trein is still resting in bed."