You walk with the Savanaclaw boys back to the dorm after practice. Leona nudges your shoulder.
"I saw the drawing you made. It's not half bad."
You smile shyly. "Thanks. I thought you'd like it."
Grim hops around your feet, nearly tripping you over.
"Who knew a morning workout could feel so good?" Grim calls out. "I'm alive, I tell ya! Aliiiive!"
Jack nods his head. "Right? 'S why I get up an hour earlier than this to get some jogging in."
Grim cringes. "O-okay, that might be a little overboard. So Savanaclaw Dorm's already trainin' hard for next year's interdorms, huh?" Grim smirks. "Looks like we'll have some worthy rivals."
Ruggie turns to you. "Oh, I guess you guys haven't heard yet. Every May, we have an even bigger Spelldrive event than the interdorm tournament."
Grim's eyes widen. "MRAH! It gets even bigger than that?"
"Yup." Leona says lazily. "It's the interscholastic games."
"Oh yeah, this isn't the only magic school, huh?" You say.
Ruggie nods. "As the name suggests, it's a Spelldrive event where different schools compete."
"Our school always plays against Royal Sword Academy." Leona finishes the thought.
"Ooh, I've heard of them!" Grim adds excitedly.
"Twisted Wonderland's got a number of educational institutions for cultivatin' magicians.
Night Raven College and Royal Sword Academy are particularly prestigious." Ruggie informs. "We're basically known as the Big Two."
"So what's Royal Sword Academy like?" Grim asks.
Leona rolls his eyes. "It's a school for pampered lordlings that's fulla snooty, scrawny wimps."
Ruggie laughs. "What he said. Their campus 'n uniforms are all shiny and sparkly. Talk about lame! Can you imagine how much a single scuff would stand out on a white uniform? I know they're supposed to be a big deal, but I wouldn't go there even if they begged me."
Jack tilts his head. "Hasn't Night Raven College lost the interscholastics for the past hundred years running, though?"
Ruggie winces. "W-well... We're only at ninety nine so far! You can bet your tail we'll win this year. Hundredth time's the charm."
"From what I've seen watching the interscholastics on TV," Jack folds his arms. "Royal Sword Academy's roster of players are all individually outstanding, but that's not why they dominate. The real key is their incredible teamwork."
Grim tilts his head at an idea. "Hey, wait a minute. If we're talkin' interscholastics here... Does that mean it'll be more 'n just Savanaclaw? Will the other dorms be goin' up against Royal Sword Academy, too?"
"Yeah. Each dorm contributes a player into one big team that represents the school." Leona answers.
You shake your head. Just knowing how hostile these boys can be, that doesn't sound like a good idea. "Sounds like personality clashes waiting to happen."
Leona nods. "Last year, the team broke out into a brawl before the game even started, just from arguing over who got what position."
Grim smirks. "I like their moxie. If you want a position, you gotta fight for it! I'll make sure I get picked as a school rep!"
Jack quirks an eye at the cat. "If you wanna strut your stuff and make a good case for gettin' picked, the best way to do that is to stick to your daily practice."
"The interscholastics get higher TV ratings than the interdorms, so it's a prime chance to get scouted for the pro leagues!" Ruggie explains.
Leona scoffs. "You'd better start thinking now about what you're gonna do to beat out the competition and land a team spot."
You run a hand through your hair in thought. "Can't imagine how crazy it will be if it's bigger than last time."
After grabbing breakfast, you and the three Savanaclaw boys sit outside in the courtyard. You lean against a tree while Leona lays down with his head on your lap. Ruggie lays down on the grass next to you, tossing an apple into the air and catching it. Jack sits on your other side, leaning back so you're shoulder to shoulder.
Grim lays down with with a satisfied sigh. "Nothing beats a good breakfast after workin' up a sweat!"
Leona glances up at you, quirking an eye. "So, 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."
You scratch the back of your neck. "Uhh, well it's like this..."
After you explain everything, Leona bursts out laughing. "You made a deal to free all the chumps who contracted with him to get ahead in their finals?" Leona holds his sides from laughing so hard. "That's rich. I shudder to imagine being that dumb."
Ruggie catches the apple and turns his head to glance at the lion. "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? I figured you'd go for the easiest out you could get, Leona..." Jack rubs the back of his neck. "Ah, no offense, of course."
Leona scoffs. "Are you kidding? Who in their right mind would voluntarily keep making deals with that swindler? 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." Ruggie agrees. "He's definitely a capable magician, though. He can grant some real tall orders just like that."
Leona relaxes back into your lap. "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."
You start to feel nervous at their words. "Can I really win this then?"
Leona stares at your disheartened form. "Y'know what? Let's hear it. What were your terms, exactly?"
You tell them that you have to get him a picture from a museum in the ocean and how you have to do it within three days.
"Before the sun sets on the third day after signing..." Leona trails off.
"You have to sneak into the Atlantica Memorial Museum, steal a photo, and bring it back?" Ruggie finishes the thought.
You nod and the two go silent for a moment. Ruggie folds his arms behind his head. "Boy... Stinks to be you."
Grim sits up and glowers at the hyena. "Hey, we ain't even gotten started yet! Don't go jinxin' us!"
Ruggie glares back. "Isn't the Atlantica Memorial Museum underwater? How are you gonna get there, brainiac?"
Grim folds his arms smugly. "They gave us water-breathin' potion."
"No idea how well they work, though." Jack adds.
"Huh." Ruggie thinks for a moment. "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."
Leona checks the time on his phone. "I'd get the ball rollin' now, if I were you. Time is money, as they say."
"Myah!" Grim jumps to his feet. "Good idea! Hey Y/N, let's hit up the Atlantica Memorial Museum right now!"
"Good call." Jack stands from his spot next to you. "With only three days, we don't have any leeway here."
Jack holds out his hand to help you up. You apologetically ask Leona to move from your lap. You take Jack's hand when Leona sits up. Grim excitedly trots next to you.
"I'm bringin' Ace and Deuce along, too. Let's mosey!"
You wave goodbye to the two. Ruggie waves back while Leona halfheartedly waves. You walk away with Jack and Grim. Leona watches you go until you disappear from sight. The lion sighs and lays back down, not as comfortable now that you're gone.
"Aaand they're gone." Ruggie sighs. He gives Leona a sly grin. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you have a little crush on a certain herbivore."
Leona smirks. "I've got no idea what you're talkin' about."