So just a heads up, the whole Pomefiore may be longer than the other book but I'm sure you guys don't mind. Right? Right? Anyway this is training camp at Ramshackle dorm and you know what that means right? The Pomfiore trio will be there to stay at Ramshackle dorm. The song and dance for (Y/N) is already chosen so now all you gotta do it's wait and see. Also thanks to everyone who sent me all those get well wishes. I appreciate and I'm definitely feeling way better than before. Well then, that's about it for now. Remember to enjoy and happy reading!
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"How annoying, everywhere I look it's just lousy people with the excuse for some. However, I'll admit they're not as bad as those pathetic excuse for Hashiras. I know you've been hurt by them, after all I've seen it all but I just want you to know I'll always be here for you. When you're upset, down, or even feeling lonely. I'll always be here for you."
~ Kanzaburou 🐦⬛
First day of training camp
"Bonjour, (Y/N). Grim. We shall be availing ourselves of your hospitality for the next four weeks. Thank you for having us." Rook smiled before taking the female's hand and placing a kiss on it once again.
"Y...yea.." The female nervously said as she gave the blonde a small nod.
"Whatever it takes to get that tuna." Grim said before halting at Rook. "Stop that. If Kanzaburou sees that, you're a dead man!" He said as Rook simply gave him a close eyed smile.
"Where is Roi de la Nuit if I may ask?" Rook questioned as he looked around trying to spot Kanzaburou.
"He's in the living room. He said the first thing he doesn't want to see is your faces." The female casually said which made the others aside from Rook sweatdrop. "Even so, welcome to our humble abode." (Y/N) said as she step aside to let everyone in. "Please take off your shoes and make yourselves at home."
(Pictures brought to you by a lazy author chan)
"My. It's certainly cleaner than I was expecting." Vil said as he looked around the dorm.
"And fancy..."
"Very beauté!" Rook said as he stared in amazement every now and then taking pictures to which the female didn't seem to mind.
"Oh, you like it?" (Y/N) questioned as she stared at the blonde who nodded in response. "Thank you senpai, I tried to replicate my estate actually."
"Estate? Just how big is it?"
"It's all Tomioka sama's work." Kanzaburou said as he walked over towards them.
"If only you came by earlier and saw what Rook was doing..."
"I tend to have a lot of free time." The female simply said.
"Hello..." Epel greeted as he walked inside now taking off his shoes as instructed.
"Wow, the ceilings are so low in here. I'd hit my head if I tried to ride my magic carpet around." Kalim said.
Jamil let out a small sigh before looking over at the raven haired female. "Maybe don't fly indoors at all. (Y/N) would you mind letting me share Kalim's room or take a room adjacent to his? This dorm is less secure than Scarabia since you don't have to pass through a mirror to get here."
"It's already taken care of senpai." (Y/N) said as she gave him a small nod. "I figured you would probably want a shared room with Kalim senpai anyway."
"You're so paranoid, Jamil. We haven't had a single assassination attempt on campus since I enrolled." Kalim happily said.
"How can he be happy after saying that?"
"Assassination...on Kalim senpai?"
"It's not you I'm worried about. It's me, if anything happens to you. Just because you were safe yesterday doesn't mean you'll be safe today." Jamil said.
"Don't worry senpai, nothing will happen to any of you." (Y/N) said as she tapped the hilt of her nirichin blade. "Not while I'm here, I guarantee it." She confidently said making Rook stare at her in awe.
"You'd have to be crazy to do anything in here and with Tomioka sama around." Kanzaburou pointed out.
"It's true, she wouldn't hesitate."
"I almost pity those who are idiotic enough to try anything here..."
"Hey, guys!" Ace greeted along with Deuce who trailed not too far behind.
"Thanks for having us, (Y/N). Here, these are from Trey." Deuce said as he gave the female a couple of boxes he held.
"Hm? What is it?" (Y/N) questioned as she stared at the boxes.
"Ooh, what's in the boxes? I smell a sweet treat!" Grim happily exclaimed.
"It's a homemade chocolate cake, cookies, and some apple pie, courtesy of Trey. He said if we were imposing on another dorm's hospitality, we should at least bring gifts. What is he, our mom? We can split it with everybody later." Ace said all while (Y/N) stared at the boxes with starry eyes.
"They better not have that horrid oyster sauce in them..."
"So that means I get to finally try more of Try senpai's deserts." (Y/N) said.
"Myah hah! You can always count on Mr. Shrewd Specs to do the thoughtful thing." Grim said.
"I'm afraid I'll have to confiscate those gifts." Vil said which caused (Y/N) to stare at him with an almost broken hearted look.
"What?! Why?!" Grim exclaimed.
"Gracious. Trey never changes, does he? He's the type of man one must truly watch himself around the kind who spoils people rotten under the guise of knowing what's best." Vil said as he tried to take the boxes away from (Y/N) only to have his hand slapped by Kanzaburou.
"Back off you damn cakey clown." Kanzaburou said as he glared at Vil now making sure he doesn't take the boxes away from the raven haired female.
"Pfft. I can't believe he actually called Vil a clown."
"Like hell I'll let him take her stuff..."
"This one is so...irritating.."
"Are you gonna make up some nonsense about rules and throw out perfectly good food like Riddle?! Because I got some choice words for anybody that lets food go to waste!" Grim exclaimed.
"Pardon? I never said anything about throwing it out. Anyway, all of you are to take your luggage and gather in the lounge. I have an important matter to discuss before we start." Vil ordered as he soon made his way to the dorm's lounge, the others following close behind.
"So, Vil. What did you want to talk about?" Kalim asked.
"I want all of you to open your luggage and show it to me." Vil said all while (Y/N) opened one of the boxes sent by Trey feeling rather happy when she opened the cookie box.
"Wait, what? Shouldn't we wait until we get to our rooms to unpack?" Ace said.
"Just do as I say." Vil said and soon enough everyone opened their luggage.
"...I knew it." Vil sighed as he then looked over at Deuce and Ace. "Spudlings One and Two. Would you care to explain these stashes of junk food and carbonated beverages? I see cookies, sugary candy, and chocolate bars."
"Sometimes I need a midnight snack." Deuce defended.
"Since we're staying together for training camp, I thought it'd be nice to share some with (Y/N) and the others." Ace said.
"That's sweet of you Ace." The raven haired female said as she gave the male a close eyed smile now causing him to blush a bit.
"Y...yea of course." Ace mumbled.
"And Kalim, containers of food comprise over half your luggage!" Vil said as he eyed the containers of food in Kalim's bag.
"Yup! These are fried dough balls and a pastry called kanafeh. I had Jamil make them for me. They go great with nuts, cheese, and cream on top. I was going to share them with the group!" Kalim happily said.
"That's very nice of you senpai." (Y/N) pointed out as Kalim happily smiled at the female.
"It's a set of potions and medicinal herbs, so that I can formulate antidotes in the event of an emergency. I'm sure you've got that covered with your mastery of potionology, but one can never be too careful with these things." Jamil said.
"Well at least he's prepared..."
"Does..he always do that?"
"That seems a bit...morbid. But no matter, I suppose. Epel, I trust that you knew better than to bring any candy?" Vil said as he eyed the male all while (Y/N) ate one of the cookies inside the box soon giving one to Kanzaburou.
"Thank you Tomioka sama." The raven haired male happily smiled to which the female gave him a small nod.
"Um...y... yes, sir. But...I did bring a small snack. Dried apple chips. I made them myself." Epel nervously said.
"Nuts and dried fruits are acceptable in moderation. Lastly, Rook..." Vil said as he looked over at the blonde who sat next to (Y/N). "I trust you. Really, I do. But your luggage consists of a single photo album, a thick tome, at that. Care to explain?"
"Haha. This is but a record of my life's work. I prefer to keep it close. It's a bit private. Opening it in front of everyone would be quite embarrassing..." Rook said as he let out a small laugh all while (Y/N) eyed him curiously.
"Life work huh?"
"I wonder what's inside it. It must be really special to him..."
"I beg your pardon, then. Far be it from me to impinge upon someone else's privacy. Now then, with that out of the way..." Vil said before soon eying everyone in the room. "I hereby confiscate every sugar and flour based snack and drink present!"
"What?!" They all exclaimed as (Y/N) stared at Vil in shock.
"But why? They're not poisoned, you know." Kalim said.
"Again with the ghastly suggestions from the Scarabia duo! That is completely irrelevant here. What do you think this training camp is for? Your minds and bodies must all be polished to a mirror sheen for SDC. And mirrors must be unclouded, devoid of blemishes. Monosaccharides and oligosaccharides contribute to lethargy, while fats and spices can incite acneic breakouts. For the next four weeks, from now until the show, I am banning all snacks that detract from an optimum nutritional intake!" Vil exclaimed.
"What?!" Kalim said as he stared at Vil in shock.
"Don't worry, though. I've come up with a set of meals high in vitamins and proteins. I'll ensure that all of you have plenty of energy." Vil said.
"If he tries to take any of the gifts that Trey senpai brought us..." (Y/N) began before soon crushing the cookie she had in her hand. "He'll lose his damn hands..." The female mumbled as she then placed a cookie on Rook's hand causing him to happily smile at her.
"How sweet yet dangerous, I'm intrigued."
"If that were to happen I definitely wouldn't hold her back..."
"I'm so proud right now!"
"L...lose his hand?"
"Are you kidding? I'm a growing boy, you know." Ace said.
"Is that a fact? I grew to 183 centimeters without any late night snacking. What matters most for growth is a balanced diet and proper sleep. It is certainly not about snacking your way to an uneven complexion. Do try to remember the difference." Vil snapped.
"Hm 183 centimeters? That's pretty tall." (Y/N) mumbled.
"More than me..."
"Man...are you for real?" Ace groaned now clearly annoyed.
"Hey. You're not gonna stop us from eating that stuff, right? We're not even in the group." Grim said.
"You're free to do as you wish but do try not to eat them in the presence of our group. That would only add to their stress." Vil said.
"Talk about strict..." (Y/N) said as Kanzaburou nodded in agreement.
"I'll just sneak them some snacks when he's not paying attention."
"Screw him, I'll do whatever I want..."
"..........."
Epel remained silent, keeping his gaze on the floor. Soon enough however he felt something placed on the palm of his hand and of course it was a cookie. The lavender haired male looked over at the dark blue eyed female who simply signal him to be quiet causing him to smile a bit.
"Thanks..."
"Hahah!" Rook laughed upon hearing Vil's words. "This won't be so bad, really. Vil isn't going to be putting any of you on hard diets.
He simply believes that eating right is a vital part of getting you all into competitive shape in the most efficient manner possible." He said as he carefully hid the cookie that (Y/N) gave him simply making sure Vil wouldn't notice.
"N....no kidding. People who aim for the top really are serious about this stuff, huh?" Deuce said.
"Heh. You think this is serious business? Please. I am only laying down a foundation. Now, all of you put your things in your rooms and come back down. We're starting rehearsals right away." Vil said before his phone soon started to ring. "Hm? My manager's calling. It had better be urgent." He said as he took the call. "Hello, Adela."
"Hi, Vil! Got a few?" The agent said on the other line.
"I told you I was going to be occupied with the SDC for a while. Please make it quick." Vil said.
"This is big! You just got an offer for a movie role. It's a sequel to Legendary Sword! You know, the mega hit title with box office revenue topping two hundred million thaumarks?" The agent said.
"Really? Yes, I know Legendary Sword! I caught the original in theaters. What role would I be playing?" Vil asked.
"You'd be the protagonist's rival, a prince of an enemy kingdom. He's ruthless, but also the most glamorous character in the movie. He goes out in spectacular, villainous fashion. You were born to play this guy, Vil!" The agent said.
"Hold on. It's another pretty villain role? I believe I told you to turn down offers that would typecast me as such." Vil said before soon letting out a sigh.
"Look, this is a huge title. I wasn't going to tell them no without checking with you first." The agent immediately said.
"I suppose if they're nominating me without an audition, then they also have a lead actor already picked out? I might consider it, depending on the casting." Vil said.
"The hero of the story, the one who inherits the legendary sword...is played by Neige LeBlanche." The agent said which caused Vil's eyes to widen upon hearing said name.
"...Neige? Again?" Vil questioned now frowning a bit.
"I know, I know. But think of this as your chance to advance to the next level. They're offering three million thaumarks. That's a huge amount of money for a teen actor. And I could negotiate for even more." The agent said now trying to convince Vil.
"You cannot buy my feelings with money. I don't care how much I'd make when I don't want a role, I don't take it. All I want...is to stay on stage until the end of the show." Vil said with slight irritation in his tone.
"Vil..."
"I need to focus my full attention on the SDC right now regardless. Turn this offer down." Vil immediately said.
"I know you care a lot about your school life. But please, if you could reconsider..." The agent said now trying to change Vil's mind:
"Enough! I don't want any more calls from you until the SDC is over!" Vil angrily said before soon ending the phone call.
"Is everything okay? I hope that wasn't bad news." Kalim said as he stared at him with concern.
"Oh, nothing so dire. Now, it's time to start our rehearsal." Vil said as he simply shook his head at the white haired male's words.
"............"
Rook was silent as he stared up at Vil all while (Y/N) dare not to utter a single word as she kept the phone call at the back of her head.
"I wonder if he'll be ok..."
👑👑👑👑👑👑
After staying and conversing back at the Ramshackle dorm, everyone was soon enough now gathered back at the Pomefiore ballroom where they would soon start rehearsal. (Y/N) and Kanzaburou soon joined them once they came back from their own rehearsal.
"Come join me once you're done with your calisthenics." Vil's aid as he clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "The song we'll be presenting at the Song & Dance Championship is now ready for us."
"Oh, so it's an original song? Pretty impressive for a school music presentation." Jamil said.
"Composing original tracks for the SDC has been the norm for several years now. Let me be clear about this undertaking. The SDC is not a beauty contest or fashion show. Scores are based on singing ability, dancing skill, and the degree to which a given song befits its performers." Vil them explained.
"Could have fooled me."
"That criteria's...kind of vague." Deuce said.
"Look at it this way, you know how some people look odd or uncomfortable in certain clothing? It would negatively impact a group's score to select a song poorly suited to its members' vocal capabilities or general image. Imagine elementary schoolers performing gritty blues or heavy metal. No matter how good at singing they might be, the choice of song would inevitably clash with their aesthetics and vocal stylings. Selecting the perfect song for our group is critical to clicking with our audience." Vil explained as the others simply remained silent listening to him.
"Sounds too much if you ask me..."
"All that work just for a competition?"
"Ah, yes. The audience votes on the finalists, don't they?" Jamil said.
"Correct. Winners and losers at the SDC are decided by popular vote. Each audience member, staff member, and entrant gets to cast one vote for their winning team." Vil said.
"They let the entrants weigh in too? Wouldn't everyone just pick themselves, then? Everybody thinks they're number one! At least, I figure they would..." Kalim said.
"Amateurs may think that way. You would be surprised, though. Sometimes, the more capable you become, the harder it gets to endorse yourself. Sometimes, when you see a performance, all it takes is an instant to think, That's an act I could never follow. Once you have that knowledge, lying to yourself about your worthiness becomes a sad thing indeed." Vil said.
"I think I know what you mean, at least a bit." Jamil said as he gave him a small nod.
"Lying to yourself..." Epel mumbled to himself.
"Lying?"
"What does he mean by that..."
"That's why I strive my hardest to ensure that I can vote for myself with a clean conscience. Which brings us to the original song I had commissioned for us." Vil said.
"Seeing you in side profile, gaze fixed upon the heavens above...so radiant, Vil! So inspiring! Might we hear the song now?" Rook asked as he smiled at the male.
"Of course. Well, Manager? Would you mind pressing play on the audio player?" Vil said as he looked over at the raven haired female.
"Manager?" (Y/N) questioned as she then pointed to her slightly confused. "Are you talking to me?"
"Who else would I be addressing? The Headmage asked you to provide us with support, did he not? If you really want that prize money, you're working for us now." Vil said before rolling his eyes.
"If he keeps rolling his eyes like that, he soon won't have any eyes." Kanzaburou happily said as he gave the female a close eyed smile.
(Y/N) stared at Kanzaburou in silence before giving him a small nod as if agreeing. "Tch...as if I'm poor..." The female mumbled to herself before playing the song.
"Whoa, this is the real deal!" Ace exclaimed.
"I like the rhythm! This is nice." Kalim agreed.
"Would this fall under the electronic dance music genre? If we're dancing to this, would we want to go with urban hip hop? No, maybe hip hop jazz?" Jamil questioned.
"I'm thinking urban hip hop as a base, with touches of jazz, breakdancing, and voguing.
We'll have three main vocalists. The rest of us will primarily focus on backup chorus and dancing." Vil explained.
"Aw, we're not all singing together?" Kalim said as he pouted at the thought.
"Without a solid grounding in choral music, it would just sound like a cacophony. We're not going to get all seven of us on the same singing level in a month. Thus, it makes the most sense to devise idiosyncratic focal points based on our respective proficiencies." Vil said as (Y/N) simply stared at him with a blank expression.
"...what?"
"I...I don't know what half of these words mean..." Deuce said.
"Dude. Me neither." Grim said.
"I've also arranged for original choreography to accompany the song. Here, I'll pull up a dance video with a similar dynamic to provide you with a visual aid of what our performance will look like when it's finished. There should be plenty of videos from professional dance groups on Magicam..." Vil said as he look through his phone before soon finding the video he was looking for. "Ah, here we are."
"I know the deal here. You gotta watch a commercial before you get to the video, right? Commercial." Grim said as (Y/N) nodded in agreement.
"Keep your skin as soft as powdered snow. This UV foundation is made to protect all your delicate curves." The narrator said before a familiar face soon popped up on the screen.
"It's finally here, a magical sunblock that makes all your wishes come true." Neige said.
"Félicité Cosmetics: Precious Protection Foundation." The narrator said.
"Here, come closer..." Neige said.
"Is...foundation a good thing?" (Y/N) mumbled as Kanzaburou simply shrugged.
"Oh yea, that Neige guy is gonna be at the SDC too, right? Cater was saying he's the most popular entertainer on Magicam." Ace said.
"Hm. He'll garner a lot of votes, I'm sure." Jamil said.
"He's the Royal Sword Academy representative." Rook said.
"So he's our rival!" Kalim happily said as he looked at the screen.
"Precisely. The road we travel toward victory must by necessity go squarely through him. Still...those rose red lips and glossy black hair..." Rook happily said as he looked at the screen. "That endearing smile that could charm anyone in an instant..."
Kanzaburou narrowed his eyes as he stared at Rook in disbelief as he heard his words.
"That was the most fruitiest thing I have ever heard in my life..."
"Well he seems charming. Cute too." (Y/N) said as she gave a small nod.
"I've got a tuna bonanza riding on this competition! We gotta take home the gold!" Grim exclaimed.
"................"
Throughout the whole time, Epel remained quiet not utter a single word as he kept his glance on the floor.
"Cease your frivolous chatter and focus on the dance video. This time, losing is absolutely not an option." Vil said.
👑 Flashback 👑
"Mira, Mira. Tell me something." Vil said as he looked down at the phone in his hand.
"What would you like me to look up?" His phone questioned.
"Who, at this moment, is the most beautiful of all?" Vil questioned.
"Displaying results for account with the most comments using the word beautiful.
Neige LeBlanche." His phone responded.
"..........." Vil remained silent as he glared down at his phone.
"Would you like to view search results in your browser?" His phone questioned.
"Just you wait, Neige...you won't be resting on your laurels for much longer." Vil angrily said.
"I'm sorry, can you please repeat that?" His phone said.
👑 Flashback End 👑
"Alright, it's time for rehearsal. But first...I will announce the main vocalists and backup dancers. I personally made these selections based on a review of your performance at auditions. In the event that any of you improve between now and showtime, we may make some alterations to the lineup. So if you weren't selected for main vocals, you should consider those positions up for grabs. First, the main vocalists will be Jamil, Epel, and myself." Vil said as he looked over at the two males.
"Oh, wow! Nice going, Jamil!" Kalim happily said as Jamil stared at Vil in shock.
"You want me on main vocals?" Jamil questioned still a bit shocked.
"Yes. Do you have a problem with that?" Vil said as he narrowed his eyes at the male.
"Oh, far from it. I just think Kalim would be more suited for..." Jamil said before soon trailing off at the thought. "...You know what? Never mind. I'm on it. I'll endeavor to meet all of your expectations." The male agreed.
"Um, if I may? I don't think I'm cut out for this." Epel nervously said. "I think, maybe...someone else would be a better pick."
"You don't get a say in the matter. Have you forgotten the agreement we made when you enrolled? I need you to be the poison apple that brings him down." Vil snapped causing the lavender haired male to avert his gaze.
"...Yes, sir." Epel mumbled as (Y/N) frowned a bit as she watched the scene before her.
"Epel...?" Deuce questioned as he gave Epel a look of concern.
"Poison apple?" (Y/N) repeated as she looked over at Epel who remained silent once again.
"Aw, man. I got bumped out of main vocals..." Ace said as he let out a sigh.
"But if you keep working, you might rise up and win it back, right? Ooh, this is gonna be great! Looks like the rest of us are in the backup chorus and dance team. Let's give our lead singers a run for their money!" Kalim happily exclaimed.
"Excellent, Roi Doré! Your positivity brightens the team like the warming rays of a radiant sun." Rook said as he gave the male a close eye smile.
"We have to make the dancing and singing fun for both the performers and the viewers." Kalim said.
"Let's be clear despite the word main, the main vocalists are not the stars, nor are the chorus members mere supporting characters. You should all consider yourselves stars in this ensemble, and treat your job accordingly. Now that you all have your assignments, we can begin rehearsing in earnest. Pay close attention to my movements and try to emulate them." Vil said as (Y/N) soon started the music once again.
👑👑👑👑👑👑
"Strike a pose. Now step, two, three, four. Get down, two, three..." Vil said before soon shaking his head in disappointment which caused (Y/N) to stop the music. "Stop, stop! You're completely off base, Spudling Two." He said as he pointed at Deuce.
"Huh? Is Spudling Two...me?" Deuce questioned.
"Who else would it be?" Vil said as he crossed his arms over his chest now glaring at the blue haired male.
"Yea, I'm number one, apparently." Ace mumbled.
"You're too focused on your hands. You're completely neglecting your feet. And all of your motions are stiff as a board. Do you have a two by four tied to your back?" Vil said.
"What a drama queen..."
"S...sorry." Deuce said now apologizing to the male.
"You're not much better, Epel. You need flexibility for jazz hip hop." Vil said.
"But all these girly twisting motions...I don't...want to do those." Epel said.
"I'm sorry, what was that? Are you seriously gendering movements? What complete and utter gibberish. You sound like a lunatic raving in his sleep. Not that I'd give such drivel a pass even then." Vil said as he harshly started tugging on Epel's ear causing the raven haired female's eyes to widen.
"Ow! Oww! Please, not the ear!" Epel cried out in pain as he tried to get away from Vil only to have some stand in front of him protectively.
"Back off." (Y/N) said in a rather stern voice as she shoved Vil away from the lavender haired male. "Don't even think to try that again." The raven haired female said as she then hugged Epel in a protective manner.
"Oh no..."
"E...eh?"
"Cut his hands off!"
Vil's eyes slightly widen as he stared at the raven haired female before smirking. "Since our darling apple seems to be dozing off while it's still light out, I'm helping you to hear more clearly. Listen, twisting motions only look good when your inner muscles are properly toned. When it comes to attire and dance moves, there is no such thing as for boys or for girls." Vil said as he glared at Epel who still remained in the female's protective embrace. "The whole idea of boys being ashamed of doing effeminate dance moves is so last century. Did you grow up a century ago and then take a time machine to the present? Hm?"
"N...no, sir..." Epel mumbled as he just let the raven haired continue to hug him.
"Now, now, Vil. There's no need to get bent out of shape about it. Epel, I know it can be a little embarrassing at first, but just lean into it and exaggerate your motions. That'll make it more fun!" Kalim said as he smiled at Epel.
"Epel is so lucky right now..."
"Epel is too cute to let anyone harm him. I swear to kami sama I'll protect him!"
"Kalim's right. There's no beauty to be found in weak kneed fidgeting." Vil said as he then received a glare from (Y/N).
"Huh? That wasn't what I meant-" Kalim said before Jamil soon covered his mouth to stop him from talking. "Mmph!"
"Kalim...shush." Jamil said as soon let go of the white haired male.
"That settles it. Starting tomorrow, you're getting a separate training regimen from the rest of us." Vil said as he crossed his arms over his chest now glaring at Epel.
"What?" Epel said as he stared at Vil I'm disbelief.
"You'll be taking ballet lessons alone until I say otherwise." Vil said.
"Huh? Valet? You mean when you take someone else's vehicle and park it for them?" Epel questioned.
"Try to pick up on context clues. Just because your face is soft doesn't mean your brain has to be. I'm referring to the dance performed by ballerinas, of course." Vil said as (Y/N) soon let go of Epel, simply remaining by his side now.
"What?! M...me? A ballerina?!" Epel exclaimed as he stared at Vil in shock.
"I won't ask you to perform a relevé and stand on the tips of your toes, but I expect you to at least master the art of turning with grace. And more to the point, I expect you to toss out your antiquated notions of things being boyish or girly." Vil said.
"B...but, you can't expect me to do that overnight..." Epel mumbled.
"Insane if you ask me..." Kanzaburou mumbles.
"............."
Deuce stayed silent as he watch the interaction between Vil and Epel, not saying a single word.
"Yikes. He's even more demanding than Vargas in flight class." Grim said.
"We'd better keep our heads down. Wouldn't want to end up in his crosshairs." Ace said.
"Excuse me, Vil?" Deuce spoke up now gaining Vil's attention.
"Yes, Spudling Two?" Vil said as he looked over at the blue haired male.
"May I join in on the ballet lessons?" Deuce suddenly said.
"What?!" Epel and Ace exclaimed in unison.
"Are you nuts? Why would you volunteer for that?!" Ace said as he stared at Deuce in shock.
"For what reason?" Vil questioned.
"I also fall into the trap of viewing things along a spectrum of so called manliness.
I've passed the ensemble auditions. If we're aiming for the top, then I want to pull out all the stops." Deuce explained.
"Deuce..." Epel mumbled.
"Very well." Vil said as he soon nodded in agreement. "With enough ballet lessons, even a scarecrow might limber up enough to resemble a human. Today's session is adjourned."
"Oui. Come, let us all return to Ramshackle Dorm and enjoy a nice dinner together." Rook said.
👑👑👑👑👑👑
After rehearsal the group soon left Pomefiore's ballroom and walked by Main Street now heading back to the Ramshackle Dorm.
"Man! I'm exhausted! I can't believe Vil made me get down on all fours and wipe the ballroom floor with a dustcloth after rehearsal. That's just mean!" Ace said as he let out a sigh.
"He made me clean the windows with really broad wiping motions. My arms and back are killing me..." Deuce tiredly said.
"Who knew cleaning in earnest could be so difficult?" Kalim said.
"I'm absolutely famished..." Epel said.
"Yea, I'm right there with you." Grim said as he nodded in agreement.
"Good job guys, you did great today." (Y/N) said as she gave them a small nod.
"Hahah! The effort you spent on cleaning was not in vain, I assure you. Floor wiping and window washing are both forms of training that strengthen the muscles we need to do to win. It's a trademark Vil regimen, to ensure that both the practice area and your physical shape are beyond reproach." Rook said as he let out a small laugh.
"I hardly doubt it..."
"How is cleaning supposed to help?"
"You've got a real understanding of Vil's methods, don't you?" Jamil said as he looked over at the blonde.
"Sounds less like understanding and more like being a yes man to me." Ace said.
"My life is enriched by the mere existence of beauty in all forms. Beauty has the power to grant salvation to its beholders, or to drive them utterly mad. But it is also fragile and ephemeral. The moment you take your eyes off of it, it could be lost forever. Which is why I make it my goal in life to protect and support beauty to the fullest extent of my abilities." Rook said as he then glanced over at (Y/N) who walked next to him.
"The way you talk about Vil, you make it sound like he's a flower or a work of art. I mean, yes, he certainly ticks all the boxes...But Vil doesn't strike me as someone fragile or ephemeral, much less someone in need of protection." Jamil said.
"He's anything but a damn flower..."
"Same here. Vil seems more like a diamond to me, firm and unbreakable." Kalim added.
"It's true. Vil has no need of my meddling.
Were I to extend my hand to him, I would be on the receiving end of a thirteen centimeter heel axe kick. What I wish to safeguard is not Vil himself; it is the notion of beauty he embodies." Rook said.
"Dude. Now you're making even less sense." Ace mumbled.
"Pomefiore students are so weird sometimes..." Deuce said.
"I'm a Pomefiore student and it barely makes sense to me, either." Epel said.
"If you can't puzzle it out, the rest of us might as well not even bother trying." Grim said.
"Heh. I'm sure you'll all grasp it eventually.
Your eureka moment will come once you meet someone whose mere existence illuminates your life like so many sunbeams." Rook said.
"Like (Y/N)...."
👑👑👑👑👑👑
👑 Twisted Wonderland Secrets 👑
• Rook has a habit of greeting (Y/N) with a kiss on the back of her hand.
• Grim's warning to Rook was actually true, he would have been a dead man if Kanzaburou saw Rook kissing (Y/N)'s hand.
• (Y/N) was almost heartbroken when Vil was going to take Trey's sweets away from her.
• The only person Kanzaburou didn't really wanna see first was Vil.
• (Y/N) gets flustered by the way Rook greets her.
• Everyone including Rook was amazed by how neatly the inside of the Ramshackle form looked.
• Rook wants to see (Y/N)'s swordsmanship up close.
• (Y/N) thinks of Epel like Lilia. They're too cute to harm.
• (Y/N) enjoys and appreciates all of Trey's sweets.
• Everyone's room was set up by (Y/N) along with help from Kanzaburou beforehand.
• The way Vil snapped at Epel reminds (Y/N) of Obanai.
• (Y/N) was concerned when Kalim mentioned assassination attempts.
• Some stuff about (Y/N) is written inside Rook's book.
• (Y/N) isn't too sure what foundation is.
• Kanzaburou was proud of (Y/N) and her threat towards Vil.
• (Y/N) vowed to protect Epel from any and all future harm.
• The guys found Epel lucky for being embraced by (Y/N).
• Rook sees (Y/N) as someone who has natural beauty. No makeup needed.
• Kanzaburou and (Y/N) go to their own rehearsal a bit earlier than the others.
• Vil was shocked when (Y/N) suddenly shoved him.
• (Y/N) has yet to officially meet Neige but finds him cute and charming.
• Kanzaburou doesn't really mind that (Y/N) embraces Epel.
• Rook hid the cookie that (Y/N) gave him so Vil wouldn't notice.
• Epel was flustered by how (Y/N) seemed to care for him.
• Kanzaburou sees Vil as a drama queen.
• Vil is slowly getting on Kanzaburou's nerves.
• (Y/N) doesn't like how Vil treats Epel.
• (Y/N) is curious about the phone call that Vil received.
• Epel was shocked when (Y/N) protectively stood in front of him.