Once in a Blue Moon (RevisionEdit in progress)

by HeroProject39

"Don't chase the dreams. They'll lead you to nowhere, just an abyss you'll never be able to wake up from." She delves deeper into the mysteries of Twisted Wonderland and its inhabitants...until she may never wake up from a world that blindfolds her gently from the reality waiting beyond the road. (OC) REVISING. Main story ON HOLD.

34. Piece of My World

Disclaimer: Any French mentioned here and in future chapters are subjected to be edited if written/translated incorrectly.

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Piece of My World

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The next day after the incident by the well, it was lunch break. After eating our meals we gathered in the gymnasium to spend the rest of our free period practicing for VDC. The boys had changed into their PE uniforms while I remained wearing my school uniform, as I'm not going to participate.

Ace closed his eyes. "'It was hard to watch how sloppy your movements were. There wasn't even a spec of beauty between all of you'."

"'Out of 100 points, you score five'." Grim parroted mockingly before hissing, "Argh! He pissed me off! I'm gonna blow him away with my dancing and singing at that audition. Then he'll beg me to be a rep. Just you wait!"

"Yeah!" Ace then looks over. "...So, Deuce. What made you change your mind about the audition?"

"He ticked me the hell off too. Also... I'm worried about that guy." Deuce admitted.

"'That guy' is Epel, right?" Ace inquired.

Deuce nodded. "Yeah. He didn't look like he was trying out for the Vocal and Dance Championship because he wanted to."

"Yeah, I get that impression too." I agreed. A frown fell on my lips.

"He... He was crying when he ran into me. I can't ignore a student who's being forced to do something against their will if I want to be called an honor student." Deuce said.

"I don't think calling yourself an honor student makes you one." Ace muttered.

He spoke up, "But I agree that Epel doesn't look like that tough of a guy. I feel bad for him if he's being coerced into it. So we're going to make our performance even more awesome and leave him in the dust at our audition."

"Didn't you say that guys who aren't going to seriously aim for the top shouldn't even bother? If he doesn't want to do it that badly, then we'll just have to snag his spot." Ace smirked at his fellow dorm mate.

"Okay! We should get that dance down first. Start the music!" Grim hollered to me.

As I searched up the song, Ace tells them, "All right. Give dancing along with the song a go first."

He glanced to the little beast of the three-man group. "Grim, you don't strike me as a dancer. Have you ever tried?"

Grim flashed his toothy smirk and stood tall. "Hehe. Watch and behold the wondrous footwork of my hind legs!"

"I-I tried to learn what I could last night, but I'm not sure how well." Deuce muttered before coming up with an idea. "Oh yeah, Strix, think you could clap to help with the timing? That's be great!"

I nod. "Sure. I'm confident I got the beat down after listening it on repeat all night."

I play the instrumental version of Night Ravens' 'Piece of my world' on my smartphone with loud audio prepared for their practice, propping the screen up on the bleacher seat. I clap along to help them get into the beat as they dance according to the video.

Ace exhaled after the first verse was over. "All right, so far so good."

"Right arm goes forward when I step back, and then... Wait, which foot do I step back with?" Deuce craned his neck down at his arms and legs, forming an awkward pose in the process.

"Ffna, next comes the peace sign? My forelegs can't make a peace sign, y'know..." Grim wilted.

Ace snorted. "Pfft. Whoa there guys, this is the easy bit and you're already falling apart."

Deuce growled at his patronizing tone. "I'll have this down pat in no time. Watch!"

"Don't go antagonizing each other during practice, you guys. Teamwork is essential." I chided patiently.

Afterwards we redid the first verse once more.

"Ugh... This part makes no sense to me, it's too complicated." Deuce groaned.

"Ace, how're you so good at this?" Grim asked the laid-back member of the trio.

"If you say, 'Master Ace, please help me!' I might just give you some tips?" Ace taunted.

"Ffgna! Just because you can dance a little..." Grim seethed, "You tick me off, y'know!"

Deuce frowned at the heart card soldier. "I'll show you...! I'll get better at dancing without asking you for help!"

From the bleachers, I sweatdropped at their animated bantering. They were better at butting heads than fancy footwork. "I wonder if they'll be okay for the actual audition..."

After several more rounds of practicing the first verse, it was evident where the flaws in certain areas need to be fixed.

Ace bursted into laughter. "Deuce, you're tripping over yourself with even the simplest of the steps."

Deuce flinched. "Ugh... I've never danced before, so how am I supposed to be a master in a day?!"

Meanwhile Grim was shuffling back and forth in an attempt for what should be a dance. "Grr. My front and back paw keep moving at the same time."

"I wish I could help, but I don't think teaching ourselves will get us very far, especially when most of us are complete amateurs at dancing." I admit to them of my thoughts. We need advice from someone who actually has dancing experience under their belt, and one who does it with a passion, not casual play.

"But who would be good at dancing...?" I wondered aloud.

"Oh? You guys are dancing? Can we join you?" It was Kalim with Jamil in tow as usual.

"Ffna. It's Scarabia's prickly boys." Grim said.

I sweatdropped. "'Prickly'...?"

"Don't give us random group names. And our relationship isn't prickly." Jamil added.

"Are you guys going for the VDC audition, too?" Ace asked.

Kalim bobbed his head. "Uh huh! It's a big festival, right? I wanna take the chance to dance my butt off. We're both good at dancing and singing. Right, Jamil!" He looks to his vice dorm leader.

"I'd really like to not stand out in front of people but..." Jamil sighed. He was well familiar being with an attention magnet like Kalim, whether he likes it or not, goes against his wishes. It was obvious to everyone but Kalim himself, sadly.

"We were watching you guys practice from the back, but you totally suck! You looked like a freaked out elephant stomping around on two legs!" Kalim laughs. "Right now you're super unsteady on your feet, but you'll have to sing at the same time during the audition. Are you really okay?"

Deuce clutched his chest where Kalim's words pierced him like arrows. Ouch. "There wasn't any malice in that which hurts worse."

"Oh yeah. Jamil-senpai, you were helping Floyd-senpai learn how to dance during basketball practice before. Isn't dance your hobby? Wouldn't you please give us some pointers?" Ace asked the dark-haired boy.

"Oooh, good idea! Jamil's the best coach." Kalim boasted with his bright smile.

"Why are you the one answering!" Squawked an indignant Jamil.

Admittedly thrown off by the initiative, Jamil cleared his throat. "Well, they say teaching someone else is a good way to review, so I guess I can. Novices should start with isolation. Put your feet shoulder-width apart..."

Jamil helps the boys (mainly Grim and Deuce) learn the basics of body movement in dancing. They do their best to follow along his form with undivided attention.

Meanwhile, Kalim asked me, "Strix, you're not gonna audition for VDC?"

I looked at him and answered as a matter of fact, "I'm a girl. I can't be NRC's representative when I risk exposing myself as a female enrolled in an all boys school for the whole world to see."

Kalim sheepishly sent an apologetic smile. "Oh, right. My bad. Then, would you still sign up if that wasn't the case?"

"No. I don't dance. I have the spine of an old man, and I've known a lot of elderly people to know my form is not the best to last a dance performance." I told him readily without skipping a beat.

"Ehh? That's not good. You should take care of your back more." Kalim said. "What about singing?"

Kalim is really intent on playing the Q and A game about VDC. I was keeping my answers limited because I'm not interested in performing in the least.

Nonetheless, I answered patiently, "I don't sing either, at least not in public as a professional."

"What about the piano? You're practically a god at playing it." Ace piped up curiously. "Didn't you won first place in a lot of piano competitions in your home world?"

"What? Really?! That's amazing! You're like a celebrity then, ain't ya?" Kalim peers into my eyes with sparkles shining in his garnet red irises.

"The piano is one of the few things I'm actually passionate about, that's all. Actually it's the only thing I invest in..." I fell quiet at the end.

I then eyed Ace suspiciously. "It's true I won first place awards and earned a bit of a name for myself back home, but... Where'd you hear that?"

"I heard from a classmate who was in music class praising your piano skills." Was what Ace answered.

"Oh... That makes sense. I did mention that to the music teacher..." I muttered. I had shown off my piano playing prowess so I can prove them I can use the piano to hone my skills before they would get rusty. I remembered everyone in the room was floored by my performance, most especially the music teacher in charge at the time.

"Plus, from what I've heard and seen in Mostro Lounge, you had a professional vibe when you play the piano. Honestly I wasn't surprised if that was the case. Your songs were always a bop to listen to." Ace said, smiling sincerely. "Some of them you even composed yourself, right?"

I slowly nodded once. "...Yeah."

"You even make your own songs? That's incredible! If you played the piano at VDC with original songs the world would hear for the first time, I'm sure everyone would give you a standing ovation! I know I would." Kalim grinned.

"Thank you, Kalim. But even then, I'm not interested in playing to win competitions or anything grand compared to everyone else's motivations. I was only playing the piano for the people I want them to hear." I said. It wasn't me being modest or humble either. I truly have no sliver of interest to make a name for myself again in another world.

"You mean your friends and family?" Kalim inquired.

I nodded again.

Come to think of it, I never got to show Caelum how far my piano skills have gotten. Even if he coincidentally managed to watch my past performances on live TV while he was away, it's not the same as hearing it in person.

I had intended to play Dearly Beloved on his wedding as a gift but I couldn't finish completing the score on time. I had injured my fingers from accidentally slamming them against the drawer in my fit of insecurities that got the best of me.

From there, my mentality spiraled into a vortex of ugly emotions preventing me from focusing on finishing the last few notes needed to finalize "Dearly Beloved". How could I? I wasn't going to write the notes, much less touch the piano if I was still hung over about my inner turmoils.

I managed to write the last notes here in Twisted Wonderland, and while I was happy, I was a little depressed I couldn't play it for Caelum or Sidney to be around to listen. Who knows when I'll be able to return home and see them again?

Ace watched my expression crestfallen. "Strix?"

Kalim sensed my forlorn mood and spoke up, "I'd love to hear your piano next time. Where can I find ya?"

I look up from my lap I hadn't realized I was staring at until now. "If you stop by Mostro Lounge in the evening hours on certain days, you'll likely catch me playing the piano. If you're lucky, you might see me at the Mystery Shop playing the piano there, or in the music room after school."

Something I said must have lit a lightbulb inside Kalim. "Oh, I just realized something! You're not in any club right now, right? You should come visit the light music club! We'd be happy to have you over."

"Thank you, but I'm not one to commit to club activities, especially considering I still haven't found a way home." I muttered at the end before speaking up, "Maybe if I happen to be in the area I'll stop by."

"Yeah, we'll have tea prepared if you do. We welcome you with open arms." Kalim said amiably.

I was distracted holding a conversation with the animated Kalim to not realize Ace was silently watching us (particularly me) converse, a mysterious expression on his visage. The slightest furrowing of his brows wrinkled as his bottom lip jutted out thoughtfully.

"Deuce, relax your shoulders a bit more. When your neck and shoulders move together, it makes your whole body look awkward." Advised Jamil patiently.

Deuce looked at him fearfully, resting his hands on the base of his neck as though his head would be rolling off his shoulders any second now. "M-Move my neck and shoulders separately?! How?! Crap, I start overthinking and fall behind."

"Dance isn't something you can know in your head and expect to succeed. You have to follow the rhythm and commit it to muscle memory." Jamil told him.

The school bell chimes throughout the gymnasium.

"Oh, we have to get to afternoon class. That's the end of dance lessons." Jamil said.

"Eh, already? Time always flies by while we're dancing." Kalim mused.

Deuce had to recollect himself after working hard to follow Jamil's instructions. Once he steadied his breathing, he looks up to make eye contact with the Scarabia duo.

"Viper-senpai, Asim-senpai, thanks for the training!" He bows respectfully.

"You're really good at this whole teaching thing, Jamil-senpai, like you're used to it or something..." Ace complimented, "All you had was lunch break but you still got these guys to actually dance a bit."

"Sense of rhythm aside, you're actually pretty athletic. I think you'll have no problem learning to dance if you keep up on practice." Jamil assured the spade card soldier.

Deuce's back stood upright after the bow. "Thanks again!"

"Grim, I can't really decide whether or not you've improved but... You're pretty nimble. Yeah, I think, maybe." Jamil doesn't make eye contact with him and mumbles quietly at the end.

"Dancing is pretty fun, y'know. I'll show you an even more nimble dance tomorrow!" Grim smiled.

"Don't get too focused on the dance and forget that you need to sing too. Unless you balance your lessons between the two, you won't have a chance in the audition." Jamil warned.

"I agree. We still have a pile of stuff to get through." Deuce slumped his shoulders from the weight of practice to invest in.

"Hey, you guys wanna keep practicing again for tomorrow? Jamil's got an amazing singing voice. I want you guys to hear it." Kalim offered.

Jamil looked to him shocked. "Stop making plans...!"

Kalim raised a brow. "What's the problem? Singing, dancing, and feasting, all are better with more people, you know?"

"We'll be in your care!" We all chorused.

Kalim faced back to us and smiled. "Yeah! Let's do our best together!"

Jamil heaved a sigh. "You're all getting ahead... Well, whatever. Although, don't expect me to go easy on you."

"No problem. We're used to spartan training in Heartslabyul." Ace dismissively told him.

"Please beat it into us!" Deuce encouraged with a determined expression.

"Then before we leave we have to clean up the floor after ourselves. Go get the mops from the storage." Jamil ordered. The sweat and dirt smeared from the soles of their shoe prints left on the glossy gymnasium floor can be seen under the lighting.

"Yessir."

The squeaking of their sneakers against the floorboards were made as A-Deuce and Kalim run off.

"Kalim, you don't have to..." Jamil tried to call out to him but he was already out of earshot. Another sigh escapes his lips.

On the other hand I couldn't help but quirk a small smile. Kalim is really nice. Maybe too nice for his own good.

A pair of clicking footsteps approached us.

"Ahh, I'm glad. So this is where you've been, Jamil." A suave smile worn like a glove was on the face of Octavinelle's dorm leader.

"Azul? What do you want." Jamil frowned.

"Should you really make such a disgruntled face when talking to one of your classmates?" The silver-haired boy remained unflinching from his withering glare, as though nothing happened over the winter break.

"You're on duty for class today, right? Apparently, this afternoon's magic history lesson will be self-study. Professor Trein would like you to pick up the worksheets from the faculty office." Reported Azul.

"Got it. I'll head right over."

Grim had climbed up to my shoulders to whisper to me, "Oh yeah, didn't Azul filmed Jamil's schemes to the whole world on his Magicam?"

I nodded to him and whispered back, "I wonder what happened to that."

However, Azul overheard us. "Don't get the wrong idea. That was just a little performance so he couldn't talk his way out of the situation."

Grim flinched. "Fgna?!"

"Did you really think someone as deeply benevolent as I would ruin my classmate's life like that?" Azul questioned.

I stared. "...Yes?? I'm sure you'd also hide a dead body without batting an eye, too."

"...I could see you doing it." Jamil attested.

"...Someone 'deeply benevolent' wouldn't tell lies like that in the first place." Grim pointedly said.

Azul chuckled at our responses as though he had anticipated them. "In actuality, I was simply on the phone with Jade that day."

"Unlike Leona, I don't find joy in going overboard to defeat my opponents. I don't go around devaluing secrets I've managed to get my hands on." He smiled. A part of me wonders if he was dissing the lion beastman because he still harbors a grudge for what happened prior to his Overblot (I say as if I wasn't the mastermind behind that scheme).

Jamil sighed. "Why'd you put it like that... But you're right. I hate to say it, but thanks to his benevolence my parents and the Asim family... don't know the real reason for my Overblot. Since then..."

He explained how the Scarabia students tried to persuade Kalim to change vice dorm leaders after his betrayal. Despite his deceptions, Kalim still believes there is good within Jamil when he hasn't injured a single student to achieve his goals and proved to be a dependable person everyone went to.

Though Kalim acknowledges that Jamil isn't without his flaws, he was willing to give him a second chance.

"...The residents have been going about as usual without much fuss." Jamil explained. "Our motto in Scarabia is 'careful forethought', after all. They avoid jumping to conclusions and carefully consider who they want to surround themselves with and what actions to take. Kalim and I as well."

Azul chuckled. "That's a very Scarabian answer. Everyone puts on a thick mask. You seem to have no problem dancing with him after everything, either."

Jamil scoffed. "Hmph. Say what you want. My standing inside and outside the dorm plummeted after my Overblot. Until my reputation in and out of Scarabia improves, I'll stay low and follow Kalim's orders."

"Fufu. The residents are probably keeping an eye out for their chance to take your position." Azul entertains the notion, "As long as your personalities match, Kalim makes for the most appealing master to support. Eventually he'll come into his inheritance and all the treasure that entails. In this day and age, that is closer to being all-powerful than any magic could ever be."

I grew curious of what he said at the end. That does raise the question of whether wealth or magic is truly influential in Twisted Wonderland. I would have thought magic would easily conquer the world, but money is accessible to everyone unlike magic which only a handful can possess. In that sense, I suppose that can be make an interesting debate.

"I put my entire existence on the line for that plan, so I thought I was done for when it failed. In the end, nothing's really changed. I should be grateful." Jamil sighed into the end, a relief.

"Until the day Kalim sets me free, I'll be a faithful servant by his side. And I'll make sure everyone who sees me knows just how hard I work. To Kalim, to the residents, to my parents, to the Asim family... To you, too." He evenly meets our gazes.

"I think you work plenty hard though, Jamil-senpai. Perhaps even too hard that it can be extreme..." I said quietly.

"Jamil, your personality is a complete 180 from before the break." Grim deadpanned.

"Fufu. Of course. You're welcome at Octavinelle whenever Kalim sets you free. Someone of your caliber is more than welcome with us." Azul invited graciously.

"Yeah, thanks. But I wouldn't transfer to Octavinelle even if it was the last dorm left." Snarked the viper.

I remained standing awkwardly between the sparks of red and blue over my head. So much antagonism in this school can be so tiresome. It wouldn't hurt for the boys to be chill like me once every while.

"Hey, guys! We're gonna be late if we don't get going!" Kalim called out. He and the others have already finished cleaning during our conversation, it seems.

"I can't believe Kalim is telling us to hurry up... but he's correct." Azul said.

Jamil eyed him exasperated. "I really shouldn't have been standing around talking to you. I still need to get the history worksheets."

"Geh, our next class is way over in the west building." Ace said upon returning from the cleanup.

"Let's move, Strix, Grim!" Deuce called after. The boys run out of the gym.

"Ffna! You guys, wait for us!" Grim cried. I follow suit and rush to next period with them.

Three days later~

Over the span of three days afterwards, the gymnasium became more noisy with not the dribbling of basketballs or sneakers running about the field, but the song "Piece of my world" blasting through speakers and people singing and dancing.

"More guys are spending their lunch breaks practicing the audition song in the gym everyday." Ace remarked.

"It's also becoming more crowded..." I added albeit nervously. Seeing the students cluttered in the gymnasium has me anxious that someone will inevitably get injured, or even start butting heads for bumping into each other. Of course I'd have to be responsible to play peacemaker if that happens, but I'd rather not.

"Are they all after the prize money? You ain't getting my tuna cans, y'know!" Grim swore.

"Most are probably here for the chance to make a pro debut over the money." Jamil told the beast.

"Go pro, huh? Taking a look around, all these guys look really on point." Deuce noted. The expressions worn with experience are evident in their attitudes. They're no strangers to the competitive battlefield of the performing arts.

"Don't worry about them, you've made huge strides in being able to sing during your performance. You're definitely not a freaked out elephant anymore." Jamil assured.

"Yeah, yeah. Your singing has gotten much better too, you don't get off key anymore. It's all because you worked so hard during voice training. Good job, guys! Okaaay, today's the day we make it through the whole song in one go!" Kalim pumped his arm into the air.

"All right!"

"Time to show us just how much your dancing has improved. Your goal is to keep up with Kalim and I." Jamil told the boys.

"No mistakes allowed. Got it, Deuce?" Ace tossed a sly smirk his way.

"Yeah yeah, I know. I gotta prove that their help wasn't for nothing." Deuce squared his shoulders.

"Whoa, whoa, Deuce. You're getting tense again. Relax and just enjoy yourself." Kalim said.

I clapped my hands once. "I know just the perfect pair to get the groove moving."

A green version of Hebby Repp with headphones, a collared hoodie, and a pair of striped shoes appears. Alongside him is a blue-violet version of Zolephant with a black beanie, membrane reaper wings and a skateboard.

"What the-?! That elephant's got a skateboard!" Deuce exclaimed, jaws slacking at the elephant Spirit.

Everyone in the gymnasium immediately spots the colorful elephant in the room, pausing from their practice to gawk at the sight of an elephant with reaper wings and a skateboard inside the building. Murmurs and curiosity is exchanged among them.

Sudo Neku and Beatalike approach me happily. Beatalike, a ferocious-looking Zolephant who is sweet as sugar to his pals, wrapped his trunk around me into a hug. Sudo Neku slithered around my feet in a figure eight before rubbing his head against my calf.

I giggle from their touch, gesturing to each Spirit respectively, "This is Beatalike and Sudo Neku. You can call them Beat and Neku for short."

"You just keep dishing out new unique monsters like nothing..." Ace said to me, keeping a distance from the elephant that can flatten him into a pancake if the Spirit tried.

"Well, getting involved in all the VDC hype has me thinking what I can do to help you guys for the past three days. That influenced my dreams and in turn, these two were born in response to my wish." I explained.

"You make all of that sound so easy." The redhead sweatdropped. "So what, if you dream of a T-Rex, they'll magically pop out?"

I fell quiet and sheepishly formed an ironic smile. "...Do you want to meet Tyranto Rex next time?"

Ace's jaw dropped. "Seriously?!"

Kalim bounded over to Beatalike excitedly. "Hi there, Beat! I'm Kalim. Let's be good friends!"

Beatalike responds mutually, nudging the boy gently so as to not overwhelm the human with his strength.

Meanwhile Jamil stares down at Sudo Neku who had walked up to bore his yellow pupils unblinkingly into the young man. Jamil eventually spoke up warily, "...What?"

I smiled fondly at the sight. "I think Neku acknowledges your dancing and singing passion, Jamil-senpai. Same for Kalim with Beat."

"Ehhh?! You're saying they both know how to dance?" Deuce asked me incredulously.

"Forget the lizard, how can an elephant dance?" Grim asked incredulously. "After Kalim made fun of us for looking like 'freaked out elephants'?"

Beatalike's eyes sharpened, taking his words as a challenge.

"That's what the skateboard is for." I told the boys before smiling to the two Spirits. "Help them get their groove on, would you?"

I play 'Piece of my world' to get them to learn the rhythm. Sudo Neku does special tricks with his tail to breakdance along with the beat. Beatalike rides his trusty skateboard to effortlessly execute skateboarding techniques incorporated as part of the dance.

Kalim's eyes contained the galaxy within. "That's so cool! I've never seen anything like it!"

"For a lizard and an elephant, they're pretty good." Jamil commented.

"If they can dance, then I can do it too!" Grim declared, determination fueling his spirit after watching their performance.

"Watching them has me feeling motivated to dance." Deuce then pumped himself up, "Okay. I'm ready!"

I nod. "All right, let's start the dance for real, guys!"

The boys get in formation before dancing together to the beat.

After the first verse, Kalim praised, "Wow! You've really gotten better. Nice work! How about we throw in a bit that goes like this somewhere?"

Kalim leaned backwards to perform a handstand for a split second, kicking his legs up high and off the floor before returning to both his feet in a flash.

"Th-That was amazing! How's you do it?!" Deuce asked, staring at Kalim with wide eyes glittering in awe.

"Slam your hands down like BAM and bring your legs up like WHOOSH! Easy, right?" Kalim makes grand arm gestures to emphasize.

"I need more than the feeling to pick that up..." Ace sweatdropped.

Sudo Neku tilted his head before attempting to perform the same move Kalim made. He used his long tail as an arm substitute to lift his body up and kick the air before swinging back down to his feet.

Kalim grinned widely, leaning on his bent knees to interact with the Dream Eater. "Yeah, just like that, Neku! You're amazing!"

Sudo Neku turned his head away, much to Kalim's confusion. He asked, "What's up? Did I say something wrong?"

I giggled at the Hebby Repp Spirit's response. "Neku's just not one to take compliments much. Don't worry, he's happy to hear you say that."

From beside me, Beatalike nodded in agreement. He prods his friend with his trunk to open his feelings a little more, much to the lizard's chagrin. Having been at the center of attention, he shuffled away from the boys' eyes to coil his tail around my ankle and hide behind my leg warily.

His behavior actually reminds me of Jamil, though I didn't voice that out loud. If I were to trust my Spirits to the boys, I think Jamil would have a strong affinity with Sudo Neku as a partner.

Now that I'm thinking of this, it'd be interesting to see my Spirits be good friends with the boys. If only my familiars aren't so wary of everyone but myself...

The boys continue with the final verse of the song, finishing it off with a pose.

"All right! I even nailed my final pose!" Cheered Deuce. His smile fell as he slowly looked to Jamil for his stamp of approval. "Viper-senpai... H-How'd I do?"

"...Pretty well. You kept up with the song, so you shouldn't have any problems." Said the second year. He smiled. "You learned a lot in the last few days. Good job."

"Yeah! You can do it if you put your mind to it!" Kalim beamed.

"All right! I made it through all the steps without missing a beat or forgetting the lyrics once!" Deuce cheered again.

"Nyaha! Me too! I didn't step on my tail a single time, y'know." Grim boasted.

"That's Jamil-senpai for ya. You're so good at teaching that you even got these guys with their memory problems to a level we can perform at in just a few days." Ace praised.

"I know, right? He makes everything so easy to understand. He's helped me out big time for so long." Kalim beamed.

Jamil cleared his throat, embarrassed at the center of attention now. "That's enough about me... I've helped you get a foundation, now it's all on you to keep practicing for the audition."

"This makes us rivals. But we wish you the best!" Kalim encouraged.

"Well, we won't lose easily either." Jamil tossed a smile of healthy rivalry.

"This'll be a breeze for you guys. Though, we're not gonna fail." Ace reciprocated with a grin.

"Those judges are gonna lose their minds over my enchanting voice and super dance moves, y'know!" Grim smirked.

"Viper-senpai, Asim-senpai, thanks again for all your help!" Deuce bowed.

"Oh yeah. Did you guys turn in your application already?" Jamil asked.

Grim blinked. "Huh? What's that?"

"I honestly forgot about that..." I sheepishly admitted. Must've gotten roped up in acting as support for the boys who will be auditioning unlike me.

Jamil sighed, shaking his head. "Good grief. You seem absent-minded, so I was afraid of this... I was right to check."

Kalim let out a hearty laugh. "Nice catch, Jamil. You always notice the smallest things."

"I'm used to it thanks to spending my days with a certain someone." Jamil quipped to him before addressing to us, "The VDC audition requires an application. Give it to Rook Hunt in class 3-A."

"That's right, I'm pretty sure that was written on the poster." Ace recalled.

"You should have until the day before the audition. Get it done before you forget." Jamil said.

Deuce nodded. "We will. Thank you so much."

"Rook-senpai is a blond with a bowl cut and always wears a hat. You'll know him when you meet him." Jamil described.

I feel like I've seen someone that fits the description... It must've been a long time ago, like early in the school year.

Well, we'll meet this Rook eventually anyway. I have a distinct feeling this guy is not going to be the most sanest of the bunch (because no entity up there would grant me a peace of mind in this chaotic school). Unfortunately.

...

"Class 3-A... This must be his classroom. Coming to a senior's classroom makes me sweat." Deuce admitted nervously. He and Ace were clinging close by the doorframe and peering inside the room of older students shyly.

"We never see older guys from other dorms. Should we see if someone from Heartslabyul can get him from us?" Ace suggested to the spade soldier, searching for any student wearing their black and red dorm uniform colors.

On the other hand, Grim and I stood clearly within the open doorframe without any regard. We looked around when we spot a familiar face.

Grim perked up. "Hm? Hold on, isn't that..."

"Come on, let's go." I nonchalantly walked inside, Grim following after.

"Hey, Strix-!" Deuce tried to stop me but flinched under the staring of the rest of the third years now that I've garnered their attention from my presence. He and Ace quickly trail behind my fearless strides with their hushed ones.

I made a beeline directly for a certain lion's desk and stood before the man slouching back without a care in the world. "Hello, Leona."

Summer green cat-like eyes regard us irritably. He was well aware seeing the four of us together doesn't particularly bring any good. "What do you herbivores want? Leave if it's dumbass crap."

I helped carry Grim so he was included in our conversation. He said, "We want to meet some guy named Rook Hunt. Introduce us."

Leona eyed us weirdly. "What? Introduce you to that weirdo?"

Grim bobbed his head. "Yeah. We came to apply to the Vocal and Dance Championship audition."

"C'est vrai (Really)?! Splendid! Any and all challengers will be warmly welcomed!"

We swerved to the source and screamed. A French man suddenly appeared!

"Y-You scared me!" Ace choked out, having nearly wheezed to death on his own spit. He was clutching a neighboring desk for life.

"He just popped up behind us!" Deuce stared wide-eyed at the blond. His arms had reflexively raised up with fists formed as though ready to slug a man. Thank Sevens he didn't go through with that.

"No one in this class is even batting an eye at him. What's with people sneaking up behind others in this school?" I heaved my shoulders, exasperated. Have mercy on the heart attacks, geez.

Rook laughs at the sight of our shaken reactions. His slim hunter green eyes didn't seem apologetic though. In fact they were possibly gleaming with pride in his abilities. "Did I frighten you? Pardon. I've always had the bad habit of silencing my footsteps when I get close to people."

"My name is Rook Hunt. I am Le Chasseur d'Amour (The Hunter of Love). My theme in life is the search for beauty and to support it. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He bows after his introduction.

Leona clicked his tongue at him. "Here's the weirdo."

Rook smiled pleasantly at his classmate. "And good day to you, Roi du Lion. It's lunch break, yet where is Monsieur Dandelion?"

"He's not with me 24/7. Take the other herbivores and get out of my sight." Spat Leona gruffly.

Deuce raised a brow questionably. "Monsieur Dandelion is...?"

Rook chuckled. "He is none other than the right hand man of Roi du Lion, Ruggie."

"Why do you call him dandelion? 'Cause his hair's yellow and sticks up all over the place?" Grim tilted his head.

"Now that you say that, his hair does look like one..." I mused. It's rather amusing to not unsee that now.

"Non non. There's another reason." Rook then began, "It was in the spring of last year... Right around the time the first signs of spring were starting to come to life around this institution..."

He retells how he found Ruggie in the yard foraging for dandelions just before they would become puffballs to make use of their seeds as food. Ruggie was in a tight situation at the time and took advantage of the numerous dandelions (aka notoriously known as weed) blooming in season to live off on them in the meantime.

"That's how he got his title. Since that encounter, as a sign of respect for him and his use of roadside dandelions as provisions... I call him Monsieur Dandelion." Rook finished.

"Ruggie-senpai eats dandelions?! Pretty sure that's not respectful!" Ace exclaimed astonishingly.

"Is he really okay with anything as long as it isn't rotten? He's not going to make me eat them, will he...?" Leona muttered to himself, admittedly dreading the notion.

"Non non. They aren't poisonous. You shouldn't be so picky, Roi du Lion." Rook chided, waving a finger at him.

"I like dandelion flowers myself, but Ruggie-senpai is a whole other league about his approach to them..." I sweatdropped. I learn new things every day about the people I interact through unlikely discoveries.

"Are dandelions tasty? I'm gonna take a bite of the next one I see." Grim wondered out loud, intrigued by the newfound information.

"Good grief, Grim. We keep telling you to stop eating stuff off the ground." Deuce sighed.

Ace gasped. "We got totally derailed talking with Rook-senpai! We're here about the audition."

Deuce's eyes widened. "Crap, that's right! Hunt-senpai, we'd like to enter the audition for VDC."

"Apologies. Getting conversations off track is another bad habit of mine. You two are from Heartslabyul..."

Rook then rested his eyes on Ace. "Class 1-A, number 25, human, measuring 172 centimeters, Ace Trappola and..."

"Number 24 of the same class 1-A, human, measuring 173 centimeters, Deuce Spade."

Hunter green eyes then rest on Grim and I. "Along with the monster measuring approximately 70 centimeters, Grim, and—"

"All right that's enough." Leona raised his voice just before Rook would list his description about me, glaring daggers at the blond for unabashedly stating our personal info all with a smile.

Personally I don't think I have anything to be embarrassed about my 164 centimeter (aka 5'4.5" in western standards) height. I'm not too short but not too tall either, at least that's what I believe to be average height for a female. The fact that Rook has this info readily at his dispense is indeed concerning, though.

"Huh? How and why do you know our class and student number?!" Deuce asked in bewilderment.

"I'm more worried that he knows our heights!" The fearful Ace points out, inching away a little.

"Sounds like someone who has too much free time on his hands if you ask me." I muttered.

Despite our mortified reactions, Rook chuckled. "As a hunter, it's my duty to be able to grasp the type and size of any student here. Or else I could be in trouble when the time comes, no?"

"What...time?" I dared to ask, question marks floating above. What scenario would require our heights and seat numbers, anyway? A murder incident?? A class trial???

In the end I concluded there's just too many weirdos in this school. You have the fish mafia trio who deals in shady contracts and plotting potential murder behind the scenes, a science teacher who looks like he's into kinky stuff and pet play, and a bird man who spontaneously flies in during lessons to give special lectures as though he has nothing better to do (again, what about a way back home??). Why not add a stalking hunter into the bunch?

Rook dismissed my confusion and explained, "As long as you declare your intent then there's no real need for you to fill out any paperwork. Three days from now, after class has concluded we shall hold the audition in the Pomefiore ballroom. Don't let it slip your mind."

"Yessir."

We excused ourselves from the classroom and went to continue about our day.

After watching us leave, Leona shot a scowl at the grinning blond.

"Oi, how long do you plan to take up space around my desk? Get out of my sight." He spoke up, growing restless from his territory being invaded.

"Oh, I have a wonderful idea! Why don't you join us on stage in VDC?" Rook proposed.

"Your physical abilities are second to none. Dance should come to you without issue, and your voice carries wonderfully. Although I have never seen a lion sing even in Sunset Savanna, I'm sure your performance would be unforgettable." The hunter praised.

"Who would take part in a dumb game like that? That loudmouth Vil would be there, too. Absolutely not." Leona scoffed, completely disinterested.

"Vil who possesses an urban beauty and Leona who possesses a wild beauty. The image of the two of you on stage would be marvelous. Seeing your two different types of beauty playing off each other, truly tres bien!" Rook swooned, already in his own world.

Leona clicked his tongue, muttering to himself lowly, "This crazy guy has zero intention of listening to what people are saying..."

Soon after, Rook's smile thinned mysteriously. His eyes darkened with an unknown emotion.

"Tell me, Roi du Lion. Are you not interested in Strix Noctowl?"

Leona narrowed his eyes at him. "Unlike you, I don't go stalking for shits and giggles. What creepy bullshit are you gonna spout now?"

Undeterred by his crude words, Rook explains, "As you've known, I seek beauty and support it. After meeting her face to face, I see there's a certain type of beauty within her; one that's... 'mystical' about the aura around her. Something that is completely foreign to this world yet magical nonetheless."

Leona's lips curled down the slightest from the corners. One may assume Rook was referring to the Dream Eater familiars Strix has in her arsenal, yet Rook was emphasizing the human girl herself.

The blond continued, "I sense untapped potential within her. Though the all-knowing Mirror of Darkness could not peer into her soul, and she can use not a single speck of magic..."

Rook tapped his temple. "Her imagination runs rampant with dreams."

He elaborates, "Those mysterious familiars known as Dream Eaters are living proof of her capabilities; manifestations of her essence if she had the mana to directly cast spells herself. There's no doubt she has the makings of a beast tamer."

Rook could see it now. The dignified back of a beautiful ruler who tames fantastical beasts and leads them with grace to defeat any obstacles in their way.

However, unlike his dorm leader Vil whose blade reflects a beautiful queen, Strix's blade reflects someone else unexpectedly. To give her a name befitting of a princess or a queen does not flow smoothly in his tongue vouching for beauty. After watching his prey, he can say neither of those apply to Strix for certain reasons.

From the way she cross her arms and holds her chin at level, to the way her eyes regard the world coolly... Whether she is aware or not, she carries herself in a masculine manner deep down. Her spirit demonstrates strength found in kings that is still noble nonetheless.

It would be easy to describe them as chess pieces on the chessboard. The queen performs many different actions to move across the field in order to protect the king. Vil's prowess is exactly like a queen's; he accomplishes many things through his own efforts and overwhelms his opponents with his own hands.

Considering Strix's leadership said to have guided the students to victory, she commands the pieces where to move while she remains a safe distance, sitting on her throne like a tactician king. Should she fall, the game will be over, and everyone else will lose themselves in the fight before succumbing to defeat along with her.

That's why Rook believes Strix would wear a crown not of a queen, but one of a king. What kind of king she could be is a question Rook has yet to decide. "King of Owls" or "King of Dreams" don't sit well with him for reasons he cannot put a finger on.

"If someone like Vil is the Queen, Strix is the King. Her commands that call for the strength of her allies... They're fueled with imagination. If she can see her comrades achieve the unknown future, she can will it. Her faith even in those she has barely formed a bond with is beautiful."

Rook closely watched Leona's expression once he uttered his next words. "She would surely rival a powerful magician like Malleus Draconia."

Leona's eyes widened. How could he suggest that so confidently with that cocky smirk? To rival even Malleus' powers...

Rook didn't mention his name to spite Leona, knowing his resentment towards the lizard. He truly believes Strix is capable of such strength to use Malleus as a power scale, the brunet realized.

Summer green eyes bored into the man, gloved fists tightening by his sides. "...You must be delusional to declare that. On what basis?"

Rook smiled. He points to his slim hunter green irises. "Her eyes."

Leona furrowed his brows. "Eyes?"

Rook closed his eyelids and nodded, pleased to have his attention piqued. "Yes..."

The back of a supreme ruler looking past her shoulder with intense blue hues that could pierce one's soul... Not even Rook's arrows he aims with precision he prides in himself as a skilled hunter would hope to match the sheer force of her gaze alone. That is, if she continued shining brilliantly like a diamond.

"Blue is a color found in countless forms that shape our world." Rook began.

He reads the lion beastman's reaction intently, as he always was with his targets of interest. "Don't they remind you of the beautiful clear blue skies of Sunset Savanna?"

Leona says nothing. His silence was an answer in itself.

Rook doesn't persist. Instead he continued, "Some compare them to jewels. Others may think they're like the depths of the ocean reflecting the midday sky. Some would argue they were like the loveliest of blue flowers gathered in a bouquet."

"If you were to ask my opinion... I would say her eyes reflect the mystic wonders of fantasy and magic. The color of wisdom and arcane arts we mages utilize." He crossed his arms. "After seeing them close up, I discovered another world of beauty I've yet to explore."

Leona stared.

"No ordinary magic-less, pure born human being could possess such bright hues even in a world such as Twisted Wonderland. What could she be hiding within those ocean blues? I for one wish to dive into the depths of the sea to uncover the mysteries of her existence."

Rook chuckled eerily to himself, a grin thinning his eyes into green crescents glowing within the shadows casted by his hat. Obsession dances within. "I'm all too intrigued. I want to learn more..."

"...I hope you drown from the face of the earth and sink to your doom." Was what Leona spat with dripping venom.

Yet, he couldn't stop thinking about what Rook said. Though it all seems hypothetical talk with no proof backed up, Leona does recognize that Strix possesses a rather fearsome leadership. She was the one who contributed to his Overblot defeat, after all. Commanding her Heartslabyul friends and even his own dorm residents to attack accordingly to her plan with the help of her strange rainbow beasts she calls "Dream Eaters"...

Could she really become that powerful if she had magic? Powerful to rival Malleus? Powerful to overwhelm Leona himself?

An idea struck Leona.

Could that contribute to the mysteries behind her unusual sweet scent despite being magic-less?

Leona would ponder about their discussion for a long time, even as the school bell signaling the end of lunch break rang across the campus.

Three days later—

Day of the Vocal and Dance Championship audition

Through the mirror framed in a peacock's feathers and raw gems decorating the sides of the staircase leads to the white brick castle that is Pomefiore dorm.

The first time I've visited this place was back when the Heartslabyul boys and I were investigating the accidents surrounding the inter-dorm Magift Tournament around October. I haven't been there ever since. Until today that is.

Inside the lounge room is crowded with candidates chatting restlessly amongst themselves as they wait for the auditions to commence. Well, except for me as I'm only here to support the boys as their cheerleader.

"Ffna... There's so many people here for the audition." Grim remarked in awe.

"Looks like there's at least 50." Ace noted calmly from his seat.

"I'm s-s-so nervous. Th-Th-The lyrics are gonna s-slip right outta my mind." Deuce stammered anxiously, shaking like a malfunctioning machine by comparison.

"C'mon man, you're getting too worked up." Ace sweatdropped.

"Soon you'll be singing like a broken record." I watched Deuce, genuinely concerned he might actually pass out before auditions even begin.

I slapped his back, causing him—and nearby applicants in immediate vicinity—to flinch at my abrupt action.

I paid no mind to the stares of my peers and focused on the navy-haired boy doubling over from the shock. "Deuce, look at me."

He lifts his head, still rattled from my clap on his back. At least he stopped trembling like a leaf. That kind of stress isn't good for his muscles right when there's an audition to perform, after all.

Azure blue irises were still and clear as the calm surface of water. "You'll do fine, Deuce. I know you can do it."

Drawn in by my unwavering faith, Deuce slowly nodded. "Y-Yeah... You're right, Strix. I feel a lot calmer now thanks to your pat on my back. It got rid of the tension in my body."

I smiled. "That's great to hear."

Ace whispered to Grim, "Is it me, or is Strix getting more violent?"

"I think she's been like this for a long time." Was how Grim duly responded, not particularly excited of the prospect especially when he applies himself as one of my potential victims to receive the torment. My knuckle drills have been ingrained to his memory, it seems.

"What's this? The A-Deuce combo and Ramshackle combo. Are you here for the VDC audition, too?"

Grim's eyes widened at the familiar face who approached us. "Cater! You too?"

The ginger nodded. "Yup. I figured I'd give it a shot since VDC will be here and Vil's gonna be on stage. Being in something with a celeb that has five million Magicam followers will make for a great memory, don't you think?"

"I thought Deuce was going into this for a dumb reason, but yours is pretty flimsy, too." Ace said, disappointment laced in.

"Ehh. I think most people are going to be like this though. I mean, just look around." Cater gestures to exhibit A sitting a few meters away.

Ruggie hums to himself the rhythm of the song, experimenting his vocal chords prior to the audition. "Hmm, I'm not the best at singing, but the dance should be fine."

A fire burns in his blue gray eyes. Or rather, the M money symbol imprinted in place of his pupils. "That split of the five million madol is going to be mine!"

"Fgna! His aim for the money is way too obvious, y'know." Grim gaped at the laughing hyena.

"Says the one who is auditioning for purely tuna can money..." I deadpanned at him. At least Ruggie's motivation is understandable. Grim's is the least sympathetic, let's be honest.

"Ooh, Cater. Have you come as well?" A familiar deep voice spoke from above.

A-Deuce and Grim screamed at the upside-down head floating in their vision. I was only mildly surprised, only because I didn't expect to see him here of all places. Also because I was gradually getting used to the unnecessary surprises. I'm simply too slow to handle this in the morning.

Lilia returned standing upright on the floor and chuckled impishly at their guffawed expressions and huddling forms. "Very nice reaction. Everyone from Heartslabyul is so animated."

"Geez, Lilia. It's because you go out of your way to surprise people." Cater chided lightly, having been accustomed to the Diasomnia student's tendency for playing around.

"Hello, Lilia-senpai. I never got to properly thank you for delivering the card." I greeted politely, bowing my head. "Thank you."

He regards me amiably, "It's no problem at all. Have you been faring well the last time we met?"

I knew fully well he was referring to the time I spontaneously invaded his space and acted out of hand. Even now just speaking with Lilia feels like I'm talking to my great grandfather (who is also small around Lilia's height and speaks in a similar speech as well). It's weird ("jarring" might be too strong of a word to address my senior) when he has a baby face, but I can't say it's not unwelcoming, either.

I suppressed the embarrassing memory and lowered my chin from eye contact. "Yes, thank you for your concern."

"Oh yeah, that's right. I remember you telling me about the mysterious unsigned holiday card you got. So is this the guy who gave it to you?" Grim asked, eyeing him curiously.

"No, the initials on the card were M.D. Lilia-senpai was just the messenger." I corrected him.

"She's right. I'm sure you'll find out soon who exactly sent you that card." Lilia said, particularly to Grim.

Wine red eyes glimmered at me knowingly. He must have noticed I already had a strong inkling of who it may be. I didn't know whether to acknowledge it, so I ended up shying from eye contact again.

"Are you trying out your luck at the VDC audition too?" Cater asked his fellow third year.

Lilia nodded. "As a member of the light music club, I can't ignore a festival centered around music."

I was surprised by this information. He didn't strike me as the musical type. That must mean he's also club members with Kalim, too. If I had accepted his offer to join, would I have to inevitably interact with Lilia, the one who keeps reminding me of Sidney, every time? I'm not sure how to feel about that, honestly.

"I tried inviting Malleus as well, but he turned me down saying he didn't want to stand out in front of a bunch of humans. He's a lot more shy than he looks." Lilia crestfallen at the memory.

"Hmm. I don't know if 'shy' is the right word for that..." Cater muttered before speaking up, "You're pretty brave for inviting Malleus to the audition."

"I just thought it would be a good challenge for him to do something as a student while he has the chance. Did you not invite your buddy Trey?" Inquired Lilia with a raised brow.

"I tried inviting him, but I got shot down. Apparently he's got his hands full helping Riddle with all the administration stuff for the festival." Cater also wilted.

Lilia understood very well now that he also shared the same rejection. He offered his sympathies. "I see."

"As the guys who were turned down by their buddies, let's take a photo to commemorate our audition day." Cater waved his smartphone.

"I don't mind. Come now, you first years should get in this too." Lilia beckoned the other boys.

Deuce blinked. "Eh, us too?"

"We weren't rejected by anyone, y'know." Grim told them.

"Don't worry about it. You just gotta go with the flow with these things. Yaaay." Cater waved them dismissively before smiling at the camera.

Lilia grinned up. "Yes, yaaay."

The boys huddled together for the group photo.

I remained out of the picture as my presence would be dangerous to upload online. I didn't mind, however. I'm not one for selfie pictures in the first place.

"#NRC #VDCaudition #we'regonnamakeit #ditchedboys" Cater typed the hashtags in and tapped the post button. "Okay, upload complete."

"Diasomnia has that Malleus guy everyone is always talking about, so there's this unapproachable image but... Lilia-senpai is pretty friendly." Ace remarked, quite relieved.

"Hey now. If you look at you, me, and Riddle, we're all completely different." Cater told the redhead.

Deuce contemplates. "Now that you mention it, I can see that. Our dorm head is really scar... Ah, no, follows the rules to the letter. It makes me wonder what the Dark Mirror meant when it said that people are placed in the dorm that the shape of their soul is most suited for."

"Me too, especially since I'm the outlier." I spoke up, joining Deuce in his thoughts. I never really did think about the dorm selection the Dark Mirror does. How does that work, really?

Lilia chuckled. As though he read my mind, he answered, "It's through living together with others that have a very different way of thinking that you can learn new things. Look over there."

A little boy with sapphire blue hair (was that...fire?) and yellow eyes sat among the rest of the students. He was easier to spot with how unique his body was like an android.

I internally deadpanned. That's definitely a robot. How come this is the first time I've seen him in the past several months of staying in this campus?

"Even though he is from Ignihyde, the dorm everyone says is timid and hates standing out... He's here to try out for this event." Lilia points out.

Cater recognized him. "Ah! That guy is Idia's younger brother. It's rare to see him alone."

"His younger brother looks like he's in elementary school. And wow, his clothes look like some kind of superhero suit." Ace remarked in awe.

"I have so many questions..." I admit. My brain just can't compute when the sun hasn't even reached its peak yet.

"Oh, I guess you guys don't know since you're first years. When the Ignihyde dorm leader, Idia Shroud, started school, his younger brother, Ortho, accompanied him." Cater explained.

"What?!" A-Deuce gawked at the newfound information.

"How is that allowed?" I asked incredulously.

"This year is my first time being in the same class as Idia so I don't know all the details. They usually come to class together and the teachers never get in to it too deeply." Cater said.

"Can siblings really be so close that they go to school together like it's no big deal...?!" Deuce breathed out.

"I think that Idia guy might love his brother too much, y'know." Grim said.

"Don't talk badly about my brother!"

Grim squeaked, backing away from a displeased Ortho who suddenly appeared in our circle. Wasn't he just beyond the crowd of students a second ago?

"Why do so many people here have super hearing? This room is pretty noisy, but he heard us from 10 meters away." Ace whispered fearfully to us.

"No one is safe, apparently." I shook my head defeatedly.

"The omnidirectional microphone that my brother gave me can pick up a person's whisper from up to 50 meters away." Ortho explained.

"Oh, very impressive. There's very few fae or beastmen that possess hearing that sharp." Lilia acknowledged with wide eyes.

Ortho giggled. "Right! My brother is amazing."

He cleared his throat, stating through the shell of his mouth plate (I'm not familiar with machinery to know what that part is called), "Just so you know, the headmaster gave us his expressed permission for the two of us to attend classes together."

Yellow robotic eyes fixed us with a steely gaze. "He didn't just bring me to school with him because he's lonely!"

"O-Ohh, I see. Sorry, sorry! You Shroud brothers are as mysterious as one of the Seven Mysteries of NRC so we just got ahead of ourselves." Cater apologized on our behalf.

"It's fine as long as you understand now. And I'm sorry for overreacting. I don't want you getting the wrong idea about my brother..." Ortho crestfallen.

"Hey, we're sorry as well." I reassured. I'd definitely do the same for Sidney and Caelum without a second thought, after all. I completely understand Ortho's response.

"By the way, are you here for the VDC audition, too?" Cater asked the little boy.

"Yep, that's right! My brother..."

Ortho retells how Idia developed a vocal synthesizer to help him speak in presentations for VDC. Ortho had expressed wanting to try singing like a human would. Being the dorm leader of Ignihyde who excels at technology, it must have been easy to prepare.

"And so my brother got obsessed with making vocal synthesizers. He didn't compromise on quality and made something top tier, so we want to see what it can do. That's what we're doing the audition for." Ortho explained.

"What? Making a voice program is allowed?!" Ace exclaimed.

Lilia let out a laugh. "I expect nothing less of the dorm leader of Ignihyde known for his prowess with magical engineering. He always thinks of the most interesting things."

"That might just work! Using those voice programs to write songs and upload videos is all the rage now. I'm pretty into electric pop and stuff too." Cater chirped.

"I don't understand what you're saying at all." Grim deadpanned at the diamond card soldier.

"Grim, have you ever watched virtual idols? I'll show you a video. Umm, let's see..." Cater scrolls through his feed.

"Just a sec. You gotta watch an ad if you wanna watch the videos for free." He shares his phone screen for everyone to see.

A gentle piano melody plays in the background of a forest of apple trees. Soon a boy's pleasant voice speaks to us.

["Hey, have you heard of the magical drink that will make your dreams come true with a single sip?"]

An adolescent youth in a pristine white and blue open uniform jacket appears. A black and red trimmed beret is worn snugly on his head, and underneath his jacket is a blue and yellow vest reminiscent of a certain Disney princess' dress.

My eyes dilated.

Ebony black hair, skin white as snow, rosy red lips... This guy is definitely the male version of Snow White!

He holds a red bottle in hand, smiling sweetly at the camera with doe brown eyes. His notably long eyelashes add a feminine charm to his baby face, whose cheeks were subtly tinted red like apples highlighting the soft contour of his gentle visage.

["Refreshingly fizzy. Dyed crimson with the flavor of love. Try the brand new Red Apple Soda."]

"Oh, this is that drink ad that everyone's talking about. I gotta go support new releases. I'll go see if the student store has it later." Cater noted to himself.

Lilia peers closer. "Oooh, so this Neige in the ad here is the one we were talking about during the dorm leader meeting. Apparently he's going to be in VDC."

I stared into Neige's smiling face. He's pretty for sure, but more on the adorable and cute spectrum. Vil's beauty is on the mature and elegant spectrum.

My brows furrowed, however. "Neige..."

"Wha?! This event even draws in celebs like him?" Ace's eyes widened.

"All the strongest competitors are gathering on that stage. We're going to have to throw everything we've got at this." Deuce's expression solidified in determination.

"I wonder if I can get a pic with Neige if I make it through the audition?" Cater grinned to himself.

"You're still only worried about clout." Ace heaved his shoulders.

The third year was not ashamed, however. "Well yeah, Neige is the biggest account on Magicam right now. I've gotta make sure I commemorate the moment if I have the chance, right? The photos would totally blow up if I got a pic with both Vil and Neige."

"Hey, Cater! Unless you bring your phone down a bit I can't see the video, y'know!" Grim griped from below us.

"I've got a projector installed, want me to put this up on the wall so we can all see?" Ortho offered.

The double doors slammed open, startling everyone in the lounge from the sound.

"You're awfully noisy potatoes!" Vil boomed. Standing on either side of him were Rook and Epel. They all donned an indigo robe reminiscent to the Evil Queen's dress, Vil's being the longest past his knees and brushing the floor. They vaguely remind me of a furisode kimono (the kind with ridiculously long sleeves that can reach the ankles).

Deuce winced. "Guh, they're so bright! What's with all this sparkle?"

"I'm seeing dark spots, y'know?!" Grim's eyes swirl in a daze, almost about to pass out from their (literally) blinding beauty.

I already had my shades whipped out to save myself the trouble.

Epel stared at us silently. Compared to our first (formal) meeting by the well, his beauty remains ethereal when he doesn't speak and remains still like a statue.

Yet I realized it made him all the more stiff; restrained. I don't think anyone else would be able to notice that immediately when they only see Epel for his pretty face. I'm not sure if I would have still recognized this detail if I hadn't met him personally that day.

"I doubt there's a single person here who doesn't know who I am, but I'll introduce myself in accordance to the manners of the theatre." Vil began.

"I am the dorm head of Pomefiore, Vil Schoenheit. For this event the headmaster is entrusting me with the task of producing those that will debut in the Vocal and Dance Championship. Let us begin the member selection audition."

Vil glanced to his right hand man. "Rook, the rest is on you."

"Qui, Roi de Poison."

He steps forward, "Pleasure to meet you all. I'm the vice dorm head of Pomefiore, Rook Hunt."

"Ah, it's that weirdo that took care of the registration. I guess he's really the Pomefiore's vice head." Grim mused.

I found myself not particularly surprised to learn of this. Rook just seems to have that impression to be in a higher position than the average NRC student, especially with his passion to seek beauty.

Rook explains, "We're going to watch your presentation of the audition song and award you points based on your singing and dancing. We'll call you in three at a time, so when you hear your name proceed into the room."

Eventually after a number of applicants were called...

Rook opens the door to the ballroom and announced, "Ace Trappola, Deuce Spade, Grim, and Strix Noctowl. All of you are welcome inside."

We enter.

"Thank you for letting me also come in to watch, Rook-senpai." I nodded my head to him gratefully.

"Of course. You're their dear friend, after all. You may have a seat over there." Rook gestures to the few foldable chairs situated at the side of the wall where I can sit as the spectator.

"It's finally our turn, y'know!" Grim said.

"All right, we definitely got this." Ace smirked confidently as he stretched his legs.

"There's no turning back now! Let's go!" Deuce rolled his arms back.

"Oh, well if it isn't the mud-caked potatoes that tried to challenge me to a pointless fight. Have you done something about that unsightly performance from before?" Vil regards them with a haughty smile at the end.

Grim smirked. "Hehe. We went through a special training regime. We'll show you the performance that Scarabia helped perfect."

"Good luck guys." I encouraged the three as I moved to sit down.

I dared to cast a glance over to the judges' seat and once again made eye contact with amethyst hues.

Vil's glossy coated lips were thinly pursed together, retaining a cool demeanor. This time he regarded me expressionlessly. Maybe he was being wary I might do something to cheat. Yet if Rook let me in, that would mean Vil had to have been informed of my arrival as well, right? I suppose I am still liable to spontaneously intervene the performance for better or worse...

I inadvertently broke away from his unblinking stare and tried to focus on everyone else instead. I sit lax in my chair to convey I have no intention to lift a finger to plot anything. If I know I'm not going to commit something against my virtues of fairness, I have no reason to act nervous even under Vil's pinning eyes.

"I'm so glad to see you three at this audition. Merci!" Rook smiled.

"We're not gonna let you call us ugly or unsightly like before, got that!" Ace swore to Vil.

Vil glanced from me to the boys, unfazed by the challenge. "You talk big for potatoes. If you wish to win my approval, then show me you've earned it."

"Et c'est parti (Here we go). Let me see your potential!" Rook cheered.

I calmly watched from my spot as they performed the first half of the song, not revealing much through my expression.

Rook nodded to himself thoughtfully after witnessing their performance thus far. "You are like baby swans who have just learned how to fly. Your unsophisticated behavior is adorable! Beauté (Beautiful)! 100 points!"

"Good grief... You're really just complimenting everything." Vil shook his head at the blond's eccentricity.

Deuce was shocked. "100 points?! W-We might be getting a high score...!"

"I don't think they'll go that easy on us. Don't get lazy and mess up in the second half." Ace warned.

They proceed with the last part of the song. Once the final chords of the violin instrumentals were made, the three strike a pose.

"How's that? Our dance was perfect, y'know!" Grim boasted.

"Are you finished? If so, then please be on your way out." Vil said dismissively, eyes focused on sifting through the papers on his desk instead.

Ace frowned at his unfeeling reaction, breaking from his pose to rest his hands on his hips. "What? No thoughts to share?"

"P-Pardon us!" Deuce bowed.

I took that as my cue to follow them out of the ballroom.

Right when I was the last to exit, I could overhear Vil scoff. "Hmph, a poor performance obviously put on by a bunch of amateurs. Out of the question."

By the time the door closed behind me, my expression had crestfallen. Ouch.

Soon after, Rook appeared and clapped his hands clearly for the entire room's attention. "This concludes the audition for all you challengers. Tomorrow, only those of you that have passed will through the audition will be informed. Look forward to the results!"

"We find out tomorrow, huh? I'm gonna be on pins and needles the whole day." Grim said nervously.

"I was totally off for the whole first verse..." Deuce muttered depressingly.

"It's okay, guys. At least it's over now." I assure them.

"Dancing and singing really takes it out of you. Time to get back to the dorm and eat something." Ace crossed his arms behind his head and walked out along with everyone else.

As we exit Pomefiore, I was holding my tongue back from making comments about what the judges (mainly Vil who was actually being a serious critic) thought of their performance.

Vil was definitely not impressed in the slightest. He was bored, perhaps even offended that their performance seemed half-hearted to him as a professional.

I'm afraid it's not be possible for them to win. I'll just have to be there to comfort Grim and the boys when they fail to receive the news.

I was going to eat my words, however.

The next day—

We were crossing the exterior hallway of the first floor after our previous class had ended.

A sigh drawled past Ace's lips. "Trein caught me sleeping in magic history class and threw more homework at us."

"I'm tellin' you, that guy is totally casting some kinda sleeping spell on us just to give out more homework, y'know." Grim griped. He too was also a victim like Ace.

"I've been wearing a rubber band on my wrist so I don't fall asleep. The moment oddly drowsy, I snap it and it wakes me right up." Deuce puffed his chest out rather proudly as though he thought of an ingenious life hack.

"Not even I would go that far..." I shook my head and impulsively yawn, concerned for the well-being of his wrist.

At least I don't mind the workload for Trein's class, since I actually do have interest for magic history. I'm practically learning that subject in elementary level since I'm an alien to this world's lore. It's also easy for me to connect some things using Disney movie logic, so I find that part enjoyable to learn about.

"Oh yeah, wasn't today supposed to be... the day we find out the results of the Vocal and Dance Championship audition?" Ace spoke up.

"It's almost lunch break, but we haven't heard anything yet." Grim noted.

"If we haven't heard anything at this point, doesn't that mean we failed?" Deuce suggested.

"I guess we did..." I muttered with a hint of sadness on their behalf.

Suddenly my breath sharply hitched, feet immediately stopping in my tracks. This sensation of danger...!

My neck snapped off to the side to gaze into the outside beyond the courtyard.

Before I could detect the source, a blur whizzed by us, piercing the stone wall.

The boys screamed.

"Wh-What the hell?! The hell just flew by?!" Ace inwardly shrilled.

"I felt that whoosh right by my nose guys!" Deuce panicked, holding his nose to find it still attached and unscathed.

I spot the source. "There's an arrow stuck in the wall!"

I only know one person so far to be capable of shooting an arrow at such a distance.

When I squint closer at the roof, I found no one in sight. A certain huntsman's face popped up in my mind. I bet he's hiding at that spot where the arrow came from.

"Fgna! An arrow?! Is there an assassin out for our heads?!" Grim cowers, holding his head.

"Who exactly would be after us?!" Retorted Ace.

I notice something upon another glance.

"There's a letter tied to the arrow." I told them calmly, pointing at the scrap of paper attached to the base with a string.

"A letter?! Someone looking for a duel?!" Deuce squared his shoulders and looks around frantically.

"Dude, you gotta stop making everything a fight. Let's see..." Ace untied the string and unfolds the paper.

He reads, "'Thank you very much for participating in the audition for the Vocal and Dance Championship. After a long and hard deliberation process, Ace Trappola and Deuce Spade...'"

"'The two of you have passed the audition. Furthermore, please make your way to the Pomefiore ballroom today after classes have adjourned.'" His voice fell as he read the message.

Ace squinted at the letter in his hands, pulling the letter away at arm length as though he misread it. "...Huh?"

Deuce blinked slowly. "...Passed?"

Our screams echoed the hallway, "WHAAAAAT?!!!!"

"P-P-Passed means that we've been picked as two of the representatives, right?" Deuce stuttered out.

"What else would it mean? All right! Now I don't have to spend my time helping the dorm leader." Ace cheered.

On the other hand, Grim despaired. "Fgnaaaa?! What about me? I put on such an agile performance!"

"How is this possible? What happened to make Vil change his mind?" I wondered suspiciously. There's no way he came to this decision on his own. Vil had to have been swayed by the encouragement of someone else, and only one of a select very few could leave such an effect on the strict dorm leader. It must've been that hunter again...

"In any case, the arrow wasn't necessary!" I indignantly retorted. "Why not just come to us personally...?"

"Oh, wait. There's more to the letter." Ace told us, reading, "'P.S. To the prefect of Ramshackle Dorm, Strix Noctowl. We have an announcement for you so please accompany the two mentioned above to Pomefiore.' So it said."

My expression fell flat. "Now I'm assigned as your escort now? I'm full of all kinds of amazing things, aren't I. I don't like where this entails for me, especially from Pomefiore."

But if I were to refuse acknowledging the message right now, I'm pretty sure another arrow is already prepared to encourage (read: threaten) me to go. I'd rather not risk a heart attack from an arrow near my face again, so I suppose I'll have to go.

"Anyway, we should all go to Pomefiore after class gets out." Deuce said.

"Ffnaa... There goes my dream of 4000 tuna cans..." Grim is still in tears of this announcement.

I rolled my eyes, giving him a consoling pat on the head. "Come on, let's get going to the cafeteria. I'll grab a lot of food for you today if that will cheer you up."

Grim perked up to life. "Really?!"

"I swear, you're spoiling him like Trey-senpai is to Dorm Head Riddle." Ace rolled his eyes at me. "And for what? Are you secretly a masochist or something?"

"Ace, I will personally punch you if you suggest that to my face again."

...

Once school was over for today, we made a beeline straight for Pomefiore's dorm and have arrived at the entrance.

"Since we were chosen to perform, we'll probably have some intensive dance and vocal training to go through." Deuce muttered.

"Yeah, well, duh." Ace said.

Grim grinds his teeth, seething. "It just keeps making me more pissed to think I lost to you guys."

"I'd never thought we'd come back here so soon, honestly." I admitted aloud. I wanted to avoid crossing paths with their dorm leader if I could, but apparently I'm required to come for some reason.

"Hey, you guys!" A familiar bubbly voice called out.

"If it isn't Kalim and Jamil. What're you doing here?" Grim asked the duo.

"Because we passed the audition. Is that why you guys are here, too?" Jamil eyed us.

"Yep, that's right!" Ace grinned.

"So that means you performed well yesterday. That's great!" Kalim beamed.

"But I didn't. It's so frustrating, y'know." Grim wilted.

"I'm sure Vil-senpai also saw that putting you on the team would be difficult." Jamil muttered quietly to himself.

"Cheer up, Grim. You want a cracker?" Kalim offered.

Grim cringed, not being discreet with his disgust for the snack now. "Ugh, that again? No way."

"Do you always carry crackers everywhere you go...?" I sweatdropped at the dorm leader.

"The five of you and your cat. Stop right there!" A voice called out from the entrance. Standing in front were two Pomefiore students.

We turn our attention to them. Deuce raised his brow. "Does he mean us?"

"You appear to be the ones who made it through the VDC audition." The other Pomefiore resident addressed.

"Yeah! Vil told us to come. Could you take us to where he is?" Kalim asked.

The dark haired resident of the pair smirked. "Hmph. Well isn't that too bad. We can't simply allow you to pass through the gates for free."

I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What?"

"Only those possessing both beauty and strength are allowed through the gates to Pomefiore!" The light haired resident said.

He removed his glove and slapped it to the ground before us. "Now, pick up the glove I have thrown down!"

I sweatdropped. "I remember something like this happened before. Do Pomefiore students really do that often?"

"What? He just tossed his glove on the ground. Is something wrong?" Kalim eyed the glove and the student peculiarly.

"Pay attention, Kalim. Here they come!" Jamil warned.

The boys braced themselves and defend against their string of magic spells. I didn't see the need to call upon my Dream Eaters when there's no hostile intent behind it. With our numbers of six against two, Grim is all I need.

The dark haired resident staggered back. "Urk. You're pretty good."

"However, don't think you've made it the end just yet. The path to true beauty is long and arduous. Guh!" The light-haired resident choked out before collapsing to the ground with his fellow dorm mate.

Jamil eyed them weirdly. "Why did they come at us all of a sudden?"

"In any case, let's just make our way to the ballroom." Deuce prompted.

When we arrived to the lounge area, however, another pair of Pomefiore students were waiting for us.

"You're the ones who made it through the audition, huh!" The green-haired resident began.

"You conquered the residents at the gate? After all, they were just the preliminary trial." The blond resident told us.

"We are your next opponents. Don't assume you'll simply be able to get past us to the dorm head!" The other said, gripping his magical pen.

"Huuuh?! He's the one who told us to come." Ace responded indignantly.

"This isn't making sense at all, y'know!" Grim retorted.

After another round of pummeling...

"This is as far as I can go. Regretfully..." The green-haired male mustered out weakly.

The blond clutched his arm where he got hit with the boys' magic. "It was an honor to fight by your side until the end. Urk!" They toppled to the floor in the same manner as the ones from the entrance.

"Hey, knock it off! You're the guys who came at us, stop pretending like this is some tragedy." Ace snapped at their dramatically sprawled forms on the carpet floor.

"It looked like they were having fun with it, though." I couldn't help but giggle at their theatrics. I mean, high school kids wouldn't normally get the chance to say those kinds of lines in real life. Might as well let them have it.

"Pomefiore... Hunt-senpai is one thing, but everyone is way beyond my understanding. Is this what they mean by the shape of your soul?" Deuce mused the longer he stared at their "unconscious" bodies. Are they really going to lay there dead until we leave?

"I think it's more like our values and aesthetics are different than our spirit." Was what Jamil corrected.

Kalim laughed. "There's so many different people at our school, it's the best!"

The clattering of footsteps come rushing for us.

"There they are! The selected members!" A silver-haired resident cried out.

"With my honor as a Pomefiore resident on the line, I shall not let you pass!" A redhead declared.

Grim's eyes widen. "Fgna! There's more! They just never end, y'know!"

"Let's hurry to the ballroom." I ordered the boys. Before we run out of hair colors to distinguish the mob residents!

We ran past any challengers and slammed the doors open to the ballroom.

Deuce pants for breath. "We finally made it to the ballroom!"

Ace catches his breath as well. "So why exactly did we have to go through all that?"

"It is precisely because you were selected for VDC."

Light reflects off the shiny surfaces around us and burn our eyes.

"Fgna?! It's blinding, y'know!" Grim cried out.

"We get it, you're beautiful. Enough with the sparkles! We'll all turn blind at this rate!" I quipped, aggravated. I treasure the health of my corneas, thank you very much!

Unfazed by our flinching reactions, Vil looked over us. "It appears there weren't any dropouts, so for now you all pass."

"Vil, what was that for?" Kalim asked.

"It wasn't anything special, just a simple warm-up. Now your bodies are all nice and warm from that exercise, right? We can start the lessons right away, then." Vil said, standing before us.

"Listen up. Starting now we are the representatives for Night Raven College who will be aiming for the top spot on the battlefield that is the Vocal and Dance Championship. Anyone who can't even overcome your recent trials is unnecessary. The fight has already begun. There will be no taking it easy from here on out. Get ready to be whipped into shape!"

The Scarabia duo widened their eyes at Vil's unwavering resolve, taken aback.

"O-Okay...?! I don't quite get what's going on, but sure!" Kalim took it in stride and smiled.

"...Somehow this feeling... Isn't Vil-senpai a lot like our dorm leader?" Ace whispered to Deuce.

Deuce furrowed his brows. "Heartslabyul and Pomefiore are both based on the spirit of queens. Does that just come with the territory...?"

"My oh my, Roi du Poison. Full throttle from the beginning, I see. Everyone has been dazzled by your shine and can't move." Rook chuckled merrily, having appeared loyally by his queen's side.

Meanwhile Epel remained silent beside Rook.

My eyes creased the slightest in concern. He looks gloomy that I can't help but pity him.

Rook smiled at us. "First, congratulations to you for making it through the audition. Bravo! Ace, Deuce, Kalim, Jamil, and Epel. Along with Vil and I, the seven of us are a tribe starting today. It'll be a pleasure until the day of VDC."

The huntsman laid a gentle hand on Epel's shoulder. "Come on, Monsieur Crabapple, introduce yourself."

Prompted by Rook, the lilac-haired boy spoke up meekly, "I'm Epel. It's nice to meet you all..."

"Whoa whoa! Hold on a second. You've been excluding us this whole time. Why'd you call us here even though we didn't pass?" Grim demanded.

"I shall take over explaining that! For I am gracious!"

Grim jolted. "Fgna! Headmaster! Stop just jumping out of random places! You scared the crap out of me, y'know."

"Why do we have so many of these moments this month?" I muttered. It's jumpscare season apparently. Also if Crowley is here and I was requested to come here as well, this can't be good news.

"My apologies. It's not my intention to jump out suddenly."

Crowley cleared his throat, facing Grim and I. "Let me tell you the reason you needed to come here with the other members. Starting this weekend for the four weeks leading up to the Vocal and Dance Championship... We'd like to use Ramshackle Dorm as the lodging for a training camp!"

"TRAINING CAMP?!!" The boys' exclamations (apart from Pomefiore) bounced off the walls of the ballroom.

"Well, we do have a lot of vacant rooms..." I noted rather calmly. Honestly my first reaction is just like the boys'. I was actually dreading that I was elected to participate in VDC through some roundabout process that hearing about training camps seems less shocking news to me. Thank goodness that wasn't the case. I was certainly not obligated to sign up for the competition, especially if Crowley of all people requested it. He can kindly choke on an apple for all I care.

"H-Headmaster, why do we need to stay somewhere else when we all go to the same school? We all already have our rooms." Jamil asked.

"In order to build your teamwork." Answered the man. He explains, "You all come from different dorms, grades, birthplaces, and cultures. You can live together and build your understanding of one another along the way."

"It's true, many music groups live and eat together in order to polish their teamwork." Vil spoke up, speaking as someone from the entertainment industry.

"I considered having Pomefiore host it, but that would mean everyone else would have to deal with being away from home. But then I thought, at Ramshackle Dorm everyone will start off on the same footing for this training camp." Crowley smiled, gesturing to me.

"Th-This is out of nowhere..." Deuce stuttered out.

"Crap... I want to drop out..." Ace said regretfully. I don't blame him. Compared to Heartslabyul (or literally any other dorms), Ramshackle is a miserable place to live in.

"Oh man, a training camp and a bunch of different dorms is gonna be so interesting! But is it okay for both Jamil and I to be away from Scarabia?" Kalim asked Crowley.

"There's no need to worry about that. I will use my authority as the headmaster to provide all the backup you'll need. For I am veeeery gracious. The school itself wants you all to beat other schools and earn the title of 'the best in the world'." Crowley assured.

"Gee, where was my backup, oh so gracious headmaster?" I retorted bitterly.

Grim spoke up, "Hold up. We're not part of this, so why do we have to put in all this effort?! Aaaabsolutely not!"

"Oh my, Grim. Are you sure you should be saying that? There's something very nice waiting for you at the end if you go through with this..." Crowley said.

Grim grew confused. "Ffna? Wh-What's that about? Something very nice..."

"If we come out on top of this competition, Rook and I will give both of our portions of the prize money to Ramshackle Dorm." Vil answered in the headmaster's stead.

I raised my brow at both blonds. "But we won't be on stage?"

"I'm not the kind of person who gets interested in chicken feed like that." Vil coolly replied. That would make sense, since he's a celebrity. The VDC prize money wouldn't amount much to his loaded wallet anyways.

"It's only natural I show my gratitude to those who throw in their support for Vil." Rook answered.

I squint at Rook particularly. Could he be so selfless to donate all his share of the reward money? Is he that financially secure to willingly do that?

I couldn't help but express my suspicion with a cross of my arms. However, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. He doesn't seem to have any ulterior motives behind it by demanding a favor from me or anything like that in exchange. "If you say so..."

"So five million madol split seven ways, and we get two of those, so... That means..." Grim tries to calculate the amount applied for us.

"About 1.42 million madol." Jamil answered.

"Fgna?! So you're saying... I'm gonna get a whole hell of a lot more than 4000 tuna cans?!" Grim exclaimed in disbelief. That's more than him being accepted as part of the VDC representatives.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Grim. I'm the one responsible with the money, after all." I told him.

"But I suppose you're coooompletely against the chance at all that by simply letting them use those empty rooms and providing support." Crowley interjected.

"If you were willing to let everyone stay at Ramshackle Dorm, I was considering getting the plumbing and some other things redone and writing it off as a school expense, too." His beady glowing yellow eyes shifted to me as he said this.

My brow twitched. Where's an apple when I needed one?

Crowley heaved a long sigh, turning away from us slightly. "This is such a shame. You can just forget this whole conversation."

Grim grits his teeth. "This is my chance to get a treasure trove of tuna cans." He tilts his head up to me. "Hey, Strix... What should we do?"

I contemplated. Four weeks... With the seven of these boys...

My eyes slowly sweep over their faces staring back at me. Frankly, there are some downsides from particular individuals that have me worry, but they're not all downright disastrous. I wouldn't be the only one to keep things in order at Ramshackle. Hopefully. I'd like to believe that.

Eventually I replied, "I'll allow it, but in exchange I have two conditions."

I turned to the NRC Tribe. "Since everyone will be staying at my dorm for four weeks, I expect you all to listen to me and not get ahead of yourselves. In order to do that, I will exercise my authority as prefect and ensure that Ramshackle Dorm remains neutral territory."

I make eye contact with Vil. "Even though you're leading the group and have seniority, don't assume everything you say and do is absolute. If things get out of hand, I will intervene. Is that all right with you, Vil?"

"...Of course. We are the ones imposing your domain, after all." Vil said.

I nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you. Now for you, headmaster, I want you to fully commit to your end of the deal. No consideration needed. If you break your promise..."

I bored my eyes into him seriously.

"I'll start playing favorites."

The room fell silent.

Ace was the first to break it with a genius response. "...What?"

Crowley trembled the slightest, slowly drawing closer as though I was about to walk out the door any moment without sparing another glance at him. His voice ghostly spoke, "M-Miss Noctowl, you can't possibly..."

"Oh I will indeed, headmaster. You see, over the semester I've been getting acquainted with most of the faculty staff here. After knowing them enough, I can say they're all people I can trust. We even play chess and have tea together in the faculty lounge room." I said.

A dramatic gasp sharply flew past indigo-dyed lips. "This is the first I've heard of this! No one bothered to invite, much less inform me?!"

I simply smiled thinly. They don't quite match the dark shift in my eyes, however. "You have a lovely faculty staff, headmaster. I've started to see them as part of my family."

Crowley points a gold talon to himself. "What about me? I'm part of the staff as well."

My smile disappeared into a thin line that is flat and unfeeling. My face says it all.

The masked raven squawked at me in betrayal. "I've been quite gracious with you considering my tight position as headmaster! Using my own savings out of my own wallet to feed you and whatnot! Am I not who you would nominate number one in your eyes?"

"I've lived in a debilitated building no teenage girl should live in for five months now. I only have so much tolerance for the disgusting things I had to endure that could have been easily fixed. And the one time I actually needed your help over winter holidays, you stood me up over a pathetic excuse of a voice message recording!" I argued back.

"You're on thin ice, Crowley. Buuut, if you restore Ramshackle Dorm to perfect livable condition like it's brand new, I'll finally sing you the praises you wanted to hear from my own lips." I told him.

Crowley slowly grows visibly devastated by my dissatisfaction, fearing the loss of whatever likability I could possibly have to him completely vanish in favor of another more "gracious" adult. No one could possibly be more kind than Crowley himself! Is what he must be thinking along those lines.

"Looks like she's learned how to wrap him around her finger." Jamil remarked from the sidelines.

"How is he headmaster again...?" Grim flatly wondered.

Crowley weeped. "I understand. I'll immediately prepare for the restorations then... Goodness, you spared no reservations to wound my emotions."

"There's a lot of things I have to get in order for this training camp. Do your best at practice, everyone..." Crowley bids us farewell and dejectedly walks out of the ballroom.

"And everything was decided without a peep of us..." Deuce said after watching the headmaster disappear behind closed doors.

"Yeah... But isn't it fine every once in a while?" Ace shrugged. "While we're at this training camp, we don't have to worry about losing our heads when we break the Queen of Hearts' rules. It'll be more chill than usual."

"We had one with Octavinelle and now we get to do a joint training with Heartslabyul and Pomefiore. This is gonna be sweet!" Kalim grinned.

"Since the headmaster set this all up, I don't want my reputation to suffer if I refuse." Jamil convinced himself.

"That concludes our meeting about the training camp. Next... Our first lesson begins!" Vil announced.

"Huh? We're not waiting until the training camp?" Ace asked.

"Keep your hubris in check, Fresh Potato One." Vil boomed, startling the redhead. "You guys are utter newbies to singing and dancing. We can't let a single minute go to waste."

"Wonderful! Shouldn't we come together and dance the song once to celebrate our taking off as the NRC Tribe?" Rook proposed ecstatically.

Epel remained silent in the group. Yet his cerulean blue eyes spoke a mysterious resolve burning within.

Vil orders me, "Now, start the music for me. 'Piece of my world'!"

With a satisfactory mood uplifting my spirits from my successful negotiation with Crowley, I went to the boom box. The newly formed NRC Tribe spread out in an even formation in front of the window of the mirror.

I pressed the play button to the twisted beat of Twisted Wonderland.

You can hear me right?

You, beyond the door

And just you wait

Let's go to Wonderland

I always wanted to feel my heart pounding

Now, let's make a signal

Don't you blink your eyes

Because magic is going to start

Everyone is the same too

Doesn't want to lose

The moon is swinging

Let's go and search for the sharp sounds of the footsteps

Look, before the night become bright

Tries to find

The form of me

You have the heat to penetrate through obviously

Let us dance to this twisted rhythm

Looking down stubbornly is also charming

There is no problem with that

Isn't it better to be a little bit bad?

This thrill is the best for me

I will show you in the darkness

This lively world

Trying to look

Beyond the door

And just you wait

Let's go to Wonderland