Chapter 46

The next two weeks went on without a hitch there were no more interruptions to rehearsals.

"We're down to one week until the SDC starting today we'll be doing rehearsals in full costume." Vil explained as everyone filed into the ballroom after class.

"You mean in our school dorm?" Ace asked. Vil had took everyone at this morning's practice to come in their school uniforms and not the gym ones.

"Precisely, after all we are representing NRC when we take the stage." Rook answered for Vil.

"That, and school uniforms are ideal attire for a boy band that projects a youthful image. Naturally, these are specially tailored uniforms that stretch to accommodate dance moves. You can thank the head mage for having them made." Vil said as Crowley entered behind the group.

"Oh, think nothing of it. It's a small price to pay for massive school publicity, ahem, I mean you deserve the freedom to dance to your fullest." Crowley coughed.

Odette just narrowed her eyes at him as she took her position next to the stereo. 'Who does he think he's fooling.' She thought.

"I would have liked costumes with a little more razzle dazzle." Kalim confessed.

"It's not our call to make." Jamil reminded him.

"Enough chit chat, we're going to do the full song from top to bottom." Vil said clapping his hands twice to get everyone's attention.

"Yes sir." Everyone answered then took their places.

They performed the entire song and dance perfectly.

"Oh! Marvelous, simply marvelous, you're all in such perfect sync. I knew I made the right decision putting Schoenheit in charge of production. An ultra trendy song sharp dance moves incredible singing, and highly thematic lyrics I give it my top marks across the board." Crowley cheered as he lightly clapped.

"But of course what do you take me for?" Vil asked looking a bit annoyed.

"What I meant as the housewarden of Pomefiore our campus's most historic and beautiful dorm of course you were the perfect choice for leading global talent. The SDC is a musical recital we don't know what songs the other school have chosen until the day of but you have a level of polish that makes you worthy of being called top contenders. Vil, NRC, Defeat the RSA and prove your beauty to thew world." Crowley cheered.

"Yes sir!" Everyone cheered back.

"The head mage seems very enthusiastic about this whole thing don't you think?" Kalim whispered as he leaned towards Jamil.

"Knowing him he probably thinks it would be a huge publicity boost if we win." Jamil replied.

"Oh yes, I have something for you all." Crowley said as he pulled a bundle of tickets out of his jacket inner pocket.

"Tickets to the SDC remains hot commodities every year. I've used our status as the host school to reserve a small handful of affiliate seats. You can give them to your friends and family." Crowley explained as he handed out the tickets to everyone, even giving a few to Odette and Grim.

"Oh thanks head mage. My mom and dad said they'd rent out a few movie theaters for the event back home. They'll be holding a live viewing with all the household staff and family." Kalim explained as he took his tickets.

"My little sister said she'd be visiting for the culture fair. I could give it to her. Through it does make me a bit nervous knowing family will be watching." Jamil confessed.

"And on that note, don't let me keep interrupting your practice. I'll be taking my leave. Break a leg." Crowley announced and left the ballroom.

"All right boys back to practice." Vil said turning towards the group.

"Yes sir!" Everyone said and got back into their starting positions.

"Looking at these guys now, it's like all the struggles we saw at first never even happened." Grim whispered as he laid in Odette's shoulder.

"I'm so pumped for this." Odette whispered back with a grin on her face.

As she was getting ready for bed that night Odette was about to close the curtain when she saw green sparkles floating around the graveyard. "I know those lights." She whispered as she left the window. She grabbed her tickets off her desk and quickly put her robe on over her pajamas and dashed out to the graveyard.

Malleus was silent as Odette jog up to him.

"Good evening." She huffed out trying to catch her breath.

"Good evening child of man. It's been some time I trust all is well?" He asked looking a bit amused at her state.

"Yes, I'm doing better." Odette smiled up at him.

"I'm glad to hear it. It's good to see you in high spirits." Malleus smiled back.

"Did you get to enjoy your birthday present?" She asked.

"Oh yes, I confessed I ate most of it the night you gave it to me." He replied.

"That's fine. I'm glad you liked it so much. I meant to ask that day but I forgot, what does M.D. stand for?" She asked feeling brave.

"You have no idea who I am do you?" He chuckled.

Odette just shook her head. "I never did give you you anything in return for the holiday card, are you going to SDC? I have extra tickets Crowley gave me." She explained.

"The show the school is putting on for this year's culture fair? You're inviting me?" He asked looking surprised.

"Yes, between Grim and me we have four tickets so please invite Lilia, Silver and Sebek too." She requested as she handed him the tickets.

Malleus began to chuckle but it turned into a full laugh. "You truly have no fear at all. Very well I shall accept your gracious invitation and pass on your request. Will you be in it? But Schoenheit and Al-Asim are in it? Heh, That should be quite the spectacle. I'll look forward to the festival."

"It's a great performance. I hope you like it." She said.

"Good night Odette." Malleus said then disappeared.

"Good night." She replied to the air. 'I think I made his day.' She thought as she watched the sparkles disappear too. "Ah! He never did tell me his name." She exclaimed. She pouted a bit as she made her way back into the dorm.

For once luck was on her side, no one had noticed her mad dash outside. She locked up and went to bed.

Thanks for reading. I hope you liked it. Sorry it was so short. This Arc is easily going to be the longest until we get to the final. I know this scene is in the actually story line but I still had to rework it. I feel like it reads a bit awkward but I think it works for the characters involved. See you in the next chapter.