Chapter 8: Rook's Tsum I

In the Pomefiore dorm's lounge one morning, Rook is showing his Tsum on a bright and sunny day.

Rook says with a smile, "What fine weather this is. Isn't it a delightful morning?"

The Rook Tsum nods in agreement and jumps up and down in response.

Rook giggles, "Heh heh, I'm glad you agree. As for what we'll be doing next…"

Soon, Epel walks into the lounge, "Good morning…" And becomes surprised to see someone else is in the room, "Ah. Rook, is that what I think it is?"

"Good morning, Epel. Allow me to introduce you," Rook says and introduces his Tsum counterpart, "This is the newest member of Pomefiore, Monsieur Tsum!"

"Monsieur Tsum...?" Epel replies, confused, "Nicknaming's not your strong suit, is it…"

He then asks Rook, "Are things going okay, though? I remember when I looked after a Tsum, and boy howdy… That one was a real character. It rolled around in the grass and acted like it had a little chip on its shoulder…"

"True. I hear their exact nature is shrouded in mystery," Rook says, "But really, it's perfectly normal for living creatures to bare their fangs or display threatening behavior. Sometimes we misapprehend or oppose one another. Relationships born out of antagonism have their own beauty."

The Rook Tsum hops up and down in glee.

"Ah... You understand, Monsieur Tsum!" Rook says with a smile.

"No wonder, considering he takes after you... But I sure don't get it one lick," Epel replies.

"It's simple enough, really. I wish for our relationship to blossom in a natural, carefree way," Rook says.

And soon, the Rook Tsum begins crawling away.

Rook is quick to notice, "Ah, and the Tsum is on the move already. Let's observe, shall we?"

The Rook Tsum crawls and jumps early and stops at an elegant chair. Then it begins hopping to different areas, almost like it's taking note of every angle.

"The tsum's crawling all around Vil's chair, studying it from different angles…" Rook says.

This has Epel worried, "Oh, no. Vil's gonna get mad if the Tsum climbs onto his chair…"

"Worry not. There, you see? He's changed locations," Rook says.

And Rook is right, the Tsum leaves the chair and looks up to see the chandelier.

"Now the tsum's staring up at the chandelier…" Epel says, confused, "What's he doing?"

"Since Monsieur Tsum doesn't communicate verbally, I must draw conjecture from his movements… But I believe he's admiring its artistry." Rook says, "

"...Huh?" Epel replies, confused.

"Can you not envision it when you look at him?" Rook replies, "A person walking through an art museum, gazing upon the paintings and sculptures…"

"All I see is a Tsum whipping this way and that out of mere curiosity…" Epel replies.

"Truly? Well, I sense his awe and joy at beholding a thing of beauty," Rook replies.

Then the Tsum hops and crawls around to another piece of art, furniture, and other detail areas..

Rook then asks, "Monsieur Tsum, are you admiring Pomefiore's aesthetics?"

The Rook Tsum hops up and down in response.

"Whoa, looks like you were right…" Epel says in surprise.

"Marvelous! I knew we were on a similar wavelength," Rook says with a smile, "There's much more to see outside the lounge. Come, allow me to show you around."

And with that, he and the Tsum take their leave.

"There they go…" Epel replies, a bit dumbfounded, "How did Rook and his Tsum hit it off so well? It's behaving for now, but if it takes after Rook…"

Sometimes, Rook takes his Tsum to the Hallway, and shows him around.

"That covers just about everything essential within Pomefiore. I have one last special place to show you, though," Rook says.

The Tsum nods in response.

Rook giggles, "Heh heh, I'm sure you'll love it. After all, it's somewhere you can gaze upon a special beauty indeed…"

Meanwhile, in Vil's room, the housewarden is doing his usual routines.

And soon, Rook knocks on the door and walks into the room, "Pardon moi, coming in."

Vil turns to see Rook, "What is it, Rook?" and becomes a bit surprised to see the Tsum, "Ah…"

The Rook Tsum shakes in excitement and hops eagerly, and towards Vil.

"I see you're accompanied by one of the Tsums that showed up last night," Vil says, and asks, "Why is it staring at my face...?

Rook giggles, "Heh heh, I knew it."

"Knew what?" Vil replies, confused.