Chapter 43
“Was there always a lake in here ?” Kalim asked while crossing the bridge.
“It must've been added recently." Jamil said.
Rook knocked on the door a few seconds later it opened on its own.
They found Grim at the front door.
“Bonjour, Grim. We shall be availing ourselves of your hospitality for the next four weeks. Thank you for having us.” Rook said. “Where is Mademoiselle Roxana ?”
“Taking care of poisonous plants.” Gril responded.
Vil frowned. “It’s so gloomy in here.”
“It’s like a second Diasomnia.” Kalim said.
“Hello...” Epel said.
“Wow, the ceilings are so high in here, I could ride without hitting my head if I tried to ride my magic carpet around !”
“Flying indoors is prohibited.” Roxana said suddenly appearing in the room. “Maybe I should add more rules in this dorm, honestly…”
“Please don’t.” Grim said.
Jamil sighed. “Roxana you’re here, would you mind letting me share Kalim's room or take a room adjacent to his? Not that am saying that this dorm isn’t secure but compared to Scarabia—”
“Trust me assassins have more chance in killing Kalim at Scarabia than in Slytherin, this dorm is a living death traps to unwelcomed guests, just ask Jade what happened to him last time he was here.” Roxana said.
Grim looked at Jamil dead in the eyes. “He got petrified and so did other Octavinelle students.”
Jamil looked at him. “What ?”
“Yep, and it was kept in silence.” Grim said.
Kalim hit Jamil’s arm playfully. “You're so paranoid, Jamil. We haven't had a single assassination attempt on campus since I enrolled.”
Jamil rolled his eyes. “It's not you I'm worried about; it's me if anything happens to you. Just because you were safe yesterday doesn't mean you'll be safe today.”
“Hey, guys!” Ace said as he entered followed by Deuce.
“Thanks for having us, Roxana !” Deuce said while carrying boxes. “Here, these are from Trey.”
“Hmm, yes make yourself at home, I will return to my business now.” Roxana said while walking out to return to the garden.
Grim sniffed. “Ooh, what's in the boxes? I smell a sweet treat!”
Ace grinned. “It's a homemade chocolate cake and some apple pie, courtesy of Trey. He said if we were imposing on another dorm's hospitality, we should at least bring gifts. What is he, our mom? We can split it with everybody later.”
“Myah hah! You can always count on Mr. Shrewd Specs to do the thoughtful thing.” Grim was overjoyed.
Vil took the boxes quite rudely too. “I'm afraid I'll have to confiscate those gifts.”
“What?! Why?!” Grim cried disappointed.
“Gracious. Trey never changes, does he?” Vil sneered. “He's the type of man one must truly watch himself around—the kind who spoils people rotten under the guise of knowing what's best.”
“Are you gonna make up some nonsense about rules and throw out perfectly good food like Riddle?!” Grim frowned. “Because I got some choice words for anybody that lets food go to waste!”
“Pardon? I never said anything about throwing it out.” Vil said. “Anyway, all of you are to take your luggage and gather in the lounge. I have an important matter to discuss before we start.”
*Slytherin Dorm – Lounge*
“So, Vil. What did you want to talk about?” Kalim asked.
Vil crossed his arm. “I want all of you to open your luggage and show it to me.”
“Wait, what? Shouldn't we wait until we get to our rooms to unpack?” Ace asked.
“Just do as I say.” Vil frowned at them.
*Rummage*
“...I knew it. Potato One and Two—would you care to explain these stashes of junk food and carbonated beverages?” Vil said while pointing at the junk food. “I see cookies, sugary candy, and chocolate bars.”
“Sometimes I need a midnight snack.” Deuce pouted.
“Since we're staying together for training camp, I thought it'd be nice to share some with Roxana and the others.”
“And Kalim—containers of food comprise over half your luggage!” Vil said half-scandalized and half-chastising the white haired teenager.
Kalim grinned proud of himself not noticing Vil’s tone of voice. “Yup! These are fried dough balls and a pastry called kanafeh. I had Jamil make them for me. They go great with nuts, cheese, and cream on top. I was going to share them with the group!”
“Jamil, you didn't pack any food, but what is this large cloth bundle?” Vil asked.
“It's a set of potions and medicinal herbs, so that I can formulate antidotes in the event of an emergency.” Jamil said. “I'm sure you've got that covered with your mastery of potionology, but one can never be too careful with these things.”
“That seems a bit...morbid. But no matter, I suppose.” Vil decided to ignore that. “Epel, I trust that you knew better than to bring any candy?”
“Um... Y-yes, sir. But...” Epel stuttered a bit. “I did bring a small snack. Dried apple chips. I made them myself.”
Vil nodded. “Nuts and dried fruits are acceptable in moderation. Lastly, Rook... I trust you. Really, I do. But your luggage consists of a single photo album—a thick tome, at that. Care to explain?”
“Haha. This is but a record of my life's work. I prefer to keep it close.” Rook laughed. “It's a bit private. Opening it in front of everyone would be quite embarrassing...”
Vil left it alone. “I beg your pardon, then. Far be it from me to impinge upon someone else's privacy. Now then, with that out of the way... I hereby confiscate every sugar- and flour-based snack and drink present!”
“WHAAAT?!” They all screamed.
Kalim looked disappointed. “But why? They're not poisoned, you know.”
Vil frowned. “Again with the ghastly suggestions from the Scarabia duo! That is completely irrelevant here. What do you think this training camp is for? Your minds and bodies must all be polished to a mirror sheen for VDC. And mirrors must be unclouded, devoid of blemishes. Monosaccharides and oligosaccharides contribute to lethargy, while fats and spices can incite acne breakouts. For the next four weeks, from now until the show, I am banning all snacks that detract from an optimum nutritional intake!”
“What?!” Kalim cried.
“Don't worry, though. I've come up with a set of meals high in vitamins and proteins. I'll ensure that all of you have plenty of energy.” Vil said.
Ace protested. “Are you kidding? I'm a growing boy, y'know.”
Vil crossed his arms. “Is that a fact? I grew to 183 centimeters without any late-night snacking. What matters most for growth is a balanced diet and proper sleep. It is certainly not about snacking your way to an uneven complexion. Do try to remember the difference.”
“Maaan... Are you for real?” Ace sighed disappointed.
“Hey. You're not gonna stop US from eating' that stuff, right? We're not even in the group.” Grim said.
Vil scoffed. “You're free to do as you wish but do try not to eat them in the presence of our group. That would only add to their stress.”
Epel just looked at him.
The door opened and Roxana looked at them with a frown baskets full of herbs floating behind her.
“What is going on in here ? I can hear you screaming from outside.” Roxana frowned.
“Vil is banning all the snacks—” Ace pouted.
“And that’s worth a scream about ?” Roxana raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t want to be on a diet !” Ace complained.
“Hahahaha! This won't be so bad, really.” Rook smiled. “Vil isn't going to be putting any of you on hard diets. He simply believes that eating right is a vital part of getting you all into competitive shape in the most efficient manner possible.”
Roxana looked at Rook. “He isn’t wrong in a way.”
“N-no kidding. People who aim for the top really are serious about this stuff, huh?” Deuce looked surprised.
Vil scoffed. “Heh. You think THIS is serious business? Please. I am only laying down a foundation. Now, all of you put your things in your rooms and come back down. We're starting rehearsals right away.” His phone rang. “Hm? My manager's calling. It had better be urgent.”
Vil went to a corner and after a few words here and there it got into a bit of a heated argument before he hang up.
Oho ? Interesting. Roxana smiled for a second before she frowned. I don’t think it’s normal for an actor to always play the role of a villain, it’s good to change script from time to time…sure some actors are perfect for the villain role but always being the villain gets annoying after a time.
“Is everything okay? I hope that wasn't bad news.” Kalim said with a worried look on his face.
“Oh, nothing so dire. Now, it's time to start our rehearsal.” Vil said avoiding the conversation.
Rook looked at him with pity.
Roxana looked at Rook and Vil for a moment before she groaned. “Oh great, Snow White…” She sighed. “Vil.”
Vil looked at her annoyed. “Yes ?”
“I have a dancing room you can use, it’s in the fifth floor, follow me.”
The boys followed Roxana and stopped at the scene in front of them.
“Woah ! Moving stairs !” Kalim grinned.
“Be careful the stairs always move so we need to time things.” Roxana said as pair of stairs stopped in front of her.
She didn’t waste time and walked up the others followed, they changed stairs two more times before they reached the fifth floor.
“Also, there’s an elevator that you can use to get to the floors.” Roxana said.
“Couldn’t we use that at the start !” Vil glared while they all followed her down the hallway.
The witch smirked at him. “Where’s the fun in that ?” She opened a door, the room was very big, even bigger than Pomefiore’s own ballroom. “You can use it as much as you want, there’s a changing room at the right with showers, I will leave the rest for you Vil.”
The boy went into the changing room and returned wearing their P.E Uniform.
Roxana was scandalized when she saw the shoes Vil had on.
“Vil are you seriously wearing those shoes with that kind of outfit ?” Roxana asked.
“What’s the problem with it ?!” Vil frowned.
Roxana gave him a blank look. “It’s hideous, white doesn’t go with those colors.” She said before she proceeded to ignore him by drinking her tea.
Everyone looked at each other feeling the thick atmosphere between the two and started to speak to each other while Epel bit his lip to not laugh.
Vil wanted to explode but he took a deep breath and calmed down.
*Clap clap!*
“Come join me once you're done with your calisthenics.” Vil said. “The song we'll be presenting at the Vocal & Dance Championship is now ready for us.
“Oh, so it's an original song?” Jamil asked. “Pretty impressive for a school music presentation.”
“Composing original tracks for the SDC has been the norm for several years now. Let me be clear about this undertaking. The VDC is not a beauty contest or fashion show.” Vil said. “Scores are based on singing ability, dancing skill, and the degree to which a given song befits its performers.”
Deuce scratched the back of his head. “That criteria's...kind of vague.”
Vil proceeded to explain. “Look at it this way: you know how some people look odd or uncomfortable in certain clothing? It would negatively impact a group's score to select a song poorly suited to its members' vocal capabilities or general image. Imagine elementary schoolers performing gritty blues or heavy metal. No matter how good at singing they might be, the choice of song would inevitably clash with their aesthetics and vocal stylings. Selecting the perfect song for our group is critical to clicking with our audience.”
“Ah, yes. The audience votes on the finalists, don't they?” Jamil said.
Vil nodded. “Correct. Winners and losers at the VDC are decided by popular vote. Each audience member, staff member, and entrant gets to cast one vote for their winning team.”
“They let the entrants weigh in too? Wouldn't everyone just pick themselves, then?” Kalim asked. “Everybody thinks they're number one! At least, I figure they would...”
“Amateurs may think that way. You would be surprised, though.” Vil said. “Sometimes, the more capable you become, the harder it gets to endorse yourself. Sometimes, when you see a performance, all it takes is an instant to think, "That's an act I could never follow." Once you have that knowledge, lying to yourself about your worthiness becomes a sad thing indeed.”
“I think I know what you mean, at least a bit.” Jamil said finally understanding what Vil tried to say.
“Lying to yourself...” Epel mumbled to himself.
“That's why I strive my hardest to ensure that I can vote for myself with a clean conscience. Which brings us to the original song I had commissioned for us.” Vil said.
“Seeing you in side profile, gaze fixed upon the heavens above... So radiant, Vil! So inspiring!” Rook complimented. “Might we hear the song now?”
“Of course. Well, Manager?” Vil said manager like it was poison. “Would you mind pressing play on the audio player?”
“Don’t call me manager it’s disgusting !” Roxana glared before she started the song.
*BWIP*
“Whoa, this is the real deal!” Ace said while listening to the music.
Kalim agreed. “I like the rhythm! This is nice.”
“Would this fall under the electronic dance music genre?” Jamil said while listening. “If we're dancing to this, would we want to go with urban hip-hop? No, maybe hip-hop jazz?”
“I'm thinking urban hip-hop as a base, with touches of jazz, breakdancing, and voguing. We'll have three main vocalists. The rest of us will primarily focus on backup chorus and dancing.” Vil said.
Kalim pouted. “Aw, we're not all singing together?”
“Without a solid grounding in choral music, it would just sound like a cacophony. We're not going to get all seven of us on the same singing level in a month. Thus, it makes the most sense to devise idiosyncratic focal points based on our respective proficiencies.” Vil said.
Deuce was lost. “I-I don't know what half of these words mean...”
“Dude. Me neither.” Grim said.