In Bloom (Twisted Wonderland x OC)

42: Training Camp Starts

Grim was extremely displeased when he learned about the incoming visitors and the length of their stay, but he quickly changed his attitude once I mentioned the prize money involved.

Upon the arrival of the NRC tribe, they were all genuinely surprised at the cleanliness of the dorm. Vil was taken aback when I revealed I was the one responsible for the repairs and renovations. Rook and Kalim took an interest in the crystals I had laid out throughout the dorm. I made sure to have more rose quartz and clear quartz crystals than usual to ensure positive energy for the duration of their stay.

Jamil approached me, "Cassie, if possible, could my room be beside Kalim's? I'm not certain about your security compared to Scarabia's."

"Jamil, you're such a worrywart," Kalim chuckled, "Everything's going to be fine."

"There's a protective ward around the dorm. If something sets it off, I will know," I explained, "Plus, nothing gets past the ghosts," I shouted out to the ceiling, "Guys! Come say hello!" On cue, the three ghosts floated down from the ceiling, taking my guests by surprise.

"So, it is true," Epel spoke, "That you live with ghosts."

I introduced them, "Gentlemen, these are Ramiel, Daniel, and Gabriel. They help me keep an eye on the dorm and with anything else I need. Don't hesitate to ask them for help."

After I introduced each guest, the ghostly trio bid farewell and floated back up to the ceiling.

"Cassie, we brought you something," Ace handed me an apple pie Trey made, but Vil confiscated it before I could accept it.

"People who waste good food are my worst enemies," Grim grumbled.

"I never said I would throw it away. Until VDC is over, sweets are not allowed," Vil turned to me, "Could you show us to our rooms?"

While the boys finished getting settled in their rooms, I began to set up the dinner table. A mixture of various roasted vegetables, mushrooms sautéed with garlic and lemon, raw cabbage salad, and baked whole chicken with fresh herbs were the items for tonight's menu.

"This is the saddest looking meal I've ever seen," Grim examined the spread on the table, disappointment visible in his face, "Where's the good stuff?"

"The good stuff?" I began to lay out the plates and utensils.

"Y'know exactly what I'm talking about, Cassie. Where's the homemade pasta? The risotto? There aren't even any potatoes!"

Before their arrival, Vil messaged me an extensive explanation on his expectations for the meals to be provided at the training camp. In summary, the majority of dishes I made on a regular basis were not allowed. He wanted to prevent anyone from feeling sluggish or their skin from breaking out by eating things with flour and sugar. According to Rook, Vil wanted to 'bring out the most beautiful version of ourselves starting with the things we ate.'

Vil was kind enough to offer himself and Rook to assist me in cooking, but I did not want to allow someone else into my domain of expertise.

I just finished setting up when the group arrived to the dining room.

"This looks magnifique!" Rook looked at the dining table, "Thank you for the meal."

"My pleasure," I told Rook with a smile before I noticed Jamil carefully examining all of the food, "It's not poisoned," I consoled him, "The only herbs I used were oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, and rosemary," I looked around the group and noticed one person missing, "Is Vil not coming for dinner?"

"I think he's in his room," Kalim said, "He could still be unpacking."

I took off my apron and headed upstairs, "I'll go get him. Go ahead and help yourselves."