In Bloom (Twisted Wonderland x OC)

45: A Change of Heart

"First you skip our afternoon lessons, then leave school grounds without permission and get into a fight with citizens?" Vil scolded Epel and Deuce, "What would you have done if we were disqualified from VDC based on your actions?"

As promised, Deuce returned later in the evening with Epel and a story.

After he forcibly borrowed a magical wheel developed by Ignihyde, Deuce took Epel to the beach a few miles away from school grounds. There, he learned more about Epel's frustrations and the root of his rivalry with Vil.

At his entrance ceremony at the beginning of the school year, Epel made a critical mistake: he picked a fight with Vil.

He was always perceived as weak for being physically smaller and having a softer complexion compared to the other boys in his hometown. The only way someone was considered "strong" was to be buff and burly. To prevent himself from being bullied, Epel ensured from the get go that he would not be looked down upon. Unfortunately for him, his plan completely back fired.

Because Epel failed to defeat Vil, he now had to follow his orders. However, if Epel managed to beat Vil one day, he could act however he pleased. That day had yet to arrive.

As they were about to head back, a group of citizens walking around the beach got curious about the magical wheel. Although Deuce tried to explain to them the vehicle should not be touched, the citizens persisted in their behavior. They then took it one step further to poke fun at Epel for having a girly appearance.

Epel thought to use his cuteness to his advantage to get the citizens to leave them be, but it only made matters worse. One of the citizens proceeded to using magical attacks on the two students. While he protected himself and Epel, Deuce urged for Epel to return to campus and get help from the teachers, but Epel refused to leave his side.

Once Deuce was completely worn out, the citizen  then decided to name Epel as their next target.

At the sight, Deuce's magic increased exponentially and caused the citizen group to collapse, allowing for him and Epel to make a swift getaway back to the school.

"They acted in self defense," I advocated for the two, "No one was critically injured and it seems they were the only ones at the beach."

Vil nodded, "I'll let this matter slide, but do not be so irresponsible in the future."

"I'm really sorry for the trouble I caused," Deuce said, "I was the one who brought Epel off the grounds. Let me take the punishment."

Epel stepped up, "No, I'm the one at fault. I was the one who ran out first. If I hadn't done that, Deuce wouldn't have had to come after me, but Vil...I think I finally understand...the power you mentioned."

Vil's interest piqued, "How so?"

While he and Deuce were at the beach, Epel received a phone call from his family in the Village of Harvest. Because of one post of MagiCam from Vil, incoming orders for their apple juice were going through the roof.

Epel knew this was something only Vil could pull off and realized this is what he meant about the power beauty held.

Vil began, "The power that overwhelms others without the need for actions or words is 'beauty.' I have worked hard to maintain mine, but you were born with it. It's your choice whether you want to keep this power or abandon it."

"Yes," Epel's said with determination, "I'll become stronger too and I'll defeat both you and Neige one day."

"Well said," Vil replied with satisfaction.

"I think they've done well reflecting on themselves, Roi de Poison. You should forgive them," Rook said.

"Indeed, it's meaningless if I keep yelling at them. Don't make the same mistake again."

"Yes, sir!" Deuce and Epel enthusiastically replied.

"Since the both of you have so much energy left, run 30 laps outside the dorm before heading back for dinner."

With an affirmative nod from each, the two began their laps.

Deuce approached the other Heartslabyul student, "Hey, Ace."

"Are you going to apologize for what you did?" Ace folded his arms.

"As if. It's just like you said, I'm stupid and tactless, but I will not lose to you," with those as his last words, Deuce bolted to continue his laps.

"What kind of declaration is that? There's no way I'm going to lose to that naïve idiot," Ace turned to me, "What do you think, Cassie?"

I backed away, "I think I heard Vil and Rook calling me."

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Vil and I were reviewing our notes after dinner when Deuce and Epel returned to Ramshackle Dorm, their 30 laps completed.

Once the two finished eating, Deuce stood by the doorway, "Cassie, can I talk to you for a moment? Alone?"

"I'll just be a moment," I told Vil before I left the lounge and led Deuce outside, the chill of the remnants of winter welcoming us.

"I thought about what you said, about my weaknesses being my strengths. I realized my biggest strength might just be how much of an idiot I am."

I was slightly confused, but intrigued by his approach, "But you were saying that was something you hated about yourself."

"Yes, but it means I can act quickly without overthinking things," he reasoned, "I can't consider a bunch of things at once, but I will chase down one goal, to whatever end."

"I'm really glad to hear that," a smile spread across my face.

Deuce wrapped his arms around my shoulders and pulled me towards him, "Thank you, Cassie. For always helping us through our troubles and still sticking by us."

I remember after Riddle overblotted and we were cleaning up the garden, Ace told me I would always find a home in Heartslabyul and they would be my brothers.

I hugged Deuce a little tighter, "You're my family. I would do anything for you all," after he let go I told him, "I still plan to give Ace the wooden spoon after he talked to you like that."

Deuce chuckled, "Are you going to give him a head start? He's not exactly the fastest at running."

"Let's see how he can use that weakness to his advantage, shall we?"

Back inside, Deuce decided to hit the sack while I intended to return to my review with Vil. However, when I came to the lounge, the Housewarden of Pomefiore was not there. Instead I found him in the kitchen searching through my cabinets.

"Don't worry," I consoled him, "No one has snuck in any sweets or-"

"You mentioned before a remedy with lotus root and ginger, correct? The one to prevent the vocal chords from being dried out."

I was surprised he remembered it, "You also need some more ingredients. Did you want to make it?"

He took out my small pot I use for tea, "I was hoping you could show me how to make it, Cassandra?"

I grabbed my apron and fixed my hair into a bun, "Please, call me 'Cassie.'"