In Bloom (Twisted Wonderland x OC)

51: Ugly Truth

Although it was only a practice performance, the NRC tribe were nothing short of perfection. Their movements were perfectly synchronized and executed. Their facial expressions and timing were on point. I almost mistakened them for professional performers.

As the group reviewed their routine, Royal Sword Academy was asked to be on stand-by.

"Why don't we see what they have prepared?" I suggested.

Vil countered, "No, we need to over the footage and make any last minute tweaks first."

"Now, now, Roi de Poison. Seeing what our rivals are capable of is also an important part of competition," Rook spoke, "Let's take Reine de Sorciere's suggestion."

Vil nodded, "Alright, fair point."

With the NRC group on the audience stands, we saw as Neige LeBlanche and seven dwarves assumed their positions on the stage.

I expected our competition to perform some upbeat original song accompanied by a complex choreography. Instead, Royal Sword Academy created a remix of a traditional nursery rhyme from the Land of Pyroxene.

The NRC tribe's confidence boosted as they watched the overly simplistic choreography and lack of synchronization. They were sure they would be the ones to bring home the gold.

All except one person.

Vil stood as still as a stone statue and muttered, "We're done for."

Confused at his worry, I took another look at the stage and noticed the cameramen and reporters. They were all bobbing their heads to the tune and smiling at Royal Sword Academy's performance. Some were even clapping and singing along with the group. They were completely charmed by Neige.

After our opponents finished their number, I glanced again Vil, who lost all color from his face. I called out his name a couple of times, but it seemed his mind was elsewhere.

I tapped him on the shoulder, which brought him back to reality, "Hey, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. There's nothing of value to be found watching them frolic around," Vil rose from his seat, "I'm going to head back to the green room. Feel free to do as you wish until it's time to perform."

As soon as Vil walked past me, a shiver traveled down my spine.

"Cassie, you okay?" Grim tapped  my leg, "Are you hungry?"

"I'm alright, I'm just a little cold," I lied.

"Now that you mention it, I'm getting a little hungry, too. Wanna go grab a bite before we perform?" Deuce suggested, to which Epel and Ace gladly agreed.

With those three gone, I looked to Rook, Jamil, and Kalim, who all wore the same concerned expressions as I did. There was no need for me to ask the source of their worries.

"I'll handle, Vil," I told the trio.

Grim grabbed on to my leg, "Are you nuts?! You can't go by yourself."

"I'll be fine," I looked to the NRC group, "I can stall Vil long enough for you all to evacuate everyone."

Although I did not intend for things to escalate that far, I would not make room for risks.

"Reine de Sorciere, what are you expecting to happen?" Rook asked.

I replied, "Right now, the worst."

The group did not ask me any further questions. They all gave one nod of affirmation and spread out.

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