Twisted Wonderland Book 5: A Beauitful Tyrant

Chapter 26: Group Role Assignment

Sometime later at the Ramshackle Dorm, Vil brings out his phone.

He looks at his phone and says, "Mira, Mira. Tell me something."

"What would you like me to look up?" Mira asks from the phone.

Then Vil asks, "Who, at this moment, is the most beautiful of all?"

"Displaying results for "account with the most comments using the word 'beautiful': Neige LeBlanche," Mira answers.

Vil remains silent after hearing the answer.

Then Mira asks, "Would you like to view search results in your browser?"

"Just you wait, Neige..." Vil says, determined and sounding bitter, "You won't be resting on your laurels for much longer."

Sometime later in the Pomefiore dorm ballroom, the rehearsal with the new song and dance routine are about to take place.

Vil announces, "All right, it's time for rehearsal. But first... I will announce the main vocalists and backup dancers. I personally made these selections based on a review of your performance at auditions. In the event that any of you improve between now and showtime, we may make some alterations to the lineup. So if you weren't selected for main vocals, you should consider those positions up for grabs. First, the main vocalists will be Jamil, Epel, and myself."

"Oh, wow! Nice going, Jamil!" Kalim happily says.

Shocked, Jamil asks. "You want ME on main vocals?"

"Yes," Vil answers, "Do you have a problem with that?"

"Oh, far from it. I just think Kalim would be more suited for..." Jamil begins to explain.

But soon says, "...You know what? Never mind. I'm on it. I'll endeavor to meet all of your expectations."

"Um, if I may? I don't think I'm cut out for this. I think, maybe...someone else would be a better pick," Epel says, sounding very unsure.

But Vil sternly says to him, "You don't get a say in the matter. Have you forgotten the agreement we made when you enrolled? I need you to be the poison apple that brings him down."

"...Yes, sir," Epel says, sounding very reluctant.

"Epel...?" Deuce says, confused and concerned.

Briar and the others think the same.

"Poison apple? What does that mean?" Sereia asks.

"And what does Vil mean by 'bring him down'? Bring who down, now?" Tanzanite adds.

Briar then arches her eyebrow with a suspicious look and stares at Vil. For a split second, Briar could have sworn she sees a negative energy appearing about Vil's body.

Her thoughts cut off when Ace says, disappointed, "Aw, man. I got bumped outta main vocals..."

"But if you keep working, you might rise up and win it back, right?" Kalim says, and soon gets excited, "Ooh, this is gonna be great! Looks like the rest of us are in the backup chorus and dance team. Let's give our lead singers a run for their money!"

"Excellent, Roi Doré! Your positivity brightens the team like the warming rays of a radiant sun," Rook happily says.

"We have to make the dancing and singing fun for both the performers and the viewers," Kalim says.

Then Vil says, "Let's be clear—despite the word 'main,' the main vocalists are not the stars, nor are the chorus members mere supporting characters. You should ALL consider yourselves stars in this ensemble, and treat your job accordingly. Now that you all have your assignments, we can begin rehearsing in earnest. Pay close attention to my movements and try to emulate them."

And with that, everyone begins to practice the dance routine, and follow Vil's lead. Briar and the others watch as Vil and the boys begin to perform the routine. Briar also continues to think on what she should do for hers, and hopes to come up with an idea soon.