Twisted Wonderland Book 5: A Beauitful Tyrant

Chapter 36: A Show of Defiance

A few days later...

In the Pomefiore Dorm Ballroom, the training camp continues. As of now, the group is continuing their singing and combining it with the dance routine. Epel is practicing with his vocals.

POMEFIORE DORM - BALLROOM

Epel:

itsuka ringo no yoona aka kuchiteku

(Like the red of an apple, it will one day rot away

dare mo koerarenai

(No one can surpass this)

Suddenly, Vil says with a frustrated tone, "Ugh! No, no, no! Stop the music."

"What's the matter, Vil?" Rook asks.

Vil sternly says, "EPEL.

"Y-yessir!" Epel says, surprised.

Meanwhile, Briar and the others watch Epel getting another earful from Vil,.

"Hoo boy, Epel's gonna get another tongue-lashing. I feel bad for the guy after watching this play out every day," Ace says.

"He's on main vocals, so I'm sure Vil expects a lot out of him, but still..." Deuce says.

"I have to agree. I know that Epel is one of the main vocalists and Vil expects a lot from him, but Epel is trying the hardest he can," Briar says.

"Every time I hear 'stop the music,' my first instinct is to cower with my tail between my legs," Grim says.

"And then someone ends up getting scolded for someone, especially for Epel," Jasper says.

"I feel bad for him," Sereia sadly says.

"But there isn't anything we can do about it," Tanzanite says, concerned.

Trinket sadly nods her head, agreeing with Tanzanite.

Vil continues with his stern criticism, "Have you learned nothing from your ballet lessons? I told you to throw out your antiquated notions. I said nothing about acting so halfhearted! Don't just sing the words without thinking about what they mean. This song is more than mere lip service."

"But this is the most 'charming' I can sound..." Epel says.

But Vil says, "Being charming is another matter entirely. Do you think that will be enough to take Neige down? Now, take it from the top!"

"...Nnngh! I don't..." Epel says, sounding upset.

He then shouts in anger, "I don't WANNA be cute!"

That catches everyone by surprise, especially how his attitude changed suddenly.

"Excuse me?" Vil questions.

Upsetly, Epel continues, "I never wanted to be in Pomefiore to start with. And I don't wanna compete in the SDC, neither! I didn't come to Night Raven College to sing and dance! I came here to get stronger! I don't wanna be some dainty little flower. I wanna be BIG! And STRONG! And TOUGH!"

"Unbelievable. Most of us grow out of temper tantrums by the time we're three," Vil says, "You speak of being 'charming' and being 'strong' as though the two are mutually exclusive... when in fact both of them are equally valid forms of power. As long as you fail to make that distinction, you will never be a match for me."

Then Epel shouts at Vil, "Oh, get off your high horse! I'm done with this. I'm out. I'm quittin' the team!"

"What?!" Ace, Deuce, and Kalim say in shock.

Vil scoffs, "Hmph. Is that a fact? Very well. I believe it's time for the usual, then."

"Did he say, usual?" Tanzanite asks.

Briar soon walks over, "Vil. Epel. You both need to stop, there's no need to start a fight!"

However, Rook stops her before she can break it up, " Don't worry, Roi des Harmony. This isn't a fight."

"It's not?" Jamil questions, "Looks like sparks are flying to me."

"Just observe," Rook says.

Then Vil says, "Go on, Epel. Get out your magical pen."

"Today is the day I put you in your place!" Epel says and brings out his magepen.

Deuce says in shock, "Uh, this is TOTALLY a fight!"

"Do you think we should stop them?" Sereia asks, very worried.

"Not to worry, Roi de Sea Bunny, everything will be okay," Rook says.

"Um okay," Sereia says, concern.

Then grows confused, "Um wait, Sea Bunny?"

"I think he means you," Jasper points out.

Sereia is confused to hear that, but more concern about a fight is about to break out.