Twisted Wonderland - Port Fest: A Striking Performance

Chapter 1-8: Outright Pigheadedness

The next day...

At the school's main street.

Rook says with a smile, "Monsieur Fier-à-bras, Monsieur Dent-de- Lion—bonjour!"

Walking over are Jack, Ruggie, and Leona.

"Morning, Rook," Ruggie says.

"Yeah, good morning..." Jack says and lets out a yawn. He then apologizes, "Agh, sorry! That was rude of me!"

"Mais non, think nothing of it. You do seem rather drowsy, however," Rook says, "I suppose we did practice until quite late last night...And am I right in thinking that after we parted ways, you continued to practice on your own? Just how late did you stay up?"

"I'd say he was at it 'til morning," Ruggie answers.

This has Rook surprised, Truly?! You mean you did not sleep?"

"Nah," Jack says, "Turns out Floyd saying he'd teach me to play was a lie. The only 'teaching' he did was tell me to 'blow into the flute,' among other gems. We'd hardly done anything before he got bored and went back to his dorm! So all I could do was head back and try to figure it out myself. I was practicing 'til just a little while ago. I can't quite make my lips stay in the correct position, so I can't get the right kind of sound..."

"Man, and you usually turn in so early. You gotta make sure you don't fall asleep during class today," Ruggie says.

"I would never do that! Class is important!" Jack says

"So, how'd it go?" Ruggie asks, "Since you practiced all night, does that mean you're a flute wizard now?"

"...No," Jack answers.

"Thought as much," Ruggie says.

Then Jack says, "We've still got time. I'm gonna get the hang of the basics, even if it's just a little! Let's all meet up today after class and practice some more!"

"Oui! I shall inform Monsieur Spontané, "Rook says.

Then Ruggie asks, "...You think he's even gonna come? He's practically a maestro, so he doesn't really need to practice with us."

"Quite. I am loath to say so, but we are the ones holding him back," Rook says.

And Jack says, "All the more reason we've gotta crush some practice, so we can master the basics!" sounding determined.

"Okay, but do you think 'the basics' are gonna cut it for the grand finale at the festival?" Ruggie says, "I can picture it now. The burning shame, the storm of boos, people demanding their money back... I'll take a pass on all that. No one else seems to wanna say it, so I will: I think we should quit. Everyone would be way better off if some actual musicians took our places. I'm sure the Pop Music Club would love to do it. ...Well, it'd still probably be a train wreck with those guys, but even so."

"That's a nonstarter," Jack says, "The headmage specifically asked us to do this, so we need to do it, even if we're awful."

"But if we do, the concert will be a guaranteed flop," Ruggie says, "There are some things you just can't do, even if you bust your butt. And I think we're in that kind of situation, don't you?"

Jack shouts, "No! We'll be able to play if we just apply ourselves!"

"Y'know, some might confuse your relentless go- getter attitude for outright pigheadedness!" Ruggie says.

Jack glares at Ruggie, "Don't you think YOU'RE the one being stubborn and giving up too soon?"

"Never thought I'd hear you talk to me like that," Ruggie replies.