A Fox Surrounded in Darkness (Twisted Wonderland x Encanto f!reader)

Chapter 75

3rd POV...

⦓Pomefiore- Ballroom⦔

Vil looks over the group after the dance choreography video. "All right, it's time for rehearsal. But first... I will announce the main vocalists and backup dances. 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!" Kalim smiles and pats Jamil on the back. "Nice going, Jamil!"

"You want me on main vocals," Jamil questions Vil's choice.

"Yes," Vil shoots a look at Jamil. "Do you have a problem with that?"

"Oh, far from it," Jamil grimaces. "I just think Kalim would be more suited for... ...You know what? Nevermind. I'm on it. I'll endeavor to meet all of your expectations."

"Um, if I may?" Epel weakly speaks up. "I don't think I'm cut out for this. I think, maybe...someone else would be a better pick."

Vil lets out a curt laugh at Epel's hesitance. "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 backs down, accepting his role as a main vocalist.

"Epel...?" Deuce looks over at Epel, only for the male to shake his head and Deuce's attention gets taken by his redhead dormmate who slumps against him.

"Aw, man," Ace has a slightly whiny tone. "I got bumped outta main vocals..."

"But if you keep working, you might rise up and win it back, right?" Kalim tries to cheer Ace up. "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 praises Kalim, smiling brightly.

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

"Let's be clear—" Vil brings the group's attention back to himself. "—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." Vil has Grim play an instrumental version of the song the group was going to use, the group watching Vil's routine.

⦕Small time skip...⦖

Vil had the group demonstrate how well they took in his routine, helping them along the way. "Strike a pose. Now step, two, three, four. Get down, two, three... Stop, stop! You're completely off-base, Spudling Two."

"Is Spudling Two...me?" Deuce points to himself.

"Who else would it be?" Vil looks at Deuce.

"Yeah, I'm number one, apparently," Ace mutters.

"You're too focused on your hands," Vil tells Deuce. "You're completely neglecting your feet. And all of your motions are stiff as a board. Do you have a two-by-four tied to your back?"

"S-sorry," Deuce apologizes.

"You're not much better, Epel," Vil turns his attention to the first year. "You need flexibility for jazz hip-hop."