-That weekend...First Day of training camp-

The end of the week arrived before I knew it. I kept fuming silently to myself how I fucked up by getting caught up in Crowley's "challenge". But if it's to ensure I perform, then what's the worst that could happen?

Damn it, I jinxed it. FUCK!

That morning, I tucked the hem of my jeans into my boots and fixed my sweater so it wasn't crooked. Whilst talking with Ophelia.

'I can't believe I have to work with that snot-nosed asshole for the next four weeks! What did I do to deserve this?!'

'Like Crowley said: actions have consequences. Can you blame him?'

'N....no, not really....?'

'He just wants to make things go as problem-less as possible because of this. Four weeks will be over before you know it!'

'Says you!' I walked out of my room to double check that the reserved rooms were dust free and tidy before the others arrived. 'This is gonna be a nightmare...'

'Have faith, Charlotte. At least Ace and Deuce will be there to make sure nothing goes wrong.'

'IF nothing goes wrong....' I waved my fingers and small sparkles floated around the doorknobs. Ribbons the same colors as the armbands appeared and were tied neatly. 'Hey, I need to ask you some things....'

'Go ahead.'

'The Grimoire said the next riddle will appear soon when the new year arrived, but there hasn't been any word from the book since...'

'It'll tell you when you're ready, child.'

'I'm just anxious to find the next artifact...It's likely when I find it, shit's gonna hit the fan...' I shook my head, returning to my room. 'And...I've kept hearing a voice calling out to me....it kept saying the name 'Astraea'....who even IS Astraea? And why do I keep hearing it??'

I didn't hear anything back for several seconds.

'Uh...Ophelia? You okay??' I bit my lip nervously.

'Ch-Charlotte....I didn't want you to know the truth...and I don't think I can hold it from you for long...'

'Tell me exactly? What are you-' But before she could answer, a loud knock sounded.

'We'll talk later!' She said frantically and cut her contact with me.

'D-Wait!' But she was already gone. Ugh! Guess it's gonna have to be awhile before answers are found.

Trying not to make the guys wait, I skip down the stairs and to the foyer, Grim at my heels. Once I got to the last step, the door opened and there were the guys.

"Bonjour, Madamemoiselle Charlotte! And Grim-kun." Rook was the first to greet me. "Starting from here, you are our only team of supportuntil the VDC arrives. Do your best!"

"I'm only doing this for the tuna. Besides that, we;ve no other choice." Grim said neutrally.

"Please, come in." I moved to the side and ushered them with a wave of my hand. One by one, everyone entered with their overnight bags in tow.

"Wow. It's more cleaner than I expected." Vil pursed his lips.

"Thank you for having us, Charlie." Epel bowed politely.

"Oh, it's got such low ceilings! Guess I can't use my flying carpet in here as much as I wished." Kalim smiles.

"Please don't do that..." I cringed, imagining the mess he could make in the dorm.

"Charlotte, sorry to intervene, but would it be okay if I stayed in the same room with Kalim?" Jamil asks. "Since we had to pass through the mirror chamber to get here, the security's here slim to none."

"Jamil, you're always fretting over me! Name one time I got attacked by an assassin when I entered here, huh?"

"It's not that I'm worried over you or anything. If something tragic occured, I'd be in a bad position as a servant. Maybe today was peaceful, but you never know what may happen the next day."

"Don't worry, I worked ahead and reserved one or two rooms for the two of you to stay close." I assured him and Jamil smiled thankfully.

"Good." He thanks as Ace and Deuce enter.

"Heyo!"

"Charlie, looks like we're being watched by you again." Deuce walks up to me, and presents a small clear plastic container with a back and red heart-shaped lid. "A gift from Trey-senpai."

"Why's it smell so sweet?" Grim asked.

"It's his signature chocolate cake and apple pie!" Ace answers. "He told us to bring a small housewarming gift since we'll be bunking in another place for a while, typical mom Trey...But we can eat it later with the others."

"Nyaha! As expected from the cunning spectacled being, he's so generous!"

"Well, tell him I said thanks when you get back!" I smiled.

"Sorry, but I'll be confiscating this." Vil intervenes.

"Fgnna?! But why?!"

"Ugh, Trey never changes...he's just the kind of person to spoil others, and someone we need to be careful around."

"Don't tell me you're gonna chuck them like Riddle did..." Grim sneers. "Yours Truly's not gonna let you off that easy!"

"Huh? What are you getting at? I never said I was throwing it away." Vil corrects the creature. "There's something I must announce before we begin training. Everyone, take your luggage and follow Charlotte to the lounge."

I led the guys into the lounge and we all took seats.

"So, Vil? What's up?" Kalim starts. "What did you wanna tell us?"

"Open your bags this instant." He replied coolly.

"Wha?! If we're doing that...shouldn't we open our bags when we're in our rooms?" Ace asks.

"Just do it." Vil pushed. Everyone relented and the bags were opened for all to see. Vil scanned the contents and puckered his lips more in disappointment.

"I knew it." He eyed Ace and Deuce. "Potatoes 1 and 2. What's with all the candy and soda? My word...there's even chocolate in here!"

"We get kind of famished at midnight." Deuce answered.

"Plus since we're all here, I was hoping to share with Charlie." Ace follows.

"And you Kalim, you've mostly containers of food." Vil turns to his fellow dorm leader.

"Course! Steamed buns and a knafeh Jamil prepped! It goes well with nuts, cheese and crackers! I was hoping to share as well!"

"Jamil never had food to begin with...but what's this?" Vil bends down to look closer. "Why's it all wrapped up?"

"I practice concocting detoxifying medicines with a travel-sized set with herbs and potions." He explains. "I know it's a bit unnecessary because you're a whiz at Alchemy, but I thought to bring it as backup."

"You make it sound shady...but I'll let this pass." Vil nods. " Epel, you didn't bring any food as well?"

"Uh.....I-I did....but...it's just dried apple chips hand made..." the first year shied away.

"That's acceptable as well. Just don't eat too much of that." Vil nodded. "And Rook, although I trust you, you've merely a thick album in your bag...what is it exactly?"

"It's merely my life's work! I've had it with me since the beginning! Although it's private work, I'd rather not reveal anything."

"Then, pardon me. I don't wish to expose whatever it is you're doing privately." Vil backs off and faces everyone altogether. "Well, now that that's done, I'm going to be confiscating your snacks and drinks that are nothing but pure sugar and carbohydrates!"

Kalim, Ace and Deuce lost their minds. "WHHAAAAAAAT?!"

"But why?! These don't have poison in them!" Kalim defended.

"Is poison all you can think about?! Really..." Vil rolled his eyes. "That's besides the fact. Why do you think this is a training camp in the first place?! You'll be training to be in perfect condition until the big day! There's only four weeks left. And these carbohydrates will become the source of your weight gain! Anything with fattening and spice can cause breakouts which I refuse to happen!"

Kalim was even more freaked out than before. "EH?!"

"But don't worry. I've already prepped a new list of food that's full of nutrition, high protein and low calorie. And will tighten up those unsightly bodylines."

"HUH?! But what about our growth spurts?!" Ace freaks.

"Unlike you, I'm perfectly strong at 183 cm and that's through not consuming stuff at night." Vil claps back. "The only vital things needed is to gain enough nutrition and sleep. If I let you all run amuck, you'll only end up abusing yourselves. If I were you, I'd do my best to remember that."

"Ugh...come on..." Ace hung his head in defeat.

"Well...Since we aren't a part of the team, is it okay if we take the food off your hands?" Grim asks.

"If you wish, just don't stress out the others by eating it in front of them." Vil answers.

"Right..." I nod skeptically, and took the confiscated food with me and carried it to the kitchen pushing them all away into a clean cupboard, rejoining the others after.

"It'll be okay! No need to worry. It's not like we're forcing you to control your diet for the rest of your lives." Rook stepped up. "From his view point, we only wish to watch over you and be the best of ourselves we can be."

"As expected for someone who wants to be ranked number one..." Deuce sighed. "You're seriously that persistent..."

"Heh, you call this 'persistance'? This is just level one." Vil snarked. "Now, take your things to your rooms and we'll begin immediately."

I guess that was my cue. "Okay, guys. I've marked out where your rooms'll be for the time being. Stay with me, because these halls can be a bit crazy no matter the time of day." The guys zipped their bags shut and followed me up the stairs. I heard a phone chime, and Vil looks at it. "Ah, a call from my manager...is this urgent?" He turns his back to us as we disappear to the next floor.

——————————

Once the last student had vanished upstairs, Vil took the call. "Adella? What is it?"

"Hello, Vil. Do you have a minute?" A female voice answered on the other end.

"I told you I'm trying to prepare for the VDC. Make it quick." Vil chided subtly.

"It's big news! A movie role was offered to you!" the woman answered. "It's a famous multi-million series! You've heard of 'Legendary Sword', right?"

"What?! THE 'Ledengdary Sword'?" A smile grew on his face. "I've seen their work before in the cinemas ages ago! Which role was offered?"

"The rival of the hero. The Crown prince of the enemy kingdom. A heartless being who also holds the face of the gods . He's been arranged to star in most of the scenes. This is your role, Vil!"

"Hold on..." Vil's voice grew a bit angered, his hand clenched tightly. "I got another role as a stereotypical beauteous Villain once again...? I specifically said I want you to reject this kind of casting!"

"But this is a big blockbuster! You can't turn it down!" Adella defended.

"If they mentioned my name without having me audition for it, I can only conclude they've already chosen the hero's role....I'll keep it in mind unless I know who the title character is being portrayed by."

"From the information I got, it's'....Neige LeBlanche." Adella informed.

"Him again..." Vil's knuckles started turning white.

"I know what you may be thinking, but just think of it as your second chance to make a jumpstart! You're being paid 300 million madol. You can try for a higher salary since you're a teen actor. We can aim higher if we discuss properly."

"I will not be swayed by money!" Vil grits his teeth. "No matter the amount, I'm not taking the part. My only wish...is to be on stage until the bitter end."

"Vil..."

"My primary objective is the VDC. Tell them I'm not interested."

"I know you're still focusing on your academics, but just keep it in mind-"

"That's enough!" Vil shouts. "I don't want any more contact until this thing has blown over!" He ends the call and grips it with a vice.

"You okay? Something eating ya?" Vil whirled around to see the others standing by the small staircase, looking at him with weird looks. Save for Rook, whose eyes held sympathy.

"It's just a trivial thing." Vil brushed off. "Let's start our lessons!" Vil waved them away to prepare, unaware of eyes watching him curiously.

———————————

The group made it to the ballroom in time. Charlie sat by the stereo and flipped through her classnotes for the time being, sketching something in the back pages, letting Vil drone on as Grim curled up by her side to watch.

"Gather here when you've completed the warmup exercises." Vil clasped his hands twice and the others gathered. "The music for the Vocal and Dance Championship is completed."

" 'Completed'? You mean...it's an original song?" Jamil deduced. "Pretty extra considering it's a school wide contest."

"It's common to produce an original song when it started years ago." Vil explains. "It's neither centered on beauty or fashion. It revolves around singing prowess and dance skill. And if the song you've chosen matches the team's style."

"Uh, I don't really follow....'a song that matches us'? What do you mean?" Deuce asks.

"Like clothes that show off your personality, we'll be deducted points if the song chosen differs from our style. Say, for example: an elementary school student sings the blues or heavy metal, despite the vocals, it'll seem off since their kind of voice doesn't particularly match the song's visual. To make sure all eyes stay on us, we must be sure that our song parallels well."

"Yea, adding on to that, the finalist is chosen through audience vote, right?"

"Yes. The VDC's winner is decided through the popular vote. The audience, performers and staff have the right to vote for the team...or soloist....that deserves the title."

"Performers as well? Then, can't we just vote for ourselves?" Kalim jumped in. "Everyone'll think of themselves as the best one."

"It's the amateur way of thinking. But there is always someone more worthy so there's chances you may not vote for yourselves." Vil closed his eyes. "It's something you'll see as it goes on. No matter how much you may lie to yourself, you'll start to see you were never a threat from the start."

"Yea....I know how that feels..." Jamil relents as he eyed Charlie out of the corner of his eye, having flashbacks to the brawl during the holiday break.

"Lying to yourself..." Epel whispers, thinking deeply.

"But with that, I only wish to do my best and vot for myself with zero fear." Vil stood taller. "And the song I've prepared is one of them."

"Seeing your ever so determined visage is such a spectacle to behold! So beaute, as always, Vil!" Rook sang. "Show us the song!"

"Of course." Vil looked over his shoulder. "Manager, start the song, please?"

But Charlie was too caught up in her own routine to hear him properly, since she started drawing something unconsciously. The picture of a crescent moon and sun-like star combined together.

Grim noticed her drifting off and tapped her knee with his paw to gain her attention.

"Huh?" she looked up and tilted her head curiously at the guys. "Are you talking to me?" she pointed at herself.

"Who else?" Vil creased his eyebrows down, "The headmaster asked for your support. So if you're going to reap your reward, you'll work for us."

"Don't tell me what to do"... 'Prima donna'. She scowled at his tone of voice and hit the play button on the stereo.

Then, something nearly reminiscent of K-pop started blasting through the room.

"Whoa, that's awesome!"

"It's got rhythm!" Kalim smiles as the beat fell in.

"From what I'm hearing, it's almost like electro dance, right?" Jamil listened carefully. "So for the dance...it's probably hip-hop required...or is it with jazz thrown in?"

"Urban for the bass, thrown in with jazz, I was thinking more along the lines of voguing. Three of us will be chosen for the main vocals, while the rest will be keen towards the chorus and the movement."

"Wait, we're not singing together?" Kalim asks.

"If we can't match singing in unison, the whole performance will sound noisy." Vil shook his head. "It'd be difficult to adjust all the member's vocal ranges. So we'll create something that focuses on each individual."

"Yea, I'm still not following..." Deuce whispered as he hung off to the sideline with Charlie and Grim.

"Me too...." the cat agreed.

Charlie paused the music as Vil continued talking.

"Choreography is still being decided on. But I've a general outline of what we can picture it being for the final result. There's lots of pro dance troupes that give content online." Vil taps away at his phone. "Here it is."

"Yea, I know how this works!" Grim smirked. "We gotta watch an ad before the real deal, right?"

The screen was white with small snowflakes falling with blood red rose petals above. And there stood Neige in all his cuteness, his eyes open to reveal light brown doe-eyes.

"As delicate as falling snow, our skin is vital to protect. Our newest UV-based product." a voice announces.

"The perfect sunscreen to grant your most desired wish." Neige smiled.

"Felicity cosmetics: Snow-fall Protecting Primer."

"Come closer, please..." the camera zoomed in on him as it faded to black.

"Oh hey, it's that Neige dude! He'll be joining the VDC this year." Ace remembered. "I remember Cater-senpai telling me he's a viral celeb on Magicam."

"Then it's likely he'll get a fan-favorite vote during the whole thing." Jamil nods slightly.

"He's one representative of Royal Sword Academy." Rook points out.

"So that makes him our rival." Kalim nods.

"Of course. If we can't overthrow him, the road to victory becomes more treacherous as it goes on. And yet..." Rook started to gush loudly and theatrically, "Lips as red as the brightest rose, hair as sleek as the midnight sky, and his smile is as captivating as ever. Even if he's our rival, he hold such Beauty!"

"Not gonna lie, he's actually pretty cute to stare at..." Charlie smiles lightly.

"Oi, snap out of it!" Grim shook her arm. "This whole thing's gonna be decided on my fate of gaining the tuna I so crave! We can't afford to lose!"

Epel stayed silent as Vil called attention back to him.

"Enough of this nonsense, and focus on the task at hand!" He whispered the next part to himself, "I will not lose this time around!"