Chapter Text
Countdown to the Night Raven Spirit Fair: Three weeks.
“Not a chance.”
Jack’s shoulders sagged at Leona’s immediate denial, disappointed despite himself.
He had known reaching out to his Housewarden for financial help in producing the musical had long shot at best, but the wolf beastman had hoped Leona would find it in his heart to help.
“Sheehee! Shucks, Leona! How harsh!” Ruggie snickered, not looking the least bit upset at the refusal. “Look at poor Jack. He looks like a kicked puppy, tail tucked between his legs and everything!”
Jack scowled at the call out. He did not have his tail tucked between his legs! Did he…?
Leona pried one eye open, giving an unimpressed flick of an ear. “It’s cute you’re trying to help your friend out. Real cute. But I’m not getting anything out of aiding the herbivore.” He drawled, shutting his eye again.
“But it ain’t right that the headmage is making Yuu do all that without help!” Jack protested, his ears flattening against his head. “Yuu’s helped you before! You have the ability to help now!”
“And if you recall, I repaid the herbivore by helping deal with the cephalopunk,” Leona pointed out, before giving him a smirk. “I’ll give you credit for attempting the guilt trip. That was nearly an underhanded scheme. We might just make a proper Savanaclaw student out of you yet.”
Jack glared, propping his hands on his hips. “It isn't right,” he repeated insistently, golden eyes narrowing. “Come on, sir. It's for a good cause. And Yuu can't do it without help!”
Leona did not waver, only gracing Jack with an irritated tail flick. “Why not go pester the Beauty Queen? If he knew it was the herbivore was crying for help, he’d pitch in his pretty pennies.”
“We’re already asking Vil to let us use the Pomefiore ballroom, and to help us with makeup,” Jack countered. “It ain’t right continuously mooching off him.”
Ruggie chuckled, a lopsided grin on his face as he curled his hand into a fist by his chin. “Hear that, Leona? It ain’t right. The poor pup is asking for one tiny favor from his Housewarden. Isn’t it in the job description to lend a helping hand?”
“This ain’t right, that ain’t right,” Leona groaned, throwing his head back as he finally opened both of his eyes to properly look at Jack. “Fine, I’ll throw you a bone. Just take your rights and wrongs, quit your whining so I can sleep.”
Jack felt a victorious smile break out on his face, and his tail swayed back and forth. Begrudging agreement was still an agreement.
His housewarden really was cool. Sometimes.
—
All things considered, Ortho could have realistically done all of the special effects on his own. No other technology needed.
However, considering he'd be narrating throughout the show, it would be nice to have less things to have to split his focus between.
And there was no one better he could think of to help him–
“Idia!” Ortho called as he nearly threw the door open to Idia’s room open in his haste, earning a startled yelp from his big brother in the process.
“Gah–! Oh. It’s just you, Ortho. Srs, what’s the deal with the door?! What if one of the figurines fell and broke?!” Idia exclaimed, spinning around on the swivel chair he was sitting on by his desk. He moved one of the headphone cuffs away from his ear, and Ortho’s sensors could pick up voices coming from it.
A PVP game, Ortho assumed. It was nice that his brother was socializing, even if it wasn’t in person.
“Sorry, Idia! But this is important!” Ortho apologized. “My friends and I were tasked with creating a musical for the upcoming Spirit Fair! I would like your help in creating the technology necessary for it!”
Idia’s expression went through that complicated series of emotions it always went through when Ortho mentioned his life outside of his brother– trying desperately to be happy for him, yet so undeniably conflicted.
“Nah,” Idia said after a moment, turning back to his screen. “Don’t have any interest in helping a buncha normies. I’m sure you can do it on your own.”
Ortho frowned, slumping forward dejectedly. “Uah… I was hoping you’d give me an assist. Please, Idia? I can’t do it all on my own.” Well, he could. Didn’t mean he wanted to. Besides, it was always more fun to work on a project with his brother!
Idia twitched. Like a full on body twitch. “It’s like the young protagonist of a video game asking their mentor for help!” He exclaimed. Ortho suddenly recalled when he was trying to wake Idia up from his dream when Malleus had overblotted. “Well, if you insist. Your brother will show you how it’s done.”
—
Ace could not believe the only time he went out of his way to find Cater, he could not find the guy anywhere.
Actually, scratch that. That was perfectly in character for Cater. Whenever you needed him, he was gone. When the task required exactly zero Caters, there was usually one. Or two. Or three. And at least one of which would be on magicam.
Oh. Magicam.
Even if he couldn’t find Cater himself, his upperclassman likely posted something on his story within the past hour to help track him down.
“Hey, Deuce. Pull up Cater’s magicam. We’ll probably find something on there to help us.” Ace called as the navy haired student met up with him in the Heartslabyul lobby.
The two of them had split up to search– Deuce had looked through the Heartslabyul Dorm itself, and Ace had looked out in the Rose Maze and by the hedgehogs. Neither had any success in their endeavors.
Deuce blinked in surprise, before pulling out his phone. “Oh! Good idea,” he hummed, rapidly tapping on buttons before brandishing his screen to Ace, displaying Cater’s feed.
“Club meeting day!” Ace read out loud. “... And a thousand hashtags after.”
Deuce groaned, smacking his forehead with his hands. “I didn’t realize today was their club day,” he bemoaned. “Do you think Sebek knows? If he doesn't, we can meet him there.”
Ace’s face scrunched up. They’d never hear the end of it from Sebek if he found Lilia and Cater first, after the three of them had split up to check their respective dormitories.
“Send him a message to meet us at the Hall of Mirrors,” Ace decided. “That way he doesn’t have the chance to run off ahead of us and gloat.”
Deuce snorted. But, considering he had a similar, if not more competitive spirit and wanted to win the unspoken competition, he agreed.
—
Epel could not believe he was willingly approaching Vil for help.
If someone had told the Epel of three months ago that he was asking his housewarden for assistance on his own free accord, he would have laughed in their face, and spat at their feet for good measure.
The Pomefiore freshmen figured Vil would be at the Film Research Club today– it was one of the days the club met up, a fact Epel knew because of how many times he had been unwillingly dragged there.
He was proven correct upon arriving at the courtyard, where he could hear Vil ordering a bunch of the students around far before he could see the Pomefiore Housewarden.
The moment he entered the vicinity, Vil’s rather intense gaze snapped over to him, a frown crossing his face.
“Epel!” He called, speed walking over to the freshman. “Where in Twisted Wonderland is Ortho? It is unbecoming for him to no-show without warning or reason! I know you two have been spending time together lately. Surely, you must know something”
Epel flinched. “How’dya know I’m hangin’ out with Ortho?!” He exclaimed, before wincing at the dark look that crossed Vil’s face. “I mean… How do you know that I was hanging out with Ortho?” He corrected quickly.
Vil looked pleased at the correction, before raising a single eyebrow, as if the answer should have been obvious. “Rook,” He said simply, as if it were an answer in itself– which it was. “Now, where is the little Shroud? He should know better than to not show up.”
Epel seized the opportunity. “I’m actually here about that! So, there is this thing happening, and we need your approval for it.” He added.
Vil squinted, scrutinizing the freshman for a moment, before sighing, and turning the club members. “Take fifteen!” He called, before giving a stern expression. “As soon as that break is up, we will reconverge! Do NOT dally!”
The Housewarden turned his attention back to Epel once it became clear that the other members of the club were occupying themselves with their own things, and expectant look on his face.
“Well, you see…” Epel began. He told the story in full, making sure to leave out no details. Also made sure to sprinkle a little flattery and begging in– a happy Vil was a Vil more likely to help.
By the end of it, Vil wore a contemplative expression, clearly mulling over the information he had learned. “I see,” he muttered, sounding displeased. “The potato needs the ballroom? What was the headmage thinking, leaving such a monumental task to someone so unqualified with such a short amount of time to prepare?”
Epel had a feeling Yuu would take offense to being called unqualified, no matter how true it was.
“Yuu said that the headmage made her do it because you were busy, and there was no one else he could think of who would do it.” He offered.
Vil sighed, shaking his head. “I see,” he replied. “You must pass on my sincere apologies to Yuu, then. I would not wish this task upon anyone. If I were any less busy, I would offer to give my aid.”
“So? Could we have priority for using the ballroom? And would you mind helping us with makeup as well?” Epel pressed, slightly impatient.
Vil raised an eyebrow.
Epel resisted the visceral urge to scream. “May we have priority for using the ballroom, Vil?” He tried again. “And may you help us with the stage makeup?”
Vil gave a pleased smirk. “You may. And I will offer my help with makeup when the time comes,” he agreed. “On one condition.”
Epel’s eye twitched slightly, a faintly irritated pout crossing his lips. “That is…?”
“You’ll aid me with the Film Club,” Vil answered immediately, a slightly vindictive smirk crossing his infuriatingly perfect lips. “You will fill in for Ortho today, and considering your newfound passion for theater, you’ll help whenever I need an actor such as yourself.”
The twitch of Epel’s eye was far more noticeable this time, a ticked off expression darkening his face.
Yuu better not say he never did anything to help. He was going to murder someone after this.
—
Upon converging with Sebek, the three of them quickly made haste to the Pop Music Club room, the journey filled with banter and mean-spirited jabs.
When the trio finally got there, Sebek was the one to knock on the door. The Heartslabyul duo had no arguments– Sebek was passionate (loud) enough in everything he did that they had no doubts about the banging getting the attention of the people inside.
True to their predictions, a vaguely disgruntled looking Cater opened the door, before perking up.
“Oh! Hey~ya, Adeuce, Sebey!” Cater smiled widely, earning a caught off guard exclamation of Sebey?! at the nickname from Sebek. He quickly ushered the three into the room, shutting the door behind them. “Come in, come in!”
Kalim looked up at the visitors, chewing the snack in his mouth before speaking. “Haha! Welcome! Want snacks? I got candied violets!” Ace and Deuce immediately took the offered food. It took a confirmation that it was made by Jamil and not Lilia for Sebek to take one.
“Oho! Sebek and some of his friends!” Lilia beamed. All three freshmen grimaced at the description of friends but didn’t deny it. “What’s the occasion for our cute underclassmen to come looking for us?”
There was a series of pointed glances exchanged between the trio, a silent argument which Ace seemed to have lost, judging by his defeated sigh and slight sag of his shoulders, and the smug looks sported on Deuce’s and Sebek’s faces.
“Okay, so you see…” Ace began. What followed was quite possibly the most unnecessarily dramatized explanation of the series of events which had led up to this moment.
Luckily, Ace’s silver tongue did its job on the intended audience (even if Deuce and Sebek weren't as impressed).
“Oh, no! That’s terrible!” Kalim gasped as Ace finally trailed off, allowing for responses. The Scarabia Housewarden turned to face his companions, pumping a fist in the air. “We have to help Yuu!”
“I’d love to help Yuyu as much as you, Kalim, but you seem to forget we’re also performing in the fair,” Cater pointed out. “Having to learn and memorize another set of songs to play live would be preeeetty difficult. Not to mention we don’t have the time to be at every rehearsal. Sorry, cuties.”
Kalim pouted at Cater’s response, and the freshmen deflated slightly. They had really been counting on the Pop Music Club helping.
Deuce winced. “Yikes. Who’s going to be the one who has to tell Yuu the answer was no?”
“Maybe Ortho can come up with a solution. Like, maybe he remove the voices from the main soundtrack,” Ace suggested. “That way we don’t gotta tell Yuu we’re shit outta luck.”
“Yuu will be displeased either way,” Sebek groaned, running a hand through his hair. “I vividly recall the prefect saying that the soundtrack should be made here to reflect local music trends and instruments, rather than the ones in the original sound track.”
“Perhaps there is something we could do.” Lilia said thoughtfully.
Cater blinked in surprise. “Uh, Lils?” He said hesitantly.
“Who said anything about us having to play it live?” Lilia asked slyly, giving a grin. “Why, if you just give us the music sheets, I’m sure we could simply play it from the sheets and record that, then send it to you youngings.”
Kalim brightened, smiling widely. “That’s a good idea, Lilia! We could definitely make that work!” He agreed.
Cater sighed, deflating as he twirled a strand of hair around a finger. “Welp, I suppose it’s been decided for me,” he said, shaking his head. “Well cuties, we’ll send you the soundtrack soon.”
Three mirroring victorious grins broke out on the freshmen’s faces, and they high-fived in celebration… Only to realize what they did a few moments later, and immediately pull away.
—
Yuu had attended enough office hours this year she knew where Crewel would be at this time.
Now, given she was quite literally stranded in another world with no frame of reference for what information was common sense, having to ask for help was rather unavoidable. Thankfully, it was working out in her favor this time, since she knew Crewel would be there for another half hour before he left.
Holding her prized notebook which contained the script, character sheets, and rough outfit designs in her arms, Yuu hesitated.
What if he won’t help me? She frowned, her grip around her notebook tightening at the thought. Surely he would. It would be an embarrassment if my group failed.
She sighed, and just as she held her hands up to knock, a voice spoke up.
“Come in,” Crewel’s drawled from the other side of the door, sounding rather unimpressed. “Or do you plan to pace with your tail between your legs for another ten minutes?”
Well, had he not said anything, yeah, that would have been the plan. Yuu winced, and quickly opened the door.
As she entered the room, as predicted, Crewel was sitting at his desk, a stack of papers split in front of him, clearly in the process of being graded. She squinted. Wait, are those the tests from two days ago? Yikes, is that Grim’s test on top of the stack?
She looked back at Crewel.
Crewel tilted his head, gesturing with his hand at one of the chairs sitting across from his desk.
Yuu smartly sat down, gingerly holding the notebook in her grip.
“You are usually not this skittish, pup,” Crewel noted in lieu of a greeting, to which Yuu could only wince at its bluntness. “Well, out with it. I assume you are not asking for help regarding schoolwork.”
“Not exactly,” she admitted, deciding to rip the metaphorical bandaid off. “So, uh. Headmage Crowley has asked me to put together a show for the Spirit Fair coming up, and I kinda need help with the costumes.”
“The headmage asked you?” He hummed, moving the tests to the side as he gave her his full attention. “What an honor, puppy. He must have great trust in your capabilities. And you want me to design the costumes?” He asked.
She decided it would not be worth it to tell him it was very much not an honor. “Not design. I already have the designs made,” Yuu corrected, pulling the sketches out of the notebook, and pushing them in front of the professor. “I just need help making them."
Crewel inspected the sheets for a couple moments, before nodding. “Very well then.” He said simply, and Yuu blinked in surprise at the easy agreement.
“You think I would allow any of my dogs to go onstage without proper apparel and grooming?” He asked rhetorically with a smirk. “Not a chance. Now, if you would show me the script, I can add details to the costume to perfectly fit each character, and choose the proper fabrics for their personalities.”
Uhm. No?
“I… Can’t do that.” Yuu admitted, very carefully not meeting his eyes.
Crewel blinked, seemingly not expecting the guarded response. “Pardon me?” He narrowed his eyes. “Puppy, I cannot help unless I know what to expect. I do not accept anything less than perfection.”
“There’s kinda a reason I can’t show you,” she winced. “Plausable deniability and all that.” She said quickly under her breath.
There was silence.
“Yuu,” he began slowly. “For what possible reason can you not show me, and for what reason could I need plausible deniability?”
This was about to be a terribly awkward conversation. But Crewel would not be satisfied without answers.
“... I can’t show you the script, because if I do, I’m pre~tty sure you will be obligated to not allow me to show it on stage.” Yuu coughed into her fist, looking away.
Crewel raised a singular, perfectly manicured eyebrow.
“... Puppy,” he began slowly. “If that is your reaction to showing me it, how in Twisted Wonderland would the headmage have approved it?”
“He didn’t look at it. He just told me to do it.”
The eyebrow was raised a little higher.
“... And considering he threw this all onto me last minute, I felt as if a bit of malicious compliance was deserved.”
“How about you tell me the story of how you’ve gotten to this point. From the beginning.” Crewel offered dryly. It was less of an offer and more of a nicely worded demand.
—
“Of all irresponsible things that man has done, this is certainly at the top–” Crewel hissed, seemingly cutting himself off so he would not say certain choice words around a student.
He frowned, turning back to her. “I do apologize, pup. I had not realized earlier that he had thrown this onto you merely a day ago. I had assumed you had been planning this months out in advance. From how you were talking about it, it sounded as if you had finally gotten to the dress rehearsal stage and needed the costumes ready for it. Not that you had just started it from scratch yesterday. I would have gone and marched over to his office immediately, and run that feathers for brains headmage through it. I may still do that.”
Yuu appreciated the avid defense of her honor– well, it was less that, and more an excuse to rake Crowley through the coal, but at this point those two things were pretty much the same.
Also. An actual, genuine apology with no hidden intent behind it! She could count how many of those she had gotten on one hand since arriving in Twisted Wonderland!
“I promise there’s nothing bad,” Yuu actively lied through her teeth. “It will be a memorable performance. That I can assure you. With you helping design the fine details and create the costumes, the musical will be something no one could look away from.”
Crewel stared at her, unimpressed. “You’re spending too much time around Ashengrotto, puppy,” he drawled. “Do not do me the disservice of lying to my face with a smile on your own.”
Yuu looked away sheepishly.
Crewel stayed silent for a moment longer, before sighing. “Very well,” he agreed, and Yuu perked up immediately. “I shall do my best without seeing the script to know their full character. You are quite lucky to have a homeroom teacher like me. Had you asked anyone else, you would have not received such an easy agreement. Now, tell me what details I need to know to incorporate into the outfits. I will not have my pups looking anything but the best.”
—
The First Years
Today
Deuce
Ace, Sebek, and I have
secured the help of the
Pop Music Club!
Ace
Lmao bro says secured
like it’s some drug deal
Deuce
Can it, Ace.
Jack
Leona has agreed to help
as well.
Yuu
Really?? I didn’t see that
one coming.
Also got Prof. Crewel to
help.
Epel
Vil is lettin us use the
ballroom and said he’d
help with makeup as well.
Don't ever say I don't do
anything for you.
Yuu
Where did that
come from??
Epel
Vil.
Yuu
Ah.
Ortho
Yuu Mi, et al.! I have
Idia’s support in helping
create the technology
needed for the show!
Sebek
DO NOT REDUCE A
RETAINER OF LORD
MALLEUS TO “ET AL.”!
Jack
Really feeling the love
here, Ortho.
Ortho
Do not worry, Jack Howl!
When it happens, you
will be safe!
Jack
What does that mean.
Ace
No seriously, what the
fuck does that mean??
Ortho???
Ortho
Ace Trappola, you are
not safe.
Ace
What the fuck????
—
In a particularly alarming turn of events, Yuu realizes how busy the next three weeks would be between the musical and schoolwork, she’d have no time for other things. Like working at Mostro Lounge for money, so she could do things like, you know, eat. Or study for the upcoming finals that were very important.
That… would make things harder.
She could take less hours at the Mostro Lounge with relatively no pushback, but looking at her rather pathetic savings, she quickly realizes that she does not have enough money to survive on for the next three weeks.
Yuu, for a moment, wonders if this was part of Crowley's plan. Shoving more work onto her, forcing her to pick priorities, and therefore losing a valuable source of income that gives her a bit of control.
But that would also probably be giving him far too much credit, and Yuu would freely admit she was just overly pessimistic regarding the headmage, and expected the worst out of him.
Intentional sabotage or not, that didn't change the fact Yuu didn't have enough time in a day for all of this.
“You’re going to have to go on a diet, buddy.” Yuu told Grim, who looked up from where he had been stuffing his face with tuna in alarm.
“Mwrah?!” He yelped, grabbing his tuna can with both paws, and pulling it closer to him. “Wha– why?!”
“Money.” She replied solemnly.
Grim scowled, glaring at her as he held his tuna protectively. “Money? Isn’t that why you gotta leave me to go work for the scary fish people? So we have tuna money?”
“And for literally everything else, but yes,” Yuu agreed, somewhat exasperated. “So we have tuna money. But we’re going to be lacking a lot of tuna money coming up because we’ll be so busy with the musical.”
Grim frowned, an uncharacteristically pensive look in his bright blue eyes. For once, he didn’t have anything else to say.
—
Yuu had literally never been so thankful for the magical gramophone.
At first it had been nice just to have to listen to songs from her world again. But now, she’d be able to show the songs directly from the soundtrack. It would be far easier than trying to explain what vocal infliction each song was trying to convey, and how long each note had to be held. That was not to mention the Pop Music Club would actually know what they were meant to be playing– Yuu had exactly zero idea how to write music compositions.
She pulled out her phone and clicked on the voice recorder app, hitting play before tapping the magical gramophone, thinking of the first song in the musical.
“I know this dream of life is never-ending,” the voice emitted from the gramophone.
Yuu silently mouthed the lyrics to the song as it played, before ending the voice recording, and saving it. She spent the rest of the night playing the songs on the magical gramophone in the guestroom and recording them on her phone. There was no time to waste.
—
Countdown to the Night Raven Spirit Fair: 20 days, but who’s counting?
Yuu mourned the loss of her free time. It had been rather lacking to begin with, but she was really feeling the pressure now.
The moment classes ended, Yuu, Ace, Deuce, and Grim booked it over to the Pomefiore ballroom, thankfully aware of where it was due to the VDC training. Ortho also knew where it was from the tryouts, so he had no issue. Epel had volunteered to lead Jack and Sebek, both of which had no clue where to go.
“What were all of the audio files you sent in the group chat last night?” Ace asked as they walked, lacing his hands behind his head. “I didn’t get a chance to look at them today.”
“They’re the songs in the musical,” Yuu explained, pushing the ballroom doors open. “I played them on the magical gramophone in the guestroom, and recorded them for convenience.”
Deuce perked up, eyes lighting up in curiosity as they walked in. “That thing really is handy,” he said appreciatively. “It was kinda nice to be able to listen to our performance of Absolutely Beautiful whenever we wanted since it wasn’t recorded, but that’s even better!”
“Better for us, since we don’t gotta sit through Yuu over there fumbling her explanations of the song.” Ace snickered meanly, earning a scowl in return.
“Prick.” She grumbled, swatting at him. Grim, who had been perched on her shoulders, gave a high-pitched yelp as the action nearly jostled him off.
Ace batted his eyelashes at her, an easy smile crossing his face. “Your prick.” He purred playfully, earning an eyeroll from both her and Deuce.
“I think I like him more when he shuts up.” Deuce told Yuu. Yuu agreed wholeheartedly.
Ortho arrived a little bit after they got there, having been delayed by doing everyone the favor of scanning the original script and making copies. Epel’s group arrived a few minutes after that.
“So, what’s our plan?” Jack asked once everyone had gotten settled and scripts had been passed out. “We don’t have time to sit around.”
“We don’t,” Yuu agreed. “We barely have time to memorize the script. Because of that, we’re going to have to wing the characters as much as we can, and probably alter some lyrics to and lines to be more familiar to this world to make memorization easier.”
“That is a wise idea,” Sebek agreed. “If I may add, I say we should do the full rehearsals, costume, music, and all as soon as possible. We do not have time to get used to one thing and add things slowly.”
“Sebek Zigvolt has a point,” Ortho agreed. “The average theater troupe has six to twelve weeks to learn and train for a musical. We have twenty days, eight hours, and twenty minutes as of now.”
“Please don’t give our countdown exact to the minute, Ortho,” Deuce interjected, sounding somewhat faint. “It’s not really working to inspire confidence here.”
“I think it would be kinder to kill us all right now.” Epel grumbled.
“We’ve survived seven overblots,” Ace said, shrugging. “How much harder can this be?”
Yuu clapped her hands together. “Well, let’s find out! I’ll get the music playing. After, we’ll just read the script outloud, and we’ll figure out basic blocking as we go!”
—
They all quickly came to the conclusion exact blocking would be far too hard to learn in such a short timeframe. To make it work, they’d have to mostly wing their movements by judging what felt right. But they still needed something to go off of.
Fortunately, as it would turn out, making a vague guideline for what movements and positioning would make sense was far easier than one would have expected when one of your friends is a technomantic humanoid who can just run a program to make it. Yuu could only praise his genius.
“How are we going to have this completely memorized in a few days?” Epel stared at his script desolately. “That’s a lot of stuff. And we only have what– twenty days, and eight hours? Is that what Ortho said?”
“Previously. Now we have twenty days, five hours, and two minutes.” Ortho said brightly.
Deuce made a physically pained sound at the reminder.
Ace’s face suddenly lit up, and a grin crossed his lips as he turned to face the navy haired boy. “Hey, Deuce. What’dya think of introducing these losers to studying the Heartslabyul way, Teapot Tyrant style?”
A similar cruel smile broke out across Deuce’s lips and he lit up, misery abandoned for sadistic glee. “Ha! I like the way you think, Ace.”
Jack reeled back, ears flattening against his head. “I don’t like the way you’re both smirking.” He growled.
“Then you’re about to hate this!” Ace said gleefully.
—
Countdown to the Night Raven Spirit Fair: 19 days
“If ya make meh have’ta write that script one more damn time, you’re gonna find out what’da walls look like with red on ’em.” Was the first thing Epel announced upon walking into the ballroom the next day, a rather feral glare on his face as he caught sight of Ace.
Ace held his hands up in surrender.
“Hah! Writing the script thrice over proved to be too much for you, human?” Sebek sneered in taunt, propping his hands on his hips smugly. “Pathetic.”
As Epel turned to Sebek with a rather murderous look on his face, Jack interjected, scowling. “I wouldn’t be talking, Sebek. Your hands were shaking just as badly as ours at the end.”
“Because I did it a fourth time to prove my superiority!” Sebek boomed. There were a few shouts of inside voice!
“But it worked!” Deuce beamed brightly, although the slightly malicious edge was most definitely still there. Yuu suspected this had been some type of vindictive gratification for the two Heartslabyul freshmen, to make everyone else go through what they’ve been going through since the beginning of the year.
“Worked is generous,” Jack grumbled. “I vaguely know the entire script and some of my lines, but I couldn’t recite it from memory or anything like that.”
“Soooo what you’re saying is we need to rewrite it a few more times?” Ace smiled widely, his tone mockingly helpful.
Yuu wisely got out of the line between Epel and Ace the moment she saw the lavender haired boy crack his knuckles with violent intent.
“It seems fortunate that I did not have to engage in that activity yesterday, Yuu Mi,” Ortho said pleasantly as they both watched Epel go for Ace’s throat. “I am quite glad big brother installed a perfect memory recall function when he created me.”
Ace had originally tried to drag Ortho into it too– but after Ortho began reciting the entire musical word for word, he had relented.
Yuu, who despite having written the original script, had also been forced to rewrite the script slowly turned to face Ortho with a dead-eyed stare. “If you weren’t made of metal, I would punch you right about now.” She told him honestly.
They end up rewriting the script another three times anyway.
—
Countdown to the Night Raven Spirit Fair: 18 days
Everyone unanimously agreed that they had to begin working on the singing parts of the musical in earnest. No one wanted to go first, and no one could agree on who would go first. Which, understandable. So Grim got to pick. Ace, who had slighted the direbeast a few days ago was chosen. Unfortunately…
“All hungry for my– AHAHA!” Ace burst out laughing mid lyric, wiping tears from his eyes as he shook with laughter.
Grim, who had been put in charge of playing the music, paused it for the sixth time that song alone with a groan.
There was a similar groan from the chorus.
“Ace. We get it. The song is stupid. But for the love of the seven, let’s actually get through it.” Epel pleaded.
Sebek’s nose scrunched up. “I agree. I am rather tired of Ace sticking his fingers in my mouth.”
Yuu and Jack shared similarly pained looks. “I would like to not stroke Ace’s thigh anymore then strictly necessary.” Jack agreed.
Epel and Deuce shared looks that clearly suggested they did not envy the others.
—
Ace’s vote on who went next was Jack, if only because he thought it would be funny.
Jack’s issue was somewhat similar– like Ace, he was a rather talented singer. But where Ace could not take anything seriously (which couldn't be held against him too much considering the song), Jack got a little shy, for lack of a better word.
“Jack. You’ll be okay,” Ace tried to help. “Your song literally cannot be worse than mine.”
“That doesn’t change the fact that before the song I had to say I lost my virginity to a thirty-two year old in a portapotty!” Jack, honest to god, whined.
“Is this truly what takes you out, Howl?” Sebek asked incredulously. “Not your own dormmates, but words?”
“These words are humiliating!”
There was a sudden competitive gleam in Sebek’s eyes. “Oh? Even more so than the words, Dreamy Magical Makeover? Are you so weak as to be taken down once more–”
“I used to think life was just a jawbreaker,” Jack’s voice rose up, loud enough to be heard over Sebek’s taunting.
Epel’s barely hidden laughter grew into louder cackles, the sound echoing throughout the room as his shoulders shook.
Jack’s head whipped over to Epel with an angry look, pausing midlyric. “You shouldn’t be laughing!” He snapped. “Who’s the one who has to sing about being a prostitute?!”
Epel quickly stopped laughing.
—
Jack chose Epel to go next, his pick most definitely motivated by the Pomefiore freshman’s cackling at his misfortune.
Epel’s issue wasn’t with singing either– it was the internalized problems with femininity that were still a sore spot for him, even if he had overcome the worst of it.
“I was Monique Gibeau in post-war France,” Epel sang, throwing his hands behind his head, running them through his hair. “A hooker with a heart of black char~coal~”
The song went relatively well for the most part. Yuu could see he was pushing through what lingering discomfort he had. But the lyric I want to be that fucked up girl– everytime he sang it, the discomfort in his voice was obvious.
Yuu felt bad– really, she did.
But she also didn’t feel bad enough to do anything about it. She was a Night Raven student for a reason. They didn’t have time to complain, Epel!
“Would it help if I say you’re less cute, and more sexy?” Deuce tried to encourage him upon noticing Epel’s dismay.
Epel glared.
—
Epel predictably nominated Sebek, whose background commentary had been unhelpfully running the entire time.
Infuriatingly, his rendition of What the World Needs was almost perfect.
“Who could have guessed Sebek would be good at a song that is all about proving his superiority?” Ace sneered, rolling out from the human pyramid.
Grim huffed. “Mrwah… Sure feels like he’s really getting into it…” He grumbled, eyeing the person in question with displeasure.
Sebek smirked, lifting his chin proudly. “And you expected me to perform anything but superb? Perish the thought!”
Epel’s eye twitched. “Point ‘n case right there.” He growled.
—
Sebek nominated Yuu to go next, with a warning to be sure not to embarrass herself going after him.
Yuu’s issue was a bit different. She had gotten so used to speaking with her chest rather than her head to reach a lower speaking tone, that it was hard to reach the high notes necessary.
“... If I were Vil, I'd tell you to go sing in a well.” Epel told her.
“If I were getting told that by Vil, I'd punch him where the sun doesn't shine.” Yuu told him pleasantly.
Epel wisely shut up.
“Maybe if you stop thinking so much about your singing it'll help?” Deuce offered unsurely, before shrugging with a sigh. “It helped me.”
“I don't think thinkin’ is her issue, dumbass,” Ace smacked Deuce on the back of the head, earning an offended sound from the other. “The idiot's issue is that she got so used to cross-dressing that she's struggling to sing in her natural register.”
She stared into the distance. “... Maybe I do need to go sing in a well.” Yuu admitted sullenly.
—
Deuce was chosen to go next, mostly on the virtue of the fact he was the last person who had not gone.
He did fairly well holding the long notes. However, his biggest struggle was the rapping parts, if only because he had to speak faster than he could remember the lyrics.
Which wasn't exactly promising, considering one of his songs was purely rapping.
“Hahaha– Ahhh… That’s golden,” Ace cleared his throat, putting his hand on his hip. “Loosey-Deucy can’t get loose? It’s like the VDC all over again!”
Deuce turned to face Ace with a truly terrifying glare. “Haaaah? You wanna go, Ace?”
“What, what are you gonna do? Drop another cauldron on me?”
“This musical will be very interesting,” Ortho said enthusiastically, turning his attention to the others who were also watching the Heartslabyul freshmen with exasperation. “I am sure no other cast bonds through conflict like we do!”
Jack and Sebek both shared a glance, before looking away. “... I’m not necessarily sure calling us dysfunctional is a compliment, Ortho.” Jack sweatdropped, rubbing at the back of his neck.
—
Countdown to the Night Raven Spirit Fair: 17 days
“You– puppy. Stay behind after class.” Was the first thing Crewel told Yuu as she walked into homeroom that morning.
Immediately, Yuu’s head turned to land on Grim, who was perched on her shoulder.
“Grim. What did you do?” The prefect demanded.
The direbeast in question fluffed up defensively, an offended look in his eyes. “Myrah?! Why do you always assume I did somethin’?!” Grim exclaimed, his ears flattening against his head.
“Because usually it is you, furball.” Ace snorted, having caught the end of the conversation, brushing past the Ramshackle duo as he walked into the room. Deuce walked in after him, giving a wave as they both strode to their seats.
Crewel didn’t say anything, but the smirk on his face suggested he was amused by the exchange. “For once, Grim is innocent,” he intoned. “Your outfits and accessories were finished last night. I figured you would like to pick them up as soon as possible.”
He was not wrong. She did indeed want to pick it up as soon as possible.
“Thank you, Professor Crewel!” She beamed.
—
“This feels like one of those manga merch unboxing videos!” Ortho mused cheerily, hovering over Yuu’s shoulder as she eagerly unpacked the boxes. “You know what is in there, but seeing it in real life is quite exhilarating."
The first years had met once again in the Pomefiore ballroom after classes had finished for the day, this time all looking forward to trying their costumes on for the first time.
“I still cannot believe you’re putting me in a skirt.” Jack grumbled.
“WEAR IT WITH PRIDE, JACK!” Sebek boomed, earning a few winces. “IT IS THE GARMENT YOU ARE WEARING INTO WAR!”
“What Sebek is trying to say is get used to it.” Ace translated helpfully.
“The ceremonial robes are kinda like skirts,” Deuce pointed out thoughtfully. ”And so were the Star Sending outfits. So really it isn’t too different from our other school outfits.”
Yuu finished organizing the boxes, before pausing. “Awh, shit. I forgot to ask for shoes.” She groaned.
Epel blinked. “Can’t we just use the black shoes that go with the ceremonial robes? They look pretty much the same as the ones you had on the character design sheets.” He pointed out.
“We can do it for every song but Space Age Bachelor Man,” Yuu sighed. “The blazer and pants for the song match the boots.”
Ace held up the sleek, glitter covered silver unitard in mention. The metallic fabric most definitely clashed with the black shoes.
“You know, that song is turning out to be more trouble than it’s worth. We could cut it and save all the trouble.” Ace offered hopefully.
“What happened to ‘owning being a catgirl savior’, Ace?” Deuce sneered haughtily.
Ace scowled, giving Deuce a rather rude gesture.
“Not a chance,” Yuu breezed over him easily. “This is what you get for not helping me with the renovations a couple months ago.”
Ace threw his hands up in the air, an annoyed look on his face. “I knew that this was you being petty! I knew it! You told me you weren’t mad when it happened! Way to hold a grudge, you ass! Ramshackle has been fully renovated since then–!”
“Okaaay,” Epel interrupted. “You two can beat the dead horse later. Shoes now. I’ll text Vil and see if he might have anything for us.”
Vil did not have any silver boots. He was also unwilling to give what heeled boots he had up knowing they’d be decimated. He did, however, have questions about why they needed a pair of silver boots with heels. He did not get an answer.
As they were brainstorming, Ace seemed to realize something. “Hey. Who do we know who has a strong interest in fashion?”
“Literally the entirety of Pomefiore.”
“Well no shit, Yuu– I mean someone unconventional who you wouldn’t expect. Someone who has an interest in shoes specifically.”
Ortho tilted his head, then perked up as he came to a conclusion. “Oh! I think I know who it is! When I was collecting wishes with Idia, Floyd Leech expressed a deep liking for shoes! He had a lot of custom pairs. Are you suggesting Floyd Leech might have what we are looking for?”
“Wow! Got it in one, Ortho,” Ace grinned. “Yeah, that’s exactly who. He talks about his shoes in the Basketball Club all the time, so maybe he’ll have something we can work with.”
Jack raised a dubious eyebrow. “... You think he’d let us modify his shoes if we asked?” He questioned doubtfully, clearly recalling past experiences with the Octavinelle sophomore.
Ace shrugged. “Maybe he’ll find it interesting enough,” he turned to Yuu, raising an eyebrow. “I’m surprised you didn't get it. Don't you literally work with the guy?”
“I didn't want to assume we were talking about Floyd.” She said defensively.
Ace gave her an incredulous look. “What is there to assume?”
“... Look, there's gotta be a pipeline about mermen becoming human and feet somewhere, okay?!”
Epel threw a shoe at Yuu’s head.
—
Yuu was unanimously (minus her own vote) voted to be the human sacrifice to go ask Floyd after that.
Fair enough. That one was on her. She could admit she had that one coming.
The walk was quick enough– just had to leave Pomefiore through the mirror, come into the Hall of Mirrors, and straight through the Octavinelle mirror. Thankfully, Floyd had been easy enough to find– he was working the floor, which led Yuu to assume he had recently pissed Jade or Azul off, and this was his punishment.
Fortunately for Yuu (or unfortunately in Azul’s case), upon seeing her, he had been all too happy to ditch his work in favor of talking with her.
“Aah? That’s why Lil’ Shrimpy hasn’t been workin’ lately?” Floyd blinked languidly after her explanation. “Lame. You should quit.”
How eloquently spoken.
“If quitting was an option, I would,” Yuu didn’t disagree. “But that's beside the point. Anyway, I just got the costumes– but I forgot to ask about getting shoes. We got everything but a pair of silver, metallic heel boats.”
Floyd blinked again. “Lil’ Shrimpy needs a pair of shoes, so you come swimmin’ to me?” He pondered that for a couple moments, before giving a sharp-toothed smile. “O~kaaay. Let’s go~ I’ll see what I have.”
Yuu would like to state in advance that Floyd leaving the floor midshift was in no shape or form her fault, and she could not be held accountable for his whims. Please don’t dock her pay, Azul.
It was clear which twin owned which side of their dormroom– and it became clear why all of Floyd’s clothes were scattered across his bed and floor, when the closet was opened, and it was just shoes.
Holy shit, Yuu thought with wide eyes. No wonder his clothes are everywhere. There’s no freaking room in the closet!
“So, is it you who needs them, or one of the minnows?" Floyd asked with a hum, rummaging through the closet as Yuu swayed back and forth on her feet by his bed.
“Ace needs it for his song,” Yuu answered, shrugging. “The ceremonial shoes we’re using don’t match the glittery silver outfit as well as the intended shoes would.”
“Mm… Good choice, Lil’ Shrimpy,” Floyd didn’t turn to face her, but she heard him give a triumphant Aha! There was a small flash of light. “What shoe size does Crabby have?”
How would she know that? She didn’t even know her own shoe size off the top of her head! She quickly pulled out her phone and sent a message
—
Ace ❤️
Today
Dude what is your shoe size
Seen at 4:02 p.m.
Fuck if I know. One sec
Seen at 4:02 p.m.
A ten. Why??
Seen at 4:03 p.m.
Thanks
Seen at 4:03 p.m.
—
“He’s a ten.” Yuu reported dutifully.
“Damn. Figured Crabby’d be a size too small,” Floyd groaned, there was a contemplative hum and a flash of light. “I hate resizing shoes with magic, but you don’t have time to get them custom done.”
He turned around, and he revealed what the two flashes of light had been. A silver pair of heeled boots.
Yuu gapped, vaguely aware of the moray snickering at her reaction. “You actually have a pair?” She asked incredulously. “What the hell, Floyd?”
“A~ha! They were originally red. Just used a color changin’ spell,” Floyd said with a lazy grin, swaying slightly in amusement. “And just used a resizing spell, since I doubt Crabby knows how’ta do that."
“That doesn’t explain why you had a pair of red heeled boots to begin with?!”
“Saw ‘em and thought they were interesting. Jade thought they were hideous. A win-win, ya see, Lil’ Shrimp?”
Not really, actually. But if a whim was what got her what she needed, who was she to complain?
—
Countdown to the Night Raven Spirit Fair: 15 days
“People thought Deuce was possessed during class, cause he kept singing his songs under his breath,” Ace snickered as he walked into the ballroom. “It was hilarious.”
“Who are you to talk? You got a lunch detention from Professor Trein because you were rewriting lines and not paying attention to the lecture!” Deuce shot back.
Jack sniffed. “You’re both idiots.” He deadpanned.
“I have wonderful news!” Sebek declared as he entered, giving a wide smile that showed off fangs. “Lilia has sent me the music recorded by the Pop Music Club! He is most curious to see our progress! We cannot disappoint!”
“Great! It’ll be nice to have the soundtrack in the background now.” Epel grinned.
Ortho nodded. “Indeed! And speaking of, Idia finished the program for the lighting! Now I will no longer have to manually point it at the center of focus! When you say the que word or body motion in the script, it will automatically point at you!”
Jack whistled in appreciation. “Wow. That’s pretty sick,” He grinned, his tail wagging back and forth. “You’ll have to tell Idia we said thanks.”
“I will be sure to! He said, as I quote, give me something more challenging next time L-O-L.”
Yuu squinted in distaste. “Geniuses should all blow up.” She said solemnly.
Sebek squinted back at her. “Yuu, are you not aware you too would blow up?” He was ignored.
The idle chatter was interrupted by a loud thud! of a body hitting the ground on the other side of the room. They turned.
Ace had fallen attempting to use his crutches, and was currently a heap on the floor.
“Yikes,” Deuce said, unsympathetically. “You probably shouldn’t be doing that. I mean, you only gotta do it for like fifteen minutes, but still.”
A crutch was thrown at Deuce’s face, which the former delinquent expertly dodged.
Yuu walked over, and offered Ace a hand to help him up, which he took. “You know, you could probably ask Trey for help on how to use a crutch.”
“Why would–” There was a flicker of recognition in Deuce’s eyes as he remembered the events leading up to the Spelldrive Tournament. “Yuu! That’s awful!”
Ace gave a grin, shooting a look at Deuce. “What a great idea, Yuu. I’ll be sure to ask Trey when we get back.”
—
Countdown to the Night Raven Spirit Fair: 12 days
“Gah… Singing is hard enough. But singing upside sucks.” Yuu said mournfully, looking like she had just ridden a rollercoaster on an empty stomach.
Sebek seemed to take offense to the sickish look plaguing the Ramshackle prefect. “My magic control is of the highest degree! You are spinning in a very controlled manner, I assure you!”
“The highest degree with everything but his unique magic,” Ace muttered under his breath. Sebek pointedly ignored the remark, although his eyebrow noticeably twitched.
“You’re doing better than you were the first couple days, Yuu!” Deuce offered encouragingly.
“I think anyone would be doing better after eight days of rehearsals going on from the moment class ends to nearly six hours afterwards.” Jack muttered.
Ortho sighed. “It is not an optimal time, but with our thin timeframe we must take advantage of what little time we have,” he shook his head, sighing once more. “We take enough breaks to avoid major fatigue, at the least.”
“Screw you, Jack,” Yuu hissed, giving the wolf beastman a dark look.
“Is that well doing you well?” Epel asked slyly. Lavender eyelashes fluttered teasingly at her. There were a few disgusted groans at the pun.
“I gave up on the well. Enlisted outside help.” Yuu admitted.
Jack looked incredulously at her. “Who the hell did you ask to help you? Wouldn’t that be spoiling the musical?”
“Not help with the song– just hitting high notes again,” Yuu quickly clarified. There was a slightly pained look in her eyes. “... Don’t ask who. We’ll all be happier without me clarifying.”
Grim, who had previously been idly napping, squinted his eyes skeptically at her words.
—
Countdown to the Night Raven Spirit Fair: 7 days
“You know, only having a week left is starting to make this feel really real. I’m starting to get a bit nervous,” Deuce confessed as they walked to the Pomefiore ballroom, looking somewhat bashful. “My mom said she plans on taking time off to come see us. I really don’t want to disappoint her.”
“Your mom is coming?” Yuu perked up. “We really gotta do good then. Maybe she’ll make us some celebratory egg sandwiches.” She teased, elbowing him in the side.
Ace also snickered, before pouting. “I still can’t believe you’ve met Deuce’s mom, Yuu. I want an egg sandwich.”
“I want an egg sandwich too.” Grim muttered sullenly. Given that Grim always wanted food, and it was more concerning when he did not, he was ignored.
Yuu raised an eyebrow, putting a hand on her hip as she grinned. “Why, jealous? Should have just skipped your basketball game, and you could have come to the White Rabbit Fest. Who cares about the Royal Sword Academy anyway?”
“Well, maybe I should have–”
Deuce scowled at them both. “Why are you both competing over meeting my mom?!” He exclaimed.
“Because your mom is the nicest woman I know.” Yuu replied earnestly.
“That isn’t a highbar, moron. You’ve met, like, three women here, and all of them are family of people we go to school with.” Ace shot back.
Yuu considered that. She held out a hand, and counted on her fingers. Ace wasn’t wrong.
As usual, they were the last group to arrive. Expect today, there were more people than usual.
“Woah! What is the Pop Music Club doing here?” Ace blinked, bewildered at the company present.
“Wow, Acey! No need to sound so excited!” Cater teased. “Just here to check in on my cute juniors! Is that such a crime?”
Ace squinted.
Cater laughed sheepishly, before twirling a strand of orange hair around a finger. “Aaaand to get a status report for Riddle. He is quite worried about how his card soldiers and Yuu are doing, since he hasn’t seen you all for a couple days. When you both started staying at Ramshackle a couple nights ago, he wouldn’t admit it, but he was quite sullen.”
“I was curious as to how Sebek has been faring!” Lilia beamed, and he brandished his electric bass guitar he was holding. “And I am also here to help Grim learn how to use magic to play the bass! Sebek was telling me about how Grim would have a part where he played, and that he needed someone to teach him!”
Yuu turned to Sebek, touched. “Awe, Sebek! I knew you cared!” She beamed.
Sebek flushed, and turned away. “Do not let it get to your head! I merely want the show to succeed, that is all! We have skipped over that part since Grim does not know how to play, and would need to be taught how to play with magic, since he does not have thumbs! Lilia is simply the best choice for the job!”
Ortho laughed, bringing a hand up to where his mouth would be. “You’re like one of those tsundere characters in a slice of life manga, Sebek Zigvolt!”
Sebek scowled and opened his mouth to retort. Yuu quickly spoke first before it could escalate into a one-sided shouting match.
“Thanks, Lilia,” she said gratefully, before turning to Kalim curiously. “What are you doing here?”
Kalim gave a wide smile, red eyes curving into crescents. “Well, when Lilia and Cater mentioned coming over, I figured I’d come with and say hi! I also wanted to invite you all to a party tonight! One week until the Spirit Festival has to be worth celebrating, right?”
What pure, innocent motives. Yuu had almost forgotten there were half decent people around here.
“Will there be food?” Grim asked hopefully, bright blue eyes shining at the thought.
“Of course! What's a party without enjoying good food with friends?” Kalim beamed.
Everyone was quick to agree, even Jack and Sebek. As it would turn out, eating dinner for two weeks straight anywhere between nine and midnight without much variety like a pack of feral cats was excellent motivation to end practice early and eat like somewhat reasonable people.
—
Countdown to the Night Raven Spirit Fair: 5 days
“... Sebek, are you crying?” Deuce asked incredulously.
“I am NOT!” Sebek immediately protested, his sniffling contradicting his words. “There is dust in my eyes. That is all.”
“There can't be dust in here, Sebek. We've cleaned this ballroom like twice a day.” Epel pointed out smugly.
The slideshow at the end had finally been finished– due to Yuu not having any record of her existing in Twisted Wonderland before the start of the year, she had chosen to take an unconventional route with the slideshow of Jane’s life. Clearly, it was already having the impact she wanted.
“Who could have guessed Sebek was a romantic at heart.” Ace teased. Epel snorted in response.
“Literally anyone who’s around him long enough to hear him rant about literature.”
Jack didn’t immediately say anything, a pensive frown crossing his lips. “... Yuu, are you sure that’s a good idea? The Headmage is going to be furious if he catches certain photos that you put in there.”
Yuu nodded resolutely. “It’s probably a bad idea, I know. But I promised myself I was going to make him regret this. This is just me getting back at him for everything he’s made me do this year.”
Jack seemed to weigh her point and the possible consequences in his mind, before nodding resolutely. “You’re right, Yuu. An eye for an eye is only right.”
“Don't let Leona hear you say that.” Yuu said cheekily.
Jack gave her a scathing look.
—
Countdown to the Night Raven Spirit Fair: 2 days
“You know, I’m kind of surprised the headmage hasn’t checked on our progress at least once.” Jack said, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. He absentmindedly adjusted the skirt of the uniform, making sure it flowed smoothly around his shins.
“The Headmage hasn’t what?!” Came Vil’s furious voice.
Six first years jumped in unison, which was rather impressive considering their usual incoordination. Ortho, on the virtue of having sensors to have detected the Pomefiore Housewarden’s approach, remained unaffected.
“Dude! Why didn’t you tell us Vil was coming today?!” Ace whispered furiously under his breath with wide eyes, turning an accusing look to Epel.
Epel gave an offended look back. “I didn’t know he was coming! I’m just as surprised as you!” He seethed.
Vil ignored the not-so subtle whisper shouting, and turned his scathing gaze onto Yuu, who had been attempting to become one with the floor tiles. “Potato. The Headmage assured me that he would personally oversee that such a late entered act was properly monitored. Explain.”
“... He lied to your face?” She offered uncertainly.
One of Vil’s perfectly sculpted eyebrows twitched.
Yuu quickly backtracked. “I mean, I’m sure he’s been meaning to get around to it. Busy guy, and all that.”
“Lying is an ugly look on you, Potato.” Vil informs her dryly, a rather unimpressed look on his face. His expression turned to a pensive frown, crossing his arms against his chest and idly tapping a finger against his arm. “Do tell me you have had some form of help. Preferably, from someone of authority or a professional.”
“Professor Crewel has helped!” Grim piped up. Vil relaxed. “With the costumes!” Vil recoiled.
“Are you serious?” Vil stressed. He looked around the room of freshmen who were intently avoiding his gaze. “That is all the help you have received?” Yuu whistled casually in lieu of an answer. Vil turned to the next usual voice of reason. “Jack?”
Jack could only tuck his tail between his legs sheepishly, white ears flattening against his head.
“Have any of you been on a diet for stamina and vocal health?” Vil pressed.
Deuce hastily kicked a half eaten bag of chips behind his bag in an attempt to hide the offending snack.
Vil looked visibly aghast, his pallor turning a pale white. “If I had known you were all spitballing this, I would have stopped by far sooner! This simply will not do! We must run through a rehearsal, right this instant! I will run through the criticism immediately after!”
Deuce and Ace shared a wide-eyed look that conveyed uh-oh without words.
It had been an unanimous agreement among the freshmen to keep the contents of the musical a secret until their performance. Partially because they didn’t want any chance of it being leaked then getting back to Crowley, but mostly because they were all dramatic at heart, and wanted to floor everyone at once.
Ortho took a step forward, and raised his hand. “Vil Schoenheit, if I may. From my analysis, our group is doing far above average for what time we were given. I do not believe that any outside help would be productive at this point.”
“Yeah, what he said!” Epel agreed, making a fist with his hand. “Let us show you the day of the fair, Vil! I promise you’ll be amazed!”
Jack nodded in response to both of their words.
Vil seemed torn. It was clear on one hand, he wanted to be the judge of that himself. His pride as an actor and student would hate for their act to be anything less than perfect. On the other hand, he wanted to trust them, and not intrude on their work.
After a few moments of deep contemplation, Vil sighed. “Alright. I will trust that you all know what you are doing,” he pursed his lips, frowning. “But if you give an embarrassing performance, it will be to the Pomefiore basement with all of you!”
Epel’s face went through an interesting series of emotions that Yuu didn’t quite want to unpack.
The third year allowed them to linger on his threat before continuing. “Now. That aside, allow me to start with the makeup process. Take one of the kits I have prepared for each of you. To start, begin by taking the cleansing products…”
Sebek turned to Yuu as Vil gave his explanation, a rather solemn expression contorting his face. “I must say, I once believed Housewarden Vil to be merely a pretty face,” he admitted, surprisingly quiet. “But he is rather intense upon second glance.”
“You haven’t even seen him give someone a kick to the head with those heels.” Yuu muttered as she pulled the cleanser out of the basket.
Sebek turned to look at Vil with a mix of awe and wary caution.
—
Countdown to the Night Raven Spirit Fair: 1 day
If Yuu had to describe her mental state for a questionnaire, she would say it was akin to a repeatedly shaken bottle of pop that was about to explode in a terribly messy way.
Now, given that her mental state in any given day varied between crashout waiting to happen to release me from this mortal plane or even living disaster with legs, this particular flavor or crashout wasn't necessarily new.
What was new, however, was the fact her mood was reflected across her friend's faces.
Yuu had asked her friends for help because she knew they'd take it seriously. They'd bitch and moan (Ace), struggle a little bit (Deuce), generally piss each other off for the love of the game (Epel and Ortho), and even piss each other off unintentionally as well (Sebek). But they'd all come together when it mattered. They would accept nothing less but perfection– their pride simply wouldn't allow it.
They hadn’t even been so nervous for the VDC– then again, there had been semi-professional training for that. This had been all of the first year friend group throwing a musical together with no formal help, no formal training, and a lot of problems they had to look up online to find answers to.
Am I going to have to give a pep talk? She wondered incredulously. I am terrible at these. My go tends to be encouraging this demographic to beat someone, but isn’t really a fight.
The last rehearsal of the night was the best enactment they had done.
Just as everyone was packing up to leave, Yuu cleared her throat, shuffling on her feet.
“Before we go, I just wanna say thanks,” she murmured. “Really. Couldn’t have done it without you guys.”
There was a few moments of silence, before Ace snorted.
“Don’t thank us, Yuu. We aren’t exactly doing it for free, are we?” Despite his words, he couldn’t quite meet her eyes.
“Don’t listen to that jerk, Yuu! You’re our friend. Of course we’d help,” Deuce elbowed Ace, before giving Yuu a grin. “We stick together through everything, yeah? This isn’t any different.”
“It’s the least we could do, after everything you’ve done for us.” Epel added, giving a pleasant smile.
“Indeed! Friends help each other, don’t they?” Ortho agreed.
Jack flushed slightly, before looking away. “I would have been offended if you asked anyone else for help.” He admitted gruffly, but couldn’t quite hide the swaying of his tail, clearly touched.
Everyone turned to Sebek, who seemed slightly flustered at the sudden expectant attention. “... At least you acknowledge my– our help is deserving of praise.” The haughty words were betrayed by the weak tone in his voice.
Grim took his usual spot on her shoulders, wrapping his tail around her like a scarf. “We’re a team, Henchman! Whatever you do, I’ll be there to look after you.” The direbeast promised proudly, and Yuu couldn’t help but grin.
“Thanks, partner,” she said fondly, before turning back to the other first years. “We got this! Tomorrow, we’ll put on the best performance anyone has ever seen! Let’s win this, and shove it in Crowley’s face!”
She extended a fist, a proud smile on her face.
There was a pause, and then with a matching grin Ace extended bumped his fist against hers. “To winning!” He agreed.
Everyone else quickly followed their lead, and with a cheer, threw their hands up.
“To us!” Yuu cheered.
Countdown to the Night Raven Spirit Fair: 0 days