Return to Jack Howl/Vignettes
Pomefiore Dorm - Ballroom

|
You've both got the basics down. Now we're going to shift to one-on-one walking practice so we can fine-tune your technique. I'll handle Silver. Jack, you'll be under Rook's supervision. |

|
Rook? When did he get here...? |

|
The show must be a success. Hence, I brought in someone with a suitably critical eye. Don't even think about slacking off just because I'm not there. I won't stand for anyone wasting my vice housewarden's time. |

|
Yes, sir! I'll work as hard as I have to! |

|
Très bien! It's lovely to see how motivated you are. Let's get started! |

|
Ready when you are! |

|
How was that, Rook? |

|
Hm. I can see you're growing more comfortable each time. You had a nice, confident stride there!
But you're so focused on your legs that you keep looking down. You must hold your head aloft and captivate the audience. |

|
Captivate them?! I have no idea how to do that. All right, well... Guess I'll just keep drilling 'til I figure it out! I'll do it again, and you can give me some more pointers! |

|
No, I believe a break is in order. |

|
But I don't have time to rest. I know I'm slowing the group down. I have to work harder than everyone else and improve my performance... Otherwise I'll never be able to face Leona, Silver, or Ortho! |

|
Your ardor is most inspiring. But you'll only set yourself back if you push too hard. |

|
I'm good, really. This level of training is pretty much the norm for me... |

|
Do as Rook says and take a break, Jack. |

|
Vil? I thought you were with Silver. |

|
We're also on break. Silver's outside getting some fresh air. Your dogged determination to work nonstop is admirable, but it can also be a flaw. Nothing would be more aggravating than training to the point of exhaustion and being bone-tired at showtime. |

|
But... |

|
You know, we had this very same arguement when we were kids. One time I told you not to go out running when you were training for a marathon because there was a blizzard. But did you listen? Of course not. You said it would be good practice in case it snowed during the race, and then you wound up getting sick. I also remember when- |

|
Okay, okay! I'll take a break, geez! You can stop with the embarrassing stories now. |

|
Heh heh heh. Well played, Vil. You know exactly how to calm Jack down. Since we're taking a breather, why don't we have a nice little chat to pass the time? I'd love to hear more tales from when you two were children. |

|
Well, uh... We just went to the same school for like a year or two. I don't have any funny stories or anything. |

|
Oh, really? I certainly do. Like when you refused to play tag with your friends because you "didn't have time for kids' stuff." Then you went off and exercised. |

|
Huh, I don't remember that... And how is that funny at all? |

|
Oh, it was hilarious. As far as I could tell, your "exercise" was just climbing a tree. |

|
Ah, that story says all you need to know about Jack, doesn't it? By all means, tell me more! |

|
Augh... Oh, actually, I remember one with Vil. We went out to play this one day after it snowed a lot and made a huge snow sculpture. |

|
Oh yes, I remember that now. Talk about a blast from the past. |

|
What a charming tale. And what did you make? |

|
A life-sized throne. With elaborate decorations, of course. |

|
Just for the record, I did most of the work. Do you have any idea how much it took to pack all that fresh, powdery snow into something hard enough to sit on? |

|
Excuse me, I did the entire design. And I assisted plenty with the decorations. |

|
Mm, yes, this is entirely believable. I can picture it now. |

|
Oh yeah... We also took skiing and snowboarding lessons together. |

|
I was a novice, and Jack was already quite skilled a both, so he gave me some pointers. |

|
You mastered them with just a few tips. I barely taught you anything. |

|
I've always kept my core muscles toned. That apparently makes me well-suited to sports that require a lot of balance. You also need core strength to do a runway walk, which is why I thought you'd pick it up in no time... How is he looking to you, Rook? |

|
Oh, wonderful. He has excellent reflexes and is willing to put in the work. He's still struggling, but I think all he needs is a little more practice to perfect his walk. There's a lovely feral intensity to his expressions. I think the fairies might find it attractive. |

|
Oh... You think? I don't put much thought into it... |

|
People have a surprising lack of awareness when it comes to themselves. You've made great strides, you know. Why don't we give Vil a demonstration of your current progress? He'll see what I mean then. |

|
All right. Here goes. |

|
...How was that? |

|
Passable. With a bit more practice, I think I'll be able to take over and finish things with you and Silver together. |

|
You mean it?! Ah, sorry, stupid question. You never say things you don't mean... Even I could tell I was more relaxed that time. Maybe the break helped ease some of my tension. Thanks, Rook. |

|
No, thank you for the delightful anecdotes. |

|
Okay, I'm gonna put my nose to the grindstone and prove I can keep up with Silver and Ortho. Let's get back to it, guys! |