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Dogged Determination

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!