46

"Miss, I don't even know you; what's the meaning of this?"
"You dare ask me? I will kill you today!" Evelyn spat and launched more ice lotuses at him and he fantastically used the spear. He shattered all lotuses to nothingness. Seeing this, Evelyn started launching wind blades together with ice balls.
Vanessa simply dragged the two chairs to a corner where she and Lisa sat on to enjoy the show.

10 minutes later, Evelyn stopped attacking altogether and crashed to the floor like a sack of grain after transforming back into human form. She admitted defeat in Collen's hands.
5 minutes ago, he had changed from defense to attack. He sealed the room with soundproof magic so as not to startle anyone outside and then transformed into his fairy warrior form that comprised grey butterfly wings that were larger than Evelyn's and sturdier, a diadem on his forehead, multiplied into three and his spear multiplied into nine, so his two doppelgangers and his true body were in control of 3 spears each. Evelyn had a hard time defending against attacks from the nine spears and she ended up in a sorry state; prematurely transforming back to human and collapsing to the floor while seeking for air.
Lisa stood up and applauded.
"Wonderful! Excellent battle. You really opened my eyes today. This princess is in a good mood." said Lisa with excitement before sitting again.
"Seriously? Lisa is happy at my downfall?" Evelyn telepathed Vanessa, feeling wronged.
"Well, it doesn't matter. Why did you attack him in the first place? You gave him a terrible impression of you already? Do you know his true identity? He's a palace guard of Lisa's mother. He's been trained to fight off reinforced villains. Did you think a rookie like you could exchange notes with him?" Vanessa replied telepathically, in a mocking tone.
"Whatever!" Evelyn was too tired to listen to her bestie's mockery.
Collens retracted his replicas, and all nine spears became one. He transformed back from his fairy form and smiled as he walked to Evelyn, hand in left pocket.
"You know, I think the warrior dance of the frosty fairy tribe is more suited for you. Your temper is the most fitting." he said.
He stretched his hand out to her.
She took it, and he helped her up. He immediately felt something, and his eyes widened for a moment.
"Miss Evelyn, I'd like to train you personally." he said with a smile after composing himself.
"Eh?" the other two fence sitters immediately got to their feet.
"Personal training?"
"That's blatant bias. I'm a princess." Lisa murmured.
"All three of you are of noble blood; you are princesses. I chose to personally cultivate Evelyn here because she is my queen." he then went on one knee and took out a sapphire ring.
"I've waited for this day all my life. Now it's finally come to pass. I'm euphoric. Beloved mate, do you accept to court me till marriage!"
"Eh? What's all this about? What mate stuff are you talking about?" Evelyn asked in bafflement.
"You are my destined wife," he announced. "It's unchangeable. Don't fight against your fate. We belong to each other."
"Really?" Evelyn fainted.
"Bestie!"
"Mate!"
"Auntie!"
The trio shouted in alarm.

Vanessa and Lisa got up from their seats and ran towards Evelyn. Collen, who was closest to Evelyn, already took her in his arms.
He pushed to the floor all the stuff on his table and laid her there.
"Did she faint out of tiredness or because of your news?" Vanessa asked with a serious face.

"It could be either or both. But now's not the time to debate. Lisa, please come over!" he said in a hurried tone.
Lisa walked to Collen after her scepter had re-appeared in her hand.
"Can you heal anyone other than yourself yet? I'm sorry for tasking you." he asked in anxiousness.

"Nope! Besides, she's only fainted, not dying. Let her rest for sometime and she'll wake up. I'm off to start my lessons. Bye!" Lisa turned around to leave.

"You..." he pointed at her, having no words to say.
At this moment, Evelyn suddenly opened her eyes and changed into her fairy form.
She looked at Lisa, who had stopped in her tracks, then at Vanessa and finally Collen.
She flew around him slowly for a short while and unexpectedly started dancing around him, her hands occasionally touching his shoulders.
He was flabbergasted but soon caught her hand and began to dance with her-a wild, passionate dance!
Lisa face palmed in contrast to an excited Vanessa who thought that this couple-to-be was indeed a match.

Collen had changed to his warrior fairy form again, and both continued their dance in mid-air.
"I accept..." Evelyn muttered, and he was about to burst with excitement, but her next words poured cold water on him.
"I accept not. I am not ready to get into a relationship. I don't want a mate like you." she declared.
"What?" Collen was shocked that he stopped holding her hand. His wings lost the strength to flutter, and he crashed to the ground in sorrow.

"Why? Why will you not accept me? Am I too ugly for your taste? Or you think I'm gonna maltreat you when we get joined by the fairy rules? Evelyn..."
"I just don't want this mate thing. I don't believe we are inseparable!" Evelyn landed and transformed back to human.
"I'm sorry, I refuse!" she whispered and turned to Vanessa and Lisa. "I'm not ready for such a thing!"

"How... how about we make a deal? One month! One month trial. Let me coach you professionally, no strings attached. After that, you make a decision." Collen was determined to win her.
"One month? Every day?"
"Twice a week!" Collen offered.
Evelyn then shrugged.
"Ok! I'm learning pole dance. Vanessa, Lisa, what are your choices?"

"Tango!"
"Belly dance!"
They replied in unison.
"Vanessa, that's unexpected! The bunny wanna go wild?" Evelyn chuckled in amusement.
"That'll will take long. Mum is hopeless. Her body is so stiff. You don't know how many times I wished to find a hole to hide in earlier when she performed her wild dance. It was really eye-opening. Great job, mama!" said Lisa casually.

"You... how can you throw my dignity in the mud?" Vanessa's eyes nearly fell out.
"Bye, I'm gonna dance and refresh my mind from that arrogant skunk." Lisa's scepter disappeared, and she left the office, slamming the door shut.
"Eh... I might as well go too. Mr Collen, make sure to teach her well. I'm counting on ya." Vanessa winked and left too.
Now there were just two of them.
Evelyn transform back to human and sat in one of the chairs.
Collen returned to normal too and patted the creases on his clothes as he got up.
"Well, miss Evelyn Azandis, let me see your level." he returned to his seat and adjusted his glasses.

"Hmph! Do you even need to see more after the dance we performed?" she spat.
"Work-related matters are what we should discuss. I need to access your stats before we plan out a schedule and tactic. Miss, please..." he pointed to the stage with a deadpan face.
"Hmph... Whatever!" she stood up and did 6 backflips to get to the stage.
She stood steadily on the stage, made her hair into a neat, single ponytail and held the pole with her other hand on her waist.
She hugged the pole and gave it a kiss, staining it with her red lipstick.
She suddenly cast a seductive, wild look at Collen.
She beckoned him with her fingers and blew air into them.

Collen folded his arms and watched her with a stony face.
Evelyn faced him with her back view and parted her legs and bent her body.

*******

Lisa finally arrived at the hall for beginner belly dancers. She knocked on the large double doors and it opened by itself.
She lazily walked in and the door closed behind her.
She saw that the hall was wide and there were 15 trainees of different ages. The oldest was in her early 30s. A 40-year-old has no right to get in here.

The trainer was telling each one how to better expose their charm to the audience.
“You can't just dance for dancing's sake. Tell a story with your facial expressions, show a world with your body, overwhelm them with your charm, your presence, but don't force-feed them your passion. Make them willing to eat the passion fruit. Their eyes need to stick to you as a person..." the trainer (who wore a black sports bra and white harem pants with a red dangling coins hip scarf tied around her waist) was interrupted suddenly by a sharp, sweet voice.

"Hello, Ma'am! Hello, other people! I'm new here. The name's Lisa. Lisa Reynolds." she introduced and stretched out her right hand intending to shake hands with the trainer.
"You are welcome. I'm miss Sherley Morgan." the trainer regained her composure and shook Lisa's hand. Although it looked like a friendly handshake, she was applying force; wanting to teach this kid a lesson. But unexpectedly, she almost had her bones broken. Her face turned pale and some beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.
"Woah, you really know how to shake well. Did you have practice?" she managed to speak with a forced smile.
Lisa innocently shook her head.
"I love to shake people's hands. Eh, can I tell you something?"
Sherley squatted and Lisa whispered:

"Miss Sherley, I honestly think it'd be better if you clear your thoughts of evil. Who knows, I can just wish you to POOF along with your family? I'm a Reynolds after all. Don't make me mad next time. Just look how ugly you've become from a simple handshake. How pitiful you are!" Lisa smiled and retracted her hand.

She then went to greet the others, who were amazed at Lisa's beauty and liveliness.
They introduced themselves, and the trainer walked to Lisa.
"Hun, let's go choose an outfit for you." she said sweetly.
"Oh thanks, Miss Sherley. You are so kind." Lisa said happily.
"Not a sweat. You are a blooming flower too; you must be pampered always." Sherley said with a chuckle.
"Alright! Let's go. I can't wait to see what will fit me well." Lisa took her hand and dragged her along.
Sherley couldn't resist. This little princess was basically hulk in baby form. What is she eating?

"You guys continue practising. No one is allowed a moment to slack off. My hidden camera isn't for decoration." Sherley warned the trainees before leaving with the little bun.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Vanessa smiled as she pushed open the door for beginners. She saw a man in his late 30s. He had dyed his hair blue and looked smoking hot with his brushed up fringe hairstyle.
His blue eyes looked wild. He was tall and tan-skinned. He wore a black t-shirt and green shorts. He walked about correcting the trainees.
"Arelia, go a little lower. Mel, why are you distracted? This isn't a playground. Nylie, what's with your expression? Is Dexter a monster? Get closer!"
Vanessa slowly closed the doors behind her.
The man turned his attention to her immediately.

"Hello miss Vanessa, you are welcome!" the man greeted.
She gasped with widened eyes.
"You know my name?" she asked.
"Yeah. I was notified a few minutes ago that you'll be coming here. Alright, once again, welcome to our beginner tango dance class. Mr Collen said you needed extra help as you are a stiff wood that could break at anytime." he said, extending his right hand for a handshake.
"Mr Collen said so?" Vanessa couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Don't take it to heart. For today, you just need to familiarize yourself with the others and watch them practice. Oh, silly me. I'm Frederick McKay."
"Hehe, it's nice to meet you and be under your tutelage." she said with a forced smile and shook his hand.
"Nice to see you too." he retracted his hand and placed it in his shorts' pocket.

He then turned to face the others.
"Guys, we have a stiff belle joining us today. Be sure to give her VIP treatment so she can familiarize herself with you guys and be able to watch you guys perform." he said with a knowing smile and walked to the end of the hall to sit on a chair. He took out a bottle of water and drank its content in one go.
Then he took out his phone and a black headphone, which he wore.
"I'm going to music land. I need no disturbance, dummies." he said before folding his hands and closing his eyes after placing his phone back in his shorts' pocket.

Vanessa looked at the trainees, who were smiling rather weirdly at her. It seemed creepy.
"Hehe, hello everyone... I'm here to learn." she said nervously while retreating until her back hit the door.
"Miss Vanessa, we're happy to have you here. As master instructed, we'll give you the best VIP treatment for a stiff beauty. Don't worry, you'll thank us with tears- happy tears!" said a slightly chubby but fine teenager of 17.
"Can I change the dance type to maybe... Waltz?" she asked in a low tone of voice.
"You can but will still get VIP treatment plus massage." replied another trainee in her early 20s.
"Can I quit?" Vanessa asked again.
"No, unless you've attended at least 10 classes. If you decide to quit now, you can pay 30 million as apology to the institute and then 500,000 dollars as wine offering and atonement for your sin." another trainee replied.
Vanessa looked at Frederick and tried to run to him, but the trainees blocked her.
"What is the feature of the VIP treatment?" she asked in defeat.
A man in his late 20s brought her a list.
She took it and glanced through.


VIP treatment options:
1. Splits attempt (3 hours).
2. Frog jump (from the entrance to the extreme of the hall) 50 times.
3. Crab walk (70 minutes)
4. Run on the treadmill at highest speed. (One hour)
5. Ride motorcycle stance. (2 hours at least)
6. 200 strokes of cane on the butt.

Her face further ashened as she stared at Frederick, who was shaking his head to music.
"Is... Isn't there another option?" she asked nervously.
"Well, there is. We'll play a song for you and you have to learn the lyrics in 5 minutes. Then you sing for us. If you can wake up the master with your angelic voice, you can get his coaching immediately. I was able to do that and look at me." the female trainee spun around and jumped, then did a perfect split on the floor.
Vanessa swallowed saliva.
"Don't be anxious. You have two options. If one doesn't work for you, then probably the second will. Our master is very kind. Other classes don't have this privilege. Count yourself lucky." said a male trainee with red shoulder-length hair.
She thought to herself: "I am considered lucky? Collen, Collen, you do know how to keep a grudge don't you? You are toast by the time I'm free."
"I choose to sing." she decided, and the trainees clapped for her.
"I'm a fairy. I should be able to sing, plus my voice is good." she thought and forced a weak smile.
A wireless mic was given to her and a trainee started to play a song. She knew that song, so she didn't need to learn the lyrics.
"Wow, you are lucky. Alright, let's hear you sing an acappella." a teenage boy said and clapped.
They then sat cross-legged on the floor and stared at her like she had ten legs.
Vanessa dropped her bag and cleared her throat.
Then she closed her eyes and started to sing the first line.
She immediately opened her eyes in shock. She stared at the audience, who had their mouths open.
"What?" she asked.
"Your voice is... enough to kil a king in his sleep."
"It's very unusual."
"Just tell her the truth. It's terrible and annoying; it's like a mosquito. or lion trying to sing. Blergh!" Nylie said.
Vanessa stared at Frederick, who had taken off his headphones.
"She's right, miss firewood." he said. "Choose something else; though I'd advise you to just take 200 strokes of cane. Don't worry, that thin boy will do it. He's the weakest here, apart from you."
"I'm not weak." Vanessa snapped.
"Plus 100. Here I was thinking to minus 100 from the initial 200 out of pity. Well, since you are strong, let's add another 50." Frederick said and wore back his headphones.
"I haven't even decided..."
"Miss Vanessa, master chose for you. It's rare and shows he wants you to learn well. Come on, lay on that bench. Mario will hit you. Don't worry, his lashes aren't painful." another trainee whispered.
The Mario in question was short and slim, with black curly hair. His eyes were a hazel brown and his lips were chestnut colored.He had a mole on his neck.
"Miss Vanessa, let me give you your chosen VIP treatment." he pointed to the bench. "Please, go lay on it on your belly."

Vanessa cursed Frederick many times in her head. She had great grievance. Then she thought of the little bun. Was she experiencing this too? How will she explain to her father? And Evelyn.... no, Evelyn should be safe. After all, she was Collen's mate. Soulmates don'
t hurt each other, right?

She headed to the bench and laid on it.
Mario walked to the extreme of the hall and took a whip that was thin with several spikes.
Then he took a fat cane. He held them out to her.
"I choose the cane." she said meekly.
What a joke! Who in their right mind would choose that spiky whip? Did they not want their precious life anymore?
"But that thing is really gonna hurt my bum." she whispered.
"If you are that scared, how about we do some little math? Your name is Vanessa. The strokes you'll be receiving is 350. Your names is 7 characters. Am I correct?" said Dexter.
Vanessa nodded.
"Since it's so, well, simply divide 350 by 7 and there. You'll only be eat 50 strokes." continued Dexter. "But you need to pay us $3000."
"I don't have such cash on me."
"IOU is here." Nylie handed her a piece of paper with the sum on it. "Miss, please sign it."

>>>>>>>>

Lisa spun around in her new outfit and blew a kiss at the trainer.
"Miss Sherley, I so love it. This is gorgeous on me." she squealed.
'I'm glad you love it. It's like it was made for you in the first place." Sherley commented with a smile.
"Yeah right. Oh, let's go now. I really wanna show my dad how to belly dance." she ran out of the room in excitement.
Sherley facepalmed and sighed.
"Mr Collens, you just had to send her to me; she is my nemesis. You are very good." she muttered and left the room.
On entering the training hall, everyone was stunned silly.
"How do I look?" Lisa asked excitedly.
"You look gorgeous."
"Tasky"
"You smell like milk"
"You are pure royalty!"
"Beautiful. Can I take you home?"
"Oh, my! What a princess!"
Lisa turned to look at Sherley, who had just come in looking moody.
"Miss Sherley, you aren't exhibiting any charm. Or is this another way to amaze the audience?" Lisa asked 'innocently'.
Sherley wanted to beat this thing up, but she had a scary background. If one strand of her hair was harmed, she'll hear from her father. Even before that, she'll lose this job. What a pain in the neck!

"I told you not to slack off. You guys will stay one more hour than usual."
"Am I included?" Lisa asked, blinking her eyes slowly with a pitiful expression.
"Of course not. You are a newcomer, so I'll forgive your mistakes for today. Plus, you are cute. How can I make your dad worry about you?" Sherley said sweetly.
The other trainees looked like they'd swallowed a fly.
Since when was the master so meek and gentle? Just look at the bias! Forgiven? Why then were they punished for making a mistake on their first day? Where was her forgiving heart? Or maybe this miss Sherley was a fake?

"Keep staring at me and you'll do extreme frog jumping for an hour more." Sherley barked.
"Yes, ma'am!" they chorused and continued dancing what they'd been taught.
Sherley walked to the ending of the hall and sat on a chair.
Lisa ran to her, fiddling with her hair.
"Can I join them?"
"Watch them for a while, then you can dance with them." replied Sherley.
"Alright!" Lisa sat on another chair and took the bottle of water beside Sherley. She opened it and drank it all in one go.
"Ah, this water is magical. So invigorating." Lisa commented.
Sherley was unhappy but held it all in. She patted the little one and commended her for finishing the water.
"Kiddo, do you know that water is very rare? You just drank it all. We only get two of it a day. You just drank my last bottle. I so wanna beat you up." she raged in her heart.
"Miss Sherley!"
"Hmm? What is it, Lisa?"
"Can you dance? I've not seen you dance. Please show me some moves." Lisa begged.
"I will do that tomorrow, ok?" Sherley tried to speak gently.
"Okay. I'll just tell Mr Collen that you don't wanna teach me today." Lisa shrugged and turned around to leave.
"Fine, you win. I'll dance alright? But make sure you watch me intently."
"You're the best, miss Sherley."
"Everyone pause! 10 minutes break."

Sherley became the only person standing as the others except Lisa, who crossed her legs and spread her arms sideways on the chair she sat on leisurely.
"I want to teach you a simple dance. You must pay attention."

*********

Evelyn spun Collen's chair around after she sat on it. Collen was feeding her strawberries whenever she opened her mouth. He was on his knees.
"Next time, you don't bet on what you can't afford. Loser!" she opened her mouth again, and he fed her a berry. He had no tears to shed.

Earlier, after she'd finished dancing on the stage, he scolded her and pointed out many mistakes.
She then told him that she quit the arrangement.
He quickly apologized. Then she proposed a bet.
The two of them would dance and the loser had to get on his knees and feed the winner whatever he/she wants.
He readily agreed only for her to suggest 'Twerking!'.
His face paled, but if he didn't accept, he would lose his mate. Heavens knows how many years he'd waited to find her.

Expectedly, he lost! So here he was.
The door suddenly opened.
"Mr Collen, there is something I need to you to verify this..." the woman who had just entered became speechless.
Collen immediately stood up and placed the plate of berries on the table.
"Hehehe, continue. I shouldn't disturb you, sir. Congratulations, you have good taste." she said awkwardly and fled even before he could reply.
He facepalmed and sighed.
"Hey! Who gave you permission to stand up?" Evelyn thundered. "On your knees, Collen!"
"Yes!" he obeyed and resumed feeding her the berries.

********

Vanessa had just received the 50 strokes of the cane and she was awarded a duplicate copy of the IOU.
She shed tears in her heart.
$3000 debt- how cool!
She sat on the floor cross-legged just as Frederick commanded.
She watched the partners show off what they knew. She won't even be practicing anything.
'Collen, Collen, you won't get away with this.' she swore internally.

Frederick was sternly teaching and correcting the chosen pairs as they danced.
Her phone vibrated in her bag, and she picked it up.
"Hello, Lisa's father!" she whispered.
"Where are you ladies?"
"Blendz." she replied.
"Oh. Which dance did you guys choose to learn?"
"When we return, I'll tell. But we are safe. Stop worrying!" she cut the call and put the phone on silent mode.
Frederick issued her another IOU.
"Now I owe them $3500. Great!" she thought.