Rui practiced with Alan's help for several days. They would go to Alan's apartment and practice until it was dark. In the start, Alan was extremely positive that he could teach Rui how to dance. But as the time passed, he realised that it was easier said than done. He thought for several days and finally came up with a choreography that could make her pass that screening.
If she did, then she will perform the same act on foundation day and if she didn't, then he will beat that Shaziya to death.
He was trying with all his might to bring out the dancer in Rui. However, Rui was too stiff. So, Alan decided that he would add a concept that would make her seem effortless on stage.
Rui, on the other hand, gave it her all. She wanted to do the best. She wanted to tell those senior that she was not an easy target. If she dances better than the rest, then Shaziya will definitely get no chance to humiliate her. Hence, she practiced everyday for hours. Even when everyone was sitting in cafe sipping coffee, Rui would go to an isolated place and dance under Alan's supervision. Soon, the result of her hardwork was showing up. As the final rehearsal came closer, she became more assured of her act. However, there was still a problem, her stage phobia.
" Alan, I don't know how I am going to perform in front of so many people. My heart races and beats so loud when I think of standing on stage. Alan, I will not lose consciousness on stage. Right? If I did, that will be so humiliating." Rui debated.
" Hey, why are thinking so negative. Be optimistic bro. You have to think this way-all the people in front of you are fools and you are the only smart ass in the whole room. Once you start believing that there is no one better, you will have more confidence. And Rui, all of these cowards are performing in groups while you will do it alone. Aren't you the brave one." Alan reasoned.
" Shit! I almost forgot that I am a solo act. Fuck! How am I gonna stand all those gazes? Alan, can I just run away? I don't want to faint infront of whole school. Oh god, I suddenly can't breath." Rui started inhaling and exhaling anxiously. She felt suffocated.
Alan looked at Rui and realised, things are going to get messed up if he didn't interfere. So, he went in his bedroom and came back with a mask. It was a black colored see through net with lace on the border.
" Here is the solution of your problem. You see this cloth. Fold it in a triangle and wrap it around your nose and mouth. Like this." Alan demonstrated. " See, now that half of your face is hidden, no one knows who you are. Therefore, no one will know it was you if you screw it up."
" What the... How does it help though? I don't understand." Rui was full of doubts.
" You see, now that no one knows who you are, all that's left to do is enjoy. Enjoy your dance and don't give a fuck about screwing up." Alan smiled.
" What...how does it even..."
Before Rui could complete, Alan grabbed her hand and helped her up. " Try it first and then, tell me if it works or not."
Rui covered half of her face with that cloth and looked in the mirror. Sure enough, only her eyes were visible. It made her feel a little more secure. Then, she danced and realised, the mask made her look even more elegant. It added the little bit of mysteriousness that made her look even more seductive.
" I like it." Rui smiled and gave Alan her conformation.
On the screening day, Rui didn't come to the classes and prepared for the dance in an empty classroom instead. But, Alan had to sit through all his leactures in worry. He wanted to leave and be with Rui as fast as possible.
" Hey, why are you so restless?" Mark, who was as always, sitting behind him asked. As usual, Alan ignored him. " Hey tell me, may be I could help."
Alan thought for a moment and then replied, " Do you know the Rhodens?"
Mark face quickly changed into a serious frown, " What did they do now?"
" They haven't done anything yet. But I believe they will. They have been targeting Rui for a very long time and I don't understand why. I think, they will definitely do something today." Alan paused and looked at Mark, straight into his eyes," Mark, can you and Ben stay close to the auditorium? If anything or anyone seem doubtful, tell me. Okay?"
Mark was overjoyed. Alan asked him for something, for the first time. How can he deny?
" Okay. But Alan, how will I tell you?"
" Phone, obviously....Oh. You don't have my number. Here, give me your number." Alan gave his phone to Mark. Mark quickly gave him his number and sent a call to himself.
" Yo. Got it." Mark smiled from one ear to another. " Don't worry Alan. We will be around."
" Thank you." Alan smiled back. His preparations were ready.
He had planned three line of defences against Rhodens. If they tried to harm Rui, the first line of defence will be he, himself. Second will be, Alan and Ben. And third, none other than Mr. Smith. He has told him everything about it. And Mr. Smith has started collecting information against the Rhodens. The moment they try to harm Rui, all hell will break lose on them.
As the screening started, omegas started gathering in the hall. During screening only omegas and organising committee was allowed inside. Alan also went in the auditorium and sneaked back stage. Among the crowd of several omegas dressed in colorful garments, stood a person wearing all white.
It was Rui. It was very easy to find her among these people because of the choice of colour. Alan quickly pushed his was through. He grabbed Rui by her hand and dragged her into the corner.
" What's your performance number?" Alan asked.
" It's third. Alan I am not done with my dress up yet. What am I gonna do? Alan my heart is beating so loud." Rui said in a crying tone.
" Shhh... don't think about it. Just look at my beautiful face and forget about everything else." Alan winked at her.
" You cocky bastard!" Rui giggled.
Alan quickly fastened the strings of her skirt and the blouse. Then, he quickly tied the shimmering coin belt on Rui's waist. He placed an armlet on both of her arms and a oxidised silver necklace on Rui's neck. With a pair of beautiful silver earcuffs, he completed accessorising. For makeup, he did not do much. Only smoky eyes and red lipstick was enough to make Rui look gorgeous. Within ten minutes, Alan turned Rui into this beautiful belly dancer studded with white and silver colours. She looked so gorgeous that every person in the room could not help but turn their heads.
" Now this." Alan fastened the mask cloth around Rui's face. With the see through net, everyone could make the shape of those red plump lips. It was even more alluring than before. Her curves and eyes added more beauty to her look.
" How do I look?" Rui blushed.
* Gorgeous. Very very gorgeous." Alan replied with a smile. " Hey do you want to see Ben?"
Rui's eyes popped out, " What?!"
" I asked if you want to see Ben." Alan repeated.
" Can I?" Rui wanted to see him but was still doubtful.
" Ofcourse." Alan grabbed his phone and dialled the number he saved earlier. As soon as other side picked up, Alan asked, " Hey where are you?"
" I am outside at the central park. Me and Ben both are here. Is everything okay? Do want us to go there?" A chain of questions came from the other side.
" No. Everything is fine. Can you switch to video call? " Alan asked.
" Video call?" Mark thought for a moment and quickly tidied his hair and cloth. " Sure."
The video was on. Alan saw Mark and asked " Where is Ben?"
" Here." Ben replied from the other side. He snatched the phone from Mark and talked with Alan." What's up Alan. You need me?"
" Yes. Ben can you tell me if she looks beautiful or not?" Alan turned the camera to Rui. As soon as they saw Rui, both Mark and Ben had their jaw dropped. However, Ben was red with blush.
His shyness kicked in and he replied with red cheeks, " very very beautiful."
On the other side, Rui was as red as tomato. But our Alan was thoroughly enjoying this sight, " Ben are you stuttering? And Mark, close your mouth buddy before a bug gets in. Alright, I will see you two later. Bye."
Both Ben and Mark said nothing anymore. They were speechless. The sight was too much to take in. How could she look so gorgeous, that's what Ben was thinking. How would Alan look in such dress, that's what Mark had in his mind.
On the other side, Rui was called on stage and she performed very well. She played the role of Maa, the mother and the protector. From side to side she swayed her waist along with the music. Then there was a slow tormenting music, in which she was showed losing her young one. Soon, the music became faster and Rui grabbed a sword from the ground. The sword play was fabulous and one of Rui's speciality. It represented the transformations of a mother into a warrior and a protector. The beautiful delicate body with sharp double edged sword created a whole new picture that no one had seen before. Every move was so precise and well done. As the performance ended, All the judges stood up and gave standing ovation. They all praised Rui for the out of the box thinking. Rui got positive reviews and she also got selected for the main event.
Shaziya who was sitting among the panel was biting her nail in nervousness. " What have I done? I definitely underestimated her. What am I gonna do now? Chris will kill me." She stood up and paced back and forth. " Think. Shaziya think of a way."
After some time of pacing back and forth, Shaziya got a way to fix it all. She went to the dais and announced, " all of the juniors who got selected must make sure to get their uniforms fixed. Your seniors will help you with your uniforms at building 3. So be there after rehearsal. Thank you."
Alan who was constantly keeping an eye on Shaziya knew very well. Something huge will happen tonight.