-Ayako's POV-

"Ayako, time to get up honey." I groan and roll over in my sleep. "Come on now, it's time for you to get up and get ready for school."

"Five more minutes." I grumble and curl up into a ball.

"Well ok, but if you don't get up now you can't take a shower with me." Tsubasa says teasingly and chuckles as I sit up, eyes still closed. "Thought so, come on." I stand up sleepily and slowly totter after her into the massive ensuite.

I sway back and forth slowly on my feet, flinching slightly as I walk into the brightly lit room. Tsubasa already has the water warming up as I enter. I pull my sister's shirt off over my head and start sliding my panties down but trip due to my sleepiness and fall face first into warm pillow-like cushions. I look up bleary eyed and see Tsubasa sigh softly, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

"What am I ever going to do with you?" She chuckles as I lean against her and finish undressing. She wraps an arm around my shoulder and leads me into the steaming hot water. "Gosh I wish you weren't such a night owl, it's such a pain getting you to wake up." She complains and I grumble apologetically but she leans in close to my ear. "I didn't say it was a bad thing, I like seeing you like this, so cute and dependant on me, it really makes me want to spoil you a lot."

She sits me down on a stool and crouches behind me and pours shampoo on my hair and starts to slowly scrub my hair, her nails digging in and scratching my scalp. "Mmph Onee-shaama." I let out a tired yet satisfied groan as she massages my head a bit before lathering up my long hair.

"I love your hair Ayako, it's so long and soft, I wish you would take better care of it." She remarks as she runs her shampoo fingers through my hair.

"I'm sorry Onee-sama." I say and she perks up a bit behind me.

"Oh? Seems like someone is finally starting to wake up a bit, close your eyes real quick." She waits a few seconds before pouring water over my head and scrubbing my hair to get all the shampoo out.

I sputter and shake my head, scrubbing the water from my eyes. Two arms wrap around me and hug me from behind, giving me a tight squeeze. I blush, smiling happily as she holds me close with her generous breasts press against my back. "Morning Onee-sama."

"Morning Ayako, glad to see you're finally awake." She murmurs in my ear and leans against me, just holding me.

"Do we have time to just sit here?" I ask her and she chuckles.

"Don't you worry, I woke you up early so we have plenty of time." She reassures me and I smile. As much as I hate waking up early, if it's to spend time with Onee-sama it's completely worth it.

She stands up and I follow suit. She moves the stool aside and I step into her embrace and she holds me tight as the warm water washes over us. "You aren't normally this affectionate this early Onee-sama." I comment as I nuzzle my face against her warm wet skin.

"Maybe I just wanted to spoil you a bit, I could stop if you'd like." I squeeze her in response and she just chuckles and squeezes me back. "I was kidding."

After enjoying the rest of our shower and I help her clean her hair, we step out and Tsubasa almost immediately grabs a towel and starts drying my hair. "You don't have to do that Onee-sama." I protest but she just tuts at me.

"You might not care if you look unkempt but I do. Today is the finale of the school festival and I will have my girl looking cute today." She says, dropping the towel and brushing my hair, making sure it's not knotted anywhere and looks good.

I blush and can't help but smile. "Alright fine, you win this time." I concede and after she finishes I quickly dry myself off and leave her to get dry while I head to my bedroom to get dressed for school. It takes me a little bit to get dressed and looking decent by Tsubasa's standards. By the time I get down she's already making a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast.

"Sorry I won't be able to come to the concert today, I have a business meeting with Ratatoskr about the VR set you've been working on. I figured that once you're finished with it and it's been tested, we could sell it to them, if you're ok with it that is." She adds.

"Yea I don't mind, the headset itself is already done honestly, I'm just working on the coding for the virtual world, I want it to be as accurate as possible. Though if we are gonna mass produce this I will write a less… workable script then what I'm using."

Tsubasa raises an eyebrow at that comment. "What do you mean workable?"

"The code I'm making will allow me to alter the world I'm in in real time, so I could completely change what's going on and who's where at any time. Giving that kind of power to inexperienced people could be dangerous, so I'd write a stricter code. There could still be changes made to the environment and such, but no real time alterations like what I'll have." I explain around a mouthful of eggs.

"Is it safe for you to have a changable code? If it's bad for others, why isn't it for you?" She asks, obviously concerned.

"It won't be a problem for me, I wrote the code so I know the ins and outs of it. The worst that could happen is I fuck the code up and the machine shuts down, the worst a rookie could do is fry the system and melt their brains, I'm joking." I add quickly as I see the look on her face change when I mention brain melting.

"What if someone hacked in and messed with your settings while you're in there? Couldn't that be bad for you or any user on the produced version?" Tsubasa pushes.

I stare at her confused for a moment before nodding my head in understanding. "Got it, it's more than just about my safety, you're asking for the sake of the meeting as well."

"No, I'm worried about you." She protests.

"I know you are Onee-sama, but it makes sense, this isn't exactly your wheelhouse, or anyones for that matter. No one will be able to hack this code for many years to come I suspect, and by then I'll have improved the code even more, there's little risk with security since it's not something you see everyday, or ever." I soothe her, explaining exactly how I've put security measures in my own system which will be stricter on the mass produced model.

"Alright, I'm satisfied." She finally says once I finish my long winded speech. "Thank you for explaining it to me, you're right, it will really help with my presentation to Ratatoskr but I was more worried about you then them."

"I know Onee-sama, you don't have to tell me." I smile at her, but my smile wavers quickly as I notice the clock on the wall. "I'm gonna be late." I sigh.

"Is it that late already? I got us up extra early so we could enjoy our shower and chat, but I guess the talk about your VR project took up a lot more time than I thought." She apologises. "How about I send you to the festival through a portal, I wouldn't want you to be late because of me."

"Got a place in mind no one will see?" I ask and she just smiles.

"Like I would ever do something like this without being extra careful, not even the Fraxinus will see it." She winks at me and opens up a portal. "Enjoy the last day of the festival." I give her a quick kiss and wave goodbye and walk through her portal into an alley not far from school.

"Onee-sama's portals really are convenient." I watch the portal close before turning on my heels and start making my way to the festival. I can't wait for the festival to be over, I'm just glad I don't work a shift today. I muse to myself as I hurry along. Hopefully I can run into Miku today. I haven't seen her this whole festival, but I'm sure she is busy with activities. Still, I can't believe our festival is with her school, how lucky.

"Morning Ayako." I lock up as I walk past the gate upon hearing a familiar, dangerous voice. I turn slowly and see Kurumi in her school uniform leaning against the gate with a self-satisfied smirk on her face.

"K-Kurumi what are you doing?!" I demand, marching up to her while casting worrying glances around in case Shido or any of the Spirits spot her.

"Technically I'm a student here too." She smirks down at me. "I heard from Tsubasa that there was a festival going on, so you get to escort me around and show me what's fun to do here."

"No way! If anyone sees they might attack you onsight, and if they see you with me they'll ask a lot of complicated questions that I don't have answers for." I stand my ground.

"You worry too much, I already know all the Spirits and Shido are busy with shifts in the cafe, and there aren't normal classes, so you're free all day." She smirks at me. "So you're going to entertain me."

I sigh heavily. "Fine… not like you'd take no for an answer anyway." I turn to head into the school but Kurumi grabs my arm and holds me against her and walks with me. I turn to demand an explanation only to be met with her cheeky smile.

"I only came to school once, I don't wanna get lost in the crowd of people." She says, feigning worry as she continues walking, pulling me along with her. "Now then I'll let you decide what we do, don't disappoint me."

I lead Kurumi into the school and immediately make our way to the carnival games. I pay at the booth and turn back to Kurumi with a couple rings. "Alright then, if I choose then it's my treat as well, the goal is to get these rings on those pegs, if you do you get a prize." I explain to her and she just gazes at me skeptically.

"Why would I want to do something like this?" Kurumi asks, taking the rings.

"Because it's fun? It's a school festival, there is only so much we can do here." I tell her. "Come on just try it, after this we can go on a munch run." I wink at her and she just looks at me confused.

"What's a munch run?" I stare at her in surprise.

"You've never been on a munch run? Hurry up and throw your rings, there are a few things we can do then we are getting to the munch run." Kurumi shrugs and tosses her first ring, which bounces off. She frowns and tosses the second one which bounces off the peg and falls on the floor. She lets out a small growl and tosses the last one which, due to her annoyance, hits the side of a peg and doesn't land at all.

"This is stupid." She huffs and I can't help but chuckle. "Got something to say?" She rounds on me and I just smile innocently.

"Let me show you how it's done." I pay for 3 more rings and with the flick of my wrist I send the first one sailing over the pegs and land it easily, the next 2 follow suit.

"Wow you got all 3 on the peg, you get the choice of our grand prizes." The girl at the stall announces and the other students nearby clap. I avert my eyes and fidget a bit from the attention.

"I'll just take that phone strap." I mutter, pointing to it. As soon as I get it I thank them and take off, pulling Kurumi with me.

"What's the hurry?" She asks.

"Everyone is staring… Come on, let's just go to the next game." I mutter and pull her along. I hear here 'hmm' behind me as I lead her through the crowds until she digs in her heels and stops me.

"Let's try this one." She points to a game as I look back and I follow her finger to a shooting gallery game. "If you do better then me I'll give you a special reward." She smirks and I shiver at the look she gives me, it's like she's about to devour me.

"Fine, but fair warning these guns are really inaccurate." I tell her as I pay. She snaches the gun up, flourishes it a bit and then without trying she hits all 3 targets, knocking them down consecutively after each reload.

I gape as she smirks at me while picking out a phone strap herself. I sigh and take aim, missing 2 of my three targets. "Well guess I don't get that reward." I chuckle as we walk away from the booth.

"No, but here is a consolation prize for being a good sport." She purrs, I turn toward her and she pulls me close, and captures my lips in a brief kiss. She pulls away and smirks down at me before pulling me along behind her. I glance around quickly to make sure no one saw while following behind her with my face bright red. "Now then, how about that munch run?"

"Actually, I want to play one more game." I tell her shyly and she stops pulling me.

"Oh yea? I thought you were looking forward to showing me what it is." She raises an eyebrow.

"Well yea I do, but you have a phone strap, and I have a phone strap… so I kinda wanna get Onee-sama one so we all match." I tell her, unable to look her in the eye as I shuffle my feet in embarrassment.

"Honestly that's pretty cute Ayako, alright then, how about I win one more from a different game and we give it to her together?" She leads me through the crowd to the dart game and pays for a round of darts.

"Kurumi, I said I would pay." I tell her but she just shrugs. She picks up the darts and slowly takes aim at the balloons. She takes her time aiming each time, but only gets 2 of them.

"Hmm, this is harder than it looks." She comments as she pays for more darts. After several more tries she growls in frustration as she once again fails to get it.

"Hey Kurumi, how about we do it together?" I say and she pauses for a moment to give me a confused look.

"It's not like it's a video game, we can't just play together." She scoffs.

"Not like that you dummy." I snatch a dart from her hands. "Ok throw it." She makes an annoyed sound before tossing it and popping a balloon. I follow up and pop the next one. "There, now you only need to get 2."

"If this doesn't work I'm going to torment you later." She threatens and throws the dart, popping the last balloon.

"Congratulations, what would you like as your prize?" The girl at the booth asks as we finally win.

"We want that cell phone strap." She points to one matching ours.

"Told you it would work." I tell her smugly as we walk away from the booth.

"Yea yea, whatever." She sticks her tongue out and hands it to me, but I don't take it.

"Hold on to it, we can give it to her together after school." I smile as I lead her on through the festival. "Now then, time for the munch run!" I lead her right to a takoyaki stand before she can ask once again what it is. I get 2 orders of it and trot back over to Kurumi and hand her one. "Go on, enjoy." I pop one into my mouth and squirm in pleasure. "Mmm so yummy! Next up we are totally getting some candied apples!"

I lead Kurumi around the festival, stopping at every few stalls and ordering some different kind of snack or junk food until I'm nice and full. "You are crazy." Kurumi sighs as she sits down on a bench. I plop down next to her, munching on a chocolate covered banana. "How are you STILL eating Ayako?"

"Hmm? This isn't that much is it?" I ask her as I finish the banana and pop open a bag of popcorn and start snacking on it.

"Yea, I can't even eat half of what you ate, though it was very delicious." She adds quickly as my smile drops a bit. She stands up and stretches. "Well I think it's time for me to head out, it was fun." I stand up as well and set my snack on the bench.

"You sure? We have a concert later today, I'm not part of it but it should be fun to watch, we could enjoy it together." I let her know hopefully, because honestly, I was having a lot of fun.

"Sorry, I have something else to take care of after this, but there is one more thing I wanna do before I leave." She simpers at me and I get a bad feeling as she drags me away from my popcorn. She pulls me across the area and yanks me into a picture booth with her. She slides a dollar in so we can take 3 pictures. "I spotted this earlier, before each picture we can pose and then hit that button, so let's do it."

I stare at her blankly for a moment. "Oh, yea let's do it." It takes me a second to snap out of my surprise. She wraps her arm around my shoulder and pulls me close and we both flash a peace sign and the image prints out nicely.

"Ok next one, just smile." She instructs me. I do as she instructs and she presses the button, but right before it goes off I feel her pinch and pull my cheeks and the picture goes off before I can react. "Oh you look so good in that picture." She laughs as the second one prints out, showing her giving me bunny ears while her shadow hands are pulling my cheek and she has a shit eating grin on her face.

"Haha very funny." I smack her shoulder angrily as she continues to laugh. "I'll see you later." I huff and march out of the stall, only to be yanked back in before I can take more than a step.

"Now now, be a good girl, we still have one more picture." Kurumi purrs as I come face to face with her inside the booth again. I open my mouth to berate her but freezes as she leans down and kisses me again like before, but hugs me to her, deepening the kiss as the flash goes off. She pulls back, her eyes lidded as she stares down at my blushing face. "Tasty." She says softly and let's go then snags the pictures. "Have a good rest of your day Ayako." She hums softly as she walks past me, leaving me alone in the booth.

I shrug and exit the booth. I guess I'll go and chill at our cafe, maybe see if Shido needs help with anything. Ya know, I haven't really seen Shido much recently. I make my way over to our school's cafe space and walk past the closed sign and make my way into the back. "Anyone here? I'm looking for Shido, I mean Shiori." I correct myself, remembering Shido's ridiculous disguise he's currently wearing. There's a rustling sound from behind the changing screen and Shido pokes his head out, still wearing his wig.

"Hey Ayako, I thought you didn't come today. You don't have a shift at the maid cafe and I didn't see you earlier while I was wandering around." He steps out, still dressed in his maid costume, which causes me to snicker quitely.

"I got a little side tracked earlier, but I've been here since the festival opened today." I jerk my thumb over my shoulder toward the front of the cafe. "Why are we closed?"

"Just a small break for everyone, we will be back open soon, up until the concert." He assures me. I hear my phone go off and flip it open.

"Hmm, seems like I gotta go actually." I apologize.

"Something important come up?" He asks, a look of surprise crossing his face.

"Not really, Miku said she wants to meet up and hang out is all, she said she hasn't had the best day and is asking if I can cheer her up." I let him know.

"Hey Ayako, be careful ok?" I cock an eyebrow at the comment.

"Why, because Miku's a Spirit?" I ask him.

"Wait, how did you know?" He gasps in surprise and I just shake my head.

"I didn't until just now, but I kinda had a feeling though. I know you've been working on a new Spirit recently, and it's not like Miku is normal, I saw her influence some people when it didn't seem normal, but you just confirmed it for me." I tell him and he sighs. "Don't worry, I'm a Spirit too and she doesn't know that, I'll be fine. She isn't a malicious person you know."

"I don't think she is, but she isn't harmless, I've seen her use her powers to control people, so just be careful ok?" He insists.

"Alright alright I'll be careful. "I flash him a smile as I turn to leave but pause for a moment. "I won't stop you from sealing her, but I won't help either. As long as she doesn't harm people I don't see any harm in her staying a Spirit, like me." I wave bye and head out of the cafe, replying to Miku that I'm able to meet up with her and if she likes we can meet by the dunk tank while making my way there.

"So you don't plan on dunking me before my stage performance to help your friend Shiori do you?" She chuckles as I reach the tank a few minutes later. Wow she got here fast even though I picked the place.

"Of course not, I trust Shiori to do her best, but I don't think she could beat you in singing." I tell her honestly and she smiles widely at me.

"Thank you for your vote of confidence. Now then what would you like to do? I invited you so it's my treat."

I give a little shrug. "Honestly don't know, I already played around earlier, and I had a lot of snacks so I don't really know what we could do."

"How about we go visit the haunted house set up by one of the other schools, I heard it's fairly enjoyable, and then afterwards I can take you shopping, one of the schools set up a cute little boutique, I can buy you a present there." She beams at me excitedly.

"You don't have to buy me anything Miku, trust me I have plenty of money." I reject her offer.

"No, I insist. I invited you so please let me treat you. All cute girls deserve to be pampered and treated well, and I think it's my job to do it." She says, her voice smooth as she hooks her arm around mine.

She steers me through the crowds expertly and leads me right to the haunted house but frowns as she notices the huge line blocking our way into the rooms. "Wow that's quite the wait." I muse aloud, I notice her unhappiness and try to come up with a different idea. "How about we go do something else, or we can chat while we wait in line." I offer.

"Wait here." She says and leaves me standing alone next to a cotton candy stand. I glance at it and let out a sigh and order a small cotton candy. Maybe I shouldn't eat so much… I think to myself while I wait for Miku, who returns from the crowd a few minutes after I got my sweets. "Alright let's go, oh you got some cotton candy, can I have a bite?" She asks.

"Yea sure, I really shouldn't have ordered it anyway." I hold it out to her and she takes it happily and bites into it.

"Mmm, nice and sweet, just like you." I blush and stare down at the ground as she finishes the treat. "Now come on, the line cleared up so let's hurry and go." She wraps her arm around mine and holds me close as she leads me and I can't help but feel self-conscious as her impressive breasts press up against my arm.

Miku leads me into the suddenly vacant haunted house. The student at the entrance smiles politely. "Welcome to our haunted house and do be careful as you traverse these haunted grounds, for your very soul might be in jeopardy." He says with an heir of mystery. "Enter at your own risk."

"Oooh spooky right Ayako?" Miku jokes, poking my arm teasingly. We walk into the dimly lit room which gets darker as the door behind us closes. The room was fairly large, and designed almost like a maze so we couldn't see much of what was to come, or what was around us for that matter. We move further into the room, looking around at the muffled surroundings, trying to make out anything before it jumps out at us.

"Eeek!" I squeal and jump in surprise, spinning around and peering through the darkness while rubbing the back of my neck.

"Are you ok?" Miku asks, worried at my sudden scream.

"Something warm and wet just brushed up the back of my neck, it felt disgusting." I scrub the back of my neck furiously, trying to get rid of the sensation.

"Did a ghost lick you?" She asks, mystified.

"Of course not!" I tell her, my voice filled with annoyance at the icky feeling.

"Do you wanna turn back?" She asks, her tone of voice almost mocking and teasing, like she feels I can't handle it.

"No, we are gonna finish this stupid place." I growl, turning back to the path ahead. Miku smirks behind my back and quickly takes my arm again.

"Very well, let's continue." We venture through the haunted house slowly, taking our time as to not get surprised.

By the time we come out on the other side I am squeezing Miku's arm tightly. "I'm never doing another haunted house again." I whimper.

"Aww Ayako, it wasn't that bad." She pats my head.

"Speak for yourself Miku, it's like everything happened to me and not you." I whine and she just chuckles.

"Alright fine, since you are still scared you can keep holding on to me I don't mind." She smiles at, and while it's genuine I can also tell she is enjoying it a bit too much.

"Hmph! I'm not scared, thank you very much." I huff and let go of her arm. "So what did you want to do next?"

She purses her lips, frowning slightly. "How about lunch? It's getting late and I can go for a meal. It'll give me plenty of energy for the concert later."

"Yea sure, I know a really good ramen restaurant around here." I tell her.

"Actually I have the perfect place in mind for us to go to." She takes my hand and I follow her once again, this time out of the convention center. "Hope you don't mind, it's a bit of a walk so how about we take my car?"

I stare at her in surprise. "You have your own car?"

She blinks at me, startled by the question. "Of course I do, with my own driver. I'm surprised you don't, considering I'm sure you have more than enough money to afford it."

"Probably, but Onee-sama thinks it's better to walk. She likes to be physically active. We also don't live that far from my school so it's no problem." I explain. Miku's car pulls up and she opens the back door for me. I sit in and she motions for me to scoot over and she slides in next to me and tells the driver where to go.

"Your sister lets a little girl like you walk to and from school everyday? What if you got attacked or something? This is exactly why you should come to my school, we live in dorms. You would never be in any danger, except from fans from how cute you are." She says, obviously very serious about having me transfer now.

"Hold on Miku, I don't want to live in dorms. Onee-sama's my only family, I don't want to live apart from her." I protest. No way I am leaving Onee-sama, not even for Miku. "Also I wouldn't be worried about me getting attacked. Onee-sama made sure I have taken extensive self defense classes."

"Hmm, well I'm certain I could get the school to bend the rules some and let your sister move in with you if it means that much to you." She muses aloud.

I stare at her blankly for a moment as the car continues moving. "Do you want me to change schools so much that you would talk to your school about breaking the rules?"

"Of course, I already told you Ayako, you are very interesting and I feel this school would be the perfect fit for you. The best environment for you to grow in, and of course I would be able to see you every single day, which would make me very happy." She places her hand on my thigh and smiles at me.

I swallow hard and glance out the window. "Maybe sometime I can see if Onee-sama is free to talk to you about it, but I wouldn't get your hopes up."

"Oh you might be surprised, I can be VERY persuasive when I want to be." She purrs and I feel her squeeze my leg softly.

"Miss, we've arrived." The driver announces as he pulls to a stop.

"Oh darn, just when things were getting fun back here." She teases and I refuse to look at her, trying to hide my flushed face. "I will call you when I am ready to be picked up." The driver nods and we get out of the car.

"Oh interesting, I've never been here before, but I certainly love seafood." The sign above us reads Surf'd Fried.

"I'm glad I was able to find something to your liking Ayako, it's a personal favorite of mine." She leads us in and we are instantly seated, despite being a line ahead of us. When I look at her questioningly she just smiles. "It certainly pays off being one of their best customers."

"Hello miss Miku, thank you for coming in today, and I see you brought someone with you this time as well, welcome miss." The waitress smiles politely at me. "Is there anything I can get for you?"

"Yes, we would like to order some of your signature fried calamari, and for drinks I would like some sparkling cider for the two of us to share." Miku orders for us. "I hope you don't mind me picking our drinks, if there is something else you would prefer, go ahead and order, everything is on me so don't hold back."

"Cider is good for me thanks, is there anything you recommend?" I ask her, pulling out a menu.

"Personally I like the fried salmon with miso soba noodles. However I think I'll be getting some tempura this time." She puts down her menu and smiles across the table at me. "So tell me about your latest project Ayako, I am quite curious about your work."

"I can't really talk much about it, considering it's a classified project for Cupid but when it's completed it will revolutionize gaming." I boast.

"Really? Even more than VR?" She asks and I just laugh.

"Compared to what I'm working on, VR games will look like the Sega Genesis." I brag to her, being 100% serious. "It'll be the biggest breakthrough in gaming in history."

"That sounds amazing, but are you going to get the credit for it?" I stare at her in confusion so she continues. "It sounds like most of your work is done in private, which I understand, since you are still only 16, but that means your sister and her company get all the praise for your breakthrough not you."

I stare at her for a long moment, considering her words carefully. "I think you are misunderstanding Miku, I don't care about recognition or anything. I get paid for my work but I barely use it, I don't need it. Honestly all I want is for Onee-sama to be happy and for Cupid to do well, I never cared if people knew I did the stuff I did or not, all that matters is Onee-sama praising me." I finish explaining as our food arrives with the calamari. For the next few minutes we eat in silence as Miku digests what I just said.

"You must be really close to your sister. Not wanting to move away from her, not caring if you never get recognition as long as you are happy with your sister. Honestly I'm a little jealous, I wish I had someone that was that devoted to me." She finally says after she finishes eating.

"Well, it's not something easy to come by. It's something that naturally forms between two people who care about each other." I respond, not looking up from my food.

Miku chuckles softly as she drains her glass and raises it for a refill. "You make it sound more like love then just an ordinary bond."

"It is love. I love my sister more than anyone else." I confirm. "What you are looking for is someone to love unconditionally. Whether or not it's family or a person you care about more than anything else." I finish and look up at her and smile softly. "I believe everyone has someone they're destined to be with, someone they can love unconditionally. I'm sure you will find someone Miku, it just takes time."

We sit in silence for a moment as Miku contemplates what I just said. "I think that's enough of that serious talk." She finally says, flashing me a smile while I finish eating. "How about we talk about your clothes."

"What's wrong with my clothes? It's just my school uniform." I look down at my clean uniform. Tsubasa makes sure it's nice and clean everyday before I go to school so I know there are no issues with it.

"No no, your normal clothes. Like what you wore at the concert. While it was cute and seems quite comfortable, why didn't you wear something more stylish, ya know, something with more flair."

"Flair? No way, I prefer more comfortable clothes, flashy clothes don't suit me at all." I tell her laughing at the sudden change in subjects.

I don't think you give yourself enough credit Ayako, if you shook your wardrobe up a bit, a cute girl like you would be the center of attention." She praises me.

"Got it, so don't change my clothing style, thanks for the tip Miku." I say unsarcastically.

"Right, I forgot you have a fear of people paying attention to you." Miku's voice is filled with disappointment but she quickly shakes herself. "I think you should do it anyway, what better way to help get over your fear and boost your self-confidence than with a makeover?"

"No thanks, really, I'm good Miku." I wave her off, rejecting her offer.

"Boo, well alright then, but if you ever change your mind I get to be the one who picks out clothes for you, no arguments." She tells me firmly as she pays the bill. "Now come on, it's time we head back, neither of us want to be late to my performance now do we?"

"Right." I smile and stand up. We chat quietly the rest of the way back to the convention center and get dropped off at the front entrance.

"Thanks for the wonderful date Ayako, I had a great time and now I'm totally ready for the concert." She steps close and pulls me into a hug, much to my surprise. "Make sure you get a good spot for my concert or I'll be sad, see you later!" She winks at me and heads toward one of the side doors.

I might as well go get the best place I can for watching the concert like she said, Shido and the girls are up first. From what I heard they're actually pretty decent so that should be a sight to see. I make my way to the auditorium and take a seat about 10 rows back right in the middle of the row and wait as the whole area fills up with people as time approaches for the concert.

I pull my phone out and start playing games as I wait for the concert to start while everyone around me chats with their friends. I feel a tap on my shoulder and turns around, coming face to face with Yoshino's beaming smile. "Hi Ayako."

"Hey Yoshino, here to cheer on Shido and Tohka?" I ask her and she nods in response.

"Yea, Miss Reine was here with me but she left just a few minutes ago. I didn't want to bug you but I was bored and wanted to talk to someone." She responds in her usual soft voice.

"Please, you never bug me Yoshino. Honestly I wish you would text me sometime, I enjoy talking to you." I tell her warmly, getting a cute smile out of her.

"Do you think Shido will win?" She asks.

"Honestly it'll be hard. I hear they're pretty good, but Miku is amazing. I don't know if Shido can beat her in the competition." I tell her as the lights start to dim. I nod to Yoshino and turn back to the front as the beginning of the concert is called and the crowd falls quiet.

Several other groups come out first and put on some surprisingly decent shows, but no one really paid them much mind outside the people from their own schools, everyone was excited for Miku, and when she comes out the auditorium goes ballistic. I scream excitedly as she greets and waves to everyone. As she starts her song everyone sings along but I notice her eyes actively scanning the crowds as she moves about the stage until her eyes lock with mine and her smile grows wider. I wave at her and she shoots me a wink as she continues her performance. Everyone around me gasps excitedly claiming that Miku winked at them but I know she was winking at me.

I feel my phone go off and against my desire of not getting distracted I pull it out to check. If it's Onee-sama she would never forgive me for ignoring her. I let out an exasperated sigh as I open my phone and see a text from Kotori telling me that DEM is attacking the auditorium. She has pulled Reine back to Ratatoskr and Tsubasa was there as well. I shoot her a response asking if I need to step in but she quickly responds, telling me to wait inside as Origami is intercepting their forces. I close my phone and look back at the stage and sees Miku finishing up her song, but she is shooting a glare at me Yikes, I'll have to apologize later.

She bows and thanks everyone for coming before walking off. The crowd quickly quiets down as Raizen High School is announced, and to my surprise Tohka, Yuzuru, and Kaguya come out with Shido over the girls from our class. I wave at Shido and cheer him on as he takes center stage nervously. After a moment of studying themselves they launch into their song. Wow, they are actually really good. I think as I clap to the beat.

Once their song ends all the competing groups are brought back out to announce the winners of the contest. "Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen for voting on our winners of this year's contest!" The announcer says excitedly. "First we will announce the winners of the stage performance. This year was closer than anyone expected, however the winners of the stage performance are… Rindouji All-Girls Private School!" The crowd roars its approval as the spotlight is brought up on Miku and the other girls from her school that were onstage.

I thought so, Shido and everyone did really well, but Miku's a professional. I sigh softly. How are they going to get out of this mess?

"Now to announce the winner for all around for this year! The prize goes to… Raizen High School and their wonderful Maid Cafe!" The winners are announced and the spotlight drops down on Shido and the girls, as well as Miku, who had walked over to gloat at them.

"Shido we won!" Tohka says, hugging him around the neck.

"Well of course we won." Kaguya says cockily.

"Agreed, they never stood a chance against us." Yuzuru says, a smile on her face despite her bland tone.

While they celebrate together on stage I notice Miku standing next to them, her whole body trembling. "You've got to be kidding me." Miku says, her voice still somehow being heard throughout the whole area despite her soft tone. "It doesn't make sense." She slowly walks toward the front of the stage, her eyes down. "There's no way they're actually serious about this. Don't you know, I'm Miku Izayoi you fools! Don't you understand?" She cries out.

"Miku…" Shido starts but she abruptly cuts him off.

"Just stop… My song won first place. I was supposed to win!" She says angrily.

"Miku the reason we won may sound corny but it has to do with us depending on our friends for help." He explains, scratching his head sheepishly.

"What do you mean?" She demands.

"Simple, I could never beat you with my singing and so the other students worked extra hard to help cover for my shortcomings. Which means the humans you arrogantly look down on can defeat you when they come together as a team. Come with us, don't be alone." He offers his hand to her.

"Shut your mouth…" Miku says darkly. Shido makes a noise of surprise from her comment. "Friendship, teamwork? Give me a break. I've got news for you, you face me and those platitudes become meaningless." She raises her hands. "Gabriel!" A massive organ raises into existence behind her as she calls on her angel.

This is bad, this is really bad. I start moving, trying to make my way out of my row so I can get to the stage. I've gotta do something!

"Miku wait! Listen to me please!" Shido beseeches her.

A ghostly keyboard raises up in front of Miku and she strikes a cord sending soundwaves rocking through the auditorium. "Gabriel, Solo!" She cries. My eyes stretch wide as her voice reaches me and I halt my advance and my eyes lock on her and Shido on stage.

Shido stands up, protesting that this isn't right and she can't do this. What is he talking about? Miku can do whatever she wants! Miku should always be happy Shido, you can't tell her she isn't allowed to get what she desires!

"I don't even care about the deal anymore. Your friends were so eager and earnest, and now they're bent to my will. I will have my way and there is nothing in this world that can stop me." She walks up to Shido and traces her finger down his body. "You know what I want, you, the Spirits, everyone, you are all my personal property."

"N-no stop!" Shido cries as Miku drags her finger all the way down. She recoils in confusion and orders two of the girls on stage to come over and lift his skirt, revealing to Miku that Shido was in fact a boy.

"Y-You're a man! T-that means the thing I just touched… that's so gross…" She stumbles away, horrified by the sudden turn of events.

"Wait! Miku please just calm down!" Shido begs, struggling against the girls restraining him.

"How dare you, you tried to fool me! The goal was to play with my feelings!" She says accusingly.

Shido looks around, trying to find some kind of escape as the crowd closes in on the stage. He growls in frustration and runs at Miku. How dare he try to harm Miku. "Zuriel!" I call out so I can rush to her aid. I glance down as nothing happens. "What's going on? Zuriel answer my call, I have to protect Miku!"

Yoshino flies past me and throws up an ice wall between Shido and Miku and I sigh in relief. "You can't hurt her anymore, I won't let you." Yoshino tells him, glaring at Shido.

"Yoshino!" Shido gasps before being flung backwards by a gust of wind from the Yamai sisters.

"You idiot, did you really think we would disobey our mistress' command?" Kaguya asks in a mocking tone.

"Scornful; we won't let you lay a finger on her." Yuzuru adds. The Yamai sisters and Yoshino launch an attack at Shido as he stands there helpless, but at the last second Tohka grabs him and leaps off the stage over the crowd and sets him down on the rafters.

I watch as Tohka defends against the other Spirits attacks. Damn it, why won't Zuriel answer me? If I could assume Spirit form I could beat Tohka and wipe Shido out in an instant! Then Miku would praise me! I growl angrily as Tohka launches an attack at Miku, which is promptly blocked by Toshino's ice wall. Tohka flies at Miku, intent on knocking her out and severing her control over everyone. Her attack barely misses and Miku launches her back across the auditorium with her voice attack, slamming Tohka into the wall where she collapses and Shido catches her.

"It's no use." Miku tells him as Yoshino, Kaguya, and Yuzuru surround Shido and the dazed Tohka.

The roof explodes and a woman in high tech DEM gear floats down. "Tohka and Shido, I've come to collect you." She states, ignoring Miku and the other Spirits.

"Shido you have to go, right now!" Tohka grabs Shido and throws him through one of the holes in the room. I watch as the woman takes down Tohka with little effort and without another word flies off with her.

"Alright everyone!" Miku's voice rings out, drawing everyone's attention back to her. "I want all of you to go out and track that imposter down!" The crowd roars. "Whoever finds him and brings him here to me will be rewarded, now go!." She finishes and the crowds start to leave to scour the city. I move to follow them but Miku's voice drags me back. "I want the Spirits and Ayako to stay here however, come to the backstage now."

I hurriedly detach myself from the mob and make my way backstage. I hope Miku isn't mad at me. She knows I'm friends with Shido, she might accuse me of being his accomplice. I bite my lip and hurry backstage where Miku is waiting, the other Spirits surrounding her.

"Ayako." She greets me, her eyes narrow as she stares at me. "I want answers from you, you know Shiori wasn't a girl, why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know she was trying to fool you Miku." I start but she cuts me off.

"It's Mistress, unless I give you permission you will address me as Mistress." She says sharply and I bow my head.

"Y-Yes sorry Mistress. Honestly I didn't realize it was you he was trying to trick until today. Also you never asked anything about it so I never said anything, I'm sorry Mistress." I apologize, my voice quivering.

"What is your relationship with Shiori?" She asks.

"We are friends and classmates, Mistress. I also help him when it comes to Spirits." I tell her and she raises her eyebrows in surprise.

"You know about Spirits then? How do you help him in his endeavours?" Her voice is teaming with curiosity.

"I helped design the software he uses to deal with Spirits as well as the training program he used. Also I myself am a Spirit, though for some reason I can't call on my angel right now or else I would have defeated Tohka and captured Shido before they could have caused any problems." I inform her and she stares at me in surprise.

"Is this true?" She asks Yoshino.

"It is, she's Roulette, the Spirit that protects other Spirits." Yoshino answers.

"Not only that but she is a Spirit that hasn't been sealed by Shido and refuses to be as well." Kaguya adds in.

"I see, why hasn't he sealed you then Ayako?" She asks me.

"That's because I don't love him. Shido has to get a Spirit to fall in love with him and then kiss them to seal their powers. He may be my best friend but I could never love him like that. I work with them, but I don't work for them." I tell her.

"So then you weren't in on trying to capture me or help him seal me?" She pushes.

"No Mistress, I didn't realize you were a Spirit until today, and they didn't include me in any of their plans since I was a fan of yours." I confirm.

"Come closer." I stand up and walk up to where she sat and she looks me in the eye. "I want to see if you are lying to me. Summon your angel right now." She orders.

"Zuriel!" I call on my angel but once again nothing happens. "I've never not been able to call its power before. Zuriel is still here but it isn't responding to my call right now. I'm sorry Mistress." I look at her apologetically.

"No, I'm glad that is the case, that means you aren't lying to me. I could tell you really tried to summon it." She walks up to me, beaming happily. "I'm glad I get to have you at least Ayako." She tilts my chin up and kisses me softly. "You may call me Miku, Ayako." She turns to the other Spirits who are still watching and waiting. "I want you three to stay here and protect this place, report to me as soon as someone finds that imposter, Ayako and I will be busy in the back, do not disturb us unless Shiori has been found." She commands.

"What about me Miku?" I ask her, my heart still fluttering from her kiss.

She wraps her arm around my waist and pulls me to her. "We have a lot to talk about Ayako, so let's go someplace private where we can enjoy ourselves." She says, a smile covering her face.