AN: I apologize that this seemed to be a downer chapter for anyone but this is a must for the next chapter, which would definitely be kabloom. I admitted that I'm somewhat slow to upload because of my work and gacha games, (FGO, Honkai Impact 3 and Genshin Impact respectively...) but I promise you that the next chapter will not fail you as I am excited too! A calm before the storm as they say...

loop2: no... just no.

Guts and Toes: Here's your update.

Tomatochilisauce: Haha! Such a waste though that I didn't included that. Why didn't I think of it when I worked on that scene?

Chapter 56: The Motivation

They ended up in another stall with arrays of foods displayed. Jackie just only looked at dem foods but Shiori decided to try them too. Not long after, they found themselves sitting in front of a table, with a steaming hotpot laid on it. Jackie awkwardly used the chopsticks for tangling the noodles but not for long.

Shiori thinks that this is a good idea to talk to Jackie. "You're too young to be a 'Heroic Spirit' I bet." He tried to mince his words as much as possible, as not to offend the Assassin.

Jackie just shrugged, she knew that Mama trusted this crossdressing man so she obliged herself to talk to him. "Hmhmm." She confirmed as she slurped the noodles. Shiori expected her to add some words after that but then realized that Jackie wasn't that talkative at all.

Jackie then looked at him in wonder. Her silver eyes twinkled. "Are you curious about us?" She asked bluntly.

Shiori just caressed his nape in worry but then he answered her in hesitation. "I think?" Despite the warm and joyous atmosphere, cold sweat trickled down on his skin. Another reason might be that his dress was now beginning to be too hot but only Shiori knows why.

Jackie could literally smell fear from him but ignored it because he's not an enemy. "Mmh'm 'kay." She doesn't care at all but Shiori was breathing in relief but the crossdressing boy wanted to know more about her.

It's alright to tell him some more, right? Besides, Mommy has given her the permission in the beginning and it seemed that the Shiori was beginning to be more nervous every second passes. Why would he be afraid right her, right now? Is there an enemy nearby? But Jackie senses nothing around him.

"I'm an Assassin."

Shiori was perplexed all of the sudden." Whut?"

...

Back at the Fraxinus, all of the staff were intently listening towards Shiori and Jackie's conversation. They wondered if Shidou was aware that their comms were still active.

"Commander, I think this is really helpful for Ratatoskr. If Shidou will keep Jackie talking, maybe she could give us some useful information about them." Kyohei Kannazuki suggested, not that he was elated about this or something. "I firmly stood in my belief that Ritsuka-san's might be hiding more than what it seemed." Majority of the staff agreed on the Kyohei but still, everything depends on the commander herself.

Kotori was really quiet, as she was interested in them talking about Jackie. It's not her fault after all, because she was curious as heck as well. She can feel the drastic difference between Ritsuka's Servant and Shidou's Spirits at their first meeting. However, unlike Kyohei, she will never intend to use the information, if there was, to be used against Ritsuka.

She understood Kyohei's concern; the unsealed Spirits were dangerous already and added by Ritsuka and her group of 'Heroic Spirits' just added a case of wild card and random danger to an already unstable pot of this world. Their agreement was purely based on words alone and yet, Kotori has this unflinching trust towards them. Maybe it's just the charisma at works but the commander doesn't intend to be the first one to betray their agreement.

"Commander?" Kyohei was curious because Kotori seemed to be not paying attention to him the slightest.

Finally, Kotori said something after a minute of awkward silence. "Your idea sounds good on paper but I have no idea how it will end." Kotori said. "Ritsuka has given us her words that she was willing to cooperate with us and currently at the moment, she already helped us a lot."

Kannazuki just nodded upon the words of his wonderful commander. "and seeing that she was aware of us in the beginning, means that she has the means to surveillance undetected." Then she squinted in suspicion. "... that or there is an impostor among us?"

She looked around toward her current staff; other than Kannazuki some were keenly quiet, while some were nervously sweating. Of course, Kotori was just bluffing, she trusted every staff member that was currently inside the bay as she breathed. Kotori chuckled once the silence descended.

"But that's just an assumption, a badly formulated." She assured them.

Eventually, a main door opened and in came Mana, the biological sister of Shidou. Mana entering the bay alone just ruined the serious atmosphere created by Kotori and it made the Commander irritated all of the sudden.

"Wassup!" Mana greeted, ice cream in her mouth. "Step-sis." a mockery of the name that was sadly a truth as Mana hid a smirk behind her ice cream. Even though the commander was maintaining her observation on the large screen with a stoicism, a bulging nerve can be seen on her temple.

Kotori just sighed, feigning her worriness. "Why are you here? Didn't I tell you need a rest?"

"Bah, I'm rested enough already." Mana argued. The Former Adeptus then approached Kotori's commander seat and slumped her arms on the headrest as well as leaned her weight on the rest.

"Hmmm?" Mana squinted hard at the screen, where it shows that he was conversing with a little child while wearing a maid outfit. Mana was not impressed.

"I get it, you are making my onii-chan a pedo and a pervert in one package huh... that's disgusting!" Mana outright commented as she mistook it severely.

Kotori could only gawked at her with disbelief. "Wha-" She took great offense at that and instinctively reached out at the irritating brat. Mana doesn't just give away herself that easily and then just skipped away when Kotori's hand was about to reach.

"Catch me if you can!" Mana dared as she exited the bay. Of course, Kotori couldn't give a shit when her current actions were unbefitting for a proper commander, not that she was already acting properly in the beginning.

And then hell broke loose on Fraxinus.

...

Jackie was slurping the noodles once again and a speck of bits adorned her little mouth. Upon spotting them, Shiori was urged by himself to get some napkins and clean Jackie's face. Assassin presented herself and let Shiori wipe her mouth.

"Thank you!" Jackie thanked Shiori before continuing dunking on her noodles. Shiori was embarrassed, especially when she realized what he had done. His actions just proved that she was more fitting being a lady than a man, whom a wimp. Bless his poor masculinity.

Nevertheless, it was a cute scene.

"Jackie-chan, how did you become an Assassin?" Shiori bravely questioned her.

"Pardon?" Jackie tried to clarify what Shiori was trying to say. Shiori facepalmed himself and then tried to say it more clearly.

"I mean... how did you become a 'Heroic Spirit'?" Shiori has this assumption that no matter how different they are, he has this gut feeling that maybe, their circumstances might be not so different after all... or he could be wrong.

Jackie thought for a moment. "We answered Mama's call." She answered truthfully. Seeing that Shiori seemed to be unsatisfied, Jackie added more explanation. She hopped down the ground and began a series of actions. "At first we are this big energy..." Jackie formed a circle big enough that she had to stretch out. "...and then we gathered ourselves and appeared in front of Mama willingly..." She presented herself as she hopped once on the ground. "..and finally we became an Assassin!" She said in the end. "Mama was so happy seeing me and hugged me so tight." she remarked as she tried to climb her seat and continue eating once more.

Shiori was watching and listening all the time and couldn't help but bring applause for her. Jackie just chuckled.

If what Jackie said was right then the Heroic Spirits were not human to begin with. That's one of the hints he got from Assassin. Others were too vague and generalized to think of it. He could happily question the other Heroic Spirit accompanying Ritsuka but he was aware how terribly they are privy to themselves and Shiori was kind of a coward for this kind of situation unless terribly needed. Jackie seemed to be the most innocent of them all and it was just a whiff of luck that he happened to talk to her right now.

Shiori was now wondering how Jackie got her scars on her face and was tempted to ask her again but it seemed that he became hesitant. Jackie was staring at him strangely and then realized that Shiori wanted to ask something, regarding what was on her face.

"You want to know how we got these scars?" Assassin asked him to which he nodded. Shiori was really curious after all.

Then Jackie just chuckled and then thought for a moment. "Well, I don't know either."

"Eh? How come you didn't know?"

"They are already on pur face since the time I was summoned. We just ignored them though." Well, Jackie wasn't as conscious about her face, unlike her other fellow Servants who aimed for absolute beauty. "Maybe that's how we looked when I was still alive?"

In truth, Jackie really doesn't know how she lived before but she has this guts telling her that it was all shitty in her past life. She only understood that she was some sort of amalgamation of all dead infants of London who desperately wanted to find her place within some prostitute's stomach.

Even her identity is uncertain, whether she is really the real Jack the Ripper or not, or that she was one of the versions of it. All that matters for him was to find the ideal mother and crawl into their stomach,

… and all of it was found through her Master, Ritsuka Fujimaru. Well, that is a worthy story for another time.

Shiori thought it was the result of some sharp edge hitting Jackie's face, but it seemed that there is a deeper story behind it seeing that Jackie was in a deep thought for a moment. The way that Jackie said that she wasn't alive made Shiori a little depressed. If Jackie is content in her way, then maybe Shiori does not deserve to intervene.

"Ah, we are so full." Jackie remarked as she placed the empty bowl on the table as she licked her lips. For a small child, she ate fast and clean. Granted, that she was a Heroic Spirit. "Thank you for the meal." She said as she clapped her hands once. Nursery has really thought how to be respectful and it was a big deal for Jackie.

Shiori just ate a few bites when Jackie finished eating but it seemed that he was also content too. Despite a very good cooker, Shiori was a light eater. Maybe, one of the factors is maybe Tohka's gluttony. Not that he hates it either.

"It seems that this is the end of our food trip." Shiori said, definitely refused to say that this is a date because Ritsuka might get angry. He also genuinely enjoyed having company with Jackie, without knowing her murderous nature.

"So what would you do now?" Shiori asked. No matter how she looked like a pitied child. He knew that she was capable enough to be independent, as fitting for an Assassin.

"We'll be going now, Shiori-san." Jackie said as she removed herself from the seat. Then she waved Shiori goodbye as she went away, disappearing among the crowds of people. Shiori still has a lingering stare at the direction where Assassin was gone.

He got to admit that he was creeped by the appearance of Jackie, but slowly ease himself as the time went along. For him, Jackie was a cute, cheerful happy child while in the hands of Ritsuka. Ritsuka might be the most random individual he had ever seen, but he thoroughly believed that she has good intentions all the way through.

Shiori then packed himself up before he left the stall too.

They know that the competition is nearing more than ever but the competitors for Raizen High School have just finished practicing…

Well, more like stand-ins for Shidou's school as Mashu and Circe were just walking along the hallway while the rest of their teammates were in their practice room. Joining them was Tohka herself, who was sipping a juice box. Tohka immediately went to their practice room after her session of being a maid waitress back at their makeshift restaurant. It was tiring but fun although she wondered where Shidou went after he was gone.

Nevertheless, Tohka doesn't want her worries to get the best of her.

Meanwhile, they were talking and conversing with each other like regular highschool girls with giggles followed, which is fun.

Possible topics are Ritsuka Fujimaru and Shidou Itsuka.

Circe and Mashu were somewhat thirsty after the long session and were searching for somewhere where they can buy drinks for their fellow bands and Tohka just trailed them anyways, interested to have a 4th juice to drink.

Their practice room was above 3rd floor while they ended up on the ground floor, where Tohka said the vending machine was located. The school was somewhat empty now, since it's getting late.

The vending machine was on fortunately when they reached it and bought some drinks and refreshments as well as for their band peers.

Out of nowhere, an individual approached the three unsuspectingly until she stopped a considerable distance at them. That's when they finally noticed her presence. They stared at her waringly.

When the unknown individual remained quiet, Mashu decided to speak first. "Uhm, excuse me but what are you doing there, miss?"

Instead of answering, the mystery girl just chuckled wickedly. Perhaps, because she was standing in the dark corner, no one could know who they were talking about and they were too cautious to approach her intently.

"So you three will be in the band, am I right?" The girl asked them. Based on her voice, Mashu and Circe were now aware who they were talking to and it was very bad news.

"So what if we were?" Circe was the one who replied to her. Uncertainty was left hanging in the air.

"That's all I need to confirm..." She said mysteriously then she gathered her breath, well clearing it first a light cough.

"Will you please back out from the competition?" That voice reverberated throughout the hall. They could feel it flow throughout their body and out. Mashu felt the hair on her nape stood up just from hearing it and it creeped her out.

Circe felt uncomfortable for a moment but luckily their high magic resistance stood out and the unknown individual with an alluring voice wondered why it didn't work.

The Caster of Okeanos was pissed off for the individual who was trying to control them. The unknown individual, now revealed to be Miku, stepped back in a moment of fear and awe.

She was disappointed for a moment but then a smirk slowly creeped on her face. "I see, Shiori was awfully prepared against me, isn't she?" Miku's face was blushing as she thought everything was amusing for her. She assumed that she was currently facing a being that is neither human, or they should have been brainwashed by now.

Well, the two of them, maybe.

As it turns out, Tohka's eyes were empty and she was uttering monotonic words.

"I will back out from the competition… I will back out from the competition… I will back out from the competition-" A drool flowed by the side of her mouth. It was eventually interrupted by a bonk on her head by Circe's wand, which the Caster managed to materialize it out of the thin air. The hit was not that hard but that will be enough to undo the damage done by Miku's voice through magecraft.

Tohka fell unconscious later on and Mashu caught her by her chest. At this moment, Miku was thoroughly convinced that she was facing a capable threat, similar to Shiori. She has a lot to ask about them but it seems that they are not in a mood for some sweet talks. Maybe this is the best time for easy escape.

Miku quickly turned back and ran away awkwardly and Circe tried to give chase. She was confident that she could catch her on the whim but she was blocked by a multitude of students who appeared out of nowhere, arms raised sideways in the name of their idol Miku.

Circe deduced that they were being controlled by [Diva]'s voice beforehand. Caster can force herself through them and give chase to the fleeing Miku but she could hurt the student in the process and her Master is disapproving of it of course.

Turning into her Spirit Form will work but Circe decided to undo first the hypnotism done by Miku's voice in their head. She can't let the students hurt themselves in the process.

Sneaky [Diva], there's no knowing what Miku would do next just to win this competition.

"We expected her to cheat all along but this.. this is unexpected." Kotori said as she remarked what had happened earlier. She was caressing her chin in curiosity. Tohka was currently in the isolation room inside the Fraxinus ship.

The machine was checking for any kind of brain damage and even though Tohka was fine, she looked pitiful on the bed, sleeping. Circe and Mashu managed to deliver her to the Ratatoskr that afternoon. Both Caster and Shielder left after that.

"Tohka would be alright, if everything is ok, then she can go home." Kotori said assuringly. "We will need to increase the security around our house just to make sure." Even with a stoic face, the captain of Ratatoskr was sad that this happened to Tohka.

Beside her was Shidou, who was all ruffled up upon her arrival inside the Fraxinus. He doesn't know what to feel, especially when Tohka lay prone on the bed as vulnerable as she gets. He regretted not being able to be with her.

"I-It's all my fault." Shidou blamed himself.

"This is no one's fault..." The Captain of Ratatoskr declared otherwise. She was tempted to tell her brother that this is also the Ratatoskr's fault but she doesn't want her brother to pity herself. She wanted to look herself strong too, especially during the times that her brother almost surrender to himself.

Yes, Shidou was somewhat predictable as it seemed. Stupid brother.

Shidou just looked at her dear sister for a moment and then just agreed. There's no helping taking the blame, all that was needed to do was to look forward and to win this competition whether he liked it or not.

Miku might not repeat this scandalous attempt again but Shidou dreaded what she will do next, especially in the event which will be held tomorrow. Cold sweat was trailing on his forehead and cheeks.

He was obviously in a dilemma.

After an hour, Shidou went back to their home after waiting for Tohka to wake up. Kotori insisted that there is no need to wait for Tohka but Shidou insisted and it left the Captain of Ratatoskr no other choice.

Tohka acted normal when she woke up and hugged Shidou out of worry for him but he knew it was just a front. Tohka's hands were trembling when she hugged tighter than he could ever imagine and that's one of the reasons why he was cooking a meal for Tohka.

Shidou was currently cooking a meal fit for everyone. He wanted this as humongous as he can while within the budget of course. He did this just for Tohka to forget what happened earlier. He wanted to invite Ritsuka and her gang for a livelier moment during dinner but hesitated.

Maybe, they are also preparing for tomorrow's event too and he will be just too disrespectful for them. He was just glad that Kotori wasn't here to force him too, just like what happened last month.

Shidou grumbled for a moment when he thought about it again and just continued tossing the pan on an open fire. When was he distracted by a mere matter that will resolve tomorrow?

He shook his head and just focused on what was in front of him.

He hoped that Tohka would be alright the next day.

Tohka wasn't alright. She was scared. This is all wrong.

She fell unconscious that afternoon and she never knew what happened next after Miku apparently mind controlled her. Yes, she was somewhat aware when she was under the state of being controlled by Miku's voice.

She slept a dreamless one and felt alone. Upon waking up on that time, she realized that Shidou was waiting right beside her. Instinctively she hugged him as tight as she could. She was scared.

As if she won't ever let go. That empty void scared her so much but she put up a brave front as she didn't want to make Shidou worry about her. Only that she was as wrecked as he was.

She remembered it clearly before she fell unconscious.

The Miku girl was trying to control her and it made Tohka disgusted for herself for being an easy prey. Why did she let herself be controlled as easily as that?

Upon arriving in their home, she immediately retreated to her room and hugged her bread pillow and poured all of her emotion to it.

She cried and cried while her pillow muffled the noise as she tossed herself back and forth. She didn't forget to lock her own room.

It wasn't fine. It was hard to be pretentious as she was completely naive.

Because she was so weak.

Weak.

Very weak.

She didn't regret being sealed by Shidou but she can't forgive herself.

She can't forgive herself, especially if Shidou will be hurt because of her.

She must need to get stronger.

Ritsuka-chan proves that she can be protected without ever sealing their power and be accepted at the same time. Tohka realized it right now.

Yes, her only way to protect Shidou was to get stronger.

Shidou already finished cooking all of the main course for the dinner and almost all of them are already by the seat, eating. They must have been hungry lately, or his cooking was just that good. Their appetite almost matches Tohka-san, almost.

Speaking of Tohka, Shidou waited by the door of Tohka and was about to open the door, but found himself hesitating. His left hand wrapped into knuckles floating by the door, intent on rapping onto it. He wanted to personally invite Tohka back to their table and eat all she can and then everything would be fine.

But he felt hypocrisy within himself. He was coward right now.

He heard the soft sob of Tohka and Shidou himself felt hurt.

This is all his fault because he neglected her.

It is all entirely his fault.

His hand was shaking as he lowered his arm down. His eyes were shadowed by his bangs. He could imagine her sister, who was currently eating her dinner, beside him telling him that everything would be fine after tomorrow if he successfully seals Miku.

...and he believed in Kotori in imagination, no doubt the Ratatoskr will support him as well.

Perhaps, Tohka needed some time for herself. Sooner or later, she will get hungry and Shidou wonders if she will get out of her room or not when hunger reaches her.

Luckily, Shidou already prepared additional meals hidden in the kitchen as he suspected that it is still not enough for Tohka alone, a couple of meals currently on the dinner table.

He'll just put the meal in front of her door sooner or later.

Shidou believed that tomorrow would be fine.

…

If only he would know...