Guts and Toes: Hurray tooo.
enderchem oss jr: Here's the new chapter!
SynchroRegis: Thank you!
Guest: Unfortunately, it might not be possible.
Chapter 57: The Competition
Origami was trying to sabotage the door.
*CLICK*
and she successfully did it. Even though the camera inside the detention room was still pointing at her, Origami knew that they were off for some reason. The culprit behind the malfunctions of the camera was Mable herself. The proof? a stupidly written passage on a piece of paper, which just happened to be present inside the room.
...Feel free to break free with no repercussions… we are on our way to your beloved Shidou…
Despite how it sounded like a mockery of some sort, Origami paid no heed to its tone and immediately went on the job. She must not waste her spare time. She must save Shidou.
Even if the cameras were still rolling, Origami wouldn't care and will just try to break free when the opportunity arises. That's why she was terribly suspicious of Mable now and then, because the suspicious Adeptus was just as dedicated as to unite her and Shidou. If she weren't as suspicious as she is, maybe she could have recognized Mable as somewhat a matchmaker.
Origami was wary of what Mable's personal endgame is but she welcomed the opportunities Mable gave to her all the time. Still she can't trust her.
Origami sneaked throughout the hallway, wary also that it was empty for some reason and gave no heed to why it was happening. She was trying to locate a specific room where all of their Anti-Spirit equipment were being stored, including the Licorice v.2.
Origami still remembered how she was beaten fair and square by those unknown Spirit but it's all in the past. Perhaps, it might be a different issue if she were to use it against the Wizards. Again, she never cared about the consequence that particular machine gave to her body, as long as she can save Shidou with it.
Finally she reached the storage room where she equipped her battlesuit and went straight to the storage room where the weapons are located. Unsurprisingly, it wasn't locked. Did the staff get ignorant of their place? Well, Origami was the one who doesn't argue as Mable again was behind all of this.
Behold, upon the dark room, slightly covered by a blanket, was the Licorice v.2, recently created after the prototype was mysteriously gone to the wind. Origami expected to have specs that will lower the strain for the wielder's body for improved results. Origami knew it was still in a testing phase but she never cared.
The Licorice easily fit like a glove and it activated upon turning on as Origami easily disabled its security keycodes.
Time to hunt for those damn Wizards.
The DEM wizards were on their way to the Tengu square, including Mable herself, where they calculated that the individual suspected to be [Princess] and Shidou were present.
They were currently above a thousand feet and speeding up like an aircraft. They expect their mission to be flawless and sudden, eliciting surprise for these unprepared suspects. They have no questions on why, only that the mission was etched to their mind themselves.
However, the Ratatoskr themselves got wind of this mission once Wizards were within the boundary of detection of Fraxinus ship, not helping that the ship itself was invisible. It is such a great relief that the ship is remaining stationary kilometers above sea level, one that the Wizards won't bother challenging the atmosphere.
"Captain, it seems that we have a problem." Kyohei immediately reported after their devices picked up the presence of the Wizards. their speed was alarming and in an hour or two, there is no doubt they will reach Tengu Square in no time.
"I've already expected them sooner or later." Kotori remarked while sitting on the commander's seat in luxury. "Remain on standby. We are not to reveal ourselves unless it is absolutely necessary. Maintain distance at the maximum." She ordered on a whim.
Fraxinus would observe them until an action is needed. There is no need for a direct confrontation if there are plenty of options to choose. However, they'll observe them while being far from them.
Kotori deduces that the Wizards here are not aiming for their ship but rather toward one of the Spirits currently present in Tenguu Square, or rather her precious brother Shidou. They were also bold to announce their presence right under the broad daylight, not caring that they would be discovered by the people right down the ground.
Still, there are so many factors on why they are here of all things. The only thing that they could do was to prepare.
Does she intend to warn her brother? Maybe not. She can't just let her brother be occupied on two issues or else her brother would have a poor performance on that stage and that Kotori is eager to listen to her brother singing for, well, other purposes.
Well, Kotori decided to warn her brother after his performance if things will not escalate that quickly.
…
Maybe sabotaging Miku's performance would bolster her brother's rating, whether he likes it or not. What could go wrong though?
The stadium was filled to the brim as the performers where about showcase their talents on the stage live. Thousands of audiences were waving their glow sticks composed of blue and magenta colors, a motif connected to Miku the idol. It was further emphasized by the darkened atmosphere inside the stadium.
This is perhaps the climax of the festival.
It seemed that it was obvious who the audience was expecting. Nevertheless, Shidou and his group who were about to perform weren't intimidated for surely they will perform to their honest as possible. They were currently waiting by the back of the stadium, warming up.
Other performers were also present too, though majority of them were from the other school or backup dancers.
That's why Shidou needed some time and space in order to be focused and on his best while under disguise. That means no one should disturb him.
Ritsuka wasn't one of his bandmates but some of her Servants are. Better to make the best of the opportunities presented to them. She was currently not that far from the backstage,checking on her Servants as well as Shidou himself and so far, they are fine.
Whether they will win or lose, Ritsuka knew that they did their best but overall, she is confident that they would win. That's the only thing that Miku missed.
"Ara, ara?" No doubt, Ritsuka couldn't mistake that voice amidst the loud noise emanating from the audience area. Speaking of the devil, Miku herself was facing the Master of Chaldea.
She was already dressed in her idol costume, filled with glitters that could have rivaled Elisabeth. Unfortunately or fortunately, the Lancer wasn't here to begin with. Ritsuka was already aware of what Miku did last night but nevertheless, she still treated Miku the same way she first encountered her.
Miku's action already spoke of what she was made of.
"I'm still wondering why didn't you join them?" Miku said with a seductive voice, but not comparable enough to Kiara. "...are you that confident that you would place your trust on Shiori alone?" she added in wonder.
"Nah, I'm not really fit for the stage." Ritsuka shrugged as she could imagine that many of her Servants would completely disagree with her, especially Mashu. Speaking of Shielder, she was also together with Shidou for some warm-up for their upcoming competition. Ritsuka was glad that there was no Servant near her or present to complain about what she said.
"You know it is not too late to reconsider your options?" Miku once again offered as she licked her lips. "Afterall, I already won the battle." She confidently stated.
"Your offer was good but I'm just gonna refuse, I am a not yes girl for some reasons you know..." It is quite helpful that being around multitudes of Servants with varying moralities already helped her expect what the outcome would be and be stoic for whatever Miku threw at her.
Miku easily has eyes for Ritsuka just the same as Shiori.
"Your doom then… I can't wait to break you up." Miku whispered harshly like a snake with a tempting grin before she left. It was obvious that it was a threat but honestly, Ritsuka has heard that warning many times to the point she just sighed. She was really glad that some of her Servants were in their Spirit form while the rest were away.
She was quite relieved that Miku did not intend to search Shiori since she could feel trouble brewing once they are to face each other… or more likely, it's Miku's time to be on that stage.
Ritsuka did not doubt Miku's capability to sing, in fact, she was quite amazed by her voice, the voice of an idol but the Master of Chaldea hasn't witnessed her on the live stage.
Then, this is a perfect moment to listen to her voice and might as well enjoy the remainder of the festival.
Shiori and his teammates, Circe and Mashu as well as the other Raizen High students were now watching Miku's performance live on stage. They have a great view since they are directly elevated in front of the stadium but at a distance between the audiences below. His classmates were yelling and hollering, while some were carrying the same glowsticks.
? ﾝﾅﾥ? ~ ? ﾝﾅﾥ?ￂﾠ
Miku, together with her backup dancers, dominated the stage with flashing lights and choreography. Through all of this, Miku was the one who guided them all.
? ﾝﾅﾥ? ~ ? ﾝﾅﾥ?ￂﾠ
Mashu and Circe witness her though. Circe sounded uninterested but Mashu was clapping together with the rhythm, because well she enjoyed it; despite the fact that Miku was trying to cheat yesterday, they couldn't deny that she was really good at singing.
? ﾝﾅﾥ? ~ ? ﾝﾅﾥ?ￂﾠ
Shiori couldn't help but feel uneasy. No, he was not worried of who will win but rather his gut feeling told him that something will happen. Kotori has already dissuaded him from getting distracted and told him to be focused on finishing the competition.
? ﾝﾅﾥ? ~ ? ﾝﾅﾥ?ￂﾠ
Now, the mute response from his comms told him that either they are now watching or it could be something else. All he could do was to swallow some saliva.
? ﾝﾅﾥ? ~ ? ﾝﾅﾥ?ￂﾠ
Suddenly, out of nowhere, the entire stage was shut down. Electricity was off. The blackout ruined the live concert and all of the audience complained all of the sudden. Even Shiori was surprised it happened; there's no report of cutting electricity nor any accidents that might have been obvious right now, unless…
Damn, so this is what the Ratatoskr was doing right now. It is evident that Shiori is too late to help Miku.
However, weird things happened on the stage. A light illuminated at the center of the stage and all eyes are directed to it. Miku was glowing, in fact she was the source of the light. All eyes are suddenly set on her.
Shiori was horrified. Mashu and Circe were getting suspicious as the rest of the ordinary people cheered and hollered for her.
Miku carelessly shows off her Astral Dress. Is she out of her mind? Shiori's eyes dilated from shock. Was Miku that desperate to win?
This is so wrong on many levels. It is quite noticeable that her backup dancer also quit on the stage, leaving Miku on her own.
Then Miku began to sing.
? ﾝﾅﾥ? ~ ? ﾝﾅﾥ?ￂﾠ
It sounded different, it was mystical than the previous one and it terrified Shiori of what possible outcome this would be but the audience cheered for her. Miku doesn't need the microphone because her voice was enough to fill the stadium.
"Never have I thought she would be doing this..." Circe noted but not that she can be heard by anyone near. It disgust Circe so much as Miku blatantly putting herself a big bullseye on herself, just to make herself recognize.
Finally, the performance ended and the audiences erupted into cheers and yollers. Miku thanked her audiences as she exited the stage, awaiting for the next challenger.
It was obvious that Shiori's group was next…
Ritsuka, for all intents and purposes, witnessed the whole spectacle, along with the two other Servants she roped together with her. Without her the two Servants might have remained at home or wandered around the place drinking liquor.
Ritsuka was accompanied by Drake and Jackie respectively. Assassin was busy munching onto the popcorn, bits of flakes adorned her mouth and chin while the Master of Chaldea kept on wiping it.
Like mother, like daughter.
Drake too enjoyed the whole show. She was enamored by the performance of the Spirit [Diva], especially near the climax where she revealed her Spirit Nature. Such boldness that didn't care for the consequences. It is such a relief that the audience treated the entire show as within the script.
All in all, Ritsuka was the only one who could describe what was happening.
"The performance was thrilling but the meaning itself has lost its cause.." Such are the words of the Master of Chaldea. Ritsuka's face flashed a moment of sadness before returning into a happy-go-lucky girl.
"I bet even with a poor stage, I am willing to enjoy Elisabeth's idol performance on it as such she sings for her heart, for her audience." Ritsuka added. "Miku-sans… is just that poor. It is as if she was singing for selfish reasons."
"Ah praise be, Ritsuka-sama..." Drake was amazed by her Master's deduction, well more like Rider wanted to tease her more.
Ritsuka's face scrunched up sourly when Drake was trying to praise her. "S-stop that, I'm just trying to be a normal critique you see?" She was slightly abashed by what she said.
Meanwhile, behind her were almost all of Shiori's former Spirits; Yoshino, the Yamai Twins and Tohka herself. it seemed that the Ratatoskr and Shiori themselves trusted Ritsuka enough that they are willing to leave the former Spirits into the Master of Chaldea's hand for meanwhile.
Ritsuka really tried to argue but she was left with no other choice. The Ratatoskr intended for them to be left in their home and have Shiori's performance be televised live but it seemed that the majority of them disagreed.
After all, they couldn't risk their entirety of emotions running rampant. Ultimately, they decided that the best option was to have them reserved seats for them while Ritsuka was to act as an unofficial overseer, which she begrudgingly disagreed.
Nevertheless, they were left with no other choice. The former Spirits were now applauding for real when they realized that the next competitor would be Shiori himself, along with Mashu and Circe as well as the other bandmates.
Mashu fervently waved at the crowd, specifically at Ritsuka, who was dearly expecting for her. The Master of Chaldea waved back too, interested since she's also excited for her performance.
Very well then, let the show begin.
"We're detecting what appears to be AST over Tengu Square!" One of the staffs reported as numerous dots identified as the Wizards filled the hologram.
"*tsk* so they have appeared earlier than I have expected." Kotori remarked.
"Twenty- Thirty..." The numbers were unusually high for someone who would go hunting a pair. Of course, they were a mixed Wizards from AST and DEM and a couple more of Bandersnatches.
If Kotori's hunch were right, then they have no obligations to preserve the Tenguu Square just to capture her brother. They were really up to no good.
Kotori was about recommending surrounding Tenguu Square with its own brand of Territory and face them head on when suddenly unexpected happened.
Sirens blared again. "What is it this time?" Kotori was obviously expecting it would be another bad news.
"We are detecting yet another powerful signal above Tenguu Square!" The staff reported and immediately their feeds eventually focused on the newly formed anomaly.
"W-what could it be…?" Kotori wondered.
Lo behold, it was revealed to be Origami, already suited for battle armed with another version of Licorice. Kotori's eyes widened from surprise. Is Origami allied with the DEM all along?
Suddenly, a powerful wave shot was released from the Licorice and it was aimed directly at the swarm of the Wizards. Instinctively, all of the Wizards scattered around, hastily evading the shot. The shot found its target and a couple of Bandersnatch evaporated to dust.
It is now clear that Origami was antagonistic against the DEM group. She was trying to hinder them from capturing Shidou.
Jessica couldn't believe it. That piece of armory, that is supposedly unusable due to numerous incidents that killed untold test subjects, was wielded by a some Wizard. She couldn't understand how Origami wields it as normal as she gets.
No matter what, wielding White Licorice has disastrous consequences.
"New Objective: Take that thing down!" Jessica ordered and immediately all of their attention shifted toward Origami as they were aiming at her and was about to obliterate her.
That's what Origami wanted as long as Shidou doesn't get involved.
Hundreds of missiles were locked on at Origami and it seemed that she had no intention of avoiding it.
*BOOOOOM*
A large explosion and then it was followed by a puff of smoke. It seemed that taking down Origami was never easy. However, upon revealing, a strong Territory protected Origami from various surgical explosions. Indeed, the capabilities of White Licorice increased to three-folds and counting.
Taking advantage of their shock, Origami quickly expanded the territory further, trapping most of the Wizards near Origami to a stationary position, albeit floating uselessly.
Jessica was taken aback. That damn bitch ruined their mission. She has no other choice but to make a new objective.
"Retreat!" She ordered once again. Origami knew there is no going back and sputtered an equally hundred missiles at the disposal. It seemed that she was eager to ground this DEM group for good.
The missiles zeroed onto Wizards and Bandersnatches trapped by her Territories; dropping them like a dead fly, a large portion of Jessica's Wizards were out of commission immediately.
Jessica, seething with anger, tried to contact the AST base. "We have an emergency, we need backup, right now!"
She waited and only static can be heard.
She waited until she snapped.
... she realized that there is something wrong. The AST are not responding either. Could it be they were aligned with the stupid bitch's motivation? What was happening to the base?
This farce must need to end!
Meanwhile, while the DEM and Origami were duking it out to each other, creating a variety of explosions above Tenguu Square. For the ignoramus, they would treat it as something as a fireworks display during the festive times, for the wary, something conspicuous is happening above the skies.
Mable was chuckling evilly while remaining on stand by, of course, unless Boss Jessica ordered her to attack Origami.
She intentionally remained conspicuous as she observed them playing with each other.
Then she shifted her focus toward the Tenguu Square where Tohka was definitely present.
…
Oh yeah.. it's all coming together.
*TAP*
It is the sound of a plate being put down on the table and followed by a simple thank you by her own customers, who viewed her in regality…
...despite being dressed as a maid in a certain maid cafe. It seemed that her charisma still shined through despite her casual outfit. Such is the way of a king (maid). She was currently attending one of the customers table, who ordered something and wished that she herself was the one who would serve it to the customer.
Even her manager and fellow staffs bowed at her whenever she passed them. Something magical happens every time she is present inside the cafe and that customers are more obliged to enter the cafe just to see her in her regal form.
Artoria, or famously known as Saber Alter, Salter for short ( Saber doesn't mind it), was one of the Servants who decided to be away from her Master. She was confident that her Master has enough Servants to protect her in and out.
Well, she's one of the Servants who volunteered; the reason? She wanted to prove that she can work efficiently without relying on her Master (or more like she doesn't want to be involved with her fellow Servant's shenanigans).
She was already aware of Shidou and his 'Spirits' and as far as she could say, they were surprisingly pathetic, at least in front of her. It is no secret that Saber has this thrill in facing and fighting powerful opponents and was somewhat disappointed when presented with these Spirits.
The Wizards are just annoying flies for her and if she were not ordered, she would be glad to obliterate them using her Noble Phantasm. It is also such a relief that she rarely encountered any Wizard during their arrival here on this place. Her master opted to use her other Servants than her because she was aware of how Saber doesn't hold back.
Saber also knew about her Master's condition and frankly it doesn't matter to her. Besides, it's giving her a near-inexhaustible mana and the reason why they could maintain their physical form.
The only thing missing was a formidable opponent. Saber has an overwhelming sense of self-control but she couldn't deny that she was also seeking for a perfect opponent, one that doesn't immediately concede after the first strike.
Kiara's offer was tempting enough for her, even though the Alter-Ego herself was full of warning signs. She could smell that the Devilish Bodhisattva has an underlying intention behind that deal and it is up to her whether she will treat it as something that is beneficial or detrimental to her Master.
For Saber, there is nothing bad or good for her, unless it directly affects her Master and herself.
Saber already thought about it and decided that there is no harm in dabbling in Kiara's intention, until for now. It seemed that Alter-Ego already knew what her answer was and will give her a signal when the time comes.
hmmph, so she will wait as usual, but this time she can clearly see that Kiara would stay true to their deal. The real question is who Kiara would recruit to fight Saber for real?