AN: Didn't realized that the chapter was so large since I dedicated myself in 4,000+ words per chapter so I decided to cut them apart. Expect the next one shortly. It seems my thrill was getting ahead of me this time.

Yoshiki-909: Fixed it. Thank you for your eagle eyes.

enderchem oss jr: Thus, another evil cliffhanger , sorry.

SynchroRegis : When was the time you can read my mind?

Tomatochilisauce : Yeah true...

Chapter 58: The Fault

The emcee has now already introduced the performer from the Raizen High School and are about to start. Shiori admitted that he was kind of nervous when facing a crowd, especially when the comms are frighteningly quiet. However, Shiori always tries to remember that he practiced this a few more times already.

He glanced toward Mashu and Circe, who were his teammates at the first time. He was glad that they volunteered on behalf of Ritsuka and surprisingly, they were somewhat talented.

The audience were eerily quiet and he quite expected it; after all, they couldn't perform the same as Miku and they admitted that they couldn't reach the same height as the said idol. Nevertheless, they have other ways to win.

They only need to perform the best they can do.

Meanwhile, back at the Master of Chaldea, Ritsuka was gleefully waiting for them to start. She couldn't wait to hear how her beloved Mashu performed that instrument and sang. She was also one of the few who kept on clapping amidst the quiet crowd. That's the way to show that Ritsuka was somewhat shameless in how she portrayed her emotions and she wanted them to play as natural as they can.

However, her Servants were a different story.

Jackie, despite pretending to be busy eating popcorn, it was obvious that she was in a restless thought. The same can be said for Rider, who was on the other side of Ritsuka. She somehow looked uneasy.

"Master, there's conflict going on above the skies." Drake reported to Ritsuka warily.

"I know..." The Master of Chaldea was already aware of what's going on. "...and I hope that the Ratatoskr is taking care of it." she added. No matter how she wanted to get involved, she couldn't because she wanted to stay true to her words toward the captain of Fraxinus. In other words, she was just taking caution and making wise decisions.

...of course, taking precautions doesn't harm at all. That's why she ordered Scathach to investigate outside. Drake was too noisy to be remain inconspicuous while Jackie will more likely go for a cold murder than spying.

Scathach eventually materialized on top of the tall building and at the first glance, she could see cracks and small craters created from the falling debris.

She looked up and caught a sight of the whole battle up the skies. She was tempting to go up and join the fray too but first she must clean up the mess right here. In order to avoid further damage, Lancer created a temporary rune that could withstand constant minor impact from falling debris and placed it right on the top of the buildings.

Repairs for the roof are too late unfortunately. She imagines that the aforementioned workers would credit these ridiculous damages from weather patterns.

Then scout the area around the building, as she spotted floating territories filled with downed Wizards and they looked like dead flies dropping from the air. With her unnatural speed, she managed to catch them before they could land to the ground with a thud. Luckily, all of them were unconscious. The rest that are already laid rest on the ground were being picked up by Scathach. Her strength was a no joke.

Scathach prepped up a safe hidden location to deposit all of them as not to bother the normal populace. It seemed that whatever they were fighting above must have been ridiculously strong to topple the majority of them all.

Scathach already reported what was happening outside to her Master and for a meantime she would just try to collect as many as unconscious Wizards nearby the building. She can't just ignore them lying on the pavement or grass as they can instill mass hysteria to nearby people.

People here are already concerned about a surprise space quake and all the Lancer could do was to prevent another thing from making them worry more.

Anyways, she was glad that she wasn't one of the Servants selected to perform in front of a stage. She just can't stand it being in front of many people.

Ritsuka already heard about the situation outside the building as bad as it sounds, it seemed that it didn't escalate that much… or rather, there is this gut feeling that something would unfold right here inside the stadium and it very much involves Miku and Shiori.

No, she's not paranoid but it's better to have two Heroic Spirits besides her on standby.

Anyways, it would be such a waste if she wouldn't listen to their performance. They are currently performing on the stage.

? ﾝﾅﾥ? ~ ? ﾝﾅﾥ?ￂﾠ

Their performance was at least lively on par with Miku's previous song and the audience are beginning to pick up the rhythm. Even Ritsuka slightly swayed her head in tempo.

? ﾝﾅﾥ? ~ ? ﾝﾅﾥ?ￂﾠ

How lovely, even Mashu was visibly enjoying it based on her genuine expression which can be seen from far away. Even Jackie was nodding in from the song.

? ﾝﾅﾥ? ~ ? ﾝﾅﾥ?ￂﾠ

Shiori was impressive for a crossdresser with a voice changer. He could give his all because there is an obvious stake for his freedom but at the same time he made it up for all of the previous training they have.

? ﾝﾅﾥ? ~ ? ﾝﾅﾥ?ￂﾠ

All in all, they are not impressive or showy as Miku's performance and visibly less people were tuned into the motion but Ritsuka was glad they performed for their hearts content and not even trying to reach Miku's standard.

? ﾝﾅﾥ? ~ ? ﾝﾅﾥ?ￂﾠ

Miku herself shamelessly tuned into the music to herself with the way she swayed her hips back and forth while standing by the side of the stage. She was also enjoying Shiori's music too, no matter how bland it is. She doesn't need to sneer at her competitor's performance; she genuinely likes it too and would like it for Shiori to perform it to her privately when she will win this competition.

? ﾝﾅﾥ? ~ ? ﾝﾅﾥ?ￂﾠ

At the end, Ritsuka was obliged to stand up and clap as hard as she could, joined by her other two Servants. Steadily, the majority of the audiences followed her suite. They applaud her not because they have performed flawlessly but also didn't cave in to the pressure the previous performance exudes.

Miku sarcastically clapped too with a dirty smirk on her face. It seems that this is the time to own Shiori for good. Ritsuka glanced toward the [Diva] and knew she was still up to no good.

Overconfidence can really bring anyone to downfall.

The situation above the atmosphere was just getting worse. Origami did manage to cull the group to almost nonexistent but the consequences were just as terrible as it is.

She was sporting various wounds all over her body and overexertion beginning to take its toll, excessive sweating occurs. Origami was heaving heavily and in one instance, threw blood out from her mouth and her nose. Using the White Licorice has made her body beyond exhausted and she cannot even rest because there is still Wizards ongoing offensive all over her.

She dangerously sees red.

She couldn't even maintain her defensive territory that long and by that unlucky chance, she was struck by a remote explosion, deepening her wounds in the process. Still, she must give everything in order to block their way.

Jessica smirk as she knew that Origami couldn't hold it longer and the stalling was painful. She admitted that she was getting annoyed and angry over her tactics. Origami must pay for her foolishness as well as the rest of the DEM.

They must be punished after this stupid affair all over. It seems this is the race of whoever will fall first; Origami herself or Jessica's entire fleet being entirely annihilated before the reinforcements arrive.

If the AST are being persistent over siding with Origami's side then it's not a problem for Jessica, because a couple more Bandersnatches are on its way.

Mable meanwhile content on observing a little longer and with her keen ears, could listen to the melody below the ground, emanating from that stadium that they intended to invade amidst this blaring explosion. Well, the numbers of Wizards and Bandersnatch are just enough to obliterate Origami sooner or later. Who knows? As long as she is not the next one to face this mad girl.

She was waiting for something enormous to happen.

"The results are in! Which of the performances from the 25th annual Ten-oh Festival will become victorious?!" indeed, the results are as fast as they could be delivered.

All of the participants from various schools are now on the stage in order to present themselves. The Emcee was now calling their respective places which they have won starting from the last place. The students were making a ruckus everytime their school was being mentioned.

Miku too, together with her backup dancers are on the stage for the same reason. She couldn't wait to have the spotlight be dropped on her and proclaim that she's the winner. She kept on glancing toward the area where Shiori was nervously waiting together with her troupe. She was still garbed in her Astral Dress, not that anyone, save for Shiori and a couple more, could recognize what her dress is.

She smirked as she could literally smell the anxiousness Shiori was emanating, even if she was literally avoiding her sight. Shiori meanwhile was busy hoping that they could win this hopeless fight, all of his bands were hoping to.

The placement was nearing the first place and neither Shiori's group and Miku haven't been called. There's a possibility that either of them can achieve either the first place or the second place. The thrill was nearing its climax.

"...and the champion of this competition is … Rindouji All-Girls Private School! A round of applause for the winner!" and all of the audience erupted in gleeful noise and thunderous applause, as if they expected her to win. The champion was being called first and Miku gladly accepted.

"...better luck next time next year, second place, Raizen High!" Shiori sort of expected it as the cries of the audience drowned the entire atmosphere inside the stadium. Shiori glanced toward Miku and this time their eyes met with each other while Miku confidently strides toward their group.

"Next we will check the overall rankings for today!" Despite the announcement, Miku was clearly not listening at all as she made her way toward Shiori, her own property.

"Did you see that?" Miku taunted as she was being deliberately close toward Shiori. She was currently eyeing her face and her ribbon. "This is the reason why you put so much faith in your friends." She remarked as if it was a stupid thing to do.

The band of Shiori could only watch them being dangerously close to each other but still, it is a strange occurrence that the idol personally met their leader. Mashu and Circe stood their ground for a moment.

Ritsuka, as well as the rest of the Spirits could only stare at Miku's invasion of Shiori's space. They were gritting in anger and worry as they had no other choice. The Master of Chaldea just remained quiet while her body tensed from that scene. It is true that Miku had won the contest but what now? Will Shiori accept his defeat that easily? Ritsuka believed that there was something else.

"A deal is a deal, right?" Miku taunted as she toyed and circle her fingers on Shiori's ribbon while her body was in full contact with his dress, to the point she was literally pushing her bosoms onto his skin and it made Shiori scared shitless inside and made his skin crawl.

"Today,you and all of your Spirit that you've sealed are now mine." She declared as she cupped his chin as if inspecting a merchandise. Shiori was really uncomfortable by the way Miku was handling and Miku noticed his silent dilemma. "Now, now don't be afraid… I promise I will take extra good care of one of my favorites.."

"First place in overall ranking is … Raizen High School! Congratulations!" and a spotlight was placed over Shiori's group. Miku was taken aback by the announcement while she was teasing Shiori. How?

A large screen right at the top of the stadium showed the overall rankings of all schools and it was obvious that Raizen High School was the first one. The audience suddenly erupted in holler and applause. Ritsuka then stood up together with the sealed Spirits at the backseat and gave Shiori the greatest applause for the lifetime.

Ritsuka was such a dummy. Due to her constant worrying, she has never thought that this could work in a different way. She really wanted to congratulate Shiori for overcoming this trial. Tohka was visibly thrilled and jumped many times out of joy.

"Shidou! Congratulations!"

"Were proud of you, Shidou!"

"We've never doubted you in the beginning!"

The girls of Shiori shouted with glee despite being drowned by the noise of the audience. they tried their hardest to be heard. Only Ritsuka was quiet but she was smirking all along, all according to keikaku she says; Drake and Jackie were on this spectacle too, they couldn't help it being swayed by this wave of energy.

"We're first?" Even Shiori was still reeling from what was happening. He never thought it would work. Mashu patted Shiori's shoulder and congratulated him too. Without his efforts, they would have been placed in second place.

"Were first!" Shiori declared finally.

"Raizen High's Maid Cafe got an unbelievable number of votes among the booths and this is the reason why it boosted their place up to the first place." The announcer explained… Well, Ritsuka's act while she was a maid from that time may have contributed to that phenomena… who knows? Saber Alter will be proud of it if she were there.

Yes, Miku's performance was a topnotch because she was a certified idol but she failed to utilize her other compatriots in supporting their own school, despite the unbelievable potential. Miku's own ideal betrayed her in the end.

Shiori's bandmates congratulate him too with their efforts together in bringing the school to the first place.

Miku would have never thought to be left out of the spotlight. Lost in thought, she slowly approached the center of the stage. Shiori, Circe and Mashu observed her warily. It seemed that something was about to happen.

"This can't be happening..." she uttered silently.

Unbelievable.

"There is no way I could lose."

Disgusting.

"I… I am Izayoi Miku!" She declared fiercely, denial at its best. "I… I… " now, she's repeating it like a broken doll. Shiori was visibly concerned and gathered his guts to approach her.

"Miku?"

"Don't!" Miku stopped him from advancing any further. "I-I won!" She further denied as her voice seemed to crack from intense emotion. "I definitely won!"

Shiori confronted her once more. "Miku, don't you think this is enough? We have won because we relied on each other… that I have faith towards my friends?"

Miku wished she didn't listen to Shiori's word at all. "Friendship?" Such cursed words to be uttered.

"I do not deny that your performance was hundred times better than ours but our classmates more than made up for what we lacked. That's why we have won fair and square." He reasoned. "No matter how you think humans are weak, together, they can best even you..."

Shiori raised his arms toward Miku, inviting her with a pleasant smile. "So come on, Miku, join us."

Nevertheless, Miku just looked away from Shiori in contempt. Her hands were tightly curled into fists and shaking from emotions. "Shut up." She whispered to herself.

"Friendship? Together? So absurd. Makes me want to vomit." Then she faced Shiori withholding her anger. "Those words hold no meaning for me."

Shiori now realized that there is nothing he can do as Miku turned away from him.

It was late.

Too late.

Shiori gasped as Miku's Astral Dress glowed supernaturally.

Gabriel!

It took only one word to release a furious blast that threw all of the people on the stage away from Miku. Shiori shielded himself from the constant blast.

Then a large golden organ that filled the entire stage erupted behind Miku as a basslike rhythm blasted the entire stadium upon its entrance. Despite its clear tone, it sounded worse due to the unmatched symphony, symbolising Miku's arrogance and selfishness.

"Miku, stop! I need to talk to you!" Shiori tried to shout as much as he could but the constant blow of creepy noise drowned his voice. Miku seemed to have no intention of listening to him.

Sing, Sing, Sing! Gabriel!

Shiori instinctively covered his ears from that loud noise. Mashu instinctively reverted into her Shielder form as she materialized her shield in order to protect the others from the blasting sound waves. Circe too, was well prepared as she materialized her staff, covering herself with a protective barrier.

Miku commanded her angel fiercely as she swung her arms far and wide while at the same time slamming her hands down her Angel's glowing makeshift keyboard, as if she was conducting a grand performance. Her face was filled with grim ecstasy as she beheld what was happening around her.

The tune of desperation was beginning to grow stronger and more menacing.

Other than the initial blast of Miku's Angel, the sound waves that she kept on creating have no physical effect on the populace. Then that could mean one thing…

"Miku, did you just..." Shiori widened his eyes in disbelief as he looked toward the audience. He felt it was weird when he looked toward the audience. They all looked wrong and seemingly out of thought.

Miku chuckled in delight. "'Friendship' was it?" Oh the accursed word. "My how beautiful and how wonderful… that it's so easy to break."

Upon realization. He looked around and was now aware that all of the people around them were now controlled by Miku.

Ritsuka, of course, was unaffected due to her Servants' high resistance to any disabling effects, save for an aching ear. She kept on rubbing her ear as she tried to relieve it. This is still not on a level of Elizabeth though, her singing was just-ugh…

Ritsuka's Servants were now already garbed in their battle attire. Drake raised her gun prepared while Jackie showed off her blade. They were now fully aware that the people around them were beginning to act weird. If the Master of Chaldea could guess then this might be the result of Miku's Angel.

"So, she has the ability to control people through her music and voice, interesting." She remarked. It is as if comparable to Phantom's alluring voice, albeit for a different purpose.

"I think we need to get out of here, Master..." Drake suggested with an uneasy feeling. Make no doubt, Rider can easily knock them all right now but she sort of hesitates because of her Master's judgement. there's no doubt that Ritsuka doesn't like anyone to get hurt.

Ritsuka checked her comms and tried to contact them but to no avail. She kept on tapping if her comms were responding or not but she has this gut feeling that the Captain of Fraxinus is not exempted to this brooding situation. Worse case scenario, they might have been controlled by Miku already.

Ritsuka glanced toward Jackie and Assassin suddenly understood what she was trying to say. "Understood, Mommy." She said as she disappeared into motes of golden light as per her presence concealment suddenly activated. Assassin intended to infiltrate the Fraxinus.

Drake immediately picked up her Master and went straight to the stage before Miku could command these controlled beings. Better resolve it first on before it was too late.

Meanwhile, back to the stage, Miku was focused toward Shiori to the point that she almost forgot Mashu and Circe being unaffected by her voice. "Oh my… what a surprise. Never have I thought that you can't listen to me." Miku taunted. "Perhaps, you are one of the sealed Spirit that Shiori referred to."

Mashu did not answer her but instead tried to advance toward [Diva]. Immediately, A chain of wind stopped her way and the Hurricane Twins immediately blocked her way. Mashu was somewhat startled as she raised her shield. It shouldn't be surprising but Shidou's sealed Spirits have been mind controlled too.

"I will never let you approach our onee-san!"

"Denial. You will never reach onee-san!"

They spoke with burning fanaticism brought by Miku's mystical voice. "Oh…!" Miku too was amazed. "It seemed not all of you were resistant to my calling." and was delighted by her assumption.

Circe was interested when she was confronted by a large rabbit that was emanating ice with Yoshino behind it. "I-I will never let you touch onee-san too!" Even with a shy exterior, it was clear that she was ill-devoted to Miku. Of course, Circe can steamroll her way through Yoshino and destroy this farce once and for all but where's the fun in that?

Circe intended to play around with this peculiar Spirit until her Master intended to do so. Playing is fun and while holding herself back. She knew that her Master, as well as Shidou, had plans for this impromptu invasion.

"Now, now, don't hurt them too much… there's this feeble chance that they can join me..." Miku remarked… as if the former Spirits are capable of it. Nevertheless, they blindly follow her words. Miku was as foolishly confident as she was.

"...and as for you..."

Now, Miku shifted her attention toward Shiori this time, who stood frozen from all that was happening, especially when he realized that the sealed Spirits were vulnerable from Miku's voice.

A couple of mind-controlled individuals crawled up to the stage and caught Shiori by his limb and legs, trapping him and making sure he couldn't escape ever more.

"Let go of me!" Shiori exclaimed. It was partially his fault that he never thought about escaping and now, he's at the mercy of Miku.

"Forget about our promise for there's nothing in this world that won't bend to my will."

Miku slowly approaches him with a teasing manner and upon reaching on him, she immediately caresses his body, kneading his makeshift chest softly and tracing down to his abdomen while Miku was pushing her bosom against his. Even though his breasts are not real, Shiori was really uncomfortable upon experiencing it for himself. This is really a blatant sexual exploitation.

"Shiori-san, and your Spirit friends..."

Miku's index finger that was caressing alarmingly was traveling down to Shiori's pelvic area and he was now getting anxious. Shiori felt that discovering his treasure will make Miku more furious.

"...all of you… all of you will be my..." Such poetic words before her face were filled with confusion. her finger was touching something bulging in Shiori's nether area. Even she needed to push it several times like a button to make sure she's not imagining it.

...and the die has been cast. Shiori couldn't avoid it.

Miku's eyes twitch from confusion. "I - I just touch something…!" Then shifted into curiosity and furiosity. She turned to the two individuals who are currently locking limbs with Shiori. "You two, check her at once!"

Shiori felt his dignity waning at once.

"Ara, you don't need to do so." Someone called her out and the activity ceased. Shiori realized that it was Ritsuka and she already arrived on the stage. She was right behind Miku with Rider in her glory.

Miku turned around and saw her second priority.

"Shiori's … a male." She uttered honestly.

Miku just blinked twice. "A male?"

Ritsuka nodded from confirmation."A male..."

Once again, it seemed that Miku was still confused. "A male…?"

"Yes, a male… Shiori is a male."

This remained for a minute of awkwardness before Miku finally got what Ritsuka was trying to say.

She immediately stepped back instinctively from Shiori as if he was kind of an abomination and shrieked. She then scampered as if she had just seen a mouse jumping through and fro.

"GAAAAAAHHHHH! Sh-Sh-Shiori-san's a male!?" Miku said, while her voice was shaking.

Ritsuka was just… stupefied. "You don't say..." Rider, on the other hand, just cupped her face and swayed her head in disappointment.

Miku was on the verge of crying and her hands were tightly curled into fists. She had enough of it! Enough of this trickery.

Miku swore that she would end Shiori immediately for tricking her but before she could do it. A loud noise occurred out of nowhere.

*KABLAM*

...and suddenly all of her followers that trapped Shiori all fell down and the only one who remained standing was someone who was wearing a maid uniform similar to Shiori's. Also, whoever it was, she was also holding a large mystical sword and her large hair covering her face.

Shiori immediately recognizes who it is. "Tohka-chan!" Still, he wondered too if the former [Princess] was also under the influence of Miku's voice.

Turns out she's not when she fully revealed her innocent face. Shiori, upon closer inspection, found out that Tohka has a pair of earphones that could have possibly blocked Miku's mind-controlling voice. Too bad, Tohka couldn't hear him for a moment but Tohka quickly understood that the situation was possibly worse than they could have imagined.

Then Tohka circled Shiori, protecting him from the other mind-controlled humans, repelling them if they were being too close. They were just trying to find a way to escape from this hellish place for better or for worse.

Miku was disgusted by this scene and Ritsuka immediately noticed her expression.

"Miku, wait!" Ritsuka stopped her from getting any hateful thoughts and to be fair, Miku shifted her attention toward the Master of Chaldea once more. "Don't you think this is too much now..." Ritsuka was hoping that the [Diva] would listen to her.

Miku then just smirked but hints of irritability can still be spied on. "You know he won't get away from deceiving me! He must be punished thoroughly!" she demanded.

Rider was just waiting for her Master to command while both Shielder and Caster were fighting against the Hurricane Twins and Yoshino… or more like they were stalling for more opportunity. For Mashu's case, it seems that they were in impasse, because of Shielder's sturdy nature and the Twins being too fast to be caught with.

*BOOOOOOM*

As if the situation couldn't get any worse, suddenly an explosion occurred, destroying a part of a stadium and revealing a large hole where the sunlight seeped through. Luckily, the part where the debris fell down has no people there to be flattened by the stadium parts and it seemed the stadium was sturdy enough not to collapse immediately but could be a second blast away from the dreaded outcome.

All of those who were aware could only catch their gaze toward the gaping hole and both Ritsuka and Shiori were aware who was the culprit behind it.

The Fraxinus Ship itself.