Imitation Black: Behind the Scenes

I love the song Imitation Black but always wondered, 'Jesus Christ, how did they come up with such a masterpiece?'

So this fic is basically exploring what went on during that… Yeah, that all I have to say.

Oh and I'm probably warping Natsu-P a bit, but since I don't know much about her herself, I decided to write her personality for convenience's sake. Sorry, Natsu-P!

Disclaimer: I don't own Vocaloids or the song Imitation Black.

Chapter 1 – More Than What We Bargained For

The Master adjusted his tie, awaiting the arrival of the producer (Natsu-P as she was called). She had a new project and was interested in employing some of his Vocaloids for the vocals. He had seen the music score (the guitars and air would be provided by Haku) and the lyrics (a love triangle with hauntingly beautiful prose), and saw the potential it had.

So, he eagerly accepted her offer and was now waiting in an audition room along with three of his pride and joys: Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin, and Megurine Luka. It had already been decided that Shion Kaito and Kamui Gakupo would be taking part in this song; all that was left was to find a third Vocaloid to complete the triangle.

He sat behind a white desk (with two empty chairs next to him), while the three others sat on the opposite side against a wall. Miku and Rin were whispering excitedly and nervously to each other while Luka listened quietly, adding a few comments here and there.

Rin said, eyes gleaming, "I'm real excited about this! I heard the Master talking about how this song had a high chance of being a big hit, so I've been practicing non-stop for this role."

Miku sighed, drawing her hands close to her chest, "I'm nervous. I don't think my voice is right for this part . . ."

Rin swatted Miku, "Oh please, Miku-nee! Stop being so damn humble, right Luka-nee?"

Luka nodded. On the outside, she seemed calm and cool as ever, but the way she was playing with her bracelet gave away her anxiety.

Suddenly, the door burst open and a sharp looking, fashionable woman stood, flanked by a man who seemed to be her bodyguard.

The Master stood up and extended his hand, "Ah, good to see you came. Good morning, Ms. Natsu."

Natsu-P took his hand and shook it, "Glad to see you again, Master." Letting go, she adjusted her glasses and asked, "Are these the three you have lined up for me?"

The Master nodded, "Girls, introduce yourselves."

Miku said with a sweet smile, "My name is Hatsune Miku."

Rin raised her hand and grinned, "Kagamine Rin!"

Luka nodded her head, "I am Megurine Luka."

Natsu-P said politely, "Charmed to meet all of you. Now, let's get straight to business. I trust you all know what to do and the lyrics?"

They all nodded in affirmative.

Nastu-P pulled out a chair next to the Master and clapped her hands, "Then let's start. Hatsune, you're up first."

Miku nodded and walked up to the center. She folded her hands together and started singing in a lower voice than what she was used to. She had a feeling that her voice would be too innocent for such a song, so she had been practicing giving her voice a darker edge.

Once she was done, Natsu nodded and said, "Ok, ok . . . Kagamine, show me what you got."

Miku walked back, her heart pounding a bit, as Rin took her place. She started singing, keeping her voice natural and mischievous. It would do no good if she couldn't be heard above Kaito-nii and Gakupo-nii.

She finished and Natsu nodded once more, though she looked a bit impressed. Natsu said, "Alright, now let's hear you, Megurine."

As Rin passed by Luka, Luka said Rin make a victory pump and frowned a bit. 'It was a bit too early to declare victory, Rin-chan,' Luka thought as she decided to show Rin too much self-confidence was going to be her downfall. She let out a deep breath and started singing in a sultry and alluring voice.

Once it was all over, Natsu-P stood up, "Ok then, I think I need a moment to discuss things with your Master. Master, if you will, let's talk outside. Hutch, you stay here, ok?" She pointed at the rather burly man, who grunted. With that, Natsu-P and the Master exited the room, leaving the three girls to nervously await the verdict.

Once outside, Natsu-P sighed, "Too be honest, none of them were what I was really hoping for."

The Master frowned, "Surely there must be one you liked."

Natsu-P said, "The closest one to my ideal voice would be the blonde one, but something about her voice is off . . . I don't know it's just—"

"Um, excuse me Master."

Both heads turned in the direction of the voice. The Master asked, "Len? Whatever it is, can't it wait?"

Kagamine Len stood in front of the two, running his fingers nervously through his hair, "Well, no, because the director—"

"That's it!"

The two males jumped and directed their attention to the now excited producer. The Master asked, "What?"

Natsu-P grabbed Len's hands and requested with barely concealed glee, "Say something again!"

"S-something again? What?" Len stuttered, lost. Not even his fangirls were this strange.

Her grip on Len's hands tightened as he winced slightly. "That's what I've been looking for! Your voice is perfect for this part! It's smooth, innocent, yet seductive!"

The Master said, "W-Wait, how can you say that by just hearing him talk?"

Natsu-P turned to him and said, "Because I can. Trust me on this one, I know talent when I hear it."

"But in case you haven't noticed, Len's a boy!"

She waved her hand, "Please! The very fact that he's male will boost sales even more! Girls love boys who love boys and trust me when I say most of the population out there are girls like that!"

The Master faltered as he took this into account, "I . . . Really? Is that true?"

Len looked back and forth, puzzled. Especially at the 'boys who love boys' part. He had a bad feeling, worse than when he had to wear that dress for Servant of Evil or when he was given the lyrics for The Rampage of Len. He finally shouted, "Excuse me, but what's going on?"

Natsu-P looked at Len and grinned, "Congratulations boy, I decided to use you for my next big project!"

"Big project? You mean a music video?" Len asked, confusion turning into eagerness with those two simple words.

She nodded, "Yup! And if all goes well, which it should, your popularity will definitely sky-rocket!"

Len asked, nearly quivering with excitement, "Really?" It's been way too long since any one used him for their songs, so he was really itching to sing. Just sitting around wasn't really his style, Len needed to be occupied with something. Anything really. And since Road-roller had been taken away from him and Rin three days ago, this was perfect timing.

She nodded, "So, are you in kid?"

He nodded and said, "Yeah, I'll do it!"

Natsu-P cheered, "Great! What's your name?"

"Kagamine Len, miss!"

She squealed slightly, "Ah, you're really cute!" She turned to the Master and smiled, "Isn't it wonderful that I found him?"

The Master, who had been unable to get a word in this entire time, said, "Wait, I don't—"

Natsu-P said, "Alright, it's time for me to take my leave." She opened the door back into the audition room and said, "Sorry girls, but I found my vocal and it's not one of you." Ignoring their shocked faces, she nodded at Hutch, "Let's go!"

The man nodded and followed her as they began to take their leave. Rin got up and yelled at her retreating figure, "Wait, what? What do you mean by that? Who did you pick?"

Natsu-P turned back and said, "Hmm… I believe he is your brother. His surname was Kagamine, after all."

Miku blinked, "L-Len-kun?"

Luka whispered, confused, "But I thought this was female role."

Rin shook slightly before yelling, "Leeeeeen, you're gonna pay!"

…

Later on that night, Len was sporting several bruises, a black-eye, scratches on his arm, and a shoe imprint on his shirt. He was being treated by Miku in the bathroom, who lightly dabbed alcohol-soaked cotton balls at his cuts. She smiled sheepishly, "Rin-chan was really mad, wasn't she?"

Len scoffed. That was the understatement of the century, "God, she's such a brat. I wish she was sweeter, like the way she was in I Like You, I Love You." He looked up at Miku with a shy look, "Or like you, Miku-nee."

Miku gave him a smile, "Thank you, Len-kun." She said, "But I'm not that sweet. I'm just not as upset because I have other work lined up. You should cut Rin-chan some slack. Any girl would be upset if her brother stole the role of Juliet from her." She got out a bandage and said, "Speaking of which, I'm surprised Natsu-san picked you for this role. When did you audition?"

Len scratched his cheek, "Thing is, I didn't. I just came into the room to deliver a message to the Master and she just jumped onto me."

Miku's eyes widened, "Then you don't know what this video is about?"

Len shook his head, "All that woman said was that this was going to be a big project and that I was perfect for it."

Miku covered her mouth with her hand, "Oh my, I think you should read the lyrics." She placed the last bandage on his face and got up, "Come on, I have the sheet in my room."

…

Len dropped the lyric sheets. He had only gotten up to the first chorus before panicking, "I-I'm playing a female role?"

Miku smiled worriedly, "Ah, calm down Le—"

"God, why is everyone obsessed with killing me or putting me in a dress?"

She put up her hands, "Now, now—"

"Arrrrgggh!" Len threw his hands up in the air before collapsing onto Miku's bed. He placed an arm over his eyes, "I can't do this. Gotta tell the Master that I have to quit."

Miku said, concerned, "Are you sure you want to give up on this? This could really be a chance to boost your popularity."

"… That may be true, but I rather not use those kinds of methods to get to the top," Len mumbled.

She said softly, "I see… Alright, you do what you think is best, Len-kun."

…

The Master had been calmly looking over the contract when the door was slammed open and a loud voice followed, "Master, I can't go through with it!"

The Master sighed and asked, "Len, what do you mean by that? Are you referring to Natsu-P's video?"

Len nodded and placed his hands on the desk, "I refuse to dress up like a girl again!"

"But everything's already been placed in motion. She's already gotten people to design your outfit."

Len blinked, "How did she—"

The Master said, "I gave your measurements to her."

Len slammed his hands on the table, "Well tell her to cancel it!"

"I can't. Once she sets her mind on something, she won't change it. And besides, you agreed to it in the first place," the Master explained calmly.

Len stuttered, "W-well yeah, but I didn't know what I was agreeing to."

"That is your own fault and you should see this through as a punishment," the Master replied. He added, "We can't always get what we want, and besides, I have a feeling this song will be a hit. It's the same feeling I got when Monty-P showed me the storyline for the Daughter of Evil series."

Len faltered, "But—"

The Master said firmly, "No buts. You're going through with this." He rummaged around through the papers on his desk and pulled out some paper, "Here is the music sheet and the lyrics. Get to work practicing. For this video, you will be working with Kaito and Gakupo, so if you need help, go to them." He handed the paper to Len and smiled, "I know you can do this, so give it your all."

Len reluctantly took the papers, "… Alright then." He strode out of the room, eyes glued to the sheets.

Once Len left, the Master mused out loud, "Boys love, huh? Let's see how things go."

…

And that's chapter one. I feel like I made the girls a bit… unlikable, but I honestly do not hate them (except maybe Miku, but even then I don't really care). To be fair, competition brings out the worse in all of us.