Miku: Yay! Chapter two is up!
Rin: Maybe now we'll find out who your mystery boy is, huh Miku-nee?
Len: Who knows? Let's just get started already!
Luka: *bows* Please enjoy the story.
P.S. I do not own Vocaloid.
My eyes grew wide with excitement as the bus reached the stop near Crypton Records. I still couldn't believe I was actually there! Hopping off the bus, I walked down the street until I reached the studio. Vocaloid audition, here I come! I thought with a grin as I opened the door.
Glancing around the lobby, I could see tons of people. Some were warming up their voices, others were studying or working while waiting, but all were hoping to pass. A voice called out a number, and I saw someone go through a door. I gulped, only now realizing that this was gonna take a while.
I walked up to the desk and checked in before scanning the room for my friends. "Miku-nee, you made it!" two voices shouted before I was tackle-hugged by the Kagamine twins.
"Yeah, but it was a close one!" I laughed as they backed off, and I was a little startled by their outfits. Rin was wearing a black and white dress with yellow trim, black thigh-high stockings with a yellow stripe down the center of each one, and yellow heeled shoes. Her hair was done up in short pigtails with a black and white ribbon on top of her head. Len was wearing a sleeveless, form-fitting black top with yellow trim which showed off his chest, short black shorts, black leg warmers and arm warmers, black shoes, a black choker and two white belts. Unlike his sister, his hair was unchanged, still pulled back in a small ponytail with his bangs left wild and untamed.
Before I could say anything, Len piped up, "Just for the record, this outfit wasn't my idea. Mom went a little overboard again." I almost forgot that their mom liked making their outfits. I guess when they told her about the audition, she tried to make them look like performers.
"Oh come on, you look great!" Rin said with a wave of her hand. "I personally like my outfit. What do you think, Miku-nee?" she asked as she spun in a circle.
"You look adorable, Rin-chan!" I commented before turning to Len. "And Len-kun, I think you look very mature!"
Blushing, Len looked off to the side and scratched the back of his head. "R-Really? Thanks…"
"Oh good, you're here," a third voice said and I turned to see Luka wearing a white summer dress and black boots. She had placed a crown of flowers on her head, which I thought added to her beauty.
"Whoa! Luka nee-chan, you look beautiful!" I gushed, gazing at her outfit.
"Thank you. You look really cute," Luka replied, a slight blush tinting her cheeks. "Come on, we're sitting over here." She led us over to a small table where we sat down and I pulled out my songbook and a pencil.
Peeking over, Rin smiled when she saw lyrics on the page. "Hey, those are new! So you were able to write the song after all?"
I smiled and nodded, feeling very proud of myself. "Yep, and it was all thanks to onii-san!"
"Your brother?" Len asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"No no, the boy I mentioned at lunch," I answered.
"The beautiful one?" Rin asked. "Did you see him again?!"
"Yeah, he gave me his handkerchief and walked me to the bus stop," I told them. "We even shared an umbrella!"
"Aww, how cute!" Luka said with a sweet smile. "I'm happy for you, Miku-san."
"So did you get his name?" Rin asked, and was surprised when I shook my head. "No?! How are you gonna find him again?!"
"W-Well, there are initials on the handkerchief," I said as I pulled it out of my skirt pocket.
Len, who had mostly tuned out our girl talk, was surprisingly the first one to look at the initials. "K.S., huh? Do you know how many names start with those letters in Tokyo? Finding him could take forever."
"You're not much of a romantic, are you Len-kun?" I pouted, folding my arms. Although deep down, he was right: who knew if I would ever see him again? No, I have to think positive! It's what onii-san would want, I thought.
Luka let out a soft chuckle. "Sometimes, it's hard to tell who's older in this group."
"Hey!" the rest of us protested.
After about fifteen minutes, someone called, "Number 67, number 67!"
"Oh, that's me!" Rin piped up when she checked the number assigned to her.
"Break a leg, Rin!" Len encouraged, giving his sister a thumbs-up. Luka and I also wished her luck before the 14-year-old left.
I let out a sigh when Rin was gone. "I wish we could watch her audition, just to see how she's doing."
"Oh, there's a way," a voice piped up behind us. We all turned to see an older girl with short green hair and a pair of pink goggles on top of her head. She flashed a smile at us before turning her laptop toward us and speaking again. "Here, my laptop is connected to the security cameras all over the building, so I can check any room I want!" To demonstrate, she tapped a key a few times, and the images on the screen switched.
"Cool!" I exclaimed as Len, Luka and I rushed over to look.
"Wait a minute," Luka said, looking at the girl. "Um, you didn't hack into the cameras, did you?"
The green-haired girl laughed before answering. "No, my dad's head of security here, so he allows me access to the camera feeds… provided I don't show them to anyone suspicious. So don't tell anyone I'm showing you this, okay?" she said with a wink. "Oh, I'm Gumi, by the way. Gumi Megpoid."
"I'm Miku Hatsune," I replied before gesturing to the others. "This is Len Kagamine and Luka Megurine."
"The girl who just left is my sister Rin," Len added.
"Nice to meet you all," Gumi said before tapping a few keys. Within seconds, a new feed flashed onto the laptop screen. "Here we go. They're holding the auditions in the studio where they film music videos. Pretty good spot, if you ask me."
"Wow, check out all that equipment!" Len marveled, his eyes glued to the screen. "Wish we had a room like that at home."
We saw Rin step in front of a green screen and turn around to face the three judges. Luka's eyes widened when she recognized one of the judges. "Miku-san, Len-kun, that's Haku Yowase!"
"The Haku Yowase?!" both Len and I exclaimed in surprise. Haku was one of the most famous dance coordinators in Japan, and is known for teaching Meiko and Kaito their dance routines. Being a dancer herself, Luka really looks up to her.
I placed a hand on Luka's shoulder. "She'll be alright, and so will you."
Then we heard voices coming from the laptop, and we redirected our attention. "Which track do you want?"
"Uh, track 2 please," Rin answered.
"Whoops, forgot about the audio," Gumi muttered as she dug into her backpack and pulled out a set of headphones with a mike attached. "The mike's turned off, but you should be able to hear her," she said, plugging the headphones in and turning up the volume so all three of us would be able to hear. "Lucky for us these cameras also pick up sound, huh?"
Finally, we all grew quiet as we heard the music start. I recognized it as "Meltdown," a song I had written for Rin a couple months ago.
machiakari hanayaka (The town is filled with brilliant light)
EETERU masui no tsumetasa (The chill of anesthetic ether)
nemurenai gozen niji (2 AM, and I can't sleep)
subete ga kyuusoku ni kawaru (Everything is changing so fast)
OIRU kire no RAITAA (The lighter's out of oil)
yaketsuku you na inonaka (The pit of my stomach is on fire)
subete ga sou uso nara (If everything is such a lie)
hontou ni yokatta noni ne (Then it really would be better)
kimi no kubi wo shimeru yume wo mita (I dreamed of wrapping my hands 'round your neck)
hikari no afureru hirusagari (On an early afternoon, overflowing with light)
kimi no hosoi nodo ga haneru no wo (I dreamed, with eyes full of tears)
nakidashisouna me de miteita (of cutting off your voice)
kakuyuugouro nisa (I want to dive into)
tobikonde mitai to omou (a nuclear reactor)
massao na hikari tsutsumarete kirei (Surrounded by beautiful blue light)
kakuyuugouro nisa (If I dive into)
tobikonde mitara soshitara (the nuclear reactor)
subete ga yurusareru youna kigashite (then I can let it all go)
Rin continued singing until the song was over, and a minute later, the judges dismissed her. She came back to us before letting out a huge sigh of relief. "*Phew!* Aw man, that was nerve-wracking!"
"You did great!" Len said, patting his twin's shoulder.
"Yeah, you were awesome Rin-chan!" I agreed. "Oh, this is Gumi Megpoid. Her dad's head of security at Crypton Records." Gumi bowed as I introduced her.
"Wow, that's pretty cool!" Rin marveled, her eyes sparkling. "I'll be right back, I need a drink." And just like that, she took off toward the vending machine in the corner.
"Number 68! Number 68!"
Len, Luka and I checked our numbers. "Welp, that's my cue," Len said as he hopped out of his seat, took a deep breath and then left the table.
"Good luck, Len-kun!" I called after him.
Luka suddenly tapped my shoulder. "Miku-san, I know it's not my turn yet, but… I'm suddenly a little nervous. Maybe it's because Yowase-san is in there, but I don't know if I can do this."
"That's completely natural," Gumi piped up. "How much you wanna bet the twins were also nervous?"
"She's right, Luka nee-chan," I agreed. "I think everyone here is real nervous, even if they're trying not to show it." Then I remembered what the older boy had told me. "Tell you what: before you go on, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. It'll calm your nerves a bit, okay?"
Luka smiled at the advice. "Thank you, Miku-san."
Rin came back with a water bottle. "Hey, what'd I miss?"
"Your brother's about to go on," Gumi said, pointing at the screen to show that Len was already in position in front of the judges. The music started, and he launched into "Butterfly on Your Right Shoulder."
migikata ni murasaki choucho (A purple butterfly on your right shoulder)
kisu wo shita kono heya no sumi de (We kissed in the corner of the room)
setsunai to iu kanjou wo shiru (I learned what it's like to have a heartrending feeling)
hibiku piano fukyou waon (Sounds of a piano rebounded, dissonance in my head)
warui yume ni unasareta watashi wo hayaku okoshite (I'm having a nightmare, wake me up, hurry!)
donna koto demo hajimari wa sasai na koto deshou? (A beginning is always trivial, right?)
doko ga ii ka nante kikarete mo komaru kirei na (Don't ask me where I feel good, I can't give you an answer)
yoru ni modowasareta mama yukue fumei dakara (A beautiful night deluded me, and I've lost my way)
nagai matsuge mikkadzuki airain (Make my eyelashes longer, create a crescent shape above the lash lines)
mabuta ni nosete hikaru rippu (Wear a glossed lip!)
migikata ni murasaki choucho (A purple butterfly on your right shoulder)
kisu wo shita kono heya no sumi de (We kissed in the corner of the room)
setsunai to iu kanjou wo shiru (I learned what it's like to have a heartrending feeling)
hibiku piano fukyou waon (Sounds of a piano rebounded, dissonance in my head)
"Whoa, that was good!" Gumi commented, impressed by Len's performance. Then she turned to Rin. "You're both amazing! I think you have a real shot at this."
"Thanks!" Rin said, a grin plastered on her face. The minute Len came back, he got tackle-hugged by his sister. "Len, you were awesome!"
"Ah! Thanks Rin, now get off!" Len exclaimed, and Rin sheepishly let go. "Luka-nee, I think you're gonna be next."
Gulping, Luka looked at her number, 69. Sure enough, the next number called was hers. "Uh-oh…"
"Go for it, Luka nee-chan! Remember, deep breath," I said, doing my best to encourage my friend. Luka smiled, nodded and then she walked away.
Sighing, Gumi adjusted her sitting position. "You know, she's making me nervous too."
"Yeah, she's kinda shy," Len explained. "She's especially bashful around boys."
"She's not bashful around you," Rin corrected.
"Yes, but we grew up together," Len argued. "She's used to me."
I looked at the laptop screen and silently prayed that Luka would do well. She would be performing in front of one of her idols, so this was harder on her than it was on the rest of us. You can do it, Luka nee-chan. Don't give up!
I practically breathed a sigh of relief when the older girl started singing "Just Be Friends." Maybe I didn't have to worry so much after all.
Just be friends All we gotta do
Just be friends It's time to say goodbye
Just be friends All we gotta do
Just be friends Just be friends...
ukandanda kinou no asa hayaku ni (I remembered early yesterday morning)
wareta GURASU kakiatsumeru you na (Why do I feel as if I'm gathering piece of broken glass?)
kore wa ittai nan darou kitta yubi kara shitataru shizuku (Blood drips from my cut fingers)
bokura wa konna koto shitakatta no kana (I wonder if we wanted to do these kinds of things)
wakatteta yo kokoro no oku soko de wa (I already knew deep inside my heart)
motto mo tsurai sentaku ga BESUTO (That the most painful choice would be the best)
sore wo kobamu jiko ai to kekkajika touchaku no kurikaeshi (My self-love refuses it and as a result, self-contradiction repeats)
boku wa itsu ni nareba ieru no kana (I wonder when we can talk)
yuruyaka ni kuchiteyuku kono sekai de (In this slowly decaying world)
agaku boku no yuiitsu no katsuro (A path for my struggling self)
iroaseta kimi no hohoemi kizande (I carve in your colorless smile)
sen wo nuita (I pulled off the plug)
koe wo karashite sakenda (I shouted until my voice was dry)
hankyou zankyou munashiku hibiku (The echo reverberates in the empty air)
hazusareta kusari no sono saki wa (Although there was nothing left)
nani hitotsu nokotte ya shinai kedo (After the chains were removed)
futari wo kasaneteta guuzen (Fate that allowed us to meet)
anten dansen hakanaku chiji ni (The darkness interrupts countless and relentless time)
shosen konna mono sa tsubuyaita ("So this is how it is..." I murmured)
kareta hoho ni tsutau dareka no namida (Somebody's tears flow down dried cheeks)
When Luka returned, she was wiping sweat from her brow, but she also had a huge smile on her face. "I-I did it!"
"Way to go!" the twins piped up as they rushed over to the pink-haired girl.
"See? I knew you could do it!" I said, flashing her a "V" sign.
In response, Luka also made a "V". "Miku-san, thank you for the advice," she said. She then glanced over at the woman calling out numbers. "You came late, so I don't think they'll call you for a while."
I checked my number and sure enough, it was 89. "Twenty more people?!" I shouted, not noticing the stares I was getting until after the fact. "Uh, heh heh… sorry," I said sheepishly, and then everyone else just went back to business.
Laughing softly, Gumi said, "You're really energetic, aren't you?" Then she tapped some keys on her laptop, speaking as she typed. "Here, I've got some games on here to pass the time, if you're interested."
So while we waited, the five of us took turns playing a pinball game on Gumi's laptop. Rin and Len would occasionally argue about whose turn it was and Luka had to break it up, but it kept things interesting.
After what seemed like forever, I finally heard, "Number 89! Number 89!"
"Yes!" I exclaimed, leaping out of my seat and running over to the lady, who then directed me to the MV room where my friends went before me. I clutched onii-san's handkerchief in my pocket for good luck and took a deep breath before I entered the room.
All three judges turned in my direction when I came in. The silver-haired Haku was in the center, and two men flanked her. I handed my CD to a man standing by a speaker before walking in front of the green screen and clearing my throat. "*Ahem!* H-Hello, my name is Miku Hatsune."
Haku's eyebrows shot up when I said that. "Hatsune?" Then she leaned over and whispered something into one of the judge's ears. As she did that, I couldn't help noticing that Haku's breasts were a lot bigger than I thought… I quickly shook my head in order to focus.
When Haku turned back to me, she asked, "Hatsune-san, let me ask you something… Why do you want to be a Vocaloid?"
My heart started to speed up. I didn't realize that I would have to answer such a question! Maybe I should've paid more attention to the feed on Gumi-san's laptop! I thought. But then, the face of that beautiful older boy appeared in my head and I recalled his advice.
After taking a deep breath and then exhaling, I gave my answer. "Well, it's because I really enjoy writing and singing songs. I love it so much that I want to share my songs with everyone! It's my dream to become a singer, and let my songs touch the hearts of those who listen!"
Haku didn't say anything at first, but she did smile. "I like this girl already," I heard her say to the judge on her left. "Alright, we're ready when you are."
I told the man by the speaker to play track 3 on the CD. "This song is called 'Melt.' I hope you like it!" The music started to play, and I began to sing .
La lala la la la la…
asa me ga samete (I wake up in the morning)
massaki ni omoiukabu kimi no koto (And immediately I start to think of you)
omoikitte maegami wo kitta (I decided to cut my bangs)
"doushita no?" tte kikaretakute (Just to hear you say, "What happened?")
PINKU no SUKAATO ohana no kamikazari (A pink skirt, and a flower barrette)
sashite dekakeru no (And it's time to go)
kyou no watashi wa kawaii no yo! (I'm looking super cute today!)
MERUTO tokete shimaisou (Melt - I'm about to melt)
suki da nante zettai ni ienai... dakedo (I can't tell you that I like you... but...)
MERUTO me mo awaserarenai (Melt - I can't let our eyes meet)
koi ni koi nante shinai wa watashi (I'm not into love and all that)
datte kimi no koto ga ...suki nano (But I do... like you)
As I sang the song, I recalled everything I had experienced with onii-san: from the bike accident, to sharing an umbrella, to hearing him laugh, to holding his hand… right to the end, when we finally parted at the bus station.
MERUTO eki ni tsuite shimau... (Melt - We've reached the station...)
mou aenai chikakute tooi yo dakara (We can't see each other anymore, we're close yet so far away, so...)
MERUTO te wo tsunaide arukitai! (Melt - I want to walk hand in hand with you!)
mou BAIBAI shinakucha ikenai no? (Must we say goodbye so soon?)
ima sugu watashi wo dakishimete! (Hold me tight right away!)
...nante ne (...or something)
When the song ended, I looked at the judges for their verdict. They whispered back and forth for a minute until finally, Haku turned to me and said, "You've got promise, kid. We'll be in touch."
I smiled and bowed gratefully. "Thank you very much!" I exited the MV room and ran back to my friends, where I was immediately swarmed.
"Miku-nee, that was amazing!" the twins exclaimed, tackle-hugging me again.
"Did you make up those dance moves on the spot?" Luka piped up.
"If you did, that's pretty darn impressive!" Gumi said, her eyes wide with fascination.
"Aw, thanks everyone!" I said, my whole face red and yet I was smiling and laughing with my friends. Today ended on a good note after all, and I had a ton of fun!
We said good-bye to Gumi, but not before she gave me her cell phone number so we could keep in touch. "Hope you find that onii-san!" she called as we left Crypton Records.
"What do you say we celebrate with some sushi?" I suggested to everyone's delight. But before I could go any further, I heard someone's voice singing.
sekai de ichiban ohimesama (I know that you're the number one princess)
wakatteiru kara omae wa ore no… yome (So I want you as my bride)
I couldn't believe it. The words were different, but there was no mistaking it: someone was singing "World Is Mine!" "Hey guys, I'll be right back," I said before taking off in the direction of the voice… a voice that sounded extremely familiar.
I rounded a corner, and I saw someone leaning against a wall as he sang the intro again. He turned towards me and walked out of the shadows, revealing his face. "Hello again, Hatsune-san," he greeted with a smile.
No words came out for a minute. After all, I was standing face-to-face with… "K… Kaito Shion?!"
Next time…
Miku: Ehhh?! That beautiful onii-san was Kaito Shion?
Rin and Len: No way!
Luka: That's… pretty incredible.
Kaito: I look forward to working with you in the future.
Miku: Eh? What does he mean by that?
Next time: Track 3 – World Is Mine
