Kaito's Narration

Ugh my head. I should really watch my mouth, but Miku did laugh and smiled, so it was worth cheering her up.

I wonder if Ras is going to live here again. Then again he has a new place after he join Crypton. This apartment isn't that bad. We have two bedrooms with slide in doors. Yes, the bedrooms are rather plain with a single fluorescent light bulb in the middle that can be turn on by tugging on the thread. And you can never get bored of futons. The hallway here connects all the rooms. The kitchen at one end and the front door that leads out to the rest of the apartment. There's a few public toilets here in this apartment. Everyone shares the same laundry machine at the basement, but it only accept tokens. Ras and I use to share rooms, so I guess it's natural for him to move out. Speaking of sharing rooms, I wonder how Miku is faring with Meiko as her roommate?

Waking up from being knocked out by Meiko yesterday, I dust myself off. Why am I on the floor? Meiko could have set up the futon for me at least. Ah that's right I have a new car from my friend and an actual job of being manager. I seriously have had enough of stacking, opening, closing boxes.
"Eh!" I let out a shout when I find a box near the door. Curiosity has gotten the best of me, so I decide to check on who it's for.

From: Rhapsody To: Miku p.s: To the new manager please give and explain these to Miku. I already have your schedule written for today in the box for you. Sorry, I know you hate boxes but the packager insisted on sealing this package.

I look at the seal on the box and push it aside. Ras, I think you personally sealed this box yourself. It's covered with at least five layers of duct tape. Well, if I can sneak out–

The moment I realize, I was on the floor again. [i]Yup, I really shouldn't have pushed that box aside. Maybe if I pretend to stay knocked out for awhile then I cou–

"Kaito! How can you think about skipping work today? This is the only decent job that you have." Meiko lecture me and she checked the box at my door. "It's best if you open the box. I'll be downstairs cooking lunch for Miku. Good luck." She knew Ras wrap the box, and left me the horror of opening it.

Miku is here? Eh, now there's someone that will laugh and not send me to the hospital. I shrug my shoulders and enter the kitchen. I immediately tell Meiko what I was up to. "Hey I'm only a getting knife to open Ras's package. No wait never mind, I'll go find the tool box and get a hack saw."

Right before I left, I overhear Miku's comment, "Do you have to use a hack saw to open a simple package?"

Meiko burst into laughter. "Well..." It takes her a few minutes to for her to hold herself together, "there's something you should know about Ras; He once sent five packages full of Häagen Dazs ice-cream to Kaito once. It has the official label and everything. Yet, underneath the cardboard box was a metal box."

"What did he do with the metal boxes?"

Meiko starts to chuckle again. "Well it's hard for Kaito to pass up free ice-cream so…"

Miku insists. "What? What!"

"He used a welder's torch and opened the boxes that way." They both starts to laugh so hard that they had to hold onto something to keep their balance.

Why does my older sister have to be so cruel by telling this to our guest?

"Hey! Stop eavesdropping and get back to work." Meiko order.

"Yes Ma'am!" I reply and dash back towards the box.

"And you better not destroy the whole thing like last time."

"Yes Ma'am!" I reply again.

Seriously, I won't destroy this box…maybe. Nah it's not worth it. I begin to cut into the box and hear a grinding sound. "NOT AGAIN!" I place my hand on the wall and droop my head as I gave up until Miku walks into the room.

"Hey Kaito?" She asks.

"Yes? What can I do for you…?" I turn around and just drop the dead on the spot. Miku sat next to the box and open...an imaginary lid?

"Wow that's a surprise Kaito there was a small seem on the metal box to open it." Meiko states when she enter my room.

Why Ras, why didn't you tell me this before?

I crawl towards the box and see what's inside it. Before I can look inside, Meiko hands me Ras's note and schedule inside the box, "I'll dress Miku up with her syncware Ras gave her."

The message reads: To: Kaito if you're reading this go to the p.s.: Sorry that I didn't decide to tell you there's a lid to the metal boxes, but it was just too much fun. No hard feelings okay?
But my ice-cream…
I cry a little after reading the note. It's one thing for Meiko to tease me but now you Ras? I continue to read the note.

Okay I do believe that you've read the p.s. Please explain to Miku on how syncware works and don't sell it like you did yours.

Schedule:

Register Miku to the Fuurin High School near by this apartment. I already have the permission for Miku to wear the syncware to school. She will start tomorrow, so you don't have to worry that much. I've done most of the appointments myself. You just have to bring her to school everyday and register her before her first school day that's all. Hopefully, that will make up for the prank I've done twice now.

I really let out a sigh of relief on how much work Ras has done. No longer will I tease you for being such a busy body. As long as you do my share as well. Now that most of the work is finished, I patiently wait outside the door of Miku's room.

"Kaito you can come in now. You sure can take your time on reading one little note. We were finished forty minutes ago." Meiko sigh as she opens the door.

Wow Miku has complete syncware with her. It's not just a headset, her whole sleeveless school uniform flickers with data when she activates it. Her school uniform isn't like the traditional blazers or sailor suit. It's more like a dark shade of aqua green, office collar shirt minus the sleeves. She didn't have her shirt tuck in her black skirt with aqua green trimming. A chain that dangles at one of her pockets. For wearing a sleeveless shirt, she wears black detach sleeves with a status screen threaded to her left sleeve. They're being held up by an aqua blue attachment at the top end of each sleeve. Her black socks reaches close to her thighs. The pair of shoes she's wearing is mainly black except the aqua green soles. Her hair is neatly comb with twin pony tails tied down with a black hairband with a single red stripe down the middle. The twin pony tails extend down from each side of her head. Looks like she ditch the glasses she used to wear. Meiko and I just have the headphones…well just Meiko, but she rarely uses them. Hmm–

I felt a sharp pain from my head again as Meiko starts to lecture me, "If you could stop fantasizing and explain to Miku and me how the syncware works."

"Yes, sorry I forgot for a second there." I apologized, "Continuing on syncware is high developed technology that acts like a super computer. You can connect to the Crypton network server with your syncware. They're mostly used as your recording studio and accompaniment to your voice during concerts or recordings. In other words you can use instrument files and use them at your will. For other back up, you can use holograms to enhance your performance. You also have access to everything, from internet to your own personal server, but don't do anything illegal like getting free food from the vending machines, stealing from a bank, or etc. There will be some people you can contact if you receive their frequency from them. For example we know Ras has given both of you his frequency already, so you can contact him anytime. If you try to contact one of the CEO's it won't work, since they've lock up their frequency in the server banks. So it's the same as getting someone's number for their cell phone, and yes you do have some limitations for Crypton server."

I smiled to myself for memorizing the info about the syncware, but Meiko is wearing such a silly grin when she's reading the note…Wait! Isn't that the note Ras gave me?

"Kaito how come you have your arm in front of your face when you were speaking?" Miku asks what she saw. Meiko starts to burst into laughter from her comment.

Give me a break. At least some credit for writing down the instructions.

"Hey, according to the schedule we only have to register Miku to the school." Meiko reminds me, and mug the contents of my pockets.

Ras forgive me, but Meiko was too strong. She stole the keys to the new car you've gave me. Sniff.

Miku's Narration

Sitting on the passenger seat, I've notice Kaito is still slouching at the back when we are driving to the new school. A new life, a new body, a new start, a new school, and a new voice; I'm quite nervous with all the changes around me recently, but everything right now seem to be so cheerful. I giggle for a moment.

"What's so amusing?" Meiko asks while keeping an eye on the road.

"It's just that…Kaito seems like a zombie now." I chuckle.

Kaito starts to groan. "Nngh… Ice…cream…"

"He'll be okay." Meiko confirms the situation.

We left Kaito moaning in the car while we head to the my new school. The feeling of people staring at you just feels so uneasy. I should have worn my glasses and hoody, but glasses makes my new eyesight blurry. Ras should know if it's alright for me to wear my old clothes I had.

"Is that the new girl?" One of the classmates gossip to her friend as they hid in the crowd of students. I can't really distinguish who is talking about me, but it what they say was clear as my new eyes.

"Yeah she's a cyborg I think."

"But I saw her at the hospital the other day." Someone jumps into the conversation.

"Was she hooked up to like fifty machines at once?"

"No she had an I.V and a pulse meter to her."

"Was she human?"

"No the question is: Is she a human now." Another person joins in.

I felt so easy that I'm clinging onto Meiko's arm.

"Don't worry Miku. They probably don't know any better." Meiko comforts me. "It's human nature to question the odd and the unknown."

I really wished everyone could accept me, but I feel like running away again. I close my eyes, wishing it would be over right there and then. We arrive to the principal's office as Meiko budge me a little to notion me that we are here.

"So you're the new student I heard about from Ras." The principal introduce himself. He's wearing a brown blazer. His hair was missing, and he's a bit overweight. "I welcome you to our school, and hope that everyone will settle down to do the same."

At least someone else didn't think I'm odd I smile at that thought and take a nearby chair to listen.

"So how do you like our school?" He asks me

"Hmm a little cold, but I hope everything thaws out."

"Good answer and here's the paper work. Are you Miss Hatsune's guardian?" He turns his attention to Meiko.

"Yes." Meiko starts to fill out the final paper work, I can sense she's reading a few instructions from Ras to fill it out forms. "She's shy but she has such a warm heart. Please take care of her when she's in school."

"We will be glad to take care of her." The principal gently smiles, "And have a safe trip you two."

"We will." I reply back. The door had problems opening. I listen to the large ruckus outside the office. Everyone in the school seem to pile up in the hallway by the office but suddenly back away when the principle has to escort us.

But someone came up to me and introduces herself, "Hi nice to meet you. I'm Hazel. I love how you do your hair."

"Thank y..—ou." I suddenly screech. What should I do now? I wasn't careful and my voice slipped out of order. Now what should I say?

"Sorry I'm not use to this voice." I finally give my say on things as the murmurs of the crowd scatter about from such an artificial statement. Meiko takes my arm, but I pull away from her. I bow to Hazel and everyone else, "I lost my voice when I was a child from a disease that tried to take my life. Someone saved me at the last minute, and I wasn't able to thank him. I don't know how well I can use this voice, but I'm trying my best."

After giving some thought to what I have said, Hazel asks me. "If you really want to test out your voice, will you sing for us?"

I was actually shock from her question. It wasn't anything I thought would happen, and there's this rush of warmth coming towards my cheeks. From the look of Meiko's face, makes me blush even more. The only thing I can do now is to try to sing. …but I don't know any songs.

Meiko makes a suggestion. "Here, let me transfer some of the songs Ras gave me when Kaito was giving his presentation for syncware."

That reminds me, I can now use my syncware to receive or search for the things I need. Wait…How could I miss the part of instrument backup part of Kaito's presentation? I was paying attention when he was giving me some pointers. A painful, thought appears when I was trying to remember why I forgot some of Kaito's instructions. Could Meiko been singing to pay off her debt of a second chance?

Pondering at the thought of working off my debt sort of frightens me; I'll just have to leave it at that for now and try to sing today. I shut my eyes tight when I try to get the feel of using my syncware, and… "Meiko I can't read it." I communicated through my syncware, and open my eyes.

How can this be? The moment I open my eyes, I found myself in a vast space. The only thing I could see is Meiko pacing in this dark background.

"Why is it so dark? I thought Ras made First Voice system to be more advance than the beta system." Meiko whispers to herself and voice grew even fainter. "It must be from that time when she ran off when it was only 98% lef–"

"MEIKO!" I scream at the sight of Meiko disappearing in front of me. Silence creeps up to the gap Meiko was at. The shock of events takes over and I try to pull myself together. I'm alone again…

Can you read me?

The clicking sound made me jump up to my feet on this light and airy space.

Can you read me?

Searching for the source of the clattering sound, I shout back at it, "Yes!"

Just think in reply, so it will be easier to communicate. Now, can you read me?

I begin to calm myself. Yes.

Tell me, what can you see?

It's pitch black and there's no one with me right now.

Calm down Miku and follow these instructions. Do you remember the time when you first spoke?

I was laughing at Kaito's weird comments.

Lol not that. Before you first lost your voice.

It's been so long. I shake my head at the thought, I don't want to think about my past

Then tell me this; do you like being alone?

My mind reminds me of the white walls, light blue curtains of the hospital…always being in the bed when there's nothing I can do. The feeling of something pulling me as I lose conscious…

No I hate it!

What can you do about it then?

I'll face my past…again.

My mind slowly seeps into deep thought. "Where's father?" I asked my mother.

"We'll see him today." Mother smiled "And you can get the treatment there as well."

"I don't like the doctors," I pouted, "Why can't I play outside?"

"Don't worry, once the treatment is finished you can play as long as you want."

I smiled until we arrived at the hospital. Why does everything have to be so pale? Even the patients here are pale. The doctors and nurses don't seem that happy at all. I'm scared that I won't be able to get out of here.

"Hey how's little Miku doing?" The doctor greeted me.

"I'm fine." I looked away.

"Hey the treatment will be over soon this time."

"Okay!" I smiled and followed the doctor towards the cramped room. Scales, a funny looking bed, tissue paper, and Mr. Chuckles in the corner. He's always smiling even though he's a skeleton.

"Oh look who's here!" The nursed smiled at me. "Let me check on how you're doing. Say 'aw'."

"Awwwwww." I chocked on the popsicle stick for a moment. A sudden urge to cough took control of my body, cause me to fall off the bed.

"Are you okay?" The doctor asked. I nodded to answer him yet he still frowned. They laid me on the bed and left the room.

"It's not strep throat, flu or the cold," the nurse whispered.

"There's nothing else to do but to treat her," the doctor replied. There was beeping sound above my head. A rush of footsteps sounded on the second floor above me. Fatigue seemed to win as it slowly close my eyes one by one.

I faintly heard the woman's voice, "She doesn't have any relatives."

"I…I couldn't stop them from dying," the man said.

My eyes opened when I heard that and jump out of the different bed behind the curtains. I slowly eavesdropped on what they were saying.

"I'll take care of Miku then." The doctor said. "It might seem impossible but I will find a way to save her."

I quietly sob from hearing the news. The shock struck through my whole body. The doctor and nurse rushed towards my side. "Why?" I asked them.

Why did they leave me? It was fun when father and mother were around. I played at the open field in the park. It was so green. I always look out the window when it was spring back then. It was the place where I first laugh and said my first word: "Thank you". This breeze feels so comforting…

I lean back as the motion carry me out to a back flip in this suspenseful space, and the breeze continues to lift me. Out of curiosity, I open my eyes. Tears trickles down to my cheeks when I saw what's going on. The vast space was now lush green as the grass in spring. I smile at the site around me. I can hear the birds chirping.

This must be my system…my space…my little world.

There was a monitor in the middle of my world. Floating towards the screen, feels like swimming. It shows me the option if I wanted to view the communication log. I lightly press 'yes' and it splits into two more options. One was the voice history, while the other was the messenger history. Automatically, as if I can control the actions with my mind, the monitor goes to the voice history.

The person that helped me isn't here, but the monitor did show all of Meiko's conversation. It seems she had to disconnect forcefully before she could contact me. I'm glad she didn't left me on purpose. I close off the voice history window and opened the messenger log.

To my surprise the conversation I had with the person that helped me was typed. I really should thank that person, personally. The person that helped me before and now is Rhapsody. Checking the log further now, tells me that he logged off before the synthesis phase started while I was sent to my past. I focus on leaving and felt my conscious move out of my world.

"Miku! Miku!" Meiko cries out to me repeatedly before I regain conscious.

"I'm back." I reply.

Meiko lashed at herself, "You shouldn't have received the files. I should have you leave here be–."

"Don't worry Ras helped me out." I interrupt her outward thoughts. It feels funny to say Rhapsody's nick name, because I haven't met him before. Meiko squishes me as hard as she can. "Hey stop, I know my body is durable now, but it's not made out of metal."

Meiko apologize. "Sorry Miku, but I'm so glad you're back."

I look at the now confuse crowed in front of me, and approach Hazel. "I don't know any songs, but I can sing anything you can request."

"Um…" A shy boy made his way through the crowd. "Sorry to be blunt, but when you were blank out, the entire school agreed to have you sing the Love Hina opening."

"Ah I remember that anime." I reminisce. I was always watching anime on the TV when I was bed ridden and wished I could sing some of the songs. There was also a computer there for me to play games when I was bored. "Just give me a minute."

This time while I was looking at the crowd, it seems I can see them smile. I slowly had my conscious go back to my world and starts to search for the music for the song. Everyone's eyes open wide once my whole outfit lit up in front of them. I continue to scan for their request.

"One, two, three, GO!" I shout to get the music playing. I'm surprise with the crowd that I can actually sing. Everyone's smiles and cheers really add to my mood. Singing feels great. They even ask for an encore. I can't really refuse, so I continue on to feel the sensation singing gave me.

After the song was over, the teachers begins to control the crowd as Meiko and I pass by. "That was great Miku!" Meiko pats my back. "I knew from the moment I saw you, that you had the talent."

Apart from being terrified from seeing me escape and that I'm a Vocaloid; I agree with you. "Um Meiko?" I grab Meiko's attention.

"Yes, Miku?" Meiko casually reply.

"How long do I have to sing for Crypton?" I ask.

"…Umm…" Meiko's face change from my question.

"I really don't mind. As long as I continue to sing I'll be happy."

"Miku…" Meiko sighs the phrase in relief, and smiles. I smile back at her. We walked outside the school ground to check on how Kaito is doing.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!" A girl screams at the sight of Kaito crawling out of the car door. I rush towards him to see if he was okay.

"Meiko!" I gasp to see him faint as he even starts to drool.

Rhapsody's Narration

"I see…remind me to get non-toxic pens when I come back." I sigh. Kaito, sometimes you can go too far to get a laugh, but it works like a charm. I trying hard to not to laugh at the sight. I don't want to leave my work unfinished. I closed my laptop and hooked it at the strap at my back. Where are you? I look towards the sky for an answer. Now there are three programs I need to synthesize.