Project: VOCALOID Chapter 25: Colorful, a vocaloid fanfic

EDITS MADE 2/15/15 EXTRA SCENE ADDED NEAR THE END.

Teto: Mwahaha! I've taken over the story, and I've locked Chiio in the closet! :D I'll be in charge of the writing! Starting with… more Ted scenes!

*I burst out of closet, gasping for air*

A/N: I…! I will finish my stories no matter what. Especially this one. Sorry, I just have a lot to do since I'm getting ready for college…

Teto: Daaaamn, Chiio. Pull yourself together and just write the damn fic. D: No one cares about how YOU feel. They just want the story!

Yeah, so. Teto's actually third place on the character popularity poll. O_O C'mon guys. Y'all have weird taste.

Teto: HEYYY! I'm third rate?! Why are Japanese blondes so popular with the masses? Just 'cause they got the entire fan base… aw. Share the love, readers… for crying out loud!

Oh, and warning… there'll be some death scenes.

Teto: No!

Also, Teto won't be appearing in this chapter. Sorry.

Teto: NOOOOO!

General POV

"IT KILLED MY BABIES!"

"WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT HIDING FROM US?!"

Protestors lined the entire bridge, families of victims who'd died on the train because of Crypton's latest terrorist attack. Police officers were also there to spread awareness about what happened at the amusement park, which recently closed down due to critical damage.

Watching from escalating glass elevator, self-righteous anger boiled within a certain boy. Kagamine Len's stare penetrated the crowd below him. It was all he could to do keep himself from lashing out at the people in Rin's defense. However, his rising temper evaporated the instant it started when he saw a crying girl clutching onto a picture frame of a man, presumably her father.

Len clenched his teeth before gripping his gym bag tightly. His head slumped. Next to him, Big Al remained quiet.

But… this is Rin they wanted dead! Of all people!

"A rabbit? Where, Len? Where?" Rin relentlessly tugged at the hem of his coat, eyes wide and wary. Len smiled and brought a finger to his lips, wanting her to stay quiet. Then he pointed it out.

"See? There it is."

"Ah…!"

Before the blond teens' very own eyes, a wild hare was frolicking by the stream. They huddled behind a nearby tree, keeping their voices quiet as to not startle the animal. It was the middle of a Saturday afternoon, perfect for a hike in the forest.

Rin's face broke into a marveled expression, and she was rendered speechless. She was positively glowing as she reveled in the sight of the cotton-tailed creature. It was her first time seeing an animal so close in real life…! It was… so incredible beyond words!

Len grinned seeing her happy expression. He knew taking her out here was a good idea, in fact, it did good for the both of them. Staying inside the mansion too long made him feel stuffy. He was about to ask her if she wanted to keep walking until he realized she'd somehow managed to approach the rabbit.

His eyes bulged, "Hey, wait! Don't!" His frantic whisper didn't reach her ears as she suddenly knelt down, gently offering the creature her hand. Oh snap, this wouldn't end well! Soon, he'd end up having to treat a bite at her own accord, just great… He really needed to get Rin to start listening to him from now on.

Much to his surprise, the rabbit cautiously leaned in close enough to sniff her offered hand. Its round nose tickled and whiskers tickled her fingers, causing her to marvel. Len's shoulders relaxed in relief as he leaned against the tree, watching with contented awe. Just then, the hare suddenly jolted and fled into the bushes, followed by a loud- BANG! A horrible dread filled Len as he swallowed in realization. His heart sank when he saw running off to investigate the noise.

"Rin!" He ran after her, trying to stop her before it was too…!

Late…

"I-I'm so sorry, was that your pet?" A boy asked, his eyes wide with horror. "I didn't know! I'm sorry! I didn't know!" He ran off, dropping his BB gun in the process. Len frowned, watching him leave.

What a troublemaker. No one was even allowed to hunt in these parts of the forest.

Turning to Rin, he slowly sat on his knees directly adjacent from her, "Hey," he gently called, "Are you okay?" Rin didn't answer or even look at him, instead she was staring at the dead rabbit on the ground, its eyes closed forever. Blood seeped through its fur, staining the grass. Looking hesitant, she gently reached out for it. Len shook his head firmly, "Stop. Don't touch it."

Rin's face crumpled as she turned towards him, "But… Len…" she protested weakly, bringing her fists to her chest. She hesitated before reaching out to pick it up. He immediately grabbed her wrist.

"Rin! Don't do that!" Len sharply sent her a look, shocking her into stopping. Her hand momentarily wavered before dropping to the side.

"Why…?"

"It's dead. It got shot. Understand?" he reluctantly gestured, closing his eyes. "It got killed by that weapon; it's called a gun." The gun laid quietly in the grass, reflecting in Rin's wide pupils which began dilating strangely.

"A weapon…" Rin repeated, hair falling into her dull eyes, "like me…?"

Len's eyes went wide, and he immediately shook his head, "Wrong. Weapons kill, and you don't have to be a weapon." He gently took her by the hand so she could face him instead, "You are who you choose to be, Rin. You choose."

Project: VOCALOID

Chapter 25

Colorful

Len's POV

"YO KAGAMINE!"

It wasn't until I finally saw the huge fist flying towards me that I suddenly realized I'd been daydreaming. Pain erupted in my liver as the world spun around me. Then I found myself pinned to the ground in a painful position, with Big Al keeping me on the ground with a wrist lock.

"Quit fooling around! You get distracted on mine's turf, and you gonna cross me! Ain't nobody got for that!" He barked at me, twisting my wrist further and making me clench my teeth. "You dig me?" My arm felt like it was going to pop out of my socket.

MOTHER OF GOD! IT HURTS!

"Ow, ow ow! Yessir, Al, Sir! S-sorry!" I managed through gritted teeth, "It won't happen again!" I closed my eyes, forcing what I saw outside earlier to the back of my head. Now wasn't the time to be getting distracted! I need to focus!

"Better not. Do it again!" Once he let me go, I instantly went back to my original stance. He provoked me into attacking first, and I went full out.

"HYAA!" I struck at him while he guarded, increasing my momentum of hits. Once he lashed his fist at me the second time, I immediately grabbed his arm and maneuvered it away from me before closing in and knocking him off-balance. He went down like a tree.

"OOOMPF! Oh… ha! HAHA! About time, son!" He grabbed my hand, and I helped him up. We went at it again until the clock struck 8AM. "Whew, that's enough, little ass-kicker. We best split." Sounding satisfied, Big Al helped me up and led me out of the gym, "Some people think I'm rocks for brains, and so I bash their heads in." He clapped me on the back with a wolfish grin, "But you, I like. Stick with me, boy, and soon you'll be getting some big guns," he said, flexing in front of the mirror for emphasis.

I tried not to shudder when he started posing in broad daylight, capturing some attention from giggling girls.

"Er… yeah." Tonio's van beeped as he rolled up to the sidewalk, and we hopped in. The NND surrounded me with chips and soda. I smiled, "Thanks again for helping me train, all of you. I have no idea how to repay you."

"No thanks needed!" Iroha chirped, tackling Big Al, "We're just doing what anyone else what do! Helping out civilians!"

"I second that, Iroha." Tonio commented from the driver's seat, "I gotta say though, Len, you've been training really hard since rehab. It's amazing how you push yourself."

Big Al looked smug as he nudged me with his elbow, "What'd I tell you, Lola? This one's a little ass-kicker! You best come by and watch him fight! Nothing to worry about, ya?!" I smiled sheepishly, rubbing my head. "Soon they'll be thinking twice before they's even thinking about messing wit' him! Them big dogs will be making room for him!"

Lola sighed from the shotgun seat, examining her nails, "But, Al… Dell might get worried. What if he starts thinking we're going to enlist him in the NND?" She looked at me in concern, "Don't overdo it, Honey."

"WOMAN PLEASE!" Al boomed with laughter, "Kagamine's becoming a man! He can decide those things on his own! He ain't some sniveling coward y'all can push around for milk money! He's got balls! BALLS I SAY!" He pounded a fist against his other palm, grinning. He turned to me, all fired up, "You've got ways to go, that's for sure, but that look in your eyes tells me that I know you gots what it takes. You's a little ass-kicker."

I practically swelled with happy pride at this praise, and I all but threw my arms around him, "Thanks, Al! I'll do whatever it takes!"

Al grunted, sounding disgruntled and baffled, "U-Uh, what this be, man? A hug? Men don't hug."

"Wrong." I grinned before immediately attacking him, "It's a chokehold! Prepare to die!"

"GUNGHH?!"

Iroha cheered, bouncing in her seat, "Wheee! Go Kagamine! Show him who's alpha male!"

Tonio hid his smile behind the rim of his fedora, "Heh. Not bad, Kid."

"Tonio! Don't encourage this!" Lola scolded, "Now, stop that boys! You're distracting the driver!"

Finally, Tonio drove up to Gyro Concert Hall and dropped me off where Gachapoid was waiting for me. Iroha also leaped out with a squeal.

"See you soon, little ass-kickers!" Big Al bellowed at us as the van screeched away, turning a sharp corner and nearly crashing into the light pole.

"So, how're you guys?" I asked as we pushed the doors open and entered the lobby area.

"Wonderful~! Now that Ryuto's back, things have gotten lots better! The base just wasn't the same without him!" Iroha whined before flinging her arms around him, "Ryuuuto~ I'm so happy you're alive! Don't worry! Once we find that Mikuo-teme, I'll give 'im a piece of my mind and then some!"

"Thank you, Iroha." He blandly replied, eyes shifty-like like a lizard. He then turned to me, stopping to find me buying from the pop machine. "You're in an awfully good mood. I suppose your training went well, then?"

"Yeah." I smiled, stretching my sore arms, "Whew! Being active is a lot better for me. I might sound full of it for saying this, but I could probably beat Lily in a fair fight by the time summer comes!"

"Eh… really…" Gachapoid trailed off, his lips twitching into a smirk.

I rose a brow, "What? That's an awfully nasty look. I don't even want to know what you're thinking, do I?"

"Since when does fight fair? You saw how she fought Project Rin!" I blinked at the pink girl, "No one from Crypton fights fair, Silly~! Survival fights dirty!" Iroha flashed me a cat-like grin, "Besides, there's no way you could even get past me and Ryuto!" She put up her fists and began to dance like a boxer, "Come at me, Bro!"

"Leave me out of this…" Gachapoid grumbled, rubbing his scaly temples.

"Jeez, way to rain on my parade, both of you… at least encourage me a little." I grumbled, retrieving two sodas. Leaning over, I bumped the drinks against the androids' cheeks, causing them to blink. "Here, drink up."

"SODA?! UWAAAI! This is a super special human beverage! Thanks!" Iroha beamed, swaying her arms. She nudged Gachapoid, "Isn't this great, Ryuto? Dell never lets us drink these kinds of things!"

"…Thank you." Gachapoid muttered, giving the can a small sniff. Heh. Maybe they're not exactly human, but they're still cute kids.

"Treating the kids well, I see. How sweet of you, Len-kun." Someone laughed behind me, bumping something against my head. My eyes widened slightly upon seeing who it was.

"Kaiko-nee!"

"Delivery~." The woman grinned and handed me a stack of wrapped bento boxes, "Nami didn't want you, Kaito, or Rin-chan to eat anything weird while she was away. I'm jealous. It must be great having a mom like her."

I blinked, "Technically, she's your mom, too."

"Kaito and I… our mom, she…" Kaiko shrugged languidly, pulling down her sweater. She sighed nostalgically, rubbing her arms. "It's kind of weird, even though I don't really remember her face or voice. If I saw her again, I feel like I would just… know. That it's her, I mean. I wonder what she's up to…" Noticing my slightly bewildered expression, she hurriedly added on, "O-of course I still think of you guys as family! I-It's just, gosh, I'm kinda jealous of you, Len. Nami's wonderful."

Kaiko-nee…

I frowned, starting to feel kind of bad. I guess she really misses her mom… it makes me wonder how Kaito feels.

"If Kaiko's here, does that mean Dell's loitering around here somewhere?" Iroha asked, wrinkling her nose. "I bet he's setting up alarms around this place like it's some terrorist trap."

"You're terrible! Don't say that!" Kaiko laughed, slapping the other girl's helmet, "We're just going through safety protocol. Rin-chan and my little brothers are performing tomorrow night, so we just want to make sure everything goes off without a hitch!"

"What? You guys are coming?" I asked excitedly, hoisting the boxes higher.

Kaiko shot me a bright grin, "Of course! Wouldn't miss it for the world!" She then patted me just as she'd done when we were kids. "But anyway, shouldn't you get going? It's already past 9."

At the mention of time, I nearly fainted in horror, "I'M LATE! I'm so late Momoko is gonna kill me see you guys soon!" I grabbed my bags and barreled towards the dressing room. Once I got into my costume, I zoomed onstage.

"KAGAMINE LEN AND HATSUNE MIKU! YOU'RE BOTH LATE!" Momoko shrieked from the balcony, using her megaphone and making other people around her wince. Soon all eyes were on me and Miku, who'd just recently rushed in from the doors. "WHATCHA YA GOT TO SAY FOR YOURSELVES, HUH?!"

"S-Sorry, upperclassman!" We simultaneously bowed, taking the brunt of her temper.

"The weather forecast lied! A snowstorm is coming, a-and I-I was busy helping my mother…! She's really ill!" Miku exclaimed before quickly adding, "B-b-but it's no excuse for me being late!"

"Damn right it isn't! I could care less if it were hailing! And YOU!" I flinched when Momoko leered at me, "What's your excuse?"

"None, ma'am!" I hastily answered, knowing this was the only way I could get out of this situation alive, "I'm no better than dirt for being late! So, I won't beg for mercy! The only way I can make it up to you is to give the audience the best damn performance of my measly life!"

"Ha, well if you understand that much then hop it! You're lucky I'm too busy trying to track down the other Hatsune to deal with noobs like you!" My ears immediately perked at the last part. Hatsune was missing? Momoko shouted, clapping a newspaper against the podium. "You've all worked hard, everyone! You better listen up 'cause I'm not saying it again! You're gonna hit the audience hard with tomorrow's performance! All the tickets are sold out, so finish strong for the final scenes! Eat up and get enough rest!"

Huh? Wait, where's Meiko-nee? And Kaito? I looked around, bewildered. Rin's gone, too? Shouldn't all of them be here soon? The finale's coming up.

"Momoko-senpai!" I called out, causing her to arch a brow in my direction, "Do you know where Kaito or Meiko-nee are? Or maybe Rin?"

She scoffed, "I don't know about the first two, but teacher Yowane mentioned she had to speak with Rin." She shook her head in disapproval, "Good Lord, what's she thinking? We need her on the set right now!" With a heavy sigh, she kept her resolve, "Well, whatever. The actual dress rehearsal doesn't start until noon, so we'll just practice background drops and lights. If no one shows up by the time your big scene with Michaela comes up, we'll send someone to get her."

I frowned, watching as everyone got into position. The entire area went dark save for the stage lights. Taking a deep breath, I pushed all thoughts to the back of my head and went backstage, waiting for my turn. The music began to play, and the nobles began to speak onstage. I watched intently, closing my eyes. Soon, I found myself zoning out, thinking back to those people protesting on the streets.

So it's true… there's people who've lost their lives because of what happened. It's only natural they'd act like that.. But…

Just then someone grabbed me by the shoulder, startling me out of my thoughts.

"Len-kun. It's been a while." It was Miku. I gulped. She was all dressed up for her part; she matched the role of the charming Michaela, alright. With her hair curled and makeup done, anyone could've mistook her for an actual princess. She looked at me with misty eyes, gently pulling on my shirt cuff.

Oh no…

I looked away hastily, swallowing. My heart began to race as I began taking deep breaths. Stay calm, Len. I-I shouldn't be talking to her, right? But how do I get around her?

"You better go find Kaito. You both have lines together." I mumbled, gently removing myself from her and heading off, but then she clung to my backside, forcing me to stop.

"Len-kun, please wait!" She begged into the hollow of my back, wrapping her arms around me, "I know you don't want to talk to me, not after what happened during the train and all. I understand, but please…!" My muscles went rigid as she pulled me into a tighter embrace, making me swallow. My heart started racing. "I really need to speak with you! It's important!"

I hesitated before gently prying her arm off. I exhaled, running a hand through my matted hair. This was gonna be difficult. After all, even after what's happened between us, it's not as though I stopped caring about Miku. The last thing I want to do is hurt her. I turned around to fully face her, seriously looking into her eyes. Still, no matter what, I had to make things clear with her.

"Miku… look-"

"Please, Len. We haven't spoken in so long." I was taken by surprise when she put both hands on my sweaty face, making me more than nervous at this proximity. She looked so desperate, like an abandoned puppy begging for a home. My gut began to wrench horribly at this display. "Please! You're the only one who'll listen!" She stammered, appearing as though she wasn't above begging on her knees, "There's something I really, really need to talk to you about. It's important!" She slumped her head against my shoulder, quaking.

I bit my lower lip, hoping nobody would come by. My eyebrows pinched in concern, and I held her firmly by the shoulders.

"I'm not trying to be mean… so don't take this the wrong way," I slowly began, forcing her to meet my eyes, "but you've picked a really bad time. This is a dress rehearsal."

Miku looked hurt, but she determinedly squeezed my hands, sniffling between words, "It's now or never, Len-kun. I don't mind if you think badly of me after all this, but…" her eyes slowly drifted to the floor, "I promise you, I won't get in your way anymore if that's what you want, but this might be my only chance…!"

Gah, I don't know. Should I hear her out?

Glancing back onstage, I watched as more actors arrived on the Village of Green, announcing the arrival of Prince Kyle. Teto kept narrating the overview, and the backstage kept coaxing Josephine (the demon horse) to her spot.

I checked my script book and sighed. We had at least two hours. Reluctantly, I turned to Miku and caved in.

"Alright. What is it then?"

"Not here." Miku quickly said, her eyes staring deeply into mine, "Let's go… somewhere private."

Private?

I gulped nervously. Ah.

I've got a bad feeling about this…

Rin's POV

For some unfathomable reason, one which I couldn't quite voice out…

I felt cornered.

She approached me suddenly without warning, saying she wished to speak to me about something urgent. No, it couldn't wait. She led me to Crane Hotel in silence.

"Ms. Haku…?" I began, trying not to appear as nervous as I felt. My smile quivered when she inclined her head at a strange angle, looking at me over her shoulder. Her red eyes were hypnotizing, like a snake's. As soon as she smiled, all words on my tongue suddenly evaporated.

"Yes, my dear?" Her voice was soothing and kind like always, but for some reason, it made my neck prickle. "Oh my. Is something on your mind… Rin-chan?"

"Ah… I… well, that is…" My tongue lay limp in my mouth. I felt frustrated at my pathetic attempts to speak. Since this morning, I've been feeling like something was wrong was Ms. Haku. Ridiculous, wasn't it? Ms. Haku only means well… she cares about everyone.

Acting as though… I was with a dangerous person.

"Shouldn't we be at the rehearsal? I want to give tomorrow my all…" I asked, smoothing the wrinkles of my skirt. I had to remain calm. Cool. Casual. My swinging bag prodded against my hip, causing Mr. Hoppy to bounce. With that in mind, I calmed myself and looked up to meet her red gaze. "I think we should go back."

A sultry giggle escaped from the woman as she led me to a red door.

"Oh, it won't take but a minute, Rin-chan. Indulge me for a little longer, won't you?" The door opened as she welcomed me in spacious, comfy room strictly reserved for authorized personnel. The glass table had a vase full of blue roses, accompanied with a full tea set. I took a deep breath before stepping in, and she ushered me to a couch with square cushions. Finding it already occupied shocked me, but not as much when I realized who was occupying it.

"MEIKO-NEE!" I hurried to her side, taking her hand in mine. Her eyes were closed, and she appeared to be having a nightmare. Her breaths were shallow, and she felt cold to the touch. "Meiko-nee! Meiko-nee! Open your eyes, please!" A shadow loomed over me as I swiveled around, "M-Ms. Haku? What's wrong with her?"

For a moment, Ms. Haku simply said nothing, but then she looked incredibly troubled as she brought a hand to Meiko-nee's sweaty forehead.

"A few days ago… the 27th, I think, I found her like this just near the park. Poor thing. It looks like she's running a high fever."

The 27th?

Dread bubbled inside me. My eyes watered as I held her hand tightly, watching as her face contorted with pain and fear.

"B-but we'd just recently celebrated Len's birthday…" I whispered, dropping my head, "I asked if I could see her off, but she wanted me to sleep." I turned to Ms. Haku, "Please tell me she'll be okay!"

Ms. Haku smiled, "Of course she will. Once she wakes up, I'll give her something to eat, so please don't worry." she gazed down at her kindly, "This girl is tough, that's for sure."

Sighing in relief, I clutched my beating heart, "Thank goodness." I rose to my feet and smiled thankfully, "Ah… Mr. Dell isn't too far! He's a doctor! I'm certain he'll make Meiko-nee feel better in no time at all!" It was too bad my phone wasn't charged. I started towards the door, only to witness it beep red as the apartment's security installation automatically locked everything, the windows and all the doors. I blinked and faced the woman who poured herself a glass of wine, "M-Ms. Haku?"

"Silly girl, I can't allow you to do that." She smiled eerily, crossing a leg in front of the other and sipping from her glass, "Especially since I want nothing to do with that awful man. Furthermore, I'd much rather prefer your company."

That awful man…? Does she know Mr. Dell or…

Clicking noises echoed in my ears. It wasn't until I realized she'd locked the all doors when she suddenly turned off the lights and covered the windows, causing the entire room to darken. The only source of light was the blinding lamp she'd abruptly flashed in my eyes. Her deathly calm voice reverberated throughout the room.

"Now then, won't you sit down?" For some reason, I felt as though her voice seemed colder than usual. Not wishing to rude, however, I did as she wished. Reluctantly, I sat directly from across her. She smiled, apparently pleased. "What manners. It's good to see you're growing up to be just like your mother."

Biting my lower lip, I looked down at the floor, hesitantly replying, "I…I am certain Nami would be happy hearing that."

Ms. Haku stopped chuckling. A confused pause followed by a sultry giggle reflected in my mind's eye.

"Oh? Shame I wasn't talking about her." My ears perked up, and a chilling realization shook me to the bones. Hands shaking, I met her piercing red gaze, "I meant your actual mother. I knew her for a long time before her untimely demise." She took another delicate sip, "Takashi Miriam, that is."

My mind plummeted at this horrifying turn of events.

My face went white.

W-Why do I feel so frightened all of a sudden? A-anyone could've spoken to her about mother… like Kaito. But then, it's supposed to be a secret. The only ones who knew about her were Mr. Dell, Len, professor Gakupo, and the NND.

No one should even know about mother.

So, why…?

"H-How do you know… about my mother?" I swallowed, "I've never told you about her…" My knees turned into jelly, and I broke into a cold sweat. My throat went dry, so I couldn't speak. Suddenly, the room felt very cold. I clenched the folds of my skirt, swallowing.

She started chuckling. The red wine in her glass reflected her strange smile. "No need to look so surprised. I know everything about you, ever since you were a little girl." She then tilted her head at me, her smile widening, "Take a good, long look at me. Mr. Dell and Ms. Haku… surely you do remember us. Who we really are?"

Despite my inner desire to run away, I reluctantly looked at her face, trying to remember until my head began to throb. A searing pain opened my mind's eyes, and a horrifying realization dwelled on me.

My eyes widened.

Yes… yes, I remember now!

Mr. Dell and Ms. Haku…!

They were my parents' friends!

"You were always with Mr. Dell. He always looked at you with kind eyes." I blurted out softly, standing up. Both of them had sharp minds and ambitions, I remember. "But you really liked father, too… you…" My muscles tightened upon recalling a certain memory: mother's sad face as she glanced at Ms. Haku eagerly talking with my father.

Mother told me that Ms. Haku was a scary woman. That I shouldn't go near her because she acted too similar to my father, in terms of behavior. Once I overheard other scientists talking about how horribly she treats her "patients".

They even called her a viper.

But why, I wonder…?

"Ms. Haku specializes in what we call 'psychological manipulation'. That means, darling, that she is very alluring… and very dangerous." I recall mother saying to me in a hushed voice. "She can make people do whatever she pleases if you're not careful. So don't tell her any of your secrets, even if she asks nicely."

Ah…

My shoulders sank in dreadful realization.

"That can't be! You can't be father's ally!" I cried, slamming my fists on the table. "Ms. Haku was so kind to me and helped me so many times!" I exclaimed, hugging my bag against my chest. "Someone as kind and wise as Ms. Haku can't be involved with Crypton! It just can't be true! Even when I thought I heard father's voice telling me that I'm nothing without him, it was Ms. Haku who told me I could be anything, anyone I wanted to be…! I respected Ms. Haku because she's always so level-headed in any and every situation!"

"Such flattery! I always knew you were a good girl, Rin-chan." A villainous smile bloomed across her features as she laughed behind her hand. "How cute. It makes me want to break you over and over again." She told me sweetly, her horrible words chilling me to the bone. "You're just like your mother: a bird with clipped wings, one who died in grief because she couldn't accept you: her own daughter." She laughed again, making my heart drop at her cruel words. "But we've given you a purpose, so who better to hand yourself over than your own creators? The ones who've given you a purpose from the very beginning?"

I froze in place, horrified to see that the Ms. Haku in front of me… was completely different from the one who always smiled so endearingly at all her students.

Is this… the real Ms. Haku?

I rose in disbelief at her suggestion, gasping, "Give myself over to the same people, the same company, and the same father who made my life a repeated routine of agony? Of pain? Of sorrow? Watching people suffer like Meiko-nee is right now, subjected to father's experiments?!" Meiko-nee shifted in her sleep, breathing raggedly. She broke into a heavy sweat, shaking as though she were cold, but her body was scorching to the touch. My entire body racked like a leaf, shaking nonstop. I couldn't even meet her eyes. "You did this… to Meiko-nee, am I correct!? How could you? I trusted you, and you lied to me!"

Ms. Haku's smile vanished, "My… it seems you've found me out already. The apple doesn't fall far from the family tree, I see."

So it's true then. She wants me to go back to Germany, back to my father.

Tears sprang to my eyes. "This entire time, you were my enemy all along? And you hurt Meiko-nee?"

"You misunderstand a family's love." Ms. Haku reached over to tuck a lock behind my ear, making me flinch at her cold touch, "We have big plans for your future. Even though we've hurt you, take heart that it was only to help your body override all limits. Whereas your friends are lazy, underachieving fools who fester around like ants, never challenging themselves." She then hummed, "Whereas Hatsune-kun is cowardly to the core, toying with your trust."

I bristled in anger at her words and reared back, scowling. "Help me? I don't need their help! And you can't talk about my friends like that!" My voice echoed throughout the room. "None of them, especially Mikuo-kun, they would never betray me! They-"

"Called you a monster. Abandoned you in your grieving state." She finished with a vengeful hiss, her haunting gaze pulling me into a world of painful memories. "Remember how your classmates, including Kasane Teto, turned on you when you nearly strangled Megurine Luka to death? Remember how Kagamine Len chose Hatsune Miku over you time and time again, the same girl who's tried to kill you?"

Hurt overcame me as I recalled those memories.

But…

"In the end, it's bad to be around people like them, isn't it? They will only pick off what luxuries you have, your own self-worth. They'll drag you down with them with their carefree ideals: their low standards of a meaningful life."

No…

"Wouldn't you rather be a part of something greater? To make this world a better place? Your existence is precious, Rin-chan, and we simply want to help you achieve the greater good."

"Me?" I uttered, blinking in disbelief. "Achieve the greater good?"

"Yes. It's something only Rin-chan can accomplish." Ms. Haku traced the ring of her glass, her smile returning, "These people here, the ones who call themselves your friends. They simply don't understand you. I've seen them, how they look at you. They see you as a monster."

A monster…?

I swallowed thickly, my lower lip trembling.

"I know how you feel, Rin-chan. How it feels… to be misunderstood." The shutters seemed to move, but when I blinked, everything in the room remained perfectly still. "But you're beautiful, and you belong to Crypton." Her teeth flashed like diamonds as she spoke, "Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool. In that case, this entire country- no, this world is full of simple fools."

What she says are lies, what she says are lies, don't listen! Don't listen!

"Your father and his company, they've been working so hard to give you this one gift." Ms. Haku traced her manicured finger down my chest, right above my heart. "A chance to recreate the world the way you see fit. Imagine. Nuclear energy that eliminates pollution, humans living up to their highest potential, the things we can do once thought impossible thanks to nuclear evolution! This world can become clean!" She gently grabbed my chin and pulled me in to meet her smoldering, wine-colored gaze. "You can help everyone achieve this dream… if only you were to finally accept our plans for you." My heart raced uncomfortably, and to my shock and shame, the idea sounded alluring, if not a wondrous goal.

Am I feeling like this because of Ms. Haku's charisma…?

Or maybe…

Father suddenly appeared in my mind's eye, making my head reel.

No… no… that's what father also wanted to achieve, but… that dream consumed him whole! What has he achieved after all this time but causing pain for others? He's lost his sanity over the little progress of being unable to achieve… his dreams.

In the end, it wasn't truly a dream… but an obsession: a nightmare. One he still hasn't woken up from.

"Humanity changes as time goes on." I began, finally meeting her startled gaze. "Father's dream… it sounds wonderful, it does, but if this world isn't ready to make his dream into a reality… then why should Crypton force it on everyone while throwing everything else away? The important things?" My voice trailed as I envisioned all the lives I've taken and all the suffering I've caused. Closing my eyes, I shook my head, "Strike me if you will, but I will now stand in the way of that dream."

Ms. Haku's eyes flashed angrily, "Rin-chan…!" She started to scold me as though I were a misbehaving child.

"I am no weapon for someone's ploy. I am Kagamine Rin." I said, smiling. "That is who I choose to be."

"But Rin-chan, this is your destiny. You're still but a child, therefore, you've yet to truly understand… and we can solve that overtime." She gripped my shoulders tightly, her eyes alit with mad glee before fading into something dark and sinister. "…There is one problem at hand, however."

"And that… is?" I cautiously dared to ask, regretting my choice of words the moment she pulled a gun from her coat before pointing it to Meiko-nee's head.

My eyes went wide with horror.

"You can't-! MEIKO-NEE!" My hand shot out to the gun, only to be stopped by a resonating click.

"Ah, ah. Careful, Rin-chan. If you act reckless, I might actually shoot." A dark haze fell over Ms. Haku's stony face, but she suddenly broke into a smile. "So don't do anything that might make me lose my temper… okay?" Sweat poured down the nape of my neck as I swallowed, my body shaking as I backed away, falling to my knees.

"Please… please! Put that away!" I cried, moving towards her slowly, "This is between you and me, so if you want to hurt anyone, hurt me!" Seeing her eyes glimmer with sudden interest, I hastily went on to add, "Anything you want… there must be something I can offer you!"

"In that case, you'll tell me everything you know about this KOKORO program Mikuo is so fixated on. Tell me," she said sweetly, squeezing the trigger again, causing me to flinch as another click resonated. The gun's wheel turned again, "or I'll put a bullet through Meiko-chan's head."

"K-KOKORO program?" I stammered, my throat dry, "W-What are you speaking of? A-And why is Mikuo-kun-"

Click.

"I'll ask the questions here." Her smile faded into a cold expression, making prickles run all over my body. "So, please don't play ignorant with me. I'm well aware that your memories have returned, Rin-chan. Now tell me where it is."

"I-I don't anything!"

Her face darkened, "You're lying."

"I'm not please- I'm telling the truth! Please!" I choked out, tears streaming down my face. My fingers dug into the carpet as I bowed again, "Please just let Meiko-nee go!"

"Tut, tut." Ms. Haku sighed, yanking Meiko-nee by the hair and pushing the barrel against her head, making her wheeze in her sleep, "Time is running out, and you keep lying to me, dear Rin-chan," She sighed, "I was hoping I wouldn't have to resort to this, but I simply cannot afford to waste anymore time… and so, without further ado…" She trailed, suddenly pulling an object out from between the couch cushions, dangling it in front of me. I felt the color draining from my face.

That's…!

Teto's camcorder!

But why does Ms. Haku have it?

"Hatsune-kun was kind enough to borrow this from your friend when she wasn't looking." She chuckled at my expression, "It seems your fight with SF-A2 Miki is recorded here." She twirled the rainbow-colored lanyard between her fingers. "Suppose if I were to send this to the media. Then everyone would know who their cyborg attacker really is…" Her eyes lazily drifted over to me, "wouldn't that be a shame?"

"That's…!" My trembling fingers dug into the carpet. "D-Do want you want with me, but don't hurt Meiko-nee! Please!"

"Then perhaps now you'll take me seriously." Her face suddenly became serious, "I'll ask you one last time. Where. Is. The KOKORO program?"

"I… I…" My voice failed me. I couldn't speak. I didn't know.

"Five…" Ms. Haku calmly began, her eyes narrowing, "four…"

Seeing the gun pressed against Meiko-nee's temple made my body freeze in place. My mouth went dry, and my mind tumbled into a state of chaos.

"Three…"

Desperately, I grabbed her ankle and bowed, quaking, "I only remember my parents, Mikuo-kun, and what Crypton did to me…! That's all I know, so please-!" I looked into her eyes, half-crying and half-whimpering.

But my begging fell on deaf ears, and her face remained impassive.

"Two.."

If only I knew what this KOKORO program was! But Ms. Haku wouldn't listen to me. She didn't care who she had to hurt. She only wanted answers.

Answers which I don't have.

"One."

My eyes went wide, and my hand shot out the moment I saw her finger move.

"No…! NO MS. HAKU-!"

KAABANG!

The door came crashing down, followed by inhumanly fast shapes who quickly disarmed Ms. Haku, forcing her to the ground. The gun went flying out of her hands, clattering at the feet of someone, none other than…

"Mr. Dell…!"

My hands flew to my mouth, and I began to cry harder. This time, from relief. I'd never been so happy to see him, but the look on Ms. Haku's face proved to be a stronger reaction than I anticipated.

"YOU?! How did you find me? You can't be here!" She screamed, lunging at him despite being held back by Iroha, Big Al, and Gacha. "I specifically instructed Hatsune to make sure you didn't know my whereabouts! He was supposed to forge my personal information!" She thrashed, "You… YOUUU!"

Kaito rushed to my side, his face etched with worry, "Are you hurt anywhere?" He promptly lifted me to my feet, dusting off my back. Frowning at the sight of my tears, he began wiping my face with his tattered scarf, "There, there. Don't be scared anymore." Pulling a cookie from his pocket, he promptly shoved it in my mouth, muffling my cries. "Feel better?"

"Kaito…" I crashed into his arms, surprising him and hiccupping uncontrollably. "T-This is my fault… Meiko-nee is…"

"No, it's not your fault. Don't ever think that." Kaito's voice softened, and he patted my head. "Sorry… it must've been scary." He gently pulled away to lift Meiko-nee from the couch. He gave a deep, shuddering sigh. "To tell you the truth, me and Dad were practically begging for something like this to happen."

My breath hitched, "Eh… what are you saying?"

"Rin, you have my deepest apologies." Mr. Dell said, walking past me with the gun in his hand. He narrowed his eyes at Ms. Haku, "I hadn't meant for her rampage to drag for so long. It's my mistake." He gripped the gun against her spine, making her grin and shiver in delight, "But I needed proof that this woman is still affiliated with Crypton. I had to keep quiet and wait for the right moment to expose her." He then sighed, "The drugs she'd been giving you didn't leave traces during your monthly checkups, so at the time, I had no idea about your exchange. Not until it was too late."

My eyes widened, "Mr. Dell… so you've been watching over me since then?"

"Always observing from the sidelines, Dell, darling~." Ms. Haku purred darkly, rubbing her thigh against his as she tossed her hair over one shoulder. "How strange. To see your eyes so focused and intense… I never thought I'd live to see this side of you again." she breathed into his ear before kissing him deeply, much to everyone's surprise. She pulled away with a loud smack, chuckling and leaving a bright lipstick mark.

Dell, unblinking, seemed to be in a trance. He stood there rigidly until Gacha had to shake him awake. He immediately cleared his throat, looking rather annoyed.

"EYYYEEWW!" Iroha shrieked, covering her eyes and clinging to my leg, "Crazy lady kissing our boss! Someone call 911!"

Kaito shuddered, making a face as he turned away, "…ugh."

"Ahem. Dangerous as it was, I decided to use a trump card…" Dell awkwardly continued and nodded to Kaito, "I had Kaito implant hidden cameras around this place. He was the only one who could get close enough to this woman while her guard was down."

"Kaito?" I repeated, sniffling and wiping my eyes. I turned to Kaito questioningly, "But why?"

Kaito closed his eyes, "Because she's my mom."

I would've fainted at this revelation if not for the loveseat behind me.

EH…!

Kaito's mother? Ms. Haku is…?!

"…So you knew." Ms. Haku suddenly spoke up, her expression strangely calm, "And you kept quiet about it? For how long, exactly?" Kaito's posture went rigid all of a sudden as he looked away.

"…Ever since that day you asked about my mom." He replied stiffly, and it seemed he couldn't even look at her. "It just didn't seem right, so I told Dad all about the weird lady at my school, being all touchy with me and whatnot…" He laughed harshly, shaking his head, "It wasn't hard pretending I didn't know anything. That's how I've been living for most of my life, huh, Dad? Looks like our family's got talented liars."

Frowning at his bitter tone, I tugged Kaito by the hem of his long coat. He blinked down at me in surprise before smiling embarrassedly, patting my head.

"Weird. I always blamed Dad for you leaving us, but as it turns out, he left you." He spat the last word out like venom, casting her a disgusted glance over his shoulder, "I really did like you, Sensei. At first I only went along with Dad's plan so I could prove that you weren't in league with Crypton, that you were a cool person, but boy, you proved me wrong big time. Woman, you're crazy."

Ms. Haku grew strangely silent. Her head slumped forward, hair falling into her eyes so I couldn't see her expression. Mr. Dell glanced at both of them, flickering his gaze back and forth before sighing.

"Understand now, Haku? You chose the wrong people to side with." He said, moving her to the door, "And now, you'll have to pay the price." He then paused, eyes slightly softening as he caught sight of her shoulders shaking, "…And you should know, Miriam already declared the KOKORO program a failure. It proved to be too unstable." He looked back me, appearing grave all of a sudden, "If it weren't, then Project: VOCALOID wouldn't even exist."

…Me? I wouldn't even… exist.

I furrowed my face in confusion, still perturbed by this KOKORO program… but what could it be, I wonder.

"This isn't over, Rin-chan." Ms. Haku suddenly spoke, stopping short of the exit. "I knew Mikuo couldn't be trusted, right from the very beginning. He's double crossed me, not once… but twice." I noticed she was staring at the fallen camcorder, which contained nothing but blank film tape. She began laughing, her face flushed with mirth, "But no matter! Something wonderful will happen, and he won't live to see it happen. He and his silly KOKORO program will be useless by then!"

She turned to Kaito, adoration clear in her eyes, "And you'll be there to see it, my son. Soon you'll have a brighter future. A brighter world. All thanks to Crypton Media Future."

Soon the medical team arrived to take Meiko-nee away. They informed us she would be just fine by tomorrow, and nothing looked serious. Kaito carefully entrusted her to them, watching her wheel away on the stretcher. "Looks like she'll be fine, Bunny-chan. I wouldn't worry about it too much." He exhaled, his eyes dimming, "After all, it's really my fault that she's hurt."

Before I could protest, Gacha stomped up to me, all but shoving my phone in my face, "Of all times to forget your phone…! You didn't even charge it! I would've left the job of babysitting Kagamine if you'd contacted me sooner! How many times will you continue to worry me to death?!"

Ashamed, I lowered my eyes and hunched my shoulders. I attempted to apologize, but my voice was too hoarse from crying. A deep sigh escaped from Gacha as he shook his head. He raised his arm, and I nearly thought he was going to strike me. Instead he gave me my bag accompanied with Mr. Hoppy, who continuously swayed.

"No… what I mean to say is… you did well, protecting your friend. I also believe you're no one's weapon. Not even Crypton's." He grumbled apologetically. Wiping my eyes furiously, I shook my head.

"That's too kind of you to say. I was foolish again, Gacha. Because of me, Ms. Haku nearly…" My voice trailed weakly as I sadly stared at Meiko-nee.

Kaito exhaled sharply, "Bunny-chan. You stalled her long enough so we could barge in. If you did anything drastic, it would've just made things worse." He flicked my nose, making me wince. "So just accept our gratitude already."

My shoulders quivered, "But I-"

"But nothing on my part. I gave you my last cookie so you'd stop making that face." Kaito complained, narrowing his eyes and getting down on my level. "Was it nasty or something?"

"N… No! It was very… t-tasty." I managed between hiccups, frantically wiping my eyes, "T-Thank you… it's the best cookie I've ever had."

"Then no crying. You'll flood the place." Exasperated, he rolled his eyes. Taking off his scarf, he wrapped it around my neck. "'Sides, Meiko will worry if she sees you like this."

"In any case, I guess we should also thank Mr. Hoppy." Gacha remarked, unzipping Mr. Hoppy's back to reveal a microphone hidden in the stuffing. My eyes widened at this revelation. So that's how they managed to rescue us! "Ms. Haku won't be pestering you for a while, miss Rin. You too, Honne Kaito." he paused, adding questionably, "or do you prefer, 'Yowane?"

"Just call me Kaito." he answered, rolling his eyes. I followed him out the door, and he cursed aloud, "I'm just glad that's over."

I couldn't help feeling sad.

After all, I was aware of how much Kaito liked Ms. Haku… to think that someone such as her worked with father… I shook my head. It was just too horrible to imagine.

Suddenly, all the lights went out.

"The hell…?" Kaito wondered aloud as we stopped at the emergency exit, "Damn. I forgot about the snowstorm. The power'll be out for a awhile." I felt his groping hand patting my head, making me blink and wince, "I guess that means our rehearsal's gonna be postponed for awhile, eh, Rabbit Girl?"

I frowned, "Oh but… the others must be worried about us."

"Haaa… I guess you're right. Well, should we head back anyway or stay here?" Kaito flicked out his phone, the light of the screen making out faces glow. "Oh, that's right. Seems Meiko's bag was left lying around, so I found this. Here." He handed me a small gift wrapped with green ribbons. I read the label and blinked in surprise.

"This is… for Miku?"

"Heh. Seems she found something interesting while we were getting Len's cake." Kaito's eyes twinkled mysteriously as he stared at the box. It was as though he knew what was inside. "She must've been on her way to deliver this after you and Len's party. But mom must've gotten in her way." He shoved his hands into his pockets, shrugging, "Wanna give it to her? To Pigtails, I mean. I know she's not your friend, but I don't know. It looks pretty important." He yawned, stretching his arms, "I'll come with you, if you want."

I averted my eyes, hesitating. I still remember how many times Miku tried to eliminate me. So if I were to approach her, who knows what might happen? My eyes drifted to the present. Also… if I were to offer her Meiko-nee's gift, would she even accept it from me?

But… then.

Meiko-nee went out of her way to give her such a nice-looking present. If Meiko-nee truly didn't care about her, she wouldn't have done that, would she? Also, Miku wasn't… my true enemy. But… am I really the right person to do this sort of gesture?

Kaito looked at me expectantly, waiting for my answer. Taking a deep breath, I sighed. My bow bobbed as I nodded.

"If it makes Meiko-nee happy, then I will." My lips quivered into a smile as I hugged the gift. "She is my friend, after all." Kaito suddenly lifted me into the air and carried me on his back. I blinked at him, startled. He seemed to be acting strangely.

"Kai…to?"

"God, I've dealt with enough crazy women to last me a lifetime. Turns out my mom's a sociopath, too? This week's been rough." He exhaled sharply, heading down the stairs with Gacha leading the way. I clung to his neck so I wouldn't fall. He suddenly laughed and adjusted my position, "Still, at least I don't have to spend the rest of my life wondering who she is. It sucks, but you have no idea how much this saves me in the long run." He tossed me a grin over his shoulder, "Thanks, Bunny-chan. You're a real friend."

Friend…!

My cheeks heated at this sudden praise, and my breath hitched. Clumsily, I hid my burning face in his scarf and tightened my arms around his neck.

"I… I think of Kaito as my friend, too!" I stammered, nodding in agreement, "I-I'm sorry… if I never mentioned it before."

"Ha! I already knew that you like me too much without it being said! I'm just that irresistible, Rin. Everyone loves me, but alas, I have standards." His boisterous laughter echoed throughout the corridor. He suddenly smiled at me, making me blink. "So, if you're the VOCALOID, does that mean we can rob the ice cream store now?"

I tilted my head in confusion. "E-Eh…"

He grinned expectantly, with a twinkle in his eye, "Well?"

Ice cream… at a time like this. But as strange as it sounds… this is Kaito's way of cheering everyone up on rainy days. Strangely touched by this act, my eyes grew moist again.

"… I-I want an orange sherbet."

Gacha gasped angrily, "Damnable! Don't use Mistress Rin for commit such atrocities!"

"Whoa, I'm willing to share the ice cream, little guy. Calm down. Both of you can have, like, 12%, sound good?"

"…Are you really a high school student?"

Kaito scoffed, hauling me higher, "I wish I weren't. Now, to the ice cream store! Dino boy's paying for everything!" Screaming with excitement, he zoomed down the dimly lit corridor with me clinging to him, making Gacha chase after us. "Let's buy Meiko something cool while we're at it!"

"T-There's a blizzard outside! Don't endanger Mistress Rin on behalf of your gluttony!"

Len's POV

Miku told me everything.

Everything about Project: VOCALOID.

The Crypton failures, the products, the giant reactor…

And the giant fusion reaction that would divide our islands should Leon fully take the VOCALOID by the reins. His crazy dream.

What is all this, some kind of sci-fi movie?

The warmth of the nearby greenhouse kept us from using our coats, but our conversation was at the boiling point.

"You what?" I spoke through clenched teeth, clenching my fists at my sides. I stared at Miku hard, trying to figure out if she was lying or not. "You sold Rin out to some… some…" I tried to think of the word but failed, "You plan on handing her over to some strange foreigner just like that?" I asked, cocking my head, "You do realize that's beyond your power, right?"

"Once I get Honne Dell to agree on my terms, I'll have every right to do so." Miku stated softly, confidently meeting my heated gaze.

No way. There's no way Dell would agree to that, not without everyone's say-so.

The windows rattled from the wind. My fists trembled.

Miku exhaled sharply, "I know what you're thinking, Kagamine-kun. You think I must really hate Rin, but I don't." She took a step towards me, staring directly into my eyes, "SeeU will take her somewhere where she can be sustained. I need you to understand that."

"Just what good will that do? You don't even know what they'll do to her!" The wind roared around us, pounding against the glass. We exchanged a momentary silence just staring each other down.

"You saw what happened on the train. We all did." Miku stiffly said, her shoulders tensing, "Those bombs! Those robots! Rin nearly had everyone killed! Then she purposely tried to kill me twice! Do you want that to happen again?"

I narrowed my eyes, "Rin was in VOCALOID mode, and if I remember right, I saw you attacking her first." Her eyes widened at my statement, and I added on, "You pointed a gun at her, Miku. You see her as this irrevocable danger: a threat, but have you ever tried to understand her? To get to know her as a friend?"

"That's not the issu-!" Miku tried to protest, but I didn't let her finish.

"I think that you two are scared of each other. That's why you can't get along." I moved towards her, but she backed away, appearing nervous all of a sudden. "You know Rin isn't a bad person, Miku. It's not her fault that her father's crazy and wants to use her for this… project or whatever." I frowned, grabbing her by the shoulder before she could turn away, "She just needs to be treated like she's human, not like a nutcase. If we can do that, we-"

"It doesn't work like that, Len-kun!" Miku tearfully exclaimed, slamming both fists against the table. She shook her head several times, trembling. "I-I'm not saying this to be mean but… why can't you understand that she's just not like us? She's not human, she's a lethal experiment! Don't you see? She doesn't belong here! Do you even know what she's done to other people?! Killed them in cold blood!" Her words were like knives. I stared at her with mixed shock, hurt, and sadness. Then I surged forward with anger.

"What the hell, Miku? Do you know what you're saying?" I shouted over the howling wind from outside, glaring at her, "I thought you were better than this! You can't just surmise things like that!"

"I'm surmising? Me?" Miku laughed in disbelief, eyes wide. "Unbelievable! If you'd been listening earlier, you'd know out of all people, I would have the most valid information on her! I know Crypton's plans for her, and I'm trying to stop them!" She shook her head, "And you're letting her taking over our lives! Your life!"

I bit the inside of my cheek as I grit out, "It's not like that."

"Don't deny it!" she retorted, "You'd know when the draw the line between a girl you'd recently met this year and your lifelong friends! You're going too far with protecting her, Len-kun! You're not thinking clearly at all!"

"That's not true!"

"Len-kun! You can't contain her forever! Not while Leon's still after her! You don't have that power!" Miku all but screamed, the snow cascading around us. "Or would you rather cage her like a hamster? She'll break out eventually!"

Frustration bubbled in me. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath instead of banging my head against the floor, "You're just assuming the worst."

"Open your eyes!" Miku exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air. "We can't have a future so long as she's here! Do you think Leon's just gonna let her run around forever? He's going to take her by force and destroy this city by using her! And you know what you're doing? Nothing! You think my job is easy? Well, I'm the one who has to take the hard jobs. Everyone else gets to play around, assuming everything's all and well with the world! WELL IT ISN'T!"

I reared back, astonished by her shrieking outburst.

Her eyes were wild, and she was breathing hard.

"And guess what, I'm doing all this for the people I care about! Who I love!" The next thing she said surprised me more than anything, "That means you, Kagamine Len!"

My jaw dropped in shock, and I backed away, stumbling into the table behind me.

"Y… You what?"

"I've said it already!" Miku wailed, burying her face in her hands. "Look at you, forcing a girl to confess like this! At the worst time in the worst way possible!"

I… I couldn't think. I couldn't speak.

"M-Miku, you… love me?" I managed to croak out, my eyes wide. I pointed at myself as though things weren't already clear enough. Even so, my brain wasn't functioning properly with this new information. I clutched the table for support, staring at her with wide-eyed shock.

"Of course I do, Len-kun!" She sniffled, her cheeks blooming apple-red. "I've loved you since middle school! No… even before that! You might not remember, but I do! Seven years ago, I saw you at the hospital! I saw you in that bed, and…! You were in an accident." She smiled helplessly, her shoulders trembling, "Just like me."

Wait, what?

What accident?

Glass shattered, snapping me out of my trance. I witnessed Sukone Tei barging in from the doors. Broken plants and fertilizer littered the floor, and the snowstorm howled behind her. Most of all, I saw the knife in her hands, scaring the living daylights out of me. Horror and dread made my heart thunder.

Sukone…

TEI!

"HOW DARE YOU! LEN-KUN IS MINE ONLY! MINE! MINE!" Tei screamed at Miku, her eyes filled with hatred. She was shaking with rage, her pale body wracking and convulsing erratically. "I won't forgive you… I won't forgive you…! NEVER FORGIVE. NEVER FORGIVE. NEVER. NEVER!" She chanted, gripping her knife tightly. Robots came up from behind her, staring at us. "KILL! KILL HER!" At the command, the robots pointed their guns at Miku.

My blood turned into ice. Before I could move however, something unexpected happened.

BANNG BANG!

My eyes widened.

I don't believe it.

"MIKUO?" Miku gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. Her twin brother currently had the robots by their wrists, effectively causing their shots to miss. He slowly turned his gaze to a terrified Tei, who backed away from him frantically, creeping along the wall.

"…I told you that it's not time yet." Hatsune stated lowly, throwing the now deactivated robots aside as he approached her. She flinched under his hard gaze.

"I can't wait any longer!" Tei wailed, clutching her head. "The chemicals inside my body burn like fire! If I can't have Len-kun now, I'll be burned alive! I NEED LEN-KUN!" Shuddering at how she howled my name, I hastily moved away, my face turning blue. "YOUR MIKU IS IN THE WAY! SHE WANTS LEN-KUN ALL TO HERSELF! SHE'LL RUIN EVERYTHING!" She screamed and cried, "MY BODY BURNS! Haku promised m-me… she promised me Len-kun… s-so that the burning will stop…! And YOU! LIED TO ME! Look what you've done to my body-!"

Her rampage ended with Mikuo smacking her across the face. A gasp escaped from her as she suddenly collapsed to the side, unconscious.

"You've been lying to yourself the entire time." He suddenly turned towards us, the light hitting his face. I stared at him, eyes wide. He looked like some Frankenstein's monster. His pallor was like a vampire's. There were stitches all over his body, but I saw wires poking out here and there. Her lower jaw displayed a metal appearance.

I was this close to freaking out.

"Ahhh, my apologies. To think I've interrupted something so romantic. Well, allow me to take out trash the trash for you." He cheerily said, waving and dragging her out the door by her hair. "Do pardon me."

Flabbergasted, me and Miku started shouting at the same time.

"ARE YOU BEYOND INSANE YOU'RE TAKING HER WITH YOU?"

"YOU CAN'T JUST LEAVE HATSUNE WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FACE?"

A lethargic sigh escaped him as he stopped in his tracks, turning back around to face us. "I'm in a hurry, things to do, places to be." Then he broke into a shark-like grin. "In any case, both of you should get someplace safe. The storm is really piling up."

"Wait!" Miku shrieked, snow pounding against our backs. "You can't just go! Explain what just happened! Why did she attack us?"

"Because she's stupid." Mikuo smoothly replied, smiling eerily with his distorted face. "Say, Kagamine… all of this seems familiar, does it not? This storm… reminds me of what happened at that time." He tilted his head, his smile widening, "But it seems you've forgotten everything."

I squinted and raised my arm, shielding myself from the stinging wind.

"What are you talking about?"

"Seven years ago, a girl died in a storm just like this one." The blizzard didn't seem to bother him, "Do you remember her name?" He then faced me fully, his rust-colored clothes ripping in the wind, "You were there when it happened."

Suddenly, my body froze.

An accident…

Seven years ago?

My vision went white all of a sudden, and I heard someone screaming amidst gunfire.

"RUN! C'MON!"

"AGH!" My head suddenly seared at pain with the memory, and I crouched on the ground, panting wildly. I clutched my right eye, seeing disturbing images.

No…

Something happened… at that time. With her. But what?

Images took over my mind, haunting me with blood and eerie laughter.

What am I… forgetting?

A faint smile stretched across Hatsune's smug face, "You've been involved from the very beginning, and you still don't know the truth?" Turning to his sister, he chortled, "In real life, heroes like Kagamine-kun meet death, not because of their impulsiveness… but rather, their ignorance."

"No, Mikuo! STOP!" Miku immediately went in front of me, protectively shielding me from her brother. She pointed her gun at him "Don't make him remember that!"

A haze fell over Hatsune's face, "None of this would be happening if it weren't for him; Miriam wouldn't have died, families could've been reunited, and Crypton Media Future would've eventually collapsed on its own." I stared at him wide-eyed through parted fingers, my head reeling when a dark grin twisted his features, "In a way, he instigated Project: VOCALOID from the beginning." Then he started towards us. Miku fired. He already dodged the bullets with inhumane speed and kicked the gun out of her reddening hands.

"N-No! Stay back-AH!" Miku's scream pierced my ears momentarily before she was knocked aside. I felt my collar being yanked up, my eyes meeting glowering green. Hatsune angled his head up at me, humming.

"You? Protect Rin? Ha. Look at you, wriggling like a worm. If you can't even stand up against me, how do you hope to succeed against Crypton? You're nothing but a failure." His dark smile widened, as did his eyes, "Just like you were seven years ago."

I gritted my teeth, trying to loosen his hold, "LET GO OF ME! AGH!" Just then, he grabbed my head roughly before electrocuting me, causing painful memories to come to life.

The soccer ball rolled past her feet, immediately causing her to break our eye contact and stare at it in surprise. She looked like she'd never seen one before. Her reaction was weird, but then again girls were always weird.

"U…um," Seven-year-old me began shyly, twiddling my fingers. My suit was getting sweaty and uncomfortable for me all of a sudden. Girls scared me, as most of them were quite loud and teasing, "T-That's, um, that's my ball… if you don't mind, will you kick it back t-to me?"

The strange girl blinked but didn't reply. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable. Did she really have to keep staring like that?

We stood there like statues, my awkward self sweating in place and her staring him down. Thinking that she wasn't planning to kick it back to me, I took a deep breath and began towards her.

"…!" Stifling a surprised noise and clutching the rabbit closer to her chest, she immediately stepped back. Her eyes were wide with alarm. I immediately stopped, confused.

"U…Um, what's wrong?" Without thinking, I reached out to touch her shoulder. Her reaction wasn't what I was expecting.

Grabbing me by the shoulders, she planted her ear against my beating heart, holding me still. I instantly stiffened, feeling her soft face nuzzle me.

H-Huh? Why is she hugging me? S-Should I shout for Mommy? My panic and confusion increased tenfold.

"What a pretty sound. Ba-thump, ba-thump…" She giggled and pulled away. She ran off without another word, leaving me in the now empty flower field.

Suddenly, I was thrown to the ground. I felt the wind knocked out of me when Hatsune stepped on my chest, and I gasped for air.

"MIKUO-! NO!"

"I never forgot your face." he told me slowly, staring down at me with dead eyes, "Your face reminds me of all the people I want destroyed, including you." He pressed his weight harder on me, making me gasp. "You will remember everything, Kagamine Len. That is my selfish desire… to see you destroy yourself. I don't need to kill you in order to accomplish that." Hatsune rasped with a deadly hiss, pressing with all his weight. "How does it taste to be underneath the foot of someone you disdain?"

"St…op," I managed between choked gasps. For some reason, I wasn't able to remove his foot from my neck; he was too strong. "You… bastard!" Hatsune didn't even bat an eye.

"Why, thank you." he smiled, "Given who you are and how you've lived, what you're about to remember might tear at your heart…" Cocking his head, he flashed me his infamous cheery yet scorning smile. "People ought to learn to pull their own weight around here! Let's reopen your old wounds, shall we?"

Being electrocuted is like being cooked alive. My mind felt as though it were about to split. Pain erupted throughout my body like a wildfire. My muscles screamed as my spine arched against my will. I couldn't speak or see, or even breathe. The voltage was too much to the point where I was starting to see white…

Faintly, I heard Miku crying, "SEEU!"

Barking… do I hear dogs?

Suddenly, my windpipe reopened, but my consciousness was already ebbing away. The last thing I saw was Mikuo's surprised expression as he was tackled to the ground by a pack of snarling huskies.

I sprang to my feet, awakening with a sharp gasp. Kneading my sore throat and rubbing my arm, I couldn't help but notice the familiar place around me. It was the old tire yard where I used to play when I was little.

My eyes widened. Wait a second… wasn't this old yard bulldozed years ago? I scratched my head, totally bewildered by all these kids. It couldn't be… am I dreaming?

The loud crack of a baseball sounded in my ears, making my head swivel to find a team full of kids complaining to a blue-haired boy, throwing their caps down in frustration.

W-Wait, blue hair?

"Aw, Kaito! That was our last ball! How are we gonna play now?" A girl whined from first base, throwing down her mitt.

"It broke old geezer Takashi's window! Boy, you're in for it now!"

Eight year old Kaito scoffed, swinging his bat, "Ain't my fault your pitching sucks! No way I'm getting it!"

The pitcher glared, "You hit it, you get it. Those are the rules unless you don't wanna be in the game." Crossing his arms, Kaito scowled. He looked immensely troubled though. He obviously wanted to keep playing, but he also didn't want to get the ball.

That's when a little kid came stumbling in, looking as eager as a puppy who wanted to play. Grabbing Kaito by the arm, he began pulling insistently. "Kaito! Can I play, too?" Mocking laughter filled the yard as the other kids began pointing at the pair.

I nearly stumbled backwards, eyes wide.

That's… me! No way, am I in the past? There was no doubt about it. That annoying fringe… oh boy.

"Aw, look. It's Kaito's baby sister!"

"Whatcha got there, Kaito? Your wimpy sister wants to play doll house again? Ewugh." Shocked at these comments, the smaller boy began to stammer, squeaking in that tiny voice.

"I-I, I'm not a girl! I'm Kaito's brother!"

Several kids snickered, mimicking his voice. "So whiny! He even sounds like a girl!" Kaito's face reddened with embarrassment as the teasing escalated. He immediately yanked his arm away, scowling.

"Get lost!"

"LEN!" A brunette girl rounded the fence, her face full of worry. Her red dress swayed as she moved in front of Kaito, frowning, "I told you not to run off! You made me worry!"

"S…sorry, Meiko-nee." He bowed his head in shame before his eyes suddenly brightened, "But Kaito promised we'd play today, so I'm here! Can't I play, Meiko-nee? Please?"

"You and Kaito?" She suddenly looked very excited and eager, clapping her hands, "You should've said so earlier! Of course you can play together!"

"No, we can't!" Kaito snapped, pushing my younger self towards Meiko-nee, "Take him somewhere else! I don't have time to play with babies!"

The blond's eyes watered, "B…But you promised you'd play with me."

"What's the deal, Kaito?" Meiko-nee grew angry as she put her hands on her hips, "Len's your brother! You're gonna pick baseball over him?" She finally stood over him, poking his chest. "You know what, I'm trying of you picking on him! Let him play with you for once! If you don't I'm never giving you my desserts again!"

"Meiko-nee…" My younger self said with awe. He then turned to Kaito with hopeful eyes. The blue-haried boy scowled deeply and grumbled under his breath. The entire yard was silent, waiting for him to answer.

"…Aw, fine. He can play." He relented, kicking a rock. Just as the other kids were about to groan and gripe, he immediately added, "On one condition. You gotta get our ball." He pointed to a dark, sinister-looking mansion overlooking a gnarly forest. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

Meiko-nee gaped, "The Takashi mansion? But that place is haunted! Full of ghosts!"

Mini Len's face paled, "G… Ghosts?" he squeaked, "But… but I'm…"

"Scared?" Kaito smirked, thinking he'd finally gotten rid of him. "I think we got ourselves a… bok! Bok! Chicken!" He started making chicken noises, making his other friends laugh. The blond's face went red, and he immediately protested.

"AM NOT!" He stomped his feet, scowling, "Just you wait! I'll get your ball, t-then we'll see who's chicken!" He snatched a fallen baseball cap from the ground, shoving it over his head. Then he stormed off in a tow, ignoring everyone's gasps and Meiko-nee's cries to stop . Even Kaito looked surprise.

Meiko smacked Kaito's arm, hard. "You big dummy! Look what you did!"

"Uh… I…" Quickly composing himself, he snorted and attempted to play cool. "Len's a big baby. T-There's no way he'll actually go to that place. You'll see, he'll be back any moment now."

Running after my younger self, the leaves around us began to pick up. The summer path was a nostalgic one, filled with shortcuts and hideouts. We finally arrived at the iron gates of Takashi Mansion, which looked far more menacing that I remembered.

"Ungh…!" His tiny hand tried to reach for the padlock but to no avail. The walls stood high like a fortress, and the gates were chained shut anyhow, plus he was keenly aware of the security camera watching him. Backing away, he slumped his shoulders and walked away in defeat. I frowned, crossing my arms.

Did I really give up at this point?

I followed my younger self down the street until a cat crossed us, slinking into the bushes and revealing a crack within the wall, big enough for a kid to squeeze through. Mini Len stared thoughtfully at the hole before cautiously glancing around, making sure no one was watching him.

Oh, I remember this.

He hesitated for a long time because the hole was so dark. After taking a deep breath, he slowly crawled through, disappearing into the bushes.

In a blink of an eye, the scene changed to a huge garden full of life.

Flowers. I saw flowers everywhere. I gaped in speechless wonder, witnessing all kinds of wild animals frolicking around the rose bushes. Colorful birds in every shape and size fluttered in an extravagant fountain that stood higher than myself. What impressed me the most was the pruned rose maze that seemingly stretched across for acres until stopping at the forest.

It was like being inside a magical garden.

A hummingbird flitted across my tinier self, drawing my attention to the veranda, where a pretty woman with long blond hair was cleaning up a tea party. I couldn't help but stare, taken aback by her serene beauty. Music played from a dusty-looking radio sitting on top of the table. As she sang along, my younger self crept past her, reaching for the screen door.

"Fly me to the moon, and let me play among the stars~

Let me see what spring is like on-a Jupiter and Mars

In other words, hold my hand

In other words, darling, kiss me~"

My breath caught in my throat when my younger self clumsily tripped over the rug, causing the woman to suddenly stop singing. She seemed to sense someone was behind her, and I could tell she was listening very carefully. Holding onto a silver tray, she glanced at the large teapot reflecting (uh his) trembling self on the floor. A knowing smile stretched across her lips. However, for reasons unexplained, she merely swayed with the music again, her back facing me (or us, for that matter).

"In other words, please be true

In other words~

I love you."

As soon as the last verses came up, Mini Len managed to sneak into the mansion. The interior actually wasn't as scary as he imagined. That lady back there seemed pretty alive to him.

It took several lost attempts to finally find the room with the broken window. He gulped, treading careful waters as he quietly shut the door to retrieve the baseball lying under the vanity. Crawling on his knees, he reached under and-EW! Was that a spider?

Shuddering, he tried again. This time, he found the ball. With a happy smile, he leaped to his feet to celebrate.

A sharp gasp shattered his happy dance. Much to his horror, the mirror reflected a figure standing near the open door, protectively clutching a rabbit plush. Swiveling around, he met face to face with a girl his age.

"W-Who're you?"

"Don't scream!" Mini Len begged, holding his hands up in surrender, "I-I'll leave right now!" His eyes widened upon recognizing her as the girl from the flower field during his mom's wedding. "I-it's you!"

The girl frowned as she eyed his baseball, "So, you're the one who broke my window!" She looked very indignant, holding her bunny tightly to her chest and puffing her cheeks, "And you're in a lady's room without her… p… um, her parliament! How very roost!"

Mini Len's face broke into a quivering smile, "U…Um, I think you mean 'permission' and 'rude."

"Anyway, Mr. Hoppy says you can't steal my oranges!" She ignored his corrections, "Grandfather won't be happy when he finds out."

G-Grandfather? Was this girl, by any chance, related to old man Takashi? Oh no.

"Wait! I-I'm not the one who broke anything, really!" he cried, waving his hands frantically, "B-But I'll pay you back somehow! J-Just please… don't tell old ma-, uh, I mean… your grandfather!" Back then, I had no problem begging on my knees. Like now, for instance. "I'll do anything!"

"…Anything?" Her sly tone made him freeze up on the spot, and for a moment, he truly feared for his life. Gulping, he nodded anxiously. She suddenly smiled, "Mommy says I'm gonna move rooms anyway, so it's okay. For starters, step into the light and tell me your name!"

Hesitantly, as though he were a prisoner during a physical exam, he did as he was told.

"M… my name's Kagamine Len."

Peals of laughter broke the atmosphere, and he couldn't help but jump in fright as she suddenly moved in front of him in a similar manner during their first meeting. The folds of dress brushed against her knees.

"Wowwww! You look just like me!"

Surprisingly enough, the appearances were similar. The vanity mirror proved it.

"U-Um…" He nervously shifted his weight, not sure if he liked having her so close. W-Where was his Mommy?

"But anyway," she started in her high-pitched voice, cuddling her plush, "Mr. Hoppy says he likes your eyes. He says you can see the world in 'em. And I agree! Your eyes are really pretty!" she beamed. "My family has green eyes, which is super pretty... but seeing your eyes makes me glad mine are blue."

Mini Len stared, blushing at this unexpected praise, "R-Really?"

"But, of course~!" She replied in that bell-like voice, her laughter chiming in my ears. Her eyes shone like stars. It was like looking into space. Suddenly, someone began calling in a strange language, one that was foreign to my ears.

"Ja! Ich komme, Mutti!" She turned back to him, "I better go. Mommy's calling." Mini Len's eyes widened, and his head drooped like a scolded puppy. She must've noticed this because she suddenly smiled, "If you don't want me to tattletale, then you better play with me tomorrow!"

A startled yelp escaped from the boy as she promptly began shoving him outside to where a winding tree arched over her balcony, conveniently having grown from outside the fence. She urged him to climb, which he reluctantly began doing so with tears in his eyes.

"T-Tomorrow?" he squeaked, clinging to the branch like a leech.

She nodded seriously, "Yes, tomorrow! Pinky promise!" He didn't know what came over him, but the next thing he knew, their pinkies sealed their deal. Strangely enough, seeing her smile made him want to come back no matter what.

"Um! What's your name?" Mini Len called out to her before she left, making her swivel around. His heart stopped when she began closing the door.

"I'm Rin!" she chirped, waving frantically before slipping inside. "Nice to meet you, Len!"

I honestly don't remember much of my childhood. I don't remember my dad's face or my first day of school, but…

Now I do remember the first time I heard the sweetest voice in the wide world. I had never seen anything so bright in my life like her smile.

Rin.

I watched the two laughing children chase each other in a game of tag, ducking behind clean laundry sheets that hung outside on this sunny day. Their chase led me to the rose-pruned maze.

"R-RIN! Don't climb on that!" Mini Len pleaded, chasing after the girl on top of the shrubbery. To hide his worry, he shook his head disapprovingly, "That's cheating!"

Rin pouted, "No, it isn't!" My little self hesitated, biting his lip. He panicked when she nearly tripped. "Oops, heh heh. I'm okay! Hey, the roses smell super nice up here!"

"Rin, c-come on…" Len tried in a weak voice, holding his hands up in surrender, "Okay, I give up. You win."

"Oh, I don't care about that. Everything will definitely, definitely be alright!" Rin exclaimed, jumping up and down eagerly. "Look at me, Len! AH!?" A strangled cry sounded, followed by the violent rustling of leaves. Her body spiraled through the air, and a scream pierced his ears. Eyes widening, he ran forward with his arms wide open.

A loud crash sounded.

Rin immediately scrambled off the poor boy, her expression twisted with worry. She looked very guilty but then her eyes widened at the sight of his tears. "Ehh! W-Why are you crying? It's not like I flattened you! Besides, I thought boys never cry!"

If anything this made him cry harder.

Guilt washed over her face as she urged him to the fountain anyhow, practically dragging him. After a while, he finally calmed down, his eyes still red from crying.

Mini Len shamefully lowered his head with a sniffle, rubbing his eyes, "N-Now you know that I'm a stupid crybaby. Go ahead, say it. E-everyone else does…"

Rin's eyes widened at this statement, and she immediately began protesting, "I'd never say such mean things! T-Those kids are just mean jealous jealousies!" A frog leaped past them, jumping into the fountain.

Eyes tearing up, Len puckered his quivering lips, "You're so nice, Rin. I…I wish I were more like you, Rin. Maybe everyone would like me more. I bet you have lots of friends."

A look of shock crossed her face before gradually becoming one of sadness, and her foot began tracing the dirt, "That's… not true. I used to live in Daddy's workplace… everyone there always gave mean looks." She clutched her rabbit close to her chest, burying her face in his fur, "P-Plus… Daddy hated it when I was around other people… h-he says they… only wanna hurt me. That the only people I need are him and M-Mommy…" Her voice grew softer all of a sudden. "All I have to do is be a good girl… be a good girl and stay in the dark…"

"Rin…" Confused and bewildered at this sudden shift of mood, Mini Len's eyes widened in shock.

Giggling, she suddenly scooted closer to him, "Are you an angel, Len?"

"Huh?"

"Mama says angels are really nice, helpful beings with the prettiest singing voices. Plus, they know everything. Like you." She then tilted her head at his flabbergasted expression, "Well are you, or aren't you?"

He went red, sputtering and sweating profusely, "Uh. I-I wouldn't that I am, no… I-I'm not that helpful or nice, to be honest…"

"But I think Len is wonderful!" Rin huffed indignantly, "There's plenty nice things about you! You can race, climb lots of trees, and you know a lot about what's outside these gates…" she trailed, staring longingly past the gates. Then she looked him square in the eye, "I bet you can make lots of friends if you just try!"

He shifted uncomfortably, eyes shining with interest though, "But how?"

Rin looked at a lost, and she tried to think of something.

"U-Uhm… oh! You lack conference! Yeah! It means 'courage' or something. Mama told me!" She puffed her chest out like a proud peacock.

He tilted his head, intelligently arching a brow, "…You mean confidence?" Annoyed, Rin puffed her cheeks and stomped a foot, causing him to crack a smile.

"Of course that's what I said! Anyway!" She promptly slapped her palms against his cheeks, staring down at him with utmost seriousness. "First, we should cut your hair!"

Len immediately became defensive, "But M…Mommy likes my hair long. I like it, too."

Rin pouted, "But you look like a girl. Plus, it gets in your eyes. I can't really see your face…"

Hurt astonishment washed over his face, "T-That's what everyone else says…" His lower lip jutted out as he turned away, hanging his head, "They get mad at me when I say I don't want a haircut. They stop being my friend after that."

"Not me!" Rin immediately argued, pulling at his hands. "I just thought it bothered you is all…" She trailed off thoughtfully before her face suddenly lit up. Immediately, she went behind him, surprising him when she started gathering his hair. Len began stammering and blushing as her breath tickled his neck. Her fingers felt oddly pleasant in his hair, and this scared him. He would've pushed her away if not for the fact they were close to the fountain. Plus, Rin was his friend. He didn't want to hurt her.

Rin pouted, "It's almost done, so stop moving around!" At her demanding tone, Len had no choice but to comply. He reluctantly kept still until she was done pulling his hair. "Yay! Look, Len!" Confused, Len bent over the fountain to see his reflection and was met with a surprise.

"You… did my hair?" He fiddled with the tuft at the back of his head, his face reddening with embarrassment. Ponytails were for girls though, weren't they?

"It's so you can look at people in the eye now! Mommy says maintaining eye contact builds confidence. Con. Fi. Dence! Confidence! You'll need lots of it, Len! Confidence is super important!" Rin chimed, leaning fully over the fountain to admire her work. "Plus, I think you look very cool!"

"Cool…?" A blush painted over his face. "M-Me?"

"Yeah! After all, Len protected me!" She answered brightly, "I nearly thought a cool knight came to rescue me!"

His ears were flushed from this statement, and he twiddled his fingers, "I…If I'm a knight then, does that make you my princess?"

Rin tapped her chin thoughtfully, "Sure, but… you can't be my knight, Len. I already have one." She remained oblivious to his shocked, crestfallen expression and cheerily continued, "His name's Mikuo! He came with me and Mommy to this place, but then he left, saying he had important things to do." she said, angry all of a sudden, "But I haven't seen him in a while even though he promised he'd visit! Hmph! What a lousy knight!" She fumed, crossing her arms.

Len hung his head, obviously sulking.

"But you can be my butler!" Rin piped up, eyes alit with excitement, "That's just as important, because you know… a butler's supposed to always stay by the princess's side! He has to make sure she's always happy! The stories say so!" She suddenly looked doubtful, "Oh, but I don't know if you can make me happy, Len… it's a pretty serious job… it requires lots of smarts and, um… raspberry."

"Responsibility." he quickly corrected, his eyes alit with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes!" He stood up, raising his clenched fists, "E-Even if I'm not a knight, I'll still protect Rin! I'll make you happy no matter what!"

Overjoyed at this bold declaration, her eyes shone with hope, "Then… do you promise that we'll be together forever, no matter what?"

Not thinking twice, Len nodded seriously, "Together forever! I promise!"

Their pinkies sealed the deal.

"AH! Kaito will tattle on me if I don't go! Realizing how late it'd gotten, he suddenly stood up. He waved back to Rin, smiling, "See you next time!" Just as about he was about to leave, her hand snagged him by the hem of his shirt.

"…Stay, Len."

His eyes widened, and he attempted to gently reason, "But… Rin…"

"Stay, Len, stay!" Her eyes were stormy, full of sadness and anxiety. Mr. Hoppy was abandoned to the ground as she now clung to him with both hands, seeming desperate. Burying her face in his shirt, she began trembling. "I-It's getting dark, and I don't wanna be alone…. So… stay… just a little longer. Please?"

He hesitated for a brief instant, probably thinking about how much he'd get in trouble, but seeing her so sad convinced him to sit down.

"Okay, Rin. I'll stay."

From that day onward, we were always together. I'd always sneak in to play with her, staying longer than originally planned. No one knew about my trips to the "haunted" mansion, but I soon figured out the rumors were made up to keep people out. Apparently, Rin's grandfather, the master of the mansion didn't take kindly to visitors, but for some reason, I never saw him nor did he confront me. Sometimes I'd see her mother watching us from behind the curtain of her bedroom window. She'd make snacks whenever I came over, and sometimes we'd hear her sing.

She told me that she once lived in a dark place, all by herself, where people dressed in white did strange things to her. Scary things, she said. She didn't like talking about it.

She didn't seem very familiar with many things, like our food and school. She was always asking me questions like why people did this and that and what kind of things I liked. I was always showing her how to do things, like playing ball and how to dangle from a tree. Then I'd teach her how to make paper airplanes so we could send each other messages.

Sometimes I would take her beyond the walls of her garden and showed her my favorite places.

We made lots of promises back then.

She definitely lived up to her princess role, dragging me everywhere to play and making me do impossible tasks that left me exhausted (and humiliated beyond words). But then she would smile, and that made everything seem worth it.

There was one thing I didn't know about her. The reason why she didn't go outside often.

I found out too late.

Months passed like a breeze, and the garden gradually withered.

From the upper balcony, I watched as Rin eagerly bound towards the gate with a jump rope in her hands. She waited there patiently. Hours passed. Suddenly, she collapsed with a sharp gasp, coughing violently. Her mother ran to get her with a warm blanket in her arms, hurrying her inside and wiping the blood from her mouth.

It started snowing.

As soon as they headed inside, my younger self came sprinting down the street, an eager grin eating up his face. Clutching a wrapped gift in his hands, he crawled through the hole and snuck inside. Soon he reached her room. The door was closed, but he didn't think much of it. Ripping the scarf from his mouth, he began knocking.

"Rin! It's me! Do you want to build a snowman?"

No reply.

Tilting his head, his excitement dissipated into confusion, "C'mon, let's go and play!" Pacing back and forth, he nervously continued, "I never see you anymore, so will you come out the door? It's like you've gone away."

Still no reply.

He knocked on the door again, softly this time, "I got something to show you! It took me a while to find it, but it's ready! So…!"

Heavy panting. "A-aghh…"

"R-Rin?"

"…I wish my heart were like yours."

His smile evaporated. "Eh?"

"I'm sorry…" Her voice sounded strangely thick, "Mommy says… my heart's sick. She says… she'll make me a new one… a perfect one… so I can… go outside again. So I can be with everyone… AGH!" She burst into a coughing fit, scaring the boy.

"Rin? H-Here, I'm coming in-!"

His hand immediately hovered over the doorknob, only to be stopped by her sharp cry. "NO! I…I'm coming out." It took several minutes, by his expression, he looked as though he were waiting an eternity until the door finally opened. Swaddled in quilts, she looked like a walking cocoon.

He frowned worriedly, "Are you feeling okay? I can come back some other time…" He was about to turn around and leave, only to be stopped by a hand tugging on the hem of his jacket.

"A… are we going… somewhere?" Her voice was muffled through the blankets, and she squinted; he mistook her glaring at him.

Nervously and hurriedly, he nodded, "We'll go somewhere awesome! It'll be worth it, I promise!"

"But… I… can't."

Struck by her words, he hesitated. Then his expression grew desperate as he grabbed her hands, "Please! It'll be real quick!" He tugged on her hands lightly, blinking at how she swayed violently at the sudden action. "You've never seen snow before, right? You'll love it! Plus, I got something to show you! C'mon, Rin, please?" He gave her his most convincing eyes, smiling hopefully.

Clutching her chest, she hesitated for a long time… looking outside. Then at Len.

"O…okay."

Not wanting anyone to wake up, they snuck out quietly. Convincing her to close her eyes while they walked, he guided her by the hand. They weaved through the quiet neighborhood and deep into the woods. Finally, they arrived at a hillside overlooking their town, including the seaside.

He finally uncovered her eyes, grinning, "We're here! You can look now!"

As soon as she did, her eyes widened with awed disbelief at the winter wonderland surrounding them. Now breathlessly laughing, she spun and danced, her blankets billowing out like a fancy gown, almost.

As for Mini Len, he was obviously pleased with her reaction.

"Ah…!" Tears freely flowed down her face as she desperately reached out to catch the snowflakes. "Everything is white!" Then her eyes fell on a picnic table littered with presents and balloons. Turning to Mini Len, her lips quivered into a heart-wrenching smile that made my own stomach do flip flops. Her eyes shone with gratitude as she gestured towards the table, "You did all this?" she asked breathlessly.

Blushing, he nodded and shoved his gift into her arms, urging her to open it. She did, looking down at her own surprised expression.

A mirror. My family's treasured heirloom, which was given to me by my Dad.

My most prized possession.

"Is… this… for me?" Staring into her reflection, her breath hitched as she clutched it to her chest, along with Mr. Hoppy.

"The world in your eyes is even more beautiful to look at!" he immediately blurted, stepping forward, "W-When we grow up, we'll get married and…! I'll take you to see the entire world! That way you'll never have to be in the dark!" He couldn't look her in the eye as he kept stammering, "Well… I-I was worried 'cuz we couldn't play lately. I thought you were mad at me! A-and my mama says it's a man's job to make his girl happy! I don't want to see Rin sad…" He bashfully rubbed his neck, nodding to the mirror, "So, um, are you happy now?"

In response, she merely flung her arms around his neck, squeezing him tightly and nearly causing them to tumble. Luckily, he'd gotten strong enough to catch her properly.

"Huh…?" He blinked, unsurely returning her hug. His eyes widened in shock and worry. "Rin! A-Are you crying? Was it something I did? D-Do you hate it, after all?"

Sniffling, she shook her head. Without saying anything, she leaned away and kissed his cheek softly, her mirror reflected his flustered expression.

Unbeknownst to them, a figure emerged from the woods with a silencer gun. A emblem shone on his breast pocket, and I stumbled upon recognizing it as PowerFx, Crypton's rival company. They hated Crypton because of their commercial success and eventually died out.

The agent aimed… right at them.

I waved my hands frantically, screaming at the kids, "RUN! GET AWAY!" Suddenly, Rin moved in front of him, blocking his view of the man, but as if hearing my voice, Mini Len suddenly gasped in horror.

Bang.

"RUN! C'MON!" Eyes wide with fear, he frantically yanked a stumbling Rin along. They fled to the opposite direction, quickly consumed by the fog. I ran after them, my heart thumping wildly out of my chest.

Soon the snow roared around them. The children braced themselves against the storm as it closed in all around them. The forest suddenly seemed like a maze. Shivering frantically, my younger self rubbed his arms frantically, teeth chattering.

A man's scream pierced the area, followed by several gunshots, alerting them that their attacker was nearby. Gasping sharply, Mini Len fought against the snow while trying to protect Rin, but he'd been out in the cold for so long, it was beginning to wear him out.

Then Rin said something that made my heart stop.

"I guess we can't get married. Not yet."

Suddenly, she let go of his hand.

It wasn't until her body hit the ground that he realized she'd been bleeding the entire time they'd been running. She'd been shot at the back, right between her shoulder blades. Then he realized in horror that she'd protected him back there, taking the shot meant for him.

She'd… heard him coming, but… she didn't want my younger self to be scared.

So…

"Why…? Rin!" Tears sprang to his eyes as he frantically pulled her into his arms. A pained cry escaped from her as she suddenly arched her back, coughing violently and clutching her chest. Whimpering and quaking, he tried to soothe her by touching her forehead but to no avail. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME YOU WERE HURTING?! WHY DID YOU PROTECT ME?!"

"… I'm… getting sleepy." Squinting, she spoke dazedly, apparently not hearing or seeing him. The wind pounded against them, but she didn't seem bothered by it at all. Then she suddenly noticed him, smiling. "Oh… Len. Will you sing me another lullaby…?"

"NO WAY!" Len cried over the howling wind, grabbing and shaking her shoulders desperately. "Wake up, Rin! If you fall asleep now, you'll…!" Clenching his fists, he watched in horror as blood seeped through her dress and the snow, dying everything red. He hung his head, choking out, "We'll never see each other again!"

Confusion etched over her weary face. "Eh… We'll be together no matter what…" she breathed out, smiling as though he were telling a joke, "…We pinky promised." Hugging the mirror to her chest, she reached up to stroke his cheek, "Hey… on the beach that day… what did you wish for in that bottle? Hey… tell me?"

"R-Rin, no-!" He pleaded, eyes wide with horror. His hands moved to stop the bleeding but to no avail, for it was spreading too rapidly.

"My…wish…. was for someone to take me away… from that dark, cruel place… and stay by my side." She lifted her gaze to the sky, her breathing went shallow. "…So now, I'll make Len's wish… come true… when I w…ake up." It was getting harder for her to speak. "Since Len's… made…me…hap…"

"Ah...n-no..."

"Ba…thump…" Using the last of her strength, she weakly put her head against his chest, her eyes falling shut. "My heart finally… sounds… just… like… yours."

Then her hand dropped. She quietly laid still in his arms, embracing the mirror and drawing her last breath.

…and died smiling.

"No no no Rin no no no no no NO!" Desperately, he shook her, screaming. "YOU PROMISED! YOU'D PROMISED WE'D BE TOGETHER FOREVER!" Gasping, he pushed her head against his chest, his voice breaking, "You… aren't supposed to break your promises!" Shoulders quaking, he hugged her to himself, sobbing. "I'm sorry, Rin. It's all my fault… aghh… AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGH!"

His tears rained down on her face.

I… it was all my fault.

Whether it was because that man shot her or because of the terminal illness she never told me about, I don't know…

But I killed her.

I killed Rin.

"Please, God! Or anyone, it doesn't matter! Take anything from me! Anything!" He screamed to the cloudy skies, to whoever was listening, "I'd rather her live than die saving someone like me… I don't deserve it, so…! My life for hers!"

I watched on, horrified as the boy crumbled to his knees, begging for someone to hear him, to save his friend. My head started to hurt, and I sank to my own knees, the memories rushing back into me like opening a floodgate. Realization dropped on me like an anchor. My chest tightened, my lungs collapsed, and my arms became numb.

"Is that really what you want?" A low voice resonated throughout the storm. It was younger version of Mikuo, covered in blood, standing right behind my younger self. He was holding the man's gun in one hand, and the bloody PowerFX badge in the other. His eyes were dead.

"Aaah!" The grief-stricken boy held the girl in his arms, gasping and quivering violently. He held onto her body like a lifeline, but then he stared at the older boy as though he were an answer to his prayers.

"Only you can make that happen. This girl can be reborn in a healthier body." he said, "However… you must be willing to pay the price. To be her donor. Even so, are you prepared to make that choice?"

"ANYTHING'S FINE!" Mini Len screamed, standing and wiping his tears, "I'll become stronger… so that something like this won't ever happen again!" Running up to the older boy, he fell on his knees, grabbing him by the shirt with pleading eyes. "I'm begging you, make it possible so we can see each other again! Take what you want! ANYTHING!"

"…Very well then, donor." The teal-haired prodigy drawled, bringing a hand to shield the left of his face. A crackle of energy flared before his very eyes, making him stiffen in surprise. "Then allow me to collect what's required. That being… your DNA."

Suddenly, my own vision went red.

Collapsing in a heap, my younger self screamed and clutched his left eye. His face was covered in burns. He writhed on the floor, gasping inaudibly. Blood kept running down the side of his face, making him unable to see what was going on.

I felt the same pain.

While writhing on the ground, I watched in horror as Mikuo knelt to collect samples of his- or rather, my DNA. Hair, flesh, blood…

"Crypton Future Media thanks you for your contribution." he stated monotonously as though reciting a slogan, pointing a finger crackling with energy towards his- or rather, my head. "Your generosity will be repaid in tenfold… dearest donor."

A flash of lightning caused the entire area to light up, followed by a soft cry.

Effortlessly lifting Rin into his arms, Hatsune looked down at my child form, who now laid face-down on the dirt, unconscious. His face was devoid of emotion at my suffering even when he kicked the bunny plush towards me. Then he glanced at the mirror in Rin's arms.

"When the time comes, you'll certainly meet her again… but things will be different." The wind gushed throughout the area, causing everything to lift. In a heart-stopping moment, he turned and looked right at me. Right through my soul.

"Is that okay?"

The scene went white.

A search party found me several hours later, knocked out cold. I ended up in the hospital. There were lots of questions to which I had no answers to.

My memories were gone. I forgot about everything. The mansion, the promises… and Rin.

All I had was a rabbit plush when I woke up.

Soon, my younger self turned attention to other things. Soccer replaced tea parties, new friends replaced stuffed plushies, and competition replaced cowering. By the time school came around, I was finally happy.

But now… I remember.

I remember everything.

Here I am now, floating adrift in a dark space of nothingness, haunted by the memories that came surging back into my mind. I clutched my head, gasping and choking in pain. I felt as though I were being smothered.

I… I'm dreaming aren't I? This doesn't feel real…

But everything I saw just now… happened.

I met Rin. We played. She died.

All because of me.

I can't… do anything. I'm useless… weak. Stupid.

I screamed, the memories of her death replaying over and over in my head. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make it go away. It wouldn't stop. Soon my vision was overcome with darkness, and I couldn't see. I was drowning.

I've failed. Every single time. Become strong and protect the ones I love?

NO!

In the end, do I even amount to anything…?

"Don't blame yourself." A woman's whisper resonated throughout the darkness. A gentle hand brushed my head, and I looked up in shock. Suddenly, the darkness vanished, and I was bathed in a warm light. "Your wish was to become strong no matter the circumstances. If that truly is what you desire, then even you have no reason to despair."

Gold hair. White dress.

I gaped, "You… could you be…"

She immediately pressed a finger to her lips, smiling secretively. Leaning over, the ethereal being planted a soft kiss on my forehead, making my eyes widen, "A heart remembers what the mind forgets. Once again, you've taught my daughter what it means to have a heart: to live by her choice and that's alright to cry, because you can smile again. That she, too, has every right to be in this world." she proclaimed, patting my chest, "True strength comes from the heart… and you are living proof of that." Her eyes softened. "I entrust everything to you. You are the only one who reflects her… true humanity."

"Ah… wait! MIRIAM!" I desperately reached out to touch her, but she began drifting away from existence. Her form dissipating in petals.

"Now that you know the truth, I ask of you this, Kagamine Len. Give her the heart that will finally set her free. The heart that's been forgotten for so long…" She sounded very far away, and soon everything was crumbling around me. "I'm certain without a doubt… that only you can do this. Put an end to this."

"But how am I supposed to do that?" I frantically shouted, panicking when everything began to crumble to nothingness. "Tell me what to do!"

Just before she disappeared, a ghost of a smile appeared. "There is a song that comes from the heart, and it will activate the miracle of miracles. My KOKORO program… find it, and she will live." Her last words were like a dream. "And… thank you for everything."

I began falling, falling into a never-ending void of darkness. Screaming, I reached out to the scattered memories.

"AAAAAAGH!

Blue eyes shimmered before my very eyes, and a giggle chimed in.

"Everything will definitely, definitely be alright!"

Rin's POV

Gacha, Kaito, and I burst through the swinging doors of Crane Hotel, stumbling into the lobby where Dell and his company awaited us.

"Dad! Is Len alright?" Kaito shouted, leaning fully over the loveseat.

"We reported as soon as you called." Gacha said, holding up his pager for emphasis.

Kaiko hesitated, placing a hand on one hip, "We were called here by that Hatsune girl. From what I've heard from the hotel staff, she came running in with this Korean girl, with Len being hauled in by huskies. I bet it was quite a sight."

"Unfortunately, the ones who attacked them got away." Tonio grimly informed, "That being Sukone Tei and Hatsune Mikuo."

I went pale, unable to absorb their words, "Mikuo-kun…? But that's…! Why?" It wasn't true, was it? No… why would he…

"Bah! I don't trust that Hatsune girl. She's got a lot of nerve to butt in on behalf of those barking political fools. I wonder if all Hatsunes are dishonest. Their loyalties lie only within themselves, eh?" Iroha ranted, clanging her speakers, "Like heck Dell's gonna simply hand Project Rin to a bunch of foreign animal fanatics! WHAT A STUPID TRADE!"

Trade?

At my confused expression, Mr. Dell shifted topics and cleared. "Meiko's upstairs, and she's woken up. I'm sure she'd love to see both of you." Me and Kaito exclaimed in excitement, moving to the elevator, only to be stopped once more, "Of course, you may also see Len. I believe he's with the Hatsune girl at the moment."

My feet abruptly froze in place.

Miku is… here?

"Yeah, thanks. We'll check 'em both out." The beep of the elevator rang, and Kaito pulled me inside, causing me to yelp. "C'mon, Rabbit girl." Conveniently enough, their rooms were on the same floor. Len's door was closest, however, so we went to see him first.

"Stop right there!" Swiveling around, we both turned to see an angry tealette agent standing before us, her legs spread in a fighting stance. Her arms were trembling.

"Miku…" I uttered, eyes wide. My hand still hovered over the doorknob.

Kaito's expression remained strangely neutral, "Looks like what SeeU said wasn't a lie. You really are trying to talk my dad into giving Rin away to her. To what… South Korea?" It was more of a statement than an actual question, judging by his blatant tone.

I blinked, "SeeU? Who is…"

"Hopefully your new caregiver." Miku interjected with a huff, punching the wall next to me. I was taken aback by this aggressive action. Though she'd never been friendly towards me begin with, today, it seemed as though she were more hostile than ever.

"Well…" Kaito awkwardly spoke up, waving his hand. "So…uh. We'll just get… going then. Places to go, people to see."

Miku narrowed her eyes, "That's good, Kaito-senpai. However, I can't allow Rin to go in any further." I eyed her in shock and disbelief, immensely put off by her tone.

"…Hah?" Kaito stared at her.

My breath hitched in my throat. Eyes narrowing, I daringly stepped forward, "I can't see Len? Is that what you're saying?" Who was she to decide this all of a sudden? We, Kaito and I, came all this way!

"That's right. We were both attacked today by Sukone, I'm sure you heard. But it was my brother who directly harmed Len-kun… my brother: your 'friend." She coldly emphasized the last word with a roll of her eyes, "Additionally, Len-kun himself said he doesn't want to see you."

My blood froze. I stood there, unmoving. I didn't realize I've been staring ahead until Kaito waved a hand in front of me.

He glanced at Miku doubtfully, arching a brow and frowning.

I clenched my skirt, "Len said that?"

Miku finally snapped, "Yes! Do you get it now? No one is safe around you!" Maneuvering herself in front of the door, she crossed her arms. "I heard about what Ms. Haku did to Meiko, too. That just further emphasizes the fact that you're a danger. If no one can directly get to you, then they'll just go after your friends! Just how long are you going to keep letting others get hurt on your behalf, Rin?!"

Stung by words, I reeled away, staring at the floor. The gift in my hands seemed heavier all of a sudden.

"T-That's…"

"It's what?" Miku snapped, eyes flaring, "I warned you before that this was all in your hands! Are you finally regretting your decision? I tried to be nice! I tried to understand you, but you spit it back in my face!" Soon, the hallway was echoing with her shouting accusations. "In all my life, I've never met such a spoiled, selfish girl like you, Project Rin! You don't care about others! You only care about yourself! What you want!" Every word was like a piercing dagger to my chest. "Because of you, my uncle got hurt! My father's gone! And my brother's a real piece of work, too! You and your stupid company are better off dead! GOD I WISH YOU WOULD JUST DISAPPEAR!"

Kaito gaped at her as though he'd been slapped. Then he snapped out of it, scowling slightly, "Hey, I feel for you, Pigtails, 'bout your family and all, but you're acting way off base. Calm your tits, girl."

But I… simply stood there, taking in every word she said. This time, I couldn't argue. After all, it was my fault, wasn't it? That everyone… Luka, Kaito, Meiko-nee, Mr. Dell, Nami… Teto, Len… and Miku. They were all hurt because of me. And people are also dead. Because of me.

…

Ah… my chest… it hurts.

Bringing a hand to my aching chest, I slowly rose my head to meet her gaze. Then I shrugged helplessly, my lips quivering into a halfhearted smile.

"…You're right, Miku. I can't argue with that. Nothing I can do or say will change everything that I've done. I'm responsible for this, after all."

Miku's fury dissipated in shock, "You… aren't you going to defend yourself? Justify your actions?" Her shoulders grew tense, "I won't be fooled by your martyr façade. Who do you think you're fooling with? I still can't let you in any further."

My heart sank at her words, but I didn't show her how much her words hurt me. Instead, I simply shook my head. I'm not welcome here, that much I understand. "If that's what Len truly said… and if you truly don't want me here, then I'll leave." Taking a deep breath, I approached and gave her Meiko's gift. By this point, she was flabbergasted. It looked as though she had enough of surprises.

"This… why are you giving me…?" Shaking her head, she forced herself to focus. Her face was contorted with suspicion and disbelief, tinged with embarrassed guilt. Nonetheless she hesitantly accepted.

"Meiko-nee meant to give this to you." I stated softly, backing away towards the elevator. Clasping my hands behind my back, I inhaled shakily. "It seems that she found what you were looking for… so many years ago."

Without a second thought, she tore it open and revealed the music box from her childhood. It trembled in her hands.

Suddenly, a door swung open.

"I must ask you to be quiet! There are people sleeping here!" It was Luka who'd come from visiting Meiko's room, her face stern. Then she paused, blinking. "It's you three? I'm sorry but I must ask you to go back to your rooms. The performance is tomorrow, so everyone needs their rest. Including Meiko-senpai and Len-kun."

"Sorry about that." Kaito bashfully rubbed the back of his neck. Then he blinked, "Wait, Meiko and Len are still performing? But… today, they were…"

"I just spoke to Meiko-senpai. She says she wants to continue no matter what." Luka smiled. "And Miku's friend, SeeU-chan, was kind enough to give Len-kun some medicine. It seems he'll be back to normal by tomorrow morning. Poor thing, he's been talking in his sleep… it sounds as though he's been having nightmares." At my worried expression, she immediately added on, "Oh, but that was just a long time ago! He's quieted down now."

Luka suddenly glanced over at Miku, her eyes lit up upon seeing the music box, "Looks like you managed to get it after all! It's strange. A few weeks ago, your brother showed me and Meiko-senpai that music box, but he asked Meiko-senpai to deliver to you in his place. It seems he's been awfully busy." I blinked at this news.

Mikuo-kun meant to give the music box to Miku?

Eyes wide, Miku slowly exhaled, "He… what?"

Luka giggled behind her hand, "It might be hard to tell sometimes, but I believe your brother and Meiko-senpai really love you, Miku-chan. I'm sure this is their way of telling you that they're always thinking of you. Some feelings can't be expressed through words." She sighed wistfully, twirling a pink lock around her finger, then she smiled, "Well, good night, everyone! Let's give it our all tomorrow!" And she left, locking the door behind her.

"…Okay. Let's just check on Meiko before we head to bed." Kaito sighed, rolling his shoulders. "C'mon, Rin. I'll walk you to your room afterwards." Turning around, he headed further down the hall, towards Meiko-nee's room. I took one last glance at Len's door before following, leaving a stunned Miku behind.

I was right after all…

Meiko-nee… and Mikuo-kun still care about Miku. They know that she's doing everything she can for them.

Even if she herself didn't realize it.

…She isn't alone, after all.

By the time Kaito and I parted ways, I found myself in the reception room. All I wanted was a glass of milk. To my surprise, I found Dell and a tall, cat-eared girl talking quietly at a coffee table. I was unsure to approach, but then these beautiful huskies came trotting up to me, whining and jumping on me, trying to lick my face.

"A-aah!" I started laughing despite my attempts to be quiet, especially when the biggest one tackled me to the ground, his tail tickling my nose. "P-Please! That tickles! Stop!"

"Rin. I thought I told you to stay in your room with Gachapoid." Mr. Dell stood up from the table, his stern red eyes glowing in the dark. Startled, I immediately got to my feet, swallowing slightly.

"He… prefers to sleep on my balcony. To keep watch, he said. And I-I only came down because I was thirsty… really." Hesitantly meeting his eyes, I was surprised to see him offering a seat, gesturing me to sit. Curious, I did so. Without another word, he served me a cup of cocoa, heavily topped with whip cream, much to my utmost pleasure. I gratefully drank down to the very last drop.

"Rin, I'd like you to meet SeeU. She's from a private organization from South Korea, one that deals with phenomenon." My guardian finally said when I was finished, gesturing to the girl sitting adjacent from me with her legs crossed, eying me critically. The huskies were sitting beside her, intelligently gazing up at her with such adoring eyes that I assumed she was their owner.

Sipping her drink, she calmly closed her eyes. "Project Rin, yes? Nice to finally meet you." her voice carried a strange but alluring accent, and I was immediately fascinated by her ears that resembled a cat's. My mouth immediately opened to question them, but then I realized it would be rude.

"L…Likewise." I slowly answered, nodding.

Dell inhaled his cigarette before disposing it in the ashtray, "Tell me, Rin. Would you hate me if I were to give you away to someone and send you somewhere far away? To a place where you couldn't be found?" I blinked at this sudden question, unsure of how to reply, and so he continued, "I'm sure you know that for the sake of my family, I would do anything to keep them away from harm. No matter what I must do. I just am that kind of person… someone who will resolve things privately, quickly."

My eyes widened. Remembering what Miku had said earlier, I snapped my head towards SeeU. She'd said something about this strange person being my new caretaker… and then I suddenly recalled what Kaito had said to Miku.

"Looks like what SeeU said wasn't a lie. You really are trying to talk my dad into giving Rin away to her. To what… South Korea?"

My muscles tensed in horrified realization. The mug in my hands nearly slipped from my hands.

"No need to look alarmed, Project Rin. Honne-san refuse my offer to take you away to Korea with me." SeeU informed with a disappointed sigh. "You is not my pet, you see." Shocked, I turned to Mr. Dell, who was looking right at me.

"But… what you said earlier… you said you'd do anything… to protect…"

"But you are also my family. Which means I will also do anything to keep you out of harm. Specifically, away from that man." I immediately knew he was talking about my father. "Sending you away would only give him a better chance to claim you. If I know that man, then I definitely know he will never stop chasing you… no matter who gets in his way. Additionally, he won't ever leave me alone if I won't give him your location. One way or another… he will find you."

A frightening image of my deranged father flashed before my own eyes, causing me to gasp. His haunting smile full of love… and obsession.

I was pulled out of my trance when a large hand ruffled my hair. Oddly enough, it was Mr. Dell, who seemed uncomfortable with such direct contact. Perhaps he was embarrassed? Nonetheless, he still locked his eyes with mine.

"I haven't given up. As long as you're here, I know he can be stopped… and family sticks together." His usually grave and bland voice was surprisingly gentle. "You've worked hard, so you deserve a chance at this. It's what your mother would've wanted, after all." Mr. Dell continued to amaze me with his kind praise. Despite his gruff exterior, I knew he was kind at heart. His eyes suddenly appeared sad as though he remembering something.

"Mr. Dell…?" Tilting my head, I unsteadily took his hand in mine.

"I'm… sorry about what Haku…" He exhaled sharply before shaking his head, "Never mind. Nami and I will be at your performance tomorrow. See to it that you get plenty of sleep." Getting up, he nodded to SeeU and took his leave.

SeeU also stood to leave, her dogs immediately filing behind her. Before she left the door, she turned to look at me one last time.

"What interesting creature you are, Project Rin." Then she smiled, eyes twinkling, "I see now that you are very much human, but I decide to stay until the very end. I will watch to see what happens, you see? Good night." With those strange words, she finally departed.

I went back into my designated room where Gacha slept just outside the patio, now in his tiny form, nodding off on the railing. Once I climbed into my bed, I immediately crawled under the sheets and hugged my favorite pillow, feeling my mind go blissfully blank.

Mikuo-kun… why did you attack Miku and Len? And what was Ms. Haku talking about when she mentioned this… KOKORO Program? You were working alongside her… and that would mean you've been affiliated with my father this entire time…

But then, you've helped me so many times

I closed my eyes, sighing.

Mikuo-kun… you really are mysterious. I wish I could understand you…

With a defeated sigh, I turned over, cuddling and squeezing my pillow.

"Gunngh…"

My eyes snapped open.

Eh?

My pillow… did it just snore?

Now that I was fully awake, I realized my pillow felt… awfully warm to the touch, and it was much firmer than usual. My hands searched under the covers until landing on a mop of untidy hair, then I found bare skin. Alarmed, I threw the covers aside and found a surprising sight.

"L-Len! H-How did you get into my room?" A-And why is he sleeping in my bed?

Groggily, he sat up on my bed. His blue eyes snapped open, blearily looking around before landing on me. He groaned, rubbing his head. His grumpy, red face suddenly broke into a dazed grin. He looked as though he were seeing me for the first time, swaying like a leaf.

"RIIIIIIIIIIN~" He practically crooned, tackling me with surprising strength. The mattress bounced with the added weight, making us jump. I found my wrists pinned and my legs sprawled out. Len suddenly pulled me into a hug, ferociously nuzzling the crook of my neck, "Heh heh~ you smell goooooood. Were you eating something sweet just now?" Much to my surprise, he began licking my neck.

Eh?!

Eyes wide, my face heated up. I was shocked. W-Why was he being so intimate? This… this isn't like the usual Len. Pulling away, I frowned in concern. "L-Len, you're acting very strange. I thought…" my eyes lowered sadly, "you didn't want to see me."

His face flooded beet-red, and he began swaying, "OF COURSE I DIDN"T WANT TO SEE YOU!" He suddenly yelled, causing me to worry even more. He suddenly hiccupped, stabbing a finger in my chest. "I MEAN YEAH. I WAS CRYING AND STUFF AND MY FACE GOT PRETTY MESSED UP BY YOUR AMAZING MIKUO-KUN SO OF COURSE I DIDN'T WANT YOU TO SEE ME LIKE THAT! A MAN'S GOTTA LOOK GOOOOOOD!" He began laughing hysterically. "HAH! ALL I DID WAS PUT A PILLOW IN MY BED AND SNUCK AWAY WHEN NO ONE WAS LOOKING! THEN I DECIDED TO FIND YOUUUUU! AHAHAHA!"

Not wanting to wake anyone up, I desperately tried shushing him. Puzzled by my actions, he suddenly snickered. His breath came in ragged gasps and hiccups, and he smelled suspiciously of… alcohol.

"Rin…have I…" he slurred, hiccuping between words and caressing my face. He looked at me longingly, "Have I ever told you… that I love you?"

Blushing, I struggled to keep him from falling off the bed, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but… are you drunk?"

"THAT'S ILLEGAL I DON'T DRINK!" He shouted again, suddenly staring at the ceiling in fascination. He couldn't even sit up on his own, and he kept snickering. "SeeU gave me juice! She said it'd calm my nerves and stuff… But she still can't read kanji well…" he scrunched his face in thought, hiccupping, "N-Now that I think about it… the bottle said wine, didn't it…." His eyes shifted to my writhing form. Then he broke into a strange-looking grin.

W… What is that look he's giving me?

He looked… hungry, almost. His tongue darted out to lick his lips as though he were eying his next meal. As though he were a predator watching his prey… ready to pounce. His hands tightened around mine.

"Heh. Kekekeke…" I-Is it just me, or does his laughter sound… sinister. "The night's still young, we're alone at last. In a hotel." He breathed against my neck, causing my skin to tingle. "That aroused look you're giving me is… really turning me on." He smiled down at me, tracing his thumb across my parted lips before gently grabbing my jaw and whispering in my ear, his voice dropping a few pitches, "…I want to ravish you."

"R…Ravish?" I squeaked, my legs trembling with anticipation. I began squirming when he began trailing burning kisses down my neck, horribly flustered under his penetrating gaze. My insides were fluttering, and my body felt hot all of a sudden. I attempted to slide away from his protective grip. "No… w-wait, Len… this is too much…! I-It's too soon!"

Gacha would be furious if he found us like this…!

I…I wanted to push him away, but what if I hurt him? And… strangely, what he was doing to me… with his tongue and hands… a part of me even… liked it.

Wait! What am I thinking? I have to stop him!

"Hm? Why are you resisting?" I nearly fainted when he chuckled in my ear, "You're awfully shy tonight. I thought you liked it when I touch you like this. Look at you, swaying your hips like that… so sexy." He growled, his blue eyes darkening. His hand, slowly and teasingly, trailed up and down my sides. Dragging his other hand up my spine, he began massaging the small of my back. "Shh, I'll be gentle."

"Haa… haaa. No, wait, Len… s-stop…!" Every part of my body was on fire. It scared me. It… felt too… good. "T-This isn't like you. Y-You don't know what you're doing…!" I begged, turning my head so he wouldn't kiss me. Instead, his lips landed on my jaw line.

I-If we kissed now, then I wouldn't be able to resist…

Hurt appeared on his flushed face. He looked at me as though I'd slapped him, caressing my cheek. "You don't want to? Really? But you look like you're enjoying it…" He spread my legs apart, leaning in and whispering, "You want this… right?" His face nearing mine once more, making my head spin. "Hey. Just one kiss…" His words beckoned me like a spinning wheel, tempting me to prick my finger and sink into a world with only Len… Len…

"Rin… I've been meaning to ask you this for a while…" He breathed against the shell of my ear, making me shiver. Suddenly, he seemed very serious. His eyes were intense. "What color are your panties?"

I blinked, "Eh…"

…

…EHHH?

"I-I'm not wearing anything but this bathrobe, Len, so… there's nothing..." Pushing my knees against his stomach, I tried to separate us. But then he dove under the blanket, breathing against my thighs. I nearly shrieked. "L-LEN? I told you I'm not wearing any…! YEEK!"

His hands are sliding underneath my…!

"All the more reason I wanna see~!" He giddily replied, nuzzling near my inner thighs, making me squirm. My face went hot at his advances, and I tried to push him away without actually hurting him. "I'm trying to help you relax, Rin. Relax~"

"N-No! Don't touch there…!" I grabbed his hands, pushing them away. "Enough, Len! Y-you need to go back to your room now!"

This… isn't making me relax at all!

"S-Stop! I don't want you to see, L-Len…!" I managed to cry out, squeezing my eyes shut. "I SAID STOP!" Finally, I brought my knee against his jaw, making him yelp. With a huff, I hurriedly fixed my clothes. "N-Never mind! I'm sleeping with Luka!" Horribly embarrassed, I frantically tried crawling out of the bed, but he caught me by the ankle and pulled, causing me to land on my face. He was climbing on me again, straddling my thighs and tugging my robe lower. The cool air hit my back until being replaced by the heat of our proximity. His hot breath hit my neck, sending tingles down my spine. "Len, you're not yourself! I don't want-!"

"…Found it." His finger was tracing the metal inscription between my shoulder blades, making me shiver. "This is the spot where you got shot… for my sake. What happened… seven years ago…" I froze at his words, and I angled my head to look at him. Hesitantly, I swallowed.

H-He remembered… what?

"Len, you…?"

Hair fell into his eyes, making it impossible for me to read his expression.

"I… I had a bad dream." Shuddering and leaning over, his head collided against my shoulders. "In that dream, you died. And it was all my fault." His hands tightened over my mine, squeezing. "But it wasn't a dream. It really happened." He began shaking, his voice thick with emotion. "You went somewhere I couldn't follow… somewhere far away. And then I forgot about everything even though back then you were always there for me." I felt something wet and warm rain on my back.

Len's… crying?

"It's because you were there for me that I was able to put in so much effort. I worked hard and proved to everyone that I wasn't a crybaby. Before me and anyone else… it was you who believed in me."

As I listened to his raspy words, my face softened, "Len…"

"But I took you being there for granted. This whole time I had no idea. I didn't realize how much pain you were going through… and that's why…" He suddenly flipped me over, allowing me to finally see his face. Even though he was drunk, I knew these words from the pain he'd been hiding for so long. Tears streamed down his cheeks. "I don't want you to disappear from my sight!" He pinned my wrists to the mattress as though I would attempt to escape. He kept looking at me with such a painful expression, one that told me he'd never let me go. In all my life, I'd never see him suffer so much… I hated seeing him so sad. "Rin… you don't ever tell me what's on your mind, that you're sad or lonely. You were always smiling so I couldn't worry about you…"

I averted my eyes guiltily, "T-That's…"

Len made a choking noise, the city lights reflecting the sorrow and self-hatred in his hazy eyes. "All I wanted was to save you, and yet, how could I've made such a stupid mistake back then? Just handing you back to the ones you wanted to escape the most? Back then, I should've stopped you from taking that bullet!"

"Len, no, don't say that." I struggled to sit up, and to my surprise, he allowed me to do so.

Hanging his head in defeat and shame, he grasped my shoulders, visibly shaking, "I tried very hard… you know? To become someone reliable… so we could always be together." His voice broke, "But it didn't work! In the end, I failed! If I'd just seen that killer coming sooner, then things wouldn't have turned out this way! I never should've asked you to come with me that day… I… I should've tried harder…!" He choked out, finally breaking down. "Because of me, Leon did all this to you."

"No, L-Len…" That isn't true! Grabbing his hands, I shook my head, unable to believe what I was hearing, "Don't ever think that, Len. It's not your fault!"

"Rin… Don't leave me, Rin…" Shoulders shaking with silent sobs, he blearily met my gaze again, still hiccupping in his drunken stupor. "I love you. I love you too much. So don't go away, don't leave me…"

My heart thrummed at his words.

Ahhh. I'm sorry… Len. To think you've become like this because you've been trying so hard… I wish. I wish I hadn't been relying on you and everyone so much…

I hesitated for the longest time, unable to form words. I…I never had to comfort a crying person before, especially not a crying Len, so I wasn't too confident in all honesty. However, I did the one thing Len would always do whenever I was crying.

"T…There, there. I… love you, too. I'll never leave, Len. I promise." I reached up and patted his head, trying to smile as reassuringly as I could.

"LIAR!" His outburst echoed in my room. He became uncharacteristically aggressive all of a sudden, intertwining our fingers. "I h-heard you… say it in your sleep once, 'I wish I could disappear'. You're selfish, Rin… Do you think I want that?"

No… that's… it's different now.

"I absolutely won't disappear, Len. Never." I assured him, gently taking his head into my arms, embracing him. "Because I'd never go somewhere so far away that I'd never see anyone ever again."

Len looked unsure, "You promise?" All of a sudden, he looked like that sweet, sensitive seven-year-old boy again, even more so when his hair came undone, spilling down his neck.

Smiling softly at the nostalgic sight, I reached to gather his hair and comb it into a ponytail. "You… Kaito, Meiko-nee, Luka, Teto… Nami, Mr. Dell, Gacha… and everyone else. Even our classmates…" Closing my eyes, I continued, "I would never go somewhere if it meant not being able to see any of you again. Even if there were no other choice, I know I'd never have the courage to do something like that."

Briefly, I recalled when Mikuo proposed to take me to Germany… and how I refused.

"I never once considered you as a failure. You're always pushing yourself… you're the type of person who doesn't believe in limits." I stated softly, envious all of a sudden. I remembered Ms. Haku putting the gun to Meiko-nee's head. I'm certain Len would've acted in a much better situation. "You know how cowardly I am. Also… I could never bear to do something that would make someone so strong like you cry like this. I just can't." I hung my head, hair falling into my teary eyes.

As if realizing that I was hurting, Len suddenly hugged me, "You know… back then, you asked me what I wished for… in that bottle… then you said you'd grant my wish 'cause I make you happy…" I blinked, wondering why he was suddenly mentioning that. He smiled helplessly, shrugging, "To be honest, I don't remember! But who cares… because… I'm already happy. You know... as long as you're with me, I can do anything. My wish is to reach the future... with you."

Immensely moved by his sweet statement, I blushed.

"OUR FUTURE THAT IS!" He proclaimed laughingly, tackling me onto the bed again. O-Oh no! He's still drunk…?! He began cuddling me, squeezing my body against his and growling possessively. I squirmed at this attention, trying not to let him touch me in strange places. "Rin is mine. Mine. No one will take you away from me! NO ONE!" He began cackling, rolling all over the bed sheets. "Yeah I want to live in a place with lots of trees~! With three kids~!" He hiccuped, "Let's have a big wedding!" He then grabbed my hands in his, swaying and hiccuping. However, his red face looked completely serious. "Hey, you. Yes, you. We're getting married, okay? I'm not taking no for an answer!" His eyes then took a strange glint, "Then we can go straight to the honeymoon."

"But we're only...!" Snatching my hands from his, I embarrassingly shook my head. Shifting restlessly, I buried my burning face in my hands, unable to calm my beating heart. "W-We shouldn't, Len! You're not even in a healthy state of mind..." Sadly, I poked my fingers together, "Even if I say yes... you probably won't even remember tonight..."

That's right... something like this happened before. Nami and Meiko once drank so much alcohol that they did so many outrageous things that got them into heaps of trouble. Mr. Dell, Kaito, and the NND had so much trouble hauling them to bed. The strangest part is that they couldn't even recall anything that they did that night.

According to what Mr. Dell says, alcohol puts a "blank space" in your memory drive if you overindulge...

"But if we don't get married you might cheat on meeee!" Len whined, clinging onto my lap and nuzzling me. His antics were strangely akin to Nami's. "This is what happens when you don't trust your man! You expect us guys to forever fulfill your selfish desires, you women! Hah! Too baaad, Honey bun. I"ll... I'll..." he began shaking, "I'll never let you go!" He then began bawling. "A man's gonna keep his girl safe no matter what!"

"Y…yes, Len. I-I feel very safe. But, um… sleeping together like this is a little… dangerous." I unsurely answered, trying to provide more space between us. "Also, we must do our best for tomorrow's performance. So then… I suppose I'll just…" I began sliding off the bed, only to have my wrist grabbed.

"…Sorry. I know I've been causing you trouble, but just stay with me." He sounded strangely sober. He grumbled sleepily into the pillow, shifting his head to look at me. "Stay right here. I won't do anything… I promise." I hesitated, glancing at Gacha's sleeping form just outside, but then I finally conceded.

…Why does this scenario feels awfully familiar to me, I wonder.

But how can I say no to Len after all that's transpired?

Hesitantly crawling under the covers, I wriggled beside Len. With a content sigh, he embraced me from behind.

"You're soft… so soft…" he slurred, "Don't worry, Miriam… I'll find her heart…"

Miriam? Mother? What about her? Blinking, I quickly adjusted myself so I was facing him. But to my shock, he was already fast asleep. I hadn't realized just how tired I was until he enveloped me in a warm hug, my head colliding against his chest.

Closing my eyes, I listened very carefully.

Ba-thump…

What a pretty sound… his heart makes. Then I placed a hand over my own, comparing the rhythms. So similar… yet so different.

But this is why we are connected.

Finally, I drifted off into sleep to the sound of our beating hearts.

Seija Academy

General POV

Who would imagine an enemy, battered up and near death, stumbling into your own home?

Certainly not Gakupo.

It was especially even more unbelievable to see that the intruder was none other than… Hatsune Mikuo.

"I… I mean no harm." The young man immediately held his hands up in surrender, effectively stopping Kamui from pressing the call button to Dell. "Kamui Gakupo. Your majors are genetic engineering and … nuclear medical technology. You minor in East Asian studies and German language, the one who aided in creating Project Rin's body, with use of a sample DNA from Kagamine Len."

Gakupo flinched, readying his katana. Injured or not, this man was still his enemy. And he was not welcome here.

"Leon is the one who constructed her body. I simply followed his directions."

"F…Feh." He smirked, bleeding in the doorway. He panted, collapsing to his knees. "Well… then that means you'll know how to operate this." He tossed something shiny across the floor, and it landed near Gakupo's feet.

His eyes widened, "Miriam's necklace…! But wait… it looks like a flash drive." He snapped his attention towards Mikuo, who grinned weakly, clutching his sides.

"A parting gift… from Miriam." Mikuo panted between ragged gasps, blood dripping from his damaged cranium. "For you. This is what she wants from you… Kamui Gakupo. To fi…nish the KOKORO program… download it… to Rin's… brain… and… Leon's company will finally… fall. It's your last hope… after all."

Confused, the professor eyed him in pure disbelief, "Miriam…? What are you talking about? She deemed the KOKORO program a failure. It's been abandoned after Takashi Rin's death."

"She… lied." he replied, his eyes shifting out of focus. He coughed up blood, moving back into the shadows of the exit. "As for me… I'm out of time…" Gakupo hurried after him, but it seemed he'd already melted into the darkness. "Tomorrow… I hope you're all… prepared."

"Prepared for what?" Gakupo yelled in the dark corridor, clutching onto Miriam's flash drive. A hollow laugh echoed throughout the building, followed by the slamming of doors.

"To witness the final stage of Project: VOCALOID, of course. Behold your fusion reactor."

A/N: Updated! I added a mini scene to Drunk!Len. You guys should see it. Mwahahah. Yes. P:V is finally coming to an end. There's gonna be what… 2 or 3 chapters left? At the most, there might be 4. Also, who knew Len being drunk happens to be a total perv. *raises hand* I'm tired, guys. I'm so glad I finally managed to update. The finale is coming though, so prepare your asses.

ALLLSOOO~! HERE'S A LOVELY SKETCH DUMP OF RIN-TAN~! By the Lovely Hikari Kagami. Check out more of her art! (remove the spaces)

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HEY GUYS! Please review? I'd really appreciate some feedback because this took me lots of work to update. Now that everything's coming to an end, I'd really love it if you guys would comment below. It'd really get me going and I know that you guys are just gonna go ballistic over the ending. ^_^ Please, guys? It'd mean a lot to me. You all have come all this way, so tell me all about your journey from here to there. I'd like to get to know you guys like this. I wanna know what you love/hate about this story. And if there's anything I can do to make it better, please tell me!

You guys can review to make the story come to its greatest finale! By reviewing, of course. And don't forget to review other people's stories if you enjoy them! It means so much to the author that you don't even knowww! I'll try to respond to you guys in the best way possible, too! We should never take updated work for granted anyhow!

Es lebe der Geschichte!