Miku's life is changing so quickly. Hopefully she can conquer her new challenges! This chapter is so long because a LOT happens. Enjoy!

Due to the Contract 6- Astonish! The Debut Concert

Miku's P.O.V

The stage was empty. There was a single spotlight shining on me. I looked out in the empty seats. Soon, every seat will be filled. Each with screaming fans, cheering for me. Singing along to my songs. Roaring with applause. I still haven't forgotten my purpose. My first concert…will be a success!

I have 4 songs to perform, 'From the Heart', 'Miracle Painting', 'Strobe Light', and 'Marginal'. Oh and of course, 'Cantarella' with Kaito. Teto even made up new choreography for our duet, which involves ballroom dancing. I'm nervous about making a fool of myself in front of him, but I can't let everyone down! She was going over it with us now at rehearsal.

"Then you spin, and Kaito will come to a rest on his knee." Teto moved exactly as she explained. "And that's the final part! Got it?"

"Got it!" Kaito and I answered with a nod.

"Okay, so start from there."

"Right." Kaito and I got into places as Teto turned on the music. The dance required us to be in sync, which was a little intimidating because he was such a good dancer and I had two left feet. I mean I've improved some, thanks to Teto, but sometimes it seems like I'll never be as good as the other Vocaloids.

Rin's P.O.V

"Len!" I called down the hallway. I skipped over to his door with two dry cleaning bags in tow and knocked once before letting myself in.

"Rin, you're going to have to stop barging in like that. What if I was changing my clothes or something?" He asked while he turned towards me in his chair.

"I knocked! And it's not like I would see anything I haven't before." He let out a sigh that almost sounded like a laugh. "Anyway I just wanted to show you our finished outfits for 'Bonus Stage'."

"For the concert?" He asked. I smiled and nodded.

"See? They're so cute! I love the hats. And aren't you excited for Miku? I remember when we preformed for the first ti-"

Meow~

"Huh? Len, did you say something?" I asked.

"No. I was listening to you."

Meow~

"There it is again! Did you hear it?" I walked around and ended up at the window. I looked out and along the narrow windowsill was a little honey colored cat. "Len! Look! It's a cat!"

"Huh?" he got up and came to look out the window beside me. "Oh you're right."

"Don't just stand there, get it!"

"But why?" He asked

"Because it's cute."

"What if it has rabies or something?"

"Just get the cat!" I yelled.

"Fine." He said and let out a sigh. He hopped on the windowsill and reached out for the kitten. He leaned forward and beckoned for the cat to come closer. "Here, kitty, kitty?" He said with uncertainty as he inched further and further from the window. The cat looked at Len and tilted its head at his extended arm. Slowly but surely, the cat came close and allowed itself to be brought inside.

"Wow, Len! You're amazing!"

"So…now what?" he asked. The cat snuggled in his arms.

"We should keep it!" I said without hesitation.

"Ah but Rin, Crypton says no pets allowed."

"Eh, what they don't know won't hurt them. Besides it won't be the only secret we're keeping from them."

"I suppose you're right." He said.

"Aren't I always?"

Miku's P.O.V

Today, Kaito and I decided to spend more time rehearsing, without Teto. After all, my debut concert was in a week's time and I feel as if I'm hardly ready.

"You wanna take a break?" He asked as the music faded out. We've been at it for 2 hours. I'm exhausted.

"Sure!" I said as I took a moment to catch my breath.

"Want something to drink?" He asked as he walked backwards towards the door.

"Yeah, that'd be great."

"Okay, I'll be right back." He flashed a smile before heading out of the room. I walked over to one of the many mirrors that were lined on every wall in this dance studio. I rested my hands on the ballet bar attached to the wall. I started to wonder how Dad's doing at work…and what Lil Mi and Mama were up to.

"I'm back!" Kaito's voice echoed throughout the room. I turned to see him, still smiling, with two different colored cans in his hand. "I got a bottle of leek-flavored soda for you, since it's your favorite."

"You remembered! Thanks!" He handed me my drink and we both sat on the floor and sipped our beverages.

"So are you excited about the concert?" he asked. I nodded.

"Very! How is it singing in front of so many people?" I asked.

"It's…kind of hard to explain the feeling. But it's one of the most exciting things we do for Crypton."

"Say, Kaito, how did you sign with Crypton? Did you have to audition too?"

"Nope. Crypton found me."

"Really? How?"

"One of the managers came to my first show when I was in a band."

"I didn't know you were in a band!" I said.

"Yeah, I started it with my friend Mitsukuni…" He sat there for a while. He started to look a little spacey, almost sad.

"Mitsukuni?" I repeated slowly. He held his head up toward the ceiling. I looked up too, and focused on the sunbeams from the skylights that dimply lit the room.

Kaito's P.O.V, 4 years ago

"Kaito! I have an idea! Let's start a band together!" A boy with black hair that stopped below his ears and adorned his face with bright green eyes happily exclaimed.

"A…band?" I asked skeptically.

"Yeah! Why not? I mean, it's no question how awesome I am at playing the guitar."

"But I don't know how to play any instruments."

"Then…you can do the vocals! All the girls seem to like your voice anyway."

And just like that, we started planning out the arrangements for our band. I came up with lyrics and he composed the music. We found someone for drums and bass and soon enough, he pulled us a gig. It was surprising, since Mitsukuni's ideas usually never made it past the drawing board. But everyone in town rooted for us anyway.

Then one day, he showed up at my door with some car keys in hand. He beckoned his thumb behind him, pointing to a car.

"Is that yours?" I asked.

"Almost. My dad said I could have it when I get my license. I'd figure I could take it for a spin. Wanna come?"

"Actually, I have...chores. And my mom will kill me if I don't have them finished."

"Ah, come on Kaito! I'll have you back home before she gets home and this," he pointed to the car, "Back in the garage before anyone notices."

"I'll pass."

"Fine! I'll just go alone. Later." He got in the car and pulled off.

Present, Miku's P.O.V

"Shortly after, he got into a car accident...and didn't make it."

"Kaito...I'm so sorry." I said softly. He shook his head.

"You have no reason to be. We still did the gig, for him, and it got me signed with Crypton. This is all for Mitsukuni. Though, I kind of feel like I could've done something. I should've stopped him...or maybe if I went along-"

"Stop, Kaito. You shouldn't think like that. Don't blame yourself. If you're doing this for Mitsukuni, then you should give it your all! Keep him alive through your music." he smiled again.

"Thanks, Miku." He kissed my cheek and then stood. I know it probably wasn't a romantic gesture, but it still made my heart flutter. "I think that was enough practice for today. We should head back." He held out his hand to me. I smiled and grabbed it so he could help me up.

I walked in my room to find Rin halfway under my bed.

"What are you doing in here?" I asked. I must've surprised her because she tried to jump up but only hit her head on the bed frame.

"Ouch! Oh, Miku! What are you doing here? I thought you were rehearsing with Kaito?" she asked in a panic all the while rubbing her head.

"I was. So answer my question."

"I was looking for Renji." She answered

"Who's-"

"It's our new pet cat Len found! But now he's lost. Miku! You have to help me find him! If any of the Crypton people find him they'll make us get rid of him."

"I guess, I don't really have a choice." Rin and I checked around the dorms once more before we decided to look around the Main Building.

"How, exactly, did you lose the cat again?" I asked.

"Len went out to get food and toys for him but he looked hungry so I went to get some of Luka's tuna. Except I left my bedroom door open and when I came back, he wasn't in there."

"Rin, you've got to be more careful… Okay, let's split up. I'll look on the east end and you look down there." I said pointing the direction I was facing.

"Alright." she walked down the left of the fork and I headed towards the right. I checked inside of any doors that were open or cracked. So far I haven't had much luck. But there was one door ajar at the end of the hall-an office? But I heard voices and my curiosity got the best of me so I peered closer. When I looked inside, I could see Luka sitting on top of the desk where one of the producers was sitting. I remembered his purple hair. I think his name was Mr. Kamui.

"What's the matter Luka? You're not acting like yourself..." He asked in his smooth, velvet voice. Luka shook her head, but I could only see her long pink hair move like waves across an ocean...if it were pink. " It couldn't be you're nervous about the concert?" He smirked, and Luka laughed.

"Me? Nervous? Please tell me you're joking."

"You don't have to put up an act for me. I know you better than that."

"Then you would know I'm the least bit nervous."

"Not even about Miku? She's an exceptional singer. And if her performance goes as well as her recording sessions, you might be up for some heavy competition." He said. It was silent for a second. I realized that I was holding my breath.

"…Don't worry. I'm not the least bit worried about her. I already have something for her if she gets too carried away."

"Your mysterious ways are a part of your irresistible charm. Are you still joining me for dinner tonight?"

"Of course. I could go for some tuna." The two laughed, and I could see Gakupo's eyes trailing to the door so I quickly moved from the doorway and against the adjacent wall. I know I was not supposed to see any of that. Does this mean Luka is with one of our producers? I thought we weren't allowed to date! What is it she has planned for me?

Meow~

A small kitten walked towards me. "Oh, you must be Renji!" I kneeled and he came to me and let me pick him up. "Rin's looking all over for you." The cat purred and I hurried back to find Rin who was still wandering the halls.

We brought him back to the dormitory building where Len was waiting.

"You can't be so careless, Rin! What if he wandered into a manager's or producer's office?" Len scolded.

"Well he didn't so lay off." Rin said nonchalantly while squeezing the kitten's paws until his claws revealed. I started to think about Luka and Mr. Kamui.

"What's the matter, Miku? You seem kinda spacey." Len asked.

"Yeah I noticed that too. What's up?" Rin asked.

"It's nothing." I waved them off.

"No tell us!" Rin peered.

"You can tell us anything, you know." Len added. "If it's a secret we won't tell anyone."

"Yeah you can totally trust us!" Rin chimed in.

"I was just wondering…that whole 'no dating rule' thing…"

"…Yeah? What about it?" They both asked.

"Does it apply to us if we're seeing someone who also works for Oster?" I finished. The two seemed to have a bit of worry on their expressions.

"What's with this all of a sudden?" Rin asked.

"I just came up with a theory after an observation I made."

"And what theory-"

"And observation-" Rin interrupted Len.

"Is that?" He finished.

"I think that," I lowered my voice to a whisper, "Luka is involved with one of our producers."

"Oooh, you were talking about Luka!" They both said in relieved tones.

"That's right. Who'd you think I was talking about?"

"Um…no one?" Len said.

"Never mind that, so you said you think Luka's dating our producer? Which one?" Rin asked.

"The one with purple hair. I overheard them talking about having dinner tonight."

"I see…maybe they're just really good friends? Luka isn't the type to risk her music career over something so trivial." Len stated.

"You really shouldn't jump to conclusions so quickly, dear Miku." Rin said.

"I suppose you're right. I guess I misunderstood."

I began to feel a bit homesick, so I decided to take a short visit to my home. Also I was a bit on edge about what Luka said earlier and wanted to get away for a bit.

"Big sis! You're back! You're back!" Lil Mi happily said while jumping around.

"Only for tonight. I have vocal training in the morning." I told her. She stopped jumping and frowned.

"But why can't you stay longer?" She asked.

"It's because my concert is coming up. I have to put on a good performance, so I need lots of practice."

"Ah, I thought I heard you, Miku!" My mom said as she descended the stairs.

"Hi, mom! Is dad home yet?" I asked.

"Actually he didn't have to go in today." She explained.

"Really? Where is he?" I asked.

"In the study, but he's working on-"

"I have to go ask him something!" I bolted around the stairs before she could finish. I could hear Lil Mi's footsteps behind me. I knocked twice on the door.

"Yes, what is it?" I heard his voice behind the door. I slowly opened it and peered inside. He was typing on the computer.

"Dad? I'm home…" He spun around in his chair.

"Ah, Miku! I thought I heard you come in." He said.

"Who else would it be?" I asked and walked inside, Lil Mi following behind. I sat on the velvet bench opposite the bookshelf and my sister started playing with the abacus on his desk. My mom went a little overboard in decorating this room.

"So how are things going with your music?" He asked.

"It's not just music, it's my dream. And it's going better than I expected. In fact my debut concert is coming up soon. I brought you a ticket if you can come…" I handed him the strip of paper and he read it for a second.

"I think I'll be able to make it." He finally said.

"Really?" I squealed then ran up to hug him. "Yay! This means so much to me, dad. You'll see; it'll be the best concert ever! I'm going to go tell Mom!"

The next morning, I was back at the Crypton building and awoke to the smell of food cooking. Usually Luka cooks breakfast for everyone, but I was surprised to see it was Kaito standing in front of the stove.

"Morning!" I said as I walked through the kitchen area.

"Morning! You're up early." He commented.

"Yeah, I fell right asleep when I came back last night." I explained and sat at the marble counter.

"Want some breakfast?"

"Yes please!" He put in front of me a leek omelet. "You made this for me?"

"Of course! I know how much you love leeks. That and no one else would eat it." I couldn't help but smile. Kaito was such a sweetie.

"Miku!" A voice echoed through the hall. I looked over to see Rin running to me.

"Good morning, Rin. You're energetic as ever today."

"Yeah, because I'm so excited! I just found out our concert tickets sold out in only a few hours!"

"Seriously?"

"Yep! Isn't that right, Len?" She asked the boy who emerged from the hall where she too had just come from.

"It was all over the internet." He confirmed.

"Really? That's amazing…"

Suddenly, I didn't have much of an appetite, but I kept eating anyway.

The day was finally here. Everyone was so excited and busy running around the venue, but for some reason I felt as if I could hardly move. I've been doing nothing but sitting in my dressing room since we got to the arena. If I ever said I was nervous before, it's nothing compared to how I'm feeling now. I took another sip of my bottled water, and yet another deep breath in, deep breath out. Someone knocked on the door.

"Come in." I said. Luka appeared at the door. " Luka! Hi!" She entered and closed the door behind her.

"Hello, Miku!" I was taken aback by the amount of friendliness in her voice. "So, your very first concert. You must be so nervous. I can see it all over your face." She sat on the chair besides mine.

"I'm nervous, yeah, but-"

"Also this was the first time a Vocaloid concert ever sold out so quickly! And this isn't a small concert hall, either."

"So I've heard…"

"Considering the turnout of a singer's debut concert are make it or break it situations, I can imagine how you feel."

"What do you mean, 'make it or break it?" I asked.

"Oh, they didn't tell you? If you make one mistake during your performance, your contract with Crypton will be terminated." She pointed out. I could feel my eyes widen.

"No one told me that."

"My, I hope I didn't frighten you, seeing that you're already such a nervous wreck. Anyway, I should be getting dressed." She stood and walked to the door. "Break a leg, Hatsune." The door closed with a click. Was what Luka said true? Could my dream come to an end already?

Just then, another knock on my door. I sighed and went to open it.

"I found you!" It was Lil Mi!

"Mina what are you doing here? Where's Mom?" I asked.

"She's...around. I don't know, I sneaked away to come find you!" she exclaimed, smiling like she was very proud of herself.

"Honestly, Mina!"

"So, where's Kaito? And Rin and Len and Luka! Oh, can I meet them? Pretty please?" she begged.

"Hold on just a minute! You are going back with Mom. I still have to get ready for the concert."

"No fair! I came all this way and I have to back already?"

"Yup."

We headed down the hall, where it was bustling with people who were all talking in headsets and walkie-talkies. Some were carrying clothes or beverages or food. I'm surprised she even made her way through all of this. The end of the hall led to another, the left was the way to the stage and the right was to the main hall.

"I wanna see the stage!" Lil Mi squealed and ran towards the left.

"Wait! Come back!" I called after her. She stopped and peeked out of the wall.

"Wow! Miku, come look!" she said excitedly as she jumped up and down. I jogged over to see. Beyond the large stage were seats full of people. Was all of Hokkaido in this arena? I felt a lump in my throat.

"You must be really brave to sing in front of all these people." she turned up to face me. "This is so cool! You're lucky, sis!" I shook my head as if I were shaking any doubts.

"Anyway, we should be finding Mom." I grabbed her hand and turned around. And wouldn't you know, I had another surprise guest.

"Dad!" Lil Mi and I said at the same time. She ran the few steps to him.

"There you are! Why did you run off? Your mom and I were worried sick." He scolded.

"I had to go find Miku." she said ever-so-innocently.

"And I see you found her." he said.

"Dad, you made it!" I said with a smile.

"I said I would. I promised, didn't I?"

"I'm so...glad." I managed to say. The lump in my throat seemed to grow bigger. My eyes trailed to the floor involuntarily.

"What's wrong kiddo?" my dad asked. I had no choice but to give a weak smile when he called me that.

"I guess I'm a little nervous...Oh, who am I kidding? I'm totally nervous. I don't want to admit that I don't think I can do this, because I know that if I mess up, everything will be ruined! I don't want to have come this far just to be labeled as a failure, and to let you and everyone down." I finally blurted out what has been on my mind all week. I then felt my father's hand on my shoulders. The gesture he always uses to calm me down.

"Miku, you are not a failure. I couldn't be more proud of you than I am now." He told me.

"Yeah, you're the coolest big sister ever!" Little Mi added. I smiled, I had no idea that hearing them say that would calm me like it did.

"Thanks, Dad, Lil Mi. I think I'm ready now!"

"Ah, Miku! There you are!" We turned to see one of my frantic managers approaching us, her heels clicking with every step. "We need you to get your mic set up. It's almost showtime!"

"Okay! I have to go now!" I said to my dad and sister.

"Good Luck!" They both said.

"Miku! Do your best, okay?" Lil Mi called out as we separated.

It was dark here on the side of the stage, but there seemed to be an endless ocean of glow sticks in the audience.

"Alright, Miku, go on the stage." My manager said.

"Good luck, Miku!" Rin and Len said together.

"Do your best, Miku!" Kaito said with one of his to-die-for smiles.

"Thanks, everyone!" I looked over to Luka, who simply gave a nod. I gave a big smile before hurrying off to the middle of the stage. Once I was in place, the music for From the Heart started. The crowd roared. Slowly the fluorescent lights brightened on me. My headset wasn't going to be used in this song, and I had a microphone ready in my hands. I still couldn't believe it, though I'm standing right here. It sure wasn't easy but it's almost too good to be true. I finally felt like I was doing something important with my life. I really feel like I belonged here on this stage, so when the timing was right, I sang my first words on stage:

"Nice to meet you!"

When the song was over I looked out at the crowd. The energy I felt was indescribable.

"Hello, everyone! Thanks for coming here tonight!" I said. Every one cheered and waved their glow sticks in the air. "I'm Miku Hatsune and I promise to work really hard to be the best Vocaloid I can be! Your support means so much to me. Really, thank you, all of you!"

After I sang the rest of my set, I exited the stage as they prepared for the next one.

"Miku! You're doing great so far! Keep it up!" The manager from before complimented me and gave me a bottle of water. I looked on stage from aside watching Rin and Len finish their performance of 'Suki, Kirai'.

"Hey, Miku!" A voice interrupted me. It belonged to Teto.

"Teto! I didn't know you'd be here."

"Why wouldn't I be here? After all it is your first performance. I also wanted to be sure you don't mess up my choreography." She said while smiling.

"So that's the reason, huh?"

"Anyway, they need you back in your dressing room. Have you seen your dress yet?" She asked.

"Dress? What dress?"

"Heh, I'll take that as a no. Come with me." She grabbed my hand and we headed back to my dressing room. Sure enough, there was a big black and white dress awaiting me on the couch. "Isn't it pretty?" Teto beamed as she held it up. "I helped pick it out." I looked the dress up and down. It had a lace collar that matched a ring around the ends of the long sleeves. It also had a big white ribbon with black roses around the bottom of the skirt.

"It really is pretty…but...I've never danced in a dress like that before." I admitted.

"Don't worry, don't worry! This dress will be very easy to move in with your dance. I'm sure your stylist will be in here any second to touch up your hair and makeup so I'll help you get dressed."

Soon, I was all dolled up. I didn't even look like I was about to perform on stage, but rather on a elegant, ballroom floor.

"Lookin' good, Miku!" Teto complimented. My stylist nodded her blonde head in approval.

"You think so? Well, I guess it isn't like I have a say or anything at this point." I pointed out.

"You don't! Now we should hurry, you're closing the show soon." We headed back to stage entrance and they began to set up my headset mic. I glanced at the stage where Luka was belting out her song 'Stardust Utopia." When I turned back I saw Kaito. He was wearing an extravagant outfit as well, a white fluffy shirt under a black cloak with a white pattern going down it and a black hat with blue feathers.

"You look amazing, Miku." He said and walked closer smiling big.

"Thanks, Kaito. You look nice yourself." I said and jokingly tugged at his sleeve.

"Ah, I really don't like this outfit much." He said sullenly. I laughed, but the audience started cheering so loudly it drowned out. Luka was waving to the crowd and heading toward us.

"You clean up nicely, Hatsune." She said to me.

"Um, thanks, Luka. You did really well! From what I've seen anyway."

"I'm surprised they're letting you perform a duet on your first concert. They must really have high hopes for you. Don't forget what I told you." She said before walking towards the dressing rooms.

"What was that about?" Kaito asked.

"Don't worry about it."

"Kaito, Miku, the stage is all yours." The same coordinator said. "Miku you'll have to come with me because you'll enter from the other side." I did as she said and soon the music started for the last dance.

We both set off to circle around the stage where our movements matched from every step, turn, and twist of the wrist. To be honest, I thought that I would be worried that I'd be falling all over the stage, but to my surprise, it wasn't the least bit nerve wrecking dancing on this stage with Kaito. It just felt like we were the only ones there, like we were back practicing in the dance studio. It was really fun! He flashed a smile as we grew near, and as we embraced I was breathless. But I somehow maintained my composure. I wish we could've danced on that stage all night.

The song and dance soon ended, and I was brought back to reality with the roar of the crowd. It was the loudest I heard them all night. I didn't even know that was possible! We faced the crowd and Kaito casually placed his hand in mine as we took a final bow.

End!

It was so much fun writing this chapter! I hope you all enjoyed reading it just as much, if not more!