Princess of the Other World

by Lullaby121

Miku is a normal girl. She enjoys school and spending time with her friends. At least until visions of another world invade her dreams and the real world. It is a MikuXKaito story

2. Chapter 2

Rin and Len stared after them. "What happened?" Len asked.

Rin shook her head, "I don't know."

"Mikuo told Luka and me about that," Akaito said, "Apparently this isn't the first time this has happened. I don't know what it is but I don't think it's good."

Rin and Len exchanged worried glances.

Miku curled into a ball and cried.

"Miku."

Miku lifted her head. The woman from before smiled down at her, "I know it's what you want. I know. I understand fully. Before I died I argued against what your father decided to do. Unfortunately there was nothing I could do. I'm sorry Miku. I wish I could support you more fully but I can't. The rules of this world are very strict."

"Is Dad the "He" everyone's talking about?" Miku asked.

"Yes," she nodded.

"Why is he like that?"

"He was always strict but he had his kind side too," she explained, "Once you were born and showed that you were capable of coming here he tightened his hold on this place. You became his entire world but he also wanted to keep you as far away from this place as possible. You were home schooled and sheltered. He isolated you away from the world. He let you befriend Rin and Len because they were young enough when you met them that they loved you. They still do love you. He let you into regular school because you begged and he didn't think you'd be able to reach this world with your ability undiscovered until that point. You were fine. Everyone still loved you. You're cute and adorable. Then you met Kaito. He tried to convince himself that he didn't like you and in doing so he convinced you that he didn't like you. That was a new concept to you and it opened you up to this world."

Miku wiped her tears, "What about Kaito? Will he be okay?"

"I wish I could tell you," she sighed sadly, "but I honestly don't know."

Miku nodded, "Okay." Determination steeled her face.

Kaito sat on the sidelines of the bleachers. The rest of his PE class had to run extra laps because they were being obnoxious. He lied on his back and stared up at the sky, "Miku." I miss her already and it hasn't even been a full day. She was really good at baseball. I wonder if she played it before she came here.

"Kaito!" Meiko leaned over him.

Kaito looked at her and smiled, "Meiko. What's up?" He sat up.

"You look distracted," Meiko sat next to him.

Kaito shrugged and laced his fingers between hers, "Lunch was eventful."

"That was for sure," Meiko nodded, "What happened to Miku? She isn't here."

Kaito shrugged, "I don't know. I'm sure she'll be back tomorrow. I mean everyone knows how much she loves school."

Meiko narrowed her eyes but nodded, "Yeah."

Kaito lied back down and put his hands behind his head. He watched the clouds float across the afternoon sky. I wonder what it's like to be able to see what Miku sees when her eyes go all weird like that. I have to admit eclipse eyes are awesome. They just scare me. When that happens she can't hear anything in this world. A stabbing pain laced through his head. He sat up, "Ah, what was that?" He rubbed his head.

"What?" Meiko asked.

Kaito cocked his head to the side, "My head hurt out of nowhere and now it's gone."

Meiko shrugged, "I don't know."

Miku nodded, "I guess it's alright to be homeschooled again then. I just want to still be able to see my friends." She lifted her head to meet her father's gaze.

He nodded approvingly.

"Thank you for understanding Miku," her mother nodded. She kissed Miku on the cheek.

"I have another business trip to make," her father followed her into the kitchen.

Miku hurried to her room. I have to find Kaito. I doubt he'll be walking home meaning I have to get to school before it lets out. Or I have to get there before it starts tomorrow. She nodded, "I think tomorrow is better."

Mikuo knocked on her door and opened it, "Hey, you alright."

Miku turned and smiled, "Yeah." Her smile faded, "Can you close that?"

He cocked his head to the side but nodded. She walked up to him, "I want to know if this will work. If it starts to hurt let me know." She closed his eyes with her fingers and then closed her own eyes.

"What are you doing?" Mikuo asked.

"Just wait," Miku insisted. She put her hands on the sides of his face and let her mind wander. She opened her eyes and looked around. The red world surrounded her and her brother stood in front of her with his eyes still closed, "Go ahead and open them." Miku grabbed his hand.

Mikuo stared around, "Where are we?"

"This is what I see when you see those eclipses," Miku explained. Bringing him here was dangerous but I had to do it.

"Ooh, Miku," a shadow slid up to them, "did you bring us a snack?"

Miku glared at it, "No!" It came out as a solid command.

It recoiled, "Why not?"

"Because I said so," Miku narrowed her eyes.

It fell away.

Miku smiled, "That's never worked before."

"Really?" Mikuo asked. He glanced at her, "With the way you said I expected that you did it every time."

"No, they hurt a lot. When you're here you can be hurt, even killed even though your body is still in the real world," Miku explained. "It was here that I got all those cuts and I got them from those things," she shuddered.

Mikuo nodded, "So this is what you see?"

"Yes," Miku sighed, "I only wanted to show you this to help you understand. The longer we stay the more likely we are to be found."

"Found?" Mikuo asked.

Miku closed her eyes, "Close your eyes."

Mikuo did as he was told.

She focused on her room and pictured them exactly how they had been standing before they had entered this world. She opened her eyes, "It worked! We're back!"

Mikuo opened his eyes, "That was…extremely odd."

Miku nodded, "I was told that the reason I kept popping into that world was because my mind wandered. I was no longer focused. So I figured that if I let it wander then I'd be able to get there. If I started to focus on this world then I'd be able to get back."

Mikuo nodded, "Neat."

Miku sighed, "The thing is, the whole reason I've been afraid of Kaito this whole time was because I met a kind of reflection of him there. Everyone has a reflection that represents the turmoil in their mind and heart. I met Kaito there and he attacked me. Then for a while he would talk to me and then taunt me and just before I'd wake up he'd attack me."

"Why?" Mikuo asked.

"Because Kaito's opinion of me kept changing. The Kaito there reflected that. Sometimes he was really helpful. Other times he really scared me," Miku shook her head. "His attitude would change like that," she snapped her fingers.

"So because that Kaito attacked you, you've been afraid of the real Kaito," Mikuo nodded.

"Yes," Miku nodded. She looked at her hands, "But if that reflection is destroyed in that world then that person loses everything that makes them who and what they are. Dad is from that world. He rules that world and he knows that whenever I went there Kaito would talk to me. Kaito warned me but I didn't understand until now. If Dad destroys that Kaito then the real one won't be Kaito anymore."

"You're worried about him," Mikuo sighed. But what am I supposed to do? It's not like I can stop Dad if he's in the red world place thing.

"I want you to give me a ride to the school tomorrow," Miku said, "I have to talk to Kaito."

Mikuo stared at her, "What? Are you crazy? You just promised to be the good little girl they know you to be!"

"And he's going to hurt him!"

"You can't be certain of that," her brother insisted.

"I am certain though. I don't know how I know but I know that Dad will hurt him," Miku stared into her brother's eyes. He has to understand how much I need to do this!

Mikuo bit his lower lip. If she's right and I don't help her I'm going to feel terrible. But if I do help her we're both dead.

"I'll do it myself if you won't help me," Miku said suddenly.

Mikuo cringed, "Alright. I'll give you a ride tomorrow."

Miku hugged him thankfully, "Thank you so much."

"Anytime, Sis," Mikuo returned it.

Miku stayed awake all night. Fear and excitement kept her from getting comfortable. What if Dad heard? What then? Will Kaito be hurt because of me? I can't stand that. I won't be able to live with myself if that's how it works out. She shook her head and curled into a ball, "I'm doing the right thing. I'm doing the right thing."

Miku opened her eyes to her brother knocking softly on her door. She sat up and looked at the clock. It's almost time. She shot toward her door.

Mikuo was tense with anticipation and nervousness when she opened the door, "Go to the car alright?"

Miku nodded and slipped down the stairs. She slowly and quietly opened the front door and slipped outside. She closed it quietly behind her and shot to her brother's car. She climbed into the back and crouched on the back seats. She stared at the house through the back windshield. Her brother walked out with a backpack and climbed into the driver's seat, "Alright. We're good but if you get caught at school I won't be able to help you because I have to go to school."

Miku nodded, "Okay."

He drove to the school and dropped her off.

Miku sat on the bench in front of the school and waited for kids to start showing up.

Kaito stepped out of his brother's red mustang. He glanced around and his gaze fell on Miku sitting on one of the many benches in front of the school. He cocked his head to the side and walked up to her, "Hey."

Miku smiled, "Kaito. How are you?"

Kaito looked surprised at her question, "I kind of have a head ache but it's not too bad."

Miku cocked her head to the side, "Really?"

Kaito nodded.

Miku swallowed nervously, "Um. Okay, I need to show you something. C'mon." She led him around the school to the back alleys.

"What are you doing?" Kaito asked. He was more curious than anything.

"Showing you something," Miku said. She stopped once they were fully behind the building and turned to him, "Close your eyes."

Kaito cocked his head to the side, "Why?"

"Just do it," Miku pleaded, "I need you to close your eyes."

Something's definitely wrong. Kaito complied and closed his eyes. He felt her hands on either side of his face. Okay. This is weird. What is she doing?

Miku opened her eyes. She nodded, "Open your eyes."

Kaito opened his eyes and looked around, "What the-Where are we?"

"This is what I see," Miku explained, "when I can't hear you."

Kaito stared at her, "Seriously? But this place is freaky."

Miku nodded, "This is actually part of the reason I was so afraid of you."

"What? How?" Kaito returned to looking around.

"That's a long story and it actually plays into the reason I came to school today," Miku looked down. She grabbed his hand and started walking around.

Kaito found her pace really slow but was unwilling to complain.

"Everyone has a reflection in this world," Miku said, "that reflection resembles you but then again they're slightly different. I met your reflection here the same day I met you."

"That's kind of creepy," Kaito said.

Miku nodded, "If that reflection is destroyed here then the person in the real world loses a piece of themselves."

"Okay," Kaito nodded, "That's kind of freaky."

Miku stopped and turned to him, "My father rules here and he really doesn't approve of you. I think he feels like my problems are your fault. He's going to destroy your reflection and that will hurt you."

Kaito stared at her, "What?"

Miku looked at the ground, "Close your eyes."

Kaito did as he was told.

Miku opened her eyes and looked around, "Okay, open your eyes."

Kaito opened his eyes. They were still in the alley, "How in the world did that happen."

"When you go there your body stays here," Miku smiled, "It's all in your head. Except you can be hurt there. If you get cut there then the cut will appear on your actual body."

"That is really creepy," Kaito realized that it was close to noon even though it had only seemed like a few moments.

Miku gasped as she was forcefully pulled back into the other world.

"Miku."

She turned in surprise, "Dad."

"Why aren't you home?" He asked harshly.

Miku shook her head, "I was walking Rin and Len to school."

"Why didn't you come home? School has already started. It started long ago," he grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him, "Where are you?"

"I'm sorry!" Miku cried. She felt fear well up inside of her. She concentrated on it and started to cry. I hope this works. "I accidently slipped into this world and now I don't know where I am!"

Her father narrowed his eyes.

Miku looked up at him fearfully, "I'm scared! I don't know where I am!"

He nodded.

Miku opened her eyes. She suddenly felt extremely weak and her legs gave out from beneath her.

Kaito caught her quickly, "Are you alright?"

Miku nodded, "Yeah." She closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep.

Kaito watched her for a bit, "She looks so peaceful." She's really pretty. He turned as he heard someone walking into the alley. Kaito cringed and set Miku on the ground. He darted around the corner.

Her father walked around the corner.

Glad I hid. Kaito sighed in relief. I really don't want to get her in trouble again.

Her father looked down at her with nothing but love in his eyes, "Silly girl. This is why I hid it from you." He picked her up and carried her out of the alley.

Kaito cocked his head to the side. That's kind of sad. He probably just wanted to protect her from whatever's in that world. He slid quickly away.

Mikuo glanced up at the door as it opened. He saw his father carrying his younger sister. Miku was extremely pale. He leaped to his feet and crossed the room in two bounds, "What's wrong with her?"

"She's crossed over to frequently here recently and it has completely exhausted her," their father explained.

Mikuo followed him as he walked over to the couch and laid Miku on it. He touched her cheek. It was cool but that was more than likely from the wind outside. He sat on the floor beside the couch as their father left the room.

"Miku, you need to be careful. The gates are weak. Should they open your world will not be as it once was."

Miku opened her eyes and sat bolt upright.

Mikuo fell backwards away from her, "Jeez! Are you alright?"

Miku nodded and laid back down. She sat back up and looked around, "How'd I get here? What happened? I don't remember being here." She saw her living room and she was lying on her couch.

Her brother nodded, "Calm down jeez. Dad carried you in after he found you lying on the ground close to the school."

Miku stiffened, "Really?"

He nodded, "Everyone else was still in school."

Miku nodded, "Okay. That's good." He didn't see Kaito. She laid back down and closed her eyes. She was still completely exhausted.

"Dad said you had been there too many times and that's why you passed out," Mikuo explained.

Miku nodded. "I'm kind of relieved," she mumbled before falling asleep.

It has to be exhausting to bring people into that world. She did it for me and I'm pretty positive that she did it for Kaito. Mikuo shook his head, "But there's no way to explain something like that." He smirked and went back to the table and his homework.

Kaito flopped onto the couch and put his hands behind his head.

"So I noticed Miku was at school this morning," Akaito said.

"So?" Kaito glanced at him warningly.

"So, why? Did she want to talk to you?"

Kaito turned his attention to the ceiling, "So what if she did?"

"About what?" Akaito asked.

"It's impossible to explain. I'd have to get her to show you," Kaito shrugged, "and I don't think she's up to that."

"Being protective now are we?" Kaiko teased.

"Shut up," Kaito muttered.

Kaiko smirked, "Okay. So what happened?"

"Ask her. I'm not sure exactly what happened," Kaito shrugged.

"Okay so—"

"Go away," Kaito muttered. He rolled over so his face was hidden in to cushions of the couch. He closed his eyes. I am so tired. My head hurts and I really don't want to deal with you guys.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm tired and I want you to go away," Kaito muttered.

"What?" Kaiko asked.

"Go away!" Kaito turned back to glare at them.

"Okay dang," Kaiko put her hands up and walked off.

Kaito rolled back over and closed his eyes. Leave me alone. God is it really that hard? He opened his eyes and looked around. For a second it looked like the room was dark with a single bright light. He shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut.

"Eh, what's wrong with you?" Kaiko asked.

Kaito opened his eyes, "Nothing. It's just a headache."

"Must be a really bad headache," Taito glanced at him worriedly.

"I'll be fine with a nap," Kaito muttered. He walked into the kitchen and grabbed his ice cream before heading up to his room. He ate a good portion of the ice cream before curling up on his bed and falling asleep.

Miku opened her eyes and looked around. She saw nothing but moving shadows and the plain orange red ground. She sighed, "There's nothing here."

"Miku."

Miku turned at the sound of her name. The women from before floated behind her, "Miku, you need to be careful. The gates are weak. Should they open your world will not be as it once was."

Miku's eyes widened, "You're the one that said that before!"

"It's the only warning I can give you. You have to take it seriously," she shook her head sadly, "If the gates break then everything here will flow into your world. The two worlds will meld together and everything will be destroyed."

Miku stared at her in horror, "Everything?"

She nodded.

"Stop right there!"

Miku turned in shock. She saw Kaito running towards her with a smirk on his face, "You're slow. Being pampered has caused you to lose your touch, Guardians."

Miku smiled. She glanced behind him to see very large snake like figures following him. They slithered along behind him with part of their upper bodies off the ground. Their scales were a pale white, causing them to stick out painfully in the shadowy landscape. They were approaching her with incredible speed. Miku turned and jogged to the side as to avoid being hit. Kaito slowed to a stop in front of her.

"Step away from Princess Miku," the snakes went upright as they came to the stop.

"Princess?" Miku asked curiously.

Kaito smirked, "Why should I?" Kaito hugged her.

Miku glanced at him. "Princess?" she repeated.

"Your dad runs this place doesn't he?" Kaito asked.

Miku nodded, "But I've never seen these before."

"They're Guardians," Kaito smirked and poked her head, "and I'm not surprised you haven't seen them. They spend all their time gouging on creature comforts in the cities."

"We protect those cities from scum like you," one hissed savagely.

Miku cocked her head to the side, "There are cities."

Kaito nodded, "Specifically for the spoiled spirits of the dead."

"They deserve more respect than you give them!" the obvious leader snarled.

Miku glanced from him to Kaito and back again. He does kind of have a point but there has to be a reason Kaito talks about them like that.

Kaito laughed coldly, "Yeah right. I'd like to see them defend against a vampire let alone something like a demon." Miku felt his attitude change suddenly. She pulled away from him.

"They don't have to and they would never be able to. The spirits of the dead are just as susceptible to a demon's machinations as humanity is!" the third one cut in.

They are really taking his jibes personally. Miku noticed, "Hey. C'mon, can't we just talk this out."

Kaito smirked at her, "Good luck getting through those skulls."

"That's it!" the one to the left leaped at him.

Kaito grabbed Miku and slid sideways.

Miku squeaked.

Kaito set her down and attracted the Guardians' attention away from her.

"Teenagers reflections are always the most volatile. They are more likely to pick fights," the women explained.

Miku sighed, "He's crazy. He can't take three on by himself."

"I wouldn't be surprised if her could," she smiled, "Reflections are very resilient creatures. We've endured long term exile for generations. Some of his taunts hold truth. The Guardians have been in the cities of the Inner Haven. The Reflections and Umbral creatures have been banished to the outer edges."

Miku nodded.

"Anyway, I must leave now Miku," she smiled and disappeared.

Miku sat on the ground and watched them fight. Curiosity and awe filled her. Their movements were fluid and graceful. Kaito held a long thin sword in one hand. The Guardians each held much larger swords with both of their hands. I hope they stop fighting soon. This is getting boring and I really need to talk to him.

"Oh, if it isn't the princess," a warm voice echoed from behind her.

Miku turned. At first she saw nothing but deep shadows behind her. Then those shadows solidified into an alluring young man. He had black hair and red eyes. His eyes studied her carefully. He bowed, "Hello Princess."

Miku blinked, "Um, why is everyone calling me Princess?"

"You are the Princess of this realm and you deserve all of the respect that entitles," he walked closer.

"I do?" Miku asked.

"Don't you?" he nodded affirmatively.

Miku cocked her head to the side, "But I never wanted to be a princess."

He smiled warmly, "I apologize then. Would you prefer I called you Miku?"

Miku hesitated, "Um, sure."

He nodded to the spot next to her, "Mind if I sit next to you?"

"No," Miku shook her head.

He sat and turned to face her, "I'm Kurai."

Miku nodded, "You already know I'm Miku so yeah."

He nodded, "So. Are you enjoying watching them?" He motioned toward where Kaito was still fighting the Guardians.

"Not really," Miku shook her head, "I need to talk to the Reflection."

Kurai nodded, "Here." He handed her a necklace with a glowing ruby on it, "This should help you. This way you can see the creatures in the darkness."

Miku reached out cautiously and touched it. An odd sensation spread through her finger tips and up her arm.

Kurai watched her carefully.

She felt her arm go numb and then gradually the rest of her body. Her eyes closed and everything fell away. Miku opened her eyes and looked around. Kurai stood next to her. She stared at him, "What happened?!"

"You faded into a sub-realm," he explained calmly, "where the shadows reign free."

Miku looked around and saw faces and shapes in the darkness, "How do I get out?!" Miku shook her head and squeezed her eyes shut. This feels wrong! I don't like this. This feels like when I got mad when Mom and Dad pulled me out of real school. I don't like this feeling! The shadows began to swirl around her, creating a kind of wind. Her hair whipped around her as the wind strengthened.

"Calm down," Kurai urged calmly.

Miku tried to calm down but her mind kept returning to that day and the feelings that surrounded it.

Kaito paused and glanced up as a horrifically strong wind kicked up. This place never has wind.

The Guardians turned.

Miku floated above the ground. Her head was tipped back and her arms were spread out at 45 degree angles from her shoulders. Her eyes were squeezed shut. Shadows swirled out of her and circled around her.

Kaito's eyes widened, "Seriously?" It takes a certain kind of person to be able to do that. That's crazy. I honestly never would have expected her.

The Guardians turned their attention away from him and hurried over to her. They didn't get very close before the wind got strong enough they couldn't move.

Kaito cocked his head to the side. I don't know what I should do. I'll never be able to reach her because of the wind but I should do something.

"Miku, calm down," Kurai urged.

Miku barely heard him. That wasn't fair. I don't understand why they had to pull me out.

"MIKU!" Kurai grabbed her shoulders and shook her.

Miku opened her eyes. They were pitch black, darker than the shadows that surrounded her.

Kurai sighed, "C'mon, snap out of it."

Miku took calm steadying breaths until she was calm.

Kurai smiled warmly, "See you later, Miku."

Miku stared at him for a second before it registered, "Wait! You're leaving! But I don't know how to get out!"

"You know," Kurai assured her, "Trust yourself. You know what's right and wrong. That's different from the creatures here. It's different from me. You know what it's like to feel betrayed but you stay positive." He studied the ground, "That's better than I could do."

"What do you mean?" Miku asked.

"When you died, before the War, then you would go to a place called Acropolis where you lived out another life. It was supposed to be that that life did not reflect your original life," Kurai explained, "My life was terrible. My mother was dead and my step mother was abusive. My father was passive and never did anything about it. I killed myself and my life in Acropolis was worse than my real life. I ended up being sent to a place called Umbral." He looked up at her, "It was the home of the demons and the vampires. All the monsters that feed upon dreams and leave behind nothing but negative thoughts and hatred dwelled there. They now live in the outer edges with the Reflections. Reflections hunt them. I am a demon. I was terrible. I could very easily use you to destroy this place. All I would have to do is get into your head. I could bring you here."

Miku stepped back.

Kurai smiled dryly, "And I won't deny that I want to or that that was my original intent."

Miku's eyes widened, "Um."

"I won't though," Kurai shook his head, "Because I know what it's like to have that happen. If I take control of you then you will come here. This is no place for someone like you. You are beautiful and you belong in the light. Because of what I've done you are stuck between light and darkness, more so than a normal human. I am sorry." He bowed his head.

Miku stared at him. I feel so bad. I'm sure he just wants company. "I was told that the gates were weak. What exactly happens if they break?"

Kurai lifted his head and stared at her, "Then everything will rush into your world. If a Reflection happens into your world then they will merge with who they reflect. If that happens suddenly then the person could be traumatized. The Umbral creatures will literally be free to do as they please. Right now the creatures from this realm cannot be seen by humanity. If the gates break then everything will be visible and the balance will be ripped apart."

Miku shook her head, "I won't let that happen. If it does happen then I will put everything back."

"That will kill you," Kurai warned.

Miku nodded, "That's fine."

Kurai cocked his head to the side, "You are an interesting person."

"Will you help me?" Miku asked, "Can you help me try to fix this?"

Kurai stared at her, "What—Why are you asking me to help?" he stuttered.

"Because," Miku smiled happily, "You helped me."

"I tried to—"

"But you didn't," Miku insisted, "that makes you different. I believe that no one is stuck where they end up. You can be who you want to be even if you are more darkness than light."

Kurai blinked, "I—Okay. I'll help."

"Thank you," Miku nodded.

"Miku!" Miku opened her eyes to the sound of her name being called. Kaito leaned over her worriedly. He hugged her once she opened her eyes. Miku squeaked, "Ah! Kaito."

"What the hell?!" Kaito helped her sit up.

"I don't really know," Miku shook her head. She was dizzy and had a serious headache.

"In order to help you I'm going to have to control someone that is ready and available to help you," Kurai walked up.

Kaito glanced at him and then stared at Miku, "Wait, WHAT?"

"I asked him to help me," Miku explained, "because he helped me before."

"He's a demon, Princess," one of the Guardians insisted, "He's the reason what happened to you happened in the first place." He glared at the demon with hatred in his eyes.

Miku's eyes narrowed, "Fine. If I'm the princess then this is purely my decision. Leave me alone and leave Kaito and Kurai alone as well. They haven't done anything wrong as far as I'm concerned."

"But Princess," the Guardians said in shock.

Kaito smirked, "She is your princess after all."

The lead Guardian glared at him, "This is a very dangerous move. Demons are untrustworthy backstabbing monsters and Reflections aren't much better. They're volatile and unreliable."

Miku continued to glare at them through narrowed eyes, "I'm making that an order. If you don't want to obey it then fine but you'll have to kill me first."

The Guardians nodded. "Then we will return to the palace," the lead one said.

Miku nodded. She rose to her feet.

Kaito shook his head in amusement, "Where'd you learn that? It wasn't all that long ago I scared the crap out of you."

Miku sighed, "Since I've had to deal with you and vampires and stuff like that."

Kurai glanced at her, "Is that okay?"

Miku nodded, "That's fine as long as you give them back when we're done."

Kurai nodded.

Kaito glanced at him, "Well, since we've been grouped together we might as well get acquainted with each other."

"Kurai," Kurai nodded.

"Kaito," Kaito smirked, "Technically his reflection."

Kurai nodded.

Miku sighed, "I'm leaving now."

The two boys nodded. Miku opened her eyes to the living room. Shadows were dissipating in the corners and her brother stared at her, shock and worry plastered equally on his face. Miku shrank as she looked past him to see her father and mother behind him. Her father looked stern and her mother looked more worried than her brother. She smiled sheepishly, "Sorry."

Kaito opened his eyes to his alarm blaring. He shook his head, "See I knew I just needed to sleep." His stomach growled insistently. Oh no! I slept through dinner last night! He jumped out of bed and shot down the stairs into the kitchen. I'll just have my ice cream and then I'll take something to eat at school. He grabbed his ice cream and a spoon.

"Hey, you slept through dinner," Akaito pointed out.

"I know," Kaito muttered.

"You're having ice cream for breakfast?" Kaiko asked.

"And?" Kaito shrugged, "I don't see what the problem is."

"Mom's going to kill you. Have cereal," Kaiko ordered.

Kaito glanced at her, "No. I'm having ice cream." His eyes widened, "I—I didn't really mean that." Where did that come from? Yeah I'd rather have ice cream but I'd always rather have ice cream. I don't know why I outright was outright defiant. He shook his head and took a giant scoop of his ice cream before sticking it back in the freezer. Besides, Kaiko is right. Last time I tried to have ice cream for breakfast Mom destroyed me.

Akaito and Kaiko exchanged glances. Akaito shrugged.

Kaito glanced at the freezer as he grabbed himself a bowl. I could just stick it in my backpack and eat it on the way to school. Yeah. I'm gonna do that. He nodded and shot up to his room. He grabbed his backpack and went back downstairs.

"What are you doing?" Taito asked.

"Nothing," Kaito struggled to zip his backpack up around the ice cream carton. It also held a large binder and two of his jackets. Kaito cursed under his breath and pulled out a jacket. He wrapped it around the ice cream quickly and shoved them into his backpack.

"What are you doing?" Taito repeated.

Kaito lifted up his backpack and stood, "I was just trying to put my jacket in it." He smiled and turned. He shot out of the kitchen and out the door.

Taito glanced at Kaiko and Akaito, "Is it just me or was he acting weird?"

"He was acting weird," Kaiko nodded.

"He was defiant earlier," Akaito smirked, "He told Kaiko no straight out."

Taito stared at him, "Seriously? But when was the last time he said no to any of us?"

"That's what made it so surprising, dummy," Kaiko muttered.

Kaito sighed, "Okay. Good to go." He walked down the street towards the school. This is actually really impulsive. I don't even know why I'm doing this but if I go to put the ice cream back then I'll get in trouble. I'll definitely get caught. He sighed and looked over his shoulder, "I'm screwed. When I get home I'm so dead." Why'd I even do that? It was just a passing thought. Well that's what it was supposed to be. He turned and continued to walk to school. As he walked to school he walked past the park. Hey I should probably eat my ice cream before it melts. It is kind of warm outside. He sat down and ate some of the ice cream. "Now I'm definitely late." Kaito hung his head, "I'm a scattered mess today." I don't understand. Why am I like this? Why is everything so rushed and sudden today? Why am I suddenly following through with everything I think even if it's inevitably going to get me in trouble? I'm going to be late to school. Mom's going to notice that my ice cream is gone. When I get home I'm going to die. Kaito sighed. He shook his head.

The sun was warm on his back as it rose and burned out the early morning clouds. "I give up," Kaito shrugged and stuck the ice cream back in his backpack. He laid down on the bench and closed his eyes. Forget it. I might as well take a nap since I'm getting in trouble anyway. Besides it's not likely that I'll sleep through an entire day. I haven't before and I slept all through last night.

"Kaito," Kaiko shook him roughly, "Wake up you moron."

Kaito sat up quickly, "Dammit." He grabbed his backpack and sighed, "I really did sleep through the whole day huh?"

Kaiko nodded, "Mom's going to stew you and eat you for dinner.

Kaito swallowed nervously. Awesome. He glanced at his sister, "Hey, how mad is Mom?"

"She sent your siblings to find you instead of coming to find you herself," Kaiko pointed out, "That's how mad she is."

Kaito swallowed. Uh-oh. I'm so dead. He followed his sister to Akaito's car which was waiting in the parking lot.

"Enjoy your nap?" Akaito asked.

Kaito glared at him.

"Well you're going to get in trouble for it. You might as well make sure it was worth it," Akaito shrugged.

Kaito sulked in the back of the car while Akaito drove back to the house.

"Kaito," his mother welcomed him with a false air of calm. Her eyes narrowed, "How was school?"

Kaito glanced at her, "Um, I—I don't know."

"You don't know or you didn't go," it was not a question.

Kaito cringed, "I didn't go."

"Why not?"

"Because today was already a train wreck and—"

"And you decided to worsen your situation by taking a nap on one of the park benches?" his mother interrupted.

Kaito coughed, "Um, yeah." He studied the ground around his feet.

"Look at me."

Kaito lifted his head just enough so that he could see her.

"In other words lift your head up," Kaiko muttered in his ear.

Kaito glanced at her.

"Thank you Kaiko but that was unnecessary."

Kaiko nodded.

Kaito lifted his head fully.

Akaito slipped Kaito's backpack into the kitchen. He put his brother's ice cream in the very back of the freezer as he was being yelled at.

"Where's your ice cream?" she asked coldly.

Kaito opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted.

"It's in the very, very back of the freezer Mom," Akaito said.

She cocked her head to the side and stood up to go check.

Akaito winked at him.

Kaito sighed in relief and relaxed a little. I'm so glad she's not going to yell at me for that too. My ears are about ready to fall off.

"Where?"

Akaito went into the kitchen and pulled it out of the back.

"I hid it from him but he ended up not getting a chance to not find it," Kaiko added.

"Don't do that in the future," their mother said.

Kaiko nodded.

Kaito looked down to hide the relieved smile that had crept onto his face.

Once his mother had finished being angry at him she started dinner.

Kaito went up to his room and sat on his bed, "Oh jeez. That was not fun."

Why not? It was fun before you got yelled at huh? Admit it.

Kaito glanced around, "Please tell me I'm not the only one that heard that." Okay. That was dumb. I'm the only one in the room so there's no reason to say that.

Who says you need a reason?

Kaito cocked his head to the side, "And why would I not need a reason? If there isn't a reason then there's no point."

Haha. That's funny. I kinda like you. Well that's not surprising. A shadow moved on the edge of Kaito's vision.

"Why not?" Kaito asked.

There was no response.

"Hello?" Kaito looked around uncertainly. Okay. I'm crazy. I'm losing my mind.

Miku opened her eyes. The familiar red world surrounded her. Kurai and Kaito waited for her. Kaito leaned against a rock while Kurai sat on the ground. She smiled and jogged up to them.

"So, what's the plan?" Kurai asked.

"Well," Miku paused, "I still don't even know what's weakening the gate. So that would be first priority I guess."

"So we have to find out how the gate is weakening and then you'll figure out what to do from there?" Kaito asked.

Miku nodded, "I guess."

Kurai summoned an illusion of Piko in front of her, "I'm going to use him. He lives near you and goes to the same school as your friends do. That will be best as I'm not going to take over any of your friends."

Miku nodded, "Piko used to be in my writing class before I got pulled out."

Kaito smiled. Miku sat next to Kurai and Kaito sat next to her. She glanced at them, "Hey, if everyone has a reflection does that mean that I do too?"

Kurai shook his head, "Female children of creatures from this realm don't have a reflection."

"They're also more likely to wield the ability to manifest in this world the way you do," Kaito added.

"Really?" Miku asked, "That's weird. Does that mean my brother has a reflection?"

"More than likely," Kurai nodded.

"I haven't met him," Kaito shrugged, "What type of stuff does your brother like to do?"

"He likes skateboarding and hanging out with his friends. He's really talkative and friendly," Miku shrugged.

"I might be able to find him," Kaito cocked his head to the side.

Miku shrugged, "I think we could use all the help we can get."

"You probably can't count on anyone from the Inner Haven," Kurai muttered bitterly.

"Why not?" Kaito asked.

"Me," he answered simply.

"That's fine," Miku nodded, "I don't even know where the Inner Haven is and I don't really want to go looking. Wait if my dad runs this place then how is he in the real world? How is it everyone can see him?"

"He created an avatar for himself," Kurai explained.

"Oh," Miku sighed, "I feel really dumb asking these questions."

Kaito smirked, "It's not like your father allowed you to grow up with visits to this world. It's natural that you're a little behind."

Miku nodded and smiled, "Thanks."

Kaito nodded, "Besides," he turned to Kurai, "she's not just allied with you. She's allied with me as well. In case you hadn't noticed, you and I will always be grouped together by them."

Kurai glanced at him, "Are you trying to make me feel better?"

Kaito smirked, "Maybe. So what if I am?"

"Can you guys please try to stop bickering about little things?" Miku asked in exasperation.

Kaito flicked her hair into her face.

Miku spat it out and glared at him indignantly, "Hey!"

Kurai smirked.

Kaito laughed, "You always look so cute when you do that."

Miku turned red, "Wha—hey!" She turned away, "God, guys."

They both laughed.

Miku sighed, "Well see ya. I'm going home now."

"C'mon," Kaito stood up and hugged her, "Stay. Please?"

"No," Miku sighed, "I'll come back tomorrow. Can you guys try to find my brother's reflection? If he asks or tries to kill you or whatever then tell him that I need his help. If he's anything like my brother, that'll get him to listen to you."

"Okay," Kurai nodded.

Kaito sighed and let go of her. He smiled, "Alright."

Miku smiled, "Thanks guys." She closed her eyes and dissipated. She opened her eyes to her alarm blaring. I still wake up to it even though I don't have to go to school anymore. She smiled and turned it off. She got up and walked to the living room to wish her brother goodbye.

Mikuo looked at her, "What's up?"

"Nothing much," Miku shrugged.

"You know you don't have to get up with me," he said for the thousandth time.

"I know," Miku nodded, "but I want to."

"Okay," Mikuo shook his head, "Your answer is the same every time. You miss school huh?"

Miku nodded, "Yeah, but it's okay. Rin and Len live right next door."

"But you haven't talked to them," Mikuo pointed out.

"Dad won't let me out of the house," Miku turned away from him.

"Here, I'll talk to Dad about it. How about that?" Mikuo smiled.

"Don't get yourself involved," Miku shook her head.

"I already am," Mikuo sat next to her, "You're my sister. I'll stand up for you even if it means butting heads with Mom and Dad."

Miku gave him a bitter sweet smile, "Thanks."

Mikuo nodded, "After school alright?" He stood and ruffled her hair.

"I'm not a little kid anymore," Miku muttered.

"Sorry," Mikuo smiled, "Couldn't help it."

Miku sighed. That's probably what Kaito was thinking when he flicked my hair into my face. He changes every single time I see him. Now I understand why everyone calls reflections volatile. She shrugged.

Mikuo left silently.

Miku walked over to the window and watched Luka's grey civic pull up in front of Rin's and Len's house. They both looked sadly at her house before getting in the car. Miku turned away from the window. That was dumb. Now I miss them even more. Knowing they miss me just as much only makes the pain worse. She sat on the couch and pulled her legs up to her chest. I have to go talk to them. I need to see them. But if I run off again I'll get in trouble. What am I supposed to do? Miku lifted her head and gasped. She looked around.

Kurai gasped, "Sorry to pull you here so suddenly but your friends, Rin and Len are in trouble."

"What's wrong?" Miku asked.

Kurai summoned an illusion of them in the real world.

Mikuo's reflection walked up along with Kaito.

Miku smiled at him but turned her attention to the illusion. Rin and Len were sitting in the back of Luka's car quietly. Neither of them said a thing. Rin glanced out the window. Sitting in between them floated a creature that appeared similar to a vampire. The main difference was that it was almost the color of a newborn's flesh. It faded into nothingness halfway down its body. Its face was twisted and malformed. Miku staggered back, "What is that?"

"It's a ghoul," Kurai explained.

"Meaning they're depressed and their reflections will show that," Mikuo added helpfully.

Miku shook her head, "I have to help them!" She dissipated.

"There she goes," Kaito laughed, "She's almost as impulsive as us."

"She doesn't have a reflection to hold all that extra impulsiveness for her," Mikuo shrugged.

Miku darted out the door, ignoring her father yelling at her to stop. I have to help them. They can't be like that anymore. I have to cheer them up! She ran all the way to the school and raced through the school building. She almost crashed into Meiko on her way to lunch, "Ah! I'm so sorry." Miku looked up, "Meiko."

Meiko smiled down at her, "Hey Miku. What brings you here?"

"I have to talk to Rin and Len," Miku insisted, "It's important."

Meiko nodded, "C'mon. They're already in the lunch room. They really haven't been themselves since you left."

Miku nodded. She followed Meiko to the lunch room and spotted them almost instantly. She ran over to them. The ghoul still hovered in between them. Miku's eyes narrowed. She hugged Len.

Len jumped and turned, "Miku?" his entire face lit up, "Miku!"

Rin jumped on her, "Miku! We haven't seen you in forever! Where have you been? You promised you'd still be able to see us!"

Miku smiled, "Sorry. Dad wouldn't let me outside. I saw you this morning and got worried because you looked so sad." She looked at the ghoul over their shoulders. It glared angrily back at her. Miku's eyes narrowed. She smiled at Rin and Len, "I promise that I'll talk to you for real this time okay? I'm going to try to convince my parents to let me come back to the school so I can be with you guys."

"That would be awesome!" Rin cried.

"Then we'd be able to have fun!" Len nodded.

"Just like you two used to," Gumi smiled.

Miku nodded, "But you have to promise to remain positive for however long it takes, okay? I need you guys to still be happy even though I'm not here."

The two of them nodded. Wide smiles were plastered on their faces.

You can't get rid of a ghoul that easily.

Miku nodded. I know. I have to destroy it. How? I mean they'd be able to see it right? If I destroyed it they'd be able to see me doing it?

Not if you cover the room in darkness. If you do that they won't be able to see but you will. Then you can pinpoint and destroy the ghoul. Kurai's voice echoed in her head.

"Alright," Miku smiled and pretended to leave the room. I cannot believe I'm doing this but this is what it takes.

Just be sure to keep the emotions in control.

Miku focused on the everyday when she had felt sad and every day when she had felt angry and channeled those emotions. She closed her eyes. Shadows began to flow from her to engulf the room.

Keep in mind that in the darkness the ghoul will also be more powerful. Luckily you made your friends happier before this. Just in case though I'd destroy it as fast as possible.

Miku nodded and opened her eyes. Shadows filled the room. She could see the ghoul clearly despite the black around her. It began to suck in shadows as well as Rin's and Len's still present doubts. Miku snarled, "I don't think so." She shot forward. Leave my friends alone! Light began to envelope her but at the same time the shadows deepened as her anger deepened. The knocked the ghoul away from them and slammed it into the window. Her hand glowed and it began to shriek as the light burned into its form. Miku didn't let go until it dissipated and the shrieking stopped.

Kaito looked around in the darkness. He could see vague forms of what he assumed to be his classmates. Sound was muted but still present. Everyone was surprised and from their tones he would've thought they were exclaiming except it was unnaturally quiet. He could barely hear them. He looked up as he heard what sounded like Miku. A flash of light blinded him for a second. No one else seemed to see it. He looked around. Miku was crouched on the ground lined in light. She was the only person her could see clearly.

Go talk to her. She obviously needs help.

"But, I can't even—I don't even know what's going on," Kaito shook his head. There I go talking to the voice in my head again.

Hey! I am more than just a voice. The voice sounded indignant and almost angry. Go talk to her. You want to. I know you do so just do it already! What's the worst that can happen if you don't? You're a creature of light so it's not like her light will burn you!

Kaito glared at thin air, "Shut up! How do you even know what I want?"

I am you now move your ass! Kaito felt something shove him towards Miku. He turned but saw nothing. Dammit. "Wait a second. How can you be me?"

That's not important now talk to her! This isn't going to fade unless you help her out so help her out!

Kaito growled and cautiously approached Miku.

Miku was sitting on the ground curled up. She was glowing but the shadows around that glow were equally as dark.

"Hey," Kaito kneeled down next to her. What am I supposed to say?

Just whatever comes to mind. It'll work. Trust me.

If this doesn't work then I'm never trusting you again. Kaito swallowed nervously.

Miku looked up at him. Both of her eyes were eclipsed but it seemed different. The light part contrasted more drastically with the darkness. The darkness was deep and the light was almost blinding to look at. A tear ran down her cheek.

Kaito wiped it away. I don't know what to say.

I told you to say whatever comes to mind!

But nothing's coming to mind! Kaito growled softly in frustration, "Um."

Miku shook her head and turned away from him.

Okay fine! Just say what I tell you.

Hell no! Kaito sighed, "Um." I don't want to ask what's wrong because that's really stupid. There's obviously something wrong and I doubt she's able to explain it to me anyway.

Say it anyway.

No!

Yes.

No! Kaito swallowed.

Miku buried her face in her arms.

Dammit! Usually I can come up with the perfect thing to say! What the hell? I can't think of anything that isn't completely stupid. Kaito closed his eyes and shook his head. But remaining silent is dumb too. What am I supposed to do?

What I tell you.

No.

Yes.

No. Kaito glared at nothing again.

Miku felt sadness well up inside of her at an uncomfortable fast rate. She shook her head. I don't understand. I feel so lost and alone. Even though I just helped Rin and Len I feel so empty. I'm told them to remain positive but maybe I need to take my own advice, especially before I start dishing it out.

"Miku," Kaito tried again.

Miku shook her head again. No. I don't want him to see me cry. I don't want anyone to see me cry! I don't like it when anyone sees me cry! I've embarrassed myself enough here!

Kaito saw her light starting to fade. Uh-oh.

C'mon man! Say something!

I'm trying! Kaito looked down at her.

The light began to fade faster.

Kaito shook his head. I don't know why you think I can help in this situation!

You are the only one that will be able to see her until this shadow blanket fades. The more she sits here and the dimmer her light gets the darker the shadows will be. Got that?

I'm not dumb. I've already gathered that much. Kaito rolled his eyes.

Miku started to float above the ground and shadows swept away from her in increasing amounts.

Kaito stood and stepped back, "Uh-oh." I feel completely useless! What am I supposed to do?

Now really do exactly what I tell you!

Kaito nodded, "Alright."

Get as close to her as you can.

Kaito hesitated but ended up obeying.

TELL HER WHAT I TELL YOU TO!

Kaito looked down, "No way. I don't even know you."

I am you without the boundaries you put on yourself via logic. In this situation you need to say exactly what I tell you.

Kaito growled, "Fine but after this I want a real explanation."

I don't promise promising results but you've got a deal.

Kaito looked up at Miku as a wind began to form around her.

Miku felt pain. More than she had ever in her life. It hurt to breath and it hurt to move. She felt like the amount of tears that fell down her cheeks really could make a river. She didn't know where this pain came from but it hurt. Her heart ached for no real reason and her body burned. Miku wanted to curl up into a ball and cry. Ah! I don't know what this is. I don't know where this came from I don't know anything anymore. I wanted to help my friends. That's all I wanted. Why am I in so much pain if I'm helping them? Is it because I am helping them? Am I not strong enough to support them anymore? I've never felt so broken in my life.

"Miku!" Kaito called.

Shake her.

"What?" Kaito shook his head, "No way. That's not even cool."

It may be the only way to snap her out of it.

"I'm not going to shake her." The wind strengthened. Kaito stumbled back as it hit him.

SHAKE HER!

Fine. Kaito shook her, "Miku!"

Miku opened her eyes and looked at him. They were black. All trace of light was gone.

Kaito hugged her.

Tell her it'll be okay.

No. I'm just going to hug her. That's all right now.

Fine.

Miku buried her face in his neck and cried.

Kaito put his hand comfortingly on the back of her head. He remained silent.

She began to glow dimly again.

Kaito smiled. See told you.

Shut up.

Miku chuckled, "I can hear you. Both of you."

Kaito looked at her, "But I didn't even say anything."

Miku laid her head on his chest, "You're talking to a creature that lives in the world I showed you a couple days ago. I can hear you talk to him."

That means we're closer than most.

Kaito glared at thin air, "I haven't heard your annoying voice before now so can't you stay silent for a bit longer?"

"You two are so much alike," Miku whispered.

Kaito looked at her. Her glow was intensifying. He smiled, "I don't see it."

Miku looked up at him, "I do. I'm sure he doesn't either but that's okay."

Kaito rolled his eyes, "Who is 'he' anyway?"

"Do you want to meet him?" Miku smiled. "I can," she paused as though searching for the right word, "introduce you."

Kaito cocked his head to the side, "You aren't going to pass like you did a couple days ago if you do will you?"

Miku shrugged, "I don't know."

"Then let's not right now," Kaito said.

Miku nodded. The shadows around the room began to fade.

"Are you going to be okay?" Kaito asked.

Miku nodded, "Yeah."

Kaito nodded. He let her go and put his hand on her head, "Don't freak me out like that again."

You were just freaked out because you didn't know what to say to make everything okay without sounding like a fool.

Kaito glared at the ceiling, "Shut up."

Miku smiled. She walked back over to where the outlines of Rin and Len were beginning to harden.

"Miku!" Rin jumped at her, "What was that? Everything just got all dark and I couldn't see anything."

"I don't know," Miku smiled, "I'm glad to see you but I really should go home."

"Your father's waiting outside," one of the teachers said.

Miku nodded. She smiled at Rin and Len.

They both hugged her before returning to their lunch.

Miku hurried outside and walked slowly up to the car.

Her father watched her with stony eyes.

Miku climbed into the back of the car. She watched the city fly by silently.

"I understand you wanted to help your friends but taking on something that powerful is extremely dangerous," her father insisted, "You shouldn't have run out like that."

Miku nodded, "Yes Dad." The rest of the ride was silent. Once they got home Miku went directly to her room. She closed her eyes.

"Miku!"

"Hey!"

Miku opened her eyes to Rin's and Len's reflections, "Hey!"

"Thanks for helping out," Rin smiled.

"I thought we were done," Len added.

Miku glanced at Kaito and Mikuo.

Kurai shook his head, "C'mon. Let her at least get up."

Rin and Len skipped backwards.

Miku got to her feet, "You guys helping too?"

"Though we might as well fetch them," Mikuo shrugged.

Miku laughed.

"Hey!"

"We are not dogs."

Miku laughed again, "I can't wait to see what happens when Rin and Len meet you guys."

"Well other than the fact that we'll merge with them," Rin smiled.

"Making them even more fun!" Len added.

"Only in your eyes," Kurai sighed.

Rin and Len looked at him with mirrored indignant faces.

"We should find Luka!" Rin said suddenly.

"Let's go!" Len grabbed Miku's hand.

Rin grabbed the other.

"Whoa!" Mikuo stepped in front of them, "She's still human. She can't move as fast as us."

Miku cocked her head to the side, "You're faster than humans."

Kaito nodded. He grabbed one of her ponytails and began to play with it, "Yeah. We can run faster."

"And we have faster reflexes!" Rin and Len added.

Miku smiled, "That sounds cool." She smiled, "I think I know a trick to keep up."

"What?" Rin asked.

"You aren't going to go all dark?" Len asked.

"Are you?" Rin asked.

Miku smiled and began to glow.

"No," Mikuo answered.

Miku floated above the ground and opened her eyes, "Let's find Luka!"

They sped away through the outer edges looking for Luka's reflection.

"Luka!" Rin cried when they saw her in the distance. She grabbed Miku's right hand and Len grabbed her left. They shot forward.

Kaito sighed.

Kurai and Miku floated along above the ground. Miku smiled. So this is what it feels like to fly. This is exhilarating! I love this. She landed in front of Luka and smiled, "Luka."

Luka smiled, "Hello guys." She glanced at Kurai. "I assume he's here for a reason," she said warily.

Miku nodded, "He's promised to help."

Luka nodded but remained wary.

"He's actually pretty cool," Rin smiled.

"Especially since he's a demon," Len added.

Kurai glanced at them.

Miku shook her head, "They're like that."

Luka nodded, "Alright."

"C'mon!" Miku glanced at Luka, "Would I be able to do this in the other world?"

Luka cocked her head to the side, "I would assume so if you could use this power in that world."

"Considering how weak the gates are," Mikuo added, "I was not surprised when you were able to use this power."

Miku smiled, "So I can fly!"

Kaito nodded.

"You can fly," Kurai smirked.

Rin and Len grabbed her hands, "C'mon! Let's go find all the others!"

"Don't you think that'll take a while?" Miku asked.

"Oh yeah," Rin pouted.

"Time passes differently," Len added disappointedly.

Miku smiled, "We can find them tomorrow." She nodded and flew around for a bit, "This is so cool!" She landed in front of them, "See you guys tomorrow then!" She dissipated.

"Miku!" her mother called.

Miku gasped, "I'm coming!" She charged up and flew down the stairs. She landed in the kitchen behind her mother, "Yeah?"

Her mother turned in startled shock, "How'd you get down here so fast?"

Miku cupped her hands behind her back and lowered her gaze, "Well, um, I ran."

"How'd you really get down here?" her father asked.

Miku swallowed. She lifted her head to show her certainty, "I ran."

They nodded, believing her this time.

Mikuo glanced at her. He had been facing her when she had landed behind their mother.

Miku smiled and grabbed his hand. She dragged him upstairs.

"What?" He asked.

"I can fly," Miku squealed excitedly.

"I saw," he shook his head, "How?"

"I'll explain later," she began to glow and fly back down the stairs.

"I feel like she's going to go on a ride tonight," Mikuo muttered under his breath.

Miku ate dinner quickly and pretended to be tired. She hurried up to her room.
I can fly! I can fly! This is so cool! I can fly. She opened her window. I wonder how high I can go. She climbed out of her window and charged herself up. She flew up to the roof and sat on it. It's so nice. It's kind of cool and there's a nice wind. This is like a perfect night. She smiled and laid down on her back. She stared up at the stars, "I wonder how many constellations I can name." She smiled and rolled over onto her stomach. I'm going to go over to Rin's and Len's house tomorrow. "Well maybe not. That'd be weird and Dad will get mad at me again for running off," Miku sighed. This is no fun.

"Miku, you need to be careful. The gate's due to break anytime now."

Miku rolled over and sat up quickly, "Right!" She flew back into her room. I'm gonna leave the window open. She closed her eyes and returned to the other world.

"Miku!"

"You're back!"

"How are you?" Luka asked.

"We have to find the others," Miku insisted, "the gates are due to break and I want to have everyone's help before that happens."

Rin nodded, "Count on us!"

Len smiled, "We can do it!"

"We'll find them," Mikuo promised seriously.

"Get some sleep," Luka said.

Kaito closed her eyes.

"Wha—hey!" Miku batted at his hands.

"You are sleeping while we go find them," Kurai said.

Miku sighed, "Fine."

Luka put two fingers on her forehead, "Goodnight Miku."

Miku felt herself become extremely tired before collapsing.

Kaito laid her gently on the ground and she dissipated.

Miku opened her eyes and saw her room, "I hope they managed to find them okay." She flew out her window and landed in front of Rin and Len.

"Whoa!" Rin jumped back.

"How'd you do that?" Len stared at her in surprise.

Miku smiled, "I can fly."

"How?" Len asked.

"I wanna be able to fly too!" Rin cried.

Miku smiled, "Because it's part of the whole eclipse eye thing."

"Ah! C'mon!" Rin whined.

"Hey but if things happen the way I want them too you'll be able to run superfast soon," Miku smiled.

"That would be so cool!"

"There'd be so many things we could do!"

Miku nodded, "Have fun at school."

"It'd be more fun if you were there," Rin sighed.

"Luka's here," Len pointed.

Miku turned.

"Miku," Luka smiled warmly, "Long time no see."

Miku ran up to her and hugged her, "Yeah."

"You're staying home?" Luka asked.

Miku nodded. She stepped away from Luka, "I'd better go back into my room."

"How?" Luka asked.

"She can fly!" Rin bounced around them.

"How? That's not physically possible," Luka said.

"It comes with the eclipse eyes," Miku smiled. She began to glow and floated into the air. She shot up to Rin's and Len's roof. She then floated back down to land in front of them.

Luka watched her with wide eyes, "Okay then. That is certainly interesting." She smiled, "I'm sure you're enjoying being able to fly."

Miku nodded, "Yep!"

"Alright," Luka nodded, "Now hurry back to your room."

Miku nodded. She hugged Rin and Len and flew back into her room. She hurried down the stairs and into the living room.

Her father looked at her from where he was standing by the open living room window.

Miku swallowed uncomfortably, "Um."

"You showed them? You showed them that you can fly?" his voice was filled with disapproval.

Miku nodded. Her gaze shifted to the ground.

"Do you know why I don't want you going outside?"

"No."

"Because you cannot be trusted to control your abilities when you are under stress."

Miku swallowed the lump that settled in her throat. She remained silent.

"Do you understand?"

Miku nodded.

"I keep you inside for a reason. I'm only protecting you."

Miku bit her lip. Tears budded at the rims of her eyes. Anger filled her.

"Stay inside from now on Miku."

Miku glared at the ground. She lifted her head and transferred that glare to him, "I'm sixteen! I'm not some little kid that needs to be protected anymore! You don't have to lock me up to keep me safe! I would feel safer if you had let me visit that world when I was younger!" Shadows swirled around her, "I'm better off without you! I'm better off by myself! I can take care of myself. I learned to by myself! I can handle myself! I don't need you constantly following me around anymore! I don't need you to hold my hand anymore! It's because of you that I can't function! It's because of you that I can't handle anything under stress! And it's because of you I'm so stressed out to begin with!" Miku felt tears roll down her cheeks. She turned away, "Oh who am I kidding. I don't expect you to understand." She turned and darted up the stairs, "It's not like you've ever understood anyway!"

She slammed her bedroom door shut. Shadows followed her and swirled around her. He's never understood! He's not even human! He's from the other world. How can he possibly understand how I feel?!

The rest of the day was spent staring out the window at the sky. Miku pulled her knees up close to her chest and sighed.

"Miku!" Her mother called.

Miku turned to her door. I really don't want to talk to you right now. She laid down on her bed and rolled over to face the wall. She closed her eyes and faded into the other world.

"Miku!" Rin and Len skipped up to her.

Miku smiled, "Hey guys."

"You seem negative," Mikuo noted.

Miku shrugged, "I'm not allowed to go anywhere."

"Dude!" Len smiled.

"We'll make you smile in no time!" Rin promised.

Miku smiled, "Okay."

They exchanged high fives.

Luka shook her head.

Kurai sighed, "The gates are even weaker than they were before this."

"So how long do you think it will be before they break?" Miku asked nervously.

"Honestly," Kaito shook his head, "We don't know."

"Everything here can sense the weakness in the gates," Luka explained, "so the Umbral creatures are pushing against the force field. The only way for us to help you in that world is to merge with our other selves. I'm assuming you figured that our already."

Miku nodded.

"So we're going to work on interacting with them so that when the time comes it won't be so sudden and they'll still be able to function," Mikuo said.

Miku nodded. She glanced around, "What about Meiko and—"

"They're currently keeping the Umbral creatures from pushing against the force field," Kaito said.

"We stopped here to talk to you."

Miku nodded, "Let's go help them."

Luka nodded.

Miku floated above the ground and flew next to Kurai, "How's Piko?"

"He's fine," Kurai smiled, "so far everything is working out. I explained to him that I'm just going to use his body so I can help you and then once that's done I'll give it back and return here."

Miku glanced at him, "You'll return to this place? But what about a second chance in my world?"

"That's not possible," he shook his head, "Once you're dead, you're dead."

Miku nodded, "Okay. And Piko's okay with that?"

"He's been secretly crushing on Neru for a while," Kurai smiled, "So I also agreed to help him talk to her when this is all done."

Miku laughed, "Okay, so now you're suddenly dishing out love advice?"

Kurai shrugged, "Sure. Why not?"

They arrived at the very edge of the world relatively quickly. The shadows were deep. Miku could see individual creatures moving within those shadows. She saw Meiko's reflection. She held and extremely large sword easily with one hand. Miku landed next to her and saw Akaito's and Gakupo's reflection's as well. She had heard of Gakupo but hadn't actually seen him before. She smiled.

"Bout time you guys came back," Meiko snapped.

Rin stuck out her tongue.

Miku sighed, "C'mon guys."

"Hello Princess."

Miku turned to see a very solid female figure approaching her.

"Wouldn't it be nice if you could be treated like the princess you are? Why are you working with these lowly Reflections if you born from an angel of Luxaeous?"

Kaito appeared in front of her with his thin elegant blade at her neck. He glared at her through narrowed eyes, "Leave Miku alone."

Miku shook her head. She was suddenly dizzy and her head hurt.

"That's harsh," Meiko smiled.

"Luckily we're just as harsh," Mikuo narrowed his eyes.

"Kaito you're closest."

Kaito's sword sliced through her neck. She screamed and dissipated into shadows.

Miku's eyes widened, "Um."

"She is what you call a Succubus," Gakupo explained.

"She twists humans to ambitious tendencies that will end up hurting everyone around them," Akaito added.

Miku nodded, "Okay. That makes sense."

"You are the only one here susceptible to her," Kurai added.

Miku smiled, "Alright."

Kurai glanced up, "Your brother's home. You might want to go back so you can explain to him what's going on."

Miku pouted, "But I wanted to help you guys."

"We can handle it," Meiko smiled.

"Bet on it!" Rin jumped up into the air.

"We'll be fine," Mikuo nodded, "Go."

Miku pouted but complied. She woke up. I feel like I'm being tossed aside.

No way. You're the only one in the real world that can prepare them for what's going on. It's important that you be in your world so that when it happens, you and your friends will be ready to go. Kurai's voice whispered in her ear.

Miku sighed and went downstairs, "Mikuo! How was school?"

"It was fine," Mikuo smiled. He walked into the kitchen, "Hey Dad."

"Yes?"

"I wanted to talk to you about—"

Miku flew around the corner and landed behind him, "Actually! I need you to come with me!"

Mikuo turned in surprise, "What? But I was going to—"

"No," Miku insisted. She grabbed his arm and dragged him up the stairs.

"Wha—Miku!" Mikuo stumbled after her.

Miku pulled him into her room.

"Okay, what?" Mikuo asked.

Miku closed her door, "Okay, so you know how I was talking about reflections right?"

Mikuo nodded.

"Well you have one too even though Dad is the ruler of that place. I don't because for some reason female children are less likely to," Miku shrugged and shook her head. "Anyway that doesn't matter. The gate that divides that world from ours is breaking. When that happens, you and the others have to merge with your reflections in order to be able to help me. I'm going to need your help. I just wanted to let you know so it wasn't sudden."

Mikuo nodded, "Only half of that made sense but alright."

Miku sighed and flopped onto her bed, "Okay! I don't have time to explain. I have to talk to the others. Stay in here and pretend you're still talking to me. Whatever happens, don't let Mom or Dad in."

Mikuo nodded.

Miku shot out her window. She landed in front of Rin and Len's house and knocked on the door.

"Hey," Luka answered it, "Miku!"

Yes. Three birds with one stone! Miku smiled warmly, "Hey I need to talk to you guys really fast."

"Alright," Luka let her into the house.

Rin and Len skipped up to her, "Miku!"

Miku smiled and hugged them, "Hey. I wanted to explain something to you guys. You have to hold my hands. Hold hands with Luka too so I can show all you guys."

They formed a circle around her holding hands.

"Close your eyes," Miku smiled.

They obeyed although Luka hesitated for a second.

Miku closed her own eyes and focused on the other world. She opened your eyes, "Okay open them but don't let go of my hands."

Rin and Len opened them first. Their eyes widened.

"Whoa!" Rin looked around with wide eyes.

"Where are we?" Len asked.

Luka just looked around in shock.

Miku took a deep breath, "This is what I see when you see eclipse eyes. Here there are lots of things but it's been kept separate from our world by a gate. That gate is breaking. Some of those creatures are here right now. We just can't see them. Well you guys can't see them. Anyway, if the gates were to break then everyone would be able to see them and that would be catastrophic."

"Princess Miku," a mocking voice said.

Miku turned and saw a dark haired man with a smug sneer on his face. He walked calmly forward, "And you brought friends this time." He had an unearthly grace and beauty. Demon. Miku's eyes narrowed. He had deep purple eyes that were undeniably alluring.

Rin's eyes widened.

He smiled at her, "Hello. I only know you as the Princess's friend but wouldn't it be nice—"

"No," Miku let go of their hands and stepped between him and Rin.

"But—"

"No," Miku repeated as Rin tried to argue.

His eyes narrowed, "But Princess. Am I not allowed to become acquainted with such a beautiful girl?"

Miku's eyes narrowed further, "No. You're a demon. You'll just use her."

"As I recall you are allowing a demon to take over one of your friends so he can 'help' you," he snarled.

"Really?" Rin asked. She stared at Miku, "But then that's not fair!"

Miku growled quietly, "This is different. You're smug. You know what you want and you know how to get it."

"And he doesn't? Kurai is a savage monster, even by demonic standards."

Miku began to glow. She glanced at Rin, seeing the slight purple tinge to her eyes.

He snarled and shaded his eyes with his hand, "I see you can still use the light."

Miku glared at him, "You better believe it." Her glow intensified.

Rin shook her head, "What the? What happened?"

Miku shot forward and plunged her hand into his abdomen.

He shrieked but remained standing.

Miku channeled all of her glow into her hand, "I said no. I can tell the difference between you and Kurai."

"And how do you know Kurai isn't in control of you?" He smirked and grabbed her wrist. Darkness coursed from his palm and up her arm.

Miku shook her head as sadness flowed through her. She glanced at Rin and Len. Luka stood partially in front of them protectively even though she could never hope to be able to defend them against him. Miku squeezed her eyes shut, "NO!" Her glow tripled in intensity, "You won't win." She pulled her wrist out of his grasp and turned both of her palms to face him. A beam of light intermixed with a touch of darkness shot out from her palms and combined. They sliced through him.

Rin and Len exchanged glances, "That was awesome!"

Miku turned and smiled. She shot back to them and landed in front of them, "So, yeah. That was a demon. They have the ability to manipulate and take control of people."

Len nodded and glanced at Rin.

Miku sighed, "Anyway, there are these creatures that live here called reflections. Everyone has one except me. That's a long story. But, what I'm trying to say is that in order for you guys to help me like I need you to you have to meet and merge with your reflections. If that happens too suddenly then you'll go crazy and be traumatized for life so I just wanted to tell you ahead of time."

Rin and Len nodded, "That sounds cool!"

"Is that what you mean when you told them they'd be able to run really fast?" Luka asked. She smiled, "They told me about it."

Miku nodded, "Reflections are really fast so yeah."

"Cool!" Rin squealed.

Len clapped excitedly, "That would be awesome!"

Miku nodded, "Anyway, I have to go so let's go back."

They nodded and reformed the circle.

Miku opened her eyes and saw the house. She smiled, "Go ahead and open your eyes." She flew out the door. She went back up to her room and landed in front of the window. Okay, so Kaito and Akaito are brothers. I can do them next. I'll do Gakupo after that. I'll bring Luka with me when I do that. Then I'll talk to Meiko and Gumi! I need Gumi too. Miku swallowed and flopped onto her bed. I just hope I don't pass out again. She closed her eyes and fell asleep. The next morning came faster than she would've liked and she opened her eyes drowsily to her alarm clock screaming. Miku sat up and rubbed her eyes before turning it off.

Mikuo knocked on her bedroom door, "Hey. Can I talk to you?"

Miku opened her bedroom door, "What's up?"

"I tried getting Mom and Dad to let you go back to regular school last night," Mikuo explained, "partially to distract them so you could do what you had to do."

"Dad said no huh?" Miku asked.

Mikuo nodded, "Yeah. Oh well. You'll be okay. I mean I at least know you are no longer above running."

Miku smiled, "There are things that have to be done. Hey can you talk to Gakupo. Just explain to him kind of what's going on and tell him I know more and will be able to tell him more."

Mikuo nodded, "You got it."

Miku smiled, "Thanks."

Mikuo winked at her, "I've got your back. Just make sure you don't exhaust yourself alright?"

Miku nodded.

"Alright," Mikuo patted her head and left.

Miku glared after him. I'm not some little kid! But…thanks. She smiled and hurried down the stairs. I have to go to the park. She saw her father sitting on the couch. He said goodbye to Mikuo and turned to her, "Miku."

Miku growled under her breath, "Yeah?"

"I'm going on a business trip and won't be back for a while. Promise you will stay inside."

"I will" Miku nodded.

"Good," he nodded.

Miku turned and went back to her room. She watched her father's car pull out of the driveway and speed away. She opened her window and locked her bedroom door. That should do it. She flew off to the school and landed in front of it. She darted into the building and into what had been her second class. She quickly found who she was looking for.

"Miku? I thought you were pulled out of the school," the teacher said in surprise.

Everyone in the class turned to stare at her.

Miku smiled sweetly, "Can I borrow Gumi really fast?"

Gumi glanced at the teacher.

The teacher nodded, "Sure. What for?"

"I just wanted to tell her something," Miku smiled again.

Gumi stood and followed Miku into the hallway.

Miku walked down the empty hallway, "So I can't explain it all right now but there's this other world. You have a mirror image there called a reflection and they can merge with you. If they do suddenly then you can be traumatized which is why I'm warning you. Anyway I need you to merge with them so you can help me with something else."

Gumi cocked her head to the side, "Alright. So I'm merging with a mirror image to help you? Sounds fair. Can't wait."

Miku smiled, "Thanks Gumi."

Gumi nodded, "Anytime, Miku."

Miku smiled, "That's it."

Gumi hurried back to class.

Miku shot through the school hovering close to the ceiling. She found Meiko on her way to the water fountain. She dropped down in front of her.

Meiko jumped back, "Wha—Miku?"

Miku smiled, "Sorry to startle you like that Meiko."

"How'd you get up there?" Meiko looked up.

"Well?" Miku paused, "I can fly but that's not why I'm here."

Meiko looked at her sideways, "You can fly?"

"It's complicated but I'm just here to warn you. There's another world with a mirror image of you. You can merge with them but you can be traumatized if it happens to suddenly and I need your help. In order to help me you have to merge with her so I need to warn that it's coming so you aren't permanently scarred."

Meiko shook her head, "What?"

"I can give you more context later but because you're supposed to be in class I can't show you right now," Miku sighed, "I know it sounds really confusing but if you'll stop by the park tomorrow morning before school then I can show you and explain it better."

Meiko nodded, "Okay."

Miku glowed and floated above the ground. She shot away quickly and slid out the door close to the ceiling as a security officer opened it.

Meiko watched her before hurrying back to class. The bell rang to go to the next class soon after. She's completely lost her mind. Miku's nuts.

No. She's right. It will all make sense Meiko. You just have to trust her.

Meiko lifted her head and looked around. "What?" she whispered.

Don't talk to yourself out loud alright? Just think. No one else can hear me. Only you.

Meiko cocked her head to the side. Okay, I'm losing my mind.

No you are not. I am the mirror image she was talking about. That's why she's not crazy.

Meiko narrowed her eyes. You are not making any sense.

It doesn't have to.

Meiko glared at her desk. Why not?

Because it's right. Sometimes what's right doesn't make any sense.

Meiko paused. Okay so maybe she's right but what the hell does she need help with?

She'll explain that. I can't right now because I'm busy dealing with things.

Meiko cocked her head to the side. Busy? With what? What can a mirror image of me possibly be busy doing? She entered her next class and set her stuff down.

Protecting the boundary that separates your world from mine.

Meiko's eyes widened, "What?"

Don't say anything out loud dummy!

Well sorry! Meiko's eyes flashed.

"Meiko," Gumi asked from where she sat next to her.

Meiko jumped and turned. She felt her cheeks flush, "Yeah?"

"Are you alright?"

Meiko nodded, "I'm fine."

You're a terrible liar.

Shut up! Meiko turned her head and glared at her desk.

Gumi leaned closer to her, "You're hearing a voice too huh?"

Meiko stared at her, "Yeah."

Gumi nodded, "It started after I talked to Miku."

That's weird because her reflection isn't with us.

Meiko rolled her eyes.

Gumi laughed, "She bugging you?"

Meiko nodded, "Just a bit."

Gumi laughed, "Mines pretty fun."

Meiko sighed, "I wish mine would shut up and leave me alone."

Not happening, Meiko.

I realize this thank you. Meiko sighed in exasperation.

Gumi laughed, "That's funny. I honestly believe Miku, especially after talking with my reflection."

Meiko nodded. I guess I have no choice but to believe Miku. "She told me to meet her at the park tomorrow morning before school."

"Miku?"

Meiko nodded.

"Ladies please stop talking," the teacher said.

Meiko nodded, "Sorry sir."

Gumi sighed, "Boring."

Meiko shook her head in amusement. I guess Gumi isn't that bad.

Of course she isn't. She's just as nuts as you are!

What do you mean?

Her reflection has a freaking bazooka.

Meiko glanced at Gumi and shook her head. Why am I not surprised? Okay so what do you have?

A sword.

That's boring. Meiko sighed. Here I was thinking it was something a bit more exciting.

Once you see it you will understand.

I can't see it now and I don't understand. Why couldn't it have been something cooler? Meiko sighed in disappointment.

Okay fine! It's three times your size!

Seriously? Meiko smirked. Okay now that qualifies as awesome.

See.

Yes. Meiko crossed her arms over her chest and sat back in her chair. If you and I merge will I be able to use that sword?

Yes.

Awesome. Meiko nodded to herself. Once the bell rang for lunch she and Gumi walked out of class together.

Kaito saw Meiko talking to Gumi, "Hey guys. What's up?" He jogged up to them.

Meiko sighed, "Nothing much."

He's a cutie. I must say his reflection is also cute.

Meiko glared at the ground, "What was that?"

A small laugh echoed through her head in response.

Kaito cocked his head to the side.

Well you gonna say something? I mean you were telling me how you always knew the right thing to say. Except when it comes to Miku of course.

Kaito snarled, "Shut up."

Gumi cocked her head to the side, "You too?"

Kaito smirked, "Yeah, he's annoying."

Gumi smiled, "I like mine. Miku came to talk to Meiko and me today."

Kaito cocked his head to the side, "Really? Miku was here?"

Meiko nodded, "She can fly."

You sound so enthused.

Shut up. Meiko sighed, "Annoying is a freaking understatement."

Kaito chuckled, "Just a bit. Miku apparently doesn't have one."

"Really?" Gumi asked, "That's gotta be boring."

"She's princess of the other realm," Kaito shrugged.

Meiko raised her head, "Seriously?"

Kaito nodded.

Gumi pouted, "That would be so cool!"

"I don't think so," Meiko shook her head, "It would mean having enemies and everyone would stare at you and worship you."

Gumi shuddered, "Never mind."

Rin and Len skipped past, "Dude that is so cool!"

Len smiled, "I wish I'd be able to fly though."

"But motorcycles are awesome," Rin shrugged.

"Flying would be cooler though."

Rin nodded.

Kaito Meiko and Gumi exchanged glances.

"Hey guys! Wait up!" Gumi called.

Rin and Len turned, "Yeah?"

Gumi caught up with them, "What's up? And what are you going on about?"

Rin and Len exchanged glances. They looked suddenly uncomfortable. "Um," Rin muttered.

"We were just," Len paused, "um."

Gumi smiled. She leaned forward and whispered something in their ears.

Rin's eyes widened and Len smiled. "Really?" they asked in unison.

Gumi nodded and led them back to where Kaito and Meiko waited, "Just what I thought."

Kaito glanced at them, "So you guys too huh?"

Rin and Len nodded. "Miku came to our house a couple days ago and showed us and Luka," Len explained.

"She told me to meet her at the park tomorrow morning so she could show me," Meiko sighed.

"What exactly did she show you?" Gumi asked.

Rin paused, "Um, that's a little hard to explain."

Len cocked his head to the side, "Well it was red everywhere except there were like shadows that flowed around like wisps and the clouds were all black too."

"And we saw a demon!" Rin added excitedly.

Really?

Meiko cocked her head to the side, "Really?"

Rin nodded, "Yep."

"Miku took care of him though," Len grinned.

"It was kind of awesome!" Rin added.

"You almost fell prey to him," Len told her.

"So did you moron," Rin insisted.

"I did not!" Len retaliated.

"Chill," Meiko snapped.

Rin and Len quieted and turned to her.

"Did Miku explicitly tell you what she needed help with?" Meiko asked.

"She said the boundary was breaking and if that happened it would be catastrophic," Rin said.

"And that she needed our help to stop it," Len added.

Meiko nodded, "Alright then. So we need to help her with that."

Rin and Len nodded.

"And in order to do that we have to meet our other selves," Meiko's eyes narrowed. "Okay."

They nodded.

Meiko smirked, "Sounds like a plan."

Miku hurried over to her older brother's school and waited outside. Her brother brought out Gakupo, Luka and Akaito.

"So you're Miku?" Gakupo asked.

Miku nodded, "Yeah." God he's tall.

Akaito smirked, "So what's going on?"

Miku smiled, "Well I can show all of you."

Her brother looked at her sideways, "Are you sure?"

Miku looked at him, "I did Luka, Rin and Len at the same time. I'm sure I can handle you guys since two of you have been there before." She chuckled, "Oh yeah, my friends have reported hearing voices after I showed them or told them about the existence of the other world. If you do it's fine because I actually need you to hear those voices."

Mikuo and Luka nodded. "We've both heard voices. They explain themselves even if Miku doesn't," Luka explained.

Akaito cocked his head to the side in confusion, "Okay?"

Miku stood up, "We're going to have to go elsewhere for this though." She began to glow and float above the ground, "Meet me at the park okay?" She flew off.

"Since when could she fly?" Akaito asked.

Luka shook her head, "I still don't know the answer to that one."

Akaito shook his head, "I'm completely lost."

Gakupo led the way to the park. Miku was waiting for them in a clearing between trees.

Mikuo hurried up to her, "Are you sure you can handle it?" he asked worriedly, "I mean you've also been flying around all day."

"I can handle it," Miku smiled, "Don't worry."

Mikuo looked at her, "I'm your brother. Worrying about you is my job alright?"

Miku laughed, "C'mon." She had them form a circle and hold hands, "I'm not sure what will happen if we aren't all connected. Someone might get lost and if that happens then I'm pretty sure they'd die eventually with no hope of being saved. I don't want that to happen so we're holding hands." She closed her eyes, "Close your eyes guys."

They complied.

Miku opened her eyes and saw the other world, "Okay open your eyes."

Akaito looked around, "What the?"

"This is what I see when you see eclipses in my eyes," Miku explained.

"So we have eclipses in our eyes?" Akaito asked.

"I honestly don't know if you do," Miku shrugged.

Gakupo looked around, taking everything in calmly.

"Princess Miku is back with presents for us."

Miku whirled around, "Not you guys again. Go away!"

The group of vampires hissed. "But don't they want to see their reflections?" the leader asked.

"Or what's left of them," the other sneered.

Miku's eyes narrowed dangerously, "What did you do?" She began to glow intensely.

They hissed and backed away from her.

"It wasn't us jeez. The demons joined the shadows on the edge of the world and they can't hold it much longer," a third one hissed.

Miku snarled.

Mikuo looked at her in surprise.

Miku glanced at them, "I'm sending you guys back. I need you to go to my school and pic up Rin, Len, Gumi, Kaito, Meiko and Piko, alright?'

Luka nodded, "On it."

"What will you be doing?" Mikuo asked.

"Helping our reflections," Gakupo guessed.

Miku nodded. She looked at them, "Hold hands." She closed her eyes and sent them back. Then she shot away to the edge of the world.

"Dammit!" Meiko hissed. She quickly dodged a ghouls savage claws and sliced it's head off.

Kurai hovered above them, "The force field is starting to crack. If it shatters then the force of all of this darkness will push us into the other world."

"What if our other selves aren't ready?" Gumi's reflection asked.

"They've gotta be," Mikuo's snapped. He shot a vampire in the head with his left pistol and a ghoul fell to a bullet from his right.

"We can't keep this up for much longer," Meiko hissed. She kicked a Succubus back with a graceful spin.

Kurai snarled, "I'm going to Piko so I can be in the other world to help you guys when you get there."

Kaito nodded.

Kurai dissipated.

Miku shot a beam of light through the shadows and appeared in front of Rin and Len. She was glowing intensely.

"Miku!" They called.

"You're here," Mikuo sounded relieved.

Miku nodded, "I don't think we'll be able to keep them from shattering it."

"Then we'll just have to fight them in your world," Meiko hissed. She stabbed through the succubus she had kicked.

"Isn't that bad though?" Rin asked.

"It is," Luka sighed, "but it seems to be our only plausible option."

Kaito nodded, "Let's go."

Miku opened her eyes. She was sitting in her room. Dammit!

"Miku," her mother's voice was calm beside her.

Miku looked at her impatiently, "Yes?"

"You promised your father you would stay inside."

Miku's eyes narrowed, "I don't even care alright. Now is not the best time. I have to go."

"You are not allowed to leave. Your father will be coming back. I called him."

"Good for you," Miku snapped, "but I have to leave."

"No."

Miku glared at her, "You won't stop me. Sorry Mom." She shot out of her room and down the stairs. She flew right past her father in the driveway.

"Miku!" He yelled after her.

Miku shook her head. She went back to the park.

The others were waiting there.

Miku landed in front of them. She smiled, "Let's go." It was night time. A golden disc took shape in the sky. Miku growled and flew up to it along with Piko, who was currently being controlled by Kurai.

The reflections fell through it and merged instantly with their other selves.

Luka shook her head, "That was certainly interesting."

Kaito smirked, "I get the feeling that I'm going to be getting into a lot of trouble from now on."

They gathered under it as Miku and Piko began to take out the weaker ones the moment they fell out of the portal.

People began to gather around them watching in confusion as creatures began to pour out of the portal.

Miku flew back down closer to the ground. Kurai followed, "Now there's too many for us to handle."

"That's why we're here," Meiko nodded. She let her huge sword rest on her shoulder.

Gumi took her bazooka and aimed it up, "Here we go. Boom." She fired it and it exploded on contact with the shadowy mass expanding from the portal. Screeches erupted, as the creatures burned.

Miku's father pulled up to the area underneath the portal and stared in shock. How did it break? Is this why Miku kept insisting on running off? Was I wrong to try to control her? He stared up at the portal. Miku flew up to the shadowy mass, leaving behind a streak of light. She glowed like the full moon on a clear night. The shadows melted before her. He saw the boy that was controlled by the demon he had sensed earlier flying beside her. He fought just as hard as she did. He saw the boy that had visited once before fighting as well. Mikuo was there and his friends. Rin and Len fought just as hard. She really has such wonderful friends and I tried to pull her away from them. I messed up everything.

Miku fell back down and hovered above the ground. Luka kept the shadows from reaching any of the bystanders by shoving them back whenever they got too close. Kaito and Akaito sliced easily through a large amount of vampires while Gakupo went toe to toe with an incubus. Her brother and Rin and Len were shooting down any stragglers that got through the others. Meiko cut everything down while Gumi made everything go boom. We're doing well comparatively speaking but what about that portal? If it remains open then we'll never stand a chance. She shot back up and the weaker creatures dissolved in her wake while the more powerful ones hissed and shied away. What are we supposed to do if they continue pouring out like this? They'll continue fighting until the die but they shouldn't have to. Miku plunged her hand through a lich. It shrieked and died, dissolving into dying leaves and floating down to the ground. Miku moved on without a second glance.

Teto stared up in awe. She was sitting in her room watching the event through her window. She recognized Miku as she glowed and flew in a circle around the shadows. She was like a shooting star as she shot around. Teto smiled, "They're so awesome!" Piko seemed to blend into the darkness even as he fought it. Meiko and the others as well as some she didn't recognize fought on the ground. The portal washed the area in a golden light that lit up the streets like it was evening even though it was the middle of the night.

Miku looked up at the portal. Someone has to close that portal. Kurai and I are the only ones able to do it and the darkness just gets thicker and thicker the longer we fight. It's gathering strength from all the people's negative feelings of fear and pain. Miku's eyes narrowed, "I'll do it. I'll close the gate."

Piko turned to stare at her, "What?!"

She shot past him straight up.

"Miku!" Piko shot after her.

Her glow intensified and she picked up speed.

"Miku! Don't!" Piko followed her through the darkness sliding and fading easily into it.

The shadows dissolved in her wake, even the deepest ones. Miku closed her eyes. I'm so sorry! I have to close it. I have to be the only sacrifice here or I won't be able to live with myself. Tears began to slide down her cheeks but she continued with stone cold resolve. Miku's physical body stopped once she hit the portal but her consciousness continued on.

Piko pulled up as she began to fall. He dived after her and caught her before continuing down. He set her on the ground as the shadows inevitably weakened.

"What happened?" Mikuo hurried over.

Piko looked up at him, "She's closing the gate."

Kaito's eyes widened, "She's what?"

"She's closing the gate," Piko repeated.

Miku raced through the space in between. It was like a video game where you have to run through the every single marker and get to the finish in order to win. She hit every marker and made it to the finish. The gate closed behind her, locking her in the space in between the two worlds.

Mikuo watched his sister worriedly. She didn't appear to be conscious. Suddenly she jerked. Energy flowed out from her at insane levels. She opened her eyes. They weren't eclipsed but a deep black. A tear ran down her cheek and shadows and light surrounded her.

"She's losing power and strength," Piko sighed, "extremely fast."

"So she's dying?" Kaito snapped suddenly.

Piko nodded.

"We should've tried to stop her," Rin whispered.

Piko sighed, "I tried but she's faster than me."

"And you're faster than all of us," Mikuo added.

Piko nodded.

Meiko growled, "That's not even fair. Did she know this would happen? Was this her choice and hers alone? Did she really want this or was she doing this because she was told she had to?"

Mikuo shook his head, "I don't even know."

Piko stood and walked a little distance away. He looked up at the shrinking portal. The shadows evaporated, "The gates closed. Everything is stuck where it is. The shadows have been banished." And I'm not sure if I can actually give Piko back like I promised.

"What about you?" Kaito asked. His voice held a cold tinge.

He turned, "I don't know."

"That's it?" Meiko asked.

Piko shrugged, "I don't know. I don't know if I can give Piko back without killing him. I don't know if I can keep my promise."

Kaito grabbed Meiko's arm, "Let's wait. Miku is not dead yet. Something might change."

Meiko growled, "Fine."

Kaito sat next to her and watched her.

Miku floated in nothingness. She felt weak. It took too much effort to breath and she couldn't move without exerting painful amounts of energy. She closed her eyes. It's okay. I know why I did what I did. I know you'll probably never forgive for what I did. I'm sorry for that but I'm going to be the only sacrifice. She smiled.

"Miku."

Miku didn't feel like putting forth the effort required to open her eyes.

"Miku, don't just lie down and give in to fate," Miku recognized the voice as belonging to the green haired woman, "If you believe in yourself you can truly do anything. You can be anything. Humanity was gifted with the ability to dream so dream. Believe." She touched Miku's face, "I am truly sorry for everything. I was unable to reach you when your father had sheltered you and I could not find the strength to support you when you could see into it. I didn't know what to do. I love you. I always have and I always will. Unfortunately you won't be seeing me again." She smiled wryly, "Well not like this." She wrapped Miku in an embrace and transformed into a necklace around her neck.

Miku felt tears well up around her eyes. Images flashed in her mind.

A young woman walked through the same park Miku herself loved so much. She looked up at the sky through the leafy trees. A young man dropped down from the tree in front of her. She jumped.

"Sorry," he smiled at her, "I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's fine," she returned his smile.

He nodded, "Okay." He grabbed her hand and dragged her into the center of the park. He stopped in front of the fountain, "Did you know that when you look into your reflection it's like looking into another world and another you?"

She shook her head, "No."

He nodded. His bright blue eyes sparkled brilliantly and his brown hair blew in the wind.

The scene faded to be replaced with another one.

She was walking down the hall hugging a binder close to her chest. Her eyes studied the ground.

"Hey, Mikai!"

She lifted her head, "Yeah?"

"You should come with us to the park today," the girl smiled warmly at her.

The green haired girl nodded, "Okay."

They met at the park after school and played "kiddy games" all afternoon.

Mikai was walking home.

"Hey," the boy from earlier smiled at her.

Mikai looked surprised, "Hey. I didn't expect to run into you here."

He shrugged, "I was getting something and saw you walk by."

"Really?" Mikai cocked her head to the side, "And so you just stopped what you were doing to come talk to me?"

"It can wait till tomorrow," he smiled.

The scene faded and was replaced with another one. A much younger Mikuo sat on a nice chocolate brown couch. Mikai sat watching him as he played with the blocks. She appeared to be pregnant but Miku couldn't tell because of the angle she saw her at. The man with crystal blue eyes and brown hair walked in. Miku's eyes widened as they embraced. He picked up her brother and lifted him into the air. Mikai turned and smiled happily.

Again the scene was replaced. This time there were two kids. Mikuo was older and the other one was a younger Miku.

"I don't think you should shelter her like that! Who knows what could happen if she actually slips into that world? What if she gets hurt because she didn't know anything about it?" Mikai asked.

"She doesn't belong in that world. It's desolate and I don't want her to be torn between two worlds," he insisted.

"But she could very easily make friends there," Mikai sighed, "You could let her stay with you whenever she would visit."

"Even there she would be in danger," he shook his head.

Miku looked up at her parents and smiled happily.

Mikai picked her up and bounced her gently.

Miku giggled.

The scene changed. Miku and Mikuo were sitting outside a hospital room. Their father was inside the room talking with a doctor. He came out looking completely broken. He looked at Miku and Mikuo.

Mikuo was old enough to understand what had happened. Miku felt that the air was different and sat quietly letting her legs swing.

The scenes faded and black was left behind. Mikai, why didn't you tell me when we first met? I never got to know you. I never got the chance to love you as much as you obviously loved me.

Mikuo watched his sister as she was lying on the ground. A necklace solidified around her neck. It held a stone that was the color of the sea on a bright summer day. Everyone was crouched around her. A single tear ran down her face. Luka wiped it away as it slid down her cheek.

Miku began to glow intensely again and she rose above the ground.

Everyone rose to their feet and moved back. Piko shaded his eyes against the light. People were beginning to gather around them. The light continued to intensify until it was bright enough that they had to close their eyes. Kurai felt himself being gently pulled away from Piko. He sighed in relief. At least that way he won't die.

The light faded. Miku lowered gently to the ground and landed on her feet in front of them. Her eyes were open but they quickly closed and she collapsed. Kaito caught her quickly and followed her to the ground.

Piko was lying on the ground unconscious. A boy with black hair and gently tanned skin was lying next to him also unconscious.

Miku opened her eyes a little while later. She saw all of her friends gathered around her nervously. She smiled and sat up, "Sorry to worry you guys."

"You sound exhausted," Meiko shook her head.

Miku chuckled, "That was kind of draining."

"Kind of my ass," Meiko leaned forward and poked her forehead roughly, "You were dying."

Miku swallowed, "Sorry."

Mikuo ruffled her hair, "Don't worry us like that again."

"With everything fixed," Luka smiled as she looked to the horizon. The sun was just rising above the buildings, "She shouldn't have to."

Miku smiled and nodded.

Piko opened his eyes and sat up, "Wha—What happened?"

Miku got to her feet. She swayed before righting herself and walked over to him, "You feeling okay?"

Piko nodded, "I just don't remember much of anything. I remember Kurai saying that he needed my help and then it's all kind of blank."

Miku smiled, "That would be because Kurai is lying on the ground next to you."

Piko turned, "Wow, I thought—"

"Shh," Miku insisted, "The general public really doesn't need to know."

Piko nodded.

"Besides," Miku smiled, "Don't you have something to tell someone?"

Piko stared at her, "Um, I—I don't think I can tell her though."

"C'mon," Miku smiled, "I believe in you."

"Or I can just tell her for you," Kurai sat up. He looked around in shock, "Wait a second." He pounded his fist into the ground twice, "That hurt." I'm actually here. I'm solid. I'm back in the real world. I'm here. How in the world did this happen?

Miku laughed, "You're welcome. I like to think that everyone deserves a second chance."

Kurai stared at her, "You—you're serious?"

Miku nodded. She held out her hand and helped him to his feet, "Help Piko out."

"Wait! Don't tell her!" Piko hurried to his feet.

Kurai smirked, "Why not? Will tell her? If not I will."

Piko turned red, "I-I don't know."

"I'll take that as an I won't," Kurai started to walk away.

"No wait!" Piko ran after him.

Miku laughed, "We better make sure Neru doesn't kill them."

"Seriously?" Kaito cocked his head to the side.

Miku shrugged, "Apparently." She floated above the ground and shot away.

"Hey! Wait up!" Rin and Len ran after her.

Luka shook her head, "Let's go."

Miku and the others got there just as Kurai told Neru. Piko was hiding.

Neru turned red, "Well it's not like—I—oh fine!" She stormed off."

Miku smiled at Piko, "She's at a loss for words."

"She likes you," Meiko added.

Rin and Len grinned, "Yes!"

Kurai shook his head in amusement. Suddenly he looked sad.

"What's wrong?" Rin asked.

Len cocked his head to the side.

"I'm here and that means I get a second chance but I don't have anywhere to go," Kurai shook his head, "I don't have a place to call home even now."

"Dummy!" Rin grabbed his right hand and Len grabbed his left.

"You can live with us," Len smiled.

"I'm sure Mom won't mind!" Rin smiled, "I mean Luka and Miku practically live with us!"

Len nodded, "Besides, it'd be nice to have a big brother."

"I've had to deal with him and just him all my life," Rin stuck out her tongue.

Len pouted, "Well I've had to deal with you and you're worse."

"I am not!"

"You are too!"

"Guys," Miku laughed, "I think your persuasive proposal is not working."

"Hey!" Rin cried.

"That was totally sarcastic," Len added.

"She learned from the best," Meiko shrugged.

"Oh yes but we all still know you're the queen of sarcasm," Kaito rolled his eyes.

Meiko slapped him in the back of the head.

"Ow," Kaito rubbed his head.

"That was harder than Kaiko hits you," Akaito laughed.

"C'mon, let's go back to the park," Mikuo chuckled.

"Before someone dies," Gakupo added.

Rin and Len continued describing their life to Kurai and Meiko and Kaito continued fighting playfully. They walked into the main part of the park. Miku saw her father standing by the fountain. She walked up to him and grabbed his hand, "Did you know that when you look into your reflection you're looking at the darkest parts of yourself?" She smiled at him.

He stared at her, "What?"

"And that that's okay?" Miku nodded, "You can have darkness and still be good. You've spent enough time in our world to develop darkness. That doesn't make you bad. And that doesn't mean we love you any less. I think I understand now."

Her father hugged her, "I didn't want to lose you like I had your mother."

"I know," Miku smiled, "but it is okay now, Dad. You don't have to worry about me. I'm okay. I'm also sorry for hurting you so bad."

He let go of her and smiled, "Go spend time with your friends. Don't spend your free day with your father."

"Free day?" Miku asked.

"You're going back to school tomorrow," he winked at her.

Miku's eyes widened in delight. "Really?!" she squealed.

He nodded, "Yep. So spend your day off with your friends."

Miku nodded and hugged her dad one last time before running over to them.

"What?" Rin asked.

"I'm going back to school tomorrow!" Miku squealed in excitement.

"And now she's back to the girl that wouldn't miss school if the world was burning down around her," Meiko shook her head in amusement.

Miku shrugged, "C'mon! Let's play some games!"

They followed her into the trees of the park where they played until the sun had already set.