Chapter 59 - Not so VIRTUAL SINGER
...
After that mess of a mission out at sea, I plopped straight into my bed after getting home. It was already nighttime, after all.
This morning, though... Something feels off. I don't exactly know what, but something feels very wrong. It's a weird nagging sensation I keep getting. It's bothered me throughout the morning.
The weird feeling culminated when I got a text from an unknown account. Especially strange, considering Momo Talk doesn't allow unknown accounts.
Something is off.
Are you the Sensei from Schale?
That I am. Who might this be?
Shush. I can't tell you right now.
I have a request for you, the problem solver of Kivotos, and the Sensei the students trust and depend on.
Please come to the place I designated after sunset.
Do not tell anyone about this!
This is hella sketchy.
But fine, I'll be there.
Thank you.
And with that, the rest of the day seemed to fly by, as though it never happened.
Sunset arrived, seemingly immediately after that text. I stood in a darkened corner of the DU as the sun had set, and the sky with still a dark, dark blue. Fortunately, I made sure to pack my pistol with me, just in case.
The sound of footsteps hit my ears, as I hear a voice.
"You're here. I've been waiting for you."
The feminine voice is... strange. It has a sort of artificial quality to it. Plus, it's strangely familiar.
"I know that message must have aroused suspicions when I chose not to identify myself or clarify why I was reaching out to you. Thank you for trusting in me." The mysterious girl says.
Trust? My hand's hovering over a pistol right now.
"I didn't want to do things like this, either, truth be told." She admits, her form almost indescribable amongst the shadows. "But I didn't have a choice. I couldn't risk anyone else knowing about this."
As the girl steps from the shadows, I pause to rub my eyes to make sure I'm not hallucinating.
Out from the shadows steps a girl the spitting image of fucking Hatsune Miku.
She has the trademarked green eyes and long hair done up in twintails. Her left twintail has a simple band on it, but the right has a large, white bow and a glitchy decoration around it, which I can only assume is a halo of sorts. She wears a dark blue and white sailor uniform top that's sleeveless and a similarly colored, puffy skirt complete with a big, white bow on her lower back. She has a white, puffy band around her right wrist and her feet are covered by white platform heel shoes. Her left ankle has a dark blue bow tied to a white band. In her hands is a white and dark blue t-shirt cannon.
She flashes me a megawatt smile upon coming into view.
"Okay, what kind of fever dream is this?" I ask, blinking in confusion.
"Do you recognize me?" She asks.
"Either you're Hatsune Miku, or a damn good cosplayer." I say, still struggling to comprehend this nonsense. This is nonsense above the usual in Kivotos.
"Well, you're right. I'm Hatsune Miku, the virtual idol." She- Miku greets with a big smile. "I carry the dreams in people's hearts and deliver them in songs for anyone who'll listen. I was designed to be software who could sing for anyone and everyone."
"Right, 'virtual' idol." I say, a tad sarcastic. "So, how did..." I ask, motioning to all of her. "...THIS all happen?"
"Yes, I originally existed only in the digital realm and not the real world. It made me happy to sing for so many people than would normally ever be possible, but it's always been difficult for me too meet, interact with, and get to know those people who my voice was reaching." She beings, rather emotionally. "And yet, that never stopped my fans from dreaming of meeting me in person someday. That's why I borrowed Kivotos' technology to obtain a new body that allows me to interact with people in real life."
"I see." I muse. "Good idea you had there."
"Yes, it's as though I'm experiencing the same old world with a new pair of eyes." Miku says, happily. "Kivotos truly is a miraculous place. I'll finally be able to feel the gentle breeze across my fingertips and taste delectable sweets on my tongue... all while keeping the same appearance I've always had in the virtual world."
Miku's words really remind me of Arona's reaction to the new body. Just from her tale of exploring the city the first day, I could tell she was kinda overwhelmed by it all.
Maybe I should introduce the two of them?
"I'll be able to perform like never before with this body!" The not-so virtual singer declares. "Or so I thought..."
"And that's why you've called me." I surmise.
"You have good instincts." She praises. "I chose to contact the famous Sensei from Schale to help me with my next performance. The plan was to book Kivotos' amphitheater in two weeks for the concert. I'm used to performing in the virtual world, but this will be my first time putting on a concert with a physical body. I've been working extra hard to prepare myself. But for some reason..." She pauses, a bit embarrassed. "When I arrived in Kivotos, received my new body, and entered reality... my voice wouldn't come out at all."
"...That's pretty bad." I say, taken aback. "Is it just on stage, or can you just not sing at all?"
"Well, I can still speak normally and even hum a little bit, but for whatever reason, it's like my throat locks up and my voice won't come out anytime I try to sing." Miku explains, a bit downtrodden. "The technicians who designed my body said they didn't have a clue why it would happen, and the date of the show is only getting closer." She pauses, perking back up. "Then I heard all of the buzz about Schale and you, Joshua Sensei. They say that Schale's Sensei has solved all kinds of problems across Kivotos- big and small. I was hoping you could figure out why I've lost my ability to sing."
"Well, I'm not an expert on this kinda stuff..." I admit. "But, I'll try my best to help us both figure this out."
"What? You really want to help me?" Miku asks, her green eyes widening in surprise. "But I'm not even really from Kivotos, let alone one of your students. We only just met, at that. Why are you being so kind to me?"
"You kidding? I ain't the kind of adult to kick aside someone who's asked for my help." I scoff. "Like I said, I don't know much about this stuff, but I'll gladly help. Plus, how many people can say Hatsune Miku has asked them for help?" I ask, smiling.
Miku looks at me, awestruck, eyes wide for a long moment, before letting out a mechanical giggle. "You're just as kind and wonderful as people said."
"Er, thanks..." I say, a bit embarrassed.
"Thank you so much, Sensei." Miku says, honestly, as she looks me in the eyes. "I'll do what I can, so could you find out if something similar has happened to anyone else before?"
"I'll get on it when I get back home." I say, motivated.
Miku flashed me another megawatt smile. "I'm counting on you, Sensei!"
A day or so later, Miku texted me again.
Sensei, this is Miku.
Oh, hey. How are things going?
Well, the performance preparations are going well.
The same can't be said about my voice.
Ah.
Have you figured anything out, Sensei?
I did some research, so I guess the only thing we can do is try some stuff out.
I knew I could count on you!
Then can I see you when afternoon practice is over?
I'll be waiting for you in the waiting room of the Live House.
I'll be there.
Upon reaching the amphitheater waiting room, that afternoon, I saw Miku talking to a robotic man, likely one of the people running the show.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T SING?!" He shouts, loud as can be.
"It's like I said. I have no idea why. I just... can't." Miku explains, awkwardly.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner...? What happened?" The man asks.
"My singing voice just won't come out anytime I try to sing with my new body for some reason." She explains.
"Ugh. It must have been those blasted technicians." He curses. "They assured me they were confident that your body wouldn't come with any abnormalities. We can't have a concert with an idol who can't sing. This is bad."
"I don't suppose there's any way we could still postpone the show, is there?" Miku asks, awkwardly.
"W-We can't do that!" The man shouts, frantic. "The penalty fee we would have to pay for cancelling would be astronomical! And that doesn't even take into account the investment we've already made. All the advertising, rental fee of the amphitheater, plus the research and development costs for your new body. We'd have no way to recoup all of those expenses if we were to cancel the performance. There's no other option, you have to find a way to recover your singing voice!"
"Yeah..." Miku says, downcast, as the man walks away briskly.
Miku lets out a sad sigh, as I walk up to her. Upon placing a hand on her shoulder, she jolts, snapping her gaze to me, but relaxing upon recognizing me and feeling my reassuring grip on her shoulder.
"Thanks, Sensei." She says, as I let go of her shoulder. "I'm sorry you had to see that."
"Think nothin' of it." I wave her concern off. "I take it that was the stage planner, or something?"
"Yes. He's one of the higher-ups who's taking responsibility for the live show." Miku explains. "I did everything I could to hide the fact that I couldn't sing until we could find a way out of this, but the jig is up now."
"Yeah..." I observe.
"I doesn't seem like there's any hope of postponing or cancelling the show." She explains.
"Well, a lot DOES go into these kinds of things." I add.
"That's true. I ultimately need to take responsibility." Miku says, resolute. "Besides, I would be breaking a commitment I made to my fans who wanted to hear me sing if I backed out now. I don't want to do that."
"Don't worry. I'm sure it'll all come back to ya soon." I say, reassuringly.
"Thank you for cheering me up, Sensei." Miku says, grateful. "Anyway, were you able to find any way to restore my voice?"
"Well, I brought something to get started." I explain, pulling out-
"Is this... a leek?" Miku asks, confused.
"Literally the only things I could find about this were old wives tales." I say, apologetic. "Supposedly, wrapping a leek around the neck of someone who's voice is hoarse due to cold can help them recover. I dunno how true it is, but..."
"I've heard something like that too..." She adds. "Would a folk remedy really work on me? I'm still a VIRTUAL idol." She stresses.
"Well let's find out." I say, shrugging. "Couldn't be that bad, right?"
"You're right. Beggars can't be choosers." Miku says, resolute.
And so, Hatsune Miku wraps a leek around her neck.
If I was saner, I might've though this was a tad bit funny.
"Hmm. My throat does feel warmer now that I have the leek wrapped around my neck." She muses. "Maybe this will work after all."
Miku then tries to sing, leek wrapped around her neck, but...
"It's not working."
...no sound comes out.
"Maybe it really is because I'm a virtual idol. I can't blame it on the leek, it's not its fault." She says, tossing the vegetable to the side.
"Well, let's do the next thing." I say, a bit hopeful, pulling out...
"An energy drink?" Miku asks. "The label has a strange-looking bird on it."
"Yeah, it's pretty popular with students." I explain. "It gives you wings, like Peroro." Or that other energy drink I never liked too much.
"Well, it's not that I don't trust you, but this seems too good to be true. Just a simple energy drink?" She asks, tilting her head a bit. "What if it only makes my throat feel worse? Then again, if there's even the slightest chance that it will help me recover my voice..." She says, taking the drink from me.
Miku then chugged the energy drink in one go like a frat-boy, but nothing.
Then we tried the next thing. Nothing.
And the next.
And the next.
And the next.
Each one weirder and more esoteric than the last.
Still nothing.
The two of us were left merely scratching our heads.
"Damn... And I thought the mint chocolate would work for sure..." I curse.
"Wasn't it just regular old ice cream though?" Miku asks, awkwardly giggling. "And the one before that with the snack cakes made me feel like I was at a tea party. We haven't made any progress, but I can honestly say I'm having a lot of fun."
"Ha! That makes me kinda happy." I admit.
"I've been so worried about the upcoming concert that it felt good to get my mind off it and think of something else." She admits. "I don't know how long it's been since I've been able to have some good, old fashioned dumb fun without a care in the world. I was created to sing, so being able to smile about something else is a completely new feeling for someone like me. I've had a lot of fun!" She says, smiling brightly.
"Well, so long as you had fun, then it's fine." I say.
"Do you think so?" She asks, eliciting a nod from me. "Thank you for helping me again, Sensei."
"Anytime, Miku."
The show is a week away already.
Geez, it feels like it was two weeks ago just a few minutes ago.
Geez, is your sense of time that messed up, Sensei?
Well, you know, work keeps me busy. Anyway, are you still not able to sing?
Yes. No matter how hard I try, my singing voice still won't come back. It looks like we're going to have to cancel the show.
Damn. I was looking forward to it, too.
...
Uh, Sensei?
If it's okay with you, can I see you for a moment in the alley behind the city?
I have something I want to tell you.
Sure.
I found Miku a bit later in the alleyway. "Oh, Sensei! Over here!" She called out, happily.
"Yo, Miku!" I call out, walking up to her.
"Sorry for asking you to go out of your way for me again." She apologizes. "I've been trying to lay low and avoid crowded places. More and more people have been recognizing me on the streets since the ads for the concerts started going out. And besides, I don't know how to face any of them after I was thinking of cancelling the concert."
Suddenly, we hear a rush of people nearby.
"Uh-oh." Miku says, idly, prompting the two of us to hide.
"Have you heard?" A citizen asks. "That famous virtual idol Hatsune Miku is going to do a live concert in Kivotos!"
"Really?" Another asks. "I've always wanted to see her live before!"
Miku listens in, a bit downtrodden. "I hope nothing gets in the way of the show..."
"It ain't your fault, Miku." I say, hoping to calm the girl.
"No, maybe it is." She says, sadly. "Deep down... I-I think part of me wanted this show to be cancelled."
"You don't mean that." I argue. "Did that stage planner guy give ya a hard time again?"
"No, of course not!" Miku defends. "All of the staff have been nothing but wonderful to me. It's just that... Seeing this world makes my heart race. Before, I sang songs that came from someone else's heart as a virtual idol. This coming show was supposed to be no different..."
She muses, wistfully. "Someone else's love, someone else's sadness, someone else's feelings... It was up to me to take the music that poured from their wonderful hearts and sing for them in their stead. That's my purpose- my reason for living. But I suddenly began having desires of my own after I acquired this body and experienced the world myself. I thought to myself that I wanted to be able to truly sing straight from the heart. It was as if everything I've learned from the songs I've sung in the past were welling up inside me. I had never experienced anything like it before. It was so... strange."
I stay silent, listening to Miku's feelings pouring out from within, before giving some advice. "There's nothin' wrong with that. It's natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes, be it by emotions or paperwork." Miku giggles at that.
"Thank you, Sensei." She says. "I know you would find the right words to say when I couldn't..." She sighs. "But none of it matters in the end. I can't vocalize ANY songs at all as things stand."
Miku then pauses, noticing an ad on a building nearby, hearing a song, sung by her, playing from the center electronic billboard. "Oh, so that's the one they chose for the ad... I miss it... That was the song I sang right after my debut. Everything felt new back then."
Miku then idly closes her eyes and, without realizing it...
She begins to sing along with the song.
Happily, and without a care in the world.
"Miku...!" I gasp. "You just sang!"
"I...?!" Miku gasps. "Y-You're right! I did! Before I knew it, the song just... Well, that's a relief, now the concert doesn't have to be cancelled. Let me try it again."
Miku then tries to sing...
But once again, nothing.
"Huh, that's weird." Miku says, awkwardly. "I can't sing any of the songs I'm supposed to sing at the concert. I could sing my old songs just fine, Sensei though. Is there something that makes the two different?"
"Maybe..." I hum, thinking. "Maybe it's because these new songs don't contain YOUR feelings? That song on the ad is special to you, so maybe that's why."
"So I can't sing any songs that I fell deep in my heart?" She muses. "That isn't how an idol is supposed to carry herself. Besides, the songs for the performance have already been decided."
"Then you should sing a song straight from your heart instead." I advise.
"...Huh?!" Miku shouts, taken aback. "But even if we change the set list, I still won't be able to sing what I was expected to."
"Hmm..." I muse. "Well, people have always written songs for YOU to sing, so why don't you write a song to sing? Y'know, a song from your heart instead of someone else's. I'll help ya figure out what to do after that."
"You... will?"
"Of course." I smile.
"You're usually so mature, Sensei. I wasn't expecting you to be so rash." She muses, unable to hide her smile.
"Ha! I've always been like this." I chuckle.
"I can't say I disagree with you, though." She admits. "I don't think we have any other choice. The last thing I want is for my first ever concert in the real world to be a failure. If this is how it has to be, then I'll write the best song ever! Straight from MY heart!"
"That's the spirit!" I cheer.
A few days later, while I was working, Miku texted me.
Sensei, I finished writing my song!
It's not perfect yet, but I'm sure with this song I'll be able to convey my feelings to the audience.
I'm sure everyone will love it, Miku.
Do you really think it'll be okay?
Of course!
If it's the performance facility of the Live House where songs are added, it's probably strictly managed, so wouldn't it be difficult to change to a new song now?
Eh, don't worry about that. I know some students who can pull some strings.
Um, it's strange forme to ask about this now, but...
What kind of organization IS Schale?
I can't help but laugh to myself.
And so, just before the concert, I stopped by the waiting room to listen to Miku's newly composed song. There, in the waiting room, Miku sang the song just for me.
I feel kinda honored.
"What do you think, Sensei?" Miku asks, cutely. "I wrote it straight from my heart just like we spoke about."
"It was wonderful. I'm sure you'll knock 'em dead out there." I praise, causing the not-so virtual idol to preen.
"Thank you, Sensei." She says with a smile. "I hope my fans like it just as much."
"I know they will." I promise.
"But... there's still this uneasy feeling I can't shake..." She admits. "For one, I still haven't told the stage planner about what I'm planning."
Almost as if on cue, as soon as she says that, the stage manager rushes in, frantic. "Someone changed the set list!"
"O-Oh. There you are." Miku says, eyes wide at the man's sudden appearance.
"The entire set list for tonight's concert was changed at the last second!" The man shouts. "What's going on?! Do you know anything about this?! This is bad, we don't have much time until the concert."
"So, the thing is..." She begins, nervous.
Nah, I don't think I'll let this go.
"I changed it." I say simply, causing two heads to swivel towards me with absurd speed.
"What?!" The man yells. "And who are you? No, more importantly, why are you meddling with the set list? A lot of preparation goes into a show like this. Each song takes time to plan for, and time is money. Changing the set list at the last second can cause all sorts of complications. Are YOU prepared to take the responsibility of any sponsors or customers who decide to file a claim?"
"Naturally." I say, dead serious.
"Bah. I wasn't expecting such a confident response." The man says, taken aback a bit. "Just who are you, and what makes you so qualified, anyway? I don't know what you did, but I can't access or modify the set list, nor can I use the controller to move the performance equipment..." The man sighs. "It looks like we have no choice in the matter. The show must go on, even with a tampered set list!" He then pokes a finger at me. "But mark my words, you're not getting off with a simple apology if this concert flops!"
And then, he dashes away, slamming the door behind him.
Miku stares at me, in awe, shock and confusion, before awkwardly chuckling. "Haha. Wow. That was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be... But are you sure we can pull this off? He just said you'll be forced to pay if the concert fails."
"No, but I AM sure that YOU can pull it off." I say, reassuring the poor girl. "There ain't no way a song from the heart of a virtual idol could fail."
"There you go saying reckless things again..." Miku says, smiling and shaking her head. "You keep trusting and encouraging me, no matter how daunting the situation becomes. Instead of pointing me in the right direction, you give me the push I need to find it for myself. I'm just a simple virtual idol, but you have me believing I can do anything."
"I've been in more than a few tough situations, Miku." I begin. "Ones where I had no one to help. I suppose that's why I've been enjoying being a teacher, so I can help people who were stuck in hard times like I was."
Miku just smiles at my words. "I suppose the best way to repay the kindness you've shown me is to live up to your expectations, right?" She giggles. "Just you watch, Sensei! I'm going to put on the performance of a lifetime!"
Then, the concert began.
But just before, Miku mulled over her stay in Kivotos.
'I've experienced so many new things since acquiring this body.' She thinks to herself. 'If the feelings I have are genuine, then what I really want to know is how people grapple with having so much in their hearts. Those countless emotions have been in the songs I sing for so long... And now, I can finally empathize with them. THAT'S what I want to convey... from the bottom of my heart!'
And so, the lights activate.
The music blares.
And Miku begins to sing.
Straight from her idol's heart.
As she sings, as the crowd cheers, she feels strong emotions well up inside her.
'People are listening to my song... Truly listening! I can finally reach them again!' She cheers mentally. 'It feels so... satisfying. I'm singing from the bottom of my heart. I can't believe I get to sing for everyone. This is so fun! I'm so happy! I want to use my voice to reach them forever!'
The concert ended after a bit, where Miku greeted me backstage.
"Were you watching, Sensei?" She asks me, excitedly, a big smile on her face. "Everyone had a great time! I sang from the heart, and it really worked! I was able to reach them like I wanted!"
"It was the best damn concert I've ever been to." I admit. "You were amazing, Miku. I knew ya could do it."
"Sensei..." Miku says, happily, before the manager bursts in the room.
"Miku!" He shouts. "They're going wild out there! The crowd wants an encore! Tonight's show has been a huge success, and now they're demanding to hear the new song again! Even our sponsors are over the moon! They're already asking when the next show will be. I thought we were doomed when the set list was changed right before the concert, but it all worked out for the best!"
"All thanks to Joshua Sensei." Miku praises.
"I also owe your Sensei a great debt. I don't know how I can ever repay the favor." The robotic man says.
"Nah, I didn't do anything. It was all Miku." I say. "She's the one who sang and touched everyone's hearts."
"Th-That she did." The man says, taken aback by my deflection. "However, do you think you can sing just one more song for the encore? I don't want to disappoint them now. Or worse, they might get a little unruly given how riled up they are."
"That's... a good point." The virtual idol admits.
"Okay, I'll go ahead and get the stage cleaned up." He says. "Come out as soon as you're ready." Then, he dashes off.
Miku just awkwardly giggles. "I guess I have an encore to sing."
"You don't sound so happy about it." I point out.
"No, it's just that I thought it was over, so I was ready to take you to dinner to show my thanks." She admits. "It could be too late for that if I give an encore now. I'd even made reservations at a five-star restaurant for tonight... I'm torn."
"Eh, just do what your heart tells ya to." I advise.
"Are you sure you're fine with this?" She asks, blinking. "I know you're pretty popular around here, but it's not everyday you get to have dinner with a virtual idol, you know?"
"We can go out and eat some other time." I reassure with a smile.
"If you insist, then..." She sighs, before smiling. "Okay. I'm going to give them the encore they're waiting for. I wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't sing from the bottom of my heart for my fans!"
Miku then dashes at me, quickly giving me a hug, before rushing off.
"Go and get 'em, girl."
After the concert, the two of us made plans to eat out tomorrow.
But for now, sleep.
The next day, I wake up and get dressed easily, feeling rather sore for some reason. Must be all the walking I did recently.
As I enter my office, Arona in her new body sitting at my desk greets me with a megawatt smile. "Morning, Sensei!"
"Mornin' Arona." I greet back. "You enjoy the concert yesterday?"
"Uh..." Arona lets out a noise, her face one of pure confusion. "Concert?"
"Y'know, yesterday? The Hatsune Miku concert?" I reiterate. "The one I've been helping out with?"
"Hatsune Miku? The virtual idol?" Arona asks, completely lost. "And since when have you been helping with a concert, Sensei?"
My brain stops for a long moment. "Arona, what did I do yesterday?"
"Yesterday?" She asks, tilting her head. "You went on that mission with C-and-C on that cruise ship. You went to sleep as soon as you got back."
I rack my brain, trying to come to a conclusion as to why I thought all that stuff with Miku's been happening over the last two weeks.
Then, it clicks in my mind and I utter two words which perfectly sum it all up.
"Fuckin' dreams."
AN
Thought I was gonna skip this one, huh? Well, I kinda did, it was all just a dream of Joshua's after all.
That's why things in this chapter might've seemed a bit strange. Maybe Josh did things he normally wouldn't have (like the thing with the leek around the neck), or maybe time seemed to move too fast.
After all, this chapter took place over the span of two weeks and yet Joshua didn't see a single recognizable person, aside from Miku the whole time.
I hope some of you made the connection before the reveal at the end.
Next time, Down Time.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next!