Chapter Text
SEKAI… Is really a place that is filled with wonders yet… Hold so many secrets.
A whole dimension, created by a single person who shows nothing but his interest in doing shows. His feelings are strong enough to create such a crowded place and it is such a place to be called a wonderland by a child. Well, that's the place's name. Wonderland Sekai. A 'world' is simply to explain and describe as a child's imagination. Loud music, loud enough to distract you from your inner thoughts. Fluffy clouds, comfortable enough to drown you to sleep. Soft grass land, soft enough that it never itches your body. Singing flowers, singing songs that one never heard except for the creator himself. Talking plushies having their own names, voices and personality as if someone gives them. Moving and living things, it's really a child's imagination. Let's not forget about the beautiful starry skies clouded with cotton candy clouds. Colorful aurora. Even during the night, the place is as beautiful as the day.
Never forget the residents of the SEKAI instead of the living plushies. Virtual Singers. The six virtual singers represent the creator's personality. Hatsune Miku, KAITO, Kagamine Len, Kagamine Rin, MEIKO and Megurine Luka. Of course, everyone is familiar with these names. They're famous virtual singers. Hatsune Miku and her friends. However, these virtual singers are created or born from the SEKAI creator's feelings. Six different feelings, six different virtual singers.
As the dimension is created by a single person, the access to the SEKAI is also given to three more people. It is still an untold mystery of how the three of them were able to enter the place. Probably the same feeling as the creator? Their love for shows and making people smile? It's not the real answer. The friends they made, their fellow show-lovers and show casters, also have the same goal as them but none of them have access to the SEKAI. Maybe it's for his close ones? But his little sister and closest underclassman aren't able to access his SEKAI too. Maybe it's just for his circle, his troupe members. Although they did wonder, if someone joins their troupe, will the new member be able to join their SEKAI too? A question that is left without any answers.
The place always left one of them a wonder. How does this place actually work? Does it contain the creator's memories? It was created by the creator's feelings. The possibility of the place having his friend's memories is 50/50. Looking up at the sky, he once rode the flying magical train. He sees many stars up there and he low-key wonders if the stars contain his friend's memories. But he had once tried to reach out for it, and his hands went past it. The sky is also an illusion. The stars are never real. He once tried to travel far, however all his attempts failed due to getting caught by the virtual singers that lived there and by the creator himself. Weird enough, everyone's responses are different. Especially… Megurine Luka and MEIKO's.
That's why today…
Kamishiro Rui stares at the clear field in front of him. The sight of the theme park in Wonderland Sekai is now far from his own eyesight. He manages to avoid bumping into one of the virtual singers and succeeds to make his way to the clear field that always made him grow interested in it. Closing his eyes, he knows deep inside, he is scared. Why? Because he might destroy something. Something that is important to the SEKAI's creator, his friend, Tenma Tsukasa. He remembers that Tsukasa told him about everything, the theme park, the shops, the castle. Everything might have come from Tsukasa's imagination when he was still a child.
No wind. No loud song. No singing flowers. Nothing. It's really just a clear field that touches the 'sky' in this SEKAI. However, the further he walks, it's getting clearer. What is it? That's why Rui wants to find out. More steps he took, the louder it was. However, his feet are getting heavier and it's getting harder to breathe. The skies are getting darker. The grass is somewhat getting sharper. The further he goes, the darker and dangerous the place becomes, but… Something over there… Rui knows… It's calling out for him. It's like…
A call for help…
He needs to know who. He needs to know what it is. Who is calling for him? What's beyond the SEKAI? Rui is always aware of the risk. He always is. Another few steps, he finally stops. Looking around the dark place… He was surprised by it. Covering his nose with his arm, he really had a hard time breathing. But who knew… Inside a really colorful place… Lies a really deep darkness that is far hidden from the mainland. He notices, there's no longer skies nor grass there, as if he's floating or standing in the middle of the void. Everything went silent for some reason. Real silence that gives Rui the creep. He looks behind, he sees no entries nor places where he can exit the place. Pulling out his phone, Rui lets out a sigh of relief. The song is still playing. He puts back his phone inside the pocket, he continues to explore the void, although there might not be much he could find.
"Saki!!"
He stops walking. Just now… It's Tsukasa's voice. Following the source of the voice, Rui looks around until he accidentally kicks something and it rolls away from him. Looking at the sphere looking orb, he bends down trying to take a closer look. Rui picks it up, observing the light gray orb before it suddenly lits up.
"Saki!!"
Tsukasa appears inside the orb, smiling at his little sister while having a boutique of flowers in his arms. Rui blinks. "Tsukasa-kun?" However… This Tsukasa is wearing a different school uniform… Might be his middle school uniform…
"Saki. I'm here."
Saki looked up from her magazine and smiled at her brother, "Onii-chan! I've been waiting for you!!" Tsukasa puts the flowers inside the pot, changing the old ones with the new ones. "You know! I met a really kind old lady this morning!"
"Oh? How did you meet her?"
"The nurse let me go take a walk, so I decided to walk around the park and that's when I met her! She is so kind and she gives me some Taiyaki too!"
"That's good to hear." Tsukasa chuckled.
"Not to mention, she even wished me luck and good health!" Saki smiled, then she flashed him a sad one. "Onii-chan…"
"Yeah?" Tsukasa sat down.
"Do you think I'll ever recover…?"
"Eh…"
She gripped the blanket, "I know, onii-chan went from Shibuya after school… All the way here just to pay me a visit… And… I don't know if I'll ever return to our home… And play piano with you again…"
"Saki…" He shook his head. "No worries! You will definitely recover! And then we will definitely play the piano together! I promised you!"
"Onii-chan… But…"
Sitting next to her on her bed, Tsukasa pulled her into his embrace. Gently pats her head, "Do not worry, little sister. I'm always here for you. No matter how far you go, I will always be with you." Saki hugged him back. "That's why…" They broke their hug and Tsukasa showed her a bracelet. "I made these for us!"
As Tsukasa put the bracelet on her palm, she smiled widely. "This is so cute!!!"
"I know right!" He puffed his chest in pride. "I made it by myself! Sincerely from my heart…" He put it on his sister's wrist and then wore his. Holding her hands, he put his forehead on hers. "…And whenever you miss home, just take a look at the bracelet and it will bring you there."
Crying softly at her brother's present, she nodded. "Mhm… I will. Onii-chan… Thank you…"
"Anything for my beautiful little sister."
There's something Rui couldn't express. It's… It's Tsukasa's memory? He's surprised. Tsukasa's voice sounds softer than his voice now. Was it because he was trying to soothe his little sister? Rui could see how happy they were yet… In their eyes they were told otherwise. Then more and more voices he starts to hear. Looking away from the orb in his hand, Rui finally sees the other orbs that surround him. Every single orb there are all shades of gray. From the lightest gray to the darkest gray. He tilts his head upwards, wondering if these are the memories that Tsukasa tried to hide or this place is just… A special place for Tsukasa's memories.
If it's so… Why are all six virtual singers stopping him from coming here? Is it to keep something from them? Or is the path leading here dangerous? Well, the second question, Rui probably knows the answer himself. But still, he still wants to question something… Why is the path dangerous… And everything here… Are all black?
'There must be something…'
Frowning, he continues to walk. Looking at every single orbs on the floor, he could see the memories playing. However… Most of them aren't that… Who should he describe? Not a really happy one. He picks up one. This one is a bit darker than the one he picked up earlier.
Tsukasa was sitting at the bench, staring at the piano in the living room. He was still in his school uniform… A middle school uniform. On the couch, Rui could see Tsukasa's school bag and… A scroll? Isn't that… Graduation scroll? Then Rui's attention was on middle school Tsukasa again and he was surprised. Why? Tsukasa had his face low and he couldn't see the male's face. But he could see something flowing down Tsukasa's cheeks.
"T-Tears?"
Tsukasa wiped away his tears and his eyes… Showing how tired he was. His fingers slowly moved and started playing the piano. A soft yet sad melody plays. He was expressing something in that melody and Rui couldn't tell what. Tsukasa had his eyes closed and… Rui couldn't see the smile on his face. The melody itself… It was like… He was waiting… For something… Or more specifically someone.
"W-What is this melody…?"
"R-Rui?"
The familiar voice of a girl he knew since childhood comes from behind. He immediately turns around and sees his childhood friend and his fellow show cast walk towards him. Emu is sticking close to Nene's back, and clearly the two of them are not comfortable with the atmosphere around them. Well, Rui couldn't blame them. This place… This place is the opposite of Wonderland Sekai.
"W-What is this place?"
"Nene… Emu-kun… What are you doing here? H-How?"
Frowning at the tall male, Nene glances around, "We're waiting for you and Tsukasa at the stage, then our phone lights up like the first time when we enter SEKAI…"
"Rui-kun, where are we?"
"I don't think you girls should be here—"
"Neither do you." All three of them flinched. The voice inside their heads… M-Miku…? "You three aren't supposed to be here." The orb on Rui's hand lit up. "You don't belong here."
"Wha—?!" The light coming from the orb blind all three of them, causing them to close their eyes. A soundless song… A tuneless tune… A nameless song… This feeling… It's just the same as the first time they enter SEKAI.
"Young man?" Rui softly groans and he opens his eyes. An old lady looks at him with a smile. "We're already on the last station." Rui blinks. He was sleeping inside the bus… Looking at the sign. Miyamasuzaka street. "Ah…" He stands up and gets off the bus together with the lady. "Thank you so much for waking me up."
The lady let out a soft chuckle, "Don't worry. I'm sure school really tires you out. Have a safe trip, young man."
Rui nods, "Thank you. Have a nice day, miss." Waving his hand, he watches the lady walk in a different direction. He looks at his watch. It's 4pm. He was supposed to have practice at the stage in 30 minutes. Walking towards the theme park… He's questioning himself. Is he really that tired? How does he actually manage to sleep inside the bus? Rui swears… When he was 'sleeping'... Something actually happened inside his dream but he couldn't remember what. Deep down, he felt like the event that he dreamed about, is really important.
He arrives at the theme park, showing his staff ID and heads straight towards the Wonder Stage. Smiling as he sees his friends are already there, sitting in a circle on the stage. "Everyone. I'm here. What are you guys doing?"
Nene looks up from the script book and looks at Rui. Seeing the male puts down his bag and joins them by sitting between her and Tsukasa, Nene shows Rui their script book. "We're just discussing this part."
"Which one?"
"This…"
And so they discuss the script and soon enough start their rehearsal for their next show. Everything went smooth, just like their typical day of their rehearsal until….
Tsukasa's phone rang. He picks up the call. "Tsukasa's here. What's wrong mom?" Glancing at his friends, he nods. "Yeah I'm still at the stage. I'll be back probably around seven…" He pauses and everyone looks at him. "Now?" Glancing at his friends again, he turns around and walks away.
"I wonder what it is…"
"No matter how much you're wondering, it's none of our business, Emu…"
Soon enough Tsukasa returns. "Sorry guys. I have to return home a bit early today." He starts to pack up his stuff. "I have something to do back at home."
Rui nods. "Sure. Thanks for today, Tsukasa-kun."
Smiling, he waves his hands at them. "See you guys tomorrow!"
"Bye bye!!" Once Tsukasa disappears from their sight, Emu and Nene immediately look at Rui. "So, Rui-kun."
"Hm?"
Nene puts away her script book. "You know it wasn't really a dream… Right?" Rui's smile slowly disappears. "It reminded me of the time when we first entered SEKAI."
"She's right."
Sitting down at the bench, Rui crosses his arms. "I am actually surprised that the two of you really keep this as a secret and not asking Tsukasa-kun about this."
Nene frowns. "You think I'm stupid not to notice?" Rui blinks. "I saw Tsukasa stop you from going too far so many times. I even overheard how he told you to never cross the border at the SEKAI or else he doesn't want to take responsibility because he created the SEKAI…"
"Ah, as expected from Nene." Rui chuckles. "But… Even if we tried to ask KAITO-san and the others, they might not tell us the secret of that place."
"Um, can I add something too?"
"What is it, Emu-kun?"
"The voice… The voice that's telling us we didn't belong there… It's… MEIKO-nee-san… Isn't it?" The two blinks. "I don't think it's actually Miku-chan…"
"But, I thought it's Miku-kun…"
"I won't say that Miku-chan wouldn't never say that to us. No… But… I recognize that voice… It's MEIKO-nee-san."
Nene looks at the floor. "Then… Why does MEIKO-san say that to us instead of Miku?"
"I'm not so sure…"
"Yahoo~☆ Hello everyone!" Miku then out of nowhere appears from Nene's phone, tilting her head as she notices the serious looks on the three's faces. "Is Miku bothering something?"
"Miku-chan!!"
Rui shakes his head and chuckles softly. "No. Not at all. We're just discussing our script, that's all." As Nene puts down her phone and all three of them sit close to the phone, Rui uncrosses his arms. "Anyway, what are you doing here, Miku-kun?"
"Oh! Miku is bored. So she decided to see what you guys are doing right now!" She looks around, "Eh? Where's Tsukasa-kun?"
"Tsukasa-kun needs to go home early."
Smiling at Emu, "I see!"
Then several questions cross Rui's mind. "Miku-kun." The said virtual singer turns to him. "Can I ask you some questions?"
"Sure! Ask Miku anything and she'll try her best to answer it all!!"
"Then… When we first entered SEKAI…" Emu and Nene look at Rui. "You told us that the place is created by Tsukasa-kun's feelings, am I correct?"
"Yes you are!"
"Then, that also includes everyone, such as you, KAITO-san and the rest of the virtual singers too."
"Yup!"
"If you don't mind, can I ask which of Tsukasa-kun's feelings represent the virtual singers?"
"Eh~? Are you curious, Rui-kun?"
"If you couldn't answer, it's fine with me. I can only see that KAITO-san had Tsukasa-kun's brotherly side."
Crossing her arms, Miku closes her eyes and hums. "Hm~ You are right~ Then Miku's sure you're curious about all of us too!" Rui nods. "Then—"
"Am I interrupting something?"
"WAAA!! KAITO!! YOU SURPRISED MIKU!!" She pouts.
KAITO chuckles, "I'm sorry, Miku. I didn't mean to surprise you." Then he looks at the three humans. "I'm interrupting something, am I right?"
Shaking his head, Rui smiles. "Not at all, KAITO-san. In fact we're just about to start a discussion about SEKAI."
"A discussion about SEKAI?" KAITO crossed his arms.
"Mhm! We're about to ask Miku-chan to tell us more about MEIKO-nee-san and the others!"
Nodding at Emu's answer, KAITO smiles. "Maybe I can also help you with that. May I join your small discussion?"
"Our pleasure."
Nodding, KAITO looks at Miku, "So who should we start with?"
Nene hums. "Then why don't we start with the virtual singer that comes to the SEKAI after the two of you. Well, we already know that KAITO-san has Tsukasa's brotherly side."
Chuckling, KAITO nods. "I see. Well, let's start with Len shall we?"