Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mizuki and the rest of Nightcord had planned a big celebration for Ena on her special day. For the most part, was it Mizuki who was in charge of the preparations and decorations, since it was their idea to host it after all. Kanade and Mafuyu was in charge of the food, which was ironic, considering one of them couldn’t even taste anything and the other barely ate.

They had been prepping and planning for nearly a month now. But something in Mizuki’s mind suspected that Ena might already know that something fishy was going on behind the scenes—but if she did, hadn’t she said anything about it. After all was it not like they were giving Ena the cold shoulder, or that the air felt more tense than usual.

But still, even Mizuki could sense they hadn’t done a great job with hiding things. Even the Virtual Singers were quieter than usual. Miku hadn’t spoken to Ena in a while—she just waved and gave small smiles when greeting her. And the others simply didn’t show up.

⸻

Mizuki sighed in relief as she dropped into her bed. Just two more days to go, and then it will finally be Ena’s birthday! Mizuki smiled to herself, when thinking about all the things she had planned for the celebration. Airi would lead Ena to the park where Nightcord had gone before to get inspiration for one of Kanade’s songs. The big cherry trees that was by the park held a special place in Mizuki’s heart.

There, under the blossoms, would Ena be greeted by everyone she knew. They would have the perfect little picnic. The perfect picnic that Ena could take million photos of and post online. Afterward, would the group split up, N25 would go with Ena to an art shop mizuki had picked out. There would Ena be allowed to buy whatever she wanted. And that’s not the biggest part of it, the biggest was a sleepover! All of n25 would have a sleep over att kanades house and it would just be perfect.

Mizuki could already picture Ena’s face, it would be a little embarrassed but glowing with happiness. Her eyes would practically sparkle. Just thinking about it made Mizuki feel warm, maybe too warm. But she brushed the feeling aside. Ena would be happy, and that’s all that mattered.

⸻

Kanade and Mafuyu had taken some lessons from Honami in hopes of baking a cake for Ena’s big day. But things didn’t go as smoothly as they had hoped. When Honami looked over at Mafuyu’s cake did it look okay, but Honami could sense that something felt off. Was it missing a soul? Can cakes even have souls? Just thinking about it made Honami shiver.

Kanade’s cake wasn’t better. Honami watched in horror as Kanade dumped an entire bag of salt into the cake mix instead of sugar.

“Kanade, dear, stop!” she shouted, rushing to catch the pouring salt, but she was too late. Unfortunately had the salt already made its way into the batter.

“You mixed up the salt and sugar again…” said Mafuyu bluntly.

Honami offered a polite smile, clapping her hands together. “You should maybe read the labels more carefully next time. But don’t worry, we’ll find a way to fix it.”

“I’m sorry, guys,” Kanade said with an awkward smile. She knew baking wasn’t her strong suit—but to mess up three times said a lot, even for her.

“How about I make the cake instead? You two can decorate it. How about that?” Said Honami with a smile.

⸻

Ena’s POV

Two days left…. and everyone’s acting more distant than ever. Dad haven’t even called me a talentless loser in a week—which is nice, but also weird.

Why do I even care?

Ena let out a tired sigh and closed her sketchbook.

”I’m so bored and everyone is so busy. Both Mizuki and Airi haven’t been able to go shopping with me in a month! Urg, this sucks even dumb Akito has been busier then ever.”

The silence filled her room, she really was quite lonely wasn’t she. But Ena didn’t want to think about the growing numnes she had started to feel. Instead decided she to upload a selfie in hope of getting an ego boost to lighten up her mood.

With that picked Ena up a plushie Toya had giving her a while back and hugged it close and snapping a quick picture. She added a few filters ”well this looks okay” murmured she before uploading it.

“Soon 18, huh…” her voice was distant almost empty

but not long after, flooded her phone with notifications, with likes and happy birthdays wishes. This made her feel a little warmer, but even then could she feel sometime aching in her chest.

“I still can’t believe that I can get this many likes without just a simple selfie… while my art account is still dead. Just thinking about it makes me wanna vomit.”

Ena laid back in bed, closing her eyes. Tears began to form at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked quickly blinked them away.

“I can’t keep doing this…”

⸻

Sometime later could voices be heard coming downstairs—at first was it quiet murmurs and then got it louder and louder.

Ena groaned. “So much for peace and quiet.”

She sat up and made her way quietly downstairs, where the shouting had been. She already knew who was responsible for the loudness, the man behind it all Shinei, her father. Her one and only critic. But after feeling the numbness in her chest once again couldn’t she careless about what her father might say. She just needed to feel something normal. Something real. Any emotion would do even anger at least that was something she was familiar with.

She walked into the kitchen and saw Akito facing Shinei.

“You better not mess this up, Dad,” Akito said, almost angrily.

Shinei just nodded. His expression was just as unreadable as always. All Ena could tell was that the argument that had accrued before was now gone.

Just as she was about to speak, rose Akitos voice once again.

“I can’t believe you. It’s her 18th birthday and that’s what you’re planning to do?!”

“What?” Ena cut in. “Plan what exactly?”

“Nothing, Ena. Stay out of it,” said Shinei tiredly.

“Stay out of it?! You two are clearly talking about me! How can you just talk about me like that and not explain anything?! What’s wrong with you?!”

“Ena, calm down,” said Akito gently. “You’ll understand soon. Don’t over react okay?”

“Huh?”

Ena’s whole body tensed. How dare he say that like it’s nothing?!

“You two are the WORST!” she snapped. “Why did I even come downstairs?!” Suddenly a thought popped into Ena’s head…Oh yeah it was to feel something. Right”

“Ena, are you listening?” Shinei voice was firm braking Ena’s ”daydream”. “If there’s nothing you need, take your leave. I need to talk to Akito.” Shinei was clearly already tired of the one sided conversation they had.

Ena wanted to scream at him, she had a comeback but nothing came out. She opened her mouth to speak but it closed just right after.

“Dad, I—I was planning to buy some more art supplies. For my birthday, do you have any recommendations…?”

She didn’t even know why she said it. She just wanted him to say something. Anything that didn’t involve her needing to go away.

But he just sighed. “Can’t you buy it yourself? You’re 18. You’ve done it before.”

“…Yeah, I know but…”

Her voice trembled. She swallowed hard and then walked to the hall and grabbed her jacket. She didn’t have anything to say she couldn’t say anything back…

All Akito could do was watched as the anger in his sister slowly faded into silence. Something that he never had seen before. It made him worry deeply. He was about to follow her out but he really needed to finish this conversation with his father. Otherwise would Ena’s birthday be a disaster. He have thought many times to tell his sister about the celebration plan they all were planning to make for her, since he saw how the lack of human interaction had slowly killed his former talkative sister. But that would ruin the surprise they all worked so hard on so he kept quiet about it.

Chapter Text

As Ena was outside began thoughts circle her head.

Is this emptiness what Mafuyu always feel? No, it can’t be. She can’t feel anything. While I can feel something. Anger. I’m not like her!

Ena ran. Her thoughts spiraled. She wanted to cry. Scream. Yell. But nothing came out.

She just kept running—until her knees gave out, and she fell.

⸻

25:10

K: Amia, have you heard anything from Enanan?
Amia: I haven’t. Maybe she’ll join soon?
Yuki: Enanan’s been late before.
K: That’s true, but—
Amia: Let’s wait and see, okay? She’s probably sleeping or just drawing.

25:30

Amia: Guys, I’m getting a little worried. Should I try and give her one more call?
K: …Let’s wait a little more.
Amia: Don’t you think Ena’s been acting a bit distant lately?
Yuki: What do you mean?
Amia: Well, for starters hasn’t she been bickering with me as much.
K: She hasn’t asked me to check her art in a while either.
Yuki: Oh, I guess she hasn’t been as angry as usual too…
Yuki: but we still have that demo to finish.
Amia: Right. Enanan’s drawing is done after all, so she is maybe just taking a break. She has been working hard after all..
K: wound she have told us that then?
Yuki: she would.

02:30 (26:30)

K: It’s so quiet today… Ena still hasn’t shown up.
Amia: I’m going to try and call her brother. since Ena seems to ignore my calls.

Just then, lit Mizukis phone up. Rin and Meiko appeared on the screen.

Meiko, usually unreadable, wore a face of clear worry. Beside her was a glitching Rin, she looked very pale and sad.

“What happened? Why is Rin glitching?” Mizuki said in alarm. Kanade and Mafuyu only watched silently.

“Something’s wrong with Ena,” Meiko said calmly, though the worry in her voice was clear. “It’s like she tried to disconnect from us. Literally.”

“But that doesn’t explain Rin,” said Mafuyu clearly trying to understand the situation.

“E… Ena… he–help…” Rin’s voice broke as she disappeared from the screen.

“Rin! We need to do something!” Mizuki’s voice was panicked.
“Let’s try contacting Ena again,” Kanade said, voice calm but firm.

⸻

Ena’s phone rang, many many times. But she didn’t pick up.

She sat on a bench in the old park she and Akito used to visit as kids. It wasn’t the same anymore it would never be the same. The rain had started to fall, at 02:00 and she been out of the house for nearly 5 hours now. But she still wasn’t playing to go home.

The Virtual Singers had tried reaching her a few times, but she just ignored them.

”What am I doing…?”

⸻

Meanwhile, the rest of N25 were trying everything to find her. Mizuki had called Akito, but the only information he had was that she had left a few hours ago and haven’t come back ever since. That only made things worse.

So they decided to form a search team, just like when Mafuyu disappeared.

Kanade grabbed her coat and searched the neighborhood and Kamiyama High. Meiko and Luka joined through her phone.

Mafuyu, unable to go out, slipped into Sekai and with Len and Kaitos help searched they the all the corners they could in it. But Ena wasn’t there.

It feels feels cold, thought Mafuyu, as she searched.

Mizuki contacted everyone she knew. But no one knew where Ena could have been.

“What do you mean Ena is gone?! She’s not the type to just disappear!” Airi’s voice was filled with worry and a hint of anger.

Even Rui joined the search. Mizuki couldn’t sit still either. As the rain let up, she stepped outside with Miku by her side, continuing to search. It was now 03:30

⸻

“E–everyone is lo–looking for you, Ena…” Rin’s voice was faint and glitching.

“…Tell them to leave me alone. I don’t want to talk. Ena was now walking, she didn’t know where to but she her legs just kept pulling her forward. Her mind was blank, she just needed to get away

Rin slowly faded away from the screen and Ena was alone once again.

Chapter Text

Any luck at your ends? Mizuki’s voice was high over the phone, they weren’t usually the one out of breath but looking for Ena was harder than expected. She isn’t at my end said Kanade with a sigh, her clothes were practically soaked wet after being out in the rain for so long but she didn’t care, she just needed to know where Ena was. She isn’t in the sekai either Mafuyu’s voice was low, she didn’t know why she felt even emptier than before. Could it be because Ena just disappeared without saying anything, was she worried? Mafuyu couldn’t set her finger on it but something was wrong. Mafuyu had her hand on her chest as she closed her eyes.

cold..

Silence filled the phone call, everything was just wrong, it was only 1 day left and Ena was still gone. Mizuki where just about to say something when there phone plunged it was a text from Akito. That made Mizuki wanna end the call in hopes for Akito to tell her some good news about where Ena could be, after all he could have some useful clues that they didn’t have. I’m going to hang up now, lil bro has texted me! Mizuki’s voice was frank just a glimpse of hope made her feel better or rather delulu herself in being hopeful. Think positive Mizuki think! Text Lil bro: I saw Ena. Mizuki: you did! Where?? Is she alright?? Lil bro: I mean I saw where she was before she changed location. Mizuki: WHAT?? Why didn’t you go after her? Lil bro: Urgh let me finish! We have like a ”go find me tracker” in our phone. The old man made us install it when me and Ena tried to run away a few years back. I guess she forgot about it for some hours, but the signal is gone now. Mizuki: for how long did you know where she was? Why didn’t you say anything to us?? Lil bro: I just realized we had one, sorry. Here is the address I guess Mizuki: thanks! Mizuki didn’t waste anytime before she took her things and went out agin. The location was at a near by park she was very familiar with, and the picture Akito had shown said that she signal just got lost a few minutes ago. That ment there still was hope to find Ena.

——

Ena can you hear me? Meiko’s voice was firm, almost impatient. You need to stop this, you can’t just run away. This time was it Kaito that talked. If you don’t stop will Rin disappear. So stop! Kaito’s voice was angry and there was no pity in his voice. This is not like you Miku’s voice was soft almost too soft. ”Yeah” Len nodded in agreement Just leave me alone. I can’t do this everyone has ignored me for like a month but it felt like 10 years. I don’t want to be treated like a ghost you know. Plus why do you even care! This is like the first time you guys have been talking to me! So just go away. Ena was standing by the bridge, she wasn’t planning to jump, but she just wanted to feel the breeze in her hair. But to any normal person didn’t the seen look good. It was 06:00, and the sun had started to creep up. Her phone was nearly at 10% and after that would no one be able to contact her. She just needed to wait a bit longer. It was at 05:30 she the remembered tracker her dad had installed on her phone and quickly turned it off, just in case Akito decided to look for her. But even if he did would he never go and find her. If somebody actually found her wouldn’t she know what to say or what to do, she was just empty. I mean what could she say, “I ran away cuz I feel lonely?” No she was too stubborn to reveal that, plus was it not really a good excuse tbh. So what went so wrong? Why do I want to keep running? Thoughts came in to her mind like daggers but just when she was about to zone out again rang her phone again. Like it had done the past hours, she wanted to put her phone on silent but she would still be able to feel the vibrations from it so she just let it ring. The one calling was mizuki of course it was…in the past 6h has her phone been blowing up from her and almost everyone she knew except her father but that was what you expected. She wanted to ignore the phone call once again but this time didn’t it feel like she could. Something in her said that this could be the last time she spoke to anyone in a while. So she picked up the phone and let out a hi. But before Ena could say another word screamed Mizuki ”ENA DONT DO IT!” Mizuki’s voice was loud and out of breath it made it hard to hear what they were saying. But to the context Ena was in knew she what Mizuki had said. Ena looked out to the left and saw a sprinting shadow towards them. “Of course” Ena murmured a sigh escaped her lips. She put her finger on the end button before Mizuki could say another word. En-ena you wasn’t go-ing to do.. it right? Rin had appeared on the screen once again, still glitching as much as before just this time seemed the glitchines affect other vocaloids too. I told you I wasn’t going to. Ena’s voice was firm, there was no emotion in it but anger. And tell Mizuki to just leave me alone. I will meet them at 25:00 again. If they still decide to follow me is it their loss. And with that was her phone dead, Ena let out once again a sigh, I just don’t want them to worry anymore her voice was full of emotion this time compared to before. But she still was the same lonely girl as before. With that hopped Ena off the bridge and on to the road again, and began to walk the opposite way Mizuki was running from.

——

Mizuki was not that far away from Ena but it felt like they were miles away. The call had ended so drastically that Mizuki just knew something had happened. Ena don’t do this to me. Their voice was quiet, they didn’t know what to do but keep running after her. That was the least they could do after they had helped them. I will wait forever until you are ready to tell me your secret. Ena’s voice filled Mizuki’s mind and made her even more determined to help her. She couldn’t let her run away like she did. They knew what the consequences running away would lead to, she just couldn’t let it happens to Ena too. -Mi-Mizuki… are you sure you should go after her? Len’s voice was faint, but clearly uneasy about this whole situation. -Len what do you mean? Mizuki voice confused and her running slowed down a bit to be able to fully process what he just said Of course I’m sure! Ena is a dear friend to me and I need to help her! Plus almost everyone in the Sekai is glitching! That’s not normal! -but Ena said to leave her alone or something would happen…Len didn’t want to push anything that could lead to Ena to be in a worse stage than she already was in. I don’t care I need to talk to her! Mizuki was desperate of course she was. Who wouldn’t be when it’s almost the other girl’s birthday and they run away without saying anything!

——

Meanwhile was Kanade and Mafuyu in the Sekai trying to understand this whole situation How come that you guys are glitching? Isn’t this place made out of Mafuyu’s feelings? Kanade’s voice was still calm, Mizuki had texted them just before that she had seen Ena and was trying to catch up to her. She trusted them to bring Ena safe and sound back. I don’t know Miku’s voice was still as stable as before the glitches seemed not to have affected her. I think it’s because we others have came to the Sekai through both Mafuyu’s and the others feelings charmed Luka in, she wasn’t as glitchy as Rin but you could see that her form was a little more transparent than it would be. So Rin came here through Ena’s feelings and that’s why Rin is glitching the most? Kanade’s voice was still calm but she looked concerned towards the glitching virtual singer. Seems like it, Mafuyu was still as blank as before but her chest felt even colder than usual. But if that’s the case what is happening to Ena? The thought was in everyone mind and no one knew what actually was going on.

Chapter Text

Ena, wait! Mizuki’s voice was hoarse, but she kept on sprinting toward the other girl. If Mizuki didn’t have anything else in mind, she would’ve just thought this felt like déjà vu. Hah.

“Can’t you just leave me alone?” Ena’s voice was harsh, too harsh for Mizuki to even recognize it was her. Sure, Ena was known for her tantrums, but this was something else.

“Ena… you can’t run away! … cough I know what it’s like! Don’t do this!” Mizuki was starting to feel desperate, because they could feel their legs trembling, almost giving up. They had, so many times, picked and punched to keep going, but soon their legs would go numb and Ena would get away.
“Len! Can’t you say anything to her? Make her stop—do something!”
“I can’t… her phone’s not working…” Len’s voice was small. He couldn’t do anything to stop this. He just wanted to help, but there was nothing he could do.

“Ena, you’ve got to be kidding me….how on earth will we be able to contact you if something happens” they sighted but they were not going to give up, but they were still far away.

“Should we maybe let her be? She said she’ll be back on Nightcord at the usual time… if we just leave her alone…” Len’s voice was still low. He wasn’t sure himself that Ena would keep the promise, but it was the best shot they had, especially since he could see that Mizuki wouldn’t be able to keep up the speed much longer.

“Do you really think she’ll show up?” Mizuki wanted to keep running, but she also wanted to trust Ena. If she said she was coming back to Nightcord at the usual time, would it be okay…? But doubt began to creep in.
Tomorrow is her birthday… what if she doesn’t show up? What will we do? What if she just says she’ll quit, and we never see her again? What will we do??

Mizuki was starting to get lost in her thoughts when Len interrupted her.
“Mizuki? Are you alright?” Len looked worried, almost like he wanted to take back what he’d just said.
“Yeah… I’m fine, thanks. I think you’re right. We need to trust Ena…”

Mizuki slowed down and looked over, just in time to see Ena’s shadow slowly fading from her view.

”I hope you know what you are doing Ena..” mizuki looked one more way to Ena’s way before she hit the untitled button and entered Sekai

——

Mizuki was greeted with everyone in the Sekai, they all looked desperate for an update or even see Ena. But it was just Mizuki

”How did it go?” Kanades voice was calm she tried to steady herself as she saw mizuki but no Ena.. the look on Mizukis face made Kanade feel like Mizuki didn’t get the chance to talk to her yet.

”Well… I think she will show up tonight…” mizuki was looking at the ground a little ashamed over that she let Ena get away but she wanted to believe her. Or rather believe what Len said.

What will we do with the glitching vocaloids? Mafuyu looked over at them, Rin was almost no where to be found just popping up here and there. And the others was missing tings from there appearance. Miku was still impact nothing seems to have happened to her.

I-I can feel another sekai forming…Mikus voice was low and heavy.

Another Sekai?! In here? Mizuki was now getting a little more hypet up but she was till concerned about the hole thing.

Yes..it like it’s taking over this current one…Miku held the same tone as before. She was not scared but she didn’t know what would happen this was new even for her

Chapter Text

So you are telling me that there will be a new Sekai here?” Mizuki’s eyes lit up a little, but she still had a distant expression in her eyes.
“That’s pretty cool!”

“But what will happen to this one?” Kanade’s voice was still calm but a little confused, before adding,
“Does this mean Mafuyu got newer and stronger feelings than before? For it to change?”

There was a pause before Miku answered the questions.

“I don’t know… this doesn’t feel like Mafuyu’s feelings…” Miku looked at Mafuyu as she scanned her to see anything new about the girl, but she felt no different than before. She was the same… maybe a little more distant, but still the same…

Mafuyu was quiet. She couldn’t feel the same warmth she once had, and even when everyone was chatting away, it didn’t feel the same.

“Hey Mafuyu! Are you feeling any different than before?” Mizuki’s voice beamed in. It didn’t hold the usual happiness and positivity, but you could feel that they were trying.

“I don’t… feel anything.”
This was not just Mafuyu giving a poor answer — she really didn’t know.

While this conversation was going on, Meiko was quietly observing the whole situation.

“Ena… it’s Ena’s feelings, right?” Meiko stood a bit back from the group, but no one could see her or hear her — not because she was hiding, but because she was almost transparent.
“I can feel anger coming from the void.”

“We won’t disappear. We’ll just transform into this newer feeling that has arrived.”
This time, it was Luka’s voice. Still as happy as before, she stood beside Meiko, just observing the whole scene.

This time, it was Kaito who spoke.
“Luka is right. But more than that—” he didn’t specify before disappearing again.

“We will take new forms?” Meiko asked bluntly.

“Yes… seems like it.”

“Will we get a new Miku, or will she stay the same?”

“I have no answers for that one, dear.”

Sigh…
And with that, Meiko walked out of the conversation.

——

Just a little more… Ena’s legs were starting to give in, and the tears were almost about to fall. She had never walked so far without stopping before in her life, and it was taking a toll on her body. Everything in her body told her to stop, but her brain kept her walking. She knew she needed to go home and take her stuff, but she couldn’t. She had promised Rin that she would meet the others on Nightcord again… so she needed her laptop. But still, she didn’t want to go back there where no one told her anything. And Akito would bomb her with questions and want answers. She couldn’t deal with that right now. But if she didn’t get back, would her group go and look for her again… decisions, decisions murmured she under her breath .

It was almost 8 o’clock in the morning when Ena entered her house. She took small, quiet steps. Akito was on his morning run, and her parents were still fast asleep. It was the perfect time for her to collect her things and then go out again. Sure, it was her birthday tomorrow, but she couldn’t care less. Her birthday would still feel like a normal everyday — the only difference was that she could drink alcohol legally.

She took out a bag she had stuffed in her closet and began to pack. To say packing would be an easy job was an understatement. Ena wanted to bring her whole bedroom with her if she could, but that would just not fit in her backpack. So she just packed one nice dress and then some okay everyday clothes.

“Ugh, this is stressing me out. Akito can get back any minute.”

Ena had a small smile on her face when she saw her bag packed and done. Sure, it was the longest and most stressful 30 minutes of her life, but she had managed to pack everything before Akito got back. A little credit she needed to give herself.

In her bag were some clothes, makeup, her laptop, and most importantly her drawing equipments and money.

Now all she needed to do was go out of the house and flee. She took one last look at her room before tossing her bag on her shoulder, pulling her phone out of the charger, and began to take small, quiet steps out of the house.

A small yawn escaped her lips before she pushed the back door open, and there out side the door stood Akito. He had a stern almost angry look on his face but if you looked really closely could you almost also see a small glimpse of relief in his eyes. But that could Ena see has a cold shiver was running down her spine.

“H-hello,” Ena made a small awkward chuckle.

“Hi sis,” greeted Akito back.

Chapter Text

Back in the Sekai, around 8:00, when Ena arrived at her house.

The three girls were still in the Sekai, silently watching the Vocaloids fade. The Sekai was just as empty as before, except for one difference. A light seemed to be forming on one side of the Sekai, like a new world was being built inside an already existing one. But the shine didn’t spread through the entire Sekai. It simply manifested and stayed in one place.

“Should we check it out?” Mizuki pointed at the light. The new world had taken form at the same time the Vocaloids had disappeared, leaving only Miku behind.

Mafuyu gave a small nod in Mizuki’s direction and began quietly walking toward the shining side of the Sekai.

As the group moved closer, paint could be seen scattered across the path.

“This is Ena’s feelings… right?” Kanade looked down at the path they were walking on. Paint was splashed across it in different places, all kinds of shades appearing, until they got closer to the shining area. Then the colors started turning more brownish.

When they had walked a bit further into the Sekai, they began to see paintings scattered around. Some were more torn than others, but a few remained intact. The ones in better condition looked like something a four-year-old might have drawn. Others were far from complete, just a few strokes here and there, like the artist had given up.

Mizuki and the others took in the strange, sad beauty of this new part of the Sekai, until Kanade spotted a specific painting.

“This one kind of reminds me of the marionette painting Ena did for our song,” Kanade said, pointing at it.

“This one… looks like me.” Mafuyu stared blankly at the portrait. She couldn’t quite explain why it resembled her—but it did, and yet it didn’t. “This is just like the other portrait she did of me… Is this how I look in her eyes?” Mafuyu closed her eyes. “My chest feels… warm.”

Finally, after many minutes of silence, Miku spoke.

“I can feel Ena’s presence… I’m going to see if she’s okay.”

“Please tell us how she is,” Kanade’s voice was soft. I hope this new place can help me make a song that saves Ena… but even then, is that really enough? She hadn’t even been able to make a song for Yuki yet… But Kanade pushed the doubt aside. There wasn’t time to dwell on that. I need to make this work.

While Kanade was lost in thought and Miku had left for the time being, another Vocaloid appeared.

“Rin!” Mizuki’s voice lit up with happiness and confusion. They were relieved to see Rin okay, after all the glitching the poor Vocaloid had been through but she looked a little different. This new Rin wore a completely white dress and a white bow. The whole Vocaloid looked like a blank canvas, ready to be painted. Even her eyes were slightly different. Sure, they were still as empty as before, but now there was something in them that made Mizuki wonder ”Is there a bit of the nightcord Kaito in there?

“This Sekai won’t last for long,” Rin’s voice was cold almost angry. But it was not directed to anyone particularly. Mizuki and Rin just stood there awkwardly infront of each other.

“Rin… Don’t worry. We’ll fix this.” Mizuki’s voice was warm and sure. They really believed they could still help Ena through her pain they just needed to figure out how.

As this was happening transported Miku to Ena’s phone. She was taken aback when she got greeted by muffled sounds and a pitch black surrounding. I most be in a bag she thought, since the sounds of people arguing was close but not clear.

Chapter Text

Ena?” Was all Miku could say before the bag started to rattle and shake.
Ena is moving though Miku as the bag shakes from side to side. I hope I get to talk to her…..

Ena was sprinting with her bag in her back through the neighborhood. She wasn’t sure if Akito was following her or if he even tried to stop her after she shoved him to the side. All she could feel was her stomach give in as she sprinted once again. The argument they had wasn’t even bad of Ena even could recall it. But the argument was as gone as her hopes and hopes and dreams of becoming something worthy in her eyes. But what was obvious for everyone was that Akito was worried for Ena and that’s why he was shouting at her to come to her senses if you even could say he was shouting. But in Ena’s mest up mind couldn’t she see that. Ena wanted to talk she wanted to at least say sorry to him, for everything but nothing came out. So she ran just like how Mizuki did. Until her legs gave in, she ended up in a dark alleyway with a scarcity looking door that was light up with a street lamp. The sun had begun to creep up but the houses made it impossible for the light to shine through if it wasn’t high up in the sky. So the alleyway looked really sketchy.

Ena just stood there gasping for air, if she had more energy would she turn around and run straight away from the creepy alleyway but something made her want to try and open the door that was light up by the street lamp. Even though it looked really gross and that place could lead to anywhere but Ena new she needed a place to hide if she wanted to be alone for sometime to gather her thoughts and feelings. So she pressed down the handle only to find it jammed. Aw, come on!”

Suddenly the door opened and pulled Ena inside. The grip was firm but yet familiar.

Chapter Text

Mizuki and the others were still exploring the new Sekai when her phone rang.

“Lil bro? Lil bro!”

As the realization hit, Mizuki picked up her phone in a hurry. She really hoped Akito had some new information about where his sister was.

“Took you long enough,” Akito’s voice was heavy but still steady, like he had been running but stopped just as fast as he started.

“Stop with the sarcasm. What’s the news?” Mizuki’s voice lacked its usual playfulness.

“Chill, she’s okay. She ran off before I could get some sense into her. But I think she’s fine for now, even though it seemed like she packed her whole life with her.”

Why isn’t Akito more worried?! Why does he just say that so nonchalantly? Mizuki wanted to scream all this to Akito’s face, but instead, all that came out was:

“Do you know where she is?”

“Yes. I don’t think she realized that she entered one of Dad’s studios. The old man is with her.” Akito slightly cursed under his breath. “I hope he doesn’t make it worse…”

“Send me her location. I’ll be there.”

With that, Mizuki ended the phone call.

⸻

Kanade and Mafuyu were looking at a painting they found in the new part of the Sekai. Somehow, this painting was different from the rest. Sure, there were some paintings that were finished and not torn apart completely, but this one was a beautiful self-portrait of Ena?

Well, both Kanade and Mafuyu weren’t completely sure if the girl in the painting was Ena or someone totally different, because all the features were not completely finished, just a sketch and nothing more. But since it came from Ena’s part of the Sekai, it must be Ena, thought Kanade.

“Mafuyu, who do you think it resembles?” Kanade’s voice was soft. She already had a thought of her own, but it was nice to hear Mafuyu’s thoughts on the matter too. She’d been quiet for a while now… but Kanade could sense that Mafuyu was somewhere else in her mind.

“Oh, sorry, did you say something, Kanade?” Mafuyu shifted her gaze from the portrait to Kanade… with a haze.

“Girls, we need to go.” Mizuki’s voice cut through the warm silent between the other two.

Chapter Text

Rin saw the three girls disappear from the Sekai, her reaction was unchanged. She was about to walk away from where she was standing when Miku got back to the Sekai.

Rin looked at her, and as blank eyes stared back at her, she opened her mouth. “I know this Sekai won’t stay for long. Your friends will be back. So just leave me be, I’m used to being alone.” Miku hadn’t said anything, but she didn’t want to leave this version of Rin alone either. “I will stay by your side even if you don’t want to.” Miku’s words were warm. Rin looked at Miku, not wanting to accept the warmth yet, she was used to giving warmth but when it came to her own emotions was she more distant. The two Vocaloids just stared at each other in silence until Rin turned away and gestured for Miku to follow her.

——

Ena was in a dark studio sitting on a stool. Around her was paintings she never seen before but it was clearly her father’s work.

Speaking of her father, he was standing right in front of her with his back turned around her, he was painting.

Ena scanned the room once more, before her mind began to wander. Did all of those paintings mean nothing to him? Were they not special enough to him is that why they are still stuck in this studio, locked away from the rest of the world? Will this painting he is currently working on be special enough to be displayed in his new exhibition or will it also be another painting that will slowly wither away in this depressing studio with the rest of the unworthy paintings he made? Just because he didn’t find them special enough..did he think he was talentless and the painting here just proved that? That’s just a stupid thought why would a talented artist think that? It’s so frustrating, No! I can’t get stuck in my head like this! Ena slapped her hands to her cheeks and looked at the canva her father was currently painting.

The sketch was of some people running around a filled of peony’s, a flower she had seen before in her father’s art. The painting was beautiful, she could feel the warmth from the painting. But she would never say that to her father she was to stubborn to do that.

Ena and her dad hadn’t said a word to each other, after he dragged her in. But it’s not like Ena wanted to talk to him either. All he had said was “stay here” with a tired voice after she almost had scream her lungs out out of fear to get kidnapped.

Ena wanted to leave badly she knew her father already had contacted Akito about her since she hadn’t got any calls by him and the others in a while with most mean Aktio had told them after right? Or had they finally given up? No! Ena slapped her cheeks against other her hands to push away the negative thoughts.

So why hasn’t she left yet, it’s wrong to say she hadn’t tried but her body just didn’t move, she was simply to tired, to do anything.

——

After what felt like forever began Shinei talk in a low voice, he still had his back turned from “it’s your birthday should you be somewhere else?”

His question made Ena mad, because it made her think about how lonely she was. There was no Nightcord anymore they practically ditched her a few weeks before and she couldn’t go and brother Airi since she hadn’t her idol tings to take care of and all her other friends wasn’t even close to her, who would she even celebrate with? Akito? No she didn’t want to be with him! Plus he shouldn’t have to be with her all the time just because she hadn’t some issues he had already helped her so much before……so who? Her parents was there but not present so who? She really wanted an answer to this, so she screamed “Shut up!! Just leave me be!”

And with that got she enough fuel to take her bags and storm out of the studio with a bang.

She is out.
- From dad

Chapter Text

The others waited patiently at their current positions. Mizuki had informed them since Akito had messaged her when he got a message from Shinei. So he told Mizuki to stay alert so she could talk to Ena when she decided to show herself again. Akito really wanted to be the one talking some sense into his sister, but he knew that this mess wasn’t his doing. And if he wanted to make Ena understand, it would be Mizuki that needed to talk to her.

He really hated how he and Ena had drifted apart, but now it was someone else’s turn to help his sister out.

//

“Why am I so stupid?? Ugh, I don’t get this! It’s literally my birthday today and I’m not happy?? Why am I so useless?? I can’t believe I’m running away AGAIN! I need to face it head on! But I’m not… URG! Why can’t I do it?? This isn’t even like me!!”

Ena slammed the door to her father’s studio, and stormed with an angry tempo out of the unpleasant alleyway. “It’s literally my birthday today and no one, I mean NO ONE, has texted me happy birthday! And yesterday my phone was blowing up! ………… aa… you are right… I ran away… they probably forgot… why do I even care. It’s not like I miss them or……”

Ena slammed her hand to the wall of the alley, and her bag slammed at the same time with the force on the ground. Ena was about to cry again but she put her arm to her face, forcing her tears to dry up from the fabric of her sleeve.

//

“Ena…” Mizuki had sprinted to where Akito had sent her to, and the nearer she came the more she heard Ena’s sad and angry voice… Mizuki couldn’t bear hearing Ena scream out in pain. She needed to comfort her, but… no buts. She was going to help her.

“Ena..!” Mizuki rushed to Ena’s side as she saw the girl punch the wall over and over again. “ENA, ARE YOU CRAZY?? WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Mizuki’s voice was now even more worried. She knew that just rushing towards the other girl wasn’t the best idea. But Ena’s hand would start bleeding if she kept on punching the wall like that. Mizuki couldn’t let that happen.

Ena stopped mid punch as her eyes were still blurry from almost crying once again. “M… Mizuki? Why?” Ena really didn’t want to talk to them, but she just couldn’t run anymore. She had gone two days without sleep, of course that would catch up to her now of all times.

“Ena… let’s talk…” Mizuki’s voice was soft, very soft.