Title: Thrilling Premonition
Characters: Luka (Empty Sekai version), Rin (Empty Sekai version), Len (Empty Sekai version), MEIKO (Empty Sekai version), Miku (Empty Sekai version), Mafuyu
Part 1
Empty Sekai
Luka
(Hehe! A field trip…)
(I caught wind of something potentially interesting.)
…Oh?
MEIKO
Luka…
Luka
So you were here.
Kanade and the others came to show us their completed music video just now, you know. It's a shame you weren't there too.
MEIKO
If they want our thoughts, then the rest of you being there should be enough.
Luka
But I think they'd like to hear your thoughts too every now and then, you know? Plus, if you'd joined us, you would've been able to hear something interesting as well.
MEIKO
…Is that interesting thing you heard the reason why you're in a good mood?
Luka
Oh? Do I appear that way?
MEIKO
…Did something happen to those kids?
Luka
It's nothing to worry about. Mafuyu told us that she'll be going on a field trip tomorrow.
She said that she'll be checking out a museum with the kids from her school. Apparently, it's a place where they can have hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology or something.
Don't you think it's a curious event?
MEIKO
Nope.
Luka
My, how cold.
MEIKO
But… I understand now.
Luka
What exactly?
MEIKO
I'm talking about the reason why that kid is staring at you.
*Cut to Rin being angry*
Luka
Ahh, you mean Rin.
She's been that way since the topic of the field trip came up…
Flashback starts
Rin
-Luka, you're plotting something.
Luka
My, my, that came out of nowhere. What's the matter all of a sudden?
Rin
You had an evil look. When Mafuyu was talking about the field trip.
Luka
An evil look… I just thought it'd be great if the day went well, you know?
Rin
Lies. That's definitely not all.
If you're planning to do something unnecessary to Mafuyu, stop.
Luka
Why, I'd never. You believe that I'd do something like that?
Rin
I do.
Luka
Oh dear…
Flashback ends
Luka
It's such a shame since I truly do wish for her to enjoy the trip.
MEIKO
It's natural for Rin to think that.
Luka
Goodness, even you, Meiko?
MEIKO
Because it's unbelievable for you to not do anything in the face of something interesting.
At the very least- You aren't just hoping that she'll enjoy it, right?
Luka
…It certainly isn't just that.
Don't you agree it's rare for Mafuyu to be with her schoolmates? I thought this could stave off a little bit of boredom.
MEIKO
…I see. I get it now. And the reason why you're making such a face, too.
Luka
Hehe, I'm glad that you could believe me.
If only Rin could believe me as quickly as you did, Meiko.
MEIKO
It's probably because of your usual behaviour.
Luka
It's truly such a shame.
Part 2
Empty Sekai
Luka
-You're asking where I was yesterday?
Rin
Yeah. 'Cause I couldn't find you no matter where I looked.
Luka
Did you want to play with me by any chance?
Rin
No.
Miku
It's because yesterday was the field trip.
Len
Um… Rin was worried…that you went to where Mafuyu was.
Rin
Did you?
Luka
Why, yes. I was curious to see how she was spending her time. Plus, I was also interested in the Museum of Tomorrow1 itself anyway.
Rin
You, didn't do anything unnecessary?
Luka
Goodness, Rin. You're so distrustful.
All I did was observe Mafuyu.
Rin
Then that's fine…
Len
What…was the museum like…?
Luka
It was a place that didn't seem to bore people.
Among other things, it had a fun-looking maze and an area where you could take mysterious photos.
But still, there was a lot that cannot be understood purely by observing from the outside.
Miku
Was Mafuyu able to enjoy it?
Luka
Well…
Flashback
Luka
…Who knows?
Rin
What is that suppo-
*Mafuyu enters the Sekai*
Len
Ah… It seems like someone's here.
*Footsteps*
Len
Mafuyu…!
Luka
My, speak of the devil and all that.
What's the matter today?
Mafuyu
I wanted to pass the souvenirs from the field trip to you all.
*Mafuyu retrieves the items*
Mafuyu
…Here. I bought snacks, so share them with everyone2.
Miku
Thank you.
Rin
The snack box, has a rabbit-looking creature drawn on it.
Len
It really does… It's so cute.
Mafuyu
It's an alien. It appeared in the game at the museum
Miku
What kind of game was it?
Mafuyu
It's a game where you gather materials to build a house. We also escaped from the aliens and saved our captured teammates.
Miku
It sounds kind of difficult.
Mafuyu
…Yeah. There was a lot to do.
Since the story apparently changes based on your actions… There was a lot to think about too.
Rin
I see. How was it, for Mafuyu?
Mafuyu
Huh?
Rin
The story. Did it turn out good?
Mafuyu
…Probably.
We were able to achieve the goal, so it was probably a good outcome.
Len
I see… You're so incredible, Mafuyu.
Mafuyu
I didn't do anything.
It was all thanks to the girls I played it with.
Luka smiles at Mafuyu
Mafuyu
What is it…?
Luka
Oh, nothing.
It's just-
I'm glad that it was a good ending.
Mafuyu
…Yeah.
……I feel glad.
Luka
Hey, do you mind telling me a little more about that game?
Rin
I want, to hear more too.
Mafuyu
…Yeah, sure.
Luka
Hehe. Thank you. I'm so happy.
Notes
- I don’t know what
近未来博物館(lit. museum of the near future) is often translated as, but I quite like the name Museum of Tomorrow, which leans a bit closer to the “near future” part of the name. This is incidentally also the name of the Brazilian museum, Museu do Amanhã. (Return to text)
- Mafuyu says
みんなで食べて(let’s all eat/everyone eat) and I’m not too sure if she wants the Virtual Singers to share the snacks among themselves or to eat right there and then with the Virtual Singers in this story. It’s not clear, but at the very least they didn’t do any timeskips or talk about eating them in this part of the story and Mafuyu sounds like she wants them to share it among themselves, so that’s what I’m assuming here. (Return to text)