This is a story of two brothers who have fallen in love with the same girl. They struggle to out do one another, but in the end she chooses the one she loves most. Jealousy, however, splits the two apart, leaving the culprit to take her for himself. Will he be able to replace his brother in her heart? Or will she discover the truth, and despise him with every fiber of her being.

Shattered Expectations

Been a while since I've updated, but without any response to my first chapter I really didn't feel motivated enough to continue. XD But I decided to hell with it, I like typing my story for others to read even if I have no inclination as to if my writing is entertaining or not. Anyway, on to the show!

(Recap: Shukumei located Zaiaku and was just about to confront him after all this time...)

They hear an exasperated sigh from the other side of the door, followed by a few sluggish steps across the hardwood floor, and then nothing. Taki almost knocks again as the knob turns."What is it?", Zaiaku asks, only opening the door a sliver.
"I have someone here that I'd like you to meet.", Taki gestures for Shukumei to come closer.
"Taki...", he says with a warning tone.
"Trust me man, you won't regret it.", he shoves Shukumei to where she can be seen between the crack and frame. She looks at him curiously, tilting her head to one side.
'That's adorable, just like a puppy.' Zai catches himself smiling and takes a step back. She does the same.
"May I come in?", the words echo in the air as Shukumei reaches for the knob.
"Huh? Oh, sure.", Zaiaku stutters, her straight forward approach catching him off guard.
"Well...", she says tapping her foot patiently.
"Sorry...", he opens the door embarrassed.
"It's alright.", she grins at him as she strolls through the doorway. Taki gives Zai a thumbs up before closing the door. Zai massages his forehead, frustrated with his "supposed" friend.
"Nice place you have here.", she says admiring the well furnished make-up room.
"Yeah, they actually gave me the decent room this time.", he watches her as she surveys her surroundings.
"Ah.", she replies quietly.
'I know I wanted to meet her, but what now?', he bites his lower lip as he tries to come up with a conversation stater, but she beats him to the punch.
"You play?", she nods at a guitar in the corner.
"Wha? Yeah, since I was 12.", he meets her gaze and his heart begins to race.
"Do you think you could play me something?", she asks sweetly.
"Sure, what would you like to hear?", he walks past her, careful not to make a fool of himself by stumbling, and picks up his beloved instrument.
"Whatever you feel like playing.", she responds sincerely.
"Alright.", he takes a moment to setup and starts to play Pas De Cheval by Panic! At the Disco. She sings along, her voice carrying off the walls creating the most sublime sound he has ever heard. He almost screws up as before, but composes himself quickly.
"Imagine knowing me.", she winks at him as they hear the door creak. Tsuno stares at her with disbelief, but then begins to jam out. She puts on a bit of a show with her hands as Taki bursts through the door making Tsuno fall flat on his ass.
"What the hell was that for?!", he yells aggravated.
"Shukumei, was that you?", Taki cups his hands around hers.
"Yes Taki, I do believe so.", Zaiaku answers for her, slapping Taki's hands out of the way. She looks at Zaiaku thankfully, placing a hand on his arm. He glances at her sideways and takes a soothing breath.
"Yes, that was me.", Shukumei gives Taki a stern look, awaiting an explanation for the sudden intrusion.
"Wow...", his face lights up as he begins to pace to and fro. "Zai, don't you think her voice was superb?", he asks his excitement escalating with each step he takes.
"Of course. Any dimwit could see that.", he states coldly.
"Right. Well don't you think our band would be even more radical with a girl singer?", he bounces on his last step, landing in front of Shukumei. "Would you like to join us?", he inquires, his eyes dancing with hope.
"No.", Zaiaku cuts in, his words edging on a growl. Everyone stares at him with slightly confused and frightened expressions.
"Wha? But why?", Taki grabs Zai by his collar, clearly frustrated by his friend's behavior.
"I don't want to involve her in this piece of shit we call our job.", he breaks free from Taki's grip and shifts his eyes to Shukumei.
"I want to.", she states with a tone scarier than his.
"Great! I'll call our manager and set everything up!", Taki sprints out of the room, his cellphone already glued to his ear.
"Why?", Zaiaku glares at her furious.
"I do whatever the hell I want.", she starts to leave but he grabs her by the arm.
"Answer me.", he looks down into her eyes gently and pleading.
"I'm afraid I can't tell you... It's too soon.", she turns away, hiding her pain and sorrow from his boring eyes.
"I see... Well then, welcome to our humble piece of shit!", he lets go and sits down in a recliner.
"Thanks.", she replies, still avoiding his face.
"We have to announce this to our fans right away, so be prepared for a press conference first thing tomorrow.", he places his hands behind his head as he reclines backwards.
"OK.", she begins to walk away.
"Shukumei," he call after her.
"Yes?", she replies meekly as she struggles to keep an even tone.
"G'night.", he waves although he knows she will not face him.
"You too.", she manages to choke out before running away with all her might.
"Zai, why do you have to be such a dick?", Tsuno shakes his head feeling sympathetic towards Shukumei. He does not respond, so Tsuno leaves him to wallow in his shame.

'Why am I crying? I got what I wanted didn't I?' Shukumei thinks, flying so fast that see can barely distinguish her surroundings.
"There you are!", an ecstatic exclamation breaks her train of thought. "I thought I'd lost you!", two arms wrap around her waist, pulling her into a rock hard chest.
"Sonkei...", she gasps. 'How could I have been so stupid?! I almost lead him to...", she shudders at the thought.
"It's alright, I'm here now.", he holds her tightly, thinking she was fearful after her adventure in the mortal realm. She winces, knowing in the deep depths of her heart that she almost lost him.

"Wait... Let me get this straight...", Sonkei pauses contemplating his next words. "You are going to gather information about humans by living on Earth, and you want me to keep track of things here?"
"Yes and no.", she replies tired of reiterating herself. "I am going to Earth to conduct research, but I'm leaving you and Seigi in charge."
"Why? Don't you trust me?", he asks with puppy dog eyes.
'Not a chance.' she thinks angrily. "You know what they say: 'Two head are better than one.'", she smiles as she heads for the portal to Earth.
"Right...", he takes a moment to pull himself together before saying, "Well, have a safe trip my love. You will be on mind every second until you return." He leans in to kiss her, but she turns briskly and his lips peck her cheek.
"I'll be back soon to check up on how you two are fairing.", she proceeds to walk through the portal without another word.
'And so the fun begins.' Sonkei chuckles to himself maniacally.

"Why didn't you ask for her number?!", Taki yells pacing up and down their hotel room.
"She didn't exactly give me a chance, Taki.", Zaiaku says irritated.
"Yeah, seeing as you scared her off like all the others.", Tsuno mutters under his breath. Zaiaku ignores his comment and heads for the door.
"Where do you think you're going?", Mizure asks, pulling a cigarette away from his mouth.
"I'm going to go look for her.", he is barely audible over the screams from below.
"Good luck.", Mizure scoffs before taking a drag.
"I'll go with you.", Taki walks up behind him.
"No, I need to talk to her...", he pauses, "alone.", and with that he leaves.

(End Chapter 2)

So I'd just like to say that I do not support smoking in any shape form or fashion, it just so happens to fit the personality of my character. Personally I find it disgusting and a complete turn off. But I digress, criticism and comments are always welcome. (And they help boost my self-esteem. XD However, it is not expected, as long as someone enjoys this story that is good enough for me. C:) Will Zaiaku find Shukumei in time or will their newest member be history before her career even starts? What plans does Sonkei have for the kingdom? Will Shukumei return in time to foil his devious plot? Why does Shukumei have such an obsession with Zaiaku? All will be revealed on the next episode of Dragon Ball Z! :D

A Long Awaited Reunion

I'll post a little blurb at the bottom or top of posts to give an intro to each chapter or commentary. There are a lot of characters present in the first chapter so please bare with me. If it gets confusing just ask me and I'll try to clarify as best as I can. Their descriptions are similar... somewhat. :/ Hence I'll have to update my profiles after this. XD Anyway onto the story.

A young lady around seventeen leans on her palm, yawning from boredom. Several servant creatures scurry to and fro preparing for a grandiose event. The girl rises from her throne and strolls over to a gigantic cauldron in the center of the room. She peers into its dark watery depths as she does everyday, clearly searching for a lost part of her.
"When will you give up on him?" A voice sighs from the doorway.
"When you prove to me that you are a better man.", she states coldly.
"I've done more than enough to prove my worth, but it never seems to satisfy you!", he spits back. The servants whisper amongst themselves, this appears to happen on a regular basis.
"I'm not in the mood to argue Sonkei.", she says, finally turning to face him.
"You know I won't rest until I receive an answer.", he begins to cross the room. "Why do you insist that he is the only one for you?", he pauses in front of her. "I have been by your side all along, why won't you let me in?", he gently caresses her cheek.
She quickly turns away.
He sighs frustrated, "Shukumei, you can't waste your whole life searching for someone who may not even exist anymore."
"Oh? Who made you so high and mighty?", she takes a few steps back to distance herself from him.
"I only want what's best for you, why can't you understand that?", he takes one long stride, closing the gap between them.
"The best for me?", she laughs at his claim, "Or the best for you?" She calls his bluff, her eyes piercing as she stares up into his face. His face becomes angry, his pupils turning into slits. "I know just as well as you that the moment I agree to marry you, you'll be plotting your take over." She does not falter from his deathly gaze.
"Think what you want. I will not withdraw my words.", he breaks their heated confrontation, leaving her alone as she was.
She rolls her eyes, as a glint from the cauldron catches her attention. She almost falls in trying to track down the source of light. All the hatred and loneliness fades from her face as she says, "Found you."

Ok, so I lied, next chapter will have all the new characters. XD I hadn't realized that I had such a powerful cliffhanger at the very beginning. =3= Anyway, tell me what you think, mainly of the characters. Sonkei is such a douche, right? Poor guy, he's so easy to hate. :( Then again, doesn't that make him a perfect antagonist? He'll become more evil when I actually write that far. >.> Just wait until you meet the guys, they are so much fun to write as. XD Too much testosterone if you ask me but, I do live in a household dominated by men. It's only fitting for me to enjoy a man's perspective. XD Alright enough rambling, I need to update profiles before the next installment. (Given the first is actually read by someone. XD) Thanks for reading! :] <3

P.S. Excuse grammar and spelling errors. >.<

EDIT: This chapter was not finished, so I'll update and complete it now. :)

"Hey Z, you ready?", a tall man with navy blue hair asks.
"Yeah." a young man with jet black hair responds flatly.
"Z, I know you are tired of preforming, but this is our last show. Try to appear enthusiastic, ok?", he leans against the door frame, his black highlights shining under the florescent lights.
"I know, stop bugging me alright?", Z snaps, making the white tips of his hair waver on his back.
The tall gentleman sighs and stands upright to leave. "We're on in five.", he says walking out into the hall.
"Got it.", a pair of dark red irises watch his friend exit through the reflection in the mirror.

"Shukumei's gone?!", Sonkei yells, the whole building shakes in fear.
"Y-y-ye-es-s S-s-ir.", a servant cowers under his hands.
"Why weren't you watching her closely?!", he shouts aggravated.
"W-we were b-but...", he stammers.
"But nothing! It was your job to keep track of her and you failed!", Sonkei barks.
"I-I'm sorry master.", he begins to cry in terror.
"Just get out of my sight, I'll deal with you later.", Sonkei shoos him, pacing the room anxiously.
"Yes master...", he takes his leave. "Um master...", he chokes.
"Did you not hear me?", he glares at the servant a sneer plastered on his face.
"Yes, but it is believed that our Mistress was headed for Earth...", he trails off.
"No... She couldn't have...", Sonkei has a transparent stare.
"Master...?", the servant looks concerned.
"Zaiaku...", he murmurs.

"Hey Zai, I've already talked to a couple of girls who are dying to meet you.", a punk guy with teal hair teases.
"Shut-up Mizure.", the tall older man smacks him on the head.
"Dammit Taki, you can't be nice to this Drama Queen, it's spoiling him.", Mizure rubs the back of his head, his cerulean streaks shimmer.
"He's not spoiled...", a voice comes from behind.
"Oh? Then what is he?", Mizure calls over his shoulder.
"Misunderstood.", a youthful teen states calmly.
Mizure burst out laughing. "Can you believe him Taki?", he says gasping for air.
"Tsuno's right, Mizure.", Taki bonks Mizure on the head again.
"Dammit! If you don't cut it out I'm going to break your fucking arm off!" Mizure reaches up towards Taki.
"You wish.", Taki leans over in his face.
"Hey, you three done yet?", the man of discussion questions annoyed.
"I'm ready Zai.", Tsuno step closer to him, his hair igniting like a flame under the stage lights.
"Let's just get this over with. I have a date tonight.", Mizure stalks off towards his stage position.
"When do you not?", Taki lets out an exasperated sigh before looking at Zaiaku. "You sure you're up for this?"
"Yes, one more show won't kill me.", Zai smiles grabbing his mic.
"Heh, that's the Zaiaku I know.", he slaps him on the back and picks up his guitar.
"What do you say we knock them on their asses?!", Zai shouts, a battle cry tradition. The guys agree in unison as the curtains draw back, revealing a crowd of screaming girls.

'Hm, the cauldron said he would be in this general area.", Shukumei thinks scouring the skies for her lost gem. She hears a chorus of shrieks and loud music. She looks below and spies an enormous sea of bodies. 'Don't tell me he's...', she winces at the thought of being in the midst of all those humans. Suddenly she hears a voice that she could recognize anywhere. She glances around the crowd frantically, searching for her prize. "There!", she exclaims, swooping downwards for a closer look. Tears well-up in her eyes as she quietly floats down to the ground. She doesn't even mind the humans who stare dumbfounded at her black demonic wings. She withdraws them and makes her way through the throng of mortals.

'Just smile and sing.', Zaiaku repeats over and over to keep himself from going insane. 'These girls claim they love me, but they don't even know who I am.', he peers into the may faces of his fans. He does a back sweep when something draws his attention. 'A girl with white hair?', he blinks to make sure his eyes aren't playing tricks on him. 'That girls she's...', he finds himself feeling lightheaded and nauseous. 'Why do I feel like I've seen her before?', his eyes lock with hers and she smiles at him. He is blown away by her beauty and he almost misses a note in his solo. 'Stay focused, you can't allow one girl to screw up everything you've worked for.', he shakes his head and quickly glances in her direction. 'She's gone?!', he cocks his head back in disbelief. 'How?', he looks about for his mystery girl. 'There!', he spies her conversing with some EMO kid. She appears to be in pain. 'Back off buddy, she's not interested!', he glowers at the guy with her. 'Wait, why do I feel so angry?', he runs his hand through his hair and when he looks up she is once again smiling at him. He grins back, a pure genuine smile.

'Whoa! Is Zai smiling?! For real?!', Taki stares at Zaiaku in shock. 'Who is he looking at?', Taki follows his gaze and sees the "Snow White." 'Ah, there she is.', he smiles at her before glancing at Zaiaku again. 'I have to bring her backstage for Z.', he starts to zone out, concentrating on how to hook them up or at least meet.

'Zaiaku... Is it really you?', Shukumei stare up at the one and only man she has ever loved. 'Who is this angelic beauty standing before me? I must know her name.', Zaiaku winks at her as he brings the concert to a close.
"Thanks for coming out tonight, we always appreciate seeing our fans at every show!", he breaths into the mic exhausted.
"We love Heaven's Hell!", a group of teenage girls shout.
"We love you too.", Zai puts on a fake smile. The girls squeal loudly. 'Ugh, how can he put up with these silly human females.', Shukumei covers her mouth in disgust. Zai laughs at her reaction, "Well thanks again, and we'll catch you on our next tour!", he waves and walks backstage. All the others bow before following his example.
"Catch you on the flip side.", Mizure yells, rushing out the door with some hot babe.
"Later man.", Tsuno says plopping down on the couch. "Taki, where are you going?", he inquires curious.
"Hm, oh, I was just going to sign a few autographs.", he states absentmindedly.
"Alright, have fun!", Tsuno smirks.
"Yeah...", Taki barely notices his sarcasm as he walks out the door.
'Man what's up with him? He's acting stranger than...', he gets cut off by the slamming of a door. 'Not again.', he groans, glancing at Zaiaku's door. He tilts back his head and closes his eyes.

'Well at least I know he's safe.', Shukumei smiles to herself. 'Now to return home. I bet Sonkei's furious!', she laughs at the thought of his swollen red face.
"Excuse me miss.", someone calls from her right.
'If I play my cards right I can get him to take over for me while I stay here with Zai...', she shakes her head. 'No, that wouldn't work. He'd just destroy all I've accomplished in terms of peace between...'
"Hey!", a hand pushes down on her shoulder. She spins around, her hand balled into a fist. She blinks, as she stares up at her suitor. "I'm sorry to bother you, but would you mind coming with me?", he pants, leaning forward from exhaustion.
"Sure, you're a member of the band, correct?", she smiles at him.
"Yeah... Thanks.", he holds out his hand for her. At first she just stares at the palm laid out before her, but reluctantly she takes it. 'This human seems harmless.', she thinks following him through the crowd. 'Besides, he can take me to Zaiaku.' A surge of panic courses through her, 'Wait, what if he doesn't remember me? Can I handle that?' Her face becomes tormented from these painful thoughts.
"You ok?", Taki asks gazing down at her.
"Yes, I'm fine.", she nods, all traces of pain vanish from her face.
"If you say so...", he raises his eyebrow suspiciously. "Anyway, we're here.", he holds the door open for her.
"Oh, thank you.", she bows and crosses over the threshold. Tsuno raises his head, overhearing more than one voice.
"Taki? That you?", he inquires almost shouting.
"Yeah, and I'm right here so you don't have to yell.", he hits Tsuno on the arm.
"Well you scared the crap out of me man, of course I'm going to shout.", he rubs his arm trying to focus. Shukumei lets out a giggle and Tsuno automatically sits up, looking both ways for the culprit of this heinous crime. He stops cold as his eyes find Shukumei's feet. He slowly makes his way up her legs and curves as he stares at her face. His eyes pop and his jaw drops. Shukumei laughs once again, snapping him into reality.
"Don't mind him, he's just stupid.", Taki sighs shifting his weight towards Zaiaku's room. Her eyes follow his motion and when she sees the door her breathing halts.
"I'm Tsuno, it's a pleasure to meet you.", he is now beside her with his hand outstretched. She takes a deep breath and turns to face him. She studies his features, his eyes are burning red matching his fiery red, orange, yellow hair. He literally looks like a flame blazing in the night. She then proceeds to give his body a once over, although he is a bit young for her taste, he is finely chiseled as are the rest of the men in the band. She grabs his hand and shakes it.
"It's nice to meet you Tsuno. I'm Shukumei."
"Shukumei, what a beautiful name...", he sighs longingly.
She smiles, "Why thank you..." She stops as she spots two budding horns on his head. 'He couldn't be...'
"That's enough lover boy.", Taki takes Shukumei's other hand and pulls her towards Zaiaku's room. She puts the thought out of her mind and focuses on the task at hand. "I brought her here to meet Z, not you.", he pokes Tsuno on the forehead sending him back down onto the couch.
"Good luck with that.", he mutters under his breath. Shukumei looks at him quizzically.
"He lock himself in his room again?", Taki sighs, pausing outside his door.
"Yep, well more like he slammed his door shut.", Tsuno shrugs nonchalantly. She is saddened by this news and Taki quickly takes notice.
"Don't worry, he always does this.", he tries to comfort her by patting her hand gently. To her surprise, it works. "You ready?", he inquires, he seems to be bracing himself.
"Yes.", she holds her breath as he knocks on the door.

(End Chapter 1)

I'm done... my fingers are killing me and my head hurts. Why did I write so much? ;~; Anyway, stay tuned for the next exciting episode of DBZ! Ha, kidding. :P New chapter next update, look forward to the plot thickening!