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 my 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

Fiction: 05/25/09 | Posted By: Enzeru no hikari | 0 comments | Personal