�ok.� I said about laugh as he had used a baby begging tone. �Just tell me where are you and I�ll try to get there, right?�

�We are near home.� He said. �You could take a taxi.�

�Do you think I am a tycoon?� I said as I heard him speak of money so carelessly. �I�ll take a train, I hope you can wait a bit for me.�

�Ok, we will send someone to look for you at the station. See you!!� he said nearly singing before hanging down.

It was funny. I had to apologize to the waitress and I ran to the station to catch the train. However, when I arrived the station, I saw noone i would knew there. There were some people, it was true, but noone that I knew.

Instead, there was a cool girl with blond locks who seemed to be looking for someone.

Isa was today wearing a pair of worn out jeans with several cuts she made on them as soon as she bought them that same morning and a new t-shirt she bought from a designer called Vivienne Westwood at a good shop at the center.

She looked around but saw noone she could remember so she began walking towards the place her cousin has told her. As she didn�t knew where the place was she asked the woman at the station ticket counter who politely told her how to get to the place, when she arrived she found it was a normal restaurant so she came in and began looking for Shin and Nobu.

Nobu Part.

It was funny, we were chatting with Yasu and Ginpei-sama about the afternoon practices on a new song I am about ending when Shin saw his cousin appear, and began waving madly at her as if he was a little child.

That guy is really astonishing. He can be really mature sometimes and others he behaves worse than a little child.

Anyway, he caught her attention and she began coming towards us. She was smiling and today really wore as Nana used to.

�Is that your cousin, Shin?� Ginpei-sama said softly.

�Yes, but her name is Isa for short.� Shin said.

�I don�t think it�s a good idea of her being put up at Nobu�s.� Yasu said putting his cig off at the ashtray. �She looks elder than you.�

�She is my age.� I said a bit annoyed.

�Hello, Shin. Hi Nobu.� She said smiling. �You really caught me about ordering meal.�

�Oh, sit here.� Shin told her moving a bit aside so her to sit between him and Yasu on one side of the table while I sat on the other and Gimpei-sama sat on their left and Misato to their right.

�By the way.� Yasu said. �Where is Misato? Wasn�t she comming with you?�

�Who is her?� Isa said.

�Damn... she must be still waiting at the station.� I said taking my phone out to call her.

Five minutes after having introduce Shin�s cousin to Yasu and Ginpei-sama Misato came and she was also introduced to her.

We ordered and while that, we chatted about music. Isa seemed interested in music too, and, I must recognise she seemed to also know about it.

�So you know about music?� Ginpei said smiling.

He was as our father sometimes.

�Yes, well I mean... I have met some musicians, yes.� She said going pink.

�On your dad�s?� Shin said.

She noded. Her family should have lot of money if they have hotels good enough for putting up good musicians.

�That�s good.� Ginpei said. �I supose musicians on your place are simmilar to the ones here.�

�In fact... I have also met some japanese musicians lately.� She said softly.

That attracted our attention.

�I�m a fan of Trapnes and it happened that they chosed our hotel in London to stay at while they were doing some bussiness there some time ago.� She said looking to the dish she was eating and stiring the noodles. �So I had chance of speaking the guys. Reira stayed at her bedroom cause she seemed not to be feeling well and Takumi didn�t went out of his room either too much. The blond one and Ren were nicer.�

As she said so Yasu looked down a bit and so did Shin, I loked to a side. Remembering that man who had taken Nana/Hachi from me was paiful. But Ginpei-sama and Misato looked at her with interest.

�You met Ren?!� Misato said.

�Trapnes is our bigest competitor.� Gimpei-sama said.

�ReallY?!� she asked. �Shin! You didn�t told me you were profesional musician!!�

�We have not chat for too long.� He said looking back up.

Isabelle B. Part.

�Would you mind if those two are missing for some days?� Misato said at the desserts.

�No.� I said then when I realised she was talking to me. �I still have to find a flat to live at.�

�We will be caged at the record company and will have to live on the rooms they give us.� Yasu told me then.

�If she doesn�t mind, she could share one with me.� Misato then offered a bit worried. �She would feel rather lonely being alone at Nobu�s place...�

�I don�t want to disturb.� I said.

�There are some extra rooms.� The old man who was their agent said worried too. �And for a young lady to live in such an unsafe place as his all by herown can be dangerous.�

�Dangerous?� she said. �Do robbers come on packs?�

�I�m afraid she is not scared of robbers.� Shin said then taking a puff of his cig out. �She thinks she is strong.�

�I�m strong.� I said making them all laugh.

I then also laugh. They were really understimating me. I had been taugh on sefdefence since early age due to my dad�s job so now, despite of my appearance I was perhaps stronger than average men but I was used to it, not much men thought I was strong. Just Ren had noticed it when he saw me swimming at the hotel pool when Naoki and him were going to the bar and saw me dive with a clean head jump that went high. I still can remember how when I went out of the pool Ren was staring while Naoki was in the middle of one of his never ending speechs.

�Heya, you must be strong for swimming for so long.� He just said. �My name is Ren, and he is Naoki.�

�Trapnes guitarist and dummer.� I said.

He was the second one seing I was strong even when my appearance didn�t said so.

When we ended, I was allowed to get to their training.

They began training while I was allowed to stay at the general room wich had a Karaoke box too. I turned the Karaoke on and began seing wich songs there were. Then I saw a song I knew on the data. It was Trapnes �Endless story� so I clicked on it and the song began.

I then closed my eyes and began singing for fun, knowing noone would hear me as they were all busy on their works. (I�m posting it all in english, so sorry)

�If you haven�t chaged your mind

I want you to stay with me tonight

I grew tired of trying to act strong

I realise I was too young, everytime I think about you, baby.

But now I can say it, I miss you.

It�s so hard to say I�m sorry.

I just wish that I could sing this song for you,

And not just anyone.

An endless story, with a light that never ends.

Always, I long to express my love for you for all eternity.

(Instrumental music)

Memories of our time toghether,

Don�t destroy them like this, don�t go away.

I want to thaw them out and make them real

Droplets of your kindness explode within my heart.

I�m missing you so much it hurts.

Don�t stop holding my hand.

And just if, it�s possible, I want to sing

For you once again.

An endless story with a never-ending love

Tell me why, I have to know, for all time.

I just wish that I could sing this song for you,

And no just anymore.

An endless story, with a light that never ends.

Always, I long to express my love for you for all eternity.

I just wish that I could sing this song for you,

And no just anymore.

An endless story, with a light that never ends.

Always, I long to express my love for you for all eternity.

(Ending instrumental music)�

Then it ended and I opened my eyes with an smile as I thought noone had heard me.

Then I heard claps at my back so nearly jumped to hear where did they come from. It was as if the whole staff of the place were there hearing me so I went red in embarrashment. Specially when Shin came and hung from my neck.

�You sang wonderful!� he said happyly as a little child. �You never told me!!�

�Shin... you are begining to drown me.� I said red in embarrashment.

�You were sining Reira�s song?� Nobu asked then.

�I have heard that cd lots of times.� I said remembering a cd Ren lended me to copy if I liked it containing two different girls voices who he told me were Trapnes and Blast�s singers.

Yasu was looking at me too, but his face was not the same amazed one than the rest, well, it was on a begining, but then he went to his smiling one for a second before going back to normal.

�We were out for a little rest.� He told me. �Then we heard you singing and when we came all the people you saw were already here. It seems they were attracted by your voice being not Reira�s but as powerful as hers singing that song.�

�Sorry, I didn�t thought I could bother anyone.� I said going red again.

�No, it�s ok.� Nobu said then. �We were having a rest, furthermore, inside the training area no sound from outside can come in.�

He seemed also a bit embarrashed of having over heard me, so that made me smile.

�Perhaps you would not mind singing a bit more for us.� Their mannager asked me smiling when he made the rest leave. �In the training room while they play a bit.�

�But... I have never heard they playing...� I said shocked.

�Please...� Shin said, then he took a more adult and sexy role. �It�d be fun.�

I went shocked till Nobu hitted his head softly making me laugh as Shin began crying and Nobu told him off.

�What do you think Yasu?� I then asked him softly smiling.

�I think you should have a go.� He said. �We lost our singer some weeks ago. She dropped singing and began modelling. So now a voice could be ok for helping us play acording to a lead voice.�

I then smile.

�Ok, then I supose there�s nothing to lose on me trying it for fun.� I answered. �I will get some fun and you will be able to better train.�

Shin and Nobu seemed to go happy, their mannager smiled in relief and Yasu smiled too.

Then after drinking some water and Shin disappearing for a little while after wich he came back smelling to tobbaco smoke, we went in their training room and they began playing.

After hearing once, I was said to sing what I wanted.

�Ok, I�ll try to do my best.� I said holding the microphone.

They trained for about another hour and I sing after hearing the songs first.

When we ended, we were leaded by some staff to the rooms we would live at for the following three to four days.

Nobu Part.

That night, we appointed to met to play mah-jhon again. Shin and Yasu smoked a bit even when it was forbidden.

�Why didn�t you told me you sang?� Shin said.

�I thought you knew.� Isa said then playing. �My father put me under strict education since early age so now I can play several instruments, sing, cook, house clean, take after his path, sew, drive, fight, play several sports...�

It was amazing a person could be good at the endless list she was saying she could do.

�And play mah-john well too.� She added putting her play over the table.

She won again.

Shin began acting as a little kid again as Yasu smiled. It was true we had not found such a good player after meeting Shin. They must have a gambling gen on their genetical.

She was also good at drinking. She had drank her fifteenth beer tin and she was still not drunk. Another gen they seemed to have in common.

�Say Shin.� She said. �Do you keep having so much success among girls as you had when you were about... twelve?� she asked.

�I still keep having less than you.� He answered smiling ironically as he shaffled the pieces again.

What did he mean with less success with men than her?

�Well... I have not had so much sucess lately.� She said smiling. �I have not do a man since... a week that I broke up with my boyfriend.�

That made me frozen and also Yasu, but Shin laughed.

�I still remember what I heard your father tell mine about he catching you ex-ex-ex-ex... boyfriend trying to get through your window.�

How much ex-boyfriends did she had?

�It was not that!� she said laughin. �It was just two ex!�

�Isa, I think you should stop drinking...� Yasu told her.

�Why? I�m still not drunken!� she said taking her can closer to her chest.

�When she drinks she is the funniest!� Shin said laughing.

�We don�t want to see it, Shin.� I said softly.

�Anyway...� Yasu said.

He tended to be that protective with girls specially. And she was Shin�s relative.

�I have an idea.� Shin then said taking a poker bunch of cards from somewhere. �Why don�t we play poker?�

�That would be a good change.� Yasu said. �Do everyone know how to play?�

�I know.� I said raising my hand.

�Poker is no interesting...� Isa said.

�Strip-poker?� Shin asked looking at her with an ironical face as shaffling the cards.

�Count me!� she said smiling and sitting back down.

That made Yasu and me go gobsmacked.

�Just till we are on underwear.� She said smiling.

�It�s ok with me.� I said.

�But I want to see more!!� Shin said again as a little child.

�Shin, you are a lost one.� Yasu said telling him off.

�At least allow the lady to shuffle them.� I told him taking his cards to give them to Isa.

�No!� Shin said. �She was the one teaching me!�

Then she began shuffling them as if was the first time she shuffled cards.

First hand she lost, second one again.

She had already taken her jumper and stockings off. Another hand and I had to put my long sleeve t-shirt off wearing just my trousers.

Another hand and Shin went like me. Another hand and she lost her trousers, lukily for her, the t-shirt she was wearing was long enough for being used as a short dress.

�Why don�t you drop it?� Yasu said.

�Nah., I want to take your shirt off too.� She said winking.

�I think it should be Nobu who dropped it.� Shin said.

�Just don�t say nonsenses!� I said then bothered.

Suddely Yasu lost his shirt, just as she had predicted.

That left us with the trousers and her with the baggy t-shirt.

�And the next one loses his pants.� She said.

�Or your t-shirt.� I answered.

She then looked in fun at me. Suddely she had turned out into a different girl.

She had began to shuffle the cards as if she was part of a casino staff. She then destributed the cards and looked at hers. Her face then went empty of emotions.

No need to say that in three more hands we were wearing just our underwear and she still kept he t-shirt.

Isabelle B. Part.

The guys were now on their underwear while I was still wearing my shirt on. I kept on shuffling the cards in case they were fool enough to ask me for another hand in wich they will go naked. Anyway, I smiled as I saw them like that. It was funny cause Yasu was wearing stripped loose boxers, while Nobu wore tigh ones with a funny pattern on them and Shin wore a weird kind of sexy underwear.

�I told you she was good at it!� Shin said as I began shuffling the cards again. �She was the one teaching me poker game!�

�She seems as if she had played all her life.� Nobu said then.

�That was not your first time playing this, was it?� Yasu asked taking a long puff of his cig smoke.

�No.� I said smiling. �For a girl with a family as mine and my likes there are plenty times to learn how to play poker as a master. And I can asure you I have won lot of money like this. And also seen cute guys with less clothes than you!�

It was true, I have risked a lot but also won thousand times more. That way I have went �pro� on card games.

Then Yasu ordered us all to go to sleep and we left Nobu�s room to get to our rooms. I was given myown room.

It was about two in the morning when I felt freezing cold and began turning in my bed till I decided to stand up and try to get some heat by walking out to the bathroom to have a shower.

Anyway, when I was looking for the shower, Shin came out of his bedroom door scratching softly his left eye.

�Can�t you sleep?� he asked.

�No, it�s freezing cold in my room.� I muttered.

He seemed to take some time to process the information, then he knocked on Shin�s door softly till he opened it.

�What�s up now?� he asked.

�She can�t sleep.� Shin told him. �Would you mind sharing room with her?�

�What?!� Nobu said waking up on less than a second.

�C�mon... I want to sleep, your bed is the bigest of all and she is not going to rape you.� Shin said as he pussed me inside to close the door. �Just try not to make too much noise...� he said before leaving.

Nobu then scratched his head and sat on the bed. �Damn... that kid...�

I looked at him from the door, he was wearing his underwear, but then he put on a pair of trousers and got in the bed.

�C�mon, I don�t bite.� He said laying to give me his back if I laid down at his bed.

Is it ok with you?� I asked him as I remember how red he had gone when he was the second one going on his underwear after Yasu.

�Yes.� He said. �If you can�t sleep on your bedroom you can share bed with any of us. Though I can understand you prefer to share with your cousin.�

�It�s ok.� I said jumping in his bed with great care of not touching him the slightless. �My bedroom was freezing cold.� I said.

I think he thought I was saying it as an excuse to get in a guy�s bed, but the following morning when I said Yasu went to have a look and discovered the refreshing sistem had break off that night so the room I was having was indeed about 12�C in the morning and about 8�C in the night. Too cold for normal sleeping. So I was put up with cousin Shin who changed room with Nobu as his bedroom was the one having two beds.

Isabelle B. Part.

We spent at Gaia Record Company�s bedrooms for �kidnapped� musicians as the musicians called them. They trained day and night and recorded their progress.

On the other hand, I was there with them but for the time I went out with Misato to look for my own flat. Finally, on the second day �caged�, we found a really cheap flat near Nobu�s and the train station. It was pretty cheap and furthermore, I planed to work. I knew that I should begin with a little job such as shop assistant or something like that, but I planned to work as econimician for a company.

Perhaps in Gaia Records could need a licensed in economy person. Or I could apply for an Attorneys' buffet to help them a bit. Or maybe another company. All I hoped was to get a good job where I could work happily and earn my money fair and square.

Despite of having my own place, I spent the following days with Shin and the Blast. I heard the Trapnes speak about them, in fact, Ren told me he was friend of the band and that Naoki, Reira and Takumi were friends of the drummer of the band too.

I really went surprised when they told me that. In fact because Takumi didn�t seemed too fond of being friends with them. Perhaps it was they had had a big argument in the past or just that he was a bit weird.

Anyway, the guys on Blast seemed to be nice. I mean, I already knew my cousin Shin, but I knew not that much. Now that I was �living� with them I had not only met my cousin deeper but also his friends.

As soon as we went out, Yasu offered to come with me and have a look at the papers I must sign to begin living at the flat, also in which conditions the flat was and to help me with the light, gas and water calls to begin having them at my house.

So, that meant another night at Nobu�s house. However, the following day I went to my new house to check the light, the water and the gas were now working so I could begin living there. First thing I did was going to shop the basic things such as dishes, glasses, cutlery and some furniture as a bed, a heater, a fridge, some coking things and some foldable chairs for the house. I also had to buy a wardrobe to hang my clothes and some bath things such as tooth paste and a tooth brush. The rest would be bought little by little as I thought I needed them.

However, the shop where I bought all had not delivery service so I had to carry everything myself. However, as Shin came with me to the shop, he called Nobu and he came with his working robes to help carrying things. Then I knew he worked for a moving company.

That same night I had a bed to sleep in, a wardrobe to put my clothes in and some chairs and cooking things to begin cooking my food. What was missing was the food.

�We go shopping your food with you if you invite us to have dinner!� Shin said smiling.

�Shin!� Nobu told him off. �Don�t be so cheeky!�

�It�s not a problem.� I said holding my laugh. �I wanted to invite you when I ended the house. So tomorrow if I have finish decorating it you could also come to have dinner here. And also call Yasu, please.�

That way we were shopping lot of food for filling my new fridge.

On the following day, Shin helped me redecorating my house with Nobu.

My new house was not the biggest you can think, but it had three rooms, a bathroom and a living room-kitchen only separated by a little bar-like counter.

They painted the bedroom while I began making some wood pieces I had found the same day on a building place and that, with some girls� charms, managed to make one of the working men there cut at some size and shape for me, begin turning into a solid table.

At the end of the day, my bedroom was finished, the paint was dry yet the room kept on smelling, and the kitchen-living room was also painted with a beautiful table and some chairs there. The kitchen was finished since the previous day, and the toilet was nearly ended too. The bath tube was somehow big, that was the reason why I liked it, I love to have long baths at bath tubes where I can be relaxed with the water till my neck.

The other two bedrooms were still untouched but for cleaning them. I would beg painting them the following day.

Shin bought me a couple of ashtrays as a present cause as I didn�t smoke at home I had not bought any. In fact I hardly ever smoke; it is bad for my voice and also makes teeth go yellow little by little. Furthermore, when I used to smoke from time to time, I usually did it hiding from my father�s sight, at the street or pubs I used to visit.

So the same night I ended decorating the flat I called Yasu and told him to come as Shin and Nobu were already there. He told me that he would be there on about half an hour because he was ending something then. So I began cooking some dinner for all. I had never been allowed to cook when my father was around, but I had certainly helped the hotel staff from time to time. And when my father was not at the town I used to spend some time with some friends and I used to cook a bit. Anyway, I managed to cook some European dishes and then Nobu told me how to cook something Japanese. He told me how and I did it. It was always funny to cook for friends. I really enjoyed doing it.

About three quarters after calling him, Yasu came.

He was bringing a wine bottle.

Yasu�s Part.

After having worked for all the day I was still working on one of the matters the buffet had and that I was working at with another mate. A woman suiting her last financial adviser for having tried to steal money from her little by little. It would have been just a mistake the man did, but his work was paid by the woman and he had to find evidences to win the judgement.

I was beginning to be fed up with no finding a relevant prove when I got a call. Shin�s cousin number. I answered and she invited me to have dinner with Nobu, Shin and her to housewarming.

Smiling I decided that I would go. I told her that it would take me half an hour to end with the point of my work I was in and then go. It took me three quarters of an hour to get there with a wine bottle to thank her for the dinner.

When I arrived I was surprised to see her new flat was big even now that she remodelled it. The living room which had dirty wall when we arrived was now shinning under the lamp lights and it seemed that she had made a great house from an old flat. In fact, she had put a nice table next to the window and really looked as the one Nana and Nana used to share when they arrived.

She went happy with the bottle.

�It�s just a present.� I said smiling as I took my jacket off.

Nobu and Shin were already there, sitting on the table smoking and playing card games while she cooked. The smell of the meal was just great, but when I went next to the little bin I saw some fast food boxes there.

Anyway, when she served the dinner my suspects were defeated. No fast-food service would have cooked such dishes and so well.

Shin, Nobu and I were the ones laying the table while she put food on serving trays to bring it to us with a smile.

We had dinner happily. And I think that she was someone who is worth to meet deeper. She already surprised us when we heard her sing so nicely, as if she was a professional singer instead of a hotel tycoon daughter. When Shin told us about her family we thought she would be another posh girl, but she had proved not to be such thing. I mean, it�s obvious she had a cared education and that she has refined manners worthy of a princess, but she was not so stiff and had no difficulty on acting as a normal girl, even a bit malish cause she sometimes acted as our Nana.

It was funny because it was as if she was a good mix between both Nanas and a princess. She didn�t show her princess manners too easily, but she had them, I had seen them when she treated with our manager about the new songs we had made up.

In further information of her, looking at google and the internet, I saw her whole career. Only daughter, with an elder brother who was studying abroad his second university career, of a hotel tycoon who owned hotels all over the world. She had studied Economy as university career in order her to follow her family tradition. Top student in school, high school and university... just the perfect daughter. Clever, smart and sexy. It was hard to find any single �stain� at her life. But as her family was important I supposed her father would have paid for any stain she could have put on her family name.

Anyway, looking at her now I could doubt she had put any stain on her life. Perhaps sleeping with guys, but nothing too important or shameful for the family reputation.

�Our father�s are just the same.� Isa said while she eats with them. �Shin�s one went mad when he ran away, not because he had lost him but because he could do something that could endirt their reputation.�

�And your father thought the same.� Nobu said.

�No, mine just told me that I could consider myself disinherited.� Isa said shrugging. �I don�t know if he is worried for me or not, all I want is him stop controlling my life.�

I looked down, she remembered me too much things, Shin�s family, Nana and Hatchi mixture, Reira�s present hair and appearance on the photos he saw on the net...

Night went pass and we drank. Nobu soon fell asleep, and Shin went a bit drunk but didn�t stop drinking yet he went slowly.

She then went to have more alcohol from a 24 hours shop so I ran after her.

�Wait!� I called her when she was already walking towards the shop.

She then turned her head softly to see who was calling and smiled when she saw me. I think she was relieved when she saw me.

�There was no need for you to come.� She told me.

�You can�t carry all the bags yourself.� I told her as I put a cig on my lips to light it. �Furthermore, it�s not safe for a young girl to walk alone and I wanted to talk to you.�

�I hope you don�t want to ask me out.� She said joking.

She reminded me Nana, our singer who had just leaved us. She also used to joke with things like that.

�No, I wanted to tell you our manager thinks you sing well so he wanted to give you a chance.� I told her. �You know we have no singer so... it would be good for you and for us. And you lose nothing trying.�

�I have never thought of working on that.� She said looking to the sky. �But I suppose you are right, I lose nothing trying and I could help you guys.� She added smiling mildly.

�Well, finding a job as econmicist will be a bit hard on the beginning.� I told her. Perhaps if I began with the chat she would open to me a bit more. �Even if you had such a good marks on the career as you.�

�I see you have put some afford on finding things about me.� She just said smiling. �But yes, I�m having some difficulties finding something that matches me.�

We then began choosing some bottles and beer cans. After getting all she paid for them and we left.

�Thanks for helping me carrying the bags.� She said.

�It�s why I came apart of protection.� I said.

�Protection.� She said laughing. �I have told you all thousand times I need no protection.�

�Allow me to disagree.� I said.

She looked special, but definitively not much match against muggers.

�Well, I�m used to people misunderstimating me.� She just said smiling. �But on a fight three guys against me... I would win fair and square.�

That made me laugh and she hit me softly at the chest smiling.

Isabelle B. Part.

When we reached her home, Nobu was sleeping at my bed and Shin was watching my guitar. Yasu and me dropped our bags at the fridge and then we went to Shin�s side.

�I found this.� He said lifting the guitar.

�I brought it cause I play when I feel lonely.� I said opening my beer can.

�Really?� Shin said. �You can play guitar?�

�Yes. Guitar, flute, violin, piano, violoncello, bass...� I said beginning to count with my fingers. �I had a good education. My father put great expectation on my musical and housewife matters.�

That seemed to make Shin go astonished, I though he was under the same education that me by his father wishes too.

�Can you play a bit?� he said.

�Ok...� I said softly as I began laying the guitar on position. �Let�s see if I can play much...�

Then I began playing the guitar softly. It was not the one I used to play on my lessons, but it was the one I had first bought, an Ibanez GAX30TR Transparent Red Rosewood Electric Guitar which I had have repainted in black with red and purple flames with �I.L.� carved on the very end of the bridge.

Then I began playing a tune I had long ago written. It was not very good, but was the first song I wrote.

Shin and Yasu listened to it with interest, and when I end Shin began clapping happily. �It�s still not ended and I think it needs some� touches.� I began saying.

�It didn�t sound too bad.� Yasu said.

�It was good!� Shin said. �Maybe you should also play it with us!!�

�That�s Nobu�s role.� I said smiling.

�Nana, our past singer used to play from time to time.� Yasu said. �Just little pieces when she was not singing.�

�But� I am not so good guitarist!� I said shocked.

�That�s true.� Shin said. �But you are good!�

That made me go red. We drank a bit more. I must admit Shin stands alcohol pretty well despite of his age, yet he went drunk soon.

�I�m taking them home.� Yasu said about getting to my bedroom.

�No.� I said when I saw Nobu sleeping at my new bed. �Drop them there. Just� help me moving Shin to the bed and I�ll sleep on the quilt thing.�

�Futon� Yasu said. �I don�t think it�s a good idea. In any case they would be the ones sleeping on the ground.�

�I am not so evil to make them do it� I said smiling softly. �Do you want the last one?�

�I�d love to, but I�m afraid I have to go to work tomorrow.� Yasu told me smiling. �I have a bad thing at my hands.�

�If I�m of any help just tell me.� I said smiling.

�Don�t worry, I have still not found any clues of a financial cheating�� Yasu said opening the door.

�Financial?� I said smiling. �I�m not a lawyer but� I am an economy master.�

�I don�t want to bother�� he said stopping at the door.

�Just try me.� I said smiling. �Let�s see if I can help. And I�ll make some coffee to help being awaken.�

He seemed to think a bit and then he nodded. �Just let me get my laptop from my place and I�ll come back, right?�

�Ok, I�m beginning to do some coffee.� I said.

He left and I began boiling water to cook some coffee. When he returned we began having a look at the whole matter of his problem. For hours and hours I listened to the problem and then I began giving him a hand the best I could, I didn�t thought it would be the man was stealing money from his customer, but he had to probe it, so I told him some ways of trying to find something that could probe it.

The next morning, a phone call woke us all up. I was asleep over the table. Yasu was still typing on the laptop with his tie loosened and the shirt opened till the chest.

Isabelle B. Part.

It is nearly four months since Yasu told me their manager, Mr. Gimpei, wanted to give me a chance. In all this time I had been singing with the Black Stones and they have finally taken me as their singer. On the other hand, I met Takumi�s wife Miss Nana Komatsu, who now has Takumi�s surname because they are married. She has a little kid also name Nobu, and despite I have not much mother sense, I love that little thing.

On the other hand, now I work for Gaia record company as financial adviser and economist helper. That is good because I can work on the same place that later I join my new friends to begin recording some songs.

Today is the day. Their second CD and my first one, which in fact is the same, goes out on sale at the record shops. I am working at my office when I heard the news in the staff room next to my office TV, directly from the best big stores at the channel nana (7); the reporter was in the middle of a crowd of people fighting to get their album.

In fact, the company had forbidden us to speak about anything concerning the new CD since they announced it. If they wanted to know, then they should speak with the producers.

In fact, I had to be rescued by Yasu when the notice that I was the new singer got the media that same morning. He came to my flat where some journalists were trying to speak to me. Just cause he didn�t wanted me to get frightened. As if were to be frightened cause of that.

Anyway, I was happy when he came to look for me to take me to the company.

Nana K. Part.

I was watching TV. Boring at Takumi�s and mine house. He was home today, but he was sleeping as the previous day he came back home from one of his trips late.

Then I stopped at nana (7) channel. There used to speak about Nana and the Blast. I knew she left the band and I also knew they had a new friend who covered Nana on their trainings. The Blast new CD was being released today so one of the reporters was covering the biggest department stores in the city to see about the news. The girls were mad trying to get their CDs. That made me smile in joy as I saw my friends the Blast members were still successful even after Nana left the band.

�The band seems not to have lost any of their fans.� The reporter said highly to be heard over the crowd shouts. �And after the band was left by their singer Nana, Ren�s girlfriend, left for becoming a top model we thought they would never get another singer so good as her but... obviously it was a great mistake.�

Then the reporter got nearer the stand and I saw the big poster covering the wall where the CD stands were. It was a big photo of the band. Nobu, Shin, Yasu and in the centre of all... Then the remote control fell from my hand and Shin Jr. began crying with the noise.

Takumi then ran because he thought something had happened to Shin or me, and when he saw we were looking at the TV. He sighed.

�You should be more careful.� He told me while kissing my neck and Shin�s head softly. �You made our baby cry.�

�She is there.� I said pointing to the screen. �Blast new singer.�

Takumi then lifted his head to see the screen where the news presenters of the channel. He frowned when he saw the photo of the band members, especially Nobu. And then he opened his eyes when he saw who was on the video they were showing of Yasu escorting a brown and red haired lady looking to the front.

�What is she doing there?� he asked.

I then looked up to see his face. He was looking at the screen as if he knew Isa too. But he was not there when I was introduced to her, and not there when I met them and she was with them.

Nana O. Part.

I was at a photo session with some of Vivvien new clothing. It was funny to wear my favourite designer clothing and being took photos with it, but I missed smoking and drinking with my friends. I liked singing, but I wasn�t singer anymore. I first lost Hachi, and then Ren, then I lost the wish of singing� what would be next? At least I still kept my friends�

�Ok, a rest for everyone.� The boss said.

I then went out of the studio and lighted a cig at the only room in all the building that was allowed to smoke in. Luckily, in the staff of the modelling session I also have friends.

Suddenly Mariko-chan, one of the girls in the staff who once was fan of Blast and me came running. I was sitting on a table smoking and relaxing when she arrived running to me.

�Nana! Nana!� she said fast. �Come, quick please!�

�What�s up now?� I asked. �Is the studio on fire?�

�Come! You have to see it!� she said pulling from me excited.

She took me to the waiting room where a TV. was there for the staff and waiting people to relax watching it.

Someone had turned it on at the nana (7) channel and the day news was on.

They used to speak about the Blast, the Trapnes and me. The Blast new CD was being released today so one of the reporters was covering the biggest department stores in the city to see about the news.

I didn�t know they had recorded another CD after the one we recorded.

The girls at the department stores were mad trying to get their CDs and the assistants there were about being killed by them. That made me smile in fun as I saw my friends the Blast members were still successful even after me leaving the band. And even funnier was to see how the girls were about drowning each others to get their CDs.

�The band seems not to have lost any of their fans.� The reporter said highly to be heard over the crowd shouts. �And after the band was left by their singer Nana, Ren�s girlfriend, left for becoming a top model we thought they would never get another singer so good as her but... obviously it was a great mistake.�

Why did they always say about me that I was Ren�s girlfriend? Why couldn�t they just say �Nana, the young 21 years old ex-singer of the Blast�s�?

Then the reporter got nearer the stand and I saw the big poster covering the wall where the CD stands were. It was a big photo of the band. Nobu, Shin, Yasu and in the centre of all... My cig fell from my lips when I saw there was a black and white photo with red on the hair of an unknown girl for me.

�The new and mysterious singer� they called her. I couldn�t believe there was another girl at my place. Who was her? What was she doing taking my place from me?

I then took my phone and phoned Yasu, but his phone was turned off. Then I phoned the second person that could give me a tip.

�Yes?� a sleepy voice said.

�Who is her?� I asked him.

�N� Nana?� Ren said. �What do you want? Who are you asking about?�

�The new vocalist of Blast!� I said angry. �Who is her? They are appearing on the Channel 7!�

I heard how he walked on the flat and turned to TV. on.

�Sorry, I was out till late yesterday.� He said while finding the remote control and turning the TV. on.

�I bet you were getting drunk again.� I said. �Are you looking TV. now? Who is her?!�

�It seems your friends� new singer.� Ren said. �Why are you so mad at it? Afterall it was you who dropped the band��

�But I didn�t think they would keep on without me!!� I said.

�Nana, you are being possessive�� he said.

I knew I was being possessive again. He didn�t need to tell me. But I couldn�t believe they had replaced me so soon and easily.

�Hold on a second please.� He said. �I�ve got another call.�

Then he put me on waiting call while he spoke to someone else on another phone line.

�Good news.� He said when he took the phone back. �I know who she is, but you are not going to like it.�

�Tell me!� I urged him.

�We met her when we were at London for the photos last time.� Ren told me. �She seemed to be the daughter of the hotel owner.�

�What a..!!� I said.

�There�s something else.� He said. �He is someone really funny, she seems not to be the typical English rich girl��

Then he kept on speaking with me. The Blast new disk first concert was the same day than Trapnes last concert of their new tour.

Nana had a new dilemma again. Meeting her friends or her ex-boyfriend and friend�

Pride and friendship or love? Which path to chose?

Nana K. Part.

Takumi Ichinoise was talking to Ren at the phone when Nana was watching TV. and their baby was sleeping at her lap.

She wanted to go to her friends� new concert, but when the date was said on the media she went shocked. It was the same day that Takumi�s tour last concert too. Same time but different places.

She had a great dilemma at her hands. On one hand, going to meet her friends which would mean Takumi�s going angry as he hated Blast stealing Trapnes attention. On the other hand, going to see Takumi which would mean her friends feeling disappointed for her preferring to go with Takumi.

Love or friendship? Which path to take?

Isabelle B. Part.

It was funny, we were announced our first concert to promote the CD when the rest came. Misato was happy for us all, cause she was Nana�s fan but also Blast fan so us going so successful on our first work together was something that made her happy all the day.

I liked her smile. She made me feel well, I wanted Hachi, how the rest called Takumi�s wife, to come and visit us. Don�t know why but she made me feel well too. I didn�t know her much because I have just met her twice when she came to visit the rest who were her friends too. Who I really wanted to met was Nana Oosaki, the previous singer of the band.

But we were going to concert the same day Trapnes ended their tour too. Perhaps I would meet them again. I�d love to see Ren and the noisy Naoki. Also Reira who had been on her room all the day when they were at my father�s main hotel in London.

And of course, Takumi. The mysterious Takumi and Hachi�s husband.

�I can�t wait to our new live!!� Nobu said happily.

�Isa, this is going to be your first live too, isn�t it?� Yasu said.

�You�ll see!� Shin said smiling as he put his cig off on the ashtray. �This is really as screwing.�

�I suppose that�s depending on the man you are doing it with, isn�t it?� I said joking.

That made all laugh, including Yasu who smiled.

I must agree Nobu, I also really couldn�t wait the day to come. My first live� and perhaps my dad could see it and be proud of me�

Isabelle B. Part.

�This is me, Jun, informing since Sogakudo Hall in Tokyo were Trapnes concert is being held tonight.� It was news on the Nana (7) channel. We had it on while we waited on the hotel room. Mr. Gimpei had took us to a hotel cause he didn�t want press to bother us.

�Here, in Arikae Coliseum the sights are not so different.� The man at the same news said. �Blast have lost their singer Nana, but they seem to have found another good singer. Yet no one seems to know where she had came from, it�s pain clear she is just what fans asked for. A good voice matching an amazing body.� It was funny; all that they called attention about was my voice and body. As if I was just another doll. �Fans seem to have come here expecting to get into one of the best concerts in the world.� We were good, but perhaps not the best in the world, yet we will soon be.

I couldn�t believe it. They interviewed some fans; they had been queuing for hours, even a full day.

It was as if they wanted blood to run over Trapnes or us. What was the point of all this? I knew I could not compete against the mysterious Nana Oosaki everyone spoke about. In fact I think we have nothing in common but for the beauty, which was different in both, and the beautiful voice for songs.

The reporters marked the rivalry that will be between both bands and our concerts, both halls would be crowded and fans were about crying in joy about the expectation of seeing us before the concert. Suddenly me, who felt as if she was just a doll her father was proud to show off, the perfect daughter who was submissive and sweet; a girl who looked as a little modern princess on business world and society manners; I felt as if some unknown Japanese people loved me cause of me. I wanted to go there and shout and cry in joy.

But this is life. I couldn�t go and get to where fans were queuing. And all that people didn�t went there to see me. They went there to see my mates. Or at least so was what the interviewed people were saying. Nobu, Yasu, Shin... were the names repeated once and again, not Isa. They didn�t even know my name. I was just the new singer. The innovation of the music scene and nothing more.

�Isabel.� A girl suddenly said taking me out of my thoughts.

�So you know her?� the interviewer said.

�No, but I�d like to.� The girl said. �I mean� it�s the first time I hear from her. After this CD, I mean. And I think that she is a nice girl. I�d really love to speak to her��

�And if you could, what you would tell her?� the interviewer said.

�Isa, you are the best!� she said looking straight to the camera. �I�ll be cheering for you!�

That made me cry softly in joy. It was the first time someone said me so. Not even my father when I ended my career with highest marks ever seen there.

Then Shin and Nobu came to see me. They had seen be channel at Nobu�s room and jumped on my bed to join me and begin commenting the news.

We were there; chatting about things till our staff came to tell us to begin leaving for the concert preparations. We had to change clothes at the Hall rooms, get make up and hairdos� but first of all, reaching the place avoiding the fans that would be waiting there.

Nana K. Part.

I had seen the news on the Nana Channel. Since they spoke about Blast and Trapnes she looked at it for lot of time a day.

She was making up, despite of not be going to any of the concerts she would be watching at them on TV. where they would be showed up on direct. Takumi had told her to get a taxi to get where she wanted.

�I wonder if they will be angry at me for my choice�� she thought as she make up her lips.

Then she took the taxi. Her baby was sleeping at her bedroom and she had turned the TV. on to begin hearing from the first song. She would be recording Takumi�s concert while seeing Blast one.