Chapter One


".And you are back with the John Thompson Show, showcasing the hottest, newest bands! If you've just joined us, we are interviewing the fresh new rock band 'New Dawn? Here with us is the lead singer Shen.? The narrator paused and waited for the applause to quite. "Shen, tell us, when did you begin to fall in love with music??

A boy in his later teens grinned modestly; strands of auburn locks fell over his eyes as he chuckled. "Well John, I've been music's biggest fan since birth. But I'd say that when my parents died, music became my greatest outlet for emotional burdens.?

"Now, speaking of your parents, would you like to share with us a bit about your family?? A light laugh "I know that it's been a mystery to the public for a long time.?

A sad shake of the head hinted refusal. "I would like to keep that bit private. I'm sorry.?

"Hey, no problems pal. I know how hard it is dealing with a family when the public is competing for your attention. My own kids are driving me up the wall with their little things. And let's not even start on my old man.? A throaty laugh ignited a round of applause. The host lifted his hands to signal for silence. He moved on to another subject. "As you know, the world is awaiting the launch of your first world tour. When well that take place??

"March. We are starting off on March the tenth. We well start off in Berlin and end in Missouri. Each concert will have two days in between them so that we can get to the next destination.?

Light rhythmic music drifts into the background.

"Alright, that's awesome, I can't wait! Hey, hey, you know what that music means!? A glint in John's eyes twinkled with mischievousness "We are nearing the end of the John Thompson Show! Shen, well you please honor us with your hit single, 'Till the end?for the closing??

"Yes John. I would love to.? The young man slowly rose to his feet. The host hands him a microphone. Two other member of the group emerges from the shadows behind red curtains. The audience applauds in an uproar of approval.

The lights dimmed until a bare shimmer on the cherry wooden platform could be seen. Soft music drifts in to the speakers. Somewhere on the right of the stage, the drummer picks up the beat. Mysteriously, candles sparkle into activity around Shen. He fumbles with the volume on the microphone and whispers something that passed the ears of the spectators. With a supple movement of lifting his head, the drum increases in to a thunder roll. A single violin begins its performance as the drums passed. A soothing voice bursts in to existence.

"Tonight, we are floating into oblivion
Your heart, your soul
Pure like the rain
Washing away my pain
Draining my salty tears?

We are falling in to safety
Everything is clicking into place
The way you eyes glisten in the moonlight
The hair falling down your back
Let me hold you in my arms
Till the sun don't shine?Br>

Even in my darkest hours
You stood by my sad
Your hand holding on to mine?Br>

Even if the sun won't shine
We will still be together
Floating in a blissful state
Drifting in a oblivion
Called perpetual bliss."

The stage lights dim until only the ambience remains. The audience calls out their approval. Shen shed a silent tear.