Author's Note: Okay, hey there! So, sorry I haven't gotten to editing this lately. So, as the title states, this explains a couple things about what happened while 2D was out. So, please enjoy! Oh,and one more thing: This is now Star's perspective. Thanks!

Disclaimer: I don't own Gorillaz.

An hour before...

I walked along the beach, trying to clear my mind, or maybe just sort it out. Either one would do at this point.

I held my arm, still trying to get over the pain. I told Murdoc I was fine so that he could leave me alone and look after 2D. It seemed that he needed it a lot more than I did. Or maybe that was me just being concerned.

I sighed. 2D. I really did love him. He was the best friend I've ever had. Not to mention boyfriend, if we are dating. I'll have to ask him about that later.

I sat down on the dock and swung my feet back and forth, having nothing else to do, and sighed. It's only been two days, and my life has already changed dramatically. In which way, well, it depends on how you look at it.

Physically, my time here was terrible. I got shot in the arm and beat up by a robot. I'd like a show of hands on how many people have done that in two days.

Mentally, though, I don't think I've ever felt better. I met the most perfect guy in the world, and he loves me for me. And I believe we complete each other. I'm his courage, and he's my strength. Mentally, of course. He isn't actually the muscled type.

I laughed. He was really cute when he tries to be strong for the two of us. I love that about him. He never stops caring.

I sighed again and stared at the sun, barely setting, just about to. Clouds were starting to roll in. I should go inside soon. I'll probably just check on 2D, if anything, although Murdoc would most likely yell at me. I don't care. He can't control my life, although he already has 2D's practically in the palm of his hand.

I clenched my fists. I hate that. He doesn't own him. He has his on free will. I could free him though, couldn't I? Maybe, we could get out of here eventually. I could show him what a life without Gorillaz could be. It would be a nice change for him, wouldn't it?

I relaxed. I had to calm down now. Getting too worked up over this would make me irritable, and I'm not fun when I'm that way.

I don't know why, but I then got a flash of the past, a while ago, actually...

I was in my apartment, in my bedroom with my best friend Rachel. She was surfing the internet while I lay on my bed and wrote poetry. I was writing a love poem, though i hadn't experienced love since a few months ago back then, I guess.

I was at a loss for words at that moment. I got stuck on one line, being the stupid person that I am, forcing myself to use a. name.

So now I will never leave the side,

A beautiful man is he,

I will never tire of his name on my tongue,

The man I call...

Oh, shit. I now got so lost in the feelings of my last love; I now had to put in his name. Zee. Just a faded memory now, but then he was my world, even when he broke up with me.

I sighed and chucked the book at the wall, angry that life just sucked at the moment.

"Hey, calm down," said Rachel, "There's no need to start throwing things."

"Sorry, I just got angry," I muttered, flopping down on my bed again and staring up at the ceiling.

"Don't, it scares me when you do, since you always go on a wild rampage soon after," she joked, then turned back to my computer.

"Hey, I know this!" she said, "Ashley, come check this out."

"What?" I muttered, walking over to the computer and sitting on the spare chair that I put in front of it.

"This is a song that my old boyfriend sent me. It was really pretty..." She sighed, her eyes starting to get dreamy.

"What's it called?" I cut into her fantasy babble. I really wasn't in the mood.

"'On Melancholy Hill'. It's a love song, though. Do you mind?"

"Whatever," I mumbled, "just click play."

As soon as she clicked the button, my eyes opened up. I'm a sucker for techno-ish music, and this was pretty similar to that kind of stuff. I nodded along with the beat, but the moment the words came on was probably the thing that caught me the most.

First off, this guy had a great voice. It was really... beautiful. And then there were the lyrics... it sounded like whatever girl

he was singing too, he really meant it. He really loved her. I'm jealous. She's really lucky.

"Hey, Ash! The songs over!" Rachel snapped me out of my fantasies.

"Oh, sorry," I mumbled, blushing, "I just got... caught up in the music."

"Yeah, it can do that to you."

I laughed. "What was that called again?"

"'On Melancholy Hill', by Gorillaz."

"'Ok, got it."

Soon after, Rachel had to go. We said our goodbyes, and as soon as she was gone, I hopped back on to my computer and found that song again. I pretty much fell in love with it from that point on.

I sang it for the next couple of days, figured out the melody on my guitar and flute, the beat on my drums, and pretty much every other aspect of the song with my numerous instruments. Soon after, I had figured out every aspect of it. So, having some extra time on my hands, I recorded each part on my camera, filming myself playing each instrument (and vocals, probably the hardest one for me). I then merged all of the videos together with a bit of editing and sent it to Rachel. Two days later it was on YouTube.

I decided to call Rachel on that day, after my friend Michelle emailed it to me, saying, "Hey, she looks like you!"

I listened to the dial tone for five seconds, then she picked up. I expected it. Rachel's never far away from her phone.

"Hey Ketcham!"

I rolled my eyes. "Rachel? Michelle found a strangely familiar video on YouTube..."

"Oh that," she said, caught a bit off guard, "Erm, well, I didn't expect you to find it so fast..."

"Why'd you post it?" I asked angrily. It really wasn't necessary to do it without my consent, so I had a right to be angry.

"Well, people would watch... and you've been looking for a good job. I thought it would help..."

"Oh, really? And what makes you think that would help?"

"If it gets enough views, then maybe people would see it and want you in a band."

"Sure Rachel, sure. I'm positive that will happen," I snorted.

"Believe in miracles, Ashley, and don't be a pessimist!" she scolded, and then I hung up. I wasn't really in the mood for "Rachel's Words of Wisdom" right now.

I sighed and stared out the window. Maybe she'll be right for once.

A few months later, a million people had seen my video, and they were begging me to make other ones of other songs. I didn't know half of them, since I'm guessing they were all songs by the band that made the song I sang.

I got a call from Rachel after the millionth view.

"Did you see it?" she squealed into the phone.

"Yeah, I saw it," I said, "That band must have a ton of fans."

"And you have a great voice. Did I mention that I posted you were looking for a job and my email on the description?"

I gave myself a face palm. "No, you forgot that part."

"And did I mention I got a response?"

I shot up out of the chair I was sitting in. "When?"

"Just now," I heard her say, just as excited as I was, "and they seem legit! Listen to this: 'Dear Rachel, I'd really like to talk to your friend. She sounds like she can really help my band. Give her this email, or have her call me.' and then he attached a number. Oh, wait, he says to not use the number and just email him instead. Here, I'll send it to you..."

"Wait, just send mine to him. It would make things easier," I said, too excited to really be able to say more.

"Cool! I'm doing that right now... done! Okay, expect something soon! Good luck Ashley!" she said.

"Thank you so much, Rachel. I will never be able to thank you enough," I stressed, smiling.

"No problem! See you in the magazines!"

She hung up, and I screamed. I was going to be in a band! This was one of the greatest things that's ever happened to me! I can finally quit my job at the local music store and get a real job. And if this guy is as legit as Rachel said, then I've got a lot to look forward to.

My computer emitted a beep, and I clicked on my now blinking email. I read it twice, not really believing my eyes:

Dear Ashley,

Your friend Rachel told me you want to join a band. My band so happens to need an extra musician who knows how to play several instruments, and from your video, it seems you fit the bill. Send me your location and phone number and you'll be playing in no time.

-Murdoc Niccals

I screamed again, and quickly emailed him my phone number and state. Then the thought crossed my mind: What if this was a stalker? I'll cut the phone line, and I really only gave him my state, so I wasn't being too dumb about this.

I got an email back:

Ashley,

Go to the local harbor at nine tonight. There should be someone there with your name. They'll take you to our private island. Ask for Plastic Beach. If push comes to shove, though, he'll call you. See you then.

-Murdoc Niccals

Alright, that sounds legit enough. I sent my reply:

Murdoc,

Thanks, I'll see you soon.

-Ashley

Wow, I'm surprised I remembered all that. But those moments really did change my life. I guess I owe a lot of it to Rachel. Thanks, Rachel, wherever you are.

I smiled. And then I remembered something. My poem. I can end it now...

So now I will never leave the side,

A beautiful man is he,

I will never tire of his name on my tongue,

The man I call 2D.

I laughed. It worked. I guess fate has it's weird ways of working itself out. It also had its weird way of telling me to bring that poem out, thinking it was a blank sheet, and a pencil with me. I scribbled in his name and smiled appreciatively at the page.

Suddenly, it started to rain. I was so caught up in my own thoughts; I didn't realize that there were clouds there. I sprinted to the building and hid under the small overhang it provided. Wanting to keep it dry, I stuck it in a bush. I'll just go and get it later. I should check on 2D, anyway. I stood up and turned around, but I stopped dead when I saw I wasn't alone.

The figure wasn't familiar, but I had a sickening feeling I knew who it was. He had a gas mask for a face, and a long cape. He had red eyes that seemed to want to burn a hole in your soul. There were no other people that I knew of on this island. It could only be the Boogieman.

"What do you want?" I asked loudly, trying to make myself heard over the loud pounding of the rain on every surface it could get its wet fingers on.

He stretched his arms toward me. Then he put his arm down and shook his head, and began to walk away.

I stared at him as he started walking towards the building. Then it occurred to me: 2D was in there, and he might still be looking for his soul.

"Wait!" I called, and he turned to face me with red, emotionless eyes. I started shivering. Whether it was from the rain or my nervousness, I'll never know.

He just kept staring, and I made no move to do anything. He then turned around to go back to the building again.

"Wait! Why do you want 2D?" I yelled. At this point, Murdoc had escaped my mind completely. I was just looking out for my boyfriend now.

He turned back around, and made a circle with two of his bony fingers. A circle? What could he possibly want with a circle? Unless it means…

"Wait, trade?" I asked, trying to understand. He nodded, and then turned again.

I gasped. Now I remember. He's after Murdoc's soul. But Murdoc wouldn't trade it. It then dawned on me, in a crashing sensation: 2D is going to die if they meet again.

"Murdoc wouldn't give his soul for 2D's!" I yelled at him, and he turned again and just looked at me with an expressionless mask, "2D's not obedient enough! If you took 2D, then he'd just probably use me, or get another vocalist! He'd be much more likely to trade for my soul than his!"

He stood there, staring, giving me no hint as to what his next move would be. Then he started towards me slowly. What have I done?

I was cornered against the building, and I'd have to accept the cruel fate I'd made for myself. I grabbed my paper from the bush and quickly scribbled something on the back of it. I threw it back into the bush, hoping 2D would find it.

I turned to face the figure, and he was nearly on top of me. I gave one last scream, and then the Boogieman took his cape and swung it forward, and I was swallowed into darkness.

TO BE CONTINUED

Sorry if it's confusing. SunMoonStars can't talk and everything, so... I kinda had to improvise. :) Anyways, I'll try to post another chapter sooner, but don't forget about that button down there. I love your feedback. :)