LES MUSICIENS ARC TWO 2008 2009 2010

by DanteVirgil09

This is arc two, perhaps my most ambitious arc to date. Now that the Evangelion is known to the Plumbers, the tension now more palpable, even as old scores are settled and for Danny, along with the former Children and the orchestra, it is better to move on and live their lives as they see fit. But does this guarantee long lasting friendships? Or wil they have a falling out?

21. AUGUST 2010

LES MUSICIENS

2008, 2009, 2010

A CROSSOVER STORY

Well here it is, the chapter I have been dreading and anticipated to write down ever since I started writing this story from the beginning: A chapter based in my hometown, Los Angeles, or L.A. known to most of you readers. I know I'm not going to get everything down onto print about my city nor cover every corner of it. But that works for me because I also only capture fractions of these amazing places in my previous stories and chapters. So what I'm going to do is let this chapter flow, letting it grow organically like the fichus trees that let the roots crack the sidewalks and lifting up the concrete slabs.

The main musical voice here is "Los Bandoleros" by Don Omar, featuring Tego Calderon, a song that for years since my high school days, sort of liked but now with time like the Fast and Furious films, it grew on me. The second musical voice is "Back Home" by Fort Minor featuring rappers Mike Shinoda, Common, and Styles of Beyond.

[LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SUNDAY, 11:34PM]

The orchestra left the Tom Bradley International Terminal and amidst the glare of the fluorescent lights they got in their vans and headed off. The choir from the Juilliard who will perform as extras in Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell came along as well as the rest of the musicians. Fatma and Cecilia have roles in the opera, as did Asuka, so that meant that two violinists had to substitute for them, in this case one of the musicians from Japan they all met back in Hokkaido, Hiroshi Yamashita who did got his hands on a baroque violin on loan from his university and been practicing on it for a few months since the meeting and now is his trial by fire and for an opera no less. Another was a fellow classmate from Shinji's own university, his name was Ryotaro Miura and by his own encounters in classes, serious, studious and itching to have a debut. So he was surprised he volunteered to come along for their first operatic performance so Shinji told him about the program two months in advance so he's hoping things will work out.

They were all tired by this point and they all left the airport and headed for the 105 Freeway, heading east in order to connect to the 101 to head north. Driving at night and having the glare of streetlights guiding their way as well as the passing vehicles along the way added a near, noir like quality to their drive. The silence in the vans as they all drove marked the drive as contemplative, as if the city was welcoming them and with lights of the downtown skyline in the distance, it did indeed felt like that. But the night was something else. They felt the sprawl around them, it also felt that the city was daring them to not just visit and have their time here a good one, but also attempt to understand it beyond the superficial analysis done my many tourists and travelers who expect the usual when this city is a whole other beast all together.

"So…L.A. We finally came, the orchestra and I," Mohammad said under his breath as his wife next to him was slumbering, "I've been putting you off for years because I didn't have anything to show for myself. But now…I think I may have. Hope you're ready for us."

CHAPTER 20

AUGUST 2010, WEEK THREE

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA

[CHINATOWN, MONDAY, 6:34AM]

Wilfredo, Alberto, Gilberto and Zane crossed the street and under the train rail overhead where the Gold Line was now leaving the Chinatown Station to head for Pasadena they made their way for Homeboy Industries. They arranged to shoot there for weeks and after getting permission from the owner they got the go ahead where for the boys it really does it home, "So Wil and Alberto here are going to bake some bread with ex-cons," Gilberto asked Zane, acting as producer for today.

"That's the idea. And to see what's the hub bub of this enterprise and social change near Chinatown no less," he told him as they glanced behind them where the neighborhood is and above them a train passed, heading for Union Station nearby.

"Cool. Where's Zach by the way," he asked, "I saw him leaving the hotel in a separate direction from us," he pointed that out, to which Zane responded with, "Oh he's going to a nearby neighborhood to get some shots and see a different view of the city. Echo Park I think just up Sunset Blvd," he told him and he nodded in understanding, "So I'm your assistant today, your punching bag," Zane smirked and he groaned playfully, "Shit," which both laughed.

The boys entered the main flagship of Homeboy Industries, that's also a bakery and a provider of practical training to recently released men and women to redirect their lives from their earlier days in gang-related violence in the city. Everyone inside was busy with work at the desks and seeing people getting advice on certain problems facing them like employment and tattoo removal. But for their first stop the bakery so they headed down a hallway and entered the kitchen and see Alberto and Wilfredo already talking to their guide for the morning.

"Hi guys. I'm Victor Gonzalez and I'll be your well buddy for the rest of the morning," the lean guy spoke with a Chicano accent, but it was slight and his slicked back hair in a hair net and him adorned in a white apron, "Buddy or whipping us two to do some work?"

Victor laughed, "A bit of both so you two put on your aprons and hairnets and then we can get started with this," so Alberto and Wilfredo put on their needed garments while Gilberto and Zane were talking with some other bakers before they actually started shooting.

"So yeah we are musicians who often play journalists for our website," Zane downplayed their work in a joking manner, "And of course slave driven by our master," he added and cooks immediately relaxed around them.

"What kind of music you guys do," one black girl asked, "Baroque classical music," Gilberto explained and instead of groans they were genuinely interested, "Like Bach or something?"

"Yeah but this week here is Henry Purcell. Very…melancholic guy he was. I mean his opera we're going to do on Friday night, doesn't have a happy ending," Gilberto said, "Both leads die," he said and the cooks were interested.

"Shit and how long is this," one Mexican guy asked, "An hour…no, 55 minutes to be exact," Zane said, realizing how short it really was and laughed a bit as well as the cooks, "That short? Jesus Christ! And you guys are here shooting a cooking show," another girl this time a Latina with her hair in a bun asked.

"That and see about a tattoo removal place this place does. But ironically, Wil there, the white dude is getting a tattoo later this week," Zane pointed out, "Isn't that right man?"

"About what," Wilfredo called out, "About your tattoo," Zane asked now smiling, "Yeah…a cross with you on it if you don't stop sharing my business," he humored back and this got everyone looking and chuckling a bit.

As Alberto finished tying his apron was approached by a heavy set black woman, "Looking good there handsome. I take it that you're here to bake. Well you and your friend will have fun here," she said with a cheerful tune and he chuckled, "Just as long it's not outside. I checked the weather, fucking hot today."

"95 oh yeah. It's going to be one of those days. Now let's get to it," she patted his back and soon the two boys were shown how they mix the dough via a mixer and were shown the stations where different guys and women were preparing different pastries to be baked from croissants to bear claws.

[LITTLE TOKYO, 8:34AM]

Shinji and Ryotaro along with Hiroshi were at a café called Café Dulce across from Korean barbeque place closed for the morning and the local grocery story was going to open in less than half an hour, "私はLAにいると信じてすることはできません。 (Can't believe I'm in LA.)," Hiroshi said as he happily took a bit of his churro roll, "そして、私はミニ東京があると信じることができません。 (And I can't believe there's a mini Tokyo.)," he humored.

"こっちも一緒。私は、あなたは、LAまだシンジにされていない驚いています。 (Same here. I'm surprised you haven't been to LA yet Shinji.)," Ryotaro said and looked at his classmate.

Shinji sipped his milk tea, which was hot, "ここにいてはいけません。しかし、これまでのところ...私たちは、ハリウッドへの旅行を作ってあげる疑うつもりはありません。アスカはハリウッドまでハイキングしたいが、一週間後にサインインします。しかし、それはしかし、ホットになるだろう。 (Never been here. But so far…not going to suspect we'll make a trip to Hollywood. Although Asuka wants to hike up to the Hollywood sign later in the week. But it's going to be hot though.)," he wistfully on what will come in the week.

Hiroshi looked at him and then expressed, "さて私は緊張しています！それは家からここまでのところ私の最初のパフォーマンスだし、オペラです！我々はこれを何爆撃場合はどうなりますか？ (Okay I'm nervous! It's my first performance here far from home and it's an opera! What if we bomb this?)," he asked and Shinji waved it off, "心配しないでください。我々は、このを爆撃した場合、私たち観客はについて話をする何かを持っています。 (Don't worry. If we bomb this then our audience will have something to talk about.)," he joked.

Ryotaro looked at him with an eyebrow rose, "あなたはこのことについてとても穏やかです。あなたが旅行するとき、あなたはこのように本当にいますか？ (You're so calm about this. Are you truly like this when you travel?)," he asked, as Shinji was looking at him, pondering the question, "まあ私は旅行と私は家にいる時には、パフォーマンスが、それはとても奇妙です行ったかに依存する場合？ (Well when I travel and when I'm home it depends on how the performance went Is it so strange?)"

His classmate shook his head, "いや。しかし、クラスのあなたのライバルはそう思うのが好き。そのチェロリサイタル昨年を覚えていますか？私はあなたが勝利に近かったとき、彼はほぼ彼のズボンをたわごと誓います。 (Nah. But your rival in class likes to think so. Remember that cello recital last year? I swear he nearly shit his pants when you were close to winning.)," he reminded him and chuckled at the memory as Hiroshi listened with awe, "うわー！あなたは、ほぼ勝ちましたか？ (Wow! You almost won?)"

"私はほとんどなかったです。私は古楽部門の二つの他の学生とアントニオ・カルダーラによってチェロソナタを行いました。彼はピアノ伴奏でチェロソナタを行いました。私は技術が一日勝ったと思います。 (I almost did. I performed a cello sonata by Antonio Caldara with two other students in the Early Music department. He performed a cello sonata with piano accompaniment. I guess technique won the day.)," he explained, "しかし、あなたの感情的な深さは、ほとんどの裁判官に感銘を与えました。したがって、今、彼はあなたのライバルです。 (But your emotional depth impressed the judges the most. Hence now he's your rival.)"

Shinji recalled meeting him, Tomohiko Akazawa is one year his senior and a cello prodigy since grade school in Tokyo and went to private schools since then. He is indeed a great cellist, but for some reason since he enrolled at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts for his musical training, he's been noticing how competitive he is with him at least in terms of recitals or that competition he first noticed this. He didn't know how to feel about this except, "私は気にしなければならない場合、私は知りません。ライバルの前に持っていたことはありません。しかし、これは、音の楽しさと面白いを行います。 (I don't know if I should care. Never had a rival before. But this does sound fun and interesting.)"

"あなたと彼は二重チェロデューティ上にあるときはいつでもしかし、あなたとウィルフレッドは、その一種ではありませんか？ (But aren't you and Wilfredo sort of that whenever you and he are on double cello duty?)," Hiroshi asked, "うーん...本当に。ライオネルとクリスティンがそうであるように彼と私はちょうど良い仕事をするために互いを押してください。我々は、すべての初めからお互いを推進しています。 (Hmmm…not really. He and I just push each other to do good work as do Lionel and Christine. We all have been pushing each other since the beginning.)"

Hiroshi and Ryotaro nodded in understanding as they drank their coffee and ate their sweet breads. Afterwards they headed for the Colburn School of Performing Arts, a few blocks away.

~Musical portion: "Cristo Redentor" from Fast Five~

[ELYSIAN PARK, 8:37AM]

Yasmin and Liam were jogging in Elysian Park, a short drive from downtown and adjacent to Chinatown with their rental car. Already the temperature was going up and a hawk was already flying overhead while both were done with their jog after going on the trails and now looking at the panorama view of the downtown skyline with the rest of the city sprawling out from Angel's Point, a modern pagoda looking structure and below they see the parking lots of Dodger's Stadium and the sound of the police academy's firing range was like a soundtrack that went with the birds.

"This city…definitely different from New York…like a mirror image," Yasmin commented, "Yeah…like we're in a foreign country like Beirut or a Latin American city," Liam said, remembering her trip to Colombia months back.

She looked at him, "For you America is a foreign country but yeah, no surprise, half the city speaks Spanish…but its not that…its more like LA is not just a big city but more like…a city you have to explore instead of having it serve up to you."

He looked at her, "That's why no tour buses huh," he said wistfully with a wink and knowing that they never took one in their lives, "Exactly," she playfully elbowed him as they now ran down the path back to their car.

"So you want to head to the Santa Monica Mountains later in the week? I heard there's this abandoned structure where Neo-Nazis used to gather," she offered and he looked at her weirdly, "Talk about a weird date for us," he replied and she chuckled slightly.

"Hey I'm your girl you know. Doesn't mean we have to do the usual things right," she rhetorically asked, "No but I wouldn't mind a restaurant or a night out on the town," he replied.

"Deal. And a trip to the beach for all of us on Friday," she added as they snaked along the path that led back to the streets once again. Once down from the hill they got into their car and drove down the street back down to the area where there were the playgrounds and then passing the row of palm trees and going up hill in order to head to Sunset Blvd. and back to Downtown again.

MEANWHILE AT THE COLBURN SCHOOL OF MUSIC

At the school the orchestra were beginning rehearsals but before this they were tuning and Mohammad was ecstatic to hear the news that his first operatic performance will be in the school in one of their bigger auditoriums, "I'm so glad you came through for us," he shook the hand of the principal of the school.

"Hey we're honored you people decided to perform here. We are huge fans of your work and sad to see you won't be performing at the Disney Concert Hall this time. The season is over after all. But hey, next year perhaps," he said with a smile.

"Indeed," then he took the podium and they started to rehearse. They started off rehearsing the first act with their choir and cast from the Juilliard School as well as one or two singers from the Colburn School itself. For the next two hours they worked on timing as well as well as seeing how the lighting would work since yes this was their first opera, their take on it was minimalist at best with simple elegant costumes to the use of the stage lights to emphasize mood. In addition no more than 20 instrumentalists with a small choir and of course the principal singers at the helm this was a tight ship to work and no room for last minute mistakes.

Three hours later they were taking their break and everyone, especially the four boys who went to Homeboy Industries earlier were tired, "A thirty minute break and then another hour and a half until lunch. Then another three hours before you guys are free for the rest of the day and evening," this was their reward for their hard work.

Zach too was feeling the strain, rubbing his neck, "Aw man…this is rough this time. Why," he muttered to himself.

Fatma and Cecilia along with Asuka sat down next to the rest of the singers drinking their water and just talking. The audience in question was the teachers as well as some students who decided to stop by and effectively look on their idols and compatriots so to speak. They took this time to ask for autographs, something which is strange and very flattering for the orchestra, who now felt since their trip to Beirut last month made them feel more like rock stars than just a classical ensemble, which to be honest felt really cool for them.

~End musical portion~

TUESDAY

NEW YORK CITY, NY, USA

[METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE, UPPER WEST SIDE, 3:34PM]

Oskar was on a break during rehearsals since starting yesterday, like his colleagues and new friends in Les Musiciens du Monde started yesterday as well in Los Angeles. He was proud of them immensely, performing their first opera. But he was more focused on the end of his American Tour. It felt like reaching the finishing line, the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center. This was something he's always dreamed about and it's within his grasp, the perfect opening night and three weeks in this great city in a prolonged encore of a fantastic tour.

He got off the stage and took a sip of water from his bottle as the musicians and cast stood up and walked around to stretch around. A three hour long production will exhaust them after a certain point so part of his take is to have half hour breaks to rest voices and joints from the players. He sat down and sees Slinkman with a towel, "A nice day of rehearsals and preparations. And of course your interviews with NPR and The New York Times earlier this morning," he told him.

"Indeed. And the cast and musicians have been excellent this whole tour. Really have been there in the trenches with me. I will miss them once this tour is over," he pondered with satisfaction and a melancholy that all good things must come to an end.

His valet and bodyguard smiled on the young man, "Well its not like this will be your last time here. You will return of course. Your friend will be attending the Juilliard this fall so a visit or two will not be out of the question."

Oskar smiled at the thought, "Indeed…though its been a while since I reflected when and where I started my career…Marseilles was where I debuted my first opera but it was Sanremo where it all began…the sea, the sun, the town…and my first love," he recollected.

"Ah yes…Priya…" Slinkman chuckled, "You became a man that day," he said and Oskar looked at him with a look, "Oh do I need to remind you of what transpired when you discovered your path to music?"

The young composer blushed, "I rather not. Not here anyway," he said as he cleared his throat and looked around with Slinkman smiling, recalling what happened in Sanremo two years ago.

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA

[OMNI HOTEL, 12:41PM]

Tomohiko looked out of his window seeing the view of old downtown below as well as the Grand Central Market. He can also see Little Tokyo in the distance, but then he hears his door being knocked on, "はい？ (Yes?)"

"あなたのお母さんと私はお祭りの主催であなたのリサイタルの明日を動作するように階下向かいます。あなたは準備ができたら、階下に来ます。 (Your mother and I will head downstairs to work out your recital tomorrow with the festival organizers. Come downstairs when you're ready.)," his father called out, "大丈夫。 (All right.)," he replied and then looked out of the window with one thing in mind, 'シンジは...我々は今週のパスを横断することがあります。(Shinji…we might cross paths this week.),' he thought on it as well as when he first saw him in class.

FLASHBACK, APRIL 2009

[TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF FINE ARTS, MONDAY, 10:05AM]

Tomohiko was with his crew of friends all of whom also talented musicians ranging from violin to oboe, seven in all. It's been a day since the opening ceremonies and now classes officially started. The group was amongst themselves talking and laughing as were everyone else in the auditorium styled classroom.

Then the professor of musicology came in, "再び見慣れた顔を見て、新しいものにニース。今すぐあなたの席を取ると落ち着きます。(Nice to see familiar faces again and new ones. Now take your seats and settle down.)," he told them and they sat down, "そして智彦、あなたは学期の終わりに夏の競争のためにサインアップしていますか？(And Tomohiko, have you signed up for the summer competition at the end of the semester?)"

"はい教授私が持っています。(Yes professor I have.)," he smiled then the doors opened and it was Shinji with his cello, something he always carried these days dressed in a blue t-shirt with black jeans and sneakers. The majority of them looked at him not sure if he was a student or was lost but others cheered, "おっと！それはシンジ真鍋です！(Whoa! It's Shinji Manabe!)"

He looked up, "えっ？ どうして知っていますか？(Huh? How do you know?)," he asked, "おい！レMusiciensのからです！あなたのパフォーマンスはクレイジー良いです！そして、あなたは世界中を旅してもらいます！ (Dude! You're from Les Musiciens! Your performances are crazy good! And you get to travel around the world!)", causing Shinji to blush lightly and rubbing the back of his head.

The professor settled him and others down who were also surprised by this, "今の若い人はあなたが要件を満たしていたのですか？ (Now young man did you meet the requirements?)," he added which Shinji nodded, to be honest he was ahead on some classes since he showcased his talent via video and prior visits to the school to various professors.

"結構。私のクラスにようこそと席を取ります。(Very well. Welcome to my class and take a seat.)," the professor, told him and as he sat down, he can feel everyone noticing him and having some claim to modest popularity. Tomohiko was surprised that this unknown to him had this level of attention. After class Shinji approached the professor and showed him his schedule after this month of performances once a month.

He took a look at it, "週私が見る長い遠足。あなたはオーケストラの一部であるので、それが配置されることができます。しかし、私はあなたが既にこの部門の学部長にこれを示しているかどうかを知りたいですか？(Week long excursions I see. That can be arranged since you are part of an orchestra. But I want to know if you have shown this to the dean of this department already?)," he asked his new student.

"私はまだ持っていません。今月はあなたが私から欠落週持っていませんが、私はあなたを私はクラスの仕事を見逃すことはありません保証することができます理由です。(I haven't yet. That's why this month you won't have a missing week from me, but I can assure you I won't miss class work.)," he told his professor who looked at him for a moment and then nodded in understanding. Tomohiko looked on and wondered about Shinji and why he hasn't heard of him.

Then his friend showed him the orchestra's website and Shinji's profile with his right profile and the background of Manhattan Island and the Brooklyn Bridge as well. He then heard Shinji performing a cello sonata with his friends and he had to admit it…he's extremely talented…

~End flashback~

He sighed and went to his suitcase to pull out his laptop to charge. Once he did he got his hotel key and wallet and headed out of his room. After entering the elevator he arrived at the lobby where his parents were talking with what he assumed to be the festival's organizers. He approached them and sat down across one of the men while his parents sat on the sofa to his right while the second organizer sat to his left.

"Are you comfortable in Japanese or can you speak English," the man asked and Tomohiko responded, "Either one is fine," the man nodded and then they began to discuss what will come in the coming week.

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA

[MILLENNIUM BILTMORE HOTEL, DOWNTOWN, 12:43PM]

Shinji was floating about in the indoor pool of the hotel, decompressing from morning practice. In fact everyone were doing their own thing while he just wanted to decompress from a long morning after rehearsals and getting things ready. He was also disappointed that they couldn't perform at the Disney Concert Hall this time around but it was a consolation to perform right across the street at the music school. He then stopped floating and swam to the steps to the get out. He looked around the pool decorated in the Art Deco style and sat down on his chair. He only sported a speedo and dried his hair off with his towel before settling down to catch up on his reading.

As he was reading he sees an attractive blonde entering with her small entourage of friends. Then he sees Hiroshi approaching him in a polo shirt and shorts, "Enjoying yourself," he asked as he sat down next to him.

He chuckled, "I am yeah. Needed to take a dip here. It's too hot outside to walk. Funny, it's hotter outside than it ever was in Beirut last month," he pointed out and continued reading, not paying attention to the laughter across the pool.

Hiroshi looked on as well but paid no mind as well, "Where are your friends from New York? They mentioned something about East Los Angeles earlier in the day," he pointed out and just relaxed.

"They're going to investigate the Santeria and occult subculture in East LA. Black and white magic, shamanism, chicken sacrifices…just another week for us," he looked at the young almost done with high school senior who looked surprised by what he was told, "Um…wow."

Then Shinji noticed Yasmin entering the place with only a bikini with Liam in tow with black trunks. She approached the blonde starlet while Liam dived into the pool and he sees the two women chatting with the blonde's entourage of friends and guard looking on. He sees a look of surprise on their faces but the woman in question had a more curious look on her face. After a few more moments she and the blonde shook hands and Yasmin walked around the pool to approach Shinji, "She's Jennifer Nocturne, actress to those vampire romance films."

"Oh really? Interesting so why were you talking to her," Shinji asked and she gave a light coy smile, "Oh you'll see. It's a private project. You'll see and if you excuse me…" she cannonballed into the pool to join Liam. He chuckled and sees Jennifer and her entourage of friends across the pool and both groups greeted with each other.

[WHITTIER BOULEVARD, EAST LA, 12:47PM]

Five blocks on the left of Whittier the boys in question Wilfredo, Alberto, Gilberto and Zane just exited a home with the woman in question who looked warm and motherly with her grandchild playing in the pool in the front yard with three others, "Gracias aceptado nuestra propuesta, mi señora. (Thank you for accepting our proposal, miss.)," Alberto shook her hand.

"De nada. Y Wilfredo aquí está tan interesado en este como eres. Así que la noche del jueves que sería a la vez esclarecedor y atractivo. Sin embargo yo sugiero para ser bendecidos antemano. ¿Entiendes? (Not at all. And Wilfredo here is as interested in this as you are. So on Thursday night it would be both enlightening and engaging. However I do suggest to be blessed beforehand. Understand?)," she spoke to them and they nodded in response.

"Gracias por el café y pan dulce. (Thank you for the coffee and the sweet bread.)," Gilberto replied in his adequate Spanish and she smiled, and they waved goodbye to her and as they crossed the street they see some local guys with wife beaters on and shorts with sandals, two were tattooed but the rest weren't. Alberto greeted them with a silent nod and they nodded back.

"Visited the shaman across the street," one asked, "Yeah. Gonna be fun in two days," Wilfredo rubbed his hands in anticipation, "She's genuine that's for sure."

Zane unlocked the van and the others got in, "How is it like living here," he asked the guys in question, "Pretty good. Better than before. You guys are tourists? Not exactly a neighborhood tourists visit."

He then told them about the orchestra and why they're here. The boys seemed interested and when told about how they like to explore parts of cities orchestras or tourists don't go to, they invited them to a party on Friday night, one night before their operatic performance. They agreed to come and were told the party would be in Boyle Heights. They shook hands with the guys and they drove for Whittier Boulevard and head out west, "God I love this town," Wilfredo breathed out in a relaxed tone.

"You said it. Like Brooklyn or Queens, if it's filled with Mexicans," Alberto said as he looked around, "I mean look around guys! We're in Mexico again!"

Gilberto looked at him and smiled, "Well think about it, this state was part of Mexico in the past before it became part of the US in let's face it, was sold at a steal. I think that was near the time where Mexico made contact with the Philippines."

The boys then talked about how their countries where their parents came from had some form of colonialism in the past. From Colombia to the Philippines to Taiwan and a former colonial power of Portugal, like the big wheel just turned and they are in the same car, "What does that say about these days?"

Zane answered, "Well…it's simple. No imperial power lasts long. It could be centuries but they all ultimately fail. As for the US criticized as being one by people we've met…well we have to fix our house for sure."

"Amen to that," the others said in unison.

[PICO UNION, 12:55PM]

After leaving the 110 behind them, Kevin with Gwen stopped at a burger joint on the corner of Pico Boulevard intersecting Union Avenue where it also served Mexican food. They finally arrived after eight days on the road from Bellwood to Los Angeles and will spend a week or two here with the money he's saved up and with permission from Gwen's parents to go unsupervised. They trust him to the point that she will be safe with him since both are capable and back each other up.

Gwen was drinking her soda as she looked around, "Not the tourist part of town huh," she pointed out and he nodded, "Sure isn't. And there's Central American food across the street. What are you in the mood for? Mexican? Guatemalan? Salvadoran?"

"For dinner? Well how about Salvadoran? I mean we've had Mexican from Texan to here along the way and…you've been stinking up the car," she busted him and he laughed, "Yeah sorry about that."

"It's all right. Hey the orchestra is here this week. Want to meet up with them," she asked and he pondered for a moment, "Hmm…I don't know. I mean we spent a lot of time with them in France and Lebanon already. I'm sure they're busy with whatever they have to do," he told her.

She however looked at him, "Save it. You just want to see if you can find Eda in the street-racing scene here in LA. You saw her race locals back in Lebanon," she told him and he gave her a faux innocent look, "Well…she is promising from what I saw."

"Promising…you sound like a teacher all of a sudden," she dryly replied, "Hey! I am good on the streets. 89 speeding tickets in my name since meeting you guys," he playfully boasted, "Eda is good at corners and drifting. But she was using a Renault back then and in her videos in Germany and one in London she tried out a Nissan and a Citroen."

She sighed, "Where is she going to pop up here in LA tonight," she asked, "I think in Lincoln Heights to see the low riders. She's got an interest in cars that's for sure," he told her and he noticed a smirk on her face, "What?"

"You have a crush on her," she teased, "W-What? Where did that come from," he defended himself, "Don't worry Kevin, just joking. I can tell it's nothing amorous. It's more like…one with respect that someone we know actually has something in common with you."

He pondered on what she said, "That's a nice way of putting it. Though I suspect that you would like to attend their opera near the end of the week," he wondered about his girlfriend who only gave him a coy look, "If you don't mind," she said.

He knew it, "No not at all. Just wanted to know if we're on the same page. Plus their celebrations at the end of each concert is awesome so its free food for us," he said with a smile and she chuckled at the statement, "True very true."

[LINCOLN HEIGHTS, 8:50PM]

Eda was at an evening block party where she sees guys and ladies having a good time listening to reggaeton music, smelling carne asada, having a beer in hand and walking with Zach who relished to film something outside of the rehearsals where today was a decent day for all of them. Eda then sees a beautiful vintage American car painted in deep purple with LA painted in calligraphy style and she approached the driver and talked to him for a bit. She asked if she and Zach can go on a brief drive around the area and he said sure and then off they went.

"Alex what was this party about," she asked as Zach filmed, "Oh its just a gathering we do every summer between June and August. One it's when the kids are out of school so there's more time and two, it's to keep this alive in LA."

"You mean this extension of Chicano culture," Eda asked, "In a way. Low riding started in the seventies and since then it has become more or less adopted as far as Japan I've heard. And if you noticed at the block party, some Chinese and Koreans are there as well."

Then Zach spoke, "Aren't there racial tensions here," he asked and Alex responded, "Dude there are racial tensions everywhere. If you have the riots in your head, remember that was a long time ago. But yeah there are still tensions but not to the level the press makes it out to be, or the wayward tourist."

The drive went on along the hills nearby and Zach got some great shots of the downtown skyline in the distance. Alex had a CD on with music his mom left in the stereo, but he let it play regardless, with "Tu me acostumbraste" by Chavela Vargas playing and providing a melancholic but beautiful tone to the drive. LA did look pretty at night but also, sinister due to the eerie glow of the orange streetlights as well as the darkened silhouettes of the palm and fichus trees. Zach observed everything, from the traffic to the street lamps and homes, "As the cameraman I'm spoiled for choice," he commented with Eda smiling in her seat.

Alex looked at the two with the overhead mirror and a sideward glance at her as he drove, "An opera and filming whatever you guys like…your conductor sounds like a real boss man in the best way."

Eda chuckled, "You can say that," she replied and then arrived back at the block party. As he parked the German brunette sees a familiar green Dodge Challenger playing Cypress Hill and its driver, "Kevin? What are you doing here," she called out to him, where other guys and Gwen waving at her whom she waved back surround him.

"Taking in the sights and wanting to ask you something," he told her and she blinked and Zach catching up now passing them and filmed the rest of the block party while Kevin and Eda talked about motoring and another even that caught her by surprise.

"Um…I'm not sure. You can find better drivers. Hell half of them are here I've researched," she told him but he nodded, "Naw…You got great control of the car judging by the videos. No twitching. Just cool control and power when needed. I respect that so…what do you say?"

She thought on his offer, "Mmm…tell me where and I'll be there," she responded and he smirked lightly, "Perfect."

WEDNESDAY

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA

[LITTLE TOKYO, 1:04PM]

The three Japanese boys were at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and while Hiroshi was off exploring the area, Ryotaro and Shinji found themselves in an ikebana class up on the third floor. Taught between English and Japanese, the two boys found themselves in a funny moment. Here they were in Los Angeles, as far apart from Tokyo or Kyoto as they can get and now having a cultural class on flower arranging, "あなたは今までのクラスを取るましたか？ (Did you ever take a class?)," Shinji asked him in a whisper.

Ryotaro nodded, "何回か。しかし、私はこのには専門家ではありません。 (A few times. But I am no expert on this.)," he responded as he looked on his flower arrangement. He then looked at Shinji's, "あまりにも自然に見えます。(Looks way too natural.)"

He looked at him, "ポイントということではないですか？ (Isn't that the point?)," he asked and got a nod meaning no, "はいといいえ。花は自然に配置されただけで、何も他を凌駕していない見ています。彼らはスペースを持っている必要があります。 (Yes and no. The flowers have to look naturally placed but nothing surpasses the other. They have to have their space.)," he explained and Shinji nodded.

After a few minutes the teacher was walking around and observed their work. The boys were somewhat proud of their attempts and it was near the end of their class but then there was a knock on the door. The teacher answered the door and it was Hiroshi who bowed to her and asked to speak with his friends. She allowed him inside and he approached them, "どうしたの？ (What's up?)," Shinji asked.

"君たちは、これは、智彦赤沢はここLAで、ちょうど近く、我々は通り過ぎたその劇場であると信じてするつもりはありません。そして、彼はここで音楽を実行しています！ (You guys are not going to believe this, Tomohiko Akazawa is here in LA and just nearby at that theatre we passed by. And he's here performing music!)," Hiroshi told them and Ryotaro was surprised and Shinji was curious. So the three young men excused themselves and headed for the theatre.

[ARATANI THEATRE, 1:15PM]

Tomohiko Akazawa was performing a cello sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven with a pianist playing as his accompaniment, Sonata No. 3 in A Major for Cello and Piano, Op. 69. He rehearsed the piece in advance and so far he was doing well and the audience was invested in his playing and his technique was flawless and he's improved in putting himself emotionally into the piece. He also has three more pieces lined up, two by Chopin and a final one by Shostakovich. He wanted to top Shinji's endeavors and would not be satisfied until both compete again. Back in June last year he competed in the music competition, he performed a piece for cello also with a piano accompaniment, by Chopin that time while Shinji performed a piece by Antonio Caldara, Cello Sonata in A Minor. Even though that selected piece had another cellist playing near in synch with Shinji, Shinji's technique shown through within the group. It was a difficult day for the judges but ultimately, Shinji got second while he got first, but that unnerved him, he was so close to losing.

Meanwhile at the auditorium's doors, Shinji, Ryotaro and Hiroshi entered silently and got into their seats a few rows from the stage. There the two college students caught sight of Tomohiko and he saw them with another with them. As he was playing Beethoven's piece he sees Shinji there and imagined both were the only ones there, and rehearsing for one spot in the Tokyo Philharmonic, Tomohiko's dream. Shinji on the other hand notices him and glanced around and sees a husband and wife together, presuming they're his classmate's parents. He then resumed to listen and focus on Tomohiko's playing. He noted he is an exceptional talent as himself, but he felt that their styles contrasted. Perfect technique and emotional depth is what both have but in differing levels. Shinji had more of the latter while his classmate had more of the former.

After a little more than thirty-minutes Tomohiko was done and the audience clapped for his performance. Shinji and the two who came with him also clapped to show their respect. As the audience dispersed he came down from the stage and greeted them, "ここ良太郎三浦あなたを見て驚くべき。そして、あなたは宏山下は正しいですね？YouTubeで動画が良いです。 (Surprising to see you here Ryotaro Miura. And you're Hiroshi Yamashita correct? Your videos on YouTube are good.)," the latter blushed and thanked him.

He then faced Shinji and Ryotaro felt slight tension, "私たちの想定ライバル、赤澤について聞きました。なぜ私からそれを秘密にしておきますか？ (I've heard about our supposed rivalry, Akazawa. Why keep it secret from me?)," he asked as the classmate smirked, "あなたはすべての詳細を知っている必要がありますか？ (Must you know all the details?)"

"もちろん。(Of course.)," Shinji countered but then he sees Tomohiko's parents approaching, "シンジ真鍋そうではありませんか？それはここであなたを見て驚きです。あなたはリハーサルの合間にはありますか？ (Shinji Manabe isn't it? It's surprising to see you here. Are you on break from rehearsing?)," the mother asked which he nodded yes as the father observed him quietly.

"はい。しかし、我々は少しで再起動します。幸いにも私たちは遠くない私たちがオペラを実行します学校からです。 (Yes. But we start again in a little bit. Luckily we're not far from the school where we'll perform the opera.)," he explained and then Hiroshi spoke, "なぜ3人が一緒に来ませんか？リハーサルは非常に楽しいです。 (Why don't you three come along? Rehearsals are quite fun.)," he offered and Shinji looked at him as did Ryotaro with a look of uncertainty.

"私はここ3は、この後に休息したいと思いますかなり確信しています。 (I'm pretty sure the three here would like to rest after this.)," Ryotaro spoke but then Tomohiko's father spoke with a slight gruff of authority, "ナンセンス若い男。私たちはあなたのリハーサルを見に興味以上のものでしょう。今、あなたは氏真鍋は何を言うのですか？ あなたは気にしますか？ (Nonsense young man. We'll be more than interested in seeing your rehearsals. Now what do you say Mr. Manabe? Do you mind?)"

Shinji looked at them and nodded, "もちろん違います。あなたが一緒に来ることができます。智彦は、同様に彼が傾いて感じている場合。 (Of course not. You can come along. Tomohiko as well if he feels inclined.)," he said in a polite tone and with that said they all headed back to the music school on Grand Ave.

[COLBURN SCHOOL OF MUSIC, 1:38PM]

The orchestra finished tuning and was now performing "Echo Dance of Furies" from Act II and while it was a dance suite there was a howling bit of the choir as if in agony with the change in light to a deep scarlet. It was effective with their budget and their direction to keep things minimalistic. Then after it they went on to do the "Ritornelle" and then an aria performed by Cecilia called "Thanks to these Lonesome Vales" with Alberto on his theorbo, providing the accompaniment. It was a short aria and in the audience there were students who were watching intently while Tomohiko and his parents were observing silently. He was looking at Shinji intently, '彼はそのように集中しています。彼がステージに登場すると私の友人は今それを持って、彼らは今、彼は私のリハーサルを見て...彼の温厚な外見と態度にもかかわらず、脅迫ビットを感じた私に言いました。(He's so focused. When he appeared on stage my friends told me they felt a bit intimidated, despite his mild-mannered appearance and demeanor…Now seeing him rehearsing I now got it.)'

Cecilia finished her passage and then Mohammad approached her, "Excellent. But you have a minor mistake near the end," he pointed to her where she messed up, "Once again from the second part of the aria," he called out to the orchestra.

"Cecilia finally made a mistake! She's way too fucking perfect," Asuka exclaimed and everyone laughed a bit and the Afro-Brazilian turned around and gave her the finger which got everyone roaring until Mohammad calmed them down with three stomps with his heel on the wooden floor.

As the orchestra corrected the problem they then continued on until they performed the final air for Act II "Stay, Prince, and Hear Jove's Command" with a tenor from the Juilliard as well as countertenor, his only appearance in the whole of the opera. As Mohammad mentioned, 'luxury casting at its finest', since the countertenor has performed various times with them back in New York. As the tenor finished the air they then finished their session with the beginning aria for Act III "Come Away, Fellow Sailors" as well as the instrumental air "The Sailor's Dance".

All of this was streaming live as part of their rehearsal videos showing the sausage making process of creating wonderful performances. Hiroshi and Ryotaro found this a novelty, listening to all the mistakes and banter in the orchestra while rehearsing with them whereas for Tomohiko it was slightly jarring since he never was one to put emphasis on mistakes. Their motto for rehearsals is 'Failure is ALWAYS an option.'

"失敗ハァッは...あるシンジはほぼ昨年私を打つ理由？しかし、なぜ彼は再び競合しませんでしたか？ (Failure huh…is that why Shinji nearly beat me last year? But why didn't he compete again?)," he wondered out loud to himself and his father listened while his mother paid attention to the stage. Then she listened to them finishing and Mohammad calling them to perform the Ritornelle one more time. The slow movement was relaxing indeed and she sees how all of the musicians are so focused and clearly enjoying the music they're performing. This was when her husband spoke, "私たちの息子はシンジで明らかに興味があるなぜ私が今見ることができます。 (I can now see why our son is clearly interested in Shinji.)"

She looked at him, "右。彼らはすべての必要なときに即興を追加する規律と非常に才能だけでなく、十分な柔軟性を備えています。 (Right. They're all disciplined and extremely talented, but also flexible enough to add improvisation when needed.)"

He nodded, "右。しかし、また、彼は私たちの息子がに向けて努力している位置を達成しているようです。だけでなく、チェリストだけでなく、彼自身の方法で急成長しているジャーナリスト、彼の音楽の訓練を超越し、さまざまな分野に拡大しています。 (Right. But also, he seems to have achieved a position that our son is working hard towards. Not just as a cellist but also a burgeoning journalist in his own way, transcending his musical training and expanding in different areas.)"

"しかし、私は去年は本当に私たちの息子の火災を開始した競争を考える...それよりも、その多くを疑います。文字通り学校とオンラインの両方の注目を集め、今無どこから出てきたと現代の助けを借りて、さらに彼の才能を押します。 (But I suspect its more than that…I think the competition last year really started a fire in our son. To push his talents further with the help of a contemporary who literally came out of no where and now gaining attention both at school and online.)," his wife reasoned and he nodded in response, "完璧なライバル。 (The perfect rival.)"

Tomohiko observed Shinji now resting and laughing to a joke told in Spanish between Lionel and Dante while Asuka walked up to him and started to talk in her in German, '..彼は確かに国際的です。相対的な使いやすさと、彼はすでに達成のトップレベルで実行することができると、外国の環境で取ることができます。しかし、それでもまだ、私は彼が比類のない行かせません！私は、日本と東アジアのすべてでトップレート新星の一人としての才能と状況で彼を凌駕するつもりです！シンジ真鍋... (…He's indeed a cosmopolitan. Able to take in foreign environments with relative ease and able to perform at the top level he's already achieved. But still, I will not let him go unchallenged! I am going to surpass him in talent and status as one of the top rate rising stars in Japan and all of East Asia! Shinji Manabe…)'

Then he sees Shinji looking at his direction and gave a small wave, which turned out to Tomohiko which was the same look he would give someone that he's waiting for another challenge, '...我々は間違いなく、再びステージに会うことにしよう。 (…we'll definitely meet on the stage again.),' he thought with a confident look.

LATER IN THE EVENING…

[ECHO PARK, 8:45PM]

Yasmin and Liam were at Masa Restaurant with Jennifer Nocturne eating their dinner before their car comes by. Liam had his camera by his feet as he was eating his hamburger while Yasmin was eating a Panini and Jennifer a mixed salad with cranberries, balsamic vinegar and a slice of Manchego cheese in it, "So where are we meeting the cop," she asked the older woman in question.

Yasmin looked at her, "Just around the corner at the parking lot behind the bookstore," she told her, "He should be here soon."

"Then why haven't we gone to that taco truck near the Walgreens? That would have hit the spot before going," Jennifer said and Yasmin looked at her, "We'll get some after we finish what we planned. And hitting the bar up the block here," she said with a smile.

After they finished their meals they paid and left the American restaurant that was once a Cuban bakery and eatery. They crossed the street and they all see the new neighbors of the area out and about enjoying their evening, no doubt the result of growing gentrification. As they headed for the parking lot that spanned two lots they waited for a few minutes and then on cue their cop car arrived as well as another with two cops inside. Inside the first car out came a Latino officer who appeared in his forties and with the experience of the streets etched on his face with only his white shirt, tie, dark grey trousers, black leather shoes and a holster for his gun along with his badge, "Yasmin Moradi?"

She stepped forward, "That's me. Glad you made time to show us around your division tonight," she said and he smiled, "No problem missy. Now you two," he pointed to her and Liam, "Get in my car and you Ms. Nocturne you will be in the second car with the other officers," he told the three.

They agreed and once they got in they drove off driving down Lemoyne and heading for Glendale Blvd. The park still looked beautiful even with the fountain shut off for the evening and illuminated in an eerie glow of the streetlights. As they drove they see downtown up ahead, "This city is eerily beautiful at night," Jennifer commented to one of the officers.

"But aren't you living in Hollywood right now," one cop asked, "I do but rarely come out here. This is fun," she says, as she looked out filled with anticipation as they head down until they reached Beverly Blvd.

They turned right and then turned left on Union Pl., seeing more of the grit heading south of where they started. They crossed Third Street and were now on Loma Drive, "And are there gangs here," Yasmin asked the detective.

"There are but its been going down for a few years now. Crime is at a low but you still get young riff raff running around trying to emulate the older guys who are now in jail or six feet under," he replied in his deep, gruff voice.

Now they were on Sixth Street and headed west, passing closed businesses but also ladies setting food on the street corners, passing the Food 4 Less and Rite Aid and Liam can see it, "I see a park up ahead," he said and the detective nodded, "MacArthur Park. No doubt you heard of it on TV where you two came from."

Yasmin shrugged her shoulders, "No worse than anything I've seen. But two notorious Latino gangs started near here right," she asked and he again nodded, "That's for fucking sure. Further down Alvarado to Pico Union. One of them started as a reaction to prejudice from the Mexicans here while the other is more along the lines of turf rivalries between the two."

"And from what my girl here explained, they both branched out. Correct," he asked and the detective made the turn for left in order to drive down Alvarado passing the near deserted park, except for the homeless he caught with his camera in the darkened parts.

"Correct sir. From here to Canada to Central America and Mexico," he explained, "Thanks to deportation procedures that have spread the problem instead of treating it. But of course those higher ups have their heads in their assess to even see what they're doing," he ranted a bit but did have a point on what was done over the years.

Yasmin cleared her throat, "With that said, how are things now as a cop and detective compared to when you first started," she asked and his face hardened and softened at once, "Things change but nothing has really to be honest."

Liam looked at him and filmed, "Meaning…the ethnic demographic and having to deal with it," he asked and the detective nodded a yes with a sigh, "That and of course the older generation are locked up, dead or even growing up in their heads. If you head down to Compton you would find veteran Crips and Bloods now trying to get the younger kids to not enter gangs since their truce following the LA Riots."

"With that said, that news even reached us in Dublin, amongst the news of the IRA bombings across the country and the UK. Where were you when that was happening," he asked him and he responded with, "I was there as well. Koreatown was left to burn when almost all of the police was in Rodeo Drive, West LA son. Those two weeks were some of the weirdest times for me," he explained his past.

"Jesus," Liam simply responded as they now headed south down Alvarado and once on Olympic the radio sounded off and amidst the police chatter and codes going on he drove off south, now with the sirens, "What's going on?"

Yasmin asked and he responded, "A shooting down Hoover," they sped past the traffic as they pulled to the side of the road allowing them to pass. They drove past the red light and turned left on Pico and kept on until they reach Union and turned right and into the neighborhood near Venice Blvd. They passed Venice and then a block down they see three patrol cars with the lights silently lighting up the area taped off to keep people at bay.

They stopped and the second car behind them as well so the detective, the two cops as well as their three guests in question got out of their cars. Liam started filming the area and made a note to black out the faces of certain individuals. Jennifer walked alongside Yasmin who showed her press pass and walked under the yellow tape, "Ms. Nocturne, stick close to me but we'll remain close to the cops behind us. Just in case okay," she assured her and the young starlet nodded.

Yasmin then sees a suspect in the shooting and it was one of the local gangsters with the tattoos displayed on his chest and forearms, but the shirt was covering his face, "Wait here," she told Jennifer to stay beside a car with a cop present while she waved at Liam to come meet her.

She tried to speak to the gangster but the officer insisted her not to, for her safety. However someone from the neighborhood did approach her to show he's not a threat and the two started, "What happened here," she asked.

"Just from what I can see, a drive by. Doesn't happen much here for a while but it was before and usually they don't do it here. Normally its further south or a few blocks away due to their activities," the guy told her with a slight accent.

Yasmin looked around, "Reminds me of my home but for you, have you ever lost friends to this or they moved," she pushed and the guys sighed, "A few died or moved away from here. One or two are in county right now. But overall its all right here I guess."

"Are you in school right now," Liam asked, "Yeah I am. At LATTC just east of here you know. Some of my friends are gonna be nurses or gonna do more in the white collar type of work at university."

"With this sort of thing common here or more so in other neighborhoods, why not leave yourself," she asked almost idiotically since she's done interviews and short stories back in Queens and Brooklyn with the same answer here as there, "Because this is home. Why would I move? So the bastards can win? Fuck that."

She smiled, almost a sad smile but proud of resistance to the fear and intimidation everywhere, "Good answer," she replied and the young man smiled, as did Liam behind the camera.

As the two finished with the young man, Jennifer walked around and feeling the neo-noir element of being in LA. But there's nothing-cinematic right here, unless it was an indie project, something she wishes to star in more in the near future. She felt attracted to the scene before her where life collides with the ugly realities of living and as she walked she was then escorted back to the car with another shooting in progress. Yasmin and Liam got the memo and went back with the detective and they headed off, "A busy night I reckon," Liam asked him.

"You reckon right son. Hope you guys like excitement he gave a smirk and Yasmin looked at him, "Oh you have no idea."

He looked at them, "I sort of understand why the young starlet is curious. But what about you two," he finally asked about their backgrounds. Liam told him about his life in Ireland and Yasmin with her birth in Paris to immigrant Lebanese parents and he smiled, "An Irishman who saw IRA shit and a woman who was lucky to have not seen the civil war. Now that's a couple."

The two looked at him, "You can tell," she asked, "Please. There's love coming out of your pores. If you two have a honeymoon in the future come back to LA. I'll give you a real tour of the city. Underbelly to the beauty of the city," he offered with a warm smile and the two were quiet for a moment and smiled in return.

"It's a shame the kids are not here," Liam told Yasmin, "You kidding? Fatma and Cecilia along with the four boys are going to visit a shaman in East LA, some of them are going to hike in the Santa Monica Mountains on Friday morning, we got a fucking opera to perform on Saturday afternoon and an after party back in Echo Park with an old friend of ours. We got plenty to do."

The detective listened and was mildly surprised, "Which shaman," he asked, "Huh? Oh, um…a late middle-aged woman on Whittier. Why," she told him and he chuckled, "She's the genuine article. Trust me."

THURSDAY

NEW YORK CITY, NY, USA

[THE WALDORF ASTORIA, MANHATTAN, 7:10AM]

Oskar was enjoying his day off in his Royal Suite, where its only one day before their debut and they have rehearsed as best they could and things at the Met have checked out regarding preparations. He's at the desk checking his email and confirming interviews for the next three weeks via Skype or in person for radio, print and podcasts. He was happy with everything so far and itching to see the concert from his friends on Saturday evening, "A Henry Purcell opera…excellent choice for them," he mused.

"For your friends and colleagues, I agree," his valet and bodyguard Slinkman presented him with a cup of coffee and two morning papers, "The New York Times as well as Die Zeit (The Time)," he said with a smile.

Oskar nodded and puts some cream in his coffee and sipped, "Ah that's good. Now, after breakfast I'll watch a bit of news, then go for a swim and go for lunch before a nap today. What about you," he asked Augustus who wistfully looked out the window.

"Go for a walk in Central Park. And might venture into Chinatown for fun," he thought wistfully and strolled away towards his room's door, "Ralph Lauren might do a short interview for their YouTube site next week."

Oskar lifted his coffee cup in understanding as his valet then prepared for his morning out and him thinking to just relax on his own for the day…

[9:30AM]

At the hotel pool there were guests who took advantage due to the humidity and heat from outside. He was doing laps with his swimming cap on as well as his speedo on. He knew women were checking him out and he felt some self-satisfaction in it but he was focused on getting in some laps today before eating something and walk around for a while. After starting ten minutes ago, he was halfway done with his set.

Fifteen minutes later he climbed out of the pool and headed for the locker room to rinse off the chlorinated water and wash up. After washing up he dressed back in his grey trousers and a simple white-buttoned shirt with the top buttons undone. He felt good and decided to head out for breakfast. He headed out of the hotel with money in his pocket and headed east two blocks for a bagel place. Since he has been coming here for a while now, he's glad to go there and know what to get, lox with cream cheese and onion with a bit of pepper

[11:34AM]

Slinkman was coming back to the hotel after spending his morning in Central Park jogging, keeping in shape since his days in INTERPOL. Since becoming a valet for Donovan he feels a sense of calm and security that he won't have to hunt down criminals and just keep the press from interfering with Oskar's privacy. Dressed in running shorts, running shoes and loose hand wraps for boxing combos where there were more trees in the park. As he checked in with the receptionist one of Oskar's agents came to him, "Mr. Slinkman, Oskar is in his suite resting and tinkering on the piano as far we can discern. But security concerns regarding paparazzi is a possibility."

"As long as he is here in the hotel or within a five block radius, it's all right. This city is similar to London in many ways, just more built up," he tells the agent, "We'll be fine for the rest of our stay here," he then entered the available elevator and waved at the agent as the doors closes.

Now on his floor he headed for Oskar's suite where he sees the young man at the baby grand tinkering what sounded like new ideas. Then he sees his laptop on stream listening to the rehearsals of Les Musiciens du Monde in Los Angeles as well as another window where last night's foray in LA's ride with the police with Yasmin and Liam reporting with Nocturne as guest was paused.

"I take it you're doing well," Slinkman asked as he wiped his forehead, "It's quite awful outside," he commented.

Oskar looked up at him, "I am. Those friends of mine will have a successive night. Disappointed that their negotiations with the Disney Concert Hall fell through. But true to fashion, performing at a music school is a great idea," he remarked.

Slinkman nodded in agreement, "Care for a drink or lunch," he asked, "Not yet, but thank you…just wondering what my third opera will be like. Or should I compose a symphony this time to take a break," he ponded out loud.

"I think it largely depends on what you truly want. But in my opinion, a symphony would be a nice change in tune for you," he said before heading for the bathroom to shower. Oskar looked on and then returned his focus on the piano.

He wrote down musical notes on his staff paper for possible ideas for the symphony or opera's Sinfonia later on. But he then paused the streaming and played Yasmin's video again where she and Liam along with Jennifer rode along from Pico Union to South Central as far as Compton and then ending things back in Echo Park. He liked to see them doing these sorts of things aside from music, and seeing sides of cities in different ways, but seeing police operations was a bit treading on his reservations on what an orchestra should do and risk credibility, "But they're not your standard orchestra. Remember that," he told himself rather than to anyone in particular.

LATER IN THE NIGHT…

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA

[SOUTH-CENTRAL L.A., 10:15PM]

Eda took the 200-bus line alone, despite the advice to the contrary. She wasn't afraid and plus, taxi services here weren't as common as in Hamburg or New York when she was there for a year. She sees her stop and got off on South Broadway and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The area was flat and nondescript, ergo not terrifying to her she's seen worse. Then she sees Kevin's car across the street so she crossed quickly due to the weakness in traffic and knocked on the door, "Where to," she asked as he lowered the window.

"East Vernon just down the street. Come on," he told her and so she did. He starts driving and she starts checking out his car, never been in an American muscle car since 2008 and honestly she has a fondness for them.

Once on Vernon they kept going until they came across a vacant lot where in sight was the most weird and dangerous looking vehicle she's ever seen, "Holy shit! What is that," she exclaimed as she got out of the car.

"The car we're racing," Kevin remarked, "Car or tank," Eda asked as she looked around the weird looking armor-plated vehicle, "Mad Max perhaps?"

Then she sees two women approaching, both look tough and shaved heads, tank tops and jeans with boots, "Try a little bit of both," one of them replied, Eda guessed she was the driver, "Olivia. And this is my friend Jaime."

She shook their hands and felt their tight grips, "Eda Kraemer. So…what's this about," she asked, "A race, simple as that."

The German looked around the empty lot, "Where are the other racers," she inquired which Kevin replied, "There aren't any I told you. This is something I want to do for a while and Gwen will wait for us at the finish line."

She nodded, "So what's the route," and Jaime explained, "From here, to Broadway, the 110 freeway then intersect with Interstate 5 and exit, take Stadium Way to the baseball stadium and there we will finish. Now Levin, have you chosen your weapons?"

"I have and they're in the trunk," he replied and Eda was quiet, remembering the talk she had with him back in Lincoln Heights. He described there might be gunfire but these weapons on the armored car looked alien, straight out of science fiction. But then she remembered that incident in Houston as well as La Soledad so she's not too shocked, but this was starting to feel out of her element.

Then she heard Kevin calling her to his car and both got in now with her in the driver's seat, "Kevin I don't know about this. I may be a good driver but this is out of my depth," she said expressing her nerves.

"You don't have to do this. But we already agreed to race them," he told her and then the armored black car drove right up close to theirs, "Kev! We got 300,000 credits for the win! I suppose you have the same amount for us," Olivia asked him and he smirked, "What do you think!"

"Full of shit," Jamie remarked and the three laugh with Eda now confused and nervous. But she calmed herself and started the engine up and revved the engine, "Okay…let's do this. Who starts the countdown," she asked.

"No countdown just go, NOW," he exclaimed as the other two's mini gun started firing on them and she floored it, "Fuck!"

Kevin looked at her, "Are you sure you want this? I should have called Asuka and…" but this cut her to the core and demeanor became cold, "She's my friend and I adore and respect her. She may be great in terms of fighting and arms, but I," she shifted to third and sped off, "Drive circles around her."

She sped forward but by narrowly missing traffic the other car caught up with them as they raced for Broadway and in a few blocks the freeway entrance. Both knew this would be interesting but not realize how much gunfire and bombs that will come their way before the race is over. So they got to the freeway entrance and now sped up to highway speed and beyond, thankfully with traffic not so dense now. However Kevin shouted, "Get down!"

The other car then fired several rounds with a sniper rifle and damaged the rear window and the dashboard, "Punch it or we're fucked," he told her so with her head down she shifted into fourth and charged on with the downtown skyline coming closer into view.

She then shifted into reverse and was now driving backwards, "Now Kev! Impress me," she shouted and he then fired back with his Plasma Delkelshen rifle at the radiator, which slowed them down, "Okay go! That won't hold them back for long," he told her and she punched it…

MEANWHILE IN EAST LA…

With the race going on at the 110 heading North for Dodger's Stadium just now passing the Staples Center, Wilfredo and his friends are at Whittier Boulevard in East LA in what turned out was not a Santeria rite per say. It was more of a trip to locations in this part of the city to three homes showing different ways of blessing, protection and sadly tonight a treatment for a possessed person. Cecilia was invited along, as well as Fatma just in case if things go wrong. But overall, after a blessing the night before at a botanic in downtown near the Grand Central Market they were in good spirits no pun intended.

With the woman shaman saying a prayer in an Oaxacan dialect Alberto asked Wilfredo where Zane was filming, "¿Que esta haciendo ella? (What is she doing?)," "Ella está incitando a una oración de protección para la casa de los malos espíritus. Pero también es un procedimiento de puerta de enlace para ayudar a sanar la poseía. (She's inciting a prayer of protection for the house from evil spirits. But it's also a gateway procedure to help her heal the possessed.)"

Cecilia turned to him, "Demoníaco o simplemente impresión espiritual? (Demonic or just spiritual impression?)," she asked, which he responded, "La impresión espiritual. Al parecer, compró algo mientras en el centro, cerca del centro histórico y por pura suerte que era un anillo tenía la intención para su chica. (Spiritual impression. Apparently he bought something while in downtown near the historic downtown and by sheer luck it was a ring he intended for his girl.)"

She shook her head, "Dios mío. Primero fue el espejo en París y ahora un anillo ... ya sabes para ser honesto, tipo de encontrado esta vuelta en Salvador y involucrado un collar, aquí una mujer no un hombre. Era fácil curarla, pero parece que hay más de esta por ahí que ahora vamos a tener que tratar. (My God. First was the mirror in Paris and now a ring…you know to be honest I sort of encountered this back in Salvador and it involved a necklace, a woman here not a guy. It was easy to heal her, but it seems that there's more of this out there that now we're gonna have to deal with.)"

He nodded, "Estamos de edad ahora. (We're of age now.)," he told her as both where talking quietly as to not distract the woman shaman in question. What they learned tonight was that the woman was also a botanist and occultist when called for. Latino/Hispanic communities in the city, is that shamans are called in to handle matters ranging from exorcisms, blessings, protection amulets, healing the body short of chronic conditions and even so far as cursing people or rather enemies, which in itself is a very dark grey area. Something the three mystics in question know full well, but before not of age to deal with these matters.

Then after he prayer was done they headed for the room down the hall where the guy was locked in, but in a quasi-conscious state. Meaning he was active but confused and potentially violent to the family and his girlfriend. The shaman wants everyone in the family to stay outside, but invited the three mystics as well as Zane to document, she said it was all right and a simple matter. Fatma closed the door behind her and sees the man at the corner of the room and he looked scared, as he looked at them, away from facing the wall, "Sé calmado. Estamos aquí para ayudar. (Be calm young man. We are here to help.)," the shaman explained.

"Qui êtes-vous? (Who…are you?)," the man replied but to their surprise, in French, "Pourquoi suis-je ici? (Why am I here?)," but then his voice turned demanding, as if he's in prison.

"Nous sommes des personnes qui peuvent les aider. (We are people who can help.)," Cecilia remarked, "Pourquoi êtes-vous encore là dans ce domaine? (Why are you still here in this realm?)," Fatma spoke up as the two girls attempted to reassure him of the situation.

"Domaine? Je suis ... Je me souviens ... des combats, des coups de feu ... mon amour que je laissai derrière en Bretagne. (Realm? I was…I remember…fighting, gunfire…my love whom I left behind in Brittany.)," he replied, struggling to remember his past, "Tout est flou. (It's all a blur.)," he added much to the pity of the three in question, not caring for people who wonder if all of this is real or not.

Then Wilfredo asked, "En quelle année vous vous souvenez? Ce qui se lève? (What year do you remember? What comes up?)," he pressed and the man whose eyes appear blue, not normal for the guy has brown looked at him perplexed, "1861, lorsque la Première Maximilien était en contrôle du Mexique. (1861 when Maximilian the First was in control of Mexico.)"

Everyone in the room looked at each other and Zane was filming. Since this was his first time filming this sort of thing, they know they are going to get comments on whether it's faked or real, or some bashing on the subject. However he knows there's no danger tonight so it would be no worse than a planned trip to a voodoo priestess in two months. As far as he is concerned anyway with this amount of access, "So what's next," he asked.

"Got to treat the poor dude," Wilfredo commented, "You know as far as things go. So…you're going to get good footage," he said with a slight smile, "Just no green vomit," Zane suggested and his friends laughed.

But then they settled down and the shaman began to shake her branch of eucalyptus leaves chanting a dialect from Oaxaca and then the man began to writhe in seemingly discomfort on his face, but him muttering about being released but also felt being stretched in multiple directions.

Afterwards with the procedure done the man begins to slump and fall to the floor unconscious, where the family comes in and with Zane still recording the emotions displayed in his footage later will no doubt get reactions on the internet. What would be interesting is how those in NYU, Columbia, The Juilliard and the Curtis Institute who fund their activities will take this trip to LA. Would they enjoy it or find themselves increasingly on the side of the debate to cut their funding? For now…they don't care.

MEANWHILE BACK IN THE RACE…

Across the city now on the Interstate 5 north just passing Chinatown and Eda was now racing for her life now going 145 and she can hear sirens in the distance, "Kev take the wheel," he did as she puts on a bandana to cover her face.

Once done she took the wheel again anticipating for the exit to take Stadium Way for Elysian Park nearby, but now in a much more damaged car than when they started. When they were just passing the overpass of Sunset Boulevard, they were hit with a Thermal Detonator, twice. The first was hit near them and it detonated violently, nearly causing them to lose control. The second time was when it was attached at the bottom of the car near the exhaust and rear axle. So she drove up the slope of dirt and ivy to try to dislodge it. She did but then the second explosion really rocked them and caused several accidents. Now with the exit in sight, all they have to fear is getting caught by the police and have very, very long and awkward explanations.

"Kevin! The car is shot up, burnt, rocked by two big explosions and we're being chased by the police…can we make it," she asked as she headed for the exit now chased by the two women in question and barely dodged incoming traffic and several pedestrians as she shifted gears and charged forward on Stadium Way.

He looked at her as he loaded his semi-automatic plasma rifle, "Eda…I've been chased by aliens and threats you can't even imagine or take on…but let me tell you, I'm more afraid of those two women than the entire LAPD force. And that's saying something," he remarked as he again heard the choppers above following their progress, but he also had a plan.

He then pushes a button on his dashboard, "We'll get them off our tails," he said and then he turned on the radio where there was chatter of the police cars and choppers now stalled pursuing them and Eda sees the choppers landing to prevent crashing and the cars' lights blaring behind them. She looked at him who only smirked and she hit him in the arm, "Damn Kev! That's amazing!"

He chuckled, "Well thank me when we win or," but then more shooting on their car began, "Or at least survive this race. Now push it as hard as you can," he told her and it was sooner done than said. She floored it and snaked down the road to avoid the shooting. Meanwhile Jaime and Olivia were having fun.

"That girl is quite the driver isn't she," Olivia lined up a shot but it was evaded by the car ahead, "Nimble and able to use the car as it was designed."

"True. But that 300,000 credits is ours," Jaime declared and they fired upon the green Dodge Charger, "This will end in just a few minutes."

They were passing by the darkened park, with only the street lamps illuminating the streets in an orange glow, "Okay! We're close! Kev! We're going to win," she shifted and turned a hard right down a small decline and then a hard left and floored it, they were just one block from the main entrance.

Kevin opened the door and was attached to the rim via a cable and aimed at the two women, "Okay! Steady," he aimed, "Steady," he muttered as they drove up hill but then Eda turned left and he missed the shot as the plasma round hit the asphalt.

"Great! You made me miss," he shouted at her, "Sorry but we're almost there," she passed the toll booths and now sees the parking lot, "So close and…oh shit the parking lot is all hill! Where to we go?"

Kevin looked around and remembered, "The stadium! Head for the main entrance of it! Go," but the others headed forward and rammed them out of the path and charged forward. Eda rammed back and now both were neck and neck for the finish. They see the gates and decided to stop in front of them. Eda shifted and was just inches ahead of the two women and both cars are so close then…by a hair Kevin's car won.

"YEAH! YEAH! WE OWN YOU! OWN YOU," he shouted as the cars stopped, "Oh yeah," he got out and just as he shut the door the car started to shake and then pieces of the body started to fall apart as did the other car.

The two women laughed as did Eda who just let loose after so much action and excitement, mixed in with sheer terror of nearly getting killed, "OH WHAT THE HELL," he exclaimed but then he heard a suitcase dropped at his feet, "300,000 as promised sir and you might need it to fix the car."

He clenched his fists and then took out his phone and speed-dialed the local mechanic, "Hi…yeah we're done…both cars totaled…Dodger's Stadium parking lot…five minutes? All right…yeah…see ya," he then hung up.

He turned to the two in question, "Mechanic will be here in five and Eda…Eda," he called out to her and she passed out, "Aw man…she must be exhausted."

The two girls at first wanted to go and repair the car themselves, but decided to wait for the obligatory repairman to come…

[CHINATOWN, 11:06PM]

Thanks to Kevin's call they arrived at the auto shop nearby in time to avoid the police. Right on College St and near Hill, they were within sight of downtown behind the shop, but the wrecks of both cars were…substantial. The auto shop on street level is for the run of the mil cars that come in everyday, but downstairs are for the more modified cars like Kevin's and the girls from the Wastes.

Eda was on a cot sleeping soundly even with the noise of repairs and the smell of grease and oil filled the room, "She's out man," one of the repairmen, all of them Chinese American with blue jersey dirty as his hands and face told Kevin.

"Yeah…she's not used to that type of racing. But you should have seen her. She was calm through out the whole thing. But I could tell she was sort of out of her element," he explained but then Jaime approached him as her own car was being repaired, "Then why had her race with us?"

He shrugged her shoulders; "Well…I guess I just wanted to do something nice for the orchestra she belonged to. Plus I saw her race locals in Lebanon last month and I thought why not," he reasoned.

Then at that moment the lift that was used to lower the cars was activated and he sees Gwen with her arms crossed and pissed, "Um…hi Gwen. How did you find this place," he asked ignorantly which he shouldn't have.

"Uh I found your mana in the mana field duh and Eda…WHAT THE FUCK WHY DID YOU INCLUDE HER," she screamed which caused Eda to wake up, "Ugh…because he described it to me and I wanted to try it out. And…it was fucking awesome," she said and yawned as well.

"Can someone give me a ride back to my hotel," she asked nobody in particular to which Gwen offered, "I'll do it," she then took the offered keys for one of the repairmen's car to drive Eda back to the hotel.

Along the way Gwen was pissed but also thankful she and he wouldn't have to explain anything to her friends or the conductor. She stops at a red light and sees Eda sleeping, her head pressed on the window as she is driving on Broadway, "Huh…talk about a night," she muttered and then the light turned green and she drove on.

FRIDAY

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA

[GRIFFITH PARK OBSERVATORY, 4:23PM]

Dante and Fatma were inside the observatory but without a need to film like they had yesterday with the others hiking. He just wanted to come here with his girlfriend, "Beautiful huh," he looked at her as she observed the giant pendulum.

She chuckled and smiled, "Sure is. And its nice to see your love for astronomical science hasn't faded since coming to this reality," she said to him and he smiled sadly, "Thanks…but now knowing that the Plumbers are out there as well as aliens…I don't know what to do with that love now."

She gripped his hand and the two walked deeper in the museum where they showcased the exhibits of stars, planets, asteroids and pictures of the galaxy and the Deep Field View in one portion, "All of this…reminds me so much of my old life. My dad, my biological dad was just so passionate of this field and I wanted to be like him. I don't know if I should pursue it again," he admitted his uncertainty to her.

She clenched his shoulder, "Do what you think is all right for you. I can tell how much you truly miss this. Just…give it a try. Who knows, might shake up the science community again as you were just starting out back in your home," she told him and he smiled warmly, "Right. Come on let's get out of here," he suggested as they opted to head back down the mountain by foot so they can pass the Greek Theatre.

Meanwhile blocks away down Vermont Ave, Shinji and Asuka were talking together at a French bistro near the City Lights bookstore, "So you and Hiroshi are getting along in rehearsals. I'm surprised that there are no weird dimensional shit going on," she relayed to him.

He nodded as he chewed his grilled fish and spoke when he swallowed his food, "I think it would have happened already if that were the case. Don't forget you and Dante met your counterparts in Hokkaido as well."

"True…" she replied as she looked around, "Amazing…To think we're still in LA and so near Hollywood," she remarked, "And we have spent this whole week without going there," she added and he smiled, "It's not over yet. We still have tomorrow and that party to attend in Echo Park I think."

She smiled, "I can't wait for that. We deserved some grilled meat in the backyard as its so popular here," she remarked and thought wistfully on the warmth outside, "I guess we'll meet Dante and Fatma soon."

"That's good to hear. The bus to take us back to downtown is blocks away from here," Shinji replied and in minutes they were done with their meals.

Twenty minutes later while Shinji and Asuka were at the newsstand nearby Dante and Fatma meet up with them and they walk back to Sunset Blvd to catch their bus near in what they dubbed 'hospital alley'. Meanwhile across the city, Jang and Christine were with Gilberto and Zane in Echo Park buying chopped fruit from a fruit stand on the corner of Sunset and Echo Park, mixed fruit from watermelon, oranges, coconut, papaya, mangos and melon with salt and lemon, "This is the best thing for LA," Jang told to the other three as he paid the Latino guy who gave him change.

"But there's this in New York you know," Christine told him, "But not like this," Zane replied as he ate a piece of mango.

"Its true. If we're anywhere in the Southwest, I guarantee we'll see more of this set up. But the difference is, FIVE FREAKING DOLLARS for a bag of chopped fruit with lemon, salt and a bit of hot chili. That's a good deal," Gilberto said and was happily eating refreshing fruit in the hot afternoon.

Then Christine asked, "Hey, some of us are near Griffith Park right? So that means they're coming back to the hotel by bus. We might meet them," she told them and they decided to cross the street to catch the bus, but just narrowly missing one so it's a twenty minute wait.

Christine looked at the displayed clothing at a store right next to them and wanted to buy a shirt, nothing with an LA logo but something normal or a blouse. The guys groaned and didn't want to risk missing the bus so she thanked them and looked around quickly for anything, which meant fifteen minutes of nail biting for the guys and her finally purchasing a blouse, a skirt and two shirts their bus came and inside their four friends, "Holy…What are the odds," Gilberto exclaimed and they grinned.

NEW YORK CITY, NY, USA

[LINCOLN CENTER, THE MET, 7:30PM]

The first act of Oskar's opera was well underway and in the audience was the woman Oskar once shared a summer with back in Sanremo, Italy. An elegant Indian woman wearing a light blue sari that went well with her hair down past her shoulders straight and black, her eyes dark brown, her body toned but still feminine to the eye and her breasts full, the classic beauty of India. Priya Sahti is a Bollywood actress; a rising star in her country and still lives in the city of her birth Mumbai. She came to surprise her old teenage flame on his success in America but also to share what she has done over their absence from each other. As well as revealing some secrets…

TWO ACTS LATER…

With the final aria sung and the curtain fell the audience got up and gave a roaring applause. The cast gave their bows one by one and then Oskar who was then given a bouquet of flowers and then he urged his orchestra to stand up and have their bows to the audience as well. What follows was his announcement of gracious thanks and how the sales of the tickets will benefit a charity he's chosen to endorse as well as announcing again of a three week encore of his opera in the Met. Once he finished he left the stage and headed out back as did everyone else who afterwards congratulated him and he was then escorted out with Slinkman and he bid farewell to his adoring fans while escorted to the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. On their way back to the hotel across town, Slinkman snaked through the traffic, "A wondrous night sir," he says to the young man.

He finally exhaled and laughed out loud, "It was great! What a night indeed! And New York has give us full confidence to sail to the harbor seamlessly," he exclaimed and looked out the window seeing Manhattan pass them by.

Slinkman smiled and looked at the rearview mirror and sees a Rolls Royce mirror, "We're being followed. And by someone with money apparently," he described and Oskar was curious, "Probably a fan. Let's continue to our hotel. I don't want to stop here and cause traffic," he requested and his valet followed suit.

Along the way, approached 10:15pm they finally arrived at the Waldorf Astoria where the two cars stopped and as Oskar was escorted out he sees the driver of the English car escort out a beautiful Indian woman, a woman who…holds a special place in his heart, "Priya?"

She smiled, "Herr Donovan. A sweet pleasure to see you again," she walked forward to him sultrily, the gait he has remembered loving, and lusting for two to three years ago, "Likewise miss Sahti. What brings you to New York? It's been a while."

She smiled, "I've caught wind of your debut in America and I decided to come see you once you arrive here. And I see our years apart has done you good," she complimented coyly him on his talent and well his good looks as well.

He grinned and puts his hands behind him, "And I can say the same for you. I would like to get reacquainted again. How about tomorrow evening after dinner? Meet me at The Carlyle," he offered and holds out his hand and she shook it and he remembers her firm grip, now firmer, "A pleasure. See you tomorrow," she then reenters her Rolls Royce as her valet closes the door and drives off back into the evening traffic.

Oskar sands there until the car was out of sight. He sighs and then enters the hotel while Slinkman hands the hotel's valet driver to park the car as he follows suit.

SATURDAY

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA

[COLBURN SCHOOL OF MUSIC, 5:35PM]

Already more than half in with Henry Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas", it was one of those performances that everyone in the orchestra was dreading and anticipated since their agreement with the Disney Concert Hall fell through due to the end of the season. However, tonight with Zach filming and monitoring the cameras and streaming it with help from some students of the school, the footage of the opera was simplistic but elegant.

Dania, Yasmin, and Liam were sitting in the audience listening and watching the hard work put together gelling nicely. The singing, the orchestration, the acting of course was very good and in terms of their first opera to perform aside from oratorios, cantatas, Masses, it felt that the singing took leaves from their past experiences and added another layer of drama and effect to the performance. Ambition and persistence paid off this time around when their first arrangement fell through the school across the street really came through for them. She sees her husband on stage conducting the orchestra and the performers were in simple casual clothing but the lighting above after days and weeks of experimenting and planning looked absolutely gorgeous and Zach as she glanced at was grinning.

The performers themselves as well as the orchestra were in their zone, as the minutes ticked by as they performed English baroque at it's finest. Of course at first many of them thought this was going to end up like their leaked performance of their version of Handel's "Messiah"; self-indulgent, too fast, too sensual as some of their critics have called their performances. But they knew that Purcell is a totally different animal where it was just as brilliant but more elegant and had a hint of playfulness that linked well with the melancholy. To their surprise when they debuted they expected only students would come to this operatic debut but no, fans in LA in the immediate crowded the auditorium as well as the traffic online for those who liked them as an orchestra who do different things and show sides of cities they visit were genuinely curious about how they would perform the opera.

Soon the hour was almost up and the final aria "With Drooping Wings" came and it was a poignant, deeply raw emotional choir air where the cast starts to carry off the two dead main characters. It was a slow end and unlike the stereotype of a happy ending, in this opera there was no happy ending, but it was an ending like the close of a book of what has transpired with the characters and the music itself acted like the mirror image of the performers, bowing itself out so the audience can see and listen how the instrumentation and singers compliment each other so beautifully. Alberto's accompaniment with his theorbo felt like a light touch of cologne in a simple but elegantly put together production. When the final note was played the audience got up and roared in applause.

[ECHO PARK, 6:35PM]

"Back Home" by Mike Shinoda with Common and Styles of Beyond was playing on the stereo at a home's backyard on Portia Ave. As the sun was still out and the afternoon still very warm, cooking carne asada outside was the preferable option as opposed to cooking indoors. As well as this party was planned by Mohammad as well as an old friend of his who moved out here back in the late nineties so as a gesture of goodwill his friend arranged this with their conductor so they would have a more summer dinner of grilled meat cooked outside on a weekend evening. And so far with the food, drinks and music on the stereo, all is good.

And as with everything in their travels, for the younger musicians they got soda but for the veteran crew they got beer just to one up the law in the US that they are not allowed to drink until they're twenty-one. More so for the international members but this was just a minor thing as they talked about their week. Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains where Christine nearly fell down a ledge but was rescued by Jang and Zane at that point decided to drop any form of animosity towards him there. Or at least respect the guy more since that moment, Yasmin and Liam along with their guest star Jennifer Nocturne toured South LA, Koreatown, and Compton, Eda and Zach going to East LA to check out the low rider scene (she only shared her racing experience with Asuka in private as well as Bernhard), Shinji talking with Ryotaro and Hiroshi about their second attendance at Tomohiko's recital in Little Tokyo, the shaman experience in East LA was the big talk among those who participated in it, and them just traveling around a city that is as far from New York as one can get and how strangely familiar it felt when compared to other international locations. Then the music switched to Dr. Dre's "Still Dre," with Snoop Dogg.

"Suecia ... Todavía no sé por qué vamos para allá. (Sweden…I still don't know why we're going there)," Alberto asked Dante and Lionel, "Se ve ... aburrido para mí. (Looks…boring to me.)," he relayed his thoughts as he ate his carne asada with bread and a cactus salad with cilantro, onion, tomato with lemon juice.

Lionel sighed, "Lo hace. Pero, al menos, las rubias allí se me mantenga ocupado. (It does. But at least the blondes there will keep me occupied.)," he joked with the Colombian American and Dante just rolled his eyes, "Honestamente, no todos los escandinavos son rubias, imbécil. (Honestly, not all Scandinavians are blonde, dumbass.)"

The dirty blonde laughed, "I know but hey can't hurt to try," he mused and then Eda puts her arm around him, "If you can't impress German girls, what hope you have with our Swedish cousins?"

Lionel smirked, "Argentinian charm," and she groaned, "Oh God…" and the guys laughed at him then at her reaction, which was funny too.

At another table Wilfredo was with Zane, "Dude…two more months before Philadelphia. Any news from Danny or the others," he asked and Zane nodded a no, "Don't have to call them. Facebook and Twitter are there for a reason. They're in college like us, but it seems Danny has improved a lot in his ghost fighting skills."

His mystic friend nodded and drank his beer, "It's gonna be cool to go back. Haven't been there in a few months. I visit my sister who still lives there," Wilfredo explained and then Zane asked, "Hey! You think she will house us like in the old days?"

Wilfredo laughed, "Oh yeah! No problem! We can invite Zach along and he will be baptized truly into our clubhouse," he said and Zane laughed out loud which Zach got on his camera and asked them, "What's up?"

"You are now part of this dysfunctional motley crew of musicians and cameramen," Zane declared raising his glass of beer, "You ready to visit our old alma mater," he asked and Zach chuckled a bit, "Sure am. Philly sounds good to me."

Then at the front of the house Kevin rolled in with "Los Bandoleros" by Don Omar feat. Tego, he was invited by Eda who came to greet him, "Hey glad you two came," she handed them both sodas, "Come in! There's food," she told him.

He then turned off the car and the two got out, "Have you told the others about what you've done," Gwen asked and Eda smiled, "Well only those who would get it. The others lest alone Mohammad, no way. I took a risk racing just days before debuting our first operatic performance. And it was a solo act too."

Kevin spoke, "Did you regret what you did," he asked her and she shook her head in a no, "Not at all. I'm glad I did it and…might be helpful in the future with all the things that happen with us involved and you guys as well."

The two nodded and walked inside where they are greeted by the hosts and of course the younger musicians who know of Kevin and Gwen for their exploits in Bellwood. But for the older ones they give them respectful nods and raised glasses while continuing their conversations with each other. For the two teens, not being in Bellwood felt refreshing and truly like a vacation.

MEANWHILE LATER IN THE NIGHT IN NEW YORK…

[THE CARLYLE HOTEL, UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN, 11:44PM]

Oskar was looking up at the ceiling, with the sheets lying upon his body loosely, breathing calmly. He looked to his left and sees a sleeping Priya, nude as well. He began to recall how came to see his old summer love, but as their conversation began and continued on things got heated between them and they let their memories result in a physical romp. Their kisses, their caresses on each other's bodies, as each took each other's clothes piece by piece an hour earlier, or was it two hours, he couldn't tell anymore. The kisses then became heavy and as soon as their bodies joined, he recalled the hot days they shared back in Italy. He breathed in the air; the scent of their carnality was still present as well as his thoughts on the whole event. He recalled thoughts of Emily popping up now and again in between his thrusts into Priya but those thoughts were deep in the back of his mind as he claimed the Indian woman beside him for himself over and over until both climaxed with their bodies coated with sweat and slight scratches.

He sits up and sits on the edge of the bed as he rubbed his hair back, processing what has transpired. He gets up and walks for the bottle of scotch in the sitting area that is still unopened. Meanwhile Priya felt the bed move slightly and opened her eyes, seeing the nude backside of Oskar opening the bottle. She recalled their heated union where their bodies melded into each other and once joined the emotions and memories of Sanremo, tonight was no different. The carnality of tonight was indeed a rush and she wanted to see where this would lead, she sits up while clutching the blanket covering her breasts to at least cover herself up. She then sees him walking towards her, unabashed and self confident, traits she found attractive in him, as well as seeing his manhood in its full glory and proudly displayed, "Here you go," he handed her a glass of scotch while holding his own.

"Thank you sir," she replied coyly and began drinking her scotch as did he and he sat down beside her, "So…where do we go from here," he asked her as he fingered his glass and looked at her nubile form.

She looked at him with a sultry look, but wanted to keep their focus on what is at hand instead of their lust for each other, "I say we take things as they were when we first met. It's been two years after all," she told him as she finished her glass.

He finished his glass as well and looked at her with the same look, ignoring the obvious arousal in his loins and she took notice, "One more time," he suggested setting his glass on the lampstand beside her own and crawled on top of her, taking off the blanket.

She accepted it and noticed the scotch bottle, it was half full and now French kissing him as he once again, taken her for one more romp in the sack…

[SUNDAY, 12:07AM]

Oskar finished dressing up and felt immense relief of releasing his lust and adoration on her, but also kept in mind his growing admiration and friendliness for Emily. He turned his head and sees Priya now sleeping soundly. He finished tying his tie and placed a light kiss on her forehead. He turned off the lamp but there was enough light from the city outside to illuminate the darkened room to navigate himself out. Once out of the room he headed for the elevator, waited for a few moments, got inside, pressed for the lobby and felt the twelve floors go one by one. He closed his eyes and just let the silence just envelope him until moments later he arrived in the lobby where Slinkman was waiting since ten thirty. He clearly knew already what has transpired and decided to not say anything but lead him outside where the Lincoln Town Car was waiting for them and once inside they rode back to the Waldorf Astoria.

"…Augustus," Oskar spoke up and his valet glanced at him via the overview mirror, "Yes," he asked, "Remind me to call Ms. Sahti in the morning after breakfast and my workout."

Slinkman looked at him once at the red light, "Very well," he simply responded and once the light turned green they rode on.

SEPTEMBER 2010, WEEK ONE

TOKYO, JAPAN

[TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF FINE ARTS, MONDAY, 10:11AM]

Shinji was walking to class with Ryotaro on the first week of the fall term and he carried his cello case for it, as did his friend with his violin case. It's been a week and a half since their trip to Los Angeles and it felt good that he and the others performed their first opera. The reactions to their performance online were very positive and already requests for more operatic performances in the future, faster even than when they started performing oratorios. However Shinji didn't expect anyone in class to have watched it over summer break but once when he opened the doors, both were greeted with applause. Shinji was speechless.

"まあシンジをやりました！あなたとあなたのオーケストラ！ (Well done Shinji! You and your orchestra!)," one classmate exclaimed, "よくやっデビュー！ (A well done debut!)," another exclaimed as well followed by, "あなたたちはあなたにLAでできそこない楽しい時間を過ごしましたね！ (Hope you guys had fun in LA you bastards!)," which got some laughs.

Among them they see Tomohiko sitting in his seat, front row this time and looking at him, "私たちが行ったように、あなたはロサンゼルスは楽しかったですか？ (Did you enjoy Los Angeles as we did?)," Ryotaro asked him sounding curious, earning only a smug look, "興味深い都市はソウルと当然の香港の外で、国際的なデビューを行います。 (An interesting city to make an international debut, outside of Seoul and Hong Kong of course.)"

"もちろん。 (Of course.)," Ryotaro replied and he looks at Shinji next to him, "うれしいあなたはオペラを見に来ました。あなたのレビューとは何ですか？ (Glad you came to see the opera. What's your review?)," he asked, curious on how Tomohiko would respond.

His 'new' rival thought for a bit and then responded, "全体的にその偉大なまあしかし、あなたは目立ちませんでした。 (Well overall its great but you didn't stand out.)," he told him and he class was silent, knowing that both are extremely talented but are literally on opposite ends of the spectrum, "まあバロック音楽で、あなたは全体の一部が、必要が目立つないようにしています。一つでも楽器のための作品でクラシックやロマンチックなレパートリーとは異なりスコアから大幅なずれがありません。 (Well in Baroque music, you are part of the whole, no need to stand out. Even in pieces for one instrument there's not drastic deviation from the score unlike in Classical or Romantic repertoire.)"

Shinji then sat down three seats away from him and the students seeing both sitting apart from each other, sensing competitive tension, "あなたの批判は、私は驚かれていません。あなたは圧力のそのレベルで、ステージ上で実行することはありませんので。間違いなく、ロサンゼルスのあなたのリサイタルが印象的ではありませんが、あなたの工芸品の作品より。 (Your critique doesn't surprise me. Since you never performed on stage with that level of pressure. No doubt your recital in Los Angeles is impressive, but work on your craft more.)"

This annoyed Tomohiko slightly, "あなたは私の技術が不足していると言っていますか？慎重真鍋、あなたはあなたが不足しているときに私の技術を議論するために、1つのものではありません。 (Are you saying my technique is lacking? Careful Manabe, you are not one to discuss my technique when yours is lacking.)," but Shinji having fun with this responded with, "少なくとも、私は私の聴衆を移動する方法を知っています。 (At least I know how to move my audience.)"

This got some talking that whatever was hinted beforehand was now in the open: Tomohiko viewed Shinji as a rival to his status as a great cellist in the school and what's interesting is that he took notice after a year and a half of being aloof to it. Just then their professor entered and everyone got to their seat with Ryotaro the last to sit down with the other violinists.

"誰もが戻って見てニース。シンジと良太郎、ロサンゼルスのあなたの性能におめでとう。ここにも、米国で初のリサイタルのため智彦として。 (Nice to see everyone back. Shinji and Ryotaro, congratulations on your performances in Los Angeles. As well as Tomohiko here for his first recital in the US.)," the three bowed their heads to their instructor and he looked on at everyone, "今誰も、のは仕事に取得してみましょう。 (Now everyone, let's get to work.)"

The students then started to tune their instruments and he looked on at Mr. Akazawa and Mr. Manabe and now feel a competitive tension between and he inwardly mused, 'ふん...最後に。物事はそれらの間にあまりにも穏やかでした。(Hmph…finally. Things were too calm between them.)'

To be continued…

Okay…FINALLY! I finally got this chapter done! So sorry for the delay everyone, life interfered with my progress story wise. Finally learning how to drive and preparing for an exam to get into graduate school, but still looking for a part time job but nothing I applied is coming back to me. But I'll probably work during the holidays just to get something in. Not depressed just yet, keeping the hope alive and writing this story is helping me vent some emotions out and it's productive in creating something. And in the end I created the longest chapter to date on my hometown, which as I've said before, difficult but also really, really fun. What worries me is that if history is instructive instead of inspirational, then Arc III might have me go down this route. Well…if it is true then well I'll deal with it.

The Henry Purcell opera I would recommend the rendition done by Le Concert D'Astree under the direction of its founder and conductor Emmanuelle Haim, a wonder ensemble in my humble opinion. As for certain songs that did make an appearance here, shameless in their presentation I know, no copyrighted infringement intended, just for referential use and for the context for moments in the story.

Read, review, critique and see you readers next time. Next stop, Sweden!