Hello guys!  I am uber excited to finally be working on my epic story!  This story is a huge work in progress for me and I hope everyone will enjoy it.  Keep in mind, this is only the beginning.  Enjoy :)

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“BBBBRRRRRRIIIIINNNNNNGGGG!”

The alarm yelled as the clock hit 5:50 AM. The familiar and often dreaded sound of the alarm forced Junichiro’s eyes open suddenly but they closed almost as quickly. He rolled over in his bed and smacked the alarm without even looking to silence it.  He gripped back on his soft blanket and hid under the covers for some extra snooze.  A few minutes later the snooze alarm screamed again; he knew he had to get up. He sat up and rubbed his blue-green eyes, trying to adjust to the blaring sunlight from the window. Luckily for him, he remembered to open the blinds just a little bit so the sun could help wake him up. He ran his hands through his messy brown hair, yawning loudly.

“…Ugh,” he thought to himself. He barely stumbled out of bed, dragging his feet like a zombie to the bathroom. He desperately wanted his every step to just end up being his last before he fell back over on the ground to sleep some more. He stripped from his white t-shirt and sweatpants, and then jumped in the shower. After closing the shower curtains, he quickly turned the faucets and the shower . The contact of cold water on his body began to bring him to his senses. He shook his head which forced water everywhere.

“Too cold,” he thought. He the warm water some more, letting it rush against his skin.  He scrubbed himself until he was fully awake; if the water was warmer, he might have gotten sleepier than he already was. He reached for his shampoo and began to lather his hair. While lathering, something came to mind. He realized that this was his first day as a member in the Secret Star Society.  After years of training, his talent was finally recognized by SM Entertainment.  He knew he had everything to be a star performer, plus an extra special ‘gift’ only trained through the society.  The society was kept so much a secret, that only SM Entertainers with ‘powers’ knew about it.  While he wasn’t yet an official member of the

Preserve Squadron (the squadron he would be training to get into today), Junichiro was overjoyed to even be invited to the program.  He became so instantly ecstatic that he got some shampoo in his eyes. After a quick twitch of the eye and running water, he managed to clean them out. After finishing quickly, Junichiro jumped out of the shower and threw on a pair of shorts and t-shirt.  He tossed his phone and keys in his pockets and rushed off to his first training. 

Junichiro arrived approximately 6:20 in a large gymnasium found hidden behind the main recording studio.  He looked around and observed his surroundings, trying to get a feel for the other trainees. His nerves kicked in as he wondered what kind of other people would be in this training session. The rookies he could see all appeared to look in prime build.  Just from looking he could tell that SM didn’t disappoint in the talent they picked; the true test however can’t be displayed through looks alone.  The only people that were invited to the Preserve Squadron training had to be born with something peculiar; a pair of demon eyes.  For everyone knows that SM Entertainment is a leader in producing pop stars, but little know this inner society exists to help fight ferocious creatures; these creatures are called Shades.    

Not sure where to go, Junichiro sat on the ground.  Soon after, he spotted a girl walking his way. She looked to be a few years older than him and was coming over to introduce herself.

“An nyoung ha seh yo!” said the girl as she bowed lightly.  Junichiro bowed his head.  While Junichiro was in no way Korean, a white boy from Pennsylvania, he had to learn proper Korean etiquette because of the company.  The girl appeared to bow a little too far and fell on top of Junichiro.

“Eek!” she cried and out of the blue.  Junichiro found his head in between her large s for a moment.  She hopped up quick as she could and bowed again to apologize. “Miyanhamnida!” 

“It’s okay,” Junichiro replied. 

“Sorry about that. I apparently forgot how to walk,” she laughed awkwardly while curling a piece of her brown hair around with her finger. She took a breath to try to counter the awkwardness of what just happened and adjusted her rose colored glasses.  Junichiro could tell she was American like him.

“I’m Noriko, the second seat of the 8^th squad.  You must be one of the trainees.”

 “I’m Junichiro. Nice to meet you,” he replied without formalities. Noriko seemed like a nice girl despite being a little awkward.  Junichiro took a deep breath and looked around the room, beginning to feel nervous again.  Noriko could read the look on his face.

“The first few days are always weird. Don’t worry.  If nothing else, you can come to me if you need anything. We can be friends if you want,” said Noriko. Junichiro looked at her and smiled. His eyes seemed to relax a bit as he nodded.

“That would be cool. I’m surprised I haven’t seen you before though, since they say this group consists of SM stars,” Junichiro spoke.  Noriko sighed and rolled her eyes feeling rather annoyed with the statement.

“I have an important role even if I’m not on the stage like these guys,” she pouted.  “My day job is more so being an event planner.  I can sing too you know!”  She started becoming defensive.  “Maybe I’m not as pretty as the unnies or dance as well as the oppas but I deserve some spotlight too!”  Noticing Junichiro was slowly turned off by what she had to say, she changed the subject.

“But everyone here is pretty cool!  Management is questionable but the men are attractive and their sword skills are insane!  As long as you filter your power you’ll do really well he-“she was cut off by a loud whistle that seemed to almost come out of nowhere.  Noriko walked away and Junichiro stood up.  It was time for the training to begin.  Junichiro could hear some of the female trainees screaming with joy as he saw two men approach the middle of the gym.  They were Max Changmin and U-Know Yunho of TVXQ.  Junichiro found himself star struck at the arrival of these super stars.

“Good morning, everyone,” the hyungs greeted politely.  The trainees collectively bowed and acted accordingly.   

“We are assistants to the director of the society,” Changmin began to speak.  “Only a select few of you will get to meet the director.”

Yunho continued, “While all 80 of you were selected for training, there are only 3 spots in the Preserve Squadron.”  There was a collective groan from the audience.  “That doesn’t mean we won’t have a use for the rest of you however.  The three that will be selected won’t have an easy training after this.  If these first few weeks of training are too hard for anyone, then you will be sent out of the secret society, but will still be considered in SM as a performer.”  There was a sigh of relief for a few of the trainees. 

“Now, to meet the squad leaders,” Changmin spoke again.  Behind them appeared the ten members of Super Junior, each having a sword strapped to their waist.  Junichiro’s jaw dropped.  Super Junior members are all squad captains?!?!  “No wonder they sang Superman,” Junichiro thought to himself.  Leeteuk, Yesung, Kangin, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Siwon, Ryeowook, and Kibum were all present.

 “The three open slots are in squads two, five and seven.  Yesung, Sungmin and Donghae stepped forward.  These were the captains of the squads looking for new members. 

“Well, let’s break into groups,” Yunho drawed the welcoming to an end.  He held up a piece of paper.  “This paper lists which group you will be placed.  I will read it aloud.”  Junichiro was in shock that on his very first day he would get to learn from Super Junior.  As he listened to Yunho however, he realized that Super Junior was only there to watch.  He would be stuck with some 2^nd seat.  Because of his luck, he was stuck with clumsy Noriko.  “Of course,” he thought as he rolled his eyes and walked over to stand beside her.  She smacked his arm for witnessing his eye roll.  “I’m more badass than you think,” she said.

“These guys will be your group leaders,” Changmin said after everyone was organized.  Each leader then moved their groups to different areas of the gym. Conveniently, he followed her along with seven other trainees.  They were placed in line by alphabetical order.  Junichiro found himself smack dab in the middle at number four.  All of his opponents seemed to have a serious look in their eyes.  The man to his left looked as if he had had some serious karate training.  He looked like a reincarnation of a teenage Bruce Lee.  This intimidated the hell out of Junichiro. 

Noriko handed everyone in the line a wooden sword.  “You’ll start with this,” she said as she handed one to Junichiro. He took it from her with a confused look.  Sword training already?

Noriko kept a wooden sword for herself as well.  She looked over the trainee group, each one from head to toe.  “Number eight,” she said, her eyes focused on the end of the group, “Attack me.”  He looked at her with surprise. 

“Excuse me?” he asked.

“Attack me,” she repeated.  Number eight looked at the others in the group, unsure of what to do.  He had no other choice but to obey.  He ran at Noriko at full force screaming “AHH!”  He swung his sword at her with all of his power!  Right when the wooden blade was about to run into her shoulder, she counter attacked, running her wooden sword right through his and hitting him in the chest.  Everyone was shocked at what just happened.  Number eight was knocked to the ground by the counter attack. 

“If you can’t handle a counter attack from me, there’s no way in hell you could handle a Shade.  I’m sorry, you will not be in the Preserve Squadron.”  Noriko’s tone was serious.  Number eight sat on the ground trying to understand what happened.  Without a changing expression from Noriko, there was no chance she was joking.  He stood up, bowed, then left the gymnasium.  Noriko turned to the group and asked, “Who wants to go next?”  They all looked at eachother.  Just like that and someone loses their chance.  There was no way. 

“No one,” Noriko rested her wooden sword on her shoulder, waiting for someone to step up.  “I’ll go,” Junichiro reluctantly responded.  He knew if it was meant to be then he could handle this first test.

  “Ready?” she asked, putting a smirk on her face.

“You’re on,” Junichiro replied. He tried to sound confident as he rushed at Noriko with all of his might. Instantly, she grabbed his wooden blade stopping his full swing. His eyes widened as he realized just how fast she was for himself.  He could see that instead of cutting through the sword this time, she was aiming for an opening.  He watched her movement and stopped her blade with his hand.

“Not good enough,” she uttered. Her eyes narrowed as she tightened her grip on Junichiro’s weapon. Noriko loosened hers from Junichiro’s hold and swung again.  This time she swung for his legs.  He jumped over the blade, surprising her enough to let go of his.  This was his chance.  He swung at her again as she was defenseless.  He hit her right in the arm then stood there motionless waiting for her to speak. 

“Not a death blow, but beautiful counter.  Go back in line.”  Junichiro smiled.  It was a first step in a long road.  “One test done,” he thought.

Noriko tested the rest of the group in the same way.  Only 3 others survived the first test.  After they were finished, Noriko seemed to be rather pleased.  “The four of you have potential.  Now that we got rid of the weak links I can actually start training you.  Put down your swords and follow me.”  Noriko led them outside.  The next two hours, the four trained endlessly beginning with running, pushups and basic sword skills.

 “Good job guys. You seem to be doing decently but there’s a ton of room for improvement,” said Noriko. She addressed the talents of the members in their entirety. Some of them had defeated looks but Junichiro simply kept catching his breath.  After what seemed to be training forever, it was only lunchtime.  Junichiro was already ready to go back to bed. As soon as he got his food, he sat down and started shoving a sandwich in his mouth. 

“Hungry?” asked a voice. Junichiro looked up to see it was Kyuhyun-hyung! 

“Hyung!” Junichiro was surprised by the presence. 

“I’m not used to being addressed as an elder yet,” he responded.  His cute smile brought such a calming sense.  Junichiro couldn’t help but smile as he took a smaller bite of his sandwich. 

“Training is tough, isn’t it,” Kyuhyun asked Junichiro.  Junichiro just nodded with a sad look on his face.  He wasn’t sure he could do this. 

“You know, you’re better than a lot of trainees,” Kyuhyun continued.  “Noriko is a tough second seat.  My second seat is Taemin and he’s younger than half of the trainees.” 

“He is, isn’t he,” Junichiro reflected as he took a bite of his apple.

“It’ll get better, I promise,” Kyuhyun assured him.  He then stood up and addressed Junichiro with one final thought.  “Do your best.  I can sense you have the inner strength we need.”  They both said farewell then Kyuhyun went back to the other captains.  Junichiro smiled at the thought of having Kyuhyun support him.  That thought was quickly broken by Noriko hopping down beside him.

“Almost done with lunch?” She asked.  Junichiro rolled his eyes again.  She smacked him in the arm.

“We aren’t supposed to start up for another 20 minutes,” he responded.  He took a swig of water.

“I have a proposition I would like to make with you.”  Junichiro was intrigued.

“What?”

“There’s a group meeting I would like you to attend.”

“What group?” he responded rather loud from the surprise.

“Shhh,” she shushed him.  “It’s even more secret than this group.  Only a select few are being invited.”

“Why me?”

 “I know you don’t see it but I can see some special skills in you that we sort of need.” She was being very vague. 

“What’s your phone number?” she asked, reaching in her pocket for her phone.  He told her what it was but wondered as to why she was asking.

“Thanks! Expect a text from me.  Be ready in 18 minutes to meet us outside for afternoon training.”  Junichiro nodded as Noriko walked away. 

“What was that about?” he asked himself in thought. He soon found his phone vibrating in his pocket. Feeling a bit hesitant, he reached in and took his phone out; he had received a message but the number was not from anyone he had in his contacts.

“Strange…” he said. As he opened the message, he couldn’t help but feel anxiousness well up inside of him. He read it out loud to himself but at a volume that only he could hear. It read:

9 PM Tonight, the dance room.  Be there. Noriko.

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How do you guys like the first chapter?  Don't worry, there will be plenty of focus on all of your favorite SM Entertainers (and even some outside of the company).  Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.  If you have any questions, let me know.  Many of them will be answered as the story goes on.

I love you guys :)