PARADISE X

Disclaimer: I don't own any of X's characters. They belong to the wonderful women of CLAMP.

Warnings: shonen-ai, oocness(I think), coarse language, and future violence

Pairings: Fuuma/Kamui, Seishirou/Subaru, Yuuto/Karen, Sorata/Arashi, hints of other pairings.

Summery: AU, boy band. Need I say more? Okay how's this? Kamui reveals a talent he himself never knew, a talent that is gonna change the music world.

Okay, I know what everyone's thinking. I haven't updated any of my stories for over half a year, and yet here I am already posting up a new story. bows over a hundred times Sorry sorry, I just couldn't help it! Lately I've turned back my attention to CLAMP's X/1999, a series where in the past I didn't even bother to glance at with a second look after I finished watching the anime. This in turn got me to reading Tokyo Babylon as well hugs her X and TB volumes

I fell in love quickly and went straight to reading fanfictions-- alot of them. Sei-chan and Subaru-kun (waahh Sei-chan died ) are dominating that fandom, but I was disappointed it wasn't the same for Fuuma and Kamui, a real shame. Then when they appeared in Tsubasa -- oh my god I fell in love with them all over again. Okay enough rambling. Please bypass my lack of updates, and don't worry, I plan something special for all my fics near the end of the year (hopefully).

This is my first X/1999 fic, so feedback is much appreciated. Oh, and song requests will be highly appreciated.

: X/1999 :

Stage 1: VOICE of HEAVEN

He stood there in the middle of the crowd, looking at the huge building with determined violet eyes. This was it, for there was no turning back now. Urging his right foot to step forward, he began to move himself through the mass bodies on the street, weaving expertly around each person in his path without bumping into them. He entered the building and navigated himself through the bustling place, trying to find the location of the waiting room. He soon found it amongst the numerous stores, and was instantly blown away with the sheer number of occupants in the massive space.

Many wannabe musicians littered around the large room, either gossiping with each other or doing other 'interesting' things. He gulped in nervousness. He should have expected this; the audition for newly sought out music bands or solo performances only happened once a year for three days. Today was the last day, and what made it more special this year was that the sponsors for this even were from 'X' Productions, the company that produced the most popular array of top artists in many different genres – be it gospel, international, or children's music.

It was very rare for 'X' to sponsor auditions like these; it usually meant they either needed new and fresh talents or were having problems in finances and needed a fast hot selling band – though he highly doubted the latter reason as the possibility was only about 5 percent.

He sighed; it looked like he had to wait. At least he brought a couple of things to pass the time. Once he received his number, he went to look for a spot to comfortably sit himself on. It seemed like hours before he found one desolate seat near a water fountain just far enough from most of the large crowd, yet close enough to listen for his number.

Once he was settled, he took out his writing materials and flipped over his writing pad to his previous page of scribbles he made last night. They were lyrics for a music composition he created last week with his best friend; call it a hobby of theirs. He was completely focused in his song that he didn't notice when he started singing them in a low soft voice, and fortunately for him no one heard.

Already, most of the afternoon was gone and evening was fast approaching, and he was still not called. He was at the moment reading the last volume of RG Veda that he had bought at the bookstore nearby - as he finished the last few stanza of his lyrics – and was totally absorbed in the concluding plot that took an unexpected twist. To think such a cruel fate would happen to the cute Ashura. At least the ending was sort of a happy ending, Ashura and Yasha did end up staying together in the end. He sighed in contentment as he closed the book.

"Such a tragic story isn't it?" a voice piped up beside him. Startled, he gave a small 'eep' and jumped up from his seat, his left hand on his beating heart; the manga forgotten on the floor. Turning his head, his violet eyes locked onto warm onyx ones. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," the stranger apologized as he bowed a couple of times.

"No…it's fine," he replied back as he retrieved his manga from the floor and returned to his seat.

He then took the time to study the person seated neatly net to him. The stranger was a feminine looking boy who seemed to be around his age, with short, long banged black hair hidden under a black baseball cap, and had captivating onyx eyes. He had on a black sleeveless turtleneck sweater with intricate patterns of blue birds, diamonds, and flowers; his arms were covered in white arm wraps, his hands in black gloves, and had on black pants and shoes. All in all, the guy was practically dressed almost all in black; it suited him though.

"You've read this?" he inquired to the book in his hand.

"Yes. It's sad though. A lot of people died never knowing the truth, and those protecting Ashura never knew either until it was too late in the end," replied the stranger.

"Well at least the two ended up together, that much I could say is a happy ending." The onyx eyed boy smiled.

"I suppose so." A thought then occurred to him. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Sumeragi Subaru. It's nice to meet you, um…"

"Shirou Kamui," the violet eyed teen responded as he shook the offered hand. Hm, Sumeragi. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place where he had heard it from.

'Participant 31, please come to the judging room, number 31.' Hearing the intercom's announcement, Kamui looked to his tag to see he was three numbers away from being called. His anticipation came back full force. Subaru noticed this, as well as the number on the boy's shirt.

"You're auditioning too Shirou-san?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah I am. Though, I have butterflies in my stomach."

"Don't worry, I bet you'll do great."

"Thanks, but I think I'll need to do more than 'great' if I want to make it into 'X' Productions." Subaru gave him a startled look.

"You're auditioning for that place!?" Kamui nodded. "Then I'm going to have to wish you luck as big as the world. You know it'll be tough right?"

"I know, but it's the place I've decided on." Subaru smiled at the look of fire in Kamui's eyes. If he had that much determination and self-confidence in himself, then he didn't doubt he would do nothing but his best. "What about you Sumeragi-san, are you also trying out?"

"Me? No, I'm here waiting for my twin sister. She has a part-time job at the clothing store next door here."

"You mean 'Dream Gazers'? She must be very good with what she does for the people to hire her."

"When it comes to fashion, Hokuto-chan is one of the best. Her creativity was a 'unique' kind that the store owner had taken quite a liking too. She believed her creations were to be the new style of the millennium."

"Wow." Kamui even meant it too.

Both his mother and aunt used to always buy their outfits from the Dream Gazers' clothing line; and even he had to admit he took a liking to some of the designs. He couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for this unknown sister of Subaru's. The intercom soon brought itself to his attention, and heard his number being called. Jumping up with anxious excitement, Kamui quickly put everything in his bag and hastily bid farewell to the Sumeragi.

"Let's meet up again soon Shirou-san, it was a pleasure meeting you."

"Yeah lets."

As soon as Kamui turned the corner, Subaru heard someone call him from behind. He only knew one person who shouted his name with such a loud excited voice. Many heads turned their direction, and he started apologizing outright to everyone for his twin's behavior.

"Subaru stop saying sorry to every like that, you're gonna end up with a backache every time you bow like that, geez!" his sibling huffed.

She looked identical to her brother, with the exception of her feminine aspects. She was garbed in a Lolita getup at the moment; a short, frilly and sleeveless black dress, a flowery bonnet, elbow-length arm wraps, and black laced up boots. To finish up the ensemble, she carried a matching parasol and hand bag.

"Demo, Hokuto-chan you're being too loud." His forehead was lightly flicked for that comment.

"Oh pish posh. My dear little brother, haven't you forgotten what my REAL position is in this place? I can be as loud as I want and no one can apprehend me for it." Subaru sighed.

"I know, but still…" Hokuto just waved her sibling off.

"Enough about that, just who was it you were talking to earlier?"

"Huh? Oh you mean Shirou Kamui. He's trying out for the audition."

"Ooh, so which company is he trying for?" Subaru smiled.

"'X' Productions of course." His sister just laughed.

"Hahahaha, the poor fool. It's nearly impossible to get in that industry as only exceptional people make it big there!"

"I don't know sis, I have this feeling that he's one of those exceptional people." Hokuto stopped short on that comment.

"You serious?" she asked in disbelief. All she got in reply was an affirmative nod, and she pondered on this. As one of Subaru's special aspects is the ability to see a person's potential as a star, Hokuto had no right to doubt her brother. He was almost always correct with his 'gut' feelings, but there have been very few times he sensed someone with high potential.

"Well, if you say he has a big chance in making it, then I believe you. You've never been wrong before after all." Subaru flushed.

"Fuuma's better at it than I am, so he would know immediately. I can only make assumptions not accurate readings."

"But you're second to him in the group; that alone means something. I've told you many times before Subaru; never look down on yourself because you're special too!" The younger sibling pauses for a moment before breaking into a small smile.

"Thank you, Big Sister." Hokuto saw Subaru's still doubtful expression and deflated a bit. Deciding to drop the subject, she grabbed her brother's hands with her own gloved ones. He stared questionably at her.

"Putting that all side, let's just silently wish good luck on your newly found friend." Subaru nodded. "Alright, we should head back to 'headquarters', Kanoe-san is asking for us. And also we can finally take off these hideous contacts. Onyx doesn't really suit me at all, and I hate seeing you with anything else other than your emerald eyes."

"Yeah, they are getting a bit itchy."

"Alright then, onward to the 'Stair of Dreams'!" she exclaimed as she jabbed her finger east.

"Um, Hokuto-chan, X Productions is that way," Subaru corrected his sister, his finger pointing north. The girl sweat dropped.

"Heh heh, I knew that. I was just testing you!" It was Subaru's turn to sweatdrop.

:X/1999:

Kamui tentatively entered the room, shyly taking steps towards where the judges were seated. When he saw who they were, he nearly fell over. The three young men in business suits; two with warming smiles on their faces and one with a passive expression – though they dropped into recognition when they saw Kamui - were equally shocked to find a familiar face standing in front of them.

"I-Imonoyama-san, Takamura-san, Ijyuin-san!? What the hell are you three doing here!?" he exclaimed in disbelief as he pointed an accusing finger at the three men. All the other people in the room jumped at his exclamation. Nokoru was the first to react.

"Well, isn't it obvious Kamui-kun? We're the judges. But I'm surprised that you of all people would bring yourself to come to an audition like this. In fact, I didn't know that you could even sing."

"Humph, there are things even you guys don't know about me," Kamui huffed as he crossed his arms. Sure his mother was close to these three, but he couldn't help but sometimes feel annoyed with them, especially the blonde man. "And you haven't answered my question. Why is CLAMP school's chairman and assistants doing here being the judges of a musical audition? I know you guys are good in seeing potential in people but still."

"We were bored?" Nokoru offered with a playful strained smile.

"I doubt that. Are you running from doing paperwork again?" Next to the chairman, Suoh raised a sign up with the word 'BINGO' on it. Nokoru and every other person in the room sweat dropped while Kamui face faulted.

I knew it thought the teen.

"Su-Suoh!" he whined. The blue-haired man just gave him a 'well it's true' look.

"Look, I don't care either way right now, but I ask that you guys judge me fairly as you did everyone else okay?" Composing himself into his dignified state, Nokoru nodded.

"There's no need for telling me such a thing though, Kamui-kun. I had no interest whatsoever to play favorites for you. So shall be begin?" The teen nodded.

"Alright, but before you get started, we'd like to ask you three questions first, one from each of us"

"Okay." Akira went up first.

"What made you decide to become a musician?"

"Mother was the one who inspired me to become a singer. She was the one who taught me everything I know, and it was also her that told me my talents should be shared with others and not just people I trust." Suoh went next.

"What are your plans for when you become a singer?"

"Plans?" Kamui questioned. "I don't quite get that."

"Do you plan to make something out of this career? Do you wish to use your talent as a singer to travel the world? Are you only doing this for the money and fame? Or do you just want to keep singing in a normal everyday routine just for the enjoyment?" Suoh elaborated.

"I want to go international. I don't care about the money or the fame; I'm already content with what I have. I…I just want to share my songs with everyone; not only here in Japan, but also around the world." Kamui failed to see everyone in the room give approving looks his way after he said this. After a moment longer, Nokoru took his turn.

"Last question Kamui-kun. Which music industry do you intend to try out for?" The boy blinked.

"Is that really something you should ask?"

"By telling us, we'd be able to know if you fit the criteria." The violet-eyed teen sighed.

"Fine. 'X' Productions." Everyone's senses were on alert. True there were many earlier who had wished to go to 'X' as well, but only few said so with such severe conviction. Kamui was very serious with his choice.

"That company has very high standards Kamui; they don't take any beginners with no talent. Do you think you have what it takes? Many today have failed to fit the expectations, and now have to cope with going to a talent industry they don't want."

"We'll see now won't we? And even if I don't make the cut, it won't stop me from trying again in the future. I'll make it into 'X' one way or another."

Nokoru studied him for a moment. He had known Kamui for years now, and knew of the boy's tendencies to follow everyone else's decisions so they wouldn't become disappointed in him. But, it seems now the boy was starting to come out of his protective shell and began to make his own decisions.

'X' had standards that made it almost completely impossible to enter into. Sure there were currently many stars in the department, but they usually started out in different companies before transferring to 'X'. He just hoped Kamui wasn't getting a swelled head about this, as he didn't want him to regret making his choice.

"Alright Kamui-kun, you can start singing. Do you have any audios with you? Or do you plan to sing without music?"

"Oh, I have a composition I'd like to try out if you don't mind," Kamui replied, rummaging in his backpack for his CD.

"Your own song Kamui-kun?" asked Nokoru in mild astonishment. True he knew the boy liked composing music on his spare time, but he never did try writing any lyrics to them. Now he was really interested.

"Yeah," the teen replied, giving his CD to one of the audio workers in the room. "It's called Ex Dream. I'll only be singing the short version though, if that isn't a problem."

"That's fine." Receiving the microphone from another worker, Kamui waited his cue as the music started. Everyone in the room admitted that the music did sound good; now they wondered if the singer himself was. They found their answer when the first stanza was sung.

izure koware yuku kono sekai ni wa

yume ya kibou to ka dou demo ii

: Of this world, the end is coming

Dreams and hopes do not matter:

Everyone's eyes widened in shock; Nokoru's fan dropped from his hand, as did everyone else who held something, for this was certainly not something they were expecting.

kokoro no naka de nemuru kimi wa mezameru koto nai kedo

kaerarenu mirai o sono te de kanjite

: Inside your heart, you are sleeping

but you will not wake up

Feel the hand of a future that cannot be changed:

Nokoru was flabbergasted. Kamui's voice was just, so loud and clear, intense, yet soothing as bells, and he had no trouble with his breathing. Astounding, the boy was simply astounding. He knew Kamui's great passion for music and his habit for creating compositions for his fellow musicians in music class, yet he never thought about the boy's capabilities in vocals. The teen never seemed interested and just seemed content with writing and playing instruments. But now…

Burning for your life

Itsuka moetsukiru kono inochi o sasagete mo

(for the perfect dream)

Drowning in my dream

Tatoe oborete mo yume wa yume de shika nai

Kimi wa starlight

: Burning for your life

This life will burn out someday, even if you try to cling to it

(for the perfect dream)

Drowning in my dream

Even if it's remembered, a dream is only a dream

You are starlight:

Taking a deep breath, Kamui lowered his microphone and opened his shut eyes. What greeted him were the numerous astonished stares on the peoples' faces. He blinked; was his voice really that good? After a moment, everyone got out of their stupor and gave loud applauses to the now stunned teen. He flushed in embarrassment.

"Excellent Kamui-kun," praised Nokoru, "it's more than I expected in fact."

"Was I really that great? Mother and a few others told me my voice sounded like an angel's, but I just thought they said that to be nice."

"You obviously don't give yourself too much credit Kamui-kun. Let me tell you the real reason why I wanted to become a judge for this audition. I did it because of what your aunt told me."

"What Tokiko-san told you?"

"When you had decided to attend this audition, Tokiko-san called and told me about it. It sounded like something interesting to chat about, so I listened to her with close attention. It wasn't until she mentioned something special about your singing voice that I took immediate interest."

"Something special?" Kamui inquired. Nokoru just smiled an apologetic smile.

"Although interested, I was still a bit skeptical on Tokiko-san's words about your voice. But as I heard you sing I immediately felt it, that special quality few singers have nowadays. Unfortunately Kamui-kun, as much as I want to tell you, I find it best fro you to figure that on your own. Musicians, especially new ones, should find out for themselves their own limitations on what they do. This is another way for them to learn and to grow as future stars. Do you understand me Kamui-kun?"

He regarded the teen currently processing his words. Many emotions loomed over his face overriding one after the other, until he finally settled for acceptance and understanding. Kamui nodded to the Chairman.

"So your surprise earlier when I showed up, it was all pretend?"

"I did, but Akira and Suoh did not know. I didn't tell them anything about my conversation with Tokiko-san." Suoh just shook his head in exasperation while Akira felt ashamed for doubting the Chairman.

"Well, at least that explains why you demanded 'X' Productions' president in letting us be the judges. My apologies Taichou for misunderstanding."

"That's okay Suoh. Kanoe-san owes me, so it should have been the least she can do for us. And besides, getting a valid excuse to escape paperwork was an added bonus!" he exclaimed with a humorous smile on his face. The others face faulted. Suoh was fuming.

"Taichou…" Nokoru just laughed jovially at his angry friend.

"Well putting that all aside." The blonde man diverted from his bodyguard, shutting his fan with a quick shut. "Kamui-kun there's something all of us want to say to you." When he knew he got the teen's attention, he and everyone else in the room bombarded him with poppers – which Kamui saw they took from out of nowhere. Streamers and confetti littered around the boy's feet and in his hair. Behind the three judges, a banner rolled down with the world 'Congratulations!' written on its smooth surface.

"Um…huh?" were the only words Kamui managed.

"You told us earlier which music company you had wished to go to. Out of all our competitors today, you fit the most requirements we've been looking for. Congratulations Shirou Kamui, welcome to 'X' Productions!"

: X/1999:

After the auditions were over, Nokoru and the others headed back to the agency nicknamed the 'Stair of Dreams', or more precisely, 'X' Productions. A small immediate meeting was currently being held in the president's office to talk about this new star making it in. All competitors were taped on video to evaluate each of them critically, Kamui's audition was no exception. Present in the meeting were of course the president of 'X', Yumemi Kanoe; Nokoru himself and his two assistants Suoh and Akira; and finally, 16 year old 'head of design', Sumeragi Hokuto and her younger twin brother Subaru, who was one of the keyboard players for the top band 'New Eden'.

Needless to say, Nokoru was pleased from the outcome of Kamui's participation. He enjoyed the spell bounded looks on the president and the twins' faces when the violet-eyed teen sang his composed song. Afterwards, it only took a few seconds before the hyper older twin expressed her opinion.

"FANTASTIC, SPECTACULAR, MARVELOUS, now THAT is what I call a VOICE!" exclaimed a starry-eyed Hokuto. She then attached herself on her equally awe-filled brother. "Your friend did it Subaru! He's in 'X' Productions!" she continued to squeal. Subaru was also happy that Kamui made it in. This meant he could hang out with the boy more often, of course only when he was not busy with his own band.

"And what are your thoughts Kanoe-san?" asked Nokoru to the president. He saw her give out an excited smirk.

"One word—perfect, and his outward appearance is appealing as well. To think his voice could rival that of Fuuma's, you would think he was his twin star meant to be his opposite."

"So you think it is destiny that the two would eventually meet? You know that notion today is all the rage."

"True, and yet, there are those who defy it as well."

"And do you believe in it?"

"I hate that word so much it makes me puke," was Kanoe's rebuke, disgust marring her face. "But it is something most people can't change no matter how much they try. There are very few today who can cut through those chains of fate, and I have reason to believe this boy is one of them." Her gleeful smirk appeared back on her face.

"Hey, all this talk about fate and destiny is BORING! Can we PLEASE talk about what we're gonna do with Kamui-kun? You know, his hair, his CLOTHES, his schedule, that kind of stuff?" Hokuto intervened.

"Hokuto-chan, you're being rude!" reprimanded her younger twin, despite his internal agreement. The girl just waved him off.

"Yes, I suppose you're right Hokuto-chan," purred Kanoe, petting Hokuto's head fondly. She really did love how the elder Sumeragi twin could wash away all her bad mood with her energetic persona. It was the only reason why Kanoe never reprimanded the girl. Hokuto didn't seem to mind as well, although she could do without the woman purring—it just sounded SO wrong.

"Ah, it seems I have failed to mention something important."

"We're all ears Nokoru-kun, so spill," was Hokuto's response. Subaru just sighed, deciding not to scold his twin any further—she'd ignore him anyways.

"Kamui-kun is a very shy boy in large crowds, and it's probably the reason why he never sang in front of his peers before at school. So I came with the idea that if Kamui-kun was unsettled with performing solo, then he should form a band instead."

"Hm, yes, forming a band that can be opposite of 'New Eden'. The idea is simply scrumptious. I have no doubt Fuuma would like the idea as well."

"It's for the sake of Fuuma's wish as well correct?" Kanoe's response was her sudden sullen expression.

"No musician has granted it yet, but…" she trailed off as she looked to the screen where Kamui's face was paused on. "I'm hoping he would. Fuuma has only a little bit of time left before he…" she shook her head. "Never mind. So how long did you give him?"

"Two weeks tops. I told him if he couldn't find anymore members by then, then I'll have to intervene and assign him some of my own suggestions."

"You think he'll make it Nokoru-san?" asked a worried Subaru. The man just smiled.

"Don't worry Subaru he'll make it. As I recall, he has already two people in mind. In fact, these two people are the only family he has left, aside from Tokiko-san." Hokuto gasped at the implication.

"You mean he has no parents?" Nokoru looked at her sadly.

"His mother died of sickness just last year, and I don't really know anything about his father, because they never mentioned him before. He's currently living with his aunty and adopted older sister."

"Oh cool he has a sister, I wanna meet her! What's she like huh?"

"In short, her passionate personality equals that of her outer beauty. She represents clearly the saying 'every rose has its thorns'," was Nokoru's response of pure bliss.

"Ooh, she sounds great! Now I wanna meet her even more. You want to meet her too don't you Subby-chan?" Subaru cringed at that nickname. Wasn't he too old for someone to call him that? Nonetheless he agreed with his sister. He was intrigued with the idea of meeting Kamui's sister. He just hoped she wasn't like his sibling—no offense to her of course.

"Well, now that that's taken care of, there's also the issue of management and of course his schedule to work out." This time it was Suoh who entered the fray.

"I have already covered that Takamura-san," replied the president. "I have someone in mind that is perfect for the job. I believe he will be able to push Kamui to the top. Mind you he has his own issues to work out, but I don't doubt the boy would work wonders on him as well. Now as for his improvement on his appearance, not much is needed I'm afraid. He's already a natural beauty as it is, and adding too much to his face will ruin it. And by the way, he needs a stage name, as well as his band."

"I told him that as well, so he's thinking of one. Is there anything else madam President?"

"No, that is all. So I suppose this meeting is adjourned. Give me the update on his progress in one week's time. I'll see you then."

"Of course, and it's time I head back to CLAMP school." He then sighed. "I dread to think how much my paperwork has grown. It looks like I'll have another sleepless night." Suoh scowled at the chairman.

"And just WHOSE fault is that?"

"Now now Suoh don't get mad."

"Get GLAD!" Hokuto couldn't help but add in, giggling at the twitching blue-haired man's face as she and her brother left the room.

Everyone else laughed.

:X/1999:

TBC

:X/1999:

Next Stage: GATHERING CHOIR