Ummm... I don't own Gravitation.

Umm... What did you mean Aisha-Ya by "oh please do make it so anyone can review, b/c it sucks to log on and to have little reviews" Forgive me for sounding like a clueless pothead, but you clarify that? (Oh and thanks for all the reviews everyone)

CHAPTER ONE:

HOW FATE WENT COUNTERCLOCKWISE

Shindou Shuichi ran through the streets of Tokyo hurriedly. He was late. Being late to work was bad. Especially when your boss was impatient. He finally found his way to the familiar abandoned alley. Uttering the words for the spell, he passed through the wall and into the half-demon territory.

The half-demon territory was where most half-demons lived. Not only that, but this was the only realm where both humans and demons could mingle together. This made it a very dangerous place. But it was home to Shuichi.

Shuichi wore a long black coat with a pink belly shirt and tight black leather pants. His elegant silver cross lay on his neck and his daggers were attached to the waistband of his jeans, hidden by the jacket.

Shuichi swiftly dodged all the demons, half-demons, humans, and all the other creatures in the dirty street. He found the huge, expensive building in the middle of the same street. It was a white, looming building with stylish designs all over it. As he began to walk up the steps, he saw a tiny human child sitting on the steps alone.

The place where Shuichi worked was not for little children. They treated everyone who was weak as if they were bugs, only to be squashed. Children couldn't defend themselves against the wicked minds of adults. Heck, the same thing had almost happened to Shuichi.

If it weren't for Ryuichi, I'd be… Shuichi shuddered in fear. He knew what went on inside the ominous building. Why so many men and women went in restless and came out satisfied. It sickened him to the worst degree, because he was a part of it. He was a part of their pleasure.

Shuichi broke out of his thoughts as he came into proximity to the human boy. "Umm, are you here by yourself?" Shuichi crouched down by the small child. He was frail for his age with messy blonde hair and wore black shades.

"My name's Michael!" The boy grinned at him happily. "Daddy went in to talk to the owner of this place." Michael wore a blue hat on backwards, a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers.

A human went in to talk to Ryuichi? I sure hope he has reinforcements… Ryuichi will be pissed off enough, because I'm late… Shuichi sighed, sitting down to the small child, this Michael. They sat together in silence, watching the beings walk in and out, giving them odd stares.

That was because Shuichi was usually inside the building. A supplier can't do too much good if he's on the outside of the building, now can he? Since I've been here since I was ten, I suppose I'm as much their "regular" as they are mine… The pink-haired boy sighed.

"Your eyes look familiar." Michael said out of the blue. "Daddy says I should always remember where I am and who I'm with. You remind me of a demon lord I met once. Except he was a lot scarier."

Shuichi nearly froze when Michael said this. Who was his father, that Michael had met a demon lord at such an age? "I wouldn't know. I don't know my father and my mother is dead." He said, trying to avoid Michael's statement. "How old are you?"

"Five!" Michael squealed proudly, throwing himself in Shuichi's lap. Shuichi smiled softly and ruffled the boy's gold locks. Gold locks… That reminded Shuichi of someone, but he couldn't remember for some odd reason.

"Corrupting little boys now, Shu-chan?" A cold voice said from in front of them. Shuichi froze. It was Taki Aizawa. One of Shuichi's "regulars". He loved to torment Shuichi. And of course, Shuichi couldn't defend himself against the bully. "Leave the brat and come inside. I didn't come all the way from Demon Realm to watch you baby-sit."

"You're Lord Aizawa." Michael said matter-of-factly. "I wonder what your father would say if he knew you were here at a place like this!" Shuichi blushed slightly. The kid was so sharp it was scary.

"How do you know me, brat?" Taki glared at Michael. "You think I'm going to this from a human? I'll smear these steps with your blood!" He leapt at Michael.

Shuichi instinctively grabbed Michael and jumped out of the way. Shuichi drew his twin daggers, ready to fight if necessary. "I'll protect you, Michael." He said seriously. Michael looked at him gratefully.

"Excuse me?" Taki almost burst out laughing. "You can't attack me! I'm the customer. Or did you forget this?"

"Technically, I'm not. Because we're not inside the building. You should know the rules by now, Taki. We've been doing this for almost ten years now." Shuichi said coldly. It was true. Taki knew who Shuichi really was and came at least three times a week, just to torture him, just to gloat. Because Taki would never help.

"You think you can take me on, half-breed? I've got a couple hundred years on you. We both know I'm stronger." Taki laughed.

"He might not be strong enough." A cool tone said from behind them. "But I am." Shuichi and Michael whirled around. Ryuichi! He stood there angrily, glaring at Taki. "Get out of here. Now." Taki took off.

A figure emerged from behind Ryuichi, bearing a huge gun. He had long blonde hair in a ponytail and wore black shades, just like Michael. He wore a black suit with a white undershirt. "Nice to meet you, Shuichi." The man smiled. "I see you met my son. You can call me 'K'."

"Ryuichi, what's going on?" Shuichi ignored this "K". Ryuichi turned and gave Shuichi a small smile and a pat on the head.

"Remember how I told you fate went counterclockwise years ago?" Ryuichi said, with some bitterness in his voice. "Well it seems we've met the man who can fix our clock." He gestured to K. "He's our ticket out of this dump."

"Really?" Shuichi's eyes shone with excitement.

"Yes, yes. But on the way to the border, I'll need to know everything that happened to you. Need to get my facts straight for Judy." K grinned and hoisted his large gun on his left shoulder. "Let's go, shall we?"

And so, K led the way, with Ryuichi close behind. Michael was on Shuichi's back, chatting happily about the Demon Realm. Shuichi couldn't believe it. After ten years of living in this hellhole, he was finally getting out. Things were finally looking up for Shuichi. Hopefully, K knew how to fix a clock…

K led them to his large limo. As Shuichi and Michael stuffed themselves with food, Ryuichi began to tell K what had happened on that fatal day, ten years ago. "My father was supposed to pick Shuichi up and bring him to Demon Realm. But he made the largest mistake of his life. There are two things that my father fears: rebellion and myself.

"I was always stronger than my father and everyone knew it. He's a coward. He also hates half-demons. So he figured he could kill two birds with one stone. He hired some idiotic demons to kidnap Shuichi and bring him to the half-demon realm. He knew I would go off and find him on my own.

"And I did. It took me one week, but I finally found Shuichi. I killed off the kidnappers and we stayed at their place for a while. But the situation was grave. The kidnappers had sold Shuichi into slavery and they had tortured him to the point where he repressed almost all of his memories. He… he barely… remembered me. The half-demon realm is no picnic. Since I didn't have physical proof of being Prince Ryuichi Sakuma, there was no way we were getting out.

"I succeeded in slaughtering the owner of the house, who eventually turned all of his child slaves into adult prostitutes via contracts just like the one Shuichi had been forced to sign. Although Shuichi was contracted and sold using a magical document, it never legally specified who was to own him. However, when I became head of the house, I was forced to carry on the duties specified in the deed unless someone found out my identity. I didn't want to change too much because that would've invited unneeded attention and I never knew if more assassins or kidnappers would come. I made sure that Shuichi only sold himself to those that wouldn't damage him too much. It's been that way ever since." Ryuichi finished emotionlessly.

"I see. Well then, I suppose it's time for things to change." K smiled at Shuichi. "I understand both of you like to sing?"

"Umm… yes, we do…" Shuichi spoke up for the first time, nervously fingering his cross. Michael noticed this. "We sing at clubs on Sundays."

"What is that?" Michael pointed to the cross.

"This? It seals away my demon personality, Crimson." Shuichi looked up at K. "I'm not allowed to take this off."

"I know all about Crimson and his… 'deeds'. No reason to explain that to me." K turned to Ryuichi. "I signed both of you up to perform for tonight's demon banquet. You'll be the entertainment. Let's just pretend it's all… coincidence."

"And what is the occasion?" Ryuichi narrowed his eyes at K.

"Lord Shindou turns one thousand today! There's gonna be a huge party! Even I'm invited!" Michael squealed happily. "I can't wait to hear you sing."

"I see…" Ryuichi looked up as the limo halted. They had reached the gate of the half-demon realm. Beyond this gate was the Demon Realm. "Home sweet home." He said as the limo passed through the grand black gate.

The one thing Shuichi noticed about the demon realm was that it didn't seem like a city slum. The streets were clean, the people were clean, the buildings were clean… and everything looked rich. It was quite intimidating for poor Shuichi.

The limo pulled up to a small silver gate that magically opened for them. They began to drive up the longest driveway Shuichi had ever seen in his life. They passed numerous courtyards, hot springs, gardens, a forest, and even a lake.

Finally, they reached the mansion. Three looming skyscrapers surrounded the mansion, making it seem more like a fortress. "We're not going in the manor itself yet." K spoke as he stepped outside the limo. "The servants are preparing for the banquet. We will go to the tower directly behind the manor."

Ryuichi got out next, helping Shuichi out. Michael instantly jumped on Shuichi's back. K led the way and they followed. As Shuichi passed the house, he looked up into one of the many windows. A tall being, most likely a demon, stared down at him with cold amber eyes. Shuichi forced himself to look away.

"Let's move, Shuichi." K called inside the tower. Shuichi obeyed, running inside, happy to avoid the stranger's cold eyes. But… was he a stranger? Did I ever meet him? Or maybe… I forgot him along with everything else… Sometimes… I wish I could remember…

"Now then Shuichi. Ryuichi tells me you've done many duets together and it would be best if you picked the song. Which song?" K was sitting behind a desk, holding a clipboard. Ryuichi was sitting in front of the desk, in a large comfortable chair. Shuichi took one of the seats next to him, looking around.

The inside of the tower was spacious and seemed to reach the heavens. The walls were black and there were many floors above the one Shuichi was on now. "This tower is where Lord Shindou conducts his business." K explained, gesturing to the room. "Now then, could you answer my question?"

"Umm… Ryuichi, how about 'Rage Beat'? It's my favorite…" Shuichi blushed slightly. "How many demons are going to be there?"

"Oh, not just demons. Just about every being in the book will be there. From phantoms to pixies. From fire demons to fairies." K smiled broadly. "I'm sure you'll be fine. I've watched you sing before. You have talent."

"Oh… thank you…" Shuichi smiled slightly.

"Good. You've chosen a song. Keep in mind, you'll only be a part of the act so you won't be entertaining them for the whole time. You have to make an excellent first impression. No matter who you see." K stood up. "I need to talk things over with my wife. I'll be back in about three hours. Michael, show them around the more… secluded areas of Lord Shindou's property."

K left the building hurriedly. Michael turned to Shuichi, smiling. "I'm sure Prince Ryuichi remembers this place, so it won't be any fun bringing him. Go wherever you want, but make sure no one sees you." Michael nodded wisely.

"Am I to take orders from a human child?" Ryuichi narrowed his eyes, obviously offended by the boy's words. Michael showed no fear.

"Ryuichi, I'm sure he meant well." Shuichi put his hands on the boy's shoulders. "Now, Michael. Where should we go first?"

"Well… let's go to the gardens. They have a maze and lots of tasty fruits to eat and a really cool fountain!" Michael grabbed onto Shuichi's hand. "See you later, Prince Ryuichi!" Michael all but dragged Shuichi out.

Michael and Shuichi ran through the wild fields, playing around until they reached the gardens. The gates opened automatically and the two boys stepped through. Michael led Shuichi through the huge, confusing maze.

"Look at that one!" Michael snatched a flower from the ground. "The pink matches your hair!" He ran around, picking enough flowers for a bouquet.

"Are you sure you should-" Shuichi broke off as an identical pink flower appeared where Michael had taken the first one. "That makes sense…" Michael bounded back with two bouquets.

"One for you. And one for my Mommy!" Michael grinned. "Let's go to the fountain." So the duo took off through the beautiful maze. Shuichi looked around him in wonder. Everything seemed to be perfect: the petal of every flower, the branch of every tree, the leaf of every bush, and so much more.

"It's so… enchanting." Shuichi smiled at Michael, sniffing his bouquet. "Thanks for taking me here." Michael grinned in reply and scampered off to the left, swinging off the vines out of his view.

"Michael? What are you doing here?" A female's voice asked. Shuichi ran over to Michael. A tall female with light purple hair in braided pigtails stood there with her hands on her hips. "And who is that?" She wore a purple kimono with silver dots all over it.

"I'm not telling! Nyah-nyah!" Michael jumped on Shuichi's back. "Run away! She's only human; she can't catch us!" Shuichi obeyed, running away as fast as he could. Which was amazingly fast.

"Those eyes…" The woman frowned, putting her finger on her chin. "I've seen that boy before…" But where have I seen him?

Shuichi ran and ran, making various lefts and rights until he realized that he was completely lost. But there was a bench not too far away. He stumbled over to it and plopped down on it. Michael scrambled off his back and sat down next to him. "You're really fast, Shuichi!" He grinned widely. "Lady Noriko is long gone!"

The wooden bench was on top of a small grassy hill with a cherry blossom tree right in the middle of it. The gentle breeze ruffled Shuichi's pink hair. "L-Lady Noriko? Who's she?" Shuichi blinked. That woman we saw before…

"Lady Noriko is married to Lord Tetsuya. Lord Tetsuya is a demon lord. They have a girl named Saki. She's a year older than me." Michael frowned. "She's very bossy and if I don't listen to what she says, she beats me up."

"Wait! This Saki… she's a half-demon? Like me?" Shuichi's eyes widened in astonishment. "And she's going to be at this banquet?"

"Of course. Sadly, there are plenty of half-demon haters here. But no one messes those associated with Lord Shindou or my father." Michael said simply. "So you'll be fine."

"Oh. That makes sense…" Shuichi smiled. This kid is really perceptive. He's too smart for his own good. But then again, I suppose he needs to be. His father does associate with demons. That must be a tough business… And very dangerous, too. "Michael, did any demons ever try and hurt you?"

"Numerous times." Michael said straightforwardly. "But I'm rarely alone, so I don't have to worry." Why is he asking me that? I hope he's not tired anymore, because I want to play some more! I'm kind of hungry too… Let's see… First we past the cherry blossom tree, then the mermaid fountain, and then we reach the orchids! Yippee! Fruits are on the way! I have such a good memory…

"I know what it feels like to be picked on because others think you're inferior." Shuichi said darkly, glaring at the green grass below him. "So… during my stay here…. I promise to protect you."

"Really?" Michael looked up, surprised. "Wow! You're so cool, Shuichi! Does this mean that you're my babysitter from now on?"

"More like… your guardian." Shuichi picked Michael up and put him in his lap. "Let's rest for a few more minutes."

"Aw! But I'm bored! Sing for me, Shuichi!" Michael ordered.

Shuichi blushed slightly. "U-umm… okay…" What should I sing? Oh boy… Then again, I'm used to singing acappella. Ryuichi and I would sing in bars alone without any guitarists or pianists or drummers. I'll sing "Glaring Dream" for him. That's one of my newer ones. I hope he likes it…

"Nigiyaka na hitogomi ni tokeru tsubuyaki ga

ashi moto ni chirabatta omoide nijimaseru.

Mayoi aruku machi no kagayaki wa (glaring one way)

kogo e sou na boku o terasu.

Tsumetai toki ga yume o furaseru kono te no naka o suri nukete.

Negai kazo e mezame ta toki ni yureru maboroshi ni kimi ga utsuru

boku o michibiku kasu kana shiruetto.

Nagasareru fuan dake o tsugeru yasashisa mo

eien ni mita sareta ashita mo hoshi kunai.

Kimi ni todoke ruhazuno kotoba wa (it's talk to myself)

kage mo naku hibi ni ochiru.

Furueru yubi de yume o kasaneru iki mo dekizuni kuzureteku

tashi kana koto futashi kasugite.

Nani o shinji reba kimi ni aeru?

Shiroku kieteku ano hi no shiruetto…"

"That was… amazing! Your voice is so awesome! You're gonna be the best at the banquet! Can Ryuichi sing as well as you?" Michael jumped out of Shuichi's lap in excitement. "I can't wait until everyone hears you!"

So Michael and Shuichi become good friends. Next up on Chapter Two: Will Shuichi foolishly blow his cover? Will he ever remember his life before he was kidnapped? Will we ever find out who Crimson is? Catch ya later!