Worthy of Sin Chapter 2: Demons, a gravitation fanfic

A/N: Now we move to the dark side of the story. The last chapter described all the angels, and now it's the demons' turn to be in the spot light. So basically the first two chapters are giving you a summary of what the angels and demons are, how they're relationship is, and what they do.

RATING: I rated this fic M because I wasn't sure if I was going to do a lemon or not… I gave up writing lemons a long time ago, but I think I may have enough courage to go ahead and just do it. This story feels like it calls for some of that kind of action anyway. I mean, the forces of good and evil have to "work together" at some point, if ya know what I'm sayin'. Anyway, I'm sure the public wouldn't exactly disagree with me putting a lemon in it, but who knows. You'll just have to wait and see.

Okay, enough of that. On with the fic!

Chapter 2: Demons

'Mom… Dad… why? It's all my fault… Why did it have to be?……………………………...'.

There's a difference between fate and destiny. Fate is something you can't push off yourself. It's a part of who you are and what will become of your life. It is something we do not have a choice of.

Destiny is the figment you're born with. It leads a two lane future, and leaves you with a decision. You can follow it, or deny it. It's freedom of choice.

Is it possible to have both fate and a destiny all in one? Can there be different times in life where a single person can possess a fate but still follow their destiny? Does the choice between fate and destiny itself exist?

Down these two paths, there is only one way to find out…

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Out of all the dancing flames, all the white hot ash strewn across the cracked wasteland, all the fiery flares in the pitch black expanse of Hell, one light burned brighter than all of them. Smoke oozed from it's flickering cinders, curling around the air and dissolving before the nightly sky. It was a light that could be mistaken for any other lick of fire in this pungent stink of a hole, but had only one witness… and that's the person initiating this tiny light.

Eiri Yuki. Demon. Age: 25. No current occupation. Enjoys trekking out to Earth at night.

Eiri took a long drag of his cigarette until the light at the end of his cancerous stick was a bright orange. Letting out a smoky breath he tilted his head up to Hell's night sky. It consisted of a darkness that one would have only witnessed from his mother's womb. A few flames spouted up here and there from the fire pits scattered around this area. It was the only place he could come and think to himself without anyone bothering him and without the sounds of torturing going on.

Hell was one nasty place. He heard stories of it when he was young, but he didn't expect any of it to be partly true. Of course, the Devil didn't have horns, a pointy tail or a red pitch fork, and the land wasn't completely covered in fire, only certain parts of Hell had badlands like the one Eiri was hanging out in.

The rest was constructed like an empire. A black steel gate separated the outside of Hell from it's residents and it's lord, Lucifer. If there was ever a more unmerciful, unforgiving, and ruthless angel, it would be him. After God had thrown him out of the Kingdom for his self-absorbed actions, the king of Hell wouldn't let Earth rest until the humans suffered as much as he did. Plus, it interfered with the angels' work, and he liked to mess around with his past brethren, not that any of them were his friends in the first place. What he wanted most was to bring heaven to it's downfall. There was still a debate on how this plan should take place, but some things were starting to come together, and one of the demons might have found a flaw in the angels' "security system", in a manner of speaking. Now all he needed was proof, and the plan would go from blue prints to Dooms Day in no time.

Putting that aside, Eiri didn't much care for anything there was in Hell. It was a very unbecoming place full of scum and pain. Whenever new arrivals came, it was always the same routine. Questions, torture, breaking the victim, and turning. Turning was another word for transforming the human into one of them. A demon. And if the recipient refused this offer from hurt and humiliation, there was always hard labour…

… or eternal darkness.

It was another form of death, except you stay awake for all eternity, floating in a clouded abyss of nothing but darkness until you finally go insane. It was the worst punishment anyone could ever think of. It was a demon's only fear.

'Course, that was all a bunch of bull to Eiri. There were plenty more treacherous things in life he'd rather go to eternal darkness for.

The blonde demon's bare foot crushed the glowing stick until it was nothing but a smear of ash on the ground. It didn't hurt. He was used to fire by now, after all that torturing he went through when he first arrived. He only wished he were at his senses then so he could spend an eternity in darkness instead of this place.

Why did pick to stay in Hell? That fact was pondering him to no end. There was nothing more he wanted then but to be alone, to stay as far away from reality as possible. So why did he choose this fate? There wasn't any unfinished business he had to attend to. Was there?…….

…Was there something missing?

Eiri's cat-like eyes jerked to his right in search of the presence he suddenly felt. It wasn't threatening, but it did startle him.

"Who's there?" He asked in a menacing tone. He never wanted to seem like his guard was down.

"Dammit! How does he do that?!" A black-haired demon slithered out from behind a craggy boulder along with two others.

"He's Satan's son I tell ya!" A flaming red head announced.

"Come now. He might take that to offence." The last one said, his bald head reflecting brilliantly under the flaming sky.

"Sigh… what in hell do you all want?" Eiri rolled his eyes and turned his gaze towards the horizon.

"Aw, come on, Eiri! We were a little bored so we came to look for you!"

"Yeah, right. Like you could ever get bored, Aeroth." The blonde retorted.

The dark-haired known as Aeroth shrugged and went to lean on the rocks next to his companion. It was hard to say they were actually friends, but Aeroth was the one who showed Eiri the ropes of Hell after he was turned into a demon. So the two were on good terms with each other.

"I've seen you come out here a couple of times, Eiri. What's got you so fascinated with this dump?" He asked while picking up a few pebbles to throw into a small gorge ahead of them.

"What's it to you?"

"Okay, okay. Not my business. Whatever man, I get it." Aeroth backed away playfully. "But you haven't been yourself lately, so I'm just showing a little brotherly love from one demon to another." He smirked.

"Since when did the word "love" learn on your lips?" Eiri asked poetically.

"Oh, shut-up." He hit him in the arm. The other guys chuckled.

"Why'd you really come out here, Aeroth?" The blonde inquired.

"Well…" The dark-haired demon started. "… Me, Cassius and Hideki have seen how tense you've been lately. So we thought that it'd be our pleasure to take you out with us to Earth this gloriously clear night." The demon put on his signature Cheshire cat smile.

Eiri looked at the group for a moment, closed his eyes and sighed. "Well, I don't think I'll have a choice."

"That's the spiri-"

"Oh, and by the way. It's 'Cassius, Hideki, and I'." Eiri corrected as he walked by his chums.

"Yeah, whatever Mister Grammar nazi. Let's go." He signalled for his friends to come along and in one fowl swoop they spread their ebony black demon wings and flew off into a portal Aeroth had created leading to Earth.

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It was Sunday. A day of rest, the Sabbath, which applied to the angels as well. Of course, a Guardian's job was never done, but all the other angels were free to do as they pleased, even visit Earth (but with the supervision of a higher rank).

Shuichi usually hung out with his best friend Hiro around the Great Hall. They got to see Michael there once in a while when he came out to greet the residences. Michael was a very prestigious Arch angel, and the one that welcomed new arrivals into the Kingdom. He was a form of savior for Shuichi who had gotten lost on his way to heaven. But the Arch had lead the boy to the right direction, and that's why Shuichi was here today. He always gave Michael a hug, and/or glomp, when he emerged from the Great Hall.

Sure enough, the doors opened and out strode a line of Arch angels, smiling and greeting each resident there to see them. As soon as Shuichi saw the first sign of platinum blonde hair, he lunged forward into the crowd and latched onto that particular person with earnest. Hiro made his way through the sea of people to find the Arch angel Michael fallen victim to his clingy friend.

"Michael!!" The magenta-haired Junior squealed with delight. "I've missed you so much! It feels like it's been years!"

"Shuichi. I thought we talked about how you approach me when I exit the Great Hall…" The Arch smiled half-heartedly, amused at his chibi angel's unchanged habits.

"Sorry Michael-sama. Shuichi's just a little hyper this morning." He dragged his friend off of the Arch.

"No worries, Hiro. And please, I've told you once, I've told you twice, I've told you many times, call me Michael. Just Michael." He smiled.

"Right." The red head scratched the back of his scalp.

"So Michael! How are things with the Lord?" Shuichi jumped up exuberantly.

"Fine actually. There hasn't been much trouble with demons lately. Evil spirits are getting easier to expel nowadays, and the death count has gotten smaller over the last few years because of it."

"Awesome! That'll teach mean ol' Satan!" Shuichi growled, showing his bravery.

"Shuichi, don't go and jinx us!" Hiro whispered harshly.

"Ha ha! I'm glad nothing has changed with you two since I've been cooped up in the Great Hall."

Michael. Arch angel. Age: Earth years (basically born at the beginning of time). Serves at the Lord's right hand and receives new arrivals into the Kingdom.

To Shuichi, Michael was the perfect angel. He had the purest of light radiating off him wherever he went. His short, platinum blonde hair was like a second son to Earth. His pale icy eyes held more warmth in them than a mother's embrace. Not to mention, the years have always been good to him. He looked no more than if he were in his twenties. And what a position he filled. Being the Lord's right hand man was not an easy job, but it sure was rewarding. Hiro wanted to work along side him, learn from him, and pretty much be like him. This is the kind of life the red head dreamed of in heaven. To Shuichi, Michael was like an older brother.

"So, what are you two planning to do on your day off from training?" Michael asked.

"We were hoping you'd hang out with us today. It's your day off too ya know." Shuichi grinned brightly.

"I'd like to Shuichi, but I'm afraid I have a few businesses to attend to, at least until afternoon rolls around."

"Aw, man!" The Junior angel pouted.

"But once I'm done with everything I'll be sure to find you and then we can spend some time together." The Arch reassured while patting the boy's head.

"Really? You mean it?" Michael had to bail out on their quality time on some occasions because of important business that needed attention. Hopefully, nothing would come up later.

"Yes. And if anything does happen to draw me away, I promise to finish as quickly as possible."

"Cool! Okay, Hiro and I will be waiting for you in the meadows on the outskirts of the Kingdom. Don't be late!" Shuichi shook his finger sternly at the Arch.

"I won't, I won't! You can count on me." Michael smiled.

"'Kay! Let's go Hiro!" The red head gave one last bow to their friend and ran to catch up with Shuichi.

"Hm. That boy… always so energetic. Good thing there's nothing around here he can get into trouble with." The blonde shook his head and left with the other Arch's.

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Shuichi plopped down into the tall grass, limbs spread out, and sighed a sigh of relaxation. His friend came along side him and sat down as well, the slight breeze caressing his locks of red hair.

"Well, I guess we just sit and wait, huh?" Hiro stated.

"Yup. I'm sure Michael's business won't take him long. It usually doesn't." The angel gazed up at the sky. Not a cloud in sight. It was too perfect today.

"Yeah, but you have to consider Shuichi. Michael-sama is a very busy angel, and he can't always hang around with us as long as he's an Arch."

"So? He works all the time! Today is his one day off and I intend to spend it with him! I'm sure he needs the break anyway." He rolled over on his side in a huff.

"Right. But I bet he gets to see things none of us have ever seen. I wonder what it's like to be the Lord's main man? It's so… awesome how he can expel demons in the flick of a wrist." Hiro smiled to himself.

A pause, and then Shuichi rolled back over. "You really admire him, don't you."

"… You could say that." Hiro nodded. "I want to become his underling. That's why I'm always so stiff around him. I want Michael-sama to see me as a diligent student."

"Well, sorry if I'm kinda cramping that style for ya…"

"Naw, you're not doing anything wrong, Shuichi. Besides, if it all came down to choosing between you and becoming an Arch angel, I'd give up that job in a heartbeat." The red head turned to his buddy with soft eyes.

"Aw, thanks man. It's a little mushy, but I'll go with it." The magenta-haired boy grinned.

"No problem."

The two continued their casual conversation while watching the spotless, blue sky.

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Meanwhile, in the Kingdom's Treasury building, Arch's were carefully counting and storing offerings given from Earth. Little did the humans know, but all the money they throw into their offering plates really does get put to good use. On Earth, there were angels disguised as humans that handled the money in churches and, without anyone knowing, sent the money up to heaven. Michael was busy checking off all the countries they'd collected from on a tablets in his hand, going around the room and seeing how the other Archs were doing.

"Arch Michael." A messenger angel flew in from an open window with a letter in his hand.

"Ah, yes. That's me." He faced the younger man.

"Message from the Archs down at the Pearly Gates." He handed Michael the paper.

The blonde read over the writing, and sighed with a look of discomfort on his face.

"I see. Well, nothing for it I suppose." Michael nodded. "Tell them I'll be down in a moment. I have to finish up here first."

"Yes sir." The messenger then left the same way he came in.

Michael kept looking out that window in dismay.

"Sorry Shuichi. But it looks like I'll be a little late…"

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It was afternoon in the Kingdom already, and Shuichi was getting impatient.

"Geez. It doesn't take this long for Michael to get things done."

"Maybe he was given a bigger assignment today. I'm sure all Archs have their days." Hiro laid back in the grass with his hands behind his head.

"But he said he'd be here around this time, and wouldn't be late! I swear, when he arrives I'm gonna give him a good talking to…" The Junior crossed his arms in contempt.

"Chill, Shu. He wouldn't break his promise. Michael-sama never has."

"I know. You're right. But I'm just so darn bored!" Shuichi threw his hands into the air in exasperation.

"Whine, whine, whine. Were you like this on Earth too, Shuichi? I don't know if I could handle it…"

A light bulb went off in Shuichi's head.

"Earth?"

"Yeah, it's a planet. The place we used to live. A place where your mind isn't. Ever heard of it?" Hiro said sarcastically.

"No, no. That's it! We'll kill some time by going to Earth! I haven't really gotten to see much of it because we've been training so much."

"Shuichi, you've been their a million times. Heck, you used to live there like I said! Why would you want to go there?"

"Well… I haven't been able to actually walk through my neighbourhood lately."

"You just saw it on that one day, remember?"

"Yeah but that was just an overhead look. I want to touch the ground, Hiro. I want to see everything I used to see when I was alive. Don't you?"

"Not really… the place where I lived wasn't exactly too friendly." He turned away.

"Oh, stop being such an old fart! Michael obviously has had his little errand extended, otherwise he wouldn't be late. So let's go! He'll find us later." Shuichi jumped up.

"But that's the thing Shuichi. If anyone does find out we're on Earth, we'll be in a heap of trouble! Junior angels aren't allowed to enter human grounds alone!"

"And? What're they gonna do? Punish us? Cut our wings off? This is heaven, Hiro. Not high school. Besides, no one knows we're here now, so let's go!" And with a flap of his wings, Shuichi took off.

"W-wait! Shuichi!" Hiro got up and followed after him. "We still need supervision!"

"I have you!" The little angel yelled back.

"But I'm a Junior angel too ya know!"

"But you're older than me! That counts!"

"No, it doesn't!"

But he wouldn't listen. It was useless talking Shuichi out of something once he'd got the thought stuck in his head.

After a few minutes of flying towards a place Hiro was unfamiliar with, Shuichi stopped at a large tree where the meadow met the forest. Hiro landed next to his friend and looked at what the boy was looking at.

"Wh… what is this?!" The red head shouted.

"Shhh! This is something I came across one day while racing some birds."

The two were staring at a small rip at the base of the tree trunk which held a portal to Earth.

"How did this get here?" Hiro asked, still amazed at this discovery.

"I don't know. It was already here when I found it. I think maybe it was left over from when they had the Battle of the Ages a long time ago."

"You mean the war between angel and demon?"

"One and the same. I don't know how this was made, but I'm guessing it's a result of that."

"Does anyone else know about this?"

"Not that I know of. If someone did, they'd probably tell the Archs and they'd fix it up right away. But this, Hiro, this is our ticket of freedom!"

"Um, no, this is the ticket of danger. Anything could come through this hole, Shuichi! You have to tell someone!"

"No way!"

Hiro sighed and shook his head.

"Listen, Hiro. Once I've had my fun with this hole, and once I'm able to go to Earth whenever I please, I'll tell someone and they'll close it, okay?"

"You'd have to become a Guardian in order to go to Earth by yourself."

"I know."

"Which is practically impossible in your case. You know how badly you're doing in that class."

"Oh, what do you know! I'll become a Guardian sooner or later. You'll see! Now come on, we're wasting time! We have to do this before Michael gets here." Shuichi flew into the hole head first and disappeared within a second.

"Wait, Shui…chi…. Sigh…….. Fine! But only because I don't want you getting into trouble!" Hiro blessed himself, then jumped into the portal as well, praying that no ill misfortune would befall them.

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A/N: Okay! Done with this chapter. So not all of it was about demons, but I wanted to push forward a bit. Next chapter will be REALLY exciting. It's the meeting of Yuki and Shuichi. You'll love it! Michael will be a regular character of mine throughout this fic. I think you'll all find him a favorite character in the end too. I won't reveal anything though, 'cause it's a surprise. See you next time!

DEAR REVIEWERS

Lol: Thanks for liking it! I'll update as regularly as possible.

Dark-chan: Aw, thanks for the compliment! No, I haven't read that book. It makes me feel good that you think my fic reminds you of a real novel though! Thanks!! Maybe I'll check out that book.