Chapter 2

Reason for the Cause

"Rise" by Katy Perry

Kurama had to take a break from his dutiful son role to train for the Makai Tournament. Then he had a to take a break from training to visit the closest library. Kuwabara was kind enough to give him a call to share Botan's news. The existence of angels was shocking enough indeed. He recalled an ancient drawing he had stolen in his past life as Youko Kurama that depicted the ancient creatures. Human-like, strong but plain, with wings dressed in armor and wielded impressive weapons. Of course, that wasn't enough to lead him to any real conclusion. He hadn't come across anything else considered useful, but then again he had no reason to care until now.

Jewel-toned eyes scanned the shelves before them. Anything that hinted to angel mythology was their target. Kurama picked up a book, thumbed through it quickly, and once regarding it useless returned it the shelf before beginning the same process with another. After some time, he had found about half a dozen books he hoped would answer some of his questions. Religious text and mythology were all he could find, which he predicted. Even if there was someone who claimed to have encountered an angel then wrote a book about it Kurama doubted he'd believe any of it.

He took a seat at a lone table painfully aware of a group of girls eye-balling him giggling to one another. Normally he would've preferred to check the books out and study in the comfort of his own home, but he needed to return to his attention to the tournament promptly. He couldn't worry about returning books (his thieving days were behind him after all). Kurama ignored the girls as he started with the most promising of the books. He quickly skimmed the pages for anything regarding an angel's strength, abilities, and appearance. He continued with his research for about an hour surprisingly without any interruptions. Little good it had done him. There was virtually nothing on angels.

He did find that angels were thought to be formidable with swords of fire, and they'd cut down cities on command. They were considered guardians of religious temples. As far as appearance goes it was the same as the ancient scroll mentioned earlier. Kurama frowned while deep in thought. Was there anything on which he could build a conclusion? Did it matter because would it really prepare him for the real thing anyway?

Could such a creature even be defeated, he thought grimly.

"Um, excuse me?" The meek voice brought Kurama out of his thoughts, and he turned to face the young librarian responsible. He noticed she looked absolutely petrified for having interrupting him. Wide gray eyes looked at him through thick brown glasses. A moment passed before she snapped out of her awkward shock and said, "I-I'm sorry, it's just you looked troubled, and I thought, um, maybe I could help..." Kurama smiled at the woman, which resulted a rosy blush on her cheeks.

"Thank you, but I believe I'm done here," he kindly told her. The librarian nodded slowly her eyes never leaving Kurama's face as she took his stack of books and left. Kurama sighed quietly as he stood to leave. It wasn't like he put much effort in his appearance. He kept his long hair because it's what he was accustomed to having. His apple red hair and green eyes had to do with his former demonic nature; he didn't do anything to enhance his features. Nonetheless, human girls were intrigued despite his apathy. Youko didn't mind the attention at all seeing his was quite the ladies' man. Shuichi Minamino just wasn't interested.

He left the library unsure of his next move. Perhaps he'd turn to rumors from demon world in hopes that somebody knows something regarding angels. Maybe he could convince Hiei in helping him. That meant first finding Hiei since he wasn't staying at Mukuro's. Tracking the fire apparition down would prove difficult because Hiei normally didn't want to be found, and he was good at staying hidden. Of course, Kurama heavily doubted it would amount up to anything. Koenma would've already told them if there was there a single whisper of angels.

Besides, Kurama thought, only the angels themselves could tell us what they were really after.

Meanwhile deep in demon world away from Mukuro and curious eyes, Hiei was getting quite annoyed. He tried patience, and that went out the window fast. Then he tried threats, but that only led to pouting, which made him want to set something on fire. Finally, he resorted to force, and that led to crying. Hiei hated crying. He had never despised anything more than Mukuro in that moment for putting him up to this.

"This" was Mukuro taking in a demon child for whatever damn reason and made the girl her apprentice. Where Mukuro found her Hiei didn't care. Why Mukuro chose now to chose to take someone under her wing Hiei didn't care. How Mukuro came to the conclusion that the child was going to compete in the Makai Tournament Hiei did not care. What he DID care about was that he was responsible for training the brat. She wasn't his apprentice after all.

"I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS ANYMORE," the small demon whined with giant crocodile tears running down her cheeks. Hiei felt his eye twitch. Never in his life did he think he'd rather be stuck with Kuwabara, but he could barely stand to take anymore of the girl's crap. He had to grit his teeth and fight the urge to just abandon her. He had better things to do, but he didn't want to go against Mukuro's wishes yet.

"Get. Up." Each word came up with controlled rage. She sniffled and moaned but did get back on her feet. Without being prompted she lifted her makeshift wooden sword and took the appropriate stance. Hiei's anger lessened slightly at her initiative. It was the first sign of improvement in three days. He had a bamboo rod in place of his own sword and without warning started his attack. With a yelp the young demoness did her best to block his strikes. She kept up and was determine to defend herself because by now she knew that being whacked with bamboo hurts.

She was fast from the beginning. Hiei noticed that much, but speed wasn't enough to survive a match. She lacked any physical strength, and her spirit energy was laughable. After just thirty minutes she began to tire, and Hiei's rod made contact leaving red welts on his ward. He didn't take pleasure in hurting such a pathetic creature. Was this just a cruel joke from Mukuro meant to just annoy him? Or it could have been a distraction. He was beginning to get restless staying with Mukuro, and he knew she noticed. Was this girl just means of forcing Hiei to stay close? Whimpers snapped Hiei out of his thoughts, and he saw the girl had lost all will-power.

He tossed his weapon to the side signalling that the training session was over. Instantly the girl collapsed to the ground in exhaustion making sure to make a dramatic moan as she did so. Her olive-toned skin began to bruise, indigo hair stuck to the sweat on her brow, and golden eyes stayed shut thankful for rest. She was so small. Fragile. Her name, Sensaina, fit her well. Hiei knew she had no business competing in the Makai Tournament. Well, maybe she could hold her own against Kuwabara at least.

"Mukuro may have put her hope in you," Hiei growled, "but I can see just how worthless your abilities are. Keep this up, and you'll never survive!" Sensaina didn't look up at Hiei, but more tears slid down her face. Hiei flitted away into the trees not bothering to comfort her. For her own sake, she needed to get stronger. That meant getting the tears out of the way now because sniffling doesn't save you in a battle against blood-thirsty demons. Hiei didn't go far as he chose a tree to allow himself some rest. He knew better than to completely abandon her. She was in his care after all, and she obviously wasn't capable of defending herself.

Later that evening, he'd need to concentrate on his own preparations for the tournament.

It was always full of light in the angel's realm. Darkness didn't exist her. There was no sens of time, yet the angels were always aware of the existing times in another worlds. The light expanded through the endless skies and floating land masses basked in the warmth. Aside from little bits of plant life, angels were the only life forms here. Why more diverse life didn't flourish here with such an accommodating environment no one, not even Rhiannon, knew. The universe just preferred it that way.

The angel realm was a fairly basic one. There were no towns, but buildings existed every now then. Aside from the massive town hall, less impressive structures that looked similar to Roman coliseums were made to house angels along with groups they assigned themselves to. They didn't consist of separate rooms but were one giant living space with benches carved into the walls. Extravagant rugs, over-sized cushions, elegant tapestries, and soft blankets were common decor used specifically for lounging comfort. Angels didn't need sleep, but housing groups would use the home for fellowship. Story telling, singing, and simple conversation happened within the walls. Connections made stronger. Angel hearts made warmer.

The largest of the homes belonged to the realm's three guardians and their guardian-in-training, Koren. It was furnished the same as other homes, and benches did line the walls. Only one bench located near the ceiling was occupied though. In this, Koren made herself a nest of comfy pillows and blankets. She rarely ever used it since she had no reason to be in the home most of the time. Sariel, Rhiannon, and Artaxes were rarely ever had down time; thus, the home stayed empty. Koren didn't like the way loneliness became more apparent in such a big and empty space meant for companionship. She preferred the clouds with the light and flowers to keep her company.

Today was an exception. Rhiannon wanted to work on Koren's healing skills within the comfort of their home without curious, though innocent, eyes. It was the most Koren saw of any one of the guardian's presence within those walls. She noticed that by just having Rhiannon there the space already looked smaller. Having Sariel and Artaxes there would make it seem so cramped (or would it be cozy?). It was painfully obvious that the building was not made to be in constant use. Koren's gaze rested on Rhainnon's wing span as it almost touched the outer pillars...

"Koren, are you paying attention?" Koren snapped her attention back to Rhiannon, who held a displeased expression. Koren offered a small apologetic smile, and Rhiannon's mouth formed a small stern line before focusing attention on the energy emitting from Koren's hands. The energy was pulled from outside life, which in this case would be the plants and angels, then concentrated in a small orb. This orb could then be used to regenerate a hurt part of the body. The goal Rhiannon was trying to reach with Koren was making this orb happen inside her body, so that she could tap into it while in battle. After much practice to get the body used to the idea of this life source, the healing should happen automatically without much effort on Koren's part. At first the idea was taking energy from other beings didn't resonate well with Koren. She didn't want to make anything or anyone sick or even die. It wasn't until Rhiannon explained that it was a very tiny bit of energy that was never taking from unwilling beings unless Koren took it by force, which was forbidden in normal circumstances.

"There are circumstances in which it's okay," Koren had asked.

"When an angel is in battle and close to death, then yes. Normally it is taken from the enemy," was Rhiannon's reply.

A long time went by as they worked on Koren's healing technique. It still wasn't perfected by the time Rhiannon dismissed Koren. She still couldn't get her body to perform the healing without her consciously guiding it. The whole thing was a rather rough experience because Koren had to keep creating wounds on herself with a sharp blade to continue having something to heal. The pain never lasted long since she could heal it with thought, but pain is pain. At least it was in Koren's mind. She was sure Artaxes would have something contradictory to say.

Her training wasn't over yet seeing how a fellow lady angel found her soon after to send a message from Sariel. He needed her to see him on the far west of the realm. She hadn't realized how far he meant until she flew passed some unfamiliar land masses. Their realm was massive, but angels stuck together and didn't really care to venture out. She eventually found him on a small island, and Sariel was looking intently further on in the west. She lowered herself down to stand beside him and waited for him to address her. Other angels would have taken knee to bow in respect. Koren was told early on in her life she had no need to do so. Though equality existed among the angels the guardians received a gratuitous respect, which looked a lot like hierarchy. No matter her youth Koren was considered equal to the guardians in the very least. Besides, Sariel was the angel who raised her.

"Is this what you want, Koren," Sariel suddenly asked. The question was so unexpected Koren couldn't say anything. I mean, what could she say? That she didn't want to fight for her people because she'd rather daydream in the clouds? Or that she sometimes wished the universe never chose her? To any other angel this was the highest honor, and she knew she couldn't soil that.

"I live to serve my people," was all she could bring herself to say. The words did make sense to her, but she had to admit to herself that she was uncertain. She didn't know what the three guardians truly wanted with demon world. If Koren won the tournament and became ruler of the demon realm, what was supposed to happen then? A sick feeling started to swirl in her gut as she realized that she didn't know what she was fighting for. Fortunately for her, Sariel knew his charge well.

"You struggle for a reason to fight," he stated. He looked down and continued, "Would you like to see why we cut ourselves off from the rest of the worlds?"

Koren swallowed. Did she? It would give her answers, but that didn't always mean something good. Either way, she nodded. Sariel held out a clawed hands over Koren as physic energy began to form. Koren stared into the gold light and allowed herself to succumb to it. The world around her faded away as Sariel showed her his memories.

She wasn't in the angels realm anymore. She stood on solid ground that stretched for miles. The skies were dark and boding. The air filled with a stench she didn't know. There was fighting taking place all around her. Angels she had never seen before against...demons, she guessed. They were grotesque creatures. All different shapes and sizes, possessed too many eyes filled with evil intent, skin covered in the stench of blood, gnarled horns and claws, and their souls dark.

Screaming of an angel filled the space, and Koren turned to it unable to ignore the cries of her fallen brethren. Entrails splattered the ground from an open wound from a sir angel as he was held up by his throat in the hands of a horrific demon that head scissor-like claws. Its hold on the angel's throat tightened causing the angel to struggle for air. Koren's eyes filled with tears at the sound. The angel was silenced by the demon finally just ripping the angel's head off. Koren screamed in agony at the sight of her fallen comrade, even though she had never seen him before.

More screams came from her right, and once again she searched it out. A lady angel was getting her wings ripped from her, and the demon responsible was smiling viciously. "Stop," Koren cried out but no one heard her. It was a memory, but it felt so real to Koren. The demon tossed the mutilated angel to the ground before attacking another who tried to save his sister from the monster's hands. Koren watched the chaos feeling completely helpless. There was pain. Suffering. And blood...She had never seen so much blood spilled.

Suddenly there was a thumping from the skies, and Koren looked up at it with a relieved gasp. Sariel. He struck the ground shaking the earth and catching demons off guard. They were no match for the giant guardian. Guttural screams from demons came from behind her, and when she looked she saw Artaxes take out at least twenty with his battle axe using his tail to take out even more. With Sariel and Artaxes accounted for she searched for Rhiannon. She found her healing fallen angels. A demon attacked her from behind, but Rhiannon sent him flying forty feet with a single swift kick.

The battle didn't last long. The guardians made quick work of the demons. Rhiannon was able to save most of the angels, but Koren noticed that the decapitated angel along with a few others could not be revived. She cried for them. The brothers and sisters she was robbed of ever meeting. Then she noticed Sariel looking out at the battle field. She had never seen that look in his eyes. It was look full of regret. It screamed, "Why? Why did a sacrifice so much to show these demons compassion?" The look then turned hard. Sariel called for his troops, and they took to the skies with some carrying the dead angels. They would be buried at home and not let to rot in this detestable world.

The memory ended, and Koren woke with Sariel watching her waiting for her to say something. She touched her face feeling where tears must have run down. Now, she understood why the angels hid themselves. How could angels who loved life and all things good be surrounded by such darkness?

"Why are we going back," she finally asked, "Why are you sending me there?"

"The first Makai tournament a demon named Enki won," Sariel explained, "and he set laws that called for peace. No hunting humans. Appointed demons are responsible to return lost humans who wander into demon world safely back in their own world. Now is the time to finish what we tried to start centuries ago." After his explanation, Sariel looked back out at the endless skies allowing Koren to consider all that he said.

She looked out at her home taking in the quiet. Didn't all creatures deserve this tranquility? Did demons even know it? She tightened her hands into determined fists as she thought of her hours of daydreaming in the clouds without any sense of danger. She knew no fear; it did not threaten her here. Images of torn apart angels and fallen demons flooded her mind. No more pain, she thought. She looked up at Sariel to see he was already watching her. She gave him a small understand smile. She understood now why this was so important. And if the burden became too much, she'd call on her angels. Before she realized she was fighting her mission, but she would rise to the occasion.

She would not fail.

A/N: The last part of this chapter got deleted before I could save it. I don't know if this version is better or worse compared to the first, but I don't care anymore. Also, a little explanation on the Hiei bit...In the bonus episode of YYH, it is mentioned that Hiei left Mukuro and no one had heard of him since. I just decided it would be fun to play with that and introduce another character. I will admit that I'm getting rusty when it comes to writing. I believe this chapter is a true testament to that especially with the flashback memory thing. That was hard to write, folks.

The song I listed is an inspirational piece to this story, so I thought I'd share it with you.

Anyway, please let me know what you think. If you would like a specific pairing, let me know. It's greatly appreciated!

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this!