Chapter 4

Demons were everywhere, and the air was filled with their excited clamor. Fighters from far and wide in the Makai gathered for one common goal- to win King of Demon World. Enki's rule was a nice reprieve from the usual kill then kill some more, but some demons were getting antsy. Others just wanted to take advantage of a chance of luxury. Very few wanted to continue the peace Enki had created. Koto, the cat demon who announced the last tournament, was present once more. In the same enthusiasm she had always displayed before a blood bath, she started the event off making mention of Yusuke's name.

Among the crowd, Yusuke stood with his old team mates by his side. Unlike the last tournament, though, Kuwabara stood with them. Despite being human Kuwabara's spirit energy protected him from the deadly effects of demon world air, and since he was finished with school for the time being there was nothing stopping him from entering the ring. A certain fire demon had his own opinion about that.

"You're a fool to join this fight," Hiei told Kuwabara with a smirk, "You'll find no mercy in our world."

"Duh," Kuwabara replied without hesitation, "but what kind of warrior would I be if I wasn't scared of dying?"

"March always forward taking comfort in one's immortal soul," Kurama piped in sounding slightly humored.

"Exactly," Kuwabara eagerly agreed, "that's the honor of a man."

"LET THE PRELIM-FIGHTS BEGIN," Koto's voice said over the intercom.

"Alright, jerks," Yusuke said punching his fist into the opposite hand, "let's go!"

The group started their way to each one's own fight.

In the shadows away from the mass crowd, stood Koren. Blue eyes observed the creatures and paid special attention to every tooth and claw. Each and every demon so different in worrisome ways. Varying spirit energies emitting from the crowd tingled her senses. There was just so much happening before her, and she tried to not be overwhelmed. She heard the announcer start the tournament and watched as all the contestants headed towards battle, but she didn't move. No amount of training could have prepared Koren for the nauseating wave in her stomach. Nervousness was not something Koren was accustomed to feeling.

To make matters worse, she could barely think due to the itching sensation in her back. Rhiannon had taught her an enchantment to conceal her wings, and Sariel thought it wise to keep them hidden for the time being. Concealing her wings meant literally forcing them under the skin without a trace of ever existing. It was bizarre, and even though her wings didn't look like they existed she could feel them fight against her skin wishing desperately to be released. In case she needed to free them for any reason, she was instructed to wear a garment that had a low hanging back. Koren liked the way it looked; she had never worn anything that wasn't white let alone a dark blue fabric. She was also giving a pair of tight black pants and a pair of flat black shoes. It was all very different from her usual gown, and she found that she didn't mind this world's clothing. If only she didn't have to hide wings, then she'd really feel comfortable.

Knowing she couldn't delay any longer, Koren stepped out of the darkness into the strange arena lights. From what she understood, none of the fights would happen in this arena. She had to travel to an outside space where her opponent was waiting. Spectators would stay in the building she was currently in to watch the TVs (or "giant vision portals" as Koren called them) to view the fighting. The thought of an audience was strange to Koren. She thought this was a serious battle between warriors not entertainment for the masses. Oh, well. It wasn't her world. Yet.

No one noticed her as she made her way to her match, which Koren preferred. It didn't take her long to find the empty grass field, but she must have arrived first because her opponent wasn't anywhere to be seen. She eyed a tree line that wasn't too far off suspicious of a sneak attack from that direction. The announcer's voice echoed through the vast space indicating the matches to begin. Koren step into a solid fighting stance and waited. Nothing. Was she going to win by default?

A rank breeze wafted through, but she couldn't smell anybody close by. Then she a felt it. An energy was moving fast towards her, and she quickly scanned her surroundings. Where? He was almost upon her now. Lifting her head she searched the skies frantically. It was a fairly bright day with no clouds reigning. Koren didn't know how to react to an invisible opponent. Should she just wait for the first attack? At the very last second she realized where the energy was located. Beneath her. The ground exploded with clods of dirt and rock flying in all directions as sharp claws reached out for. She barely escaped jumping back with a few extra unsteady steps.

Along with razor sharp claws the demon had a round gaping mouth filled with spiral rows of needlepoint teeth. It's body was long and earth toned, and it was hard to see if it was fur or leathery due to all the dirt that covered it. None of that was what had Koren's attention. She couldn't stop staring at the small, black, and beady eyes filled with blood lust. It left a feeling of dread in her heart as she witnessed first hand what her place of was in this world. Just a hunk of flesh meat meant for tearing apart.

She lost her opportunity to attack as the beast hid itself underground once more. Other than the hole is burst out of it didn't leave a trail indicating where it was traveling. Not that it mattered to Koren. She was hooked on his spirit energy and followed easily. He circled around her a few times biding time. The element of surprise was not on his side anymore.

Should of got me when you had the chance, Koren thought smugly.

Finally, he made a bee line for her. Koren had already made up her mind she wouldn't dodge. Teeth and claws would tear her apart, yes, but she could handle it. Now, if he had any spirit attacks up his sleeve she would be in a bit of trouble, but that was a risk she was willing to take. Closer. Almost there. Now! In the same fashion as before, the demon erupted from the ground with claws reaching for her torso.

Koren let him pierce her stomach making four clean puncture wounds. The demon smirked with satisfaction then made a face of surprise has Koren kneed him in the stomach the force removing the claws from her body then gave him a swift punch that sent him flying. She followed after him all the while her wounds closing and cells destroying any bacteria left behind. Catching up to him before he landed and decided to help him out by dropping a knee onto his mid section crashing him into the ground. An eye for an eye.

Koren didn't pin him down long but made a few steps of distance between them. The demon coughed up blood and pain was apparent on its face. Unlike the angel before him he had no healing tricks up his sleeve. He struggled to open his eyes to look his apparent head on. Without betraying anything on her face Koren was taken back by the pure hatred in his eyes. She had never experienced hate, and it was unsettling to be the main focus of this creature's loathing. The demon saw her healed stomach without a single scar next.

"Impossible," it screeched, voice more high pitched than Koren expected. "I sliced you clear through!"

"I don't understand why you're so confused," Koren replied, her voice soft and airy. "Even demons have the capability to heal. Mine just happens more rapidly."

The demon narrowed his eyes at her and spat, "You're not a demon. You're not human either. What the hell are you?"

Koren chose not to answer sensing that her opponent was probably attempting to distract her to bide some time. Instead she closed the distance between them with speed that the demon did not expect, lifted him up by the back of his head, and proceeded to slam him face down into the earth. Total knock out. She decided from the beginning of her training that she wouldn't kill anyone unless absolutely necessary. The ten count had started, but the demon never moved. Koren knew he wouldn't.

She was declared the winner. As she made her way back to the arena to wait for the rest of the beginning fights to end she wondered if all other fights would be this easy. It would make her mission fairly simple, but then she remembered the memory Sariel showed her. Demons did that to her people, and she doubted that such monsters didn't exist today. She would not let her guard down.

Kuwabara was ecstatic. The demon he fought was a total wimp, and he left the fight without a single scratch. He couldn't wait to rub it in Hiei's face. Ha, demons should want mercy from the great Kazuma Kuwabara! He'd win this tournament, and Yukina would think he was total stud. She could be his queen in his new kingdom.

He wanted to a closer spot the giant screens, and as he neared them he saw Yusuke, Hiei, and Kurama already there. Wait, he was the last one to finish his match? That didn't make him look good. Why did have always have to be the damn underdog?

"Hey, look who decided to show up," Yusuke was the first to notice him. Kuwabara glared at his old rival. Always calling me out, punk, he thought.

"You look well, Kuwabara," Kurama told him always ready to be the peace maker, "I trust your battle went smoothly." Kuwabara took the moment to try to regain his masculinity.

"Oh, yeah. Nothing the great Kuwabara can't handle! Haha- hey what's up with the shrimp?" Normally, Hiei would've made some snide remark about him being some weak and worthless human. Instead the fire demon's attention was on the giant TV before them showing the last fight. Kuwabara looked to see what fight would have Hiei's undivided attention. What he saw appalled him.

It was a child! A small girl. And her opponent? A big, scary looking lion demon. Memories of his first mission with Yusuke ran through his mind. The Four Saint Beasts including Byakko, a giant white tiger, that Kuwabara almost got eaten by. He showed up that beast that was for sure! The lion demon was almost as big as Byakko was, though, and Kuwabara had trouble bringing him down. How did this little girl stand a chance?

Better yet, Kuwabara thought, why does Hiei care so much?

Kuwabara turned to ask Kurama, who usually knew these things. He stopped his question when he saw Kurama carefully watching Hiei as if he was curious of Hiei's interest as well. If Kurama noticed something strange, did Urameshi? Kuwabara looked at Yusuke to find him staring a separate screen that showed two female demons fighting each other. Their clothes were barely hanging on them as they tried to rip each other apart.

Urameshi...you perv...

Sensaina was in trouble. She wasn't injured due to her amazing evasive maneuvers, but unless she could land an attack on her opponent she wasn't winning this battle. Forfeiting wasn't an option. She couldn't dare face Lord Mukuro after making her look like a fool for choosing such a weak apprentice. Not to mention the dishonor it would be to Master Hiei. He spent so much time trying to make her stronger and more capable.

No, she thought, I must win this fight!

The lion demon roared loudly with aggravation from his flighty prey. The sound made Sensaina reconsider once more if surrender wasn't the best choice. Not that she had much time to decide since her opponent decided he had enough with chasing her around like a fool. With incredible speed fueled only by rage he appeared right before her. Claws extended fully and ready to tear her to shreds. Sensaina gripped tightly on her twin swords that Lord Mukuro rewarded her when she finished her training with Master Hiei.

"Here goes nothing," she mumbled nervously. She brought the twin blades forward while bracing herself for impact. Claws met metal but did not inch any closer towards the tiny demoness's body. Having successfully blocked the attack Sensaina began to frantically think of her next move. She wasn't strong enough to just take the the lion demon head on. Master Hiei on numerous occasions told her that she was possibly the weakest creature he had even seen even compared to mouse, and that the only chance of her winning was if the Makai Tournament became a racing event rather than martial arts. If all she could rely on was her small frame and speed, then that's precisely what she'd do.

Without warning Sensaina released her block and shot herself underneath her opponent and between his large legs. His momentary shock was enough time for Sensaina to slash the back of his haunches. With an agonized roar, the lion demon fell to his knees, but that didn't stop him from reaching around to take hold of his tiny attacker. Light on her feet Sensaina kept out of his reach before taking her blades once more to cut off a finger or two. She kept darting around taking a slash here and a cut there. Her opponent was confused and in pain, and soon enough she had brought him down.

She stepped back as the beast fell to the ground. He wasn't dead but would not be getting up anytime soon. When Sensaina was announced the winner, she looked up at one of the cameramen on his floating platform with a toothy grin.

I hope you saw that, Master Hiei, she thought gleefully.

"Shew, I didn't think that little girl was going to make it," Kuwabara sighed in relief.

"Yes, she recovered quite well but only because she was able to surprise her opponent," Kurama commented.

"Hn, that won't work next time. If she wants to survive her next match, she'd better come up with an actual strategy," Hiei said obviously not impressed. His outburst caused Kuwabara and Kurama to give him questioning looks. Looks Hiei simply ignored.

"Ah, who cares," Yusuke chimed in, "Did anyone see a chubby baby with a floating gold ring above his head fighting?" He had meant the angel combatant Koenma had warned them about.

"What are you going on about," Hiei snapped still annoyed at Sensaina's battle, though no one knew that.

"Oh, yeah, no one's told you yet," Yusuke remembered while scratching the back of his head. Hiei scowled and looked to Kurama for answers.

"It seems angels want to be part of this fight," Kurama revealed. Hiei narrowed his eyes at the news but nonetheless didn't look to bothered.

"Angels? Why the hell did you care what angels do," he asked Yusuke.

"I don't care, but Koenma seems to think it might cause some problems," Yusuke said shrugging.

"You're still taking orders from that fool," Hiei sneered.

"Hey, what's your problem," Kuwabara demanded from Hiei getting fed up with the demon's attitude. As an answer Hiei glared and walked off. Kuwabara watched him walk away before saying, "He doesn't even look worried. I mean, we have no idea what these angel guys can do!"

"That does seem to be an issue," Kurama stated with a frown.

"Well, I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary, " Yusuke said, "they probably chickened out."

Koren had been making her way towards one of the "vision portals" when she heard the group of men's conversation. She turned to look their way, so they wouldn't know she was eavesdropping. Who was Koenma, and how did he know about the angel affairs? More importantly who were these men with who this Koenma entrusted that information. Koren didn't expect this turn of events. If they realized she was an angel, would they try to force her out of the tournament? She picked up on their energies, but had a feeling that they were suppressing their true powers. She was sure they were more formidable than they seemed.

"...they probably chickened out." The words made her clench her fists in anger. Whoever they were they had obviously had no idea who they were dealing with. Ancient warriors who were loyal only to each other and did not hesitate to spill the blood of their enemies.

Except for me, Koren realized. She didn't want to hurt that demon she had fought; thus, she did her best to keep from killing him. Sariel had no way of knowing people would be looking for her, and maybe he would've chosen someone different if he had. Koren wasn't cut throat.

She allowed herself to sneak a peek of the men. They looked like her she noticed. Angels can look like a number of things. Why did the universe choose to make Koren look so...human? She found herself staring but couldn't look away. They were handsome with strong bodies, open faces, and eyes full life. She especially liked the green eyes on one of them. In all of the angel's realm, there was nothing has deep and enchanting as those eyes.

She liked the way one of them held himself up with confidence despite ridiculing the angels (Yusuke).

The third one seemed pure. She like all angels loved purity.

They probably wouldn't like me, she thought sadly. After all, they were in a sense hunting her down. If they found her, they might even try to kill her for joining the tournament. Or capture her and try to force her to tell them all the angel's secrets. She didn't know, so she wouldn't risk comprising her people. Suddenly, the one with the green eyes noticed her staring. The same eyes she was so fond of stared back at her cold and calculating.

Quickly she turned away and disappeared into the crowd.

A/N: The bold text is for the fact that it's not my original creativity. I pulled it from the bonus episode I mentioned before. I thought it would be great way to start this chapter and show where I wanted this story to begin. So disclaimer.

I personally am impressed with myself for the fight scenes. In the past, I never wanted to write action sequences. Too much work in my opinion, so I always stuck with fluffy things. I consider this an improvement in my writing capabilities. If you have any praise or criticism regarding the fights, please let me know. It really helps me out.

Also, in case you're confused, from what I remember from YYH the fights were caught on camera by people on flying platforms. That's the best way I can describe it, haha.

I need to come up with a reason for Kuwabara to give up on Yukina. Spoiler, haha. As I said before, I need to keep all the boys free just in case! If you have anything you would like to see specifically, be sure to let me know in the reviews.

A shout out to kouhas! Thank you for your kind words and also for your input on the Keiko/Yusuke break up. I really needed to see if it would be well received, so I really appreciated your review.

As always, thank you for taking time out of your day to read this!