Chapter 6

"Secrets"

"Brick by Boring Brick" by Paramore

With Jin still passed out Koren carried him to back to the stadium. Since he was much taller than her she struggled with the bridal-style position she held him. If that wasn't awkward enough, she had all eyes on her as she made her way into the crowd. Everyone saw what had transpired during the fight, and distrusting eyes glared at the out of place angel. She ignored their stares and kept her chin high. She knew this would happen. It was only a matter of time until her secret was revealed.

She wasn't a bit surprised when Kurama and his friends approached her. They had a few others that she hadn't seen before with them. A tall man with a mo-hawk who stunk of alcohol. A small boy rolling something on a string from his finger. Lastly, a younger man with frost colored hair and cold eyes. They all stood before looking as if ready for a massive battle to break out. She knew that there would be opposition to her being in the tournament, but this was just plain bizarre. The ice demon's eyes never left Jin, she noticed. Concern was apparent on his face, and Koren realized that they must have been companions.

"He'll be alright," she said reassuringly. Her attempt at comfort took the demon off guard, and he shifted his feet uncertain of what his response should be.

"His spirit energy," Kurama answered instead, "it's hard to detect. Almost like it's vanished." His eyes held her in a sharp gaze almost warning her that there would be no mercy for hurting his friend. Koren sympathized with him because she would have been the same with her kin, and the connection made her smile softly.

"Lahat Chets will 'dry up' a person's spirit energy," she explained, "but it's only temporary. After he rests for a bit he will recover to his full capabilities." The relief on their faces was very apparent, and tension between the two parties lessened. Feeling confident that the group of fighters wouldn't go on the offensive Koren moved toward them. She delivered Jin over to his friend who did his best to hold the wind master up on his shoulders.

"You're not off the hook, you know," one of them said to her. He was the confident one with black hair and chestnut eyes that locked with hers. Koren couldn't quite place why, but she sensed how dangerous he could be by those eyes. He was not one to be trifled with. "What the hell are you doing here?" And he obviously lacked tact. Kurama shot an annoyed glance over at his companion.

"Yusuke," he said lowly, "Perhaps you should-"

"I'm not in the mood to play mind games, Kurama. Let's just cut to the chase," he turned his attention back to Koren. "Well?"

"I understand your concern," Koren replied coolly, "and I hope you will equally understand that I cannot tell you my business. As far as you and I are concerned, I am just another contestant seeking title of ruler of demon world." That was not an answer Yusuke would fly with.

"To hell that's it not my concern," he yelled seemingly oblivious to the noisy bystanders. Even though he wasn't spirit detective Yusuke still felt somewhat responsible for the well-being of demon world. It was his idea to vote for king of demon world using fists. Not to mention the fate of human world was in the hand of whoever won the tournament. He'd be damned if some freaky angel chick was going to win and do whatever the hell she wanted with that power.

"Yusuke, please," Kurama growled. It wasn't often that the cunning fox lost his temper, but it would be Yusuke who pushed him over the edge. Kurama would admit that more often than not did Yusuke's reckless behavior have positive outcomes. The boy's last ditch effort to save Kurama's life while he willingly tried to sacrifice himself for his mother's sake did result in everyone coming out okay in the end after all. Kurama wasn't willing to risk this particular situation to whatever whim Yusuke would follow. Luck didn't last forever.

"Kurama's right, Urameshi," the tall human agreed, "just cool it, okay?"

"Shut up, Kuwabara," Yusuke snapped.

"Hey! Don't get pissy with me!"

"Yusuke! Kuwabara! This is not the time to argue."

Koren watched the three go back and forth while their other friends (mo-hawk man, boy with the toy, and ice demon) either looked bored in another direction or gave onlookers nasty looks telling them to "buzz off". She was fascinated. Angels typically didn't argue or ever disrespect one another. One would wait for the other to finish speaking and each angel would be fully heard with the upmost respect. No curses or insults. It was a culture shock for her, and their bickering was starting to become comical.

"Look, I just want to know what the hell she's looking for," Yusuke finally said through gritted teeth, "and I demand an answer." At the last half of his sentence he turned his attention back at Koren. He gave her a threatening look. Finally, she had had enough. Not once did she disrespect this trio, and she was getting tired of not receiving the same courtesy. Without hesitation she walked up to Yusuke barely leaving room between the two of them. Ignoring Yusuke's clenched fists and aura rising in defense Koren stood her ground.

"I'll say it again," she sounded more annoyed then she meant, "My affairs are no concern of yours. I was sent by my people to represent the angel race and to win. If you want to stop me, do so in the ring."

After a moment of silence, Yusuke smirked.

"Sounds good to me, Wings. Just remember, you asked for it."

This time Koren smiled and decided it was time to leave them. She was told to keep her distance and to observe from afar. Still she didn't feel right leaving Jin without being able to say good-bye. Why that was she couldn't say. Before she got far she looked over her shoulder to see the group suddenly laughing like what had transpired just minutes before never happened.

Meanwhile, Hiei, who was no where near the stadium, but rather hidden by a nearby forest. With him was a very crestfallen girl. Sensaina was sure that she would have impressed Hiei by winning her fight. She had expected praise or a some sort of acknowledgement but was sadly mistaken. When Hiei found her, he held nothing back. How could she have been so unprepared? Had he not stressed the importance of preparation? Whether she liked it or not skill would be her friend and anything else would be her downfall. She dared not cry in front of him. Once Mukuro showed up, things only got worse.

"I must say, I was expecting more, Hiei."

"Hn, that's your fault. What else did you expect picking up a stray?" Those words stung Sensaina over all else.

"I gave you the responsibility of making her stronger," Mukuro stated. Chills ran down Sensaina's spine at the malice was laced underneath. When her two superiors went under a silent staring match, she wished she could have slipped away.

"It's up to her whether she gets stronger or not," Hiei said finally. "I refuse to be accountable for her blood." With that, he was gone.

Up until now Sensaina had convinced herself that her Master Hiei cared about her. In that moment, she had doubts. Perhaps this all was really about his duty towards Mukuro. Whatever the truth she wished she was standing there with him instead of her Lord.

Kuwabara was starting to get antsy. He had to wait until the next three fights before going up against a demon named Jikininki, who looked like a starving ghost with his ghastly white skin and sunken in features. He looked so frail and dead looking that Kuwabara was skeptical of the demon's fighting abilities. Then again Jikininki made this far in the tournament, so Kuwabara would have to be on his guard. Other than his anticipation to fight Kuwabara also just wanted to get away from everyone. He was still frustrated with Urameshi for making a complete ass out of himself.

You just don't talk to women that way, Kuwabara thought angrily. Human, demon, or angel Kuwabara would honor his man code and treat all women with respect. Besides, it wasn't like Koren had been antagonizing them or anything. Heck, she even made sure she brought Jin back safely to them. Whatever her intentions may be, Koren was alright in his book because it seemed like she followed her own honor code similar to Kuwabara's.

Speaking of the angel, Kuwabara soon found her near one of the shops looking quite dumbfounded. Curious he approached her and investigated what had her attention. It was booth selling small kittens, and Kuwabara found himself as equally as shocked. Demons kept pets? They looked human world kittens with pointed ears, four legs, and fur. Aside from that they definitely weren't the kind of cat Kuwabara was used to with their multiple tails (it varied by kitten) and were odd colors like blue or purple. That's all he got from appearances, but he was sure they had some freaky abilities.

"Oh, it's you," Koren's voice brought Kuwabara from his thoughts. She looked up at him confused by his presence. Up close and without the awkwardness with Yusuke he could appreciate her crystal blue eyes and long locks of hair. She was very pretty. Everything about her was perfect. He was reminded of Yukina and how he thought the same of her. Wait, was did he just compare to Yukina to another woman? That was like cheating, right?

Aw man, Kuwabara thought panicked, I'm such a sleaze bag.

"Are you feeling well?"

"Uh, yeah," Kuwabara laughed nervously, "I just, uh, saw you here. Looked like you were confused and all...and uh..." He felt stupid. Maybe approaching her wasn't such a good idea after all. Koren didn't seem to notice his strange behavior and instead looked back at the kittens.

"What are they for? Food?" The question took Kuwabara off guard. He had assumed they were for pets, but he wouldn't put it passed demons to put the poor things in some stew. The thought made him feel queasy.

"Man, I hope not. I was thinking they were for pets, ya know?" Koren gave him a questioning look.

"Pets?"

"Yeah, you know, like a companion you take care of?" He saw the way her eyes widened at his words. Then she looked at the kittens once more but with more longing. He didn't know what to say or do. The whole situation was really strange. Maybe keeping pets wasn't an angel thing either, which wasn't the end of the world or anything. Then again, he was getting the vibe that Koren was actually really lonely. Not knowing her well enough he couldn't say that she felt that way all the time or if it was only because she was far from home. He had made up his mind, and yeah, it might be really dumb.

"Would you like me to buy you one? You know, for a pet?"

Koren's eyes snapped back to him. Confusion once again was all over her face, but this time excitement glittered her eyes. She opened her mouth to say something but the words never came out. He really just blew her mind.

"You don't have to fight again until tomorrow, so you'll have time to figure out what to do with it," he tried to convince her, "and I have a cat back home. I can show you how to take care of it?" It was very forward of him, but he didn't like seeing her that way. Alone and out of place with random jerks just yelling at you. Stupid Urameshi...

"I couldn't ask you to do that," she finally got out. She didn't say it with much confidence, so Kuwabara took that as a 'yes'. Everyone needs a friend, and he was going to make sure Koren had hers.

"Don't sweat it," he said with a wave of his hand. He proceeded to walk up to the booth picking out a grey kitten because of the black swirl pattern that went along its back and for its ocean blue eyes since they reminded Kuwabara of Koren's eyes. He would of let Koren pick it out, but she hadn't moved the spot she had been standing. She just watched him with wide eyes but didn't make any effort to stop him. The kitten was playful swatting at Kuwabara's hands as he picked it up but didn't cause real harm. Its three fluffy tails swayed happily as it purred when Kuwabara placed it in Koren's arm.

"There you go! What are you going to name him?"

"Name him?"

"Well, yeah. You gotta name him. My cat's name is Eikitchi if that helps."

Koren stared at the fluffy creature that purred contently in her arms rubbing his cheeks against her fingers. Affection for the kitten was established immediately, and Koren for the first time since arriving in demon world a real comfort just by its presence. What could she name her new friend that symbolized what he meant to her? Or was it customary to name it after appearance, she wondered as she studied the dark markings along his back that looked like a shadow creeping upon him. Or was she thinking too much of it? She considered all this for a moment before making a decision.

"I like Dewi."

"Hey, I think that's a great name!"

The yellow moon's light reflected off the dark water giving it the appearance of a living creature within the shadows. As the current made little waves the light danced around Koren watched mesmerized. Insects sang their night songs, but it was still quiet like a soft lullaby. In her lap, the sleeping kitten's purrs harmonized with the evening's music. The darkness around her felt like a blanket as she sat on a patch of grass at the base of a tree with drooping branches. Before when she thought of demon world, she thought of constant unrest as one fought for survival. Sleep with one eye open kind of deal, but as she sat there she felt soothed.

She felt him before she could see him. If he had meant her harm, he would've concealed his energy, so she didn't get to her feet as he approached. He came from her right, and once he was out of the shadows she saw it was Kurama. He greeted her with a friendly smile, which she didn't expect.

"Seems we had the same idea," he told her looking out at the riverbed. She assumed he meant the "getting away from it all". To rest in the moment. To just be.

"I wanted to apologize for earlier today," he went on, "I realize we were asking a lot of you without giving anything in return."

Koren tilted her head up at him interested in what he had to say. He must have been older and wiser than his friends despite his young appearance. His demon presence was not lost on her, but there was something off about him. He seemed more human. She had noticed the same about Yusuke when she had gotten close to confront him. Who were these men?

"My proposition is that I'll tell you something you wished to know, and in return you help us understand why you are here," he told her as he turned his gaze from the water to meet hers. Her training told her that she should turn him down, but when she saw that his eyes were absent of that calculating coldness from before. Perhaps he wasn't as wary of her now and didn't see her as much of a threat. They were two strangers simply wanting to understand each other. She nodded in agreement.

"Good. Well, what would you like to know?"

"Who is Koenma," she asked without hesitation. Kurama looked slightly taken back and was silent seeming to consider if the question was one he should answer. That was fine with Koren. If he didn't answer, she wouldn't reveal anything about the angels.

"Are you familiar with Spirit World," he asked first. She had never been there, but she had heard enough of it. She nodded.

"Koenma...Prince Koenma rather is the young ruler of Spirit World."

"Oh," she exclaimed. Her face gave off the impression that a light bulb went off in her head. "That makes much more sense now. You see, before Prince Koenma was probably even born, angels guarded Spirit World."

Kurama's eyes narrowed at this revelation. Koren had no doubt this would alarm him and the others. Either Koenma was truly clueless or he was keeping secrets. He could have sent the team to investigate in hopes of reconciliation with the angels to bring them back to Spirit World. With the angels has guardians, King Enma's fortress was impenetrable. Spirit World had never been so secure since.

"Why did the angels leave," he asked. Koren shrugged. Sariel had never told her that part of the story. Kurama decided to leave it alone. That wasn't what he came here seeking.

"Fair enough...Then tell me why you've come here?" Koren looked back out at the black water with its reflection of light here and there. A light in the darkness. A lamp stand in a dark room.

"We tried to establish peace in this realm long ago," she said, the images Sariel showed her of her fallen brethren flooded her mind. "We failed obviously and hid ourselves away. But now...now we have an opportunity to bring tranquility, healing, and joy."

"I see...What if humans and demons are incapable of living in such a way?"

The question caused her to turn to Kurama once more. Sadness was heavy on his face. It broke her heart. This world's evil had left an irremovable stain on him. She hadn't considered that the inhabitants in this world maybe had dreams of a perfect world void of pain, suffering, selfishness, and hate. She stood from her spot and moved towards Kurama. The forlorn veil in his emerald eyes called to her. With the still sleeping kitten in one hand, she used the other to take hold of his hand. Her forwardness was unexpected, and Kurama could only watch her curiously.

"I have hope for this world," she whispered, her thumb caressing his rough palm in attempts at comfort. "I don't think I could have gotten this far I didn't believe in redemption."

Kurama's hand tightened around hers. The warmth of it made her stomach tighten. It was amazing how easily she made connections here. Why was it so hard for her back home? In the back of her mind, a dangerous voice questioned the hearts of angels. Are we just shallow and cold creatures? Or...is something wrong with me. As quickly as his hand squeezed hers, it was gone with Kurama returning back to the shadows without a word.

As the chill of the night cloaked around her, Koren kept in the same spot staring into the darkness that engulfed Kurama wishing he had stayed.

Having successfully winning their fights the Rentai Tentai gathered together at Yusuke's compound in Tourin, which wasn't far from where the tournament was being held. Hiei gave no explanation for his absence. Yusuke hadn't thought about Koren for the rest of the day. Kuwabara didn't share the act of kindness he showed Koren even when Kurama mentioned she had found herself a pet. Other than the news about Spirit World's dealings with the angels, Kurama didn't reveal what had happened between Koren and him.

"You're serious," Yusuke asked incredulous, "These bad-ass angels want to make nice with everyone and unite the realms in some lovey-dovey fest?"

"Essentially," Kurama replied ignoring how Yusuke simplified everything.

"But isn't that a good thing," Kuwabara decided to chime in hoping to get Koren off the hook.

"It sounds good, but how far are they willing to go to succeed," Kurama wondered out loud. Kuwabara's face went pale at the thought of Koren's strength and that being used to force an ideal of them in the name of "peace". He personally liked Koren, but she was the only angel he had ever met. Who knows what the rest of her race was like?

"Hn, sounds like a lost cause to me," Hiei said, somewhat perturbed at the nerve of these angels, "They must be pretty full of themselves to think they can change years of instinct and lust for blood."

"And what about Koenma," Yusuke angrily added, "he had to know about this, that sneaky bastard!"

"Calm yourself, Yusuke," Kurama calmly asserted, "Koenma could very well be as unaware as we were." Yusuke gave the fox an annoyed look crossing him arms like a reprimanded child.

Honestly, all they could do was allow things to unfold and hope for the best.

Merry Christmas, everyone! And a Happy Holidays to anyone who does not celebrate Christmas.

Thank you for your reviews and to those who wished me a good trip to New York. It definitely was an experience. I highly recommend seeing the Empire State Building.

Now, about this chapter. This only had a few details planned out, and the rest was completely winged. I just really wanted to get a chapter posted this weekend, so I hope you find it enjoyable. Kuwabara's a sweetie, and I really do see him as someone who would try to help anyone out. Yusuke does seem like a jerk, but he's still wound up from his breakup with Keiko and his distrust of Koenma at the moment. The whole side plot with Sensaina will seem random for a bit because I still haven't figured out where I want it to go. We now see what role the angels had in Spirit World and why there's very little known about them. Please, let me know if you liked the interaction with Koren and Kurama.

I chose Paramore's "Brick by Boring Brick" because I think it represents things not being what they seem. We see that with Koren as she becomes more acquainted with boys, and she realizes that were preconceptions were off. We also see that with boys as they learn more about Koren, and when they start to distrust Koenma. Lastly, there's Sensaina as she starts to see how insignificant she is to Hiei. The song also as a nice sound to it that's edgy and upbeat that I believe works for the story overall.

A poll is now up for who will be Koren's love interest, and I did decide that Hiei is not going to be an option. I'm sorry to those who wanted to vote for him, but I've been inspired by another fanfic idea that will be a HieixOC story.

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