Chapter 7

"Can You Feel My Heart" Bring Me The Horizon

"I'm scare to get close, and I hate being alone

I long for that feeling to not feel at all

The higher I get, the lower I sink

I can't drown my demons, they know how to swim"

Koren woke up to a feisty Dewi attacking her wings. During the night she had wrapped her wings around her to fight off the cold, and Dewi found the feathers to be the perfect play things. Laughter erupted from her lips at Dewi's antics. The sound drew the kitten's attention away from his prey and to his new caretaker. Leaning his paws against her chest he reached up to rub his fluffy cheek against the underside of her chin purring all the while. He had grown attached to her as much as she came to adore him more and more. Clouds and dreams were fine companions, but now she knew that nothing could compare to a mutual affection. She didn't know how to thank Kuwabara.

He had been so determined to make her happy. She didn't understand why he cared. They weren't allies, and he had to still be wary of her mission. Still, he had shown her compassion. Out of the group she could sense he was entirely human. Was that it then? Were humans not as heartless as demons?

Green eyes filled with regret flooded her mind. Kurama was a demon, yet she still had a moment to empathize with him. She remembered the way his hand felt in hers and thought how she would love to feel that again. Heat flushed to her cheeks upon this revelation, but she couldn't explain what she was feeling. It didn't matter, but it proved to her that there was more to the residents of this world than her people gave them credit for. She was beginning to care for these humans and demons after all…Was it right to impose the rule of angels on them? Did they truly need salvation? Doubt grew in her heart, and her resolve started to waver. She placed Dewi on the ground as she stood to walk over to the river above her. Each step was a struggle as Dewi weaved himself in and out of her legs continuing his hum of purrs.

Cupping water in her hands she brought it up to her lips to take a drink. She caught her reflection in the ripples. Questioning blue eyes stared into her soul. What am I afraid of, she asked herself. Angels were kind creatures resulting to violent only when absolutely necessary. An image of Artaxes, fearsome and brutal, swinging his battle axe at her struggling form flashed resurfaced. What if things didn't go smoothly after she won the tournament? What lengths would the guardians go to make sure their efforts were not in vain? More memories of broken, blood-soaked, and decapitated angels hit her so hard she felt like she was seeing it all again right before her. If that happened again…would Sariel return to the angel's realm once more or would he seek vengeance? She swallowed with dread.

A soft meow tore her from her morbid thoughts. Patting Dewi's head lovingly, Koren silently thanked for the interference. Standing she peered up toward demon world's skies. They were dark and foreboding, and Koren felt no desire to fly within them. She sighed deciding that it was too late to go back now. She'd continue fighting and learning about the inhabitants. If by the end of it the angels saw cause for war...

Koren wasn't sure whose side she'd protect.

Hunger caused Koren to once again buy a tasteless and brown blob she had the previous day. She focused on memories of sweet and spicy fruits that were refreshing and satisfying as she forced down bites of the only meatless food she could find in this realm. She wasn't convinced this food was all demon had to offer, but she didn't really have the luxury of exploring in search of better quality fruit. Perched on her shoulder was Dewi, who had no trouble filling his stomach earlier that morning. Much to Koren's chagrin the small demonic feline had caught himself several mice, which Koren suspected to be a litter and its mother. She felt the life drain from the small creatures and it made her stomach churn. She didn't blame Dewi for doing what he must to survive, but she did secretly wish the two could of shared the same diet.

She walked through the crowd of demons painfully aware of the distance they put around her. She was beginning to regret releasing her wings so early in the tournament. Suspicion and distrust within a multitude of violence driven monsters did not bode well for her. Now, instead of being carelessly ignored she'd had become the object of their hate. It didn't take long for a gang of angry demons to block her path looking none too friendly. Koren stopped and stood her ground. She felt Dewi's claws dig into her shoulder and his hair bristle at the sudden confrontation. Despite his fear he loyally stayed.

"Look who we have here," A gangly looking demon with pea green skin and slicked-back greasy hair said, "it's the angel."

Koren didn't miss the disgust emphasized on the last word. Nor was she ready for the term to be used. Angels were thought to be long extinct or never to have existed by now. How did the truth of her race spread within a few hours?

"I don't like the idea of that kind taking part in our tournament," he went on. The other four that were with him agreed with him giving her hateful looks, and one spat in her direction.

"Let's teach her a lesson, boss," a shorter one with a pig nose hissed.

"Yeah," a larger one with spikes covering his back agreed, "and when we're finished with her we can show those humans a lesson too!" The group laughed horribly as they inched closer to Koren.

"Oh, is that so," an overly-cocky voice inquired. Looking passed the quintet Koren saw stood Yusuke flanked by Kuwabara and Kurama. She saw they had others with them, but they hung back deciding to not be overly involved. The demons threatening her didn't even spare a glance at the fighters as they dispersed into the crowd. Cowards, Koren thought. To spout of such big talk she had expected them to had at least attempted to back of up their words.

"What a bunch of tools," she heard Kuwabara mumbled as the boys approached her. Once her eyes caught Kuwabara's, the scowl on his face disappeared into a friendly smile. Koren's heart melted from its sweetness. She wanted to greet him but was interrupted by Kurama.

"It seems word of your true identity as spread quickly," he said with his brow furrowed in thought, "Curiously, though, they knew you're an angel without question."

"Perhaps angels aren't as forgotten as we first believed," Koren mused out loud. Kurama was lost in thought, so Koren could take in his appearance without any awkwardness. His angled and thin face made him very handsome, and his calculating emerald eyes were enchanting. He was calm and collected with a bright mind. Without seeing his abilities Koren was certain he was strong and dangerous. In this world, he stood out but back home he'd be like everyone else. Memories of the past night crossed her mind, and she couldn't remember seeing the same sorrow Kurama held in all of the angel's realm. Not even when Sariel showed her the failed attempt to integrate into demon world.

"What's wrong with her," Yusuke's voice brought her out of her thoughts. She found that all three men were gazing at her in confusion. Heat flushed into her cheeks.

"I'm fine!" She didn't like the sound her voice made. Higher than she meant. It sounded guilty, and she was all too aware of Kurama taking it all in. Yusuke shrugged then asked, "Sooo...since you're on every demon's hit list now, do you just want to stick with us?"

She could hardly believe it. Were they baiting her? First, Kuwabara showed her genuine kindness unlike anyone had ever shown her. Then Kurama reconciled with her making a reasonable compromise (not to mention completely intriguing her). Now, Yusuke is offering her a place among them and protection. Only yesterday were they determined to find the angel for Koenma and stop her from fulfilling her duties. She was right to question if they were tricking her, and the wise choice would be to turn the offer down. And yet, something deep within her heart wouldn't allow her to listen to her brain.

"That...sounds wonderful," she found herself saying. A giant, toothy grin appeared on Yusuke's face, and Koren found herself smiling at the sight of it. Since Koren had formed somewhat of an alliance with Yusuke and his friends, the former decided it would be a helpful if she learned everyone's names. The tall man with the mo-hawk was Chu, and the boy that was always by his side was Rinku. Two faces she hadn't seen before were introduced as Shishiwakamaru (Or Shishi for short) and Suzuka. There were two others that were absent, and this concerned Koren.

"What happened to Jin," she asked, worried she had done more damage than she first thought.

"Oh, he's fine," Yusuke said with a careless wave of his hand, "Touya's forcing him to take it easy for a bit. Speaking of Touya...I wonder when he's going to show up for his fight?"

Touya must be the man with the frost-colored hair who took Jin after our battle, Koren reasoned silently. She gave the rest of the fighters a friendly nod. Some gave her giant grins while others simply acknowledged her gesture without one in return. Others maybe would consider it rude, but Koren took his as a breath of fresh air. How many years did she have to accept unwanted bowed heads, bent knees, and respectful formalities? No walking on eggshells or fears of offending her. These men were unapologetic in their ways, and that pleased her more than anything.

Rather than looking forward to accomplishing her mission, she was interested in learning more about the group of friends.

The day went by in a hazy blur for Sensaina. Mukuro pitted some of her strong fighters against the young demoness to ruthlessly train her. It lasted well into the early hours of the day meaning she didn't get much rest. Not that it mattered. As far as Mukuro was concerend, the only thing Sensaina should be concerned about was winning. That took precedence even over food and water. She had not seen Master Hiei since he reprimanded her over her last battle, but she never stopped thinking about what he said. It's up to her whether she gets stronger or not, his words haunting her, I refuse to be held accountable for her blood. She looked up to Hiei. His training had been hard, his requirements brutal, but he was still gentle in his own way. Growing up without a family, Hiei had become a sort of big brother to her. If being strong meant pleasing him and earning his affections, then she'd achieve strength she never before dreamed of processing.

She entered the ring with a new sense of determination. Rinku, the youngest combatant along with her, stood on the opposite side looking smug. She felt an eyebrow twitch with aggravation. Did he think this would be an easy fight? Gripping her twin blades she brought them into a fighting stance. I'll show him, she thought. The memory of Hiei's face looking at Mukuro was apathy towards her blinded her vision. I'll show all of them, she promised herself letting a little growl out in the process.

"Sheesh, you're taking this pretty seriously, huh," Rinku said across the ring, rubbing the back of his head. His face lacked worry and caused an irritated growl emit from Sensaina. With an irritated sigh, Rinku went ahead and released his devil yo-yos. The childish looking weapons snaked around in the air as if searching for the nearest prey. She didn't move forward because she was unsure of how to proceed. It appeared Rinku could manipulate his toys to strike and act anyway he pleased. Any way she attempted he would see and send a yo-yo her way.

Tired of waiting Rinku directed the yo-yos towards Sensaina. Failing to react quickly enough, Sensaina suffered a few blows each feeling like razor-sharp rocks. Jumping to the side she was able to tumble out of the way. Quickly she got to her feet to see Rinku's smug face and more yo-yos coming her way. As she dodged and struggled Rinku continued to look bored yet pleased with himself. From the looks of it he figured he would become the victor of this match. Oh, how it made Sensaina's blood boil.

She was tired of being looked down upon. How nobody in this stupid tournament took her seriously. How Master Hiei had walked away treating her like she didn't matter...The demonic yo-yos flew at her, but she maneuvered around with speed that shocked even her. Rushing her spirit energy within her twin blades she crossed the two inward before slashing them in opposite directions. Purple energy ran forth from the blades slicing through the strings. With the yo-yos out of the way, her next target was their master.

Rinku's eyes widened in shock obviously not expecting such a spike in her spirit energy. As the ends of his yo-yos fell to the ground useless he tossed the remaining strands and struggled to dodge her next few attacks. Not only did he have to avoid the blades themselves but the energy that reached out farther. He winced at the few attacks he failed to evade ripped into his flesh. Sensaina had the advantage, and Rinku knew that his only chance would be to disarm her. It was going to be gamble getting so close to her, and every time he got close enough she fought him off.

"Come on," Rinku growled in frustration, "Where did all this come from, huh?" He dodged another strike sweat beginning to bead on his forehead. "It doesn't make any sense. I shouldn't have to try this hard!" Rage burned in Sensaina's golden orbs at Rinku's insolence. Anger fed her as she swung her swords faster with her power intensifying surrounding the blades in an indigo aura. She was intent on making the next move the last one.

"BECAUSE I'M STRONG, YOU PRICK!" With that battle cry, she made a scissoring effect with twin swords and used all the energy she had to force the building aura forward, so it raced towards Rinku. Not expecting her to be able to send her attack away from her Rinku was not able to reach safety. The attack hit him with full force cutting him up severely, and as he hit the ground like a ton of bricks it was obvious he was critically injured. Sensaina was announced the winner.

She didn't feel a sense of victory, though, as she looked at Rinku's bleeding body before her. Yes, she was angry and had wanted to win, but she didn't want to destroy the poor boy. Frantic yelling came from behind her. When she turned around, she saw a tall man running into the ring rushing passed her to Rinku's side. She recognized him as one of the men that Master Hiei would hang around with. He started to transfer energy over to his fallen friend.

"Come on, mate," she heard him mumble, "You're gonna be a'right. Damn, did that sheila give you a whopper."

Guilt rather than pride filled her heart. Isn't that what she wanted? Fear and respect over disregard or mockery? She ducked her head in shame but kept her gaze on Rinku. Even with his companion's healing technique he still looked so bloody and broken. Tears blurred her vision. Is this what she was to become for Lord Mukuro's sake? A monster capable of doing what she did to Rinku? She started to turn to run away when she felt a presence suddenly appear behind her.

"Stay where you are," she heard Hiei's voice, quiet but firm. She didn't dare move. "Do not take your eyes off of him. Look at the power you created and realize this is its fullest extent."

As much as it killed her she did what she was told. She looked at Rinku's mangled body, the blood, the expression of pain on his face, and how his breath was labored. If it wasn't for the tall man's interference, Rinku would have died in mere minutes. Why hadn't she held back some her energy? She could have won without doing so much damage, so why did she choose to unleash it all on this boy who was expecting a simple match? She was angry. She allowed her emotions get the best of her, and they caused her to do something she regretted.

"This is what Mukuro wants from you," Hiei continued. "She wants you cold and ruthless. Your tears have no place in the future she has for you." Why was he telling her this? Was it his way of telling her suck it up? No, Sensaina didn't sense that from him. She knew he never wanted to be part of Mukuro's plan and to train her. With her newfound power without the help of Hiei, Mukuro would surely take matters into her own hands. Hiei would be free of her; he must know that. So why...Despite telling her to not look away from her beaten opponent Sensaina turned to look at Hiei. His crimson eyes stared down at her in a way she had never witnessed before like he was trying to tell her something important. Decide now, they seemed to say to her, is this the future you want? She had a decision to make. Let Mukuro run her life for her or to take matters into her own hands. If she chose to escape...

Could she survive Mukuro's wrath?

To aid in speeding up the tournament, it was decided two or more matches would go on at the same time. As Sensaina and Rinku's match commenced, Kurama was facing off against Shishiwakamaru. Koren wasn't as interested in the round between the young demons as she was in Kurama's. His abilities fascinated her. Flowers as weapons was definitely something she had never seen before. She also noticed how cunning and cut throat he could be in battle. From appearances and what she knew about human life, Kurama looked to be fairly young, yet he fought with experience of a very seasoned fighter. It made her think back on how she sensed demon a presence in his very human body. He was a mystery to her, and she wondered if he'd be willing to share such things with her.

Of course, she doubted it. He probably was still very suspicious of her. Remembering back on their first interaction, she had told him that she was equally as cautious. That obviously wasn't true now as she stood among his friends. What did that say about her in retrospect then?

She watched as Kurama brought forth another plant from a mere seed that ended the fight. Kurama the winner, and neither fighter was harmed. The fight lasted only a few minutes. That explained the look of apprehension on Shishi's face when the lineup paired him with Kurama. There was no doubt in his mind that Kurama would defeat him. After seeing his capabilities, Koren wouldn't enter battle blindly if she was to go against him.

With that fight ended, Koren decided to watch the other fight that was taking a bit longer to wrap up. At first it seemed that Rinku would prevail, but suddenly the girl, Sensaina, made a surprising comeback. Koren recognized immediately that the attack Sensaina was producing was new and unexpected. Fueled only by intense emotion. The energy was dangerous but untamed. It only made sense that she would relinquish more than what was necessary to bring Rinku down.

It was a vicious attack that Koren couldn't appreciate as it left Rinku in a bloody mess. He was dying...Chu realized this immediately and hurried to the ring to aid his teammate. The others didn't follow, but concern was written all over their faces. It never ceased to amaze her the relationships these demons held despite the disloyal persona everyone else had labeled them.

"If Chu gets to him soon enough, Rinku will recover," Kurama's voice reached her. She hadn't felt him approach, and after watching him fight it made a shiver crawl down her spine. The screens turned black hindering them from seeing Rinku's progression, but she knew they could easily latch onto his spirit energy's weak signal.

"Man," Kuwabara whistled, "that little girl just keeps getting stronger. I heard she's one of Mukuro's people, which explains a few things I say." Koren didn't know who this Mukuro was but sensed it must have been with powerful influence in this world.

"Somewhat," Kurama agreed but added, "Though it does beg the question why Mukuro has put so much interest in a young girl."

"Eh, who cares," Yusuke snapped. Obviously not in a good mood after seeing his friend almost die. "I'll make sure neither one makes it to the top. I should include you into that too, Wings."

It took her a moment to realize he was talking about her, but she simply crossed her arms and gave him a little bit of a smirk.

"That's fine by me, Yusuke," she said softly, "We already agreed to settle our differences in the ring." The understanding between the two fighters couldn't be put to words in Koren's mind. She just felt it, and she concluded that this was how Yusuke established all of his connections. He wasn't a man of elaborate words or liked to share his feelings. He kept things simple at its best, and that somehow created mutual respect between him and whomever.

"We must first attend to the arrangements at hand," Touya, who had joined them during Sensaina and Rinku's fight, reminded them. He looked grim learning from the lineup that he was to face off against Hiei, who Koren learned was part of their group. From the picture provided on the screens, Hiei looked hard and ruthless. From Touya's expression, she accepted that Hiei was that and much more. While those two fought she would be going up against a demon named Obake, who looked like a badger on steroids.

"It wouldn't surprise me if your opponent turns out to be a shapeshifter," Kurama told her, "so do not be taken off guard if he transforms during your fight." His green eyes rested on her softly, and she almost found herself getting lost within them. To counter their mesmerizing effect, she turned her attention to Kuwabara who was playing with Dewi.

She found that she both enjoyed and hated how Kurama looked at her.

A/N: I wanted this to be longer, but I felt it's been forever since I updated that I decided to stop here. I hope it was well worth the wait.

A poll is open for the love interest of Koren to be either Yusuke, Kuwabara, or Kurama. If you use the mobile version of the site, you'll have to change your view to the desktop version in order to see the poll on my bio. Another option if you don't mind everyone seeing your vote is to vote in the reviews. I don't mind either way. I just want you guys to have the story you would prefer. As you can probably already tell, I'm leaning towards Kurama. If nobody votes, this will end up a KorenXKurama romance.

Please, let me know in the reviews how you like the story so far. Any criticism is welcome as long as it's constructive. Anything you guys share truly makes my day.

* The lyrics at the beginning belong to the song by Bring Me the Horizon. I won't go into detail as to why I chose the song except that I feel like it does set a tone for several chapters to come.

I hope your New Year has been enjoyable! Until next time : )