Chapter 10

The ominous skies cleared up, but the tension between the two angels intensified. T'challa was a strong and courageous angel whose loyalty to his people was unwavering. He truly embodied what it meant to be part of the great angel race. Often Koren wondered why he wasn't chosen over her to be the fourth guardian. What did she have over him? She didn't know if T'challa ever pondered the same question whenever he unfailingly attended the grand hall meetings while she was absent or when he caught her sleeping in the clouds while he was constantly finding ways to serve his people. If it were T'challa sent to be in the tournament, he'd succeed. Essentially, it was a big slap in the face for Sariel to send the sir angel, in Koren's mind, to babysit her.

"What do you wish to know," she finally said slowly and with control.

"How much have you told them about us," he wasted no time in asking. That bristled her wing feathers. Did he not trust her? Then again, as she remembered her conversations with Kurama and Yusuke, Koren bit her lower lip not wanting to answer. Kurama knew her reason for being her, and no doubt he told his friends. Then to Yusuke she spouted off about the universe, the guardians, and that she was a guardian herself. And how she didn't necessarily want to be one. Is it really that bad, she thought, Would it really cost the angels that much? Of course, she knew the thoughts came a little too late. She already said what she had said.

"They know why I'm here," she decided to say. T'challa didn't look convinced at her shaky voice (she silently cursed at herself for that) but didn't push further on the subject.

"Why did you compromise your duty by staying with them," he asked next. Yusuke couldn't hold his tongue any longer.

"Because sleeping in the woods on the ground full of demons sucks ass," he yelled. Koren flinched at the interruption, but T'challa simply ignored it waiting for her response.

"I wasn't," she hesitated feeling rather vulnerable, "...prepared to fend for myself. I didn't even know what to eat here. These people extended hospitality saving me a considerable amount of trouble." She wanted to tell T'challa about how Yusuke despite his better judgement let her stay in his home allowing her rest and warmth. Kurama went out of his way to find her food that could sustain her. Kuwabara made her smile and even gave her a new friend. But how could she? T'challa wouldn't understand, and she wasn't ready for the boys to know how much they truly meant to her.

T'challa considered her words then said low and matter-of-fact, "Lady Koren, I must insist you cease this folly. As a representative of the angel race-"

"I didn't ask for your opinion," Koren snapped, "This is MY mission, and I'll do as I see it!" T'challa's mouth dropped slightly, and he stared at her like she grew three heads. At the sight of his shock Koren instantly felt guilt. Where did that come from? Perhaps she was easily influenced by Yusuke and Kuwabara's bickering or maybe she just grew bolder in this new world. Whatever the reason, she had committed a very un-angel thing.

She blatantly disrespected a fellow angel. Spoke over him. Belittled him. Thought her word better than his.

Onlookers grew bored of the dispute because to them it was a petty thing. If only they knew the trust Koren had broken. They didn't see the look in T'challa eyes as he beheld her like a traitor.

"You," he rasped in a way that portrayed failing controlled anger, "are a disgrace to our people."

The words shook her being. For the first time in her life, another angel spoke out against her. No worrying about stepping on toes. No careful consideration before speaking before her. Yes, she did provoke him, but she never expected it to happen like this. She wanted her brethren, this brother, to see her as an equal and to treat her as such. Now, he looked at her as someone to be feared. She found herself being crushed by the weight of that look. Tears burned her eyes when suddenly Yusuke's back obscured her view.

"Damn, you people are dramatic," he loudly proclaimed. Could this get any worse? Koren didn't want Yusuke to get involved, and it certainly didn't help her case as T'challa was gathering information to report back to Sariel.

"Mind your place, demon," came T'challa's chilling response. Yusuke's fist tightened in anger.

"What is your deal? Koren's doing what you angels asked of her. Why the hell are you acting like she needs a fire under her ass?"

"Yusuke," Koren scolded in a whisper, "You're making it worse!" Once chestnut orb looked back at her over a shoulder in frustration.

"You're just going to let this guy push you around," Yusuke asked angrily. Koren had no way of knowing that Yusuke was remembering their conversation the night before. She had confided in him, and he gave advice. Advice he wished she'd take and tell the male angel to shove off.

"This is my burden, Yusuke, not yours," she insisted. He would've continued to argue if it weren't for her solemn eyes. Dammit, he knew that it was wrong of him to intervene. She was the youngest guardian, and she had a lot to prove. Saving her only made it that much harder to show her people she was worthy of her title. Forcing himself to look away from her sad eyes he turned to give T'challa one last glare before stepping to the side.

"I gotcha, Wings," he mumbled bitterly.

"ATTENTION CONTESTANTS: THE LINE UP IS ABOUT TO BE POSTED!" Koto's voice rang over the intercom. An excited clamor erupted as demons gathered to see the brackets determining the next fights. T'challa never looked away from Koren. His indigo eyes waiting for next move.

"I must go attend to my business here, T'challa," she told him, "I'll see to you later." The sir angel bowed stoically before turning away. Where he went Koren did not know. Her attention was glued to the name next to hers on the giant screen.

Koren vs. Kuwabara.

Sensaina vs. Shura

Kurama vs. Suzuka

Mukuro vs. Yomi

Hiei vs. Enki

Chu vs. Yusuke

"Well, look at the Kuwabara," Yusuke teased, "looks like Hiei called it alright."

"Hn," Hiei scoffed, "We might as well announce the angel the winner."

"Shuttup, Hiei," Kuwabara growled as he glared daggers at the screen.

"And look, Hiei," Kurama observed, "You'll be fighting our very own King of Demon World."

"As if that will be a challenge," Hiei said with a smirk, "He won by default last time. If Yusuke hadn't tired Yomi out during their fight, he'd never have won." Kurama closed his eyes as he shook his head along with a chuckle.

"Don't count Enki out just yet Hiei," Yusuke warned. "There's more to him than yoWAH HEY-" Chu's bulky arm wrapped Yusuke into a headlock causing the young man to cut his sentence short. The taller demon had flushed cheeks and was looking rather exasperated.

"Somethin' wrong with your eyes, mate? Don't you see you un' me gonna have a blow again? And you actin' like it's no big deal?!"

"Man, you reek! Getting in a few drinks before the fight, huh," Yusuke teased with a devious grin.

"YEAH," Chu yelled though it seemed he couldn't put together a next sentence.

"Yes, and you, Kurama," Suzuka began in a theatrical way, "should be preparing yourself for our fight. I have improved much since you last saw me battle and even greater than when Kuwabara fought against me. And you should know, that when I beat you, I will expect to be called the 'Beautiful Suzuka' by you once more."

"I see," Kurama said feigning a contemplative nature and hiding a smile, "it would be wise that I should defeat you then."

All while these conversations were occurring, Koren kept silent as she stared at the lineup. Her thoughts were between her upcoming fight with Kuwabara and her spat with T'challa. He accused her of compromising her mission, and she realized now that she wasn't ready to do battle with men she had made her friends, which now seemed a rather foolish move. Honestly, could she handle hurting Kuwabara now that she had grown so close to him? Then again, would Kuwabara even hesitate to attack her. She shook her head wishing away the confusing thoughts.

No more playing around, she thought, it's time I begun taking this seriously.

"Koren," the angel looked up at Kuwabara curious as to why he addressed her so grave way. "I just wanted to say that no matter what happens...I'll still consider you a friend."

His amber eyes were sweet, and his face held so much sincerity. Any other time Koren would've melted. She would savor the words as she offered the same expression towards him. Her heart would've grown ten times bigger to make room for love for this man. Any other time she would've allowed herself that happiness. In that moment, though, she could only see the look of betrayal from an angel she had known her entire life. She could only focus on the pain that she had caused. She was choking on her heart that was agonized and heavy.

It was almost too much to bare when she looked away from Kuwabara's expectant face ignoring his promise of friendship.

Severo watched with boredom as the demon before him screamed in agony. The pitiful creature had been sent out a few days ago to search out a gang of demons to capture the rumored angel. He came back empty-handed; thus, Severo ordered him to be severely punished. It was common in these parts to drive nails into the arms and legs of the person to the chair before taking a blow torch to scorch their body. It was a slow process and an excruciating way to die.

When the stench of burning flesh became overwhelming, a window was ordered to be open. Severo wasn't worried someone might hear the tortured cries since there was a protest taking place near city hall. Anyone who would of cared would be taking their stand elsewhere, and the authorities would be close by to take control of the situation. Honestly, it was doubtful anyone would have reported the noise if they heard it. Severo D'Ambrosi was well-known to the residents of Philadelphia, and nobody was interested in crossing him. Even with that reassurance, Severo was beginning to wonder when the sad bastard would die. The noise was giving him a headache.

A loud scraping sound cut through the screaming as the metal doors opened revealing the second imp Severo sent out. The demon was out of breath, and upon seeing the flesh melting off the first scout, color drained from his face.

"Carlos," Severo called above the commotion with a small smile," I hope you're not here to disappoint?" With a small wave he gestured to the torture between them. He already made an example of what failure would bring. Clearly he wasn't putting up with anything less than what he asked for initially.

"N-no," Carlos stammered meaning he indeed did find men for the job, but afraid of a misunderstanding changed his answer to, "I mean, yes. I m-mean, I found someone for you, boss. I swear I did!" He fell forward on his hands and knees bowing his head down to the ground.

The hairs on the back of Severo's neck stood straight as an erotic shiver went through him. Power. He craved it. Lusted for it.

"Well," he then asked, his voice sounding husky and sultry, "who are they then?"

Before the demon could answer, a burly shape shadowed over him from the doorway. Severo raised an eyebrow at the beast standing over six feet tall, burly, and olive green skin. He didn't look like anything special from other demons Severo had seen aside from a huge nose. With his slicked back hair and leather clothing, he definitely fit the scene alright. Then again, looks didn't mean shit.

"And you are," Severo inquired not having to yell so loudly as before since the screaming had turned into quieter defeated sobs.

"Name's Tony," came the gruff reply thickly laced with a Philly accent. Tony stood relaxed with his hands shoved in his jacket pockets. He wore sunglasses made up of upside down triangle frames, so Severo couldn't gauge the expression they held. Anger was building in Severo's chest as he realized he was not in the least bit impressed.

"And you're the one who's getting me my angel," Severo asked as he lit a cigar. Maybe it'd take the edge off a little.

"I'll be the one running things," was all Tony revealed. Severo's patience had run out.

"SHUT THAT BASTARD UP ALREADY!"

A gunshot echoed against the concrete walls, and the unfortunate whimpers and cries disappeared into the air.

"And what the hell does that mean," Severo growled as his attention turned back to Tony. Stepping towards the middle of the room closer to the crisped body, Tony answered,

"Means I don't like to get my hands dirty," with a jerk of his head he continued, "I leave that to my guys."

From the shadows of the room, came two more figures. Severo sucked in a breath at the fact he didn't sense the two presences in the room at all. On one hand, that could mean they didn't have any significant energy signals. The other meant they were talented and dangerous. He also needed a moment to process the bizarre appearances of the two.

One was even bigger and burlier than Tony with gray hair and leathery skin covering his body. He had tiny eyes and a gigantic, wide mouth that seemed to no be able to close. It just stayed open showing off terrible yellow teeth and a long tongue. He didn't look like a demon that belonged to the streets of Philly. Among the cathedrals in Rome alongside gargoyles perhaps but not Philly...He wore dark leather clothing similar to his ring leader except for the giant spikes on the shoulders of his jacket.

"Big guy's named Buddy," Tony introduced. Severo then examined the smaller demon standing to Buddy's left. He was a scrawny thing with a black hoodie swallowing his frame and blue denim jeans hugging small legs. His skin was a sickly gray with thick locks of indigo hair falling into his face. What caught Severo's attention were the giant bat ears he possessed, glistening fangs that showed even with is mouth closed, and black eyes with a small red pupil. "His name's Raymond."

"Scary names," Severo commented.

"Names don't really do much," Tony answered showing no annoyance to Severo's mockery, "It's the reputation behind them that makes a difference."

"Tell me your plan then," Severo said changing topic. "How are you going to obtain the angel? I've been hearing interesting things about her abilities. She won't be easy to subdue."

Tony chuckled before answering, "I'm going to leave that to Vinnie."

Before Severo could inquire who this "Vinnie" was he saw a shift in the shadows to Tony's right. It was a cloaked figure with a large brimmed hat covering its face. Distinguishing between shadow and being was difficult, and Severo wondered how long this Vinnie was present in the room. Was it before Tony even entered? By this time, Buddy and Raymond had made their way to flank Tony's left. The four of them together gave Severo reassurance that this could actually work.

"Well, I'm convinced," he finally conceded before taking a drag from his cigar. "When should I expect my angel?"

"In the next hour or so, I suspect," Tony replied with a knowing smile. Before Severo could question this, all the members moved forward to rest a hand onto Buddy, and in a blink of an eye they vanished.

Severo stared at the spot where they stood just seconds beforehand, a smile slowly creeping its way across his face.

A/N: First, I just want to apologize for my absence. I got sick, and at the same time work got REALLY stressful which made writing really difficult to do. That's why this chapter is pretty short and uneventful. Good news is that I finished up my two weeks with my job, and now I'm just going to chill for a few weeks before finding something else. Hopefully, my creative juices can get going again.

The poll for the love interest is resulting in YusukeXKoren. I think I'll still play around with Kurama, but you can pretty much count on Yusuke getting the girl.

The only other thing I'd like to mention is that I chose Tony, Buddy, Raymond, and Vinnie's names because they were names of actual mob bosses in the United States' northeast.

Please review if you're not too upset with me. I love seeing what you guys have to say. It really makes my day. Until next time!