Chapter 12

The group of friends watched the figure, and though it was hard to distinguish they could see it was making its way down towards them. Movement from their right distracted them. The angel, T'challa, had returned. He settled on the ground a few feet from them giving them a look of distrust and anger. It was obvious Koren's disappearance had not gone unnoticed by the angel folk, and Koren's new "friends" were to blame.

"You know anything about this," Yusuke asked with a jerk of his head toward the speck in the sky.

"The guardians have no doubt witnessed what has happened," T'challa replied stoically. "They send a messenger." With that said, all eyes returned to the newcomer. As the angel drew nearer, they noticed its odd flight pattern. It was like a leaf floating down from the trees in autumn. Upon closer inspection, they realized that not only did she (they could determine now) flew like a fallen leaf, but she resembled one as well. Or a whole array of leaves rather. Everything about her was rich shades of green from fern skin, basil hair, and sea-foam eyes with variation of green shades here and there. Even the gown she donned was made of sage material. Her dark hair was short but tuft out like petals on a flower. Unlike Koren and T'challa here wings didn't consist of feathers, but four giant ivy leaves that were almost translucent (Kurama found this comparison strange seeing that Koren said there wasn't much plant life in the angel realm). Her hands fanned out similar to a maple leaf (Kurama noted peculiar as well) instead of fingers. She was small and dainty.

"There's not much of standard when it comes to these guys, huh," Kuwabara commented as he gaped as the bizarre creature.

"Ryoko," T'challa greeted as the lady angel landed before them. "I trust you came with a message?"

"Oh, yes," was her alto reply. Her voice was refreshing like a breeze across a field of blooms. "For the demons," she added turning to Yusuke and the others then she noticed Kuwabara, "Oh! and I suppose the human as well."

"And what have your masters said," Kurama prompted.

" 'If Lady Koren is not recovered in three days time'," Ryoko quoted, " 'our angel armies will come down to retrieve her ourselves. No demon or human will be spared until she is found.'"

A dreadful silence fell on them. Angels declaring a champion to run for power in their world was the least of their problems now. Actually, it paled in comparison to what seemed like a declaration of angel warfare. It may of seemed a little drastic, but they couldn't fathom how important Koren was especially to the oldest of guardians. Much like a devastated father, Sariel was desperate to have Koren back. Yes, it wasn't the most seemingly rational decision, but love often wasn't.

"And I thought I was done with all this spirit detective bullshit," Yusuke groaned. Not that he wasn't planning on getting Koren back anyway, but three days wasn't very much time.

"Three days," Kuwabara sputtered as Yusuke made his complaint. "We have no idea where they went, so how the heck do they expect us to find her? Three days..." then he trailed off into stream of mumbles.

"That's why the guardians have sent Ryoko," T'challa said slowly losing patience.

"Care to elaborate," Kurama said remaining calm.

"Ryoko is one of the best enchanters in our realm having studied under Lady Rhiannon for decades," T'challa explained. "She can trace Koren's location, transport us there, and release Koren from the curse her captors placed on her."

"Curse," Kurama questioned.

"Yeah," Yusuke joined, "whadda mean 'curse'?"

"Do you really think Lady Koren would let herself be captured so easily," T'challa snapped. Pride for the angel race pumped through his veins. "Whoever these perpetrators are, they obviously knew ancient seals that trapped her power within."

They were all to familiar with trapped spirit energy. Kurama had almost died after Gamma placed a similar seal locking Kurama's energy away right before he was to fight Touya in the Dark Tournament. It definitely explained how Koren was kidnapped, and it was also a sign of relief. Their enemies weren't strong fighters but instead simply had some tricks up their sleeves. With that explained, they could focus on who was going to help them with this mess.

From first glance, you wouldn't think Ryoko could do much. One of her toga straps fell off her shoulder, and she stood heavily on her right leg unlike Koren and T'challa, who stood tall and proud. She became distracted by the scenery and gazed about slowly. They couldn't help but think of her a bit ditzy. Hardly the one they wanted to depend on in this situation...

"I see," Kurama said almost in a deadpan manner.

"Ryoko," T'challa addressed his companion, "You should start as soon as you can." The lady angel didn't seem to hear what was being said to her. Her attention stayed on the demon world skies.

"It smells bad here," she idly commented.

"Aw, hell," Yusuke cursed running a hand through his hair. He was becoming less and less impressed.

"I can't do it here," Ryoko continued, "It'll take awhile, and there's too much interference." She was looking at one of the cameramen that stuck around as she said this.

"We can take them to Tourin," Kurama told Yusuke. "That will be safe and quiet enough."

"Let's get to it then," Yusuke grumbled. "Hey, where are you going?"

Hiei was walking away at this point. Without stopping, he said over his shoulder, "I have no business with these angels. While you play the hero, I'm going to win this tournament." Then in a flash he was gone.

"What a punk," Kuwabara growled as he glared at the spot Hiei vanished from.

"There's nothing that can be done. He's made up his mind," Kurama cooly said.

"Yo, T'challa," Yusuke called deciding to just forget about Hiei, "we can take you and Ryoko back to my place. She should be able to do whatever the hell it is she can do there."

And off they went.

He could stare at her for the rest of eternity. How any creature could be so beautiful he didn't know. The fact she was before him, and only him, was beyond all reason. What made him worthy of her presence? Blue eyes like the pools of the Isle of Skye watched him under dark eyelashes. She wasn't afraid of him. No, she was waiting for him. His eyes lowered to her soft, pink lips. He imagined them forming words to beckon him venture closer. He wanted her to ask him to capture her ample breasts. They were soft mounds that would fit perfectly in his hands. His fingers itched to run across the curves of her sculpted bodice before tangling them in her flowing locks. Did he dare?

What stopped him from making her his? Somewhere a breeze came through rustling the feathers that clothed her wings. Ah, yes, the one feature that set her apart from the rest of this world. In the Holy Bible, angels were fierce warriors of God. They guarded the temple warning those to not enter lest they be judged. On more than one occasion, an angel would be sent down to destroy a whole city casting judgement and wrath on the wicked.

"Is that why, angel," he found himself asking, "Am I too unholy to touch you?" Would the unseen justices of the world smite him to ash for defiling such a beautiful and pure goddess? Despite this realization he wasn't struck with fear like most would be. He was filled with defiance. Why should he deny himself the greatest pleasure? Her. At that moment, she reached out to him. An invitation he would not pass up. He stepped forward shamelessly.

Because, frankly, he didn't give a damn.

Severo awoke out of breath. Confused he looked about the suite as it slowly dawned on him that it was all a dream. She wasn't here. She wasn't reaching for him. She didn't want him. But, oh, how he wanted her now. More than anything. He shoved the sleeping woman draped over him off the bed. With a shriek she awoke. Not daring to start a fight with THE Severo D'Ambrosi she rushed to gather her things. She fled from the room without bothering to get fully dressed. Severo looked out of the window surveying the dirty streets and abandoned buildings.

He tried to remember a time he dreamed anything so vividly. Recollections of a series of dreams of his family being tortured by neighboring gangs came to mind. When he was haunted by those nightmares, he took care of it. Got them out of the picture, so he would never have to worry about such things. But the angel...

He had plans for her, so he'd just have to bear his pain.

"Pick a card. Any card." Koren ignored the request and simply glared at the bat demon.

The four demons took turns watching her throughout the night. The other three were silent guards barely ever acknowledging her presence. The one known as Raymond got bored too easily. He would talk to her of other jobs they did. He never skipped a single sordid detail, and she would tighten her eyes shut to try to shut him out. She didn't want the images in her mind. Other times he'd just insult her, which was more bearable. When he got tired of talking, he would move on to physically tormenting her. Using his sharp claws he'd attack her from different angles leaving cuts all over her body but never touching her face or neck. Due to the curse she was unable to heal the wounds. Out of all the demons she had come across she hated him the most. Now, here he was trying to get her to play his silly game.

"Well, come on then," he snapped while waving the cards in her face.

"No way in hell," she said through gritted teeth. She had all the snarky comments she ever heard from Yusuke ready to go.

Raymond thrusted his clawed hand inches from her face. She didn't flinch or bat an eye.

"Speak to me like that again, and I'll tear up your face!"

"Raymond," Tony's voice barked from the doorway. Standing beside him was Severo, who looked rather...irritated. "Get away from the broad. We're leaving Mr. D'Ambrosi to consult his prize."

Then in an instant Severo and Koren were alone. He examined every inch of her but never drew nearer. Koren watched him coldly yet curiously. What is he searching for, she thought. Finally, he returned to his spot in front of her. With a tilt of his head, he inquired, "Do you have a name, Angel?"

"Yes," Koren said icily, "but it hardly matters if you know it."

"Humor me," he chuckled. Koren didn't understand the phrase. She stayed silent. Eyes and body guarded.

"I'm Severo D'Ambrosi if that helps," he offered. "I'm the king in these parts. People don't usually deny me...If they do, well, perhaps you should guess what happens to them."

"I'm not scared of you," Koren said evenly and boldly.

"No...No, you are not," he replied sounding lost in thought. His eyes had a strange glint.

Koren tried to fight the uneasiness she felt under that stare. She wasn't afraid, but she wasn't a fool. There was something wrong with this human. Something evil and rotten. Something that was exactly everything wrong in this world. The sort of thing she wanted to help get rid of in her conquest to redeem this realm. She had told Kurama she believed in redemption. Had hope in it. As she stared into Severo's eyes, though, doubt threatened her conscious.

Severo took a step closer bending down to be at eye-level with Koren.

"I will break you," he said simply. His voice dropped to a whisper as he continued, "I will force your wings free and use them as I please...I will showcase you as I wish, and you will be forced to endure. I will make sure that you realize that even if you withhold your name that it doesn't matter...because you are mine now. You are who I say you are. You're not afraid of me? Well, soon you will be..."

He reached out and stroked a lock of her hair. Koren heard the catch in his breath, and she studied him more closely. It was an odd thing to do after he threatened her. It was confusing because it showed a different emotion than what he was trying to portray. It was also reassuring. Even though she didn't completely understand just yet, it was okay...

Because it showed weakness.

Sensaina was exhausted. After her fight with Shura, it was obvious to Mukuro her ward needed more training. It had been a close call for Sensaina, but the young demoness that she did pretty well all thing considered. Shura had been training for years with his father, Yomi. Sensaina wasn't raised as a fighter, and her training consisted of her time with Master Hiei.

Of course, everyone else said it was sheer luck. Ever since her fight Mukuro had her pitted against more demons. Ones stronger than before. If she slipped up even once, they were ordered to kill her. She was no use as Mukuro's heir if she couldn't hold her own.

She contemplated on just throwing a fight and letting them put her out of her misery. Was it even worth it at this point? Would she ever be good enough to replace Mukuro? It was less than honorable, yes, but she was so sick and tired of proving herself over something she didn't really care about.

Despite her suicidal thoughts, she continued fighting. Continued slaying and blood kept being spilled. She concluded it would never get easier for her seeing all this blood and death. She really was a sad excuse for a demon. What demon hated bloodshed? When she cut down her last opponent, she was meant with relief.

And then the door opened the light blinding her.

"I hope you don't think these nothings can prepare you for what's coming," Hiei barked, his voice cutting through her. She gawked at him. Why was he here? Didn't he say his job was done and left her at Mukuro's mercy?

"I don't think anything could," she said meekly, "but I was hoping a night's rest would help..."

It was a lame attempt, she knew that. She was indeed very tired and knew that if she didn't rest up soon she'd never be fit to fight the next day. And to fight Hiei? The wielder of the Darkness Flame? She knew she wasn't ready for such a battle...Nor did she think capable of hurting Hiei even if she had the ability. She knew it was possible in the last two rounds of the tournament but...

"Fight me with all you got," he told her, "then you can rest." The door was shut, and darkness surrounded them. Hiei unsheathed his sword, and fear found its way in Sensaina's whole being.

"Yes, Master Hiei," she said barely above a whisper before taking her stance.

Once at Tourin, Ryoko was able to prove her worth. She sat down, closed her eyes, and began muttering incantations in a language even Kurama didn't recognize. At first nothing happened, but then Ryoko's eyes snapped open glowing an electric green. The aura around her shifted, and it was obvious that whatever was taking place required a large amount of energy. T'challa expained that Ryoko was searching energy signatures similar to Koren's starting at a certain kilometer span before reaching further and further. For an angel as skilled as Ryoko, it wouldn't take very long.

Kuwabara didn't want to stick around while the she angel did her thing because she was creeping him out. He noticed that if he looked closely enough at her eyes after getting used to the glowing, her eyes whipped around wildly searching. She wasn't looking at him or anything else in the room but at whatever it entailed for searching energy signatures. Either way, he didn't want to watch.

Chu and the other fighters came along to Yusuke's demon fortress. It didn't make for a happy occasion though. Due to the situation they now faced nobody was in a cheerful mood and waited quietly for Ryoko's enchantments to work. Kurama did want to talk about the state of the tournament with them. Suzuka won by default since Kurama had no interest in continuing toward the finals with Koren's capture, and Chu had given his spot up as well. That left Mukuro, Hiei, and Sensaina. It would be a tense semi-final.

All of it was upsetting to Kuwabara. Why couldn't things have just stayed simple? He had so looked forward to actually participating this year, and it all proved to be a drag. Technicalities permitted him to movee on to the semi-round, but there was no way he could and not feel guilty about it. No, he may of failed to keep Koren safe, but he would redeem himself worthy of her friendship by saving her.

With his determination growing, he was anxious to see if Ryoko had made any progress. Just as he was going to make his way back to everyone else, though, he noticed Yusuke down the hall staring out one of the many windows. Kuwabara took a moment to study his middle school rival. There was something about the concerned look on his face and the tenseness of his body...It wasn't a new look for Yusuke. He always looked that way whenever Keiko was in trouble-

Wait.

"Hey, Urameshi," Kuwabara called as he made his way over.

"Oh, hey, Kuwabara."

"You alright, man?"

"Oh, yeah, an impending angel war always hypes me up."

"That's not it," Kuwabara called out shaking his head. "You look...You know what, I'll just come out with it. You look like you're worried about Keiko. Are you two doing okay?"

At the question Yusuke began seemingly uncomfortable. He glared at Kuwabara silently wishing the big oaf would just go away and mind his own business. He could see in Kuwabara's eyes that he was genuinely concerned, so Yusuke didn't feel right telling him to buzz off. As awkward as it was to "share feelings" with Kuwabara he decided to just be forthcoming.

"Keiko and I...we broke up."

"Are you serious?! But, but why?"

"Isn't it obvious," Yusuke said raising his voice. "She's better off without me. This life isn't for her, and I...and I can't live in hers."

Kuwabara was silent for a moment contemplating.

"Then why are you looking all sad if it's that simple," he then asked.

"It's not about Keiko. I've come to terms with that. It's...It's just this angel crap, okay?"

Before the Dark Tournament, Maze Castle, and even Genkai's contest, Kuwabara would've just taken Yusuke at his word. He knew better than that now. Yusuke wasn't just worried about the angel's threat. Hell, he was used to that kind of stuff by now. No, he was worried on a more personal level. There was no denying it. Yusuke was worried for Koren. For her safety. But there was more...

Kuwabara was pretty sure Yusuke had fallen for the angel. The idiot just didn't know it yet.

"Yusuke. Kuwabara." The two friends looked at Kurama, who couldn't have come at a more awkward time.

"Hey, Kurama," Yusuke was the one to respond,"anything new?"

"T'challa said that Ryoko is close to seeking out Koren. We should stand ready one she does."

With that, the three returned to the group to continue waiting on Ryoko.

And pray that Koren would be alive by then.

A/N: Sorry for the long wait. I'm at another point of deciding where things are gonna go.

So? What do you think? Yusuke AND Severo are forming feelings for Koren. One could be a beautiful thing, the other could be deadly.

Ryoko depending on the kanji mean's "refreshing one". I thought she's definitely a refreshing personality among the angels. Your thoughts?

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all the reviews, favorites, and follows. It means so much to me that you are enjoying this story with me. Please, continue to let me know what you think. It really helps me out and just makes my day. Love you, guys. Until next time!