"That's too bad. I was looking forward to seeing how much you've ripened in the last few months. Perhaps a few months more~ I can't wait~- H"

Kurapika was standing just outside Neon Nostrade's bedroom when he received the text from Hisoka.

Earlier in the day he sent the clown a message telling him that he no longer wishes to meet up with him and discuss the Ryodan:

"I won't be going to the meeting later. I will accomplish my mission my way"

After he sent the message, he felt unsure about how to proceed. While gathering intel about the eyes' whereabouts wasn't exactly easy, he knew if he paid the right person the right amount he would eventually find the eyes.

But the Ryodan was an entirely different matter.

He promised his master and himself that he would not actively hunt down the Spider; he even used his chain on himself. But now that he's refused to collaborate with the clown, he may have put himself in considerable risk. The clown may opt to tell the Spiders about his existence. Surely, the lure of the last surviving Kurutan would be impossible for the group to ignore.

Then again, if he does tell them, they'll come after me and then I'll have a reason to kill them off.

That was loophole he intentionally left when he made the promise. He won't hunt down the group out of revenge, but he didn't mention anything about killing them as an act of self-defense. It was a big loophole, his master noticed it as well but self defense was necessary.

Of course, now that you've back out of your meeting with Hisoka, how will you know what technique which member of the spider possesses? How will you prepare yourself?

Kurapika closed his eyes, mentally shaking his head for the mess he's gotten himself into. He hasn't even met a single spider yet and already he feels like he's trapped in a web. His internal conversation was cut-off by a panicked voice.

"Kurapika! Come quick! It's happened!"

His eyes snapped open, he turned to his left to see a panicked looking Squala and a terrified Eliza. He heard Neon screaming, things inside the room were being broken.

It's them! How did the Ryodan get in?

He heard his heart pound heavily, his reflexes took over as he ran into Neon's bedroom with chains ready to strike.

Once he was inside a projectile was thrown at him. He used his chain to block it and tear it apart. As the object tore open, feathers rained down on them.

What?

"No! NO! NOOO! I wanna go! You can't keep me here! I wanna GO!"

Kurapika stared at the scene unfolding before him. Neon was on her bed, throwing around pillows, stuffed toys, bed sheets and anything else within reach. She was crying while her aids try to placate her. There were no thieves, no malevolent nen users, no bloodshed, no violent attacks.

It was an all-out temper tantrum.

"What's... What's happening?" asked Kurapika as he stood there dumbfounded

"She found out she wouldn't be allowed to go the auction" answered Eliza

Kurapika sighed disciplining her is not a part of my job.

"You can handle this without me. You can ask Melody to calm her down with her music. I'll be patrolling outside"

Squala tried to block his way "What? But-"

"My nen is used to gather intel, maim and kill. While I can tie her down with my chain I doubt her father would appreciate having his daughter treated like a prisoner. I'll be right outside" Kurapika answered with a stern voice.

Once outside, Kurapika took a deep and steadying breath. He will need to keep a cool and clear head for tonight's auction.

As he walked outside by the trees, a gust of cool wind blew his way. Kurapika closed his eyes to prevent the dirt getting into his eyes. As the gust ended, something changed. He came out here to clear his head, but the wind seems to have brought with it more than just twigs and fallen leaves. He surveyed his surroundings and noticed the eerie atmosphere. The quiet, the stillness. As if not a single insect or animal dared to breathe. Even the plants seemed to have stood still despite the wind that just passed. Kurapika felt a sense of dread. It was like the calm before the storm. He knew then that:

Something's wrong.