Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Hunter X Hunter rights belong to Togashi. Did you think this series was just about fishing like Big the Cat in Sonic the Hedgehog?
Info: Chrollo and Kurapika investigate the legend of the Holy Grail, but will the folktale turn out to be more than just a story?
Rubrum Oculus Aranea: X Holy X Grail
- September 16th - Tohsaka Estate
While the storm was finally dying down the realization for Chrollo and Kurapika was they would need to stick around the church for a few more days because it only got worse as time went onward. While "Uncle Kirei" or the father didn't show up things were not exactly as stable as they could be simply because of the guests hiding who they really were from their kind host. Rin got Kurapika to crack a few smiles, and Chrollo was enjoying his conversations with Aoi Tohsaka.
They also decided to dedicate a day to train their bodies since it was a while since they got some action of any kind. Rin wanted to check them out, so Aoi locked her in a room with a book knowing what could happen if she looked at their sweaty, glistening, and naked...half naked bodies working out in their lounge area.
"If I didn't know better than I would think you just wanted an excuse to punch me Chrollo." The blonde replied knowing the criminal enjoyed getting to strike him even during a training exercise. Although Chrollo was not physically the strongest of the Phantom Troupe he was more than capable of fighting with just his bare hands.
"Shouldn't I say that instead, Kurapika?" The smile only made Kurapika more willing to punch out his smug face, and the dodges by Chrollo pissed him off further. His strikes were sloppy compared to his usual precision and accurate hits. Chrollo assumed that his blonde partner-in-crime was letting his emotions get the better of himself once again. His strength was greater in this kind of state, but it was easy to make a mistake while enraged.
The older thief took advantage of such a mistake when Kurapika left his midsection open getting a punch in his stomach along with getting his left arm held behind his head.
"You should be more capable of holding control of your feelings, the hated you feel is understandable however it might end up killing us both."
"Understandable!? How dare-"
"You have to learn self-control Kurapika!" Chrollo threw his unwilling apprentice back while landing a few more hits on his arms and chest. Kurapika responded with his nen-enchanted chains wrapping them around his neck not caring about holding back now. The target of all his misfortune was looking at him with a smirk on his face despite being wrapped in Chain Jail.
"So, you wish to kill me now then? I'm surprised you lasted this long alr-" He got a kick in his own midsection during his taunt as Kurapika grinned moving around in his white Kurta outfit. The blonde decided to follow the advice given to him for once, and while he was still glaring with his red eyes he now in control of his emotions.
"This is just me getting serious don't worry I'm not going to kill you in a holy place like this."
Chrollo was pleased he was learning even if that meant he would undergo more punishment than he expected during this training. Kurapika was holding up his defenses much better now, his attacks looked more relaxed, and he was dodging more counterattacks than last time. Chrollo and Kurapika felt like they made a perfect sparring partner despite never planning to admit that to one another.
Kurapika managed to wrap his hands around Chrollo's right arm, landing some hits on it to keep him from blocking more attacks with that arm. Chrollo got more serious trying to sweep Kurapika off his feet, and trying to get him into a headlock to keep him from moving around. Their hidden audience was impressed by their action as Rin was rooting for Kurapika to win the "battle" happening.
"Clever girl she does possess Zetsu after all."
"You know about our nen-abilities?" Rin shook her head not knowing how Kurapika's chains worked, but she did know they were using defensive abilities currently.
The duo ended their training since Rin Tohsaka was now aware of them with Kurapika making the chain around Chrollo's neck disappear. Rin pouted and ran out from her hiding spot behind a wall disappointed the fight ended rather abruptly.
"Aww, why did you stop I wanted to see your face getting punched in the head weird cross-tattoo guy!" Chrollo remembered his band covering that symbol was removed before their training started. If she discovered more about their real identities then they might be in deep trouble here.
"We had no intention of causing serious harm towards each other, but the thing is what are you doing away from your mother?" Kurapika's line made Rin groan since she felt happier around him than Chrollo Lucifer.
"She's not the boss of me, and it's not like there is much else to do around this place I'm so boooored!"
"Don't you have to learn about your religion? Perhaps you can read more King Arthur stories?" Chrollo never had to deal with children for a long while, the memories of his own youth were not gentle ones. Rin began pointing her finger at the person annoying her with that remark about doing something else instead of observing them. She was never one to let a person hold her back from whatever she wanted to do or say.
"Alright, I understand you won't leave here, but don't go running for your mother if things get more brutal to watch Rin." Chrollo didn't care about scarring the mind of a child if they agreed to such a consent that's the whole reason Kurapika was obsessed with getting revenge against him. Rin just looked on knowing she was special in her own way, but she didn't even notice her increasing level of nen growing over the years. Both Chrollo and Kurapika could tell she would realize this once her own ability manifests itself.
Aoi rushed in just as her guests were striking each other with elbows and feet while her daughter was cheering them on. Kurapika felt guilt seeing her startled expression however like Chrollo he couldn't make Rin just leave so he figured why not continue with the exercise.
"What on earth are you doing?!"
"...Exercise? Were you expecting push-ups or jumping jacks?" Kurapika had to control himself from cracking a smile from Chrollo's remark. Rin, however, was giggling admitting that was a funny line while Aoi looked displeased at her daughter.
"There is no way I can allow such violence in front of my child or in this house of worship!"
"Mom, can't you let it go I mean they aren't doing it during a session of church besides I wanted Kurapika to win!" Kurapika was surprised Rin had become so enamored with him in just a few days since they've met. Aoi took up her daughter and told both criminals to help out with cleaning up things, the idea being to do some chores in exchange for staying here. Now the leader of an infamous gang of crooks was sitting on his knees, washing down some floors with a brush, and wondering how his life came to this moment.
"Hey, at least we are getting a work-out now!" For a moment the criminal master was considering throwing his brush at the snickering blonde, but he was more worried about his cover being blown despite passing off his tattoo for part of his "religious" faith. Chrollo wanted to leave by nightfall in case things went south here; Kurapika felt differently wanting to stay here because of Rin and Aoi's kindness. A conflict of different interests was forming between them, but for now, they focused on trying to make their host happy.
"Tell me Kurapika, do you wish to remain with this family a while longer?"
"They are nice people, and from what I've learned they might not mind us however I can't stay here forever..." The Kurta knew what Chrollo was thinking, and he could never escape his commitment towards his partner not matter unwilling he felt about said deal in place. Taking the chance to learn more about other people, places, and things gave him a chance to escape from this reality he was in.
"Odd, the moment to leave or run from me is now considering we won't be stopping often until we arrive in the next city where the next pair of eyes awaits us."
"Believe me I have no intention of running away from you bastard. Keep your friends close..."
"So, you're saying I'm your friend!"
"HELL NO!"
Chrollo enjoyed those outbursts along with the fact they were getting along with the more time spent with each other. His plan was moving along just fine, but he still needed to get Kurapika to lower his defenses to help in his integration into the Troupe. Eventually, Kurapika will need to adjust to the idea of killing a man to survive, which in turn could result in Chrollo learning how to care about human lives besides his spiders.
"It seems like the rain is finally dying down..." Kurapika was grateful the weather looked better from what he saw from the window he was cleaning up, the likely time for them to leave would be tonight if the rain does stop completely. As he wiped the dirty stain-glass; making it clean enough to see through while his thoughts went back to what Chrollo told him earlier.
'If I wanted to get back to Gon and perhaps find a way to break this vow now would be the best time...' Seeing Kurapika contemplate his advice, he knew that he must win him over to understanding how fruitless his hope to escape way. Even if he suggested the idea he knew the Kurta was not foolish enough to throw away his life so easily.
"I don't suppose you would be up for some exploration before we make our leave from this church, Kurapika?" Chrollo had a little heist in mind; one that could be considered blasphemy against "God" yet he was looking forward to it.
The blonde was trying to punch Chrollo just for suggesting the idea of looting the secret safe being held in the church, and he also thought the thief lost his mind. He never saw any kind of safe around in the rooms, but even if he was crazy enough to agree to his plan Aoi and Rin would know exactly who stole from them.
"I'm not planning to steal anything, but there is something bothering me about this "Holy Grail" mentioned in the documents I've read."
"That's just a myth, and besides what does that have to do with this church and family?"
"Apparently it has a major importance here, the reason I'm not certain about however the key could be in their private vault so to speak."
"We can't just ask them about it can we?"
"That would ruin a good chance to practice some investigation skills you will need to get used to before our big heist, and I think you'll have fun peeking at secret files. Think of this mission as being a government spy who is gathering intel on the enemy."
"You can't just expect me to project some fantasy in order to not feel guilty about breaking someone's private matters like this!"
"If you wish to obtain the remaining scarlet eyes that will have to be the case, Kurapika. While I'm simply exploring a curious train of thought the location of the other eyes won't be easily taken like you might expect. As Nobu would say you will need to put in your own work to get what you want even if it means stepping in crap, smelly, foul, and really thick crap."
"How poetic..." Kurapika had to admit he also wondered what this "Holy Grail" was really about or why there were so many books related to that story here. Their moment to look for the hidden safe came when Aoi and Rin left to go meet Kirei, but they wanted the duo to stick around for dinner before they left at night. Once more the generous nature of Aoi would benefit Chrollo, but not in the way she expected.
Being an expert in the idea of stealing valuable goods Chrollo figured the secrets of the Tohsaka family would be somewhere no one would think to look, the suggestion of looking at the basement seemed rather odd to the blonde Kurta figuring that was an obvious place to hide important files. The master crook was not looking at the boxes rather what lies beneath their own feet.
"I hope these boards can be put back easily considering how old this wood appears." Chrollo looked around for something to pry out the floor, and located a steel pipe that could do the job. Kurapika figured the whole damn floor would fall apart considering the weight of that pipe hitting the old lumber; Chrollo actually needed to hit the floor quite a few times before finding a spot he could wedge open.
"Well, that was easier than I expected." Of course, that was the easy part since Chrollo didn't know the exact location of this safe. Looking through the ground he only found broken toys, cobwebs, and several bugs wiggling around the place. Kurapika felt like laughing seeing the frown come on his partner's face getting nothing from this work., the sudden noise of hands digging into the dirt quickly silenced his mind.
'If the details were correct then it should be buried just a few feet under...here' His hand suddenly made contact with a solid object in the dirt. Without the details of the files he read in the office he might not have learned about this safe's location which looked rather small, but if the documents contained useful information it could be worth the risk. Cracking into the safe was a little more difficult as the lock was done with a number combination.
"I'm guessing the files didn't have the code for this safe?" The Kurta's remark didn't phase the master thief as he had to rely on himself and Kurapika for this operation.
"You wouldn't happen to possess knowledge on unlocking a safe without the correct combination, Kurapika?" Chrollo knew the only option left besides guessing it was using Sun and Moon explosion ability however that likely would destroy all the records and items in the safe.
"Can't you try listening with your ear, turning the dial around, and doing a few different combinations?"
"We are short in time for that as I doubt Aoi wants us to be here alone for that long..."
Kurapika cursed himself that he forgot that details and figured they could try a less tactical approach, his legs quickly ran upstairs to find a good butter knife or tool to wedge the damn thing open. While he hated what he was about to help Chrollo do he just wanted him to learn whatever secrets this family had so he could leave them alone. After a long series of arguing about which way to jam the knife into the safe, they were able to unlock the door revealing the knowledge and value hidden within.
"They actually had this kind of Jenny in this thing?" Kurapika never saw this amount of currency before even when he was a hired bodyguard for Neon Nostrade. Chrollo began peeling through the documents finding a source of information that would peak his interests, and he did find that certain secret hidden from pretty much everyone outside the Tohsaka clan.
"My I never thought this girl Sakura was actually Rin's sister..."
"What?! The hell is that paper you reading..." Kurapika's eyes looked at the notes from a birth document that came from the safe they unlocked, the name is written on it was Sakura Tohsaka, however, there was a different last name written down Matou. Suddenly he questioned why Aoi never brought this sister unless she might have died. Chrollo continued reading more about Sakura learning she was put into another family with her real name being changed as well.
"Why did Rin or Aoi never tell us about her? I know we are still strangers, but it seems like they have removed her from the family if this document is correct." Kurapika suddenly has several questions in mind about what was going on, but Chrollo found what he was looking for in the "Holy Grail" which was nothing he expected. For a few minutes, he was left stunned unsure what he just read the words in front of his eyes still didn't register with his mind.
"All of this time...on the Dark Continent was something like this..."
He listened to a few rumors during his early days as a lone criminal about a special island in the world which is speculated to be the real origin of the human race. Out of all the many voyages there only 28 people have returned, the continent still remains mostly unexplored, and the rumors suggest many dangerous beasts live on this land. There were some recent whispers of a new exposition being made for the continent, and it would likely involve major royalty, high-ranked hunters, and some of the wealthiest tourists in the world.
What Chrollo just read might have changed his understand of both the Dark Continent and the whole Kurta Clan he helped drive into extinction. Kurapika waited for some answer while his partner was still lost in his own thoughts about the other document in his hand. Should he even tell him what could all possibly mean...
"Your eyes really are special after all." Chrollo decided to let Kurapika read it for himself knowing he might not believe his words. His eyes looked at the certain section about the "Holy Grail" being hidden in the land of darkness or the Dark Continent.
"The legends could indeed be the truth about the treasure of glory, but in order to discover it, you must have the eyes that can read the words unseen. Eyes powered by the emotions of a rare clan, and only then can you seek out the sword of excellence, the fabled Excalibur."
"If what the file says is real then the most valuable source of treasure lies on that island: First you must travel to the Dark Continent, next you need someone who possesses the Scarlet Eyes of the Kurta, and then you have to find the sword Excalibur which shall lead you to the Holy Grail." Chrollo was thinking this was some dream they just happened to be sharing right now.
"This is just some folk tale; a legend like that story can't really exist in this world!"
"Perhaps, but it is certain saying I know that not all stories are just imaginary as several were born from reality."
The blonde couldn't swallow the idea of his eyes being important in looking for some ancient treasure of some kind, but why did this document reference his eyes if it was not about the Kurta? He was now very curious as to what lies beyond the border of the Dark Continent as was his traveling companion. The last question had to be what did the Tohsaka want with this holy grail or how they obtained this information. The duo decided to cover up their tracks and confront the clan about this before they left the church.
Once Aoi and Rin got home they were a lot more melancholy in their tone and facial expression. They also didn't greet Kurapika or Chrollo at first, the mother and daughter into a room for a while leaving the both of them confused as to what happened. The silence was interrupted with lots of screaming and fits of sobbing which made it clear something horrible just took place. Hearing such feelings of despair came as quite the surprise as they were left in the dark about what to do for the family.
"Daddy! WHY DADDY WHY?!"
"Rin sweetie I know it hurts but-"
"WHAT! I'm supposed to act like losing him is just part of life!"
"It was just a freak accident...you think I wanted him to leave me like that! It is life Rin, and no matter what we can only live on without him...no matter how much it hurts us."
"So, the world can't take away everything that I care about! Maybe I'll go find that Holy Grail and make things better for this family when I grow up!"
"RIN TOHSAKA! You are not going to run off getting yourself killed for that fool's errand. You are my daughter that means you will stay with me until you are 18 years old!"
The next thing their eyes saw was a red blur run past them with tears pouring down her small cheeks. Aoi quickly ran after her while noticed the observers of this scene knowing they had several questions.
"...I think you both need to leave here now. This is sudden because something has just happened and you two can't be here in a few days..." She was close to becoming hysterical in front of them. Asking her anything while in this state could end up making things worse, so they decided to just leave like she asked them to before they discovered what they found in their basement. While they were leaving unceremoniously the loss of a family member the Tohsakas would need time to grieve which Kurapika understood.
"Another happy day for us wouldn't you say?"
"...I wish I was paired up with Nobunaga."
"That was harsh. You would rather be dead than spend time with me instead?"
"..."
It would be lying to admit he didn't appreciate the worth Chrollo has in being his travel partner compared with the other spiders. He also learned more about the man roping him into a hostage/kidnapping/former enemy/now ally relationship. The reverse also could be the case for the murderer of his clan's people. With their bags fully packed the duo just decided to head out with a clear sky out, the moon slowly rising up, and just a few more hours until they reach their destination or that's what they hoped would be the case.
"Wait!" The weak voice of Rin called out to Chrollo and Kurapika who looked ready to just leave the family due to the unfortunate circumstances involving one of their own. She had in her hands some kind of red jewel attached to a black string. Even with the death affecting her mind, she knew what she wanted to tell both of the guests before they left.
"I should have told you sooner, but I let my hesitation delayed this fact of me knowing who you really are Kurapika...Kurta."
"I'm not surprised you found me out Rin. We've been rather sloppy in hiding that fact from you and your mother."
"Yeah, she should have put together a wanted fugitive was hiding out in her home, the kindness of my mother can be so annoying! Anyway, I won't blab to anyone about who you are, the fact you likely looked around for our secrets or treasure, and the fact you lied to us...on one condition." Holding out the jewel she gave a determined expression with her red eyes still wet from the tears of sorrow she was still feeling.
"Papa, he wasn't always a good parent; he made mistakes and sometimes spoke lies to make us feel better than admit the truth. He gave me life and was something I looked up to as a helpless bratty child. Now that I'm becoming older I realize that I might not be everything he wanted me to be, and yet there is something I want to do for him. You better go to that Dark Continent and find that Holy Grail!"
"The Holy Grail? How do I know that really does exist-" She pulled out a strange piece of paper that Chrollo noticed had unique symbols covering the entire page. She had a small smile on her face knowing they didn't find this document that was hidden in her room under her clothing.
"Ever since you got here I figured you might be able to read this particular file with those special eyes of yours. Father managed to find this during one of his expositions, and he was hoping one day he could find a survivor of the Kurta clan to help him decipher what the page means." Chrollo wondered if she held some resentment towards him removing all of the other members who could have helped her father out with this.
"Gladly it is the least we can do after everything you've done for us..." Kurapika let his hatred of the man standing next to him, empowering the coveted eyes filled with red that looked at the paper seeing a code forming in front of his face. Despite never seeing this language before he was able to read some parts of the documents easily.
"Humanity's history does not lie here on this land, the origin of mankind is waiting on the island unexplored by your species. We have left clues for men to follow into the Dark Continent, but only a few will find what they seek and come back from the travel with their lives. To the Kurta who reads this understand your clan's roots also stems from this unexplored world. The hidden truths of your people along with many other revelations will be unlocked as the Holy Grail runneth over..."
Kurapika didn't believe he understood that they knew he might have some trouble with the writing yet he could get that much from the old document only having trouble with reading the rest of the page at the bottom.
"I knew it the last of the Kurta, the man who leads a gang of infamous criminals, and the both of you have joined forces for a certain reason. If anyone can find the Holy Grail it would likely be you two, so what are you waiting for now get the hell out of here before mom comes back!"
"Language you are in a church Rin."
"Says the man who tried breaking into their private safe..."
"You were holding a knife to help pry said item open Kurapika."
"Oh, who cares you both actually didn't steal anything which means you, horrible thieves!" To be talked down by a young girl like this would be considered shameful by the other spiders if they were here. Rin felt proud of being able to seem like a mature person even if it was just for a moment. The send-off of Rin Tohsaka yelling at them to run away was the last thing the duo expected to hear as they looked behind them seeing Rin send them off much like Neon did before they left Yorknew City.
"Those stupid idiots are so much trouble, but they seem to fit each other well..."
She thought about how much they reminded her of her deceased father and how they managed to lift her spirits over the past few days. She would likely never find out what will happen to them, but they can't die until the find what her father tried finding his entire life. The legendary Holy Grail would be the key to not only bringing glory to her clan, the treasure could also bring change to the entire world along with changing Chrollo and Kurapika forever.
The night was uneventful besides the fact they could see the city off in the distance which meant they were close to where they would be regrouping with the others.
- September 17th -
Chrollo and Kurapika were used to having bugs and the weather affect them by this point knowing it could take several more hours in the outdoors before they could get another good place to stay like the Tohsaka church. At least the rain no longer was pouring out of the sky making way for a bright sun lighting up the white, puffy, and calm clouds. The Kurta's lingering anger towards Chrollo was slowly ebbing away as he began to learn more about him yet with their imminent arrival in this place would mean they would soon collect the next pair of scarlet eyes.
Chrollo wanted to stay out of the public's view when they get there as he wanted to remain off the radar until he can reunite with his fellow spiders. The area was much smaller than Yorknew, but it still contained a charm for tourists to enjoy when they came here. Looking at his phone he read the update about Shalnark's group which looked to be heading to the city in a day, but Pakuonda's team was coming here by the end of the night. Chrollo would need all of his men for this heist meaning they had some time to spare despite the delays that affected their journey.
"How do you feel about some learning to steal more properly?"
"Is this a trick question? While I'm a hunter the idea of thievery is not foreign to me. While I can't stand taking things that don't belong to me items from my clan are the exception."
"You are mistaken on that, Kurapika. What we do is more than just senseless violence and taking stolen items. This line of work requires discipline, training, and patience much like what it takes to become a hunter." While the black-labeled hunter thought his standards made him better than the criminal brigade Chrollo saw things differently.
"Do you think having the role of simply killing people on a certain list makes you superior to me in terms of some morality rating?"
"Uh yes, it does Chrollo. You kill people for selfish, cruel, and heartless reasons while I'm merely upholding justice and revenge."
"What makes you believe your justice or revenge is truly right then? Who gave you that right to simply kill people on your on a whim..." He found this funny, his ears listening to his blonde partner preach about such standards when he was in the same boat as the orchestrator behind the Kurta executions. Both of them chose to kill for their own reasons; the key was Chrollo knew he was never a "good" person while Kurapika still believed he was doing nothing wrong. Each day his mind was clinging onto the hope he could escape when he was only burying himself deeper in this new lifestyle.
"I...just want to make you all pay for your actions...it might not be right but..."
"Won't someone make you pay in return then? People believe in the Phantom Troupe, the very words you speak of revenge could end up being the reason for your own death."
Kurapika realized he was not wrong about that point as he's learned from Chrollo the many underworld connections the spiders possessed, the different business partners they work with to sell their stolen goods, and finally the friends they have in some assassination groups like the Zoldyck family. Their actual deaths would draw attention to him easily which meant people would seek him out for costing them money, but others might be grateful he took out the infamous organization.
"You can't live like this for the rest of your time in this world, staying on the run, having to steal to survive, and killing anyone on a simple whim."
"That is how I've lived so far young Kurta, your comment reminds me of someone that I met before who also suggested I take up another way to live out my remaining years."
Chrollo never took heed of such advice thinking that it was someone who believed he was not cut out to be a criminal mastermind. How would that person feel if he met the head of the spiders today? Shaking his head Chrollo got back on the subject he wanted to discuss with Kurapika before they went on their way.
"If you wish to obtain the items from your clan you will need to play a part in our heists. While I don't expect you to kill just like my spiders your abilities need to be refined for stealth as a Conjurer: the Dowsing Chains, Holy Cross Chain, and Emperor Time are useful abilities however you see them as simply tools for battle against us. I want you to think not as a mere hunter and more like a thief."
"I'm not..."
"I'm pretty sure those outfits you wear don't belong to you, Kurapika. The idea of stealing is one thing, but to truly learn how to exist like a spider, the Gordian Knot parable; and for you, that means you wish to steal not kill unlike the rest of us." Chrollo was not sure if Kurapika knew about that metaphor invented by Alexander the Great yet it perfectly described the Kurta's mindset. He wanted to cut through the tangled ball rather than untie it.
"Let's discuss how to perform a successful heist without being discovered." Kurapika was held a prisoner of Chrollo's words once again being impressed by how detailed his words can be or how strongly they can impact someone. Despite his issues, he was grateful the expert criminal was bothering in teaching him how to steal things without resorting to simple violence.
"Hold on you mean to tell me there are times when you have to kill people..."
"Yes believe it or not we don't always rampage like Uvogin enjoyed doing on some operations. I wonder how he must feel knowing I'm teaching his replacement how to become unseen by guards."
"There is no way I'm gonna be that guy's replacement!"
"You are more than just a simple new leg you've become something that I wish to understand Kurapika."
The conversation went on for a few hours as Chrollo and Kurapika got to understand each other's history, nen-abilities, and by the end of the talk, there was a small change that took place between them. The sun once more was beginning to fade into the darkness of night as the duo packed up feeling their relationship will still full of hostility was not as bad since the first few days of this arrangement.
The rest of the night involved them taking on the last night of being out here by themselves knowing things would get more chaotic with the other spiders coming back into the fold. Another complication would be the first meeting with the new prospect Illumi spoke about a few days ago in Kalluto Zoldyck. It could be a trap between Illumi and Hisoka, but having the young assassin would mean his forces having its full amount of legs once more.
'I wonder how Kurapika would feel no longer being the newbie of this group...'
Chrollo pondered to himself never telling him about that detail, the surprise on his face should be interesting to watch. The stars made it easy for them to get sleep as tomorrow they would meet the other criminals to begin how to attack the auction that would be taking place in this city, and how to incorporate their newest "ally" during the upcoming heist. Tonight they would need all the rest they could get.
- September 18th -
After a couple of days being all alone in the wild, they would now rejoin other wanted criminals and deceased people according to the public. While it would take some time for Shalnark's party to return from Greed Island he wanted to speak with Pakuonda about what their next move should be in the meantime; compared to his calm nature she was having a bad time dealing with Nobunaga's issues as she regrouped with his team several hours ago. From the text, she sent out apparently Hisoka did meet with his spiders, and only told them one thing.
"Here is my replacement, the boy should be a good peace offering if I can fight you next...Chrollo Lucifer." While there were other details about the matriarch of the Zoldyck family demanding they send him back to his home. From what he's heard about Kiyko according to Illumi she sounded like their own version of Pakuonda. That meant don't piss her off under any circumstances unless you can defend yourself from her wrath.
'I've never been the type who gets involved with family matters, so I'm not going to let that get in the way of Kalluto's membership into my group.'
It didn't matter where, who, what, and why you wanted to join as long as you believed in the cause then you were fine by Chrollo's standards. The fact he manipulated someone who killed one of the spiders into said group was the perfect example of that fact. Their arrival in Toredo was under the radar as their disguises were not out of place as they were in simple white and black clothing besides their earrings and Chrollo's headband. The meeting area would actually be in a public setting as Nobunaga wanted some traditional cooking today.
The duo followed the instructions which lead them into a classical-styled diner where Nobunaga was already eating his choice of food, and the smell of teriyaki chicken filled their senses. Pakuonda was just sighing at the samurai who was not bothering in eating his food slowly just devouring the meat very quickly, her hand went over to some tea to relax her stress gotten from dealing with his antics.
"Nothing is better than this stuff I don't know who wouldn't love eating this crap!"
"They likely don't want the image of a sword-user who is stuffing his face and his teeth with chicken meat to enter their mind."
"You're one to talk I've seen you eating like a pig over sweets, and hell I bet Feitan talked you into getting as fat as he was a while ago!"
The usual business that took place amongst his follower brought a smile to Chrollo's face feeling like he was back in familiar territory. Franklin was getting something outside of his usual choice of beverage holding a sake drink in his left hand, and judging by the lack of Machi, Shalnark, and the remaining members meant their leader and Kurapika rejoined them earlier than expected. Even if they were in a public setting his subordinates were grateful to see their leader in one piece, the partner of his left a mixed reaction in their minds.
"Ehh...it that really you boss? Damn, I'm glad to see your ass again..."
"You might want to be careful Frank your image is slipping." Chrollo's code words for stop acting drunk off your ass and stick to staying in disguise. The giant criminal's true appearance would be a major warning sign that the Phantom Troupe was in town. Just like in Yorknew they would need to stay away from drawing attention to themselves until the night of the auction. That wouldn't be until the end of this week Friday which means four days of planning, stealing, and irritating each other would now begin.
'I have to deal with them...for the sake of my clan and friends.' Once again he was in the calm of a huge brewing storm not related to an actual weather surge this time. He knew he might need to compromise his ideal in order to get the next pair of scarlet eyes, but he was hoping his accomplices would do the same. His unusual situation only got more strange when he accepted the tea being offered by the employee of this establishment as did Chrollo. Looking into the water he knew his life would return to chaos in a matter of a few days.
"The holy grail...do you think such a wonder is worth the risk of finding it?"
"A crook question if stealing a fabled legend is worth it..."
"Hmm, I suppose you are fit for this kind of role even if you don't want this life." The two enjoyed their drinks having the rest of the day to think about what comes next. Chrollo and Kurapika would soon meet one of the famous assassins of the Zoldyck clan who might change their futures just like the last replacement to the Phantom Brigade; the other looming threat of a clown seeking a fight would also come into focus in the upcoming weeks...
Afterwords: I've been pondering how long I want this to go for, and after some time I've decided around 20-30 chapters because I have other stories I want to get off the ground. There is still going to be my ongoing KH story of course, but I can't see this lasting for that long. That being said I might explore this when it's over with for like an extra chapter. Speaking of that KH story I've got a nice Halloween update in the works, so please check it out when I upload it to the site.