Thank you Bai-Feng333, doudouchinois Guest, Pennydreadfully and pitou77 for reviewing to last chapter! :D And a huge thank you to the Guest who dropped a review to most of my chapters! I LOVED hearing from you all. ;D

"Apparently, S.S. Ticket stands for Soufrabi's Starlight Ticket." Senritsu spoke calmly as she approached Feitan. "It seems the last step of the quest will be on a cruise."

Both were still in Aiai, on a pretty park, full of red roses and heart-shaped bushes. The thief, who was standing beneath a tree's shadow with his arms crossed as he waited for the small Music Hunter to ask a NPC what that S.S. Ticket card was for, grunted in acknowledgement as he pushed his body away from the tree-trunk. Automatically, both started to walk side by side to the outskirts of the city.

"Why you think this is last step?" Feitan asked.

"There are four solos to the Sonata of Darkness. One for the piano, one for the flute, one for the harp and one for the violin. We've met fighters that used three of those already." Senritsu explained.

"So you think that last instrument mean last fight."

"Not only that, the fighters we've encountered used Fire, Air and Earth – plants, but you get the idea – as their weapons. There is only one element left as well."

"Water." Feitan let out before smirking. "And we going to a ship ride."

Senritsu smiled softly. "Yes."

"When ship leave?"

"The NPC told me that she'll leave as soon as all of its passengers arrive. I think that this means it'll wait for us to arrive."

"She? Why you talking about ship as it is she and no it?"

"Oh, it's just a manner of speech." Senritsu explained. "Sailors refer to ships as if they were women. I don't know why that is, but it is quite catchy."

"Tsk, ridiculous." Feitan scoffed. "So, no deadline."

"Yes, no deadline."

Senritsu thought that having time to spend was a bad thing as soon as the torturer's heartbeats accelerated in morbid anticipation. Without a deadline, Feitan could use the time to go on one of his beloved killing sprees and, while Senritsu refused to judge him because of that habit of his, his satiated heartbeat whenever he killed someone unnerved her a little bit. Also, she wanted to end this quest as soon as possible; without having to worry about the sonata, the Music Hunter would be able to plan a way of escaping from the thief, since her hope of him letting her go pacifically once the quest was finished was withering by the day.

"When would you like for us to meet in Soufrabi?" Senritsu asked at last.

Feitan blinked. "What you mean?"

"You're going to use this free time of ours to go after more players, aren't you?"

"Of course."

"I just want to have an idea of how long I'll have to wait in Soufrabi for you to finish your… hunting. So we can end this quest." The woman explained.

"You no have to wait for me there."

Senritsu felt her heartbeat spike in hope. "Are you telling me I can finish the quest on my own?"

For the first time since she met the thief, Senritsu heard him laugh - giggle, really – and the sound made her blood run cold. It was so maniacally pleased that it made the Music Hunter remember of the flute solo of the sonata of Darkness she had listened, many years ago.

"You no going anywhere alone." Feitan spoke, amusement clear in his voice. "You go hunt with me."

That was what Senritsu feared to hear. "But… why?"

Feitan felt his smile drop at the question.

Why?

Because he was tired of her being an anomaly in his life. He was tired of that goody-two-shoe treating him as if he was as nice as her. He was tired of the soft way she looked at him as if she didn't understand what he was: a sadistic bastard who loved to hear his victims' screams of agony. He was tired of dealing with someone who, despite having every reason in the world to hate and fear him, treated him as if he was her precious friend - she wasn't a Spider and she'd never be a Spider; she was too fucking gentle. And that gentleness was that made it impossible for the thief to accept her acceptance towards his darkest side. He couldn't deny it: she was too good for him. And it bothered him that she accepted him so promptly, so easily, so… warmly. He would make her understand him. Once and for all.

But one small part of the thief's brain said that those crazy reasons were no reason at all. That the true reason for wanting the woman to tag along was that he was done with letting her walk around by herself, free to smile gently to anyone that crossed paths with her. That annoying brat was more than enough. She was his, and it was time that she stood by his side, as a possession should.

Senritsu heard the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts in the thief's heartbeat, but she could not decipher it. It was too much, too confuse for her to understand.

The thief didn't try to explain it to her either. He just turned his back to her and started walking. His answer was a simple "Because I said so" thrown over his shoulder angrily.

At that moment, Senritsu understood that he didn't know the answer to her question either. Whatever it was that happened between them last night left the thief as confused as her and he was going to deal with the problem in the best way he knew.

With violence and bloodshed.

Feitan smiled sadistically as he spotted his victims from the top of a tree, hiding with Senritsu among the thick foliage. There were seven Hunters - 3 men and 4 women – walking through the forest; they were chatting loudly and their guards were down. Easy prey.

"If you try stop me, I torture they more, understand?" Feitan demanded in a low voice, never moving his predatory gaze from his prey. When no answer came, he scowled and turned his head to the left, where Senritsu was. "I said, if y-"

The torturer's words were caught in his throat when he took in the Music Hunter's expression. Her mouth was slightly open, letting out quick breaths, her left hand was holding her flute tightly and her whole body was trembling. But what really caught Feitan's attention were her eyes. Her big eyes were wide and full of scared and, most of all, hateful tears.

Quickly, Feitan lowered his narrowed eyes to the ground, scowling darkly in anger.

Those eyes didn't lie.

Senritsu was gentle and easy-going. She was the most understanding and accepting person Feitan had ever met. But, if he were to force her to watch and listen to his carnage of innocent people, she would condemn him. She would fear him and she would hate him.

But that was the intention all along, wasn't it? To open the gentle Music Hunter's eyes. To make her see him as everyone else did; to make her not be an anomaly in his life anymore.

Right?

"Fuck this." The thief said through gritted teeth. "Let's go Soufrabi."

Senritsu's eyes softened immediately as she prayed that her trusted hearing had not tricked her.

"Feitan…" The Music Hunter called hesitantly. "A-Are you serious?"

The thief settled his hardened gaze back on her before letting out a frustrated sigh and nodding curtly. Next thing he knew, a plump and short being latched itself on his abdomen, grabbing fistfuls of his dark coat tightly. Surprised and annoyed, Feitan grabbed the woman's shoulders in a painful grip, ready to shove her off but he paused when words started leaving her lips.

"Thank you." Senritsu whispered, allowing relieved tears to fall from her face. Feitan's already wide eyes widened even further. "Thank you so much. I couldn't have taken it, Feitan. I really couldn't have. It would break me."

Break her? Her? This caring woman? The idea made Feitan's heart tighten painfully. He couldn't break her. She was his and Feitan took care of what was his. Didn't he?

The grip he had on the small woman's shoulders tightened, eliciting a moan of pain from her lips. No, he didn't, take care of her that is. In less than three days, the woman had her foot pierced and her Nen completely drenched - twice. Not only that, the only one taking care of anything was her. With her sweet music, her gentle hands and her soft smiles, the Music Hunter was caring for the thief in ways he didn't know anyone could.

He hated it. He hated how much he had come to enjoy the woman's care. But, most of all, he hated the idea of never receiving it again. Suddenly, Feitan let go of the painful grip he had on Senritsu's shoulders and pushed her away.

When I becomed so dependent on her? This is wrong. Is all wrong. I no can let this go on.

"Let's go." He said in a low voice. "Let's end quest."

Let's end this.

Feitan and Senritsu walked straight to Soufrabi, following the directions of a very complete map the first had stolen. There were no incidents of any kind during their walk, proving both with a calm atmosphere that allowed them to delve in their conflicted thoughts towards the other. They only lost some minutes in Masadora, which was on the way to Soufrabi, so they could eat something.

Maybe it was the fact that Senritsu heard Feitan's heartbeat playing by her side an unexpected calm melody – especially considering the fact that he had not killed those Hunters because of her - but the overall silence established between the two of them was actually very comfortable to her. Occasionally, they would exchange actual civilized words about their quest or even the game itself, making their walk to Soufrabi – dare she say it? – pleasant.

The sun was already setting by the time they arrived at the city and the lights were starting to light up across the city's shore. As both walked on the beach, approaching the city's docks slowly, Senritsu watched the sky. The red-ish hue that the setting sun gave to the skies reminded her of Kurapika and the cold heartbeat besides her reminded that she was friends with one of the killers that massacred the boy's clan.

Yes. Friends.

There was no use denying it now. She cared enough about Feitan to consider him a friend. If she didn't, she wouldn't have forced herself to stay awake just so she could bandage all of his wounds – no matter how minor - after the occurrence in the swingers' club. And she liked him as well, or else she wouldn't be able to spend so much time in his company and not feel at all bothered by it.

Senritsu knew that, if Kurapika found out about it, he'd feel betrayed by her and she honestly felt guilty for allowing herself to grow fond of one of the murderers of her friend's family. But if there was something that she had learned since she gained her over-sensitive hearing was that people couldn't control their hearts, no matter how hard they tried. She wouldn't fight it anymore: she liked Feitan; he became her friend and there was nothing she could do about it now. So she might as well enjoy the pleasant atmosphere as long as it lasted.

The pleasant atmosphere ended as soon as they got to the docks. Feitan's heartbeat took a turn for the worse, recovering the intense dark edge that accompanied it whenever the Spider was close to killing someone. Senritsu didn't understand what had brought this change, but decided not to probe the thief for an explanation, lest the people surrounding them became his next victims. Internally, the Music Hunter decided to question the thief about it once he had calmed down.

"Good evening to you two! And welcome to Soufrabi's port!" A cheerful girl dressed in a sailor suit greeted Senritsu and Feitan. "I'm one of the port's guide; ready to inform you of all of our ships' schedules! Is there anything I can help you with?"

Smiling, Senritsu nodded. "Where can we embark Soufrabi's Starlight?"

"Oh! Soufrabi's Starlight! I'm sure you'll enjoy your time with her immensely! She's a large yacht, equipped with the best of technology! On the lowest level, you'll find a-"

"Where?" Feitan practically growled, getting the NPC to stop her rambling.

"She is anchored on dock 4! Just walk straight ahead and you'll find her!"

If the Nen-users hadn't been paying attention, they'd surely miss Soufrabi's Starlight; she was large for a yacht, but her embark area was poorly illuminated. Truly, the only reason they identified the ship was thanks to her name being written on its side in big, blood red capital letters.

"So we just go up to worker and show ticket?"

"I believe so, yes."

"Good." Feitan settled, turning around to look for anyone that looked like and embark attendant. When he spotted a man in a blue tuxedo with a big "Soufrabi's Starlight" broche on his chest, he started walking. "There."

Senritsu frowned. Despite losing much of its aggressiveness, Feitan's demeanour still remained on edge, as if the thief seemed to be bothered by something. Not only that, his sentences were shorter than usual and his heartbeat was anxious and reluctant, as if he was dreading something.

And she really wanted to know what it was.

"Feitan…" Senritsu called softly.

The thief kept walking.

"Feitan."

"…"

"Feitan! Stop walking and listen to me!" Senritsu raised her voice, shocking the thief into stillness.

"What?" Feitan grumbled, not turning to face the Music Hunter that was a few feet behind him.

Senritsu sighed and took some steps close to the thief.

"What's wrong with you?"

"I no know what you talking about."

"Don't lie to me, Feitan." Senritsu spoke, circling the thief so she could look him in the eyes. She smiled softly. "I can hear in your heartbeat when you lie to me."

Feitan narrowed his eyes. "Just drop it. It no your business."

"Isn't there anything I can do to help?"

Feitan's fists clenched by his sides and so did his jaw. The spike of anger in the thief's heartbeat was so sudden that, for a moment, Senritsu feared he'd attack her.

"…Why?" The word was barely a whisper when it left the thief's lips. "Why you want help me?"

"Because you're my friend, Feitan."

Feitan's eyes widened and he felt his heart skip a beat.

"Why?"

Senritsu smiled softly. "Because I care about you. And I like you."

"Why?"

The Music Hunter's smile faltered. "…I don't know."

"Then how can-"

"Good evening!"

Feitan and Senritsu turned their heads to see a smiling NPC standing by their side. It was the embark attendant Feitan had spotted earlier.

"Can I help you with anything?"

Both Nen-users stared at each other for some seconds before letting out simultaneous sighs. Without a word, Senritsu summoned her binder and retrieved the S.S. Ticket from it to hand it over to the NPC.

"Our precious clients have finally arrived! Wonderful!" The NPC exclaimed. "Please, follow me. I'll guide you to your cabin."

The two Nen-users were led to a large cabin, located on the lowest level of the ship. The place was richly decorated with beautiful paintings and a Persian carpet that was dark blue with green and grey patterns. The rug matched perfectly with the grey covers of the two queen-size beds that were in the room. The place was also equipped with a mini-fridge, a plasma TV nailed to the wall and a large grand piano. And there was a wooden door that led to the boat's bathroom.

The NPC left the two alone in the room, asking them to wait for him to return with the captain so they could set sail. Without a word, Feitan sat down on the foot of one of the beds, while Senritsu just stood there by the room's door, staring at the thief with curious eyes.

The once comfortable silence became almost unbearable to the small Hunter. She didn't understand what happened to Feitan since they got to Soufrabi's port, but he was awfully anxious and introspective; not at all like the confident Spider that spoke his mind whenever he wanted to and did as he pleased. Also, for the life of her, Senritsu couldn't interpret his heartbeat properly anymore; it mixed to many conflicting emotions for her to understand what was going on with him.

All she knew was that, since they arrived at the port, something had been bothering the thief deeply but he refused to tell her what it was.

"Fei-"

The thief didn't allow the woman to finish saying his name and quickly turned on the TV. Senritsu sighed in exasperation at the thief's childish antics but chose not to comment on it.

"Excuse me?" A melodious voice said from outside the room. The voice belonged to someone with a heartbeat.

All too happy for the intrusion, Senritsu ran to open the door with a soft smile on her face.

The smile dropped as soon as she saw who was standing at the door. It was a man, tall and lanky, wearing a pitch-black robe and a white mask that gave him an almost supernatural appearance. Immediately, the small Music Hunter's jaw dropped and she grabbed her flute.

"You are…" Senritsu began in an awed voice; her eyes wide as saucers. "Nocturnal."

Feitan didn't have a super-hearing, but he recognized the adoration in Senritsu's voice and that had him sprinting off the bed so he could stand right behind her, staring up at the man in front of them with a blood-chilling glare.

Senritsu didn't even pay attention to the thief's anger. Her focus belonged solely to the man, the angel of music, standing there, right in front of her. "W-Why are you here?"

"Well, I think it is only natural for me to be present to watch you clear the quest I created, do you not?" Nocturnal purred. "Especially since I will be the last boss."

Suddenly, the yacht shook violently, making Senritsu lose her balance and her body fly backwards.

"You ok?"

Senritsu looked over her shoulder, surprised to find Feitan right behind her, holding her arms firmly to keep her from hitting the floor.

"Yes." She answered, expression as shocked as she was feeling. "Thank you."

Feitan didn't respond; he just raised his narrowed eyes back to Nocturnal, glaring hatefully at the tall man who, he was sure, was smiling at them from behind his ceramic mask.

Using Ko to concentrate his Nen on his right hand, Nocturnal started to walk towards them.

"Let the final act begin."

Oh my! The final stage of the quest is - finally - here! I'm so excited! :D Though, at the same time, I'm a little sad because it means we're close to the grand finale of the Greed Island game... T.T

As per usual, I hope you had a good time reading this chapter. ;D

Kisses,

RedVoid