{A/N:

mercury160: Thx for the praise, I'll try to give further explanations. Well, this is supposed to be a long story...sometimes I write somewhat longwinded, so the already long story will become more long, these chapters are just the "warm up". If I would write the fight between Marlik and Silva and Edea capturing Pegasus (who's only a politician, not a fighter) more detailled the part of the story which takes place ten years in the past would become even longer. This mission is mainly to introduce the Hunter group I'm working with and how I come to meet the Kurutas. About the scene with Gonulf in chap 04, he is a sadistical guy, he has the order to get the scarlet eyes for Pegasus' collection, but he´s not interested in something , I don't say it. Well, here's chapter 05, thanks to my proofreader!}

Chapter 05 - Success X Revelation X Escape

The Kuruta boy rested his hands on the windowsill and took a deep breath.

"The fiery red of our eyes is known as one of the seven most beautiful colours in the world. Many body part collectors would pay immense amounts of money to get a pair of scarlet eyes. It's considered as one of the most valuable treasures they can obtain."

Marcel was speechless, deeply shocked about that what he had heard.

The Kuruta shook his head slowly and looked down at his hands as he continued.

"It was my own fault. When the guards discovered me, I went really berserk and beat up a lot of them. But in the process, my eyes turned crimson red...... so they found out about my origin......"

Marcel gulped as he finally forced himself to speak. "Don't blame yourself, it's not your fault. So... your eyes aren't red all the time?"

The boy shook his head again. "No they aren't, they only turn red when we have strong feelings like anger, fear and so on. Look, I'm calm now." The light blonde turned around and faced him. This time, Marcel's eyes met ocean-blue ones.

Marcel gave the unconscious Gonulf a disdained look before turning back around to study the Kuruta boy more carefully. The boy was a bit taller than him, and wore white pants and a white shirt. This combo was covered by a red sleeveless sweater with golden accessories, which went down to his calves and was held by a golden ribbon around his waist.

/These must be traditional Kuruta robes. / He thought as he looked at the golden accessories. "So Gonulf wanted your eyes because he is a body part collector?" He asked curiously.

"Not he himself. His boss is the one who is secretly collecting body parts."

Marcel nodded then slapped himself on the forehead when he realised. "God, I've completely forgotten to introduce myself. I'm Marcel, a blacklist hunter since last year."

The Kuruta smiled. "I'm also a hunter. I've taken the exam two years ago. My name is Kurimo."

"You're a hunter too? I wonder why Netero-san didn't tell us that he sent another hunter."

"My order was to collect proofs for Pegasus´ crimes, but sadly I was discovered. Gonulf would surely have killed me and gouged my eyes out if you hadn't saved me. I owe you one, Marcel-san. You have my deepest gratitude." Kurimo bowed himself before Marcel.

Marcel blushed. "It's ok Kurimo, get up. I helped you with pleasure. I'm glad you're unharmed, and please call me Marcel, I think it sounds better." He whispered softly and smiled.

"If you allow me to, I will do, Marcel. Arigatou."

"Ok, I assume we're friends then, right?"

Kurimo nodded lightly. "You're the saviour of my life. I will protect you with my life if needed."

Marcel shook his head and placed one hand on the Kuruta's shoulder. "There's no need for that Kurimo. I didn't save you so that you then die for me. I can see your gratitude in your eyes, and I've earned a new friend. This reward is enough for me."

Kurimo wanted to respond, but suddenly an intimidating figure appeared from the staircase. The Kuruta boy raised his swords. "Who are you? Friend or foe?"

"The first assumption is right. Let your swords down boy, I'm on your side."

Marcel grinned as he recognized the voice. "Have you found the office, Edea?"

Kurimo clutched tightly onto his swords, refusing to let it down. "Who are you?" He asked again.

"It's alright Kurimo. That's Edea, my colleague." Marcel gently placed his hand on Kurimo's wrist and pushed it down.

"I've not only found the office, I've also revealed Mr. Pegasus' secret hobby as well as capturing him."

"Great! That means the mission is successful. I would like it to beat up Pegasus for his perverted hobby. How can a human being collect human body parts, that's disgusting."

Edea stared at him in surprise. "You knew about this already?"

"Yeah, my new friend Kurimo just told me."

Edea froze as she turned around to face Kurimo. "N...Nani? That's a boy from the Kuruta clan. What is he doing here? It's really dangerous for him to be here!"

"I know... I had to cut off the secretary's hand to avoid him ripping Kurimo's eyes out!" Marcel pointed at the unconscious man.

Edea walked towards Gonulf and dropped Pegasus beside him. She unlocked the handcuffs on one of Pegasus´ wrists and chained him together with Gonulf´s unharmed hand.

Kurimo's gaze followed Edea's every action. "How do you know that I'm a Kuruta?" He whispered in confusion.

Edea turned to face him again. "I know the characteristics of a Kuruta. First there is your golden blonde hair, second your deep blue eyes and third, your clothes. These three put together makes it pretty easy for someone with knowledge to recognize you as a Kuruta."

Kurimo stared into Edea's yellow eyes.

"What's the matter boy? I won't do anything to hurt you," Edea assured him.

"It's... it's nothing," Kurimo stammered.

"Well then, I've several questions to ask to you, but we shouldn't stay in this place any longer. Silva has contacted me and told me that he has completed his mission. José is already back at the Land Rover. We should retreat now."

"Hai, come on Kurimo, let's leave this ugly place." Marcel took hold of Kurimo's hand and pulled him behind.

"Go ahead, I'll take care of the prisoners." Sephiroth appeared on the stairs, obviously exhausted.

Marcel stopped. "Seph, are you alright?"

"Yeah, just a bit tired from the battle with Mr. Spinach-head." Sephiroth pulled Pegasus and Gonulf up onto their feet and dragged them behind.

Marcel and Kurimo disappeared downstairs, closely followed Edea. "The guards will be highly alarmed now, we must get away from here."

Sephiroth quickened his steps as he dragged the prisoners down the stairs. As they reached the hall, a group of guards appeared and attacked. Edea knocked three of them out with her Astral Punch, Marcel just used neck-blows while Kurimo slammed them unconscious with the handles of his swords or kicked them against the wall.

Sephiroth whistled. /Impressive... this boy has an effective fighting style. /

A few minutes later they gathered at the fountain before the residence.

"Is everybody ok?" Edea asked and looked around.

"Hai," Sephiroth, Marcel and Kurimo replied.

"Then let's go."

They all rushed over the gravelled path and headed for the gate.

End of chapter 05.