Disclaimer : I do not own Hunter x Hunter or its characters
Author's Note: I would like to thank Lynlyn for granting me permission to write this sidefic(are you happy now Yukitsu? Hehe just kidding), which was inspired by her masterpiece, "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken". My sincerest gratitude to you lyn. To the readers, I'm already giving out this warning: This is my first ever attempt to write a fan fic(I don't even consider myself as a writer, so I don't even know why I'm doing this in the first place). My writing pales in comparison to the other writers here who are far more competent and talented than me. I also would like to apologize for the somewhat corny and flimsy plot. I wanted to write something that has a much more complex plot, a story with a lot more depth, but unfortunately, my mediocre(well, maybe it's even below mediocre tsk tsk) writing skills got in the way. I know my limitations, so this was the best that I could come up with.
I tried my best though, so I hope you guys will still appreciate my valiant efforts. Sorry in advance for the wrong spellings, grammar errors and tense inconsistencies. Comments, suggestions, and criticisms (be gentle though ) are welcome. Oh and by the way I'm sorry for the late update. I've been busy lately, and to top that off, I suffered briefly from writer's block. ( excuses, excuses....)
Summary : Due to unexpected events, Kurapica has now become a member of the Geneiryodan, the group he despises with all his soul. What happens when he finds himself at the mercy of the female members of the Spiders? (It's mostly a Kurapica/Machi pairing, but don't worry, I didn't exactly exclude Kuroro and Hisoka from the scene either! The pairing may change as I go along in my story)
CHAPTER 2 : The Transformation
An hour later, the girls finally emerged from their respective rooms. As they drifted down the stairs, a couple of members of the Phantom Brigade looked up and gave them appreciative glances, but as for the rest of them, they simply ignored them out of plain indifference.
Shizuku, as usual was garbed in black, her signature color, but instead of the usual long-sleeved turtleneck shirt and pants, she was dressed in a simple off-the-shoulder dress that suited her nicely. Pakunoda on the other hand wore a blouse with spaghetti straps and a matching pencil-cut skirt that showed off her long and shapely legs, while Machi was dressed up in a white halter top and white pants that emphasized her curvy figure. Instead of the usual ponytail, her hair was loose, with the wavy ends of her blue hair tumbling down her bare shoulders.
Hisoka was still sitting on one of the steps when he glanced up and saw them coming down. Pakunoda and Shizuku managed to slip past him without so much as a comment or a look from him. Machi however, who was just a few steps behind, was not as lucky.
As she made her way through the stairs, she felt the jester's lustful eyes roam all over her figure. She tried her damnedest to look as if she was indifferent to Hisoka's stare, but she couldn't help but stiffen a bit. If she were just any other ordinary girl, she would have been intimidated or even frightened by the blatant and obscene stare of Hisoka. She boldly met his gaze and managed to maintain a perfectly expressionless face to disguise her feelings of uneasiness and repulsion, but her hands at her sides itched to smash Hisoka's face in.
She was just about to take another step down when Hisoka suddenly stretched out his long limbs and laid down on the steps. It was a deliberate and sly move on the jester's part to block her way down. He placed his well-muscled arms under the back of his head and looked up triumphantly at Machi, who was forced to stop in her tracks. She crossed her arms across her chest and looked down at him, her eyes narrowed with displeasure.
Hisoka smiled lazily and leered, "You look positively delectable, Machi. I could just eat you."
Here we go again, Machi sighed inwardly. She resisted the urge to roll up her eyes.
"You're blocking my way. Move," Machi said with impatience.
Machi's demands fell deaf to his ears. "You know, it's just too bad that you've always turned me down for a date. You really don't know what you've been missing," Hisoka drawled.
"Really," was the short dull reply.
Below, Kuroro, whose torso was leaning forward with his arms resting on each leg, sat on the sofa in the middle of the lobby in silence. He looked up and watched the small commotion with interest.
"Hmmm...how lucky for Kurapica he's going out with you ladies tonight. I'm absolutely envious of him," Hisoka sighed dramatically as he remained in his lying position.
The blue-haired girl continued to stare at him stonily.
"Move it Hisoka," Machi said in an irritated voice, but the orange-haired guy didn't budge an inch.
In a low voice, she slowly enunciated the words, "I said, move it."
"Make me," Hisoka suddenly challenged in a defiant tone.
They both knew a physical confrontation between the two of them was definitely out of the questionand Machi knew just how stubborn and hardheaded Hisoka was. She let out a frustrated sigh and then jumped over the surprised jester. She landed gracefully at the bottom of the stairs beside Shizuku and Pakunoda, who were both there watching the scene before them. Hisoka chuckled and then got up and went back to his original seating position.
"Stupid jerk," Machi muttered under her breath. She looked back and gave Hisoka one last icy glare. In return, he winked back mischievously.
"Don't let him get to you," Pakunoda whispered beside her. No matter how hard Machi tried to cover it up, it was obvious that she was a bit riled up over her encounter with Hisoka. Everybody knew that beside the fact that it had been happening even more often lately, the jester was also becoming even more and more aggressive in his pursuit of the blue-haired girl. It was clearly only a matter of time before Hisoka finally got on Machi's nerves.
As Shizuku looked at Machi, she suddenly felt relieved that she wasn't the one who was being hounded by the Hisoka.
"It is rather becoming a bothersome task to dodge his perverted advances," Machi admitted softly to Pakunoda. Shizuku went behind Machi and patted her awkwardly on the back in sympathy.
Machi then glanced around the room."Well? Aren't we going? Where's that chain ....?" Her voice trailed off when she finally spotted him leaning against the wall near the door, with his head bowed down. When she didn't finish her sentence, Pakunoda and Shizuku looked at her quizzically and they both followed her gaze.
Meanwhile, Kurapica, who was the object of their unabashed scrutiny, was staring at the floor with his face in a frown. He was still feeling a bit peeved on account of Nobunaga's teasing and deliberate insults regarding his "feminine" looks as well as on Machi's remarks on his tribal costume.
I'll get my hands on that samurai....and after I'm finished with him, we'll see if he can still afford to make a joke on my expense, he thought bitterly.
It wasn't really his fault if some people were stupid enough to mistake him for a girl just because he was of more slighter build and with more breeding and manners than the usual average guy. It wasn't in him to care much about trivial things such as clothes and appearances, and he also knew that he shouldn't give a damn about what they think. He had far more important matters that were of concern to him. Lately however, it was starting to get to him. It was time to do something about it.
Thereupon he took Machi's suggestion into consideration and wore something different than his usual get-up. He unconsciously reached up for his hair, which was now a bit shorter thanks to his quick visit to the barber. It was a last minute decision on his part. He really didn't know what possessed him to get a haircut at this time, but he was glad that he did. From what he saw after the barber was finished with him, the cut suited him, and it made him look even less feminine and much more masculine.
Upon sensing that he was being watched, he looked up and saw the three girls staring at him from across the room. As he glanced at them, he noticed that they all looked great, especially the blue-haired one. She was indeed beautiful in an icy sort of way, so he really couldn't blame the demented Hisoka for always wanting to make a pass at her.
Looking at them, one would never think that these women are members of the notorious Ryodan, Kurapica mused. He raised his left eyebrow at Machi, as if to say I-hope-what-I'm-wearing-meets-your- approval.
Machi was able to administer a composed and unaffected look, but inwardly she was taken aback by what she saw. She stared at Kurapica in disbelief.
He cut his hair, a small voice whispered inside her head.
His shiny blond locks were now trimmed. His hair, which was tapered around the nape and above the ears, was brushed to one side, with a few fringes hanging over his forehead. The overall effect was devastating. His previous hair length made him look like a young schoolboy who was still struggling in his early teens, but because of the haircut, he now definitely looked much more older, mature and sophisticated. The earring was still there on his left ear, but a pair of black stylish slacks and a dark green long-sleeved shirt that made his beautiful eyes sparkle like emeralds replaced the awful blue costume.
Machi, as well as everybody else , was aware that Kurapica was beautiful, but it was because of that plus the girlish tribal costumes that made him look like a girl. But because of his transformation, he now certainly looked like a young man, and a terribly handsome one at that. She glanced at her companions, and from the expressions on their faces, she gathered that both of them were also stunned by Kurapica's surprisingly improved looks.
The leader of the Ryodan, who was still watching them, briefly smiled, as if amused by the girls' reactions to Kurapica.
All that teasing finally prompted him to do something about his appearance,, and he has certainly outdone himself, Kuroro thought. He knew exactly what was going on inside their heads as they stared at the chain guy, since he was pretty sure that he also had that same floored expression on himself when he first saw Kurapica after he came in straight from the barbershop. He shifted his attention to the Kuruta, and once again he couldn't help but be overwhelmed with admiration.
Without taking his eyes off Kurapica, Kuroro spoke and addressed the samurai, who had just finished cleaning and polishing his sword. "Well Nobunaga, I don't suppose you're going to take back what you said awhile go, now that Kurapica clearly doesn't look like a girl anymore."
Nobunaga surprisingly said nothing and continued to scowl as he sulked in the corner.
I can't see what's the big deal. So he cut his hair and changed his clothes. So what? He still looks like a girl to me, Nobunaga thought stubbornly.
Machi blinked as she finally came out of her trance-like state. She turned to Pakunoda and Shizuku and gave them both a nudge with her elbow. That brought them out of their stupor.
"Uh...let's go then," Pakunoda said awkwardly. The trio then moved and headed out the door. When they walked past him, Kurapica straightened himself up and then went to follow them.
Together, they set out for the city. The foursome walked in silence as they passed by the other abandoned buildings beside their hideout. Pakunoda and Shizuku led the way, with Kurapica and Machi behind them.
With his hands on each sidepocket of his pants, Kurapica surveyed his surroundings. From afar, he could already see the outline of tall buildings and skyscrapers. He looked further up and saw that the moon was magnificently full, with thousands of shining bright stars scattered across the dark sky. As he inhaled the fresh air and felt the cool breeze on his cheek, Kurapica suddenly found himself being grateful that instead of being cooped up in their lair, he was out there, enjoying the night.
As Kurapica shuffled along the road, his thoughts went to the place that they were headed for. Until now, he still couldn't believe that their destination was actually a night club. It was hard to imagine that the Spiders also did regular things that regular folks do. He was also having a cumbersome time grasping the concept of them having a life outside of the Geneiryodan. He only thought of the them as thieves and killers.
It took them a few minutes to leave the outskirts before finally reaching York Shin itself. Once they set foot in the city, the busy and noisy atmosphere greeted them. The streets were filled with cars and the sidewalks flocked with people going in different directions. Kurapica heard Pakunoda start a conversation with Shizuku in front of them, but he didn't bother to listen to what they were discussing about. He glanced at Machi, who in turn ignored him and just kept on walking.
As Kurapica looked at her, his thoughts went to his previous observations that he made of her during the past few months. The girl by his side was a woman of few words, same as him He found out that they both had that in common. But that's where our similarities end, Kurapica noted.
Unlike him, she was neither driven by her feelings nor dictated by her conscience, that is if she has them. She had no compunctions whatsoever on being both a killer and a thief. The rest of the Ryodan members were also just like her. They have already taken so many lives, including his tribemates whom they massacred mercilessly. They were slaughtered like cows just for the sole purpose of collecting their scarlet red eyes, and as a result, he was the only living survivor. Kurapica felt himself getting angry, so he struggled to curb down his temper. He concentrated in his efforts to will himself to relax.
Machi noticed that the Kuruta beside her suddenly stiffened. She felt his rage creeping up slowly to the surface, and she wondered what on earth triggered it. She knew the chain guy wouldn't possibly attack them, not unless of course if he wanted to end his life. She still eyed him warily, but to her relief, she saw that Kurapica had now almost managed to revert back to his calm state.
Kurapica felt the anger ebb slowly out of his system. As soon as the last trace of enmity left him, he took a deep breath and felt himself relax again.
A few moments passed, and against his better judgement, his stubborn thoughts once again strayed back to the Geneiryodan.
I wonder what made them the way they are, Kurapica thought.
He refused to believe that they were born evil. Life was not that simple. There were a lot of factors like circumstances and environment that could have probably been instrumental to the development of their diabolical characters. But still, it was not an excuse for them to just simply throw away their morals. It was their choice to ignore the humanity in them.
They have just turned a corner when he suddenly surprised himself by blurting out a question out of nowhere. "Why did you join the Geneiryodan?" he asked softly before he could stop himself.
Machi turned to him in surprise. She couldn't believe that the chain guy was actually starting a conversation with her.
"It's none of your business," was her curt reply, but then she paused and continued, to her own astonishment,"But, to answer your question, I really can't give you a concrete answer. It just kind of happened."
"I see." Kurapica pondered on her answer. He knew that it was quite uncharacteristic of him to bombard Machi with personal questions, but he nevertheless went ahead and continued to do so.
"But all the killings...didn't it bother you before? Surely at the beginning, you must have had some reservations."
"Nope," Machi responded tersely.
"There must have been a point in your life when you knew deep down inside that what you were doing was morally wrong," Kurapica reasoned out. What's the use in trying to make her feel guilty? She probably doesn't even know the meaning of the word, he thought in irritation.
Machi didn't answer and continued walking.
"I suppose it is futile to try to reason with a cold-blooded Spider."
Machi jerked her head towards Kurapica. "You keep on forgetting that you're one of us now. And you have no right to judge me. I made the best possible choice for me, and you cannot convince me otherwise. I chose my path and I'm sticking with it,"she suddenly snapped.
Pakunoda and Shizuku, who have long ago ceased their conversation, listened to the heated discussion behind them.
Kurapica's temper flared up. "But why? It's a destructive path that only leads to even more destruction as you go along. Why must you insist on continuing with it? Why don't you admit to yourself that you made the wrong decision in joining the Spiders? And as for me being part of the Geneiryodan, your Dancho may have succeeded in forcing me to join your group, but I still will never consider myself a true Ryodan."
Machi however, refused to be baited and chose to ignore his words by remaining quiet. She realized that it was wise not to add more fuel to his anger.
Kurapica, on the other hand, berated himself for getting all riled up again.
I should have never brought this subject up, he thought stormily.
Nothing followed after that conversation, and the group once again walked in silence. It wasn't before long when they finally reached the club.
The Zone was a modern two-story building with a huge and elegant sign that was placed just above the entrance, where two huge and massive bouncers with bulging muscles were stationed. Kurapica noticed that the club seemed to be popular. He saw the long line of impatient-looking people outside who were all waiting for a chance to get in. One of the bouncers, who had dark skin and with what seemed like a permanent scowl on his face, saw them, and there was a tiny flicker of recognition on his face.
These girls must be regular patrons of the club, Kurapica concluded. Someone tapped him on the shoulder and when he looked up, he saw Pakunoda who stood beside him, with Shizuku close by.
" Shall we?" Pakunoda extended her hand and gestured for him to move forward.
He nodded and then moved closer to the entrance alongside with Machi. The bouncer acknowledged them with a curt nod, and then stood back to let them enter. Kurapica and Machi then advanced into the club, and Pakunoda and Shizuku followed suit.
End of Chapter
Author's Notes : I am aware that it's rather unlike them to go out clubbing or to go dress themselves up, but then, what the heck, I'd still like to think that they all have the same urge to go out and unwind as normal girls do. ( as if! they are anything but normal. Tsk tsk .well...just call me plain stubborn and hardheaded then if you like...hehe) I hope you guys liked the idea of Kurapica having a new haircut.
Thanks to my reviewers:
To Mercury160, thanks for reviewing, and thanks for the compliments. I did try my best to make an interesting fic, and I'm glad you liked it. I really appreciate it!!
To Kaori-chan, thanks for dropping a line. I guess it's going to be more of a Kurapica/Machi oriented fic, but don't despair Kuroro/Kurapica fans, they would definitely have their own moments too in the next chapters.
To Night-Owl1123, sorry for the late update. Sorry to keep you waiting!
To Blitz Magnus, I'm glad you found it interesting! And don't you just love it when Nobunaga and Kurapica argue? As for Machi, hmmm...she's definitely going to do something in my next chapter to spice things up. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the review!
To Yukitsu, err... thanks for the constructive criticism. Now, I would be a liar if I told you I wasn't affected at all by your review(hmmm..and to think that you were already gentle with me). Don't you worry, I did take your suggestions into consideration. I'm too lazy though to make the necessary corrections in my first chapter, but I will once I have more time on my hands. And thanks for reminding me that I should indicate in my A/N that my story is a sidefic. And as for the summarized scenes that I took from Wild Hearts, well let's just say that it's only for the benefit of those who still haven't read lyn's fic. ( as if that's possible). As for term "flat cardboard characters", hehe that was really funny. I guess I would have to work on that, as well as my tenses. Oh, and the underworld website looks interesting.....
To Kuroro12, sorry also for the late update. And don't you worry, I'll be putting a bit of romance in the next succeeding chapters,(hmmm I don't even know how many chapters I'm planning to write) and I'll definitely not forget about Hisoka.
To Spider 9, hmm Sharnock with glasses, I bet he'll look cute. Maybe he and Shizuku would make a nice couple, don't you think?