Chapter 18 : Captive X Secret Deal X Change
"Now that the Shadow Beasts have been dispatched. Shouldn't we just leave things to them?" Squala asked while looking for the others for supportive nods or any reaction but they only stood in silence, curious on what will happen. Especially Karuze whom curious on how they will die by the hand of Spiders.
The arrival of the three Shadow Beasts made Uvogin more stop Feitan and Fraze (still thinking he could have some fun) for interfering since he hadn't had any fun yet. Fraze merely pout more as he play a card while Shalnark tries to ask Feitan for a round but merely getting silent treatment, giving sign that he refused for he keep watching as Uvogin answer their question about the guards and guest whereabouts with they kill all of them. Once Uvogin ask the Shadow Beasts about the merchandise and getting no answer, he starts to get agitated, then the other one Shadow Beast, Worm sneaks underground and launch surprise attack with a punch, which despite it is successful, his hand took huge damage as his fingers starts to get broken because of Uvogin iron skin.
"That stung" Was the only thing Uvogin said in response for the attack as he returns it with his own punch that damages Worm way more than he damages Uvogin. But with his determination, Worm managed to use his injured hand to grab Uvogin's hand and drag him underground. Asking Uvogin to decide whether he will die by underground in his hand or the surface with his three friends for he can't escape.
In hearing that, Uvogin merely grins as he announced that the one who can't escape is Worm as he use his special attack, Big Bang Impact that Machi noted he only throws straight right punch with little added Nen yet the damage is huge like having a bomb had exploded in where he stand. Even both Karuze and Fraze is impressed with the power as it is without a doubt, finishing Worm. Once Uvogin broke free, everyone there could see, the number 11 Spider tatto and Karuze inwardly sigh before looking at Kurapika, undoubtedly having rage with raging Scarlet eyes behind his black contact lens.
Once the three Shadow Beasts had identified Uvogin as Spiders member, the Phantom Troupe. That didn't stop them, whom going to attack at the same time. Uvogin decided to attack Porcupine but proven useless as his Nen lets him to manipulate his body hair at will and had struck thousands of them at his right hand and unable to break free while the same time, Rabid Dog had bit and took part of Uvogin's right shoulder skin which made both Feitan and Nobunaga slightly surprised for the Shadow Beasts able to damage Uvogin Iron Skin with nothing but body hair and teeth which Shalnark replies as the Shadow Beasts are quite skillful Nen User then starts to whine as he realizes he had make a wrong decision at the card game.
Despite Uvogin tries to shake Porcupine loose and tries to use him as his fist, none of it worked while Rabid dog help himself with biting another skin around his left thigh. At that moment, Uvogin starts to fall as Rabid Dog commented his fangs secrete a tranquilizer that's meant to instantly incapacitate him, though it work longer, at least it worked for making everything while up the neck is unaffected. Machi merely glance at comment that if using the lethal poison, the fight would be over which Fraze merely grins at the coldness Machi gave while Shalnark, giving disapproval looks at Fraze as he shuffle the cards, commenting that Rabid Dog must have like to torture his opponent.
Taking the opportunity, Leech starts to put the spotted leeches inside of Uvogin's wounds. Leech chuckles as he commented among all the leech's of numerous sizes he put inside of his body, he choose the spotted leeches as present because it is the one species that will laid eggs inside of him and will be able to make him die with excruciating pain of hundreds of millions of eggs that will hatch inside. Not wanting to hear more of Leech disgusting voice, Uvogin starts to bite half part of Leech's head, making the other two Shadow Beast gasp in shock and horror as Uvogin declared that merely everything up to his neck is the only thing needed to defeat them. Kurapika whom watching, also able to know that the Shadow Beasts will lose in which Karuze merely grins and keep watching.
Rabid dog only look in disbelief as he knows Uvogin can't bite him when he is quite in a distance, yet Uvogin merely smirks and sucking the air with his mouth like a vacuum before then spits which Rabid Dog thought was a bullet at first but turns out it was a fragment of Leech's skull which he tries to stop with his palm of hand with added Nen but the skull bullet piece through his hand and then his forehead, killing him instantly. The moment Uvogin laid his eyes on Porcupine, his eyes widened but tries to prepare to counter as he knows his body hair were capable to deflect any projectile as Uvogin's start to suck air once more and when he stopped.
The spiders with Fraze instantly cover their ears, with Karuze also knows so he already cover his ears. And as Kurapika and the others look at Karuze in confusion then before they ask why-
"GGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Yup, instead of spitting another bullet. Uvogin starts to roar out loud with piercing noise that even reach Karuze's side that makes all of them finally cover their ears like Karuze, along with the echos that capable to drop the air ballon yet the crash sound are unable to be heard with Uvogin's roar that rivaling all the sounds. Since Porcupine had no time to cover his ears and unable to repel sound projectile, his eardrums burst, killing him instantly with Uvogin toss him aside, grinning as he easily kills the four Shadow Beasts all by himself.
While the Spiders are protesting at Uvogin for not giving them warning, Kurapika finally starts to prepare to go in action in rage and hatred. Karuze and Melody both knows Kurapika is losing control. Dalzollene tries to stop Kurapika with Karuze as well grabbing Kurapika in tight grip, resulting Kurapika to yell more to let him go which Karuze won't do so because he knew, Kurapika will only get himself killed in that state, while the others are too shocked to respond.
It was then Melody started to play her flute with the tune of wild flower, giving illusion of flower garden with petals flying all over until Melody stops playing, which giving relax effect that definitely effective, for others started to calm down. Despite that, Kurapika's intention are still the same, which surprises others but Karuze whom knows Kurapika is not the type to let a small chance pass. Dalzollene approves the plan and tell the others to prepare for the plan will be set in motion. In the same time, the spiders in leisure mood as Shalnark the brain in spiders, giving Uvogin method for making the leech eggs out of his body with drinking beer non stop and urinate frequently as Shizuku could only suck poison but not living beings. As Shizuku prepares to suck the poison out, it was then they realizes a chain had wrapped itself around Uvogin and took him away which others look in shock but Fraze merely grinned without others knowing for he knows who is the owner of those chains. Yet Machi's quick thinking has saved them for before Uvogin was taken away, she managed to throw needle with her Nen threads and conceal it with In so they now had a trace.
The Spiders then split with Franklin goes to find beer while the others plus Fraze going for a chase while Shalnark also giving updates about the chain user towards the Chief while on their way. Neither of them realize, Worm whom barely conscious are giving information about the attacker and requesting the remaining members to stand a chance in his last breath before he passed away.
Karuze are currently in the same car with Kurapika driving, Melody at front and he is in the back with the prisoner, Uvogin and Squala. Uvogin keep taunting Kurapika because he sees the chain is coming from him and tries to make him lose his cool with successful result as Kurapika tighten the chain and...not seeing the road.
"Kurapika, front.. watch the front!" Melody look at behind and front in panics with Karuze grit his teeth in frustration and yelling also while Squala only goes silent in shock.
"Watch the road, damn it! Are you trying to kill all of us!?" Karuze yelled then glaring at Uvogin, which causing him to notices something the same time as a phone call is coming from Dalzollene telling there's a tail.
"A Nen thread! Its on his left thigh!" Karuze grit his teeth as he took the needle then gives it to Squala to throws it away while the same time, Kurapika adds more speed as he grit his teeth for having the Spider tailing them.
Without a doubt, it was the spider that follows them in the other car behind the Dalzollene group. Machi took back her needle once she realized they were noticed. Feitan seems to be impressed for they had known about the thread faster than expected while Shalnark whom is driving only grin as he knows they are almost catching up.
"Whatever...why are we all stuffed in this tiny car?" Nobunaga said in irritation as he is squeezed between Feitan and Machi.
"It's only for a little bit" Feitan said blankly.
"Anyway" Fraze's voice piped in from the trunk "At least you are on the passenger seat. Why am I in the trunk and treated as if I'm a luggage!? Feitan would fit much more better than me in here!"
Feitan instantly glaring in Fraze's position at that insulting remark. Before he could say something in cold tone, something -no- someone drop from the sky landing to the roof of their car with loud sound and using his Nen ability, Fun-Fun Cloth which shrink the car. Yet, the spiders (minus Nobunaga) and Fraze whom sense something, instantly opens the door and escape.
The owl praise their ability for capable to escape while Feitan comments that Nobunaga is in unlucky position for he is the only one who can't escape. Yet the spiders do also seems impressed with Fraze that capable to escape despite being placed inside the trunk, that impressed reaction lasted for few seconds before being replaced with interest in Owl's ability for being able to shrink anything with that cloth for its quite handy for theft and fitting all the treasures in the pocket while ignoring Nobunaga's lament inside the cloth, asking to let him go in tiny voice.
In that moment, they realized another presence, seeing the rest of the Shadow Beast had come in Owl's rescue. Yet seeing the rest of the Shadow Beast members doesn't frighten them, instead they were puzzled for they deduced that that is all the rest of the Shadow Beast and thinking that the chain user isn't part of the Shadow Beast. Both of Feitan and Fraze volunteer to take care of the Shadow Beast minus the Owl which Fraze finally grin for could be having fun while Machi prepares to capturing Owl alive.
"Shalnark and Shizuku just stand watch" Feitan said in meaning to assess Fraze as he puts his aura around his hand while glance at Fraze "I'll take care of the three while you can take care of the two"
"Okay, got it!" Fraze said as he took out his katana and grins as he lets his aura shroud his katana.
Seeing the spiders and the kid (Fraze) had no fear in facing them, the Shadow Beast rush ahead to teach them a lesson, despite Owl's warning not to taken them lightly.
They really should have listen to Owl.
Meanwhile Kurapika and the others had finally realized that they are no longer being followed. They knew that it has to be the one of the Shadow Beast that stops the Spiders. Taking the chance, they decided to switch the location to keep the prisoner while Kurapika silently hopes the plan for using the muscle relaxant and sleeping gas will work against the prisoner.
Undoubtedly, Fraze and Feitan finishing the rest of the Shadow Beast without any problem. Feitan didn't want to admit, but Fraze certainly has skills for cutting the Shadow Beast into quite an.. art in Fraze's term. For he cuts the Shadow Beast like scrap of papers, layers in layers then it explodes like a confetti after he puts his katana back to its sheath. Shalnark take a mental note so he could report about Fraze towards the Chief later before taking the cloth with the car and Nobunaga inside to free him but Machi stopped Shalnark.
"We are taking Owl in the car with us right? Since there are no room, how about we leave Nobunaga as he is?" Machi said as he hold Owl in captive
"Screw that! Let me out!" The cloth shook violently after hearing Machi's words. Nobunaga keeps yelling for them, knowing the rest of the spiders could hear him yet they still plainly ignores him.
They had hoped that they could just let out the car and leave Nobunaga as he is but Owl unable to do so which disappoints them and goes to letting both Nobunaga and the car out from the cloth. Undoubtedly, Nobunaga comes out the car with angry look at his face.
"You guys! Making a fool out of me!" Nobunaga yelled angrily while Feitan merely spoke in calm tone "Troupe Members are not suppose to snap at one another"
The rest of the members also ignores Nobunaga as they headed towards the car with Owl in captive, it was then Fraze goes to Nobunaga's side and spoke in menacing, yet childish tone.
"I do get some fun, thanks for being an entertainment"
Hearing it makes Nobunaga gets pissed off more as he shouts in anger while Fraze makes his way obediently back into the trunk.
" DAMN IT!"
Thanks to the Shadow Beasts holding them up, Kurapika's group manage to go to the location they wanted and prepares to torture Uvogin, Right at the time they finishes the preparation, Dalzollene yells for Uvogin to wakes up and he does so. Despite being aware he is unable to move and about to be tortured, he didn't even feel fear and begging for his life. Instead, he told them he would make a deal, free him and their lives will be spared which definitely brought surprise for the others yet both Kurapika and Karuze definitely are no surprised for even Melody confirm that Uvogin is serious. Especially they had seen how Dalzollene sword are unable to pierce his body.
"Let me make something clear, we're after the auction merchandise that was stored underground. If you guys don't know where it is then I have no business with you" Hearing what Uvogin had said made Melody continue the interrogating.
"You don't steal the merchandise?" Melody asked in caution tone.
"The safe was empty, the Shadow Beast has taken all of them. Guess they didn't said anything to grunts like you all" Uvogin said before his eyes darted around and fixed around Karuze for a little while. Looking at a kid around their group made him remember about the non member kid that Hisoka brought. Realizing no one said a thing afterwards aside from Melody confirm he is telling the truth, he continued after seeing Squala's reaction.
"Everyone makes mistake, we haven't stolen anything yet. So take these off, and pretend you didn't see anything. If you do that, you get to live!"
That statement made everyone froze in shock in how much confidence Uvogin has, in that time, seeing Kurapika moves closer to interrogate Uvogin, Karuze moves as well in near Kurapika, fearing he will snap. Karuze inwardly sigh at how natural he is, for he knows what will make Kallua snap and Kurapika snap. In those one thing are what resemblance them so it is why also, he is so natural to be the one in rational mind with Kurapika just like when he is with Kallua.
"What about the guests? The one who were in the auction hall. Some of our colleagues were there. Answer me" Kurapika starts , looking down in barely holding anger as he waits for Uvogin to spoke. In that moment, Karuze grips Kurapika's left hand, signing him silently to hold his anger.
"I see" Uvogin finally spoke "That's too bad. We killed them. It was part of our plan-"
Since Karuze held his left hand, Kurapika instantly use his right hand to punch Uvogin straight to his face which brought a slight shout from Karuze. Seeing Karuze needs help to held Kurapika, Basho decided to intercept as Kurapika yells in anger on how many people lives they took for their plan. When they struggles to held Kurapika, they stopped in hearing words from Uvogin.
"So, no deal then?"
After being silent for few moments, Karuze spoke in low tone that heard by Uvogin
"Obviously"
XXXXXXXX
In the Spider base, Owl had finally give in after brief torture that Feitan seems disappointed for he had no fun as he shows the cloth with the treasure inside while Fraze silently watch the whole process. Once he sees there's nothing more entertainment, he decided to go to the room where the chief is along with other members as he sees Hisoka also there. He goes waiting for a little while, knowing Hisoka will excuse himself and he was right.
"Ah, I just remembered. I was supposed to meet someone today. I'll be heading out" Hisoka said out loud, with meaning for asking the Chief for permission. And that is the signal Fraze needed.
"Same with me" Fraze piped in as he goes over to Hisoka's side "Not a problem, right?"
"Sure, go ahead. As long as both of you return by 6 pm tomorrow" The Chief said as both Hisoka and Fraze walked out before continue" Up to some mischief?"
In the same time, the two responded with sinister, playful manner.
"Of course"
XXXXXXXXXX
Kurapika had been excuse himself to be alone, remembering his colleague victims made him angry as he punch his palm in frustration, gripping his chains. He thought he is going to be alone but seeing Melody come to see him made him relief and brought his guard down. At the same time, he is getting a text message from Hisoka, whom ask him to meet him in the usual place. Looking at Melody in a glance made her nodded. Letting him know that she understands and let him go in which Kurapika nodded back in grateful, unknowing the same thing happen with Karuze as he is alone as well with his phone and a text message.
`I'll see you in the place we had agreed upon, Sakki`
Karuze held the phone in dark look before skillfully going away without anyone noticing to meet Fraze as his eyes held slight murderous look with a thought in his head.
`I'm Karuze. No longer Sakki, you damn Fraze!`
The place the two had agreed upon is abandoned theme park, certainly giving off eerie vibration. When both Kurapika and Karuze on the way, the two are slightly surprised to see one another yet neither of them stopped walking, even when they talk.
"Why are you here? You are supposed to be with the others" Kurapika asked while Karuze merely shrugged as he replies "I could say the same at you"
Before another words were thrown away, the sound of the cards made their attention drifted to where both Hisoka and Fraze is, playing cards as they tries to cheat with one another.
"Oh, you two are fast" Hisoka said with a smirk as he shuffles the card with Kurapika on guard as he sees Hisoka with another kid whom he had no idea who he is.
"You are taking a kid in Phantom Troupe?" Kurapika asked incredulously, yet seeing the kid are close and somehow seems to be resembling Hisoka, he knows that kid is not a normal kid.
Hisoka merely chuckle in response as he wave a card in Karuze's direction "Yet you too had a kid in your bodyguard work"
Karuze only giving Fraze a glare whom chuckle that Kurapika definitely noted very similar with Hisoka "So why are you calling me Fraze? Hoping to give me report that you are having fun in Troupe?"
Kurapika slightly widen his eyes, so that kid named Fraze is a troupe member!? Before he could voice his thoughts, Karuze cuts him off.
"Fraze is not a member of troupe, he is allowed to be in troupe because of Hisoka" Karuze said which instantly, calms Kurapika yet still not trusting the Fraze in which given approval look by Karuze. In that time, Karuze gives a glare at Fraze whom merely grins in return, a truly childish grin yet his eyes had menacing look which made Karuze's glare harden yet the expression on Fraze are still unchanging.
"Well, let us go discuss our thing. Especially about Kall-chan~" Fraze said in the serious tone before going in childish, loving tone at the mention of `Kall-chan~' as he walks away with Hisoka nod. Meanwhile Kurapika, had a knowing on who does Fraze mention.
"It's definitely Kallua" Karuze answer in disapproving tone as he looks at Kurapika "I'll be back soon, you don't mind, don't you?"
Kurapika nodded back, which is enough sign for Karuze to walk away towards Fraze's direction. Once the two had been out of the line of their sight, Kurapika starts to ask Hisoka on what is he up to.
"Tell me more about your organization" Kurapika said quickly as he had no intention for idle chat, while Hisoka merely said he loves idle chat then all the information that Kurapika already knows about Phantom Troupe members are thirteen then have number on their tattoo, that member could change without any warning if defeating the standing member or losing one will makes the Chief select someone as Phantom Troupe focus on stealing and killing while at some time perform philatelic work.
It was then Kurapika ask about Hisoka objective of joining Phantom Troupe which he answer he is a member around two or three years ago, replacing the man who was #4. And then he wants to fight the boss for he is having a turn on for thinking about fighting the boss..
"Oi! You are lucky Kallua is not here! Or I will instantly kill you for talking about something that turns you on! Involving him, nonetheless!"
Kurapika slightly sweatsdrop at that loud shout coming from Karuze, remembering Kallua must be innocent like Gon since during the hunter exam at trick tower, the two were clueless about Leorio's action back then. In any case, Kurapika tries to get back on track on his conversation with Hisoka.
"But I've never had the chance. He never let his guard down. At a minimum, two others always accompany him. Then when the job is finished, he vanished without a trace. So I reached a conclusion that benefits us both. Would you not agree that reaching our goals alone will be difficult?"
In hearing the offer, Kurapika eyebrow twitch as he tries to read on what is Hisoka's objective for making the offer.
"I can tell you the Troupe member's abilities. There are seven whose powers I already know. Interested.. in teaming up?"
Hisoka's giving a snide smile as he waits for Kurapika's response.
In Karuze's side, he is just having a headache after hearing Fraze's proposal. He definitely had no idea on what to say, especially this concerns him and Kallua.
" You are really changing aren't you? Maybe this is the effects of you are no longer hiding inside of Kall-chan~. You are more of a human, you see" Fraze snidely said in which Karuze merely glares in return yet he thoughts Fraze might be right as he now had some emotions formed inside of him, despite he has been created after a long time and months after he is out, its like he's improving and developing himself more and more.
Still, he still have to gives out a response at Fraze as he shrugs.
"You may try, but I had no intention of following that plan of yours especially that gets in the way of Kallua's planning" Karuze said which definitely caught Fraze's attention.
Fraze gives a smirk "Was it something I will enjoy?"
Karuze merely glares in return which makes Fraze smirks widen more.
"I'm already having Hisoka for help, you see" Fraze said as he motion his hand like putting a move with chess pieces "If the other chess pieces goes according to my way, that will be perfect" At that, Fraze looks at Karuze in disapproval "Yet you are refusing to budge from the spot, should I have another piece to giving you a push?" Karuze starts to wave the imaginary chess piece in taunting motion.
Karuze merely huffed "You will just be getting to dance into Kallua's palm as always. He will seen through your moves and will put it back against you if he wishes to do so" Karuze then smirked "Or better yet, he will brought the king piece by himself and instantly declared `Checkmate`"
Hearing and perhaps thinking about Kallua will do so, Fraze instantly smile and blush in glee as he hug himself, seeming having a really... Something Karuze didn't want to mention. Somehow thinking Kurapika might having the same interaction with the original Hisoka, made himself feel better as he is not the only one who is handling the Hisoka-ish junior here.
Despite Kurapika being silent for a while and didn't give and answer, Hisoka didn't mind it for he is going back with the cards, shuffling and throwing to play solitaire. Even though it is quite evident that he wants to know the answer, before Kurapika could do so, his phone rang, and it was Melody on the phone. He answer the phone after getting Hisoka's permission.
"Kurapika, this is terrible. The man we captured has escaped"
The instant news made Kurapika surprised " Escaped? On his own!?"
"No, some Troupe members disguised themselves as Mafia and came for him" Melody said as she added "About the Leader, we've been unable to reach him" The news made Kurapika slightly gasp for more victim "Also, we tried to find Karuze, but we can't find him anywhere"
"Karuze is with me, there's no need to worry" Kurapika said and hearing a sound of relief coming from Melody. Kurapika thought she must have worried because Karuze is still a kid yet already involved into Phantom Troupe mess.
Melody continued "We're heading toward pattern B, return immediately with Karuze"
"I understand" Kurapika answered then he ending the call. As he does so, he sense Karuze has return with a scowl on his face while Fraze seems blissfully happy for some reason. Kurapika instantly tells the short version on what happened towards Karuze. Before they leave, Kurapika asked a question to Hisoka.
"Do you know what became of Scarlet eyes?" The quick question are also answered with quick answer by Hisoka with "Unfortunately, that was from before I joined. The boss sells every item after admiring it for a while. The Scarlet Eyes should be no exception. That is all I know"
It was then his tone turn serious "But let me tell you this, a spider will not stop moving until you crush its head. I asked if you wanted to team up, but I was not suggesting that we fight side by side. Merely that we exchange information, in a give-and-take relationship. If it ceases to be beneficial to either party, there will be no further obligation to cooperate. What do you say?"
Kurapika walks away before stopped in saying he will return tomorrow in the same time. Seeing Kurapika's action made Karuze instantly follows while he take a quick glance on Hisoka and Karuze whom giving sinister smiles towards them.
Once the two of them return, they are hit by panics for having their leader killed and didn't know what to do especially when their mission is not in complete yet. It was then Squala mention that Neon is only boss is name as someone else hired them who is her father, Light Nostarade whom giving orders while the leader receives them. Hearing and knowing there's nothing else to do but reporting to their boss, they decided to do so, waking Neon up for the emergency.
"What time is it?" Neon said as she wakes up grudgingly when she has a nice sleep
Kurapika isntantly answer "Its 2 am"
Upon hearing that, Neon instantly ask about the auction and disappointed when she heard it was attacked but when she heard some of her guards were killed along with the leader, she looks down before a moment before ask about the mummy that she wants which surprise others with her lack of empathy.
`Man, talk about heartless. At least act that you're bothered, though I can't even the one to talk when I didn't even feel a thing when I kill' Karuze thought, slightly amused.
Once she receive the news that the goods are safe, she returns to happy mood. It was then Kurapika asks Neon to call her father. When Kurapika ask Squala to be the leader, he refused in which Melody decided to vote and vote for Kurapika which everyone agrees include Karuze nodded to Kurapika with a serious look, indicating this is his chance that Kurapika understood. Despite his chance coming soon than he thought, he can't be help but be thankful. He ask Neon for introduction before calling the real boss, Light for giving the situation on what happened as interim leader. Once he gets the order and what to to, he instantly appointed to be a leader with Kurapika then afterwards giving orders and looking for information about what to do afterwards with Karuze joining in.
"Speaking of which, that Fraze tells me to check the hunter website" Karuze said which made Kurapika blinks "Seems there's a pro Hunter in the Troupe so we should try to see whether Fraze telling the truth or not"
Kurapika agrees for he had a hunch that hunter website will be used for it is the most accurate website around the world. Karuze then continued "I'm not a Hunter so I don't have a license. We have to use yours"
Once they are accessing the computer, Melody and Squala surprises as they come right on time to see what Kurapika has found, a list o buildings owned by the Nostrade family. Both Squala and Melody are surprised for they had no idea their boss information are on the website.
"This website could only be accessed to pro Hunter, with this information, they can locate this room" Kurapika said which made both Melody and Squala nervous more, especially thinking if their enemies are also a pro Hunter.
"We need to act fast, take the boss and find a different room" Kurapika ordered and saying moving to other room but same location will save time and needless movement. Because they can't use fake names, its advised to use both Basho and Senritsu names and makes sure that everyone especially the boss stay inside.
They starts to think Kurapika's idea are truly brilliant but it surprises them when he asks the room they are in are not being check out, the room that are under the Nostrade name. Especially saying he will stay, everyone instantly knows Kurapika's idea and his reckless action. Karuze knows yet seeing Kurapika nodded with determination made him sigh. He is so used on crazy antics.
"Fine" Karuze looks at both Squala and Melody whom still in shock then looks at Kurapika "I'll make sure we do what you just told" then Karuze added "So I'm the vice-leader while you are away, right?"
Hearing that made Kurapika in ease. He knows Karuze is a strong fighter and an ally so he felt safe to entrust the guarding mission towards him. Yet, Karuze as vice-leader might not be a bad idea at all.
"Yeah, I'll leave the rest to you, Vice-Leader" Kurapika said in firm yet gentle tone that made Karuze slightly grin while Squala just look in silent for having a kid as a vice-leader while Melody seems worried on Kurapika. Afterwards, Karuze instantly ask Melody for the room change then assign the guard duty to the boss with Squala before going to tell the leader's order with the rest.
`You owe me lots, Kurapika' Karuze thought as he's going to be busy.
XXXXXXXX
At that time, Kallua along with Leorio, Killua and Gon are counting all the money they had, they have 3.000.000 diamond, 2.400.000 Jenny in leftover cash and 2.750.000 which gives total around 8.000.000 and having a bind for turning it into 9 billion especially though legitimate channel sounds impossible. Yet Leorio claims the arm wrestling were a bait and they will catch a big fish with it. Killua says nothing while Gon keep asking questions in not understanding which Leorio shot down for Gon ask too many questions while Kallua keep focusing on his watch.
It was then Leorio announce they will prepare for another opening arm wrestling match, but-
"Sorry, I have somewhere to go and something to do" Kallua said suddenly which surprises the three of them for Kallua didn't mention any of it.
"Where are you going?" Gon asked in which Kallua merely gives a pat on her head while smiling gently "It's a secret"
Killua seems annoyed, whether at the secret or not being petted "Oi, you can't keep a secret and then leave as if its nothing"
"Who said something about leaving?" Kallua said in innocent tone as he tilt his head "I only said that I have somewhere to go and something to do"
Killua grumbles at that "Yeah but still-"
Now Kallua lets his other hand to pet Killua which made his anger vanishes and blush forms out from his face.
Leorio whom noticing how Kallua could handle the situation somehow feels like Kallua is the big brother that taking care of his siblings yet seeing Kallua must have reasons, as the oldest (not that old!) he should be giving his decision.
"Oh fine Kallua, you can go but make sure to stay in contact, alright?" Leorio said in which made Kallua turn towards Leorio and nodded.
Both Killua and Gon look at Kallua with cute puppy and kitty dog eyes which made Kallua gives them a hug before he left, promising he would be back as soon as he can and tries to ask them not to be involved in any danger while he's away. Yet Kallua didn't realized that he was so focused in his own plan that he has forgotten what will happen when he is away.
Once Kallua left, they started to prepare for their arm wrestling match. But because of the rumors spread around where Gon had beaten more than five hundereds and giving few of them broken bones, no one dared to try until a huge man with a small man who is the boss ask the bodyguard to try but given their arm size, Leorio decided to take Gon's place.
"Wasn't that unfair?" Leorio merely giving additional of another five million Jenny in reward which both parties finally agrees and then Leorio gives out a standing show of breaking both the arm and the table of the man. Without a doubt, no challenger will be asking for another round. It was then the owner of the bodyguard giving Leorio an invitation of certain place for underground auction. Leorio grinned, knowing he had caught a big fish.
The underground auction they go are full of people cheer for the wrestling match. Killua definitely notice the bloodlust and noted that this place is definitely the underground auction. Once Gon was about to join, suddenly they were told the event are cancelled and a new event are taking in place, hide-and-seek in which seeking Phantom Troupe members, eight of them in which one of them Leorio, Gon and Killua notices in the pamphlet.
"Hey, that girl with glasses was" Leorio trailed off with Gon nodded and confirm "She is the girl that arm wrestle with me"
"Oi, aren't there also another familiar face here?" Killua asked as Gon also noticed that Fraze is also in the pamphlet.
Leorio look at the only kid among the troupe members "Huh? You two knows him?
Gon nodded "Yeah, from Heavens Tower. He is Kallua's cousin named Fraze" Gon looks at the picture again "So Fraze is a troupe member?"
Hearing Kallua had a dangerous cousin who is a troupe made Leorio slightly gape in shock while Killua only silently look at the pamphlet while manage to listen that phantom troupe are responsible for attacking the auction last night.
The MC continues, for saying there's reward for 2 billion for each person. Both Gon and Leorio are excited and goes for registration for 5 million Jenny while Killua still silently looking at the pamphlet.
When the two still look excited as they are exiting the auction, they tries to think of what method to be used for looking on information about Troupe member. Yet Gon whom notices her boyfriend keeps getting silent, gets worried.
"Ne Killua, are your stomach hurt? You didn't say anything" Gon gets closer to Killua whom instantly blush and slightly back away.
"Ge..Geez. It wasn't like that" Killua slightly scratch his cheek "We have no need to rush because the Mafia unable to catch them which gives this kind of event as bounty hunt in disguise. Also I just heard that the last auction have all of their merchandise stolen. Without a doubt, Phantom Troupe is the only one capable to do so"
Leorio hearing what Killua just said, definitely knowing Killua is right "Yeah, you have a point. Stealing from mafia, no wonder there's reward on their head"
"Oh right, I wonder what's Kurapika up to" Gon suddenly remembers Kurapika because of Phantom Troupe which slightly irks Killua for being jealous. Leorio told both of them that Kurapika is currently working as a bodyguard whom have a power in underworld as he is trying hard to recover every Scarlet eyes that's scattered around the world. Gon then tries to call Kurapika but he didn't pick up. Knowing that somehow made Killua slightly happy, though it does make Gon worried but Leorio tells Gon that in some times, no news are considered good news that it made Gon cheer up a bit. Killua then look at Leorio for a bit before just walk ahead.
`Good to know that you are useful for this time` Killua thought, definitely mentioning Leorio.
Gon suddenly have an idea "Oh right, Kallua should have know where Fraze is. He may be able to tell us where the Troupe location"
Leorio instantly cheers for Gon's idea while Killua suddenly grew pale when Gon is about to call Kallua.
"Wait! Wait! Wait! Stop that!" Killua instantly took her phone away, sighing in relief that she hasn't made the call yet.
Gon quickly pouted "Killua! Why did you stop me from calling Kallua?!"
"Are you serious!? We mustn't tell him we are hunting the Troupe! You know he always tells us not to do something dangerous. If we tell him we are chasing the Troupe, don't you think he would be mad at us!?" Killua yelled in which Gon only look at Killua blankly before continued.
"Um...But Killua" Gon tilt her head "Kallua never get really mad at us,right?"
"Uh... no, he does get mad" Killua said as he slightly shiver when he remembers Kallua's eyes flickering in anger during their birthday "He..yeah..gets mad" Inwardly, Killua even remembers when Kallua had experience in threatening people and he definitely didn't want that.
Gon goes sweatdropped in seeing her boyfriend look scared when mentioning angry Kallua, was Kallua truly that frightening when he is that mad!? Regardless, Leorio laugh out loud in seeing Killua look scared only to get his foot stepped on hard with Killua in great pleasure.
While Leorio screams in pain while holding one of his legs, Killua put both of his hands on Gon's petite shoulders.
"Don't...call..him! We can't let him know! We can't!" Killua look at Gon in panic whom only seems to be more surprised at strong denial Killua shows.
"But Killua... Kallua won't be mad. Pretty sure he wont" Gon says trying to convince Killua before Killua finally said a sentence that turn things around.
"He may not want to pet us anymore in anger!"
Silence engulf the couple after Killua said those words.
That did it. They reach a silent agreement of not contacting Kallua, minus Leorio whom still screams in pain.
And this is what Kallua has forgotten. His parents involvement with the Troupe that will not be avoidable.
XXXXXXXXX
Meanwhile Kallua stills looking for someone and its already night time which he didn't expect. Yet he can't back down especially after long hours searching in a certain place fulls of rocky area where he finally found the one who he keeps looking for and the one that Fraze keeps trying to avoid. Without hiding himself, he walks towards them whom instantly on alert.
"Who are you?"
Kallua prepares for that question with such cold tone as he sees a katana being thrust in his direction.
"Don't worry, I'm not here to fight. I'm just a human, not wanting to fight a youkai like you" Hearing that made that figure looks startled, seeing his identity being seen through instantly. "I won't use my weapon, alright? Hiei"
Hiei starts to lower his katana after few seconds of staring towards the stranger, thinking how on earth he was able to know him. He may keep his sword back at his cloak yet he still being cautious.
"I ask you right? Who are you?"
Kallua gives a nod as he introduce himself "Kallua. That's my name" Kallua silently feels nostalgic seeing his uncle, are still a youkai and not yet a human in future because of his wish he made in Dark Tournament. He will have to speed things up a bit and change the future but he no longer cares about it if his parents will be safe yet he had to sacrifice his uncle that he loaths for he also respect and like his uncle Hiei a lot.
"What do you want?" Hiei asked, still maintains distance. Knowing the sign of Hiei will listen, he goes straight to the point.
"I'll be frank. I want you to steal something in spirit realm for me" Kallua said which definitely made Hiei eyebrow's twitch "You may be a former famous thieves but you definitely still capable in doing so, not only that, you are in upper S class which wouldn't be a problem"
Hiei gives a look of are-you-crazy towards Kallua whom already knows Hiei as his uncle for 12 years of his life definitely anticipated it. When his uncle act like this, he had to act fast or he will goes berserk for treating him like a tool or a fool in his perspective as Hiei even already prepares to strike him.
"I have something you want! You have been searching for so many decades for this right!?" Kallua said as he shows the small box he bought at the antique store. Hiei who had seen the item could only widen his eyes as it was indeed the item he is looking for.
"How did you find that!?" Hiei coldly asks while Kallua knows he can't let his guard down as he spoke his answers "I have my resources"
Hiei once more reach for his katana on his back, with cold tone he could muster, he glares at Kallua as he stares at the item he hold.
"Hand it over"
The same time, Kallua too reach for his katana as he hid the item back then spoke the trigger words.
"I won't"
The sounds of swords slashing instantly were on their ears. Attack then block, attack then block without anyone having upper hand. Kallua was glad that his sword skills are capable to be on his uncle level, as expected as upper S class yet he knows he can't play with his uncle for a long time. He promised to be back towards both of his parents after all.
CLANG!
Both of their katanas are against each other with both of the owners are trying to push the out of the swords way. Kallua could see how-desperate looking his uncle is in gaining these items. He knows and he is taking advantage of it for himself which he loathed but he had no choice. Especially when he is going to stomp on those feelings more.
"You truly are just like she says" Kallua starts to spoke knowing what he told would change the history "Like ancestor Yukina"
That did it, hearing his sister name made Hiei froze which gives Kallua able to clash Hiei's sword away from him. Still in shock, Hiei tries to recover but getting more when he sees another object Kallua shows him.
A Hiruseki stone necklace
Hiei knows that stone, that stone was his that he gave his sister a very long time ago.
"Yukina is my ancestor, I'm her great-grandchild in 4th generation. You knows that Yukina choose to become a human right? Because she fells in love with one and loves the human world. And for why she chose to be a human, you didn't understand and keep being in Makai before finally back into Human World, only to find so many years has passed and she is no longer in this world. You are hesitant to go to Spirit World because you didn't want to meet her right!?"
"Stop it!" Hiei shouted in anger "How dare you just sprout all of those lies!"
"You know it was not a lie!" Kallua yelled "You can use your Jagan, and you even will know what am I thinking was right or not!"
Kallua knows that he is truly taking advantage of his uncle's weakness of his little sister whom turns out to be truly his ancestor or more precise, Gon's family ancestor. Uncle Hiei told him all about youkai and also spirit world which he always love to hear the story over and over again from his uncle. He remembers how his uncle back then had pained look and regrets after reminiscing about his sister and all things happened yet he finally manages to pick himself up slowly and decided to follow Yukina's footsteps in turning human like she did and now could be say that he is content with everything in future.
Yet now he makes his uncle felt the pain that he can't heal, he made his uncle suffer which is painfully evident from his facial expression. He knows he is wrong to made him like this but he has to! It was painful that there is no other way, he tries yet he could only do this. Giving him the truthful pain to make him weak and took advantage of it so he will do as he says.
He felt like a monster, much more worse than a puppet in darkness.
Hiei know what this boy says was true, even without Jagan. This is why he tries not to be close with those humans as doing them a favor once and he is in the circle. All he could do was watch stupid person not to travel to Makai and return them. He had grown bored, so bored that he just do as he pleases though in moderation. He usually just stares at the Hiruseki stones back there but then it became watching his little sister until he felt there's no meaning especially when he felt his duty was over, when she decided to live as a human in human world. Yet-
His thoughts stopped as he sees the boy- Kallua suddenly hugs him, yelling apologies for telling him, yelling it was his fault for causing him pain which he didn't understand but then, his Jagan activates and all of a sudden, he could see all of the boy's memories.
He knew everything through him, he knew who he is, he even knew where he's from.
Now he sees why this kid, no his nephew is apologizing. He makes it like he is using him and letting him knows all about his past when he's supposed to discover them slowly. But now he is taking them all at once, yet seeing this kid apologized and even part of Yukina, he cant help but ruffles Kallua's hair.
"Oi, stop that. You are not using me at all, considering you are even doing it half heartedly"
Hiei soft spoken words made Kallua look up in shock at his uncle gentle look, he didn't anticipate his uncle suddenly spoke to him in the same tone like he is in the future. Now it dawns on him that Hiei knows who he is, what is his purpose and why he comes to see him.
"Did...Did you read all of my memories!?" Kallua definitely know this is the only possible reason yet still has a hard time believing it.
"Afraid so" Hiei gives a low chuckle "So I'm an uncle, huh? Especially a father for adopting a son"
Kallua knows he is right, yet he still stare at his uncle in disbelief considering the Jagan has no such abilities! Even the mind reading would not be able to read until all of his history!
"I don't understand it either" Hiei also genuinely confused "Yet, considering what you have gone through, it will be stupid for me to go being useless just because hearing about my sister"
Hiei place his hand on Kallua's shoulder as he spoke "Adult should have support the kid, right?"
Kallua indeed stunned for this kind of result but he can't deny with his uncle cooperating, his plan is now set in motion. He gives the item for him and the two will meet again tomorrow noon for Hiei still had something he needs to taken care of in Makai. Once they separate, Kallua look at both of his hands.
They were shaking.
He gripped them, so hard that his knuckles turn white as he grit his teeth. He didn't know what kind of future will awaits for him, but if his parents were to be the one to pay the price, he will never be able to forgive himself for it.
Moments later, he finally calm himself down. He thought he should go and check a hotel for it is quite late and he may be disturb his parents when he return. As he tries to go back to town, he sense a burst of Nen. Using In instantly, he goes through the source and blink in surprise for two people he found.
Kurapika and Uvogin, prepares for a deadly fight.