It was as if his thoughts had been laid out in front of him. For the first time ever, something in his head clicked as if to say that it was meant for him; his eyes only. Feitan often indulged in art and yet, from all the pieces he'd seen before, they'd never made him feel anything quite like this. It was delicious. Addictive. It made him feel as though a stubborn itch somewhere deep within him had finally been scratched. It was so simple, yet so complicated at the same time. Red fragrant ink on canvas: He had found it nailed to the wall of an abandoned building in Meteor City when he'd found a place to rest from travelling all day. It was covered in a thick veil of dust, illuminated by a beam of light that flooded in from the cracks of a boarded up window. When he looked at it, he absorbed every detail he could.
The work of art depicted a woman nailed to a cross, suspended upside down. She was clearly malnourished, as if her body had been left there for awhile. The style was rough as if the creator was rushed, or perhaps… particularly excited. It was so incredibly realistic, the way strands of her hair fell onto her sunken features and the way that the creator had her disemboweled and left her innards to dangle… it made him feel intensely pleasured. It was intricate, and he wondered- did the creator set a real life woman up in this state, and record their results in this beautiful piece? Either way, he felt it meant something, but he lacked the vocabulary to accurately describe what it could be.
He carried it with him on his journey through the desert towards a different city, where he planned to meet with the others.
The others. How exciting.
He got the letter from the Boss a week prior. It detailed in elegant handwriting wonderful news. It was obvious to him that Chrollo had left out the most juicy details purposely, the Boss loved to surprise them afterall.
'We return to YorkNew City on August the 4th to prove a valuable point.' The letter read. 'I promise you a beautiful plot of astronomical proportions. You all know where to find me. Signed, Chrollo Lucilfer.'
When was the last time they'd met? It seemed so long ago now that Chrollo had finally got his nen restored. Perhaps a few years? Feitan wasn't entirely sure. But, he was ready. Like the others, he was ready for the broken Spider to be mended. He lamented as he walked beneath the clear desert sky, how the Chain User claimed the strongest of them, Uvogin. And he didn't stop there either. No, the chain wielding Kurta went a step further and claimed the life of Pakunoda. Both were amongst the Phantom Troupe's founding members. There was certainly a grudge. He pulled the fabric canvas from his pocket and admired it. Perhaps he could make such art out of the Chain User? Crucify him on an upside down cross and rob him of his scarlet eyes?
"Yo, Fei."
Feitan stopped and turned as Phinks revealed his presence to him. He had completely forgotten that he'd planned to meet Phinks halfway.
"Phinks. Have you heard from Boss?"
Phinks began walking alongside him. Their destination was within sight on the horizon line and skyscrapers became visible, dark in contrast to the setting sun. Phinks shook his head.
"No, not since the letter he sent a week ago. Speaking of-" Phinks smiled warmly. "-Don't you think he sounded… inspired? Don't you feel like… I don't know, something big is going to happen?"
"Don't get your hopes up!" Another presence was revealed to them. From behind, Shalnark ran up with his signature grin and bright eyes. Feitan figured Phinks must have invited him along to walk with them. He joined in on their conversation as if he had heard the entire thing. "The Boss could decide that he might want us to lay low a little while longer before we make our next move. In fact, I predict that he's going to increase our numbers in the meantime. Afterall, Uvo would've wanted to be replaced by someone even stronger than him. And Paku, her spot is empty now too. Not to mention how badly Hisoka wants to pick us off one by one, I imagine the Boss wants his position filled as well."
"Uhg. Don't even mention Hisoka, I'm sick of that clown." Phinks replied. "But I'm ready to take on the Chain User already- I wanna beat the piss outta him!"
"Shalnark may be right." Spoke Feitan softly.
"Buzzkills. I find it hard to believe that you wouldn't jump at the first opportunity to make the Chain User regret being born, Feitan."
Feitan pondered a moment. Yes, of course. Just give him a few moments with the ugly Kurta, Feitan would have him begging for mercy. He craves the day, and he fantasizes about it often. He's gone over it in his head a million times, what methods he'd use, what tools he'd use. He'd even hunted the perfect place he'd take him: a cold, desolate and soundproofed abandoned fallout shelter that would be sealed and serve as the Tomb of the Chain User; the deluded bastard who thought he'd be capable of taking down the Spider all by himself. But, there was only one thing on this green earth that held Feitan back from this ultimate fantasy of his. Shalnark took his silence as an opportunity to answer for him.
"Nah. Fei would want to hear the order from the Boss first. Once the Boss decides it's finally the Chain User's time, I'm sure Feitan would be the first to get to him." Shalnark sighed. "I can only hope I could even land a hit before he finishes the job."
Phinks laughed. "Sounds like, once the Boss does give us the word- It'll be a race to bring back his head."
Feitan said nothing and instead grasped the fabric canvas in his pocket.
What beautiful artwork they'd make out of that blonde Kurta.
He sat above them reading a book beneath the colored moonlight that came from the opulent stained stained glass window behind him. He was perched comfortably atop the pulpit of the old ruined church with one leg crossed over the other. His flock was not yet complete. Only two of the Troupe members arrived early. Franklin and Nobunaga travelled to the abandoned church before Chrollo himself even arrived. They had found themselves comfortable spots in the pews.
Chrollo lifted his gaze to the moon that shimmered above them through the gaping hole in the fallen ceiling. It seemed to be… just about time. He stood as the others trickled in slowly, continuing to read as the Spiders took their places in the pew benches as if awaiting a sermon. Machi and Shizuku were the next to arrive, followed by Kalluto shortly after. Not more than fifteen minutes later, the trouble arrived. They could hear them from a mile away, because Shalnark and Phinks had found themselves in a loud conversation about a new videogame, while Feitan trailed in closely behind them. But, Feitan did not take a seat with the two in the back, instead he chose the empty front row and removed the fabric canvas from his pocket. It seemed to him that they'd be waiting awhile for Kortopi and Bonolenov. Since they hadn't been properly addressed by the Boss yet, he had time to admire his new favorite thing.
The church was mostly quiet- save for Shalnark and Phinks's (now hushed) conversation- and Chrollo was now watching them with what seemed like disappointment and a glint of worry in his eyes. The others hadn't noticed his expression. Instead, they continued to entertain themselves in the pews. Nobunaga balanced a dusty old bible that he'd taken from the back of the pew in front of him atop his knee and read hymns lazily, while Franklin beside him had fallen asleep hours ago. Kalluto, who sat by himself off to the side was doing something with his paper dolls, shuffling them like playing cards. Shizuku was staring blankly at her feet and Machi was stitching a piece of clothing with her Nen Threads. Shalnark and Phinks were the most oblivious of them all, as time went on, their conversation grew louder and more aggressive.
"No, I think I have the perfect strategy." Said Shalnark almost defensively, holding a little portable game console in his hands. "You have to jump around them like this, and then-" clicking could be heard as his thumbs moved to press buttons rapidly. Then, there was a sudden sad little tune that played from the game system's speakers. "-Oh."
"You just died!" Phinks exclaimed with a half heated, half amused laugh.
"It's called human error, Phinks. Here, let me show you again-"
"I don't think your strategy is-"
"Boys!"
Shalnark snapped his game system shut, startled from the sound of Machi's sudden voice. She glared at them, turned around in her place in front of them a few benches away. Once she had attention from both of them, she continued.
"Can't you see the Boss is waiting to speak?" She had her arms crossed and raised a brow as if she weren't surprised by this behavior from them. The others looked up to Chrollo who stood behind the pulpit now, his book laid out on its surface. There was a sudden understanding amongst them now, as if they knew exactly what was wrong by the solemn look on his face. It seemed unreal to them.
"But… Kortopi and Bonolenov haven't arrived yet." Said Phinks quietly.
"Phinks is right!" Shalnark chimed with a look of worry. "Surely we can't be starting this without them?"
Feitan looked up at the Boss with his brows scrunched. He wanted to be skeptical. Afterall, It wasn't more than a month ago that he'd heard of activity from the two. It wasn't that he often kept tabs of other Troupe members or anything, (there was no point, afterall. They were all so good at hiding that it was hard to get into contact without the Boss). But, it wasn't unheard of for a Troupe member to be spotted in a particular city from time to time and, when that happened, the local Bounty Hunters would absolutely lose it. By the end of the day that a Troupe member was seen, there would be wanted posters everywhere. That was usually when they'd cross paths by coincidence. This was how Feitan was certain that the two had been together just a few towns away from Meteor City. He also figured the rest of the Troupe knew this as well.
It seemed then and there that there was a sudden understanding of what really happened to the two missing Spiders. Chrollo seemed reluctant to meet their eyes as he spoke to them quietly with a gentle voice. "Everyone… your suspicions are correct." shocked murmuring broke out between the eight remaining Spiders. Even Shizuku broke from her trance as a surprised gasp escaped her lips. Chrollo looked into each one of their eyes as they looked up to him, now silent. He then looked away. "It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that it is true. Kortopi and Bonolenov… are dead. And, before you ask. No, it was not the Bounty Hunters."
None of them was surprised that it wasn't the Bounty Hunters. A normal Bounty Hunter, even a pro, wasn't capable of taking down two Troupe members together single-handedly. That wasn't what they wanted to hear either. There was an awful aura in the church. They sat at the edge of their seats, anxious to hear what Chrollo might say next.
"Who was it, Boss?" Shizuku asked, now standing from her spot from the pews.
"I think we all know who it was." Said Nobunaga with a growl.
"I want to hear it from the Boss first." Said Franklin, silencing the remaining Spiders. "Go on, boss." He spoke grimly. "Tell us."
Chrollo turned a page in his book and stepped away from the pulpit and stood before them in the stunning moonlight. His hair and eyes glittered as he addressed them all. "I found their bodies quite far from Cheshire City where the Bounty Hunters had spotted them." Feitan followed Chrollo with his eyes as his Boss moved from one side of the pulpit to the other, turning pages as he paced. "In a quiet forest to the East… hung from the trees. Bound with chains."
Phinks burst from his seat, fists balled tight at his sides. Many of the others stood as well, as their concerns were very obviously confirmed. Phinks spoke viciously through clenched teeth. "That fuckin' bastard! Boss, let us get him. Please, let us get rid of this guy!"
"Yes." Nobunaga agreed, Franklin nodding at his side. "Let's get rid of this Chain guy already!"
Shalnark was the most visibly disturbed, his face was red and eyes were strained. He, too, clenched his fists. But, he said nothing. Feitan was also quiet, and seemed a lot calmer than the others. But no doubt, he felt just as much frustration as the rest of the remaining members. He had now set the fabric canvas in his lap, offering Chrollo his full and undivided attention.
Chrollo then did something quite unexpected. While the others looked at him with ravenous expressions that begged for their angry souls to be given the word, he gave them a genuine and warm smile.
"I think…" He turned towards the pulpit and grabbed his book, replacing it with a nearly invisible, glittering little trinket. He then dropped from the stage with his hands in his pockets. He flashed an even brighter smile at them before looking away at the luminous full moon that shone above them through the hole in the crumpled ceiling. "I think they would have appreciated that reaction... Yes, well, I believe you all understand now why I've gathered you all here today." His Spiders clung to his words as he spoke them delicately. "I have something extraordinary planned to memorialize Kortopi and Bonolenov. But also, to prove a valuable point, and I want to address it directly to the Chain User. I want his attention. I want him, not to seek us out, but to reveal himself to us. And, on top of that, I'd like for it to be as beautiful as we can make it." He stopped to look at them all. "They both deserve as much, don't you think?"
Shalnark sat up from his seat. "Let's make it crazy. I want the Chain User to know that we're coming for him."
"Hell yeah! Let's tear shit up!" Phinks shouted.
"How do you want it done, Boss?" Franklin asked.
"Tell us exactly how you want it done. We'll make it perfect." Said Machi with a deep and serious expression.
"I agree with Phinks." Spoke Feitan slowly.
Their leader was deeply satisfied by their loyalty, chuckling lightly. "In that case, I must ask of something strange from you all, if you don't mind. It is essential to make this plan run seamlessly."
It wasn't often that Chrollo simply asked them to do things. Usually, he gave them an order and, regardless of what it was, they'd carry out whatever deed he asked to be done. He rarely asked them anything. Needless to say, it was different. Feitan found it particularly interesting.
"What is it boss?" Asked Shizuku.
"Anything." Said Shalnark.
The others were silent, nodding in agreement.
"Well… I'll need your blood."
Phinks let out a boisterous laugh. "That's funny, Boss."
Machi spun around once more in her spot in front of him. "He's serious, idiot."
There was momentary silence as the Troupe absorbed this information. Feitan was pondering likely the same thing that everyone else was, which was: whatever could Chrollo want with their blood? Of course, it didn't matter. He did insist that it was crucial for their plan, afterall. Feitan felt no reason to question his intentions, nor did the others. Nobunaga raised his hand.
"Can I ask why?"
"Unfortunately, I am afraid that is very hard to explain. Although, I promise that it will bring us one step closer to our objective. All will be clear tomorrow when we begin our preparations."
"Tomorrow?" They asked in unison.
Right, tomorrow. Feitan had remembered in his letter that Chrollo had predetermined the date to execute this plan. August 4th was just a few days away, afterall.
"Yes, tomorrow. It might come as a shock to you…" He began to pace down the pews, their heads turning to face him as he walked by. "But most of our operation is already complete. I've invested in some help." They stared at his back silently. Once he stopped at the church doors, he turned to face them. "There is a vial up front there," He pointed to the pulpit on the stage where he stood before their meeting began. "All I need is a drop. Nothing more, nothing less. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow." And with that, he left them all in the church with a multitude of emotions. None of them spoke a word.
There was nothing to say. And only one thing to do.
Feitan approached the pulpit.
Authors Notes:
Hi there, my name is melon. (wow that first initial upload of this chapter DID NOT work out well) you may know me from my other Feitan x oc fic "How to Steal a Heart" (I believe I kept in contact with some of you, hey y'all) I decided to discontinue that fanfiction and mark it as complete, because I feel like when I was writing it I was in a pretty bad headspace and I believe it no longer accurately represents my writing style now that I have matured. So, I've created this new story out of my undying love for Feitan lol. Please enjoy and give me your feedback, I'll be sure to get back to you. Thanks for reading!