Hello everyone! My deep apologies to every one of you. I haven't been updating, you all know that. But I want to thank you all for always reviewing my stories and urging me to write more. Thank you to all of you readers. I really appreciate your reviews. They make me want to write better and more often. Anyway, I hope you guys will like this chapter. It's a bit dull in my opinion but it's only just beginning. I promise it will pick up soon. However, if you're expecting it like The Scarlet Eyes of the Kuruta clan, you'll be a bit disappointed. This sequel will have less action and more romance. I think it's time for Emina and Kurapika to develop their feelings. So bear with me.
Again, thank you for not leaving. Thank you for reading my stories.
As always, proper disclaimers apply. I do not own Hunter X Hunter, I'm just writing a fictional story about the characters. Happy readings everyone!
Emina silently stared at the distance while Kiara perched comfortably on her shoulder. She tried to find a quiet place to rest in but couldn't find any. There were kids everywhere! Apparently, silence was a luxury in a high school. So instead, she climbed a tree, nestled in one of the branches, and waited for the afternoon bell to ring.
She took out her cellphone and fiddled with it. This device was pretty entertaining. It was handy too! It contains all her important contacts and she could send e-mails. But most of all, the device served as a mirror. She didn't want to admit it, but she kept looking at her reflection.
She never really paid much attention to how she looked like. She was never really into those girly things. But it wasn't a secret that she's not "normally pigmented". Even so, Emina was surrounded by friends who didn't care about how she looked. Once or twice, she heard hateful comments directed at her in her hometown. But that didn't last. Her friends from home beat those kids up.
She didn't stand out in the Hunter Exam either. There were some really weird people in that exam. What's more, the Hunter association themselves aren't that normal. That said, she misses that environment. She doesn't want to admit it but, just maybe, she took the security of her friends for granted.
Now, being thrown into high school without her friends made her feel vulnerable. She chuckled scornfully at herself.
"You're so pathetic," she whispered.
She fought monsters. She passed the Hunter Exam. She pushed open the Gates of Trial! She fought in the Heavens Arena and climbed the top floors. She learned Nen. She even met Hisoka! Now that clown is scary.
She'd been all through those scary things yet she allowed a bunch of measly kids call her names. What's worse, she allowed it to affect her! She pulled her knees closer to her chest and rested her chin on it. Why did she let it bother her so much? It's true that she has pale white skin. It's also true that she has white hair. She can't help it. That's how she was made. But those traits were being used to insult her. And that was painful.
How do you deal with hurtful words like that?
She found it harder to deal with verbal attacks rather than the physical ones. Physical attacks could be combatted easily. She can kill anyone with just one hand. But verbal attacks? How do you fight it?
The first bell finally rang, startling Emina out of her thoughts. "Off you go, Kiara. I'll see you when school's done."
The bird chirped encouragingly and gave her a light peck on the cheek. It flew away and Emina jumped down the tree. She thought no one saw her but then an annoying voice called out, "Ew! Look at that thing. It climbs trees too!"
It was that boy. It's best to ignore him. If she didn't, she'll just want to kill him. Emina proceeded to walk towards him because he was blocking the way, but he didn't budge. "Where are you going, freak?"
"Ignore him," she thought and didn't make eye contact. Doing so would just provoke him.
"He asked you a question, bitch," another boy from the group chimed in. Why must they do this? Now all she wanted to do was skin them slowly until they bleed. She wanted to punch them where it hurts. She was thinking of all the ways she wanted to cut them when a loud thump was heard. And then curses from the boy who called her "bitch".
"What the fuck was that for, asshole?" said the boy who was now on the ground clutching his red cheek.
"She's not a bitch," said a male voice. A very familiar male voice. "You call her that again, and I'll make sure you'll bleed through your dick."
The boys scampered away while shouting profanities. Emina turned around to thank her savior and was met by a familiar icy blue gaze and silver hair.
"Declan?!" she gasped.
"The one and only," said the young man.
Emina lunged at him and hugged him tightly, "It is you! What are you doing here?!"
Declan only chuckled. Emina pulled away and looked at him. His silver hair was pulled back into a pony tail, making his blue eyes and handsome face stand out.
"I'm here on a job actually," he turned around and looked at another handsome young man. He had wavy light brown hair that framed his sharp black eyes. He was tall and built like an athlete. He didn't look like he needed a bodyguard at all.
"Hitoshi Tora," he held out his hand to Emina. "You can call me Hitoshi if you want."
Emina shook it and smiled, "I'm Emina Honda." Tora sounded like a very familiar name. Something tugged at her thoughts but she ignored it.
"Oh! You're the new girl. Well, one of the new girls I should say," Hitoshi smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry about some kids here. They can be cruel at times." He seemed like a very respectful teenager.
"It's okay, I've been called worse," she looked away and started walking. "We should get going. The bell rang… I don't want to make you late for class."
"Nah, it's okay," Declan walked beside her while Hitoshi walked on her other side. "I should've found you sooner. Kurapika's in our class actually," Declan said with a hint of disappointment. Emina seemed to miss it for she just looked at him with wide eyes.
"Isn't that funny?" she said. "If you don't mind me asking," she turned to Hitoshi and looked up at him, since he's a lot taller than her. "Why does a tough looking guy like you need a bodyguard like him?" She pointed at Declan, "No offence," she added with a chuckle.
Declan frowned and Hitoshi laughed musically. Emina guessed that this guy's probably popular with the girls here.
"Well, it's not a secret here really," Hitoshi began as they entered the school building. "I'm part of a very wealthy family. My father says that it's best if I have a bodyguard like Declan. There are lots of threats aimed at my family right now, so it's not safe for me to be alone."
Emina nodded, "I understand." They climbed the stairs and was surprised when the two boys proceeded to her floor, entirely passing the third years' floor. "Um…guys I think you passed your floor."
"It's okay, we'll walk you to your room," Declan said.
"Students can be mean to those that are different," Hitoshi added and smiled down at her. "Don't worry."
"…I'm not worried…" Emina raised her eyebrows but was relieved to have company. Sure, she didn't need their protection. But at least the students are protected from her if she snaps.
Neon jumped at Emina when she reached their classroom and looked at the two guys. Kurapika was leaning against the wall, presumably waiting for Emina to return so he can go back to his classroom.
"Hey! Guess who I found!" the white haired girl announced. "Declan's here."
Kurapika nodded, "I was going to tell you about him. But then you disappeared. Where did you head off to, Emina?"
"She was with us," Hitoshi chimed in with an obviously fake smile. "Right, Declan?"
Declan ignored the boy and just looked at Kurapika. The two never did get along ever since Emina could remember. That time that they were in York Shin, they seemed to be tensed around each other. Emina broke the silence by saying, "Ah, will you look at that? Time sure flies. Guys, I think you'll all be late."
With that, the boys turned quietly and proceeded to walk down the hallway.
"Those guys are weird, Emi-chan," Neon said beside her. "Why do weird guys flock to you?"
"Because I'm weird," she answered simply. Neon found it funny and laughed at her seriousness. "Anyway, did you have a good lunch, Neon-sama?"
"Um! It was nice out. Where did you go?" she asked while they went back to their assigned seats.
"Just sightseeing," Emina left out the little detail with the annoying boy. "I needed to scout the area and memorize the place."
Neon sighed and pouted at her bodyguard, "You should chill sometimes, Emi-chan. I'm not in danger all the time you know."
Emina nodded but didn't agree. As long as Neon is Nostrade's daughter, she will always be in danger. Maybe danger won't show its ugly face all the time, but it's always lurking in the shadows. The class started and everyone hushed. Emina couldn't wait for the school day to be done.
-0-
The school bell rang and the students all cheered. It was the end of the day. Emina sighed in relief for the bell signaled the end of this dreaded first day of school. Who would have known that school was hard? Not the learning part but the part that involves other students.
Neon was saying goodbye to her new found friends while Emina put her things away. "I guess Daddy's going to pick us up every day, huh?" Neon asked.
Emina picked up her bag and nodded, "Yes, he is. Actually, he's going to pick you up every day. We don't necessarily have to go home with you every day since Nostrade-sama will be in the car."
"You're right. He won't stop worrying unless I'm in his line of sight," Neon grumbled and picked up her bag too.
The girls made their way to the door and saw Kurapika already waiting. He smiled at them and joined them as they walked out of the school. The limo was parked outside of the gate and Neon ran to it excitedly. She couldn't wait to tell her father about everything!
Emina walked silently and let Neon reach the car first. A man in a black suit was there to open the door for Neon. The pink haired girl greeted him and went inside with a happy jump. Kurapika followed suit but Emina hung back.
"You guys go ahead," she peered at the doorway. "I need to run some errands, Nostrade-sama. Would that be okay?"
"Go ahead, Emina. Thank you for your hard work today," Nostrade bowed slightly and nodded at the footman to close the door. Emina avoided Kurapika's gaze and turned away from the blond before he could volunteer to go with her. She walked briskly away from the car and headed straight for the main city.
She needed time alone.
It took her at least fifteen minutes to reach the main city and she finally relaxed. The streets were crowded but she loved it. Sure, she liked the peace and quiet. But she also liked the energy that cities give off. Plus, she needed something done today. So without further delay, she headed straight for the nearest hair salon.
-0-
"So how was school, Neon?" Nostrade asked her daughter. They were still in the limo on the way home.
"It was amazing, Daddy! Everyone liked me!" the pink haired girl threw her hands in the air excitedly and smiled from ear to ear. "The classes were really boring and we had to go outside for PE but everything else was good."
Kurapika was silent. He kept a straight face but his mind was elsewhere worrying about a certain white haired girl.
"How about you, Kurapika? Did you enjoy school too?" Kurapika heard Nostrade ask him with a hint of amusement. Kurapika looked at the man and answered plainly.
"It wasn't terrible," lies. "But like your daughter said, the classes were a bit dull."
"As expected from you, Kurapika. You already have tons of information in that head of yours," Nostrade nodded with admiration and pride. "Good thing you work for me."
"Me too," Kurapika answered.
They arrived home shortly. Kurapika was dropped off at the house they were staying in. But before the limo pulled away, Nostrade peeked out of the window and said, "Kurapika, I need you and Emina to be at the manor for dinner tonight. I have important guests and I want you both present for… protection."
Kurapika wondered silently about the visitors but just nodded, "I will tell Emina. We will be there before dinner."
"Good," Nostrade rolled up the window and the limo drove away.
Kurapika's mind was preoccupied while he walked towards the house. He pulled out his key, unlocked the door, and opened it. But oddly enough, the house wasn't empty. Someone was humming and the kitchen sink was running. Kurapika hurried to the kitchen and found Senritsu in it, washing dishes.
Upon hearing him, she turned and said, "Your heartbeat says that you're in a bad mood." Her ever present smile decorated her face. Despite her appearance, she was a sweet gentle person. She was a dear friend to Kurapika and her presence calmed him immediately. She had that effect on him.
"You're right," he pulled out a chair and sat down facing her. "School was horrid. The students are immature and horrible."
"I see," Senritsu turned off the stove and took the teapot out of the cupboard. "Care for some tea?"
"Please," Kurapika said thankfully. "May I ask why you're here?"
She put in some tea leaves inside the teapot and poured hot water in it before answering, "Nostrade-sama said that along with you and Emina, Basho and I should also live here. The house is quite big with lots of rooms. He also said that his best bodyguards should be at the entrance of his estate."
"If someone intends to attack his estate, they won't enter from the entrance," Kurapika said crisply while reaching for his cup.
"I know," she poured tea on both their cups and sat down in front of him. "I told him that it would be wise to have one of us near them but he didn't want it. I guess our boss believes that he's safe here in Japan."
"Needless to say, I want guards patrolling the estate around the clock," he took a sip of his tea.
"We don't have enough guards, Kurapika," Senritsu looked at him earnestly. "After Neon's abduction and Nen removal, Nostrade's money is slowly dwindling. I don't think he can afford that many guards anymore."
"Then what do you suggest we do then?" Kurapika put down his cup and massaged his temple. "For appearance sake, we need to live in this house that's far from the estate. I don't trust a lot of guards except for you, Basho, and Emina. But now Nostrade is ordering you and him to live here too. Who's going to guard him and Neon?"
"Actually, since you were in school, you didn't know," Senritsu tilted her head as if to listen. "But Nostrade conducted a bodyguard search again."
"And I wasn't informed?!" Kurapika exclaimed with a pound on the table.
"I believe Nostrade wanted to find a guard on his own. Which he did today," she tilted her head again but this time to the other side. "You're still the head of the guards, Kurapika. And he meant to introduce the new bodyguard to you tonight."
So maybe that's why they were having a dinner. But why a dinner? Kurapika's temple pulsed in irritation. He was getting a headache. He wished for this day to be over immediately. But just as he was about to speak again, the door opened and a familiar presence walked in.
"Welcome home, Emina-san," Senritsu greeted gently with a smile.
Kurapika turned around and saw Emina walked in. His eyes widened in shock at the sight of her. Overall, she was still wearing her school uniform. But what surprised him was her hair.
"Emina, why do you have green hair?" he tried to ask calmly.
"I have green highlights," she answered. So that's what it's called, Kurapika thought. Her white hair was now streaked with dark green…like seaweed!
"But why?" Kurapika heard Senritsu shuffle out of the room. She must have heard Emina's heartbeat. Or maybe it was his that she heard and decided that it was time to hide.
"Because I wanted to," she put down her bag and looked at him straight in the eyes. Her eyes have turned crimson now. "I was thinking about black, but then I saw the green tube and decided that I should have green highlights."
Kurapika was speechless. It wasn't that the color was ugly. In fact, it did look good on her. He never thought that green hair could look good on anyone. But that's besides the fact that she dyed her hair green! He liked her white hair.
"Why is it a big deal anyway?" Emina continued. She didn't sound like herself. She sounded… bitter and angry. "It's my hair."
"Nostrade needs us for dinner tonight," Kurapika ignored the question. "I need you to get ready. We'll head there as soon as possible."
"And why should I?"
"Because I'm the head of the bodyguards. That means, you take orders from me," Kurapika's voice came out harsher than he intended. "And I need you, Senritsu, and Basho to be with me tonight to meet the new guard."
Emina stood stock still before turning around and walking away. Kurapika didn't know what got into him. He didn't need to say it like that. Technically, they both worked for Nostrade. But Kurapika was the head of every guards. So yes, he really was Emina's "boss". But he never enforced that on her. She was his friend…
He covered his eyes and shook his head. He felt like a jerk and he hated it. What in the world is wrong with him! Did the hair change really piss him off that much? Nonetheless, he needed to get dressed as well.
-0-
The Nostrade mansion's dining room was dark for the tall windows were covered by heavy drapes. Slowly, light crept in for the candles were lit one by one and the servants slowly lit the chandelier. Kurapika stood by the far wall and watched as the servants prepared for the dinner. The guests will be here shortly so the room smelled of delicious food.
His gaze fell across the room where Emina stood silently. She wore a tight black long-sleeved shirt and jeans. Her newly dyed hair was pulled up in a messy bun. Like him, she stood silently but attentively against the wall. Nostrade didn't tell them what to do yet so they just stood there… awkwardly watching the servants running around.
"Ah, what a beautiful atmosphere we have here!" Basho, a heavily bearded man, said in a booming voice as he entered the room. Kurapika ignored his comment and merely looked at him. "The guests are here. Nostrade needs us all with him."
Finally, something to do. They followed Basho to the main room. They saw that Neon and Nostrade were already standing in the front so Kurapika and Emina stood behind them. The doors slowly opened and the servants bowed respectfully at the guests who walked in. Kurapika heard Emina gasp. He didn't have to guess why for in came familiar faces.
"Welcome to our home," Nostrade greeted. "I'm glad you could come, Tora-san."
"Thank you for inviting us, dear friend," said a man in traditional Japanese clothing. What was it again? Needless to say, he looked like a valiant samurai from the books that Kurapika had read. In fact, if he looked closely enough, there was a hilt of a sword peeking from the man's side. "May I introduce my son, Hitoshi Tora, and my wife, Ayako Tora."
Surely enough, there was Hitoshi standing in between his father and mother with that fake smile of his. His mother wore a beautiful red kimono- that's what it's called- while Hitoshi wore clothing that is similar to his father's. Behind Hitoshi stood Declan. Unlike the family, he wore a black suit like the other bodyguards.
"This is my daughter Neon," Nostrade said and Neon curtsied. "Let's all eat, shall we?"
Nostrade led his guests to the dining room. Despite the silence, Kurapika felt the tension. Something's telling him that this wasn't a normal dinner between families. It felt like… a business dinner with all the formal looking guests. Either way, that's not his job. His job was to protect the Nostrades and that was all. He stole a glance at Emina and he wished he didn't. He saw her eyes glued at Declan who was looking back at her. A sharp pain coursed through his chest. He dismissed it as heartburn and kept walking.
.
.
Well! That ends this chapter. I hope you liked it! Please leave a review if you wish! I appreciate every review. Thank you all for reading!