Episode 54: Sincere Candy, Yet Deceitful
Almost instantly, Kurapica knew that something was wrong the moment they arrived at the carnival. As if to confirm his reservations, the chain underneath his sleeve trembled somewhat as if sensing its victims that it seek from way back then.
The auction is not for another two days…
They shouldn't be here at all…
He scanned the area, searching for any signs of shady goings-on. Of course, there was nothing out of the ordinary. Those murderers were not foolish enough to do anything in broad daylight, at least not with him around.
Intuitively, he walked closer, next to Hikari, closing the distance between them as much as possible, without her even realizing it.
They must have known about it, someway or another…
But…
Where are they hiding…?!
With all the motion and unnecessary noises made by the populace of York Shin City, the seventeen-year-old found it really complicated for him to concentrate properly. Also, there was another problem that he was currently facing. He simply could not use his nen in front of these people.
There will be a mass massacre if they were here…
What should I do…?
They can disguise themselves after all, passing off as an Innocent…
" Kurapica…? "
He looked up sharply, his thoughts now broken by Hikari's ignorant interjection.
" Huh? " he blinked his eyes stupidly.
The girl was standing in front of a particular stall and pointing at something there impatiently.
" Can I buy some candy apples? " she asked him, beaming. " Can I? Can I? "
The Hunter went over to her and scrutinized the candy apples warily.
" Oh come now lad, stop staring at my sweets in that manner. I won't poison anyone you know, after all I was the one who made them. Famous candy apples in York Shin City, these little beauties they are," the merchant said, good-naturedly.
Kurapica drew himself up to his full height, a good 1.8 meters until he towered over him. He cleared his throat and gave him a little rueful smile.
" I do apologise for the nuisance I've caused. "
The older man beamed at him.
" You know, you're a good lad, boy. I see that you've taken this adorable lass under care, is it not? "
He was referring to Hikari.
Kurapica's cheeks reddened slightly although he kept his calm. Apparently, Hikari was not listening since she was much too busy, looking at all the different candies which the vendor sold.
" Yes, in fact I am but how did you know that? " he demanded.
The man laughed heartily, " I know things, my dear boy! I've seen the way you were always glancing at her. "
" I see. Can you give us three candy apples then? "
Although the aged merchant was being friendly, Kurapica still could not place his trust in him, after all they had only met each other. He was being too overly vigilant but it was all for Hikari's sake, not his. Anyway, the person could also be in cahoots with the Spiders.
Talk about being too vigilant…
And here, she is being overly forthcoming…
Kurapica sighed inwardly as he watched Hikari communicate animatedly with the old man as he handed her, her favorite candy.
" Hikari… " Kurapica began.
The sixteen-year-old looked up from her 'candy-sucking' and stared at him expectantly.
" Hikari, you can't simply open yourself up to people liberally, you know. It's unsafe. "
The girl appeared to be contemplating this over but then she smiled at him.
" Really? " she asked. " Why? "
" Because the Spiders can take advantage of your naivety, " Kurapica answered shortly.
Hikari's face turned insipid at this, her candy now forgotten.
" Oh… " she whispered, terrified.
" Don't worry too much, Hikari, " Senritsu interjected quickly, elbowing Kurapica painfully in the ribs. " We'll be here for you. "
Hikari appeared to be comforted by this.
" You didn't have to scare her by coming on to her directly like that, " Senritsu hissed, once the girl was out of earshot " Really, Kurapica, how blunt can you get? "
" I didn't mean it, that way. She just took it the wrong way, I guess, " Kurapica finished lamely although he knew deep in his heart of hearts that the girl was really petrified by those people who does not hesitate to eradicate anyone, be it their enemy or an Innocent, in cold blood. Not that, Hikari alone would have gotten terrified by them, anyone would be if they ever experience her past life, five years ago.
" You know what I really mean, don't you Kurapica? " Senritsu said as the both of them watched Hikari, wandering aimlessly in front of them, her eyes wide with wonder at the many sights before her.
The boy sighed and nodded grudgingly.
" But honestly, this girl is just too wimpy! " he complained. " She's scared of nearly everything. "
Senritsu glared at him in response.
" Okay, maybe that came out a little too harsh, " the younger Hunter answered.
" Yes, it did, " the woman replied tersely.
" Kurapica-san, Senritsu! Let's go in this place, I've found! " Hikari called out proudly.
The two of them looked at the narrow and sinister cave before them. The 'Haunted House' was what the wooden board read, towards the left side of the gaping mouth of the cavern.
" Are you sure about this? " Kurapica asked the girl, staring hard into the darkness for any signs of movement, which he obviously cannot.
Even the darkness was something which his eyes could not penetrate and prevail over it, after all, it was a natural phenomenon…
" Yes, course I am! " Hikari nodded, vigorously, the ponytail on her head swinging ferociously with the movement. " I want to go inside and see. "
Senritsu looked at her friend, helplessly. She, herself was not too keen in going inside. It was too dark to see where they were going and most important of all, they could not safeguard Hikari without their sight.
" Oh, alright then but we'll have to stick together and hold hands, " Kurapica told her, finally giving in to Hikari's endearing smile which only it could work its power and charm him fully over to her side.
" Yay! " she gave a happy little scream and held out her hands. Both Kurapica and Senritsu took her sides, with her in the middle and went inside.