Hey guys! Thank you for waiting for a new update, here comes the new chapter!
I would like to thank the awesome reviewers of Chapter 1: PrimsoneClementine and LordOfTheWest. As well as those who following this story.
Ah, and by the way before I forget, Disclaimer: Hunter X Hunter is not mine.
Here's the chapter 2. Enjoy! And don't forget to review:)
Don't Hate Me
Chapter 2
A Deal.
"Killua, hurry up! We need to catch up the next flight." a spiky haired teenage boy yelled, running the crowded street to airport. His silver haired companion followed him from behind.
"Geez, we've got a plenty of time, there's no need to rush, Gon. Even we walk all the way to airport we can made it in time." Killua replied coolly.
"Better to be early than late, so hurry up!"Gon cheerfully run ahead him. Silver haired boy shook his head for his best friend's eagerness.
Two teenage boys are still in their journey in search for Gon's father, Ging. They traveled the different places around the world and currently they got a information about a certain man who lives in York Shin and may know the Ging's whereabouts.
They arrived at airport and Gon left Killua to buy some snacks for both of them since there are plenty of time left (Killua commented: "I told you so") before the departure period.
Killua sat on the one of the empty bench in the departure area as he waited for Gon. Then suddenly his cell phone vibrated, announcing that someone is calling him. He fished out his beetle-shaped cellphone from his pocket and answered the call.
"Hello?"
"Killua? It's me Kurapika."
"Kurapika! It's a good timing you called me! Actually Gon and I are going there at York Shin today. There's a guy who may help us finding Gon's father and we're going to visit that guy. If you could find a free time, let's meet up!" Killua announced.
"Um... sure." Comes the Kurapika's reply. "By the way, there's something I want to ask from you."
"What is it?" Killua asked.
"Um... do you know a man named 'Kuroro Lucifer'?"
Killua blinked in surprise from hearing that name from Kuruta. There's only two possible reasons why Kurapika is asking him that name. Either someone told him or he personally met the man.
"Why are you asking that?" Killua replied carefully.
"...I met him yesterday and he knows that I'm Kuruta. He said you're the one who told him about me."
After a few moments of silence Killua sighed and said "...Yes, I told him about you
BUT" Killua immediately added before Kurapika could say something. "I said it to him because he said he wants all Kuruta eyes to be returned to it's rightful owner. I believe he doesn't have a bad intention towards you and I don't think he's a guy who gives away your true identity to others, so don't worry."
Killua heard Kurapika sighed in relief. "Is that so, I can believe you, right?"
"Yeah"
"Okay I trust you Killua. Thank you, that's all I want to ask. Give me a call or text message if you two arrived York Shin, Okay?"
"Okay. Bye" He said and pressed the end call button but immediately dialed another number. He waited until a baritone voice answered his call.
"Yes?"
"YOU BASTARD!" Killua yelled to his phone without wasting a second.
A chuckle. "Why do I need to be called as 'bastard'? Unless you're Kurapika."
Boy huffed. "I have all the right to call you 'bastard'. You used my name without my permission to make Kurapika believe in you!"
"Is Kurapika called you?"
"Yes!"
"What did you tell him?"
Killua scratched his head. "You must thank me Kuroro, because I just went along with your 'story'. I told him you could be trusted to not reveal his identity to someone and willing to return those thirty-six pair of scarlet eyes to its rightful owner."
"I apologize that I need to use your name. You're the only one I could think in that situation to make Kurapika believe in me." Kuroro said.
"Ha! Better you pay me with at least ten dozens of Choco Robo then, rather than I'm accepting your heartless apology! And don't forget to pay them." Killua added a slight warning in the end. Knowing, if he didn't do it, he'll just steal the thing. "Now what's your plan?" He asked.
"I'm having a date with Kurapika this afternoon." Kuroro announced bluntly.
"What!? A d-d-date?"
"Calm down, I'm just joking."
Realizing that spider head is making fun on him, Killua scowled and had a sudden urge to strangle the man right here and right now, if not the man is on the other side of phone. "I really want to kill you right now." An ex-assassin growled. "So, what's the truth?"
"It's just we will having a talk in a cafe."
"What cafe and when?" Killua questioned.
"One with red signage in twenty-third district in York Shin. Three in the after noon." Kuroro simply said.
"Three in the afternoon eh?" Killua checked the analog clock in the wall. "Don't dare screw up and hurt my friend again or else I'll definitely kill you."
"I Know. Though I doubt you can kill me." Spider head commented.
"Shuddup! Just remember what I said, I'm hanging up!"
Boy pressed the end call angrily and sighed. Gon came back with plastic bag full of snacks and two cans of soft drinks, then he found his friend who seems very pissed.
"What happened Killua?" Gon asked and sat beside the other boy.
Killua shook his head. "Nah, it's nothing really. Just some bastard is happy enough to make some jokes." Killua said as he returned his cellphone back to his pocket.
Spiky head raised an eyebrow in confusion, not understanding the meaning of killua's statement.
O
Kurapika stared at the screen of his cellphone. It displaying the date and time: February 15, 8:26AM.
Blond recalled the conversation with Killua minutes ago. He said he could trust the man.
"Alright." Kurapika said to himself. "I'm going to meet him this afternoon."
O
Kurapika quickened his steps as he walked down the street. It's already three o'clock in the afternoon. He didn't mean to be late but he was caught by Neon (again).
Kurapika arrived at the cafe and relieved to see that Kuroro is still waiting for him in the place. He is wearing a gray button-up shirt and black pants. He is sitting at one of the tables in outside terrace and waiting for blond's arrival. When he saw Kurapika approaching him, man smiled and waved his hand to him.
"Sorry, I'm late. Did I made you wait for long?" Kurapika apologizes as he sat on the chair opposite from Kuroro's.
Raven-haired man shook his head. "No, it's okay. By the way, what do you want to drink?" He asked the blond as he called the waitress.
The waitress came and handed them the menu. Kurapika scanned it. "I want a milk tea." He said.
"Okay then." Kuroro turned to the waitress. "One milk tea and almond cookies, and could you replace my coffee?" Kuroro ordered. Handing his already cold black coffee. After girl taking their orders, she picked the coffee as well as menu and walked away.
Blond watched the waitress disappear from his sight then returned his attention to the man in front of him. "So make this straight to the point. What is your purpose of calling me here?"
"Huh? Ah, right, about the scarlet eyes..." Kuroro picked up a wooden box he brought today and placed it on the table. "I am actually a rich businessman here in York Shin. I have a hobby of collecting historical artifacts and sometimes I go to the auction to buy some of them that caught my interest." He leaned back to his chair and continued. "One day, my friend who happened to be a mafia, invited me to an underground auction and I found something interesting." He pointed the wooden box. "Open it."
Kurapika curiously looked at the wooden box in front of him. He reached for it and slowly slid up the wooden plate on one side.
His eyes widened as he saw what is in it's contents, then looked up at Kuroro.
"Scarlet eyes...?"
O
Senritsu saw Kurapika left the Nostrad's mansion pass three in the afternoon. She hoped Kurapika won't go to meet the spider head but seems things didn't go the way she wanted, so she immediately disguised herself and went after Kurapika.
Currently she is sitting inside the restaurant located in second floor of a building found at opposite side of cafe where Kurapika and the said spider head are meeting. She is wearing a hat and sunglasses, and observing the two from the glass window beside her.
Senritsu still doesn't know what the spider head is planning. If he is going to take advantage of Kurapika's condition now, she won't hesitate to protect her friend from that man's hands.
She was too focused on observing the certain two people sitting in the cafe and didn't noticed the shadow approaching from her behind.
"Mmph!" Senritsu screamed in shock as someone covered her mouth.
O
Gon sighed in annoyance as he searched the correct address of a man who may know his father's whereabouts.
"I wonder where Killua run off?" Gon placed his hands on hips and pouted.
He remembered after they arrived York Shin around noon time, his silver haired friend just run off, leaving him behind. Only thing Killua said before he left was 'I have an important matters to attend to'. Gon was failed to ask him what is that 'important matters' he is talking about. He even tried to call him but seems Killua turned off his cellphone.
"Better he has a good reason why he left me or else he should be prepared when he came back..."
O
Senritsu struggled against her captor as she tries to remove the hand that held her mouth.
"Shh... Calm down Senritsu. It's just me." The captor said from behind.
Senritsu stopped struggling and turned around to see Killua. Killua slowly removed his hand from music hunter's mouth and greeted.
"Yo!"
"KILLU- mmph!" Senritsu shouted but immediately her mouth is covered again by Killua's hand.
"This is public place. If you shout, we're disturbing other customers." Silver-haired boy pointed out. Then he dropped his hand to his side when he saw Senritsu understood what he mean. Killua casually walked to the chair at opposite from Senritsu's and sat.
"Oh." Senritsu said. "Wait... Why are you here and how did you know that it's me? Is my disguise that obvious?" She questioned.
Killua looked at her up and down. 'Is that a disguise? I immediately knew that it's you because of your height and front teeth...' he thought but other than that, he remembered that disguise she is currently using is no difference as what she is wearing when they are chasing Genei Ryodan years ago. "I-I just guessed that its you." He answered.
Senritsu narrowed her eyes as she saw (or rather heard) an obvious lie.
"By the way are you also stalking them?" Killua pointed the Kuruta and spider head at cafe with his thumb.
Senritsu blinked. "Wait... you're here for same reason as me?" Killua nodded in response.
"Then, could you help me take Kurapika away from that man? It is dangerous to let him stay with the leader of the Genei Ryodan especially with his condition now, he has no idea that he is currently talking with his archenemy."
"No."
Killua answered without a second thought. Senritsu was too shocked for his response. Isn't Kurapika one of his friends? Why he don't agree to save his friend? "But Killu-"
Silver-haired boy raised his hand to stop her from saying whatever she is about to say. "The truth is I'm on Kuroro's side."
Senritsu's eyes widened.
What he said?
Music hunter shook her head. Her hands clenched on her lap. "I really couldn't understand. Care to explain?"
Silver-haired boy sighed. "Will you leave them alone if I tell you the truth?"
"It depends." Senritsu answered.
She braced herself for whatever the story she will hear from the boy.
O
"Scarlet eyes... Is this real?" Kurapika asked.
"Of course. You could check it for sure." Kuroro answered. "I got them in the said underground auction. I don't have a taste in collecting human body parts but it took my attention so I decided to buy them." Kuroro observed the blond as the said person carefully checked each scarlet eye inside the container.
"It's yours." Spider head announced which made Kurapika look at at him abruptly.
"...You...sure?" Kurapika couldn't help himself to be happy as he saw Kuroro nod and smiled.
"At first, I laid my hands on them because it caught my interest, but later on I felt that I need to bring them back to it's rightful owner since it is still a body parts of someone. Then I got an information about you from your friend, Killua. You're collecting your comrades eyes. That's why I wanted to meet you and hand those scarlet eyes to you."
At hearing this, tears fell down from corner of Kurapika's eyes. He smiled at the man in front of him. "Thank you... for bringing my clan mate's eyes to me."
Kuroro stunned as if he is hypnotized.
Noticing this, Kurapika wiped his tears with his hand and looked at him with concern. "What's wrong, mister Kuroro?"
Kuroro got out of his trance and shook his head. "It's nothing."
The waitress came back with their orders. Placing a milk tea for Kurapika and black coffee for Kuroro, and lastly almond cookies in middle of the table. Kuroro sipped his coffee.
Kurapika gave one more glance once more to the scarlet eyes before closing the wooden box. He felt so happy that he obtained another pair of scarlet eyes, but this time it was solely for him and not for Neon or anyone else. It is embarrassing to cry in front of someone but it can't be helped. He was overjoyed.
He picked up his milk tea and drank it. It helped to soothe himself.
"Kurapika." Raven-haired man called to get blond's attention. "Do you really want to get back all thirty-six pairs of scarlet eyes? Even it is hard task to be done?"
the blond nodded. "Yes." He is determined to do it. Since that day he left the Rukso, he promised to the souls of his comrades as well as himself to return all stolen scarlet eyes and avenge them at all cost.
Kuroro leaned forward. Resting his cheek on his right hand and his right elbow on table. "If I say I'll going to help you achieving your goals, will you accept my help?"
"You mean... you help me collecting all scarlet eyes of my clan? But you already helped me by giving me one pair..." Kurapika patted the wooden box. "You don't need to put yourself in hassle."
Kuroro waved his hand. "Hassle or not, it doesn't matter. I'm intended to collect all of them and bring them to the Rukso from the beginning. Even you won't accept my help, I'll do it myself."
Kurapika was touched by his words. He never met a person like Kuroro. Most of people he met thinks that scarlet eyes are just a piece of artifact or something similar to that. His employee, Light Nostrad is not an exception. But this man in front of him is different.
Kurapika picked a cookie and bit it. He doesn't know how to respond. This is the first time that someone cares (in good term) about the scarlet eyes of Kuruta. He is glad, but it isn't asking too much from a person who he just met yesterday?
Kuroro noticed Kuruta's silence so he decided to speak. "I know I'm being selfish even though I am just a stranger to you, so I could understand if you are irritated with me."
"N-No! I'm not irritated with you." Kurapika immediately retorted. "It's just... not right that I'm the only one who is in favorable..."
Kuroro thought about it "Maybe you're right. Then how about we do it this way? Let's have a deal between us."
"A deal?"
"Yes, a deal." Kuroro smirked
"I'll help you in collecting the scarlet eyes. In exchange you'll going to work under me as my body guard."
Blond's eyes widened. "Wait! I'm currently working under Nostrad family."
"But are they really helping you to achieve your goals?"
Kurapika shut his mouth. Kuroro is right. After the near-bankruptcy incident, they are not so often attending the auction or focus in looking for rare human body parts. That's why Kurapika is having a hard time just to know other remaining scarlet eyes' whereabouts.
"If you work under me, I'll also guarantee a good pay." Kuroro offered.
Kurapika stayed silent for a moment before he answered. "Can I think it over?"
"...Alright, if that's what you want. Take your time." Kuroro said. He picked up a ballpen from his front pocket. "Give me your hand."
Kurapika did as he told to. Kuroro reached for blond's offered left hand and started to write on his palm. After doing so, he released his hand. "When you decided to agree with our deal, just see me here."
Kurapika read the address written in his palm and nodded. "Okay."
Soon, Kurapika left the cafe. Kuroro stared at blond's back until he disappeared into crowds.
Kuroro smirked. Seems that everything goes how he planned. Now, what he should do is to wait.
He picked up the half-eaten cookie left by the Kuruta and slowly... and innocently... he brought it to his lips and ate it from where Kurapika bitten it.
"...Sweet.."
[To be continued…]