A/N: Hello dear readers and happy New Year, or emalmost/em New Year! As we verge on the birth of a new year, I have come releasing another chapter just in time for it. I figured this would be the last one released for 2019, and the next ones will come as we go into 2020. Truthfully, this chapter gave me a few fits along the way as I was working with the intended plot, but overall, I think it will make it very interesting, especially after our boys had a few less intense missions. So I can say to expect things to heat up.
And as always, a huge thank you to SweetsDreamer for her continued beta work for this fic. ❤️❤️❤️
Summary: Both Chrollo and Kurapika make their final preparations to invade the mansion of Debron Cloch for the Scarlet Eyes, yet, after they both make their assault, Kurapika realizes just how dangerous the man truly is.
The warmth of the morning sun proved to be more intolerable than expected as Kurapika sat at the open-air cafe he and Chrollo were eating their meal at. It was virtually empty save for the two of them, and he leaned forward, cup in hand as he drank his coffee while mulling over what information they had managed to gather about their target, Debron Cloch.
Nothing else was said about the man other than he was apparently a recluse and strayed away from the village unless he needed supplies. A few people even said that he was strange and generally only conversated about his most recent projects or the outcome of failed experiments.
Even then, it seemed as if most of the locals didn't care to talk about Debron. He had already raised enough of a negative opinion of himself that most of the villagers dealt with him as little as possible.
It seemed their job was going to be harder than they initially thought.
Kurapika sighed and relinquished his thoughts long enough to take another drink from his mug.
"So, apparently, this Debron Cloch doesn't even live inside the village itself," Chrollo spoke, and Kurapika turned from his coffee to look at his lover. "From my understanding, he isolated himself and lives in a large mansion on the outskirts of town."
There was a momentary pause as Kurapika considered what Chrollo said. He broke eye contact with the older man long enough to peer into the cup he held. "I suppose it may just make our job easier then," Kurapika responded and finished off what remained. The second he put the mug down, the waiter who had been assigned to their table quickly scurried over to refill it. He nodded in thanks before the man walked off. "At least we won't have to worry about any of the villagers getting involved, and since he isn't favored, not much may occur after we raid his place for the eyes."
Once the waiter left, Kurapika proceeded to add cream and a mild amount of sweetener to the coffee he was provided and relished in the warmth and taste. He was actually surprised at how good the stuff was in Odaria, but it was probably a staple of the village, and the people had years to perfect it.
Still, Kurapika was impressed nevertheless.
For now, it had taken his mind off turbulent emotions and the stresses of their journey. Although he and Chrollo were in preparation for another mission, it was nice to spend a little quiet time. Kurapika could tell it was the same for his lover.
The older man appeared thoughtful. "That may be so," Chrollo added after a brief moment of silence as he drank from his own cup. "Considering the man's introverted nature." So far, he and Kurapika had been lucky with as many people and factions they had stolen pairs of Scarlet Eyes from. Though, Chrollo figured it may catch up with them sooner or later. "It just might end up not generating any repercussions in the long run." He stated and met Kurapika's eyes once more as the blond turned back to face him.
So far, they had acquired seven pairs of eyes plus the one he had stolen from the auction in Yorknew the year before, and in the wake of their goal, both he and Kurapika had incurred a lot of enemies. The worst being the Mafia and possibly the cult they dealt with back in Sorbia.
Yet, it wasn't as if the Genei Ryodan weren't already well known. He and his Spiders had undoubtedly made a name for themselves.
Kurapika was just a part of that renown by extension.
"And that will change, however, once he fully becomes a Spider." A voice inside Chrollo's mind casually reminded him.
Regardless, he knew that his lover was well prepared for what the future held in becoming a part of the Genei Ryodan.
"Not complaining there," Kurapika answered and decided to resume eating his food. If anything, maintaining his health was a top priority. Otherwise, Chrollo would berate him again and persist on feeding him all his meals. "We already have enough people after us as is."
There was truth to Kurapika's words, as Chrollo had long since known of the consequences they would more than likely incur by going after the Scarlet Eyes. Not only were Spiders the ones to bring such a treasure to the world, but many people invested in the eyes for their beauty and rarity.
So, now news of someone trying to recover them was more than likely going to cause a stir - which it already had - and now, that aspect made it much harder for him and Kurapika.
"Hence the reason why I would like to avoid adding more to that list if possible," Chrollo spoke from over the rim of his mug, "as it may complicate matters for us down the line." He paused and finished the remainder of his coffee before setting it down and observing Kurapika as his lover ate his food. While he did so, Chrollo was vaguely aware of the waiter refilling his cup until the man was already walking away.
The more, the merrier, he thought it seemed neither of them could get enough of the stuff. After everything they had been put through, both of them needed it.
Though having caffeine addiction was the last thing Chrollo was worried about.
Kurapika hummed as he looked up from his plate to focus on his lover. Of course, the older man was watching him like a bloody hawk. Not that he could blame Chrollo, though. "If it hasn't already." He admitted and tilted his head slightly. "I mean, we already pissed off the Mafia, which isn't hard to do as is, among countless others…" Kurapika stopped momentarily as once again, the cult came to mind, and he quickly suppressed the thought. Now wasn't the time to let his emotions get the better of him. "So far, we have been lucky," Kurapika added while trying to be more optimistic.
He was surprised that no one had really come after them - yet - with as much of a commotion they generated from their previous missions. Other than the Hunters Association revealing they were aware of his and Chrollo's activities, not so much as a blip otherwise had shown up on their radar.
Which made Kurapika wary. Not that he wanted to invoke more trouble than they were already dealing with, but something down in his bones told him that it would eventually happen.
Ignoring that was impossible. Everything Kurapika felt was like a premonition of what was to come.
Hopefully, he was wrong.
"Well, at least with this job, we shouldn't have to worry about anything afterward. I just cannot say for any subsequent missions," Chrollo admitted, and he finished sweetening his second cup of coffee before taking a sip. "It's why I've been planning ahead for using routes with the least possibility of backlash down the line. Such was inevitable early on, but now, it's been easier to come up with more solid strategies that save us in the long run."
Chrollo set the cup down, and his eyes locked with Kurapika's again. He could readily tell that his lover must have felt the same way for contemplation had crossed over the young blond's features.
They had to do whatever was necessary to ensure that their future missions went as smoothly as possible. It really was in their best interests.
"Do you feel pretty accurate with that assumption?" Kurapika asked, and Chrollo could sense the seriousness in his lover's tone. He couldn't blame the younger man for wanting to be sure. There was enough on their collective plate as is. "Because I know we can't really afford any discrepancies if wish to keep problems from arising in the future."
He brought his cup up again, and this time, Chrollo took a rather long draw from its contents. "I have thought long and hard about our previous missions and how each one had turned out. From those observations, I was able to determine how things could have been done differently to ensure more favorable outcomes." Chrollo halted his movements temporarily as he observed Kurapika's reaction. "Doing that should make things easier for us as we progress."
Limiting the potential for adverse effects was something that Chrollo attempted to stay readily prepared for.
If living in Meteor City had taught him anything, it was to always remain one step ahead.
Considering the kind of life Kurapika was also forced to lead at such a young age probably made him learn the same exact thing. There really weren't any doubts.
The look which crossed over Kurapika's visage brought Chrollo to that conclusion.
"You're probably right." He uttered while staying focused on his lover. Kurapika absently took a bite of his food. "I had spent many long years constantly on the move as I searched for the eyes while attempting to track you and the Spiders down. Planning ahead was one reason I had managed to make it as far as I have." Kurapika fell silent as noticed Chrollo's curious expression, and the blond resumed without hesitation. "Not that I still want revenge as you know, but the point is, I get what you said about always staying one step ahead. Doing so will increase our chances and limit future issues."
His confession invoked Chrollo's curiosity as the older man wondered just where Kurapika's thoughts had traveled to, but it seemed that he and his lover were still on the same page.
Of course, Chrollo knew what searching for the Scarlet Eyes entailed, but the end result outweighed the risks involved, and Kurapika still deserved peace. He just wanted to be sure there would be no backlash once it was all said and done so he and Kurapika could move on.
And neither of them needed any problems cropping up once the eyes were laid to rest.
At least not from any of their prior encounters.
"I know you don't want revenge anymore, babe," Chrollo commented with a smile and reached over to rub his hand over the top of Kurapika's, "but I am glad that you understand where I am coming from. It seems that life has taught us both crucial lessons." The warmth of his lover's skin felt good against his palm, and Chrollo rubbed it slowly. "Though I still do wish that I wasn't the cause for your hardships, and eventually, I hope to change that."
Almost instantly, Kurapika's hand slid back as those slender fingers interlaced with his own, and Chrollo gave them a gentle squeeze to reaffirm what he said.
He wouldn't stop until that objective was completed.
"I know," Kurapika responded and gripped Chrollo's fingers back. "You can make it up to me in all due time, but I am definitely ready for whatever we may face as our search for the eyes continues."
For the longest, Chrollo merely held onto him, and the moment his hand moved away, Kurapika immediately missed the contact. Instead, he picked up his utensils again and worked on finishing the rest of his meal. Chrollo had also done the same.
They had to focus on the task at hand as there was still much to be done.
"That's good to hear," Chrollo commented after a brief pause, and he finished off the rest of his food before leaning back. "We can resume discussing how we plan to handle the mission ahead. Since this will be our biggest one yet, I want to be certain we have everything in place." He furthered intently.
Chrollo barely paid attention as the waiter filled his mug yet again as he was solely focused on how they planned to handle this Debron Cloch.
No one seemed to know precisely the kind of research the man did while isolated in his mansion or just how insane he may have been, but proceeding on the side of caution was the only way to go.
The man obviously had a laboratory located somewhere within and finding that would be their biggest challenge yet. Even Shalnark wasn't able to find any blueprints of Debron's mansion.
Chrollo figured that either he built the place himself or had any records of it completely erased. The latter made the most sense and was the most viable, which Chrollo suspected the man did to ward off any possible intruders so he could keep almost everything about him a secret.
Knowing that made him just as eager to see what lay inside, yet, they still needed to be extremely cautious.
It appeared that Kurapika felt the same judging from his analytical expression. He was no less anxious considering the circumstances.
Curiosity altered his demeanor as Kurapika brought a finger to rest against his chin. "From what we do know is that Debron has a place big enough to conceal an ideally sized laboratory. Considering there are no blueprints to scan the layout of the building, I think it would be safe to assume that the location of it must be underground. There really is no other explanation." Kurapika breathed, and his eyes remained focused on Chrollo's. "If it was above ground, then it would be too obvious and the risks of the locals seeing it would be increased. So, I am sure there is no other location."
The more Kurapika thought about it, the more it made sense. Perhaps there was a slim chance that Debron did have his laboratory above ground and concealed within a different building to make it less conspicuous, but to him, it just didn't make sense. The concept also didn't align with the man's profile.
He had to think outside the box like Chrollo had been instructing him to do, and Kurapika was pretty confident his initial assumption was correct.
"You do have a point. That appears to be the most logical answer since the man tends to shy away from the public eye. What better way to conduct controversial experiments in private but in an unknown location?" Chrollo supplied and laced his fingers together. "It does seem to make the most sense."
Kurapika sighed and drank the remainder of his coffee. Chrollo was right.
From the way the villagers spoke of Debron, it was likely the man stayed away from everyone because of the types of experiments he must be performing. What better way to keep from drawing attention?
After he placed the mug back on the table, Kurapika decided to finish what was left on his plate. "If that is our conclusion, then, how do you think we should proceed with retrieving the eyes? Breaking in could prove to be difficult."
Chrollo raised an eyebrow at his lover before allowing a grin to morph his lips. "Naturally, there are risks involved and a chance that Debron may have traps littered throughout the place, but I really don't think someone of my caliber will have that much trouble." He sat back again, but this time, Chrollo watched Kurapika intently.
There was a semblance of disbelief on Kurapika's features, and he breathed out slowly. "Are you sure that you're not just overconfident?" He remarked, knowing that at times his lover could be too zealous. "We can't afford to throw caution to the wind in this. Are any of our comrades coming to aid in this?"
A flash of surprise crossed over Chrollo's face but was instantly gone in the next moment. He was sure that he had to check his ears, but there was no denying what Kurapika said.
Unless his lover genuinely didn't realize what he had said. Nevertheless, Chrollo figured his pretty blond should know him by now.
"Did you forget who I am, love?" He asked casually despite the threads of amusement in his voice. "For someone like me, it should be no problem. Before you unsealed my Nen, I understood the necessity for exhibiting extra caution, and while I am not dismissing that fact, you shouldn't underestimate me either." Chrollo paused, and he reached forward to gently cup Kurapika's chin. "As for the rest of the Spiders, I have sent them off on various missions, so we will be doing this one ourselves."
He then pulled his fingers away to let the palm of his hand come to rest beneath the side of his jaw. The look which Kurapika sported indicated that his lover was torn between exasperation and concern.
It was cute with how much Kurapika cared for him, yet, he also didn't blame his lover for wanting him to remain safe either. The younger man's behavior showed just close they actually were and how deep their love ran.
Chrollo was aware that Kurapika was afraid of ever losing him. Which, in reality, was a mutual feeling.
"I get that." He heard Kurapika say, and the way those blue eyes flared gave them a passionate light that Chrollo enjoyed seeing. "Also, I am not criticizing your abilities, but the fact we are stepping into the virtual unknown is why I think we should be careful with how we proceed. We don't exactly know what this man is capable of, and taking extra measures to prevent trouble isn't a bad idea."
Kurapika was unable to keep the urgency from his tone nor the fervency from his words. Even back when they had raided the Moretti family home, Chrollo struggled then too, especially against the family's bodyguard.
While the difference now was the fact that his lover's Nen was no longer sealed, it still didn't alter how he felt. There was no need for either of them to be brash.
The expression on his lover's face seemed to change, and Kurapika expelled a pent up breath. "Oh, I am not about to deny that we should be mindful during this mission, babe," Chrollo began, and he closed his eyes briefly. "All I'm saying is that it shouldn't be too difficult. It's just one man, and handling him under any circumstance shouldn't present too much of a problem."
Staying positive wasn't easy as Kurapika still felt they should heed their situation a bit more critically than they were. The sensation of foreboding crept just beneath his skin, and Kurapika was unable to shake the unease washing over him.
Something wasn't right about the entire scenario, and yet, there was no other choice ahead of them. The eyes were at stake, and regardless of his pessimism, going back wasn't an option.
"I hope you are right," Kurapika commented, his voice hinted with doubt, "as we have no idea exactly what the hell we are walking into, but I trust your judgment." He managed to finish what food was left in front of him before casting the plate aside. Eating anything else now would only add to the tightness in his stomach. "If we're fortunate, this man will give us no trouble at all," Kurapika then looked away to stare at the nearly empty area around them, "or we could be getting more than we bargained for."
The truth of what Kurapika spoke had cast a weight on Chrollo's heart, and he stroked his chin prudently. "Fair point." He began as he mulled over the possibilities of what kind of man Debron was. "It's best to keep our wits about ourselves if we do happen to encounter him," Chrollo furthered as his lover's suspicions seemed more likely.
Infiltrating Debron Cloch's mansion, from his perspective, was the best option, although neither of them had any idea what may lie in wait. Chrollo knew the risks involved with making such a decision, but that was practically the outcome of all their missions thus far.
Whatever they should encounter, he was sure it was nothing the both of them couldn't handle.
"Which I hope we don't," Kurapika chimed in, and Chrollo noticed the stern emotion on the younger man's face. "The last thing I want to know is what the bastard has been doing to my people's eyes." He whispered lowly.
Who knows how his lover would react should they come into contact with the man. Best to locate the eyes and leave as quickly as possible.
"You could always go back and kill the man later." Chrollo heard a voice say. The notion was something he didn't entirely ignore. "Make him pay for tormenting Kurapika."
Which had turned out to be a fact Chrollo was unable to ignore.
If it turned out Debron Cloch has indeed, been doing experiments on the Scarlet Eyes, he just might consider the idea. He didn't want his precious Kurta lover to be plagued with any more misery.
"There is no saying if we will encounter him or not, but conducting our raid after dark should significantly lower the chances. I propose we infiltrate past midnight."
Chrollo leaned forward as Kurapika appeared enthusiastic about his suggestion. There was no vacillation regarding his lover's determination as getting their hands on the Scarlet Eyes took precedence.
Regardless of the concern, there was no stopping what needed to be done.
Kurapika had resolved himself with that.
His eyes closed in thought. "Sounds like the best idea to me," Kurapika confirmed, and when those blues faced the world once more, their depths held a serenity that was rarely seen. "My only question is, how do we go about getting in?"
This time, Chrollo appeared introspective. "That is where I plan to look for a weak point." He remarked, and almost simultaneously, they both faced each other. "As we did with the Moretti mansion, there will most likely be a point of entry that isn't well guarded or properly reinforced. Even places with the most defense have a weakness to exploit, and I intend to find it within Debron's manor. The same goes for finding out the location of his laboratory." He concluded and folded his hands.
Both of Kurapika's eyebrows rose, but there were also traces of a faint smile on those pretty pink lips.
"Picking the best strategy is definitely key," Kurapika commented as he brushed aside a few stray hairs from his visage. "The quicker we find the eyes, the better." He tucked the wayward strands behind his ear, and out of the blue, Kurapika felt heat suffusing his cheeks. Though he didn't attempt to conceal it as Chrollo's smirk indicated, the older man had already taken notice. "As long as you're with me, I am confident we will track them down rather quickly," Kurapika added hastily before turning away.
Almost immediately, he felt his chin being cupped again as he was guided to face Chrollo once more. His lover's eyes held a glint in them that was both compassionate and amused. "You have nothing to worry about as I will be with you every step of the way, my angel." He hummed, and his thumb gently rubbed across Kurapika's ruby-hued lips. "And not on just this mission alone."
While he wasn't able to prevent the depth of crimson from expanding along his skin, Kurapika allowed himself to smile, even if it was faintly. The force of Chrollo's words had made him further realize exactly how sincere the older man was. "Thank you," Kurapika whispered against Chrollo's thumb, and he felt his lip being tugged on slightly, "it makes me glad to hear you say that." He added quietly.
Chrollo reluctantly pulled his hand away and let the tips of his fingers trail feather-light over Kurapika's blush-colored cheek before retracting it entirely. His lover was beautiful, even in his current state. "No need to thank me, babe," he grinned while drinking in just how magnificent Kurapika was, "as I will always do anything for you."
Even beneath the early morning sun, there was an ethereal light about the Kurta that made him look angelic and divine. Chrollo still couldn't believe how paradisiacal Kurapika was, and it made him grateful every day they were together.
"I don't doubt that you will," Kurapika responded, and he let his smile grow. Chrollo made him feel so special, and he couldn't remember a time when it was like he was on top of the world. His lover was readily prepared to hand him the entire universe if he asked for it.
Knowing that made Kurapika elated.
The grin on Chrollo's face nearly split from ear to ear, and he was overly ecstatic with Kurapika's confidence in him. Their trust in one another and the bond they shared only deepened because of it, which was something else that he was extremely grateful for. Kurapika meant everything to him.
After a moment, he reached into one of the pockets in his coat and retrieved the wallet he always carried. He then placed down a few hundred Jenny on the table to pay for their meal. Generally, he'd have been content with just running out on his restaurant bill, yet, he didn't want to spoil the experience for Kurapika.
Besides, his lover looked simply delighted, and Chrollo relished in seeing it.
"We should probably go back to the inn now," he supplied, but this time, there was a hint of stringency to his voice, "and finish making our preparations. There is also the aspect of coming up with a backup plan should anything go awry." Chrollo picked up the mug he was using for the last time and drained the rest of the coffee from it. Mentally, he steeled himself for what lay ahead.
It was going to be an extremely long day.
He rose from the chair, and Kurapika had instantly done the same. The younger man nodded at him. "I couldn't agree more." His lover said, and a few minutes later, they were both moving again through the streets of Odaria towards the Maiden's Song.
It seemed that sunset had come all too quickly, and Kurapika quietly followed Chrollo out of their room at the inn and into the warm night air. The atmosphere was peaceful, serene, almost as if the place had been straight out of a fairytale. Several people walked along the sidewalks and passed by them with quick nods or friendly smiles, which Kurapika returned in kind. From the corner of his eye, he could see Chrollo clearly scoping out their surroundings.
"Which direction should we take?" He asked, and his lover turned immediately to face him. Kurapika shifted beneath his alluring gaze and then idly adjusted the cloak he wore.
Chrollo shoved his hands into the pockets of his coat. "Considering the location of the mansion, it's probably better we take the southern exit. I found out there is a pathway not far from here that is mostly obscured by vegetation, which leads to the western gate of the place. Taking that should get us there without being seen."
Once he was satisfied that his cloak was entirely secure, Kurapika looked over his shoulder into the direction Chrollo mentioned. "Alright. Then we should probably get going. It won't be much longer before it gets completely dark." He suggested and pulled the hood up over his head. There was a slight cool breeze, and Kurapika shivered.
Nodding, Chrollo took a few steps forward and motioned for Kurapika to follow. Although he could sense his lover's nervousness, there was a trace of avidity in him as well. Despite the circumstances, Kurapika maintained his tenacity. His lover really was determined.
Silence fell between them while they traveled, the sounds of the slowly encroaching night were the only things heard as they wandered through the partially empty streets. Lights flared to life in front of shops while the lamps that lined the dirt paved roads were gradually lit by flame. Odaria seemed to come alive, and even though it was a small rustic village, the unification it had along with the ceaseless flow gave it a pleasant allure.
It was like nothing ever witnessed before, and compared to other villages Kurapika had encountered along the way, the ebb and flow of Odaria were unlike any other. Even the people appeared to hold solidarity rarely seen elsewhere.
The peaceful ambiance was something he thoroughly enjoyed, especially with their current circumstances. He exhaled sharply, and before too long, they came upon the south exit of the village.
Kurapika watched the delicately carved archway pass overhead as they stepped into the thicket just beyond.
"This way," Chrollo called to him in a low tone, and he signaled in response by a flash of his hand. They were so close to their goal that Kurapika could almost taste it.
Gradually the foliage around them started to become more copious, making it harder to see. Luckily for Kurapika, he was accustomed to low lit areas. At least there was enough moonlight to distinguish what was immediately around him, and navigating woodland was his specialty. It didn't take him long to realize that he was walking a few steps ahead of Chrollo.
"I am not exactly sure which direction we are supposed to take, but I assume you should follow me since I have a better perception of forests at night," Kurapika vocalized, and it nearly echoed off the trees around them.
Finding his way around proved to be more difficult than he had anticipated, and Chrollo attempted to stay as close to him as possible. Even then, it wasn't simple as Kurapika managed to slide gracefully through the thicket with relative ease. The knack his lover had was something he continued to admire.
He pushed aside a looming branch that had nearly clobbered him in the face and sighed. "From what I was able to tell, the pathway is pretty linear with only one major turn. It shouldn't take too long to reach the west side of the mansion from here," Chrollo conferred and managed to sidestep a thick root that was arched in the ground before him.
Regardless of the trail being their best chances for approaching Debron's home undetected, he was eager to be out of the woods, and the sooner, the better. Chrollo could have sworn the damn place was trying to kill both of them. Or him, at least.
Eventually, the trees gave way, and parts of a metal fence could be seen through the gaps. Chrollo expelled a relieved sigh when he was able to see the silhouette of the mansion just off in the distance.
"Seems we are not much further," Kurapika called from over his shoulder as he wove through what dense parts of foliage were left, and soon, he was standing before an iron-wrought gate surrounded by high stone walls. He turned slightly at the sound of rummaging from behind and noticed Chrollo coming up beside him.
The older man's usually cacographic expression was currently replaced by a look of irritation. Perhaps his lover had gotten more than he bargained for by choosing that particular pathway. Kurapika inwardly laughed despite the situation.
"I'm glad that's over with," Chrollo spoke offhandedly, and his hand came to rest on the cold metal in front of him. The alabaster walls were smooth and lacked any cracks or footholds, which appeared intimidating, but even then, it was no real deterrent. He took several minutes to survey the area before facing Kurapika. "The gate itself would probably take time to get past, but scaling the walls may prove to be even more difficult considering the high construct." He added tersely.
Surpassing barriers was generally easy for someone like him, even ones as complicated as what lay ahead of them, yet, Chrollo had a difficult time figuring out the best recourse for getting around it. The last thing either of them needed was to create any kind of ruckus to draw attention to themselves and blow their cover.
His head jerked back into Kurapika's direction when he felt the younger man elbow him in the side. "Why not use the trees to get over the wall?" Kurapika commented as he pointed back over his shoulder with his thumb. "Quite a few branches are hanging over it, and some look strong enough to support our weight."
Chrollo couldn't help but grin in spite of himself, and he reached over to pat Kurapika on the shoulder. "Good idea, love." He then focused on the surrounding trees and noticed that one of them with a rather thick trunk had grown awkwardly right over the top of the wall. From the appearance of it, the branches were more than sturdy enough for them to stand on. "This one is probably our best bet," Chrollo gestured towards it with a tilt of his head, and Kurapika came up next to him.
He hummed as his keen blue eyes gazed over it. "Yeah, it should do," Kurapika commented as the palm of his hand came to rest on its massive trunk.
When Kurapika looked up, he noticed Chrollo had already clambered up the tree and had positioned himself on one of the large branches that hung over the wall. Those stormy grey eyes beckoned him to follow, and Kurapika wasted not another second in joining him. Before long, they were both facing a vast but impressive garden.
"C'mon," Chrollo ushered quietly as he descended from their perch before coming to crouch behind a patch of shrubbery. Kurapika joined him a minute later.
"How do we get in from here?" He questioned and narrowed his eyes while trying to make out the mansion on the other side. A fog had settled about the area and severely limited visibility.
It took Chrollo some time, but he managed to locate the faint outline of a large deck that sat in the back. "Follow me. I found something." He nodded in the direction that led across the esplanade.
Slowly they lurked through the creeping shadows while making sure to stay out of view of any windows or open patches where the moon had shone its brightest.
Luckily, the dense fog made it almost impossible for them to be detected in areas that were the most opaque.
Finally, they managed to spot a massive glass door that sat just above an ornate wooden deck. Various pots filled with a myriad of flowers - some of which appeared to be rare or unique - lined the railing.
Even statues that depicted legendary creatures like mermaids and dragons made out of carved marble were situated throughout the grounds.
The place was nothing short of remarkable, albeit their target was regarded as a superficial maniac.
Carefully, Chrollo stepped forward as he climbed the stairs that led up to the veranda. "I figure we could use this door," the raven-head spoke when they neared the top, "as it may be the easiest point for us to enter through."
He paused momentarily to survey the immediate area before progressing forward. Once he reached the thick glass door, Chrollo cast his eyes towards Kurapika in a silent indication to come forward.
For the majority of their hike across the property, he had remained quiet while following Chrollo's lead. Now that they were standing right beside a viable entry point, Kurapika really took notice of exactly where they were. "Truthfully, this place gives me the creeps." He muttered as his gaze landed on a rather strange statue that resembled a creature known as a gargoyle. Kurapika remembered reading about them in several different books, yet, seeing a replica of one sent a shiver coursing up his spine. "For some reason, I get the feeling we are being watched." He added as he faced Chrollo again.
Hearing his lover's concern impelled him turn from the glass door towards Kurapika and Chrollo could see the Kurta's blue eyes practically radiating through the darkness. "I made sure that Shalnark checked to see if Debron had any surveillance systems and to disable them if so, but now that you mention it, I am also getting that same sensation." Chrollo stood almost entirely still as he carefully looked around, but nothing even remotely stood out.
The notion utterly alienated him. It is evident that someone was tracking them, but whoever it was made sure to stay obscured entirely.
Which left them at a severe disadvantage.
"Well, either there are cameras that are still active, or someone has been watching us from the moment we crossed that wall," Kurapika stated as he cautiously scoped out the windows from beneath the hood of his cloak while trying to remain inconspicuous. "Frankly, I hate the fact that someone can see us, but we cannot see them. It's a great way for the person to track us and possibly cut us off from reaching our objective."
Thinking about it made Kurapika's mouth twist into a snarl; how they were able to let something like that happen was a failure on their part. Maybe they just weren't careful enough to ensure their obscurity, but now, there was a possibility of their target being aware of their presence.
Kurapika hoped the latter wasn't the case.
He could see Chrollo out of his peripheral vision, and even his lover appeared frustrated.
"That is quite possible," Chrollo began as he returned to assessing the glass door once more, "and we could very well be dealing with a Nen user." He noticed the pane was abnormally thick, and Chrollo pushed on it attentively. His hand gradually worked along its surface as he checked every inch of the door with abject scrutiny. "Then again, it's also possible there could have been unforeseen detectors we tripped that alerted someone to our presence." Chrollo continued to glide his hand along the surface of the pane until he came across a weak spot by the doorframe. "Ah, here we go." He uttered while pushing on the area gently.
"Did you find anything?" Kurapika asked curiously and glanced over the older man's shoulder.
Chrollo added a bit more force behind his hand, and eventually, he was able to get his fingers between the glass and the frame. "Just our way in." The Spider leader confirmed, and after a few attempts, Chrollo was able to lift the door off the frame, and he carefully put it aside. "Either way, we came here to find the Scarlet Eyes, so even if someone is aware of our presence, we'll deal with them should it come to that."
After taking a few steps closer to their makeshift entrance, Chrollo peered inside through the darkness to ensure the coast was clear. He then gestured for Kurapika to join.
Despite his unsettled instincts, Kurapika nodded in acquiescence and quietly followed Chrollo as his lover stepped through the open doorway, the room beyond no less dark than it was outside.
Meandering through the area proved to be difficult as it took some time to figure out the layout, but eventually, they realized it was a rather large sitting room.
"Where should we go from here?" Kurapika wondered as his eyes scanned over the various furniture that was scattered about the room.
Following his lover's movements, Chrollo began inspecting what lay inside, but other than a few mundane statues and pictures, nothing really stood out or drew his interest. It didn't avert him from wanting to continue his search, however. "There has to be either a secret room or passage hidden somewhere inside this mansion. Perhaps it's best we split up and expand our search range."
Separating from Kurapika was something that Chrollo wasn't fond of considering the nature of their mission and target, but if they were to increase their chances of finding the eyes and quickly, then there was no other choice.
The very idea left a bitter taste in his mouth. It wasn't that he didn't have faith in Kurapika's skills, but he also knew the Kurta was in a fragile, untenable state. Which left him open to exploitation.
Making the decision was difficult, and Chrollo hoped it was the right one, but there was little option for much else.
"It's a risk as someone may already know we are here, but I think it's a good idea," Kurapika conferred almost mechanically. "Splitting up will heighten the likelihood of one of us tracking down the eyes that much faster." While he could no longer feel the weight of eyes on his back, it still didn't ease his tension. The unknown left him circumspect.
Even Chrollo's aura seemed to leak with utter dubiety.
The older man gazed intently at him through the stillness of the room. "Alright," Chrollo began, and his attention diverted to the lone door that sat across the room. "Then, we will part from here and take a different section of the mansion to scour through." Something tugged at him the longer he stared at it, and yet, Chrollo was unable to shake the dread crawling just beneath his skin. "If you happen to find the eyes, send me a text to confirm that you found them. I will do the same should I find them first. We will meet back here in one hour." He added and pushed down the reservations he had.
If need be, he will go after Kurapika should anything happen. The last thing Chrollo wanted was to leave his lover to face down any perils on his own. Should Kurapika run into any kind of trouble, there would be no stopping him from going to the younger man's aid.
Trusting that Kurapika would be fine on his own was something Chrollo had to do regardless of his personal stance. Coddling him now would only add to Kurapika's diffidence.
Yet, when Chrollo looked at his lover, there was nothing but sheer determination surrounding him.
"Sounds good to me," Kurapika affirmed, and he smiled in an attempt to bolster Chrollo's confidence. "I'll take the west side if you want to take the east?"
Chrollo put a hand up in confirmation. "I'm fine with that." He said. "Just remember to remain vigilant, and should you encounter any problems, signal by calling and letting it ring three times."
"Don't worry, I will." And with that, they both proceeded to the door. "See you in one hour," Kurapika commented and stepped through it while Chrollo exited behind him.
"Yes," he muttered while looking down the hall that led off to his right. It was no less crepuscular as the room they just left. "Good luck and stay safe, babe."
Kurapika nodded, and they both turned opposite of each other as they ventured off into the darkness.
The dust that caked the furnishings and hung heavy in the air made Kurapika cough as the particles seemed to fill his nostrils and lungs. Occasionally, it would invoke a sneeze as there was a thick layer of the stuff just about everywhere, but he did his best to ignore it as he continued to explore the small room he was in. Even his fingers got dust on them every time he ran them along the many shelves that housed numerous books.
He had spent the better portion of an hour looking for any signs of secret passageways as his search had so far turned up nothing. There wasn't even a single trace of the eyes in any of the rooms he had been in, let alone an indication of there being a laboratory present, but Kurapika was in no way ready to give up.
Although it was close to the time for him to meet up with Chrollo didn't sway his resolve in carrying out his task as he wasn't leaving without the eyes.
There were very few areas left to check, and even if it took him several hours more, he would find them regardless of circumstance. Kurapika narrowed his eyes and peered further down the many isles of shelving as he struggled to find his way around.
Other than the minimal lighting which the moon provided, it was nearly impossible to see, but he was able to at least discern the room he was in happened to be a library.
Slowly, Kurapika walked down one of the rows while carefully analyzing the books that sat either askance or completely disheveled within their perches, the appearance of them proving that their owner cared not for their preservation or antiquity. The sight made Kurapika frown as witnessing such a travesty displeased him, but even then, he really wasn't there to worry about the condition of someone else's books.
He continued down the row, ignoring what lay on each side of him until it opened up into a much larger room in the back that was filled not only with innumerable shelving, but there was also a small reading table in the center. Two older-looking plush chairs sat off to the left side.
Though what caught his eye was the mantelpiece that sat against the back wall, which housed an assortment of trinkets from statues to ancient-looking pottery that, upon closer inspection, seemed much newer and had less grime and filth. It made Kurapika suspect the items had been handled and much more recently.
Which was odd, considering the state of everything else in the room. Then, he realized that one of the books on the adjacent shelf was also devoid of any dust, which Kurapika found too coincidental and strange, causing his suspicions to rise even further. The fact it was also a deep red color drew him to it even more.
Gingerly, he reached over and fingered the spine of the book as the tips trailed over its matted cover when he involuntarily pulled it towards him, and suddenly, the sound of gears squealing filled the air followed by the creaking of wood. Kurapika abruptly jerked back before his attention was drawn towards the mantelpiece again as it had begun to swing open and towards the left.
Behind it was a door.
It was something Kurapika hadn't expected. He took a few steps forward and carefully placed his hand on the outside of the frame. The wood was cool and smooth to touch, but like the objects on the mantelpiece, it too lacked any dust. Realizing that only invoked his skepticism and Kurapika reached for the knob that resided just mere centimeters from his fingertips.
Clearly, whatever lay just beyond must have also been accessed recently, and for Kurapika, it was extremely fishy.
He opened it with a loud creak and slipped into a dimly lit hallway that led down to another door. His instincts were screaming in warning, but also in curiosity as the more Kurapika looked at it, he wanted to be sure that he had found what they had been searching for.
Why else would someone go through such great lengths to hide any rooms?
Kurapika clambered down the hallway and to the next door that waited at the end. He slipped through that one too as it opened up into a vast room with a vaulted ceiling, tiled floor in a checkered pattern, and was lit by a soft, fluorescent light. Immediately, Kurapika noticed the multitudes of glass beakers, along with scientific instruments sitting on tables and counters as several machines of the likes he had never seen before, were scattered about.
Carefully he strode through the room, and it was almost as if he had entered into the page of some horror novel or movie. Just looking at the copious, but bizarre fluids residing in several of the beakers caused an ample shiver to race up his spine.
What was even more chilling was the unsettling amount of flesh-like objects that sat within several enclosed jars. Even one Kurapika thought it appeared to be a heart of some kind.
There were no doubts about what he found. It definitely was Debron's secret laboratory.
Still, whoever this man was, to commit such horrific experiments while using the very lab which Kurapika found himself standing in only added to the disgust that was raging within the pit of his stomach. It made him only continue to vehemently wonder what the bastard may have been doing to the Scarlet Eyes.
Then, almost as if the thought guided him, Kurapika saw them. Sitting there, all grouped together on a table off in a far corner of the laboratory were all four pairs.
As if a binding force had taken over him, Kurapika practically scurried towards the eyes as tears bloomed within his own ceruleans. He wasted not another second reaching out for the canisters, fingers gingerly touching the top of them as he silently prayed for his people's salvation. Kurapika, despite the pang of regret he felt along with intense disdain, had scanned the eyes over and much to his chagrin, they were at least, intact and unharmed.
Relief washed over him, and while he still experienced a semblance of ire rising within him, Kurapika did his best to gently gather up the eyes and begin making his way back to the rendezvous point. He was sure Chrollo was probably worried about him by now.
The moment he picked up the last canister, a voice rang out through the stillness and halted his movements.
"Well, well, it seems that I have an intruder within my midsts." Kurapika heard someone say, and he turned to face a young man with sable colored hair wearing an arctic white lab coat watching him distinctively.
On the bridge of his nose sat a pair of wire-thin glasses that uncannily reminded him of Leorio's but only slightly bigger, which the man casually pushed up.
Kurapika tightened his arms around the canisters he had managed to pick up, and his mood darkened. "Who are you?" He questioned in defiance, although Kurapika suspected who the man was as the hood of his cloak and edges of his hair concealed his face from view.
It was hard to ignore the rather leering expression to cross the other man's visage, and it only added to the vexation that Kurapika felt. "While that is a good question, I also could ask you the same thing." He replied sarcastically and crossed his arms over his chest. "And while I am curious as to who you are, the fact that you are in my home tells me you aren't here by mere happenstance."
A smirk crawled its way over the man's thin lips, and he took a few steps forward towards Kurapika. Instantly, the blond stepped back, and he became painfully aware of the table pressing into his back.
His eyes darted around frantically, but the only exit was blocked off by the encroaching man.
Kurapika never felt so trapped in his life.
"St-stay back." He uttered while clutching tighter to the three canisters. The fourth one brushed against his arm. Kurapika tried nimbly to retrieve it but was unable to in his current position.
The man took a couple more steps forward, and this time, he was only but a few centimeters away. Kurapika tried to inch back again but was unsuccessful, and he felt like a deer caught in the headlights of a car. His actions made the man with the glasses grin even more.
And he pushed them up along his nose once more. "I see." The man muttered in amusement when he realized what the blond was holding in his arms. "It all makes more sense now." He snickered and continued to watch Kurapika critically. "Well, there really is no reason to keep it a secret any further as introductions are still in order. So let me start off." This time, the man raised his arms into the air, and a maniacal expression crossed his features. "I am the scientist Debron Cloch, and this is my laboratory. Very few ever manage to find my home, much less this part of it."
Each syllable uttered made Kurapika cringe as he hadn't seen someone so delirious and fanatical as the man before him. It made Kurapika remember what the locals had to say about Debron, which made him even more cautious.
Even the man's aura leaked of repugnancy and corruption. The very sensation of it nauseated Kurapika, and he could taste the pungency of the bile that hit the back of his throat.
There wasn't anything about Debron that didn't scream of warning and danger.
"So, you are him," Kurapika scoffed, and his entire body went rigid when Debron leaned slightly towards him. "I've heard a lot about you."
His statement caused Debron to chuckle menacingly, and the man's face became contorted by egotism. "Ah, so my reputation precedes me it seems," he chirped and then laughed giddily, "as my prestige is quite known."
The look in Debron's dark eyes practically had Kurapika benumbed from the moment they locked with his. There was nothing but insanity written within them.
"None of it was good as you should know," Kurapika countered fervently, and he urged his strength and resolve to remigrate while attempting to suppress the dismay swelling in his heart. Just being in the same vicinity as the man only seemed to enliven his aversion and rage.
Which became increased by Debron's flagrant insolence. A look of utter flippancy wormed its way across his features as he appeared gratified by the comment Kurapika made. It was like the man was no stranger to the derision and contempt from others, and although most would take it as a sign of disgrace, Debron reveled in it. The man's eyes grew alight with the notion.
And he even laughed boisterously at it. Kurapika realized the man had since lost his mind.
"Why am I not surprised?" Debron giggled, and the grin on his face spread so wide, almost every tooth became visible. He stood there in complete defiance, arms outstretched wide. "None of those fools can even begin to understand my brilliance or comprehend the magnificence of what science brings." His posture slacked a notch as he focused intently on Kurapika again. "You see, all of the experiments I have conducted were done right here, in this very lab and have brought about modern breakthroughs while giving me a better perception of the world around me. The more I delve into what makes something tick, the greater my understanding of it becomes." This time, Debron bent forward, and the sudden gesture caused Kurapika to push roughly against the table as outrage twisted his rosy lips. "Everything you see around you has been done with that very idea in mind."
As the very weight of Debron's words hung precariously in his mind, the aspect of the man's deluded profession made Kurapika stare at him in sheer disbelief. His attention had quickly darted towards the array of jars that sat on shelves around the room, and in that instant, Kurapika couldn't even fathom how someone like Debron could exist.
The man had even gone so far to experiment on actual people? Were those really human organs stuffed inside those jars? Conducting tests on living things was bad enough, but on humans as well? The notion caused Kurapika to nearly vomit. "You're sick." He balked, the disdain in his voice becoming more apparent. "How can you do something so heinous and not have even a shred of guilt or remorse?" Kurapika wound his arms so tightly around the canisters that all of them bit painfully into his skin, but he didn't seem to notice.
All he could think about was getting far away from Debron and back to Chrollo as fast as he could. Then, Kurapika wondered if his lover had already returned to their meeting point, or had he begun looking for him? Would Chrollo be able to figure out he was in trouble, or even be able to find him?
He was still locked in a treacherous situation with a man who had morbid intentions. It caused Kurapika's hackles to rise the longer he remained cornered and in Debron's presence. With how his arms clutched the canisters containing the eyes, he wasn't even sure if he could manage to use his phone to signal Chrollo that he needed help.
Every second that went by drew Kurapika closer towards the uncertainty of surviving his encounter. He was sure the scientist had no plans on letting him leave. Alive or not, it didn't matter.
It would end here.
"How?" Debron repeated in utter amusement and tilted his head. That's simple," he continued and gazed over Kurapika's lithe frame attentively as if he was assessing a pig to be sent for slaughter, "everything I do is for the benefit of science. Of course, sacrifices have to be made, but think of all the scientific achievements that can be garnered from the results." The man lowered his hands and then pointed a finger straight at Kurapika. Abruptly, his demeanor changed, and the look on his countenance became more insidious. "It was no different for the eyes in those containers that you hold."
Watching the swift change in Kurapika's expression invoked a more profound sense of mirth in Debron as the scientist had his doubts. But now, after careful observation, he was almost convinced.
Why else would anyone want the eyes of a people who were supposed to be dead and gone?
Still, he needed further proof.
"What did you say?" Kurapika demanded, his voice low and churlish. "Tell me, what did you do to the Scarlet Eyes." Without hesitation, he looked Debron critically, a dark expression crossing his visage. "Tell me!" Kurapika demanded again.
So brazen. The enmity seethed off of the younger man who stood before him, and Debron snickered in pure delight. There was an untamed beast residing within, and he decided to continue provoking the blond to see just how he reacted.
The smirk on Debron's face gradually took over. "Why, a few experiments to tell you the truth. I've known about the Scarlet Eyes and how they change color depending on the depth of the owner's mood. The more emotionally stimulated, the brighter the color. I just wanted to see what made them tick."
Debron watched the blond man critically following his statement, but almost without warning, there was a flare in his aura, one that was menacing and deadly.
From the force alone, he could tell that not only was Kurapika a Nen user but just how deep his fury ran. However, instead of cowering, he looked ready to kill.
"Bastard…" Kurapika growled, and instantly, a tinkling sound echoed around them as his chains materialized without thinking. Listening to all the atrocities that Debron had committed nearly pushed him past the breaking point, and both of his hands clenched into fists. Kurapika turned away, unable to look at man any longer. "How dare you do something so vile. Not only have you caused those who have sacrificed pain and despair, but you are so despicable that you even desecrated the remains of the dead. You are lower than scum." Slowly, Kurapika lifted his head to face the scientist once more, but now his eyes blazed with unbridled, scarlet rage. "You're a fucking monster."
The instant Kurapika's gaze met Debron's, the man was almost entirely taken aback, but at the same time, his mood changed, and he became even more amused. The fact he had initially suspected Kurapika to have some connection with the Scarlet Eyes was now proven to be correct without any shadow of a doubt.
How fortunate was that? Despite the current circumstances, it was as if he was staring down at a perfect specimen. "So you really are one of them," Debron commented giddily, and he rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "I thought the Kurtas were extinct because of the Genei Ryodan, but it seems you're a survivor."
Something inside Kurapika snapped, and the blond seethed with outright enmity. Mechanically and without restraint, he began to move forward, the chains on his right hand chiming in almost perfect unison to his demeanor, and the depths of his eyes grew even more fervent.
All of Kurapika's hate and anguish, which he decided to bury long ago, had now resurfaced and found a new target. "How dare you even mention the name of my clan," Kurapika snapped, and he carefully set the canisters down, then positioned himself before them. "They're gone, and you have the nerve to violate their remains." It took all he had to resist every impulse to thrash the man before him. The drive was so extreme, it persistently goaded him.
Letting go and forgetting his past - although he wanted to - had proven to be complicated. Kurapika knew he was learning to change that aspect for Chrollo was essential, but this - there would be no forgiveness. How could he for someone as vile as the heartless prick before him?
"Oh, you are mistaken," Debron responded cheerily. "They may be extinct, or almost extinct, but to learn exactly what made you Kurtas who you are and how you got such a special skill I think would be of great value to the world." He followed Kurapka's movements fixedly, the allure of those pure, incandescent eyes locking him within a daze, and Debron longed to get his hands on them. Having a live Kurta to research would be an advantage that he wouldn't have otherwise with the lifeless ones sitting inside those jars. It made him tremble with absolute excitement. "Just think, your clan could live on through science and the knowledge it would bring!"
What insolence! Thinking about it heightened Kurapika's indignation, and he ground his teeth. It was like his emotions surged through him, unbridled and free. His hand rose to the front of him, and several chains made of bright silver snaked down as they hung in anticipation. Kurapika hissed between as he prepared to lung forward when the sound of something mechanical captivated his attention, and he abruptly stopped.
Next thing he knew, a cage made with thick metal bars slammed to the ground around him.
The sight caught him completely off-guard, and Kurapika practically spluttered at the outcome. "What the - Let me go!" He cursed, and his chains dropped listlessly to the floor. " Damn you! Open up this bloody cage right now!" Kurapika clutched at the bars roughly, which caused the hood of his cloak to fall back and let Debron see him fully.
He couldn't believe what had just transpired, and Kurpaika gripped the metal relentlessly. Doing so had caused his knuckles to turn entirely white. How could he have been so euphuistic to let himself fall right into the man's waiting hands? Kurapika swore inwardly.
"And why would I do that?" The scientist mocked as he noticed what happened and then came to stand right in front of the cage while bearing a look of satisfaction. The Kurta really was pretty. "I have big plans for you, so it's best to make yourself comfortable because you're going to be here for a while," Debron smirked and gently slipped his hand between the bars to touch the Kurta's perfect face, but the second he tried, his hand was forcefully knocked away.
"Don't touch me!" Kurapika retorted bitterly, and his eyes flashed vehemently before dimming slightly. Looking at the man with his nonchalance irked him even more, but the fact Debron was so bold as to try and touch him made him exasperated to no end. "If you think I am just going to sit back and let you get away with this, you are poorly mistaken." He added, the tone of his voice covenant and dangerous.
Again, Kurapika went to summon his chains from their idle state on the floor when the gravity of his situation struck him hard. For some unknown reason, they refused to move and then dematerialized altogether. The sudden change perplexed him, and he tried to will his aura to flow through him and back into the chains, but Kurapika realized even that wasn't activating as it should.
He was unable to use Nen.
The man's grin expanded at the sight of it. "I see you haven't guessed it yet, but there is a component within those bars that nullifies Nen," Debron stated and ran his fingertips along the surface. "To be perfectly honest, I had prepared for something like this, especially after witnessing you and your partner in my garden." Debron licked his thin lips and leaned forward as he watched Kurapika through the bars with morbid interest. "I don't think you are in any position to make threats or demands, so I highly suggest making yourself comfortable."
After that, he backed away, a maniacal look behind his dark eyes. Even the smirk on Debron's face grew more iniquitous. "Damn you…" Kurapika grumbled contemptuously and feebly tried to command his chains again to no avail. "I swear I will find a way out of here, and then make you pay for what you have done." He finalized. This time, it wasn't a threat but a promise.
Debron waved a hand dismissively at him. "Oh, I seriously doubt that you will. Not only are those bars resistant to Nen, but they are reinforced steel. You won't be able to break them." He turned his back to Kurapika as he started heading for the laboratory door. Debron stopped momentarily and glanced back over his shoulder. "Now to go take care of that man you were with. Sit tight, my precious as I look forward to seeing what it takes to activate those pretty eyes of yours."
And with that, he was gone as the door clicked shut behind him.
Kurapika pounded his fist against the bars of the makeshift cell, frustration marring his immaculate features. Over and over, he chided himself for being so negligent without care or caution, the fact that he was now the captive of some crazed maniac who wanted to experiment on him to learn more about his eyes incensed him beyond recognition.
Without even realizing it, Kurapika's knees buckled underneath him, and he crumbled to the floor, the cloak he wore pooling around him. The situation continued to seem bleak as if there was no escape, and Kurapika groaned. There he was, trapped, his Nen restricted and waiting helplessly for the inevitable.
Tears welled behind his now blue eyes, the crystalline droplets threatening to break free. His fingers clutched uselessly at the floor; it's black and white patterning merciless and cold. Even then, Kurapika wondered if he would ever be able to escape his cruel prison.
Not once had he ever been the victim of such fate, but now, Kurapika struggled in commending with the outcome.
He sat there for what seemed like an eternity as seconds bled into minutes, and minutes flowed into what may have been hours. Debron's last words reiterated in his mind and a new kind of fear welled deep in his heart. Kurapika's thoughts shifted to Chrollo, and he wondered if his lover was safe, or even coming to his rescue. If the man was able to inhibit the use of Nen, who knows what else he was capable of?
Kurapika hoped nothing of the likes would come to pass and that Chrollo wouldn't be easily overcome. No, his lover was too strong for that. There was no way the leader of the Genei Ryodan would ever be foolish enough to let himself be taken by cheap trickery or tactics.
Chrollo had been privy to the ways of the world and more than wise enough to not get caught up in anything undermining.
Faith was all he needed.
The only other thought to cross his mind was the probability of Chrollo coming for him. Would his lover be able to even find him?
It looked more like his path would end there, and his final moments spent locked behind a cage made of bars when something Chrollo said came to mind. "Just remember to remain vigilant, and should you encounter any problems, signal by calling and letting it ring three times."
Then, Kurapika remembered that he still had his cellphone.
Quickly, he fumbled around inside his pocket for it, and then his finger slid nimbly over the keys once the screen lit up. Kurapika searched for Chrollo's number before dialing it without hesitation. The ring seemed to echo loudly in the room, but Kurapika let it sound three times as he had been instructed.
"Kurapika?" Chrollo's voice came over the receiver, and for a moment, hearing his lover speak was like music to his ears.
"Yes - Yes, it's me! I'm here!" Kurapika responded fervently before the line abruptly went dead. Consternation instantly washed over his countenance. "Chrollo? Chrollo?!" He called out, but there was no response.
He tried calling the older man back, and much to his dismay, the call dropped without even going through.
So, not only was his Nen restricted, but something was blocking phone signals. Kurapika trembled.
That is when he really thought it was all over. Kurapika leaned back against the bars and breathed. All he could do was wait.
And pray for a miracle.
After Thoughts: Honestly, the idea to put Kurapika in the situation he ended up in came rather suddenly for me, but also considering the nature of the person they are going after; it made more sense than my original idea. Not to mention, the chapter would have gotten longer then I would have liked otherwise, so there is that as well.
The mad scientist shtick was also something else I had been wanting to write as well, so lol, I ended up running with it in the long run.
It's only going to get more intense from here, so expect that as well.