The Reason We Fight

Chapter 7. The Shadow

As they left the mansion, the group dispersed. They had all passed the preliminary test, but the real challenge was right up ahead. Senritsu observed Kurapika. He was walking straight ahead, wasting no time. His heartbeat was strong and determined.

"Kurapika, is it?" she called out, walking up to him. "Do you think we could maybe work as a team? Strength in numbers and all that?"

Kurapika didn't even bother glancing her way. "I'd rather work alone, if you don't mind", he said, coldly.

"You're going after the Scarlet Eyes, aren't you?", she blurted out.

Kurapika stopped on his tracks, and turned back. His stance was tense. "What makes you think that?"

Senritsu closed her eyes. "I heard it again, at the mansion. It was so clear, that melody of rage. When they were mentioned, I could hear it. Your face was quiet, but your heart was not. It was... deafening".

He sighed. "I suppose there would be no use in lying to you. I am of the Kurta clan. Our eyes are normally brown, but they turn into a deep scarlet color when our emotions are excited. I have come here in order to find the eyes that were taken from my brethren. I'll do whatever it takes to restore them this last bit of dignity, and lay them to rest." He paused, and added dangerously: "Will you report this to the boss?"

Senritsu heard in Kurapika's calm and steady heartbeat his willingness to kill her if he must. "I will not. I have no motivation to do so, in any case. In fact, as a show of goodwill, I will let you in on a little secret: You know that girl we saw on the train? The one who now goes by the name Ranek?"

"What of her?", asked Kurapika.

"When she saw that picture of the Eyes... her heartbeat was just like yours."

Kurapika took a step back, shaken. But just as fast, he regained his senses. He fidgeted. "It can mean anything. Such a sight could send a chill to anyone's spine. It was a horrible crime, and widely reported. Anyone with an ounce of empathy would have discomforting feelings seeing it".

Senritsu shook her head in disagreement. "No, that wasn't it. All I can tell you for sure is that it was deeply personal for her too. There is no other way to interpret such a melody."

Kurapika thanked her for telling him. His eyes softened. "I will find something easier to acquire from that list, I think. That great buffoon of a man was not the most tactful but he was right nevertheless; the Eyes are notoriously hard to obtain. Maybe I will go for the lock of hair?"

She smiled. "Best of luck to you, then. See you in a week."

They departed their own way.

-

They returned to the mansion a week later, having all five found items from the list. The man with the face tattoos introduced himself as Dalzollene, the leader of the estate's bodyguards, and explained their first mission. They were to escort the boss to a hotel room in Yorkshin City.

Kakume could feel Kurapika's glare burning a hole through the back of her skull. What the hell is his deal? Is he planning to rat me out? she thought, nervously. The boy went up to Dalzollene and asked if we know of anyone who would specifically want to harm them.

Who wouldn't? thought Kakume. I'm willing to bet my right arm that these people are involved in some seriously sketchy business. The chief of bodyguards responded something to that effect, too. He said that the boss was a prominent figure in the underworld and had many enemies, many people who have a reason to hold a grudge.

"So the boss is a black hat... what a shocker", Kakume said, sardonically.

Kurapika wouldn't let it go. "Let me rephrase it, since you didn't understand the first time. If we know of potential attacks, we could protect the boss more efficiently, and prepare adequately in advance."

Dalzollene responded calmly. "Irrelevant. Understand now, that your orders are to incapacitate anyone who even comes close. Now, I will introduce you to the boss".

They followed him into a bedroom. A young girl with blue hair held in an extravagant hairstyle sat on her enormous bed, silk canopy framing her on both sides. She was surrounded by pillows, and female servants. Dalzollene referred to her as the boss. Miss Neon. The bodyguards stared in disbelief. The girl was sweet and cheerful, greeting them all. They got out of the room. Kakume could sense that there was more than meets the eye.

Basho exclaimed in surprised. "So that's our boss? Can't say that's how I pictured them".

The other woman in the group, Baise, crossed her arms. "No kidding. They called her an important figure in the underworld. I expected someone more intimidating, but she turned out to be a cute little girl".

Kakume contemplated the situation absentmindedly, hand resting on her chin. I was younger than that when I was introduced to the Red Hands. Younger still when Tam had me doing theft, fraud and worse. But I'm not getting that feeling here. I had to deal with a lot, grow up too fast, whereas she seemed spoiled beyond the telling of it. No matter, the truth will reveal itself soon enough.

According to Dalzollene, they are to leave the next day. That gave her plenty of time to finish her business here.

-

The bodyguards were given accommodations at the mansion for the night, for they would be taking the first airship to Yorkshin at the crack of dawn. Senritsu had always struggled with sleep, because of her gift, but it was especially difficult when surrounded by so many strangers. Her ears picked up on every noise, every movement. She stood to get herself a glass of water, giving up on the idea of rest. In the dim hallway, she saw a silhouette, walking slowly, pressed against the wall.

"Kurapika?", she called out, in a whisper. "What are you doing?"

He looked back, startled, then made a hush sign. "Senritsu. I need to find out what she's up to. She... she could be involved with the Phantom Troupe".

Senritsu looked at him uncertainly. "I don't think that's a good idea".

"Good thing I'm not asking for permission then. But... your powers could be useful."

She sighed and acquiesced. They followed Ranek, or rather, Kakume Reznikov. She was being very careful, looking out for cameras or surveillance equipment in every corner. She exited the mansion through an open window, then walked to the nearby woods, and made a call.

"40.7587, -73.9851", she said, concisely. Coordinates, maybe?

They waited. Kurapika's gaze was fixated on her, resolute. Finally, a suave, handsome man with a flashy aquamarine suit met her beneath the tree. Aviator sunglasses were resting on the top of his head.

"Seriously, Sigge? What is this, a fashion show? Are you trying to get caught?", she asked him, incredulous.

He laughed good-naturedly. "Live each moment like it is your last, darling, that's my philosophy. You'd do well to heed my words, lest you want to look like that when they bury you".

"Whatever. At that point, I'd be past caring. Have you done what I asked?"

He smiled a toothy grin. "Kakume, Kakume. Must it always be business with you?" He then saw her sour expression and conceded, raising his hands in the air in surrender. "Yes, everything is in place".

She handed him her bag. "Good. Then we are done." Sigge watched her leave, then went his own way.

Kurapika was deep in thought. They followed her back to the mansion. After they had jumped through the window, it slammed behind them.

"I don't take well to being shadowed, you know".