The Reason We Fight

Chapter 24. The Investigation

Camor was a forgotten speck on the map, a blip clinging to the fringes of civilization, its closest neighbour kilometers away. It had a small town center going through a dilapidated main street - a timeworn relic - with boarded-up storefronts and a few general stores. The air carried the scent of earth and decay, and the only sounds that pierced the silenced were the creaking of abandoned structures and the distant howling of the wind. The only thing the forsaken outpost had going for it, was its bar, where all sorts of characters would stop in their travels for rest and information. The Blue Moon Pub, it was called.

When Kurapika and Senritsu entered, they were half-heartedly greeted by a short man with large wide ears, pallid skin and a handlebar mustache. He was mopping up the floor. Kurapika introduced himself to the man and pulled his Hunter License out, telling him that he was here to investigate the crime. He got a few dark looks from the patrons all around, scum and scoundrels he had no doubt.

"Aye. Nothing to investigate. Marin did it, end of story. She closed up that night, and vanished within the hour. Dunno what more proof one needs", he declared.

"Where was the body found?"

He led him to a corner, near the entrance to the backroom. The wall had been wiped since, but traces of brown blood still remained. Kurapika reflected, observing the scene. "What do you think, Senritsu?"

Senritsu looked around. "It seems to me like there might have been a struggle. Look at the position of the blood stains. It appears to me like she might have been pinned to the wall, and slit his throat in self-defence".

The mustachioed man approached him. "Harvey was a regular, and all-around rather well liked, if I may say so myself. I had no idea he was a Hunter, to be fair."

Kurapika turned to him. "What's your name? And what can you tell me about this Marin?"

"I'm Gery, if you please. I'm the proprietor of this fine establishment. Marin was... well... I don't know, normal enough I suppose. Pretty girl, to be sure, in an ordinary sort of way. But she had a tendency to backtalk the customers, you know? She was a bit insolent. Didn't seem to me like she was capable of murder, though. Then again, everybody's got a past... especially in a place like this. Let me tell you uh..."

"Kurapika."

"Nobody comes to work here, unless they're running away from something. And sooner or later, that something always catches up to them."

-

They were directed to Marin's apartments, trying to find clues. Pakpao, the landlord, led them to it. Her living space was a mess, put simply. The walls were adorned with peeling paint, with cracks in the foundation. Brown water dripped reluctantly from the faucet, carrying with it the unsettling scent of stagnation. Stacked bowls of half-finished ramen languished on the grimy floor, forgotten remnants of meals. Kurapika thought he saw a cockroach scuttle past. How could anyone live like that?

I am starting to hope it wasn't Shuri after all..., he thought glumly.

"What are we looking for?", Senritsu asked.

Kurapika sighed. "Your guess is as good as mine".

They started rummaging the place for clues, whatever they might be. A discarded orange wig in a corner, a few towels and articles of clothing scattered around. Senritsu went through the garbage bin, which only contained some crumpled paper in it.

"Kurapika, look! A map!". She smoothed the wrinkles on it and laid it flat on the floor. A few locations on it were circled with red pen, including the town of Camor.

This seems too obvious, thought Kurapika. A red herring? He flipped the map over. The tenant had written something on the back of it:

Eyes of scarlet, eyes of gold. This time, the emperor's feeling bold. He folded the map and put it into the inside pocket of his jacket, keeping his face calm.

"Who did you say you were again?", Pakpao asked, peeking in impertinently.

"A Pro Hunter. Mind your own business."

"Funny. Another one was here just a few hours ago. An arrogant, abrasive fellow. Came sniffing around, same as you. You know, maybe if you lot worked together, I wouldn't be forced to waste my time giving the grand tour over and over again. I got better things to do, you know?"

Another Hunter? Is someone on Shuri's trail? Kurapika grabbed him by the jacket, solemn. "This Hunter... what did he look like? Was he a Blacklist Hunter?"

He brushed him off, offended. "If you think you can just push people around..."

"Think again". Kurapika lifted his fist to punch him square in the face, but Senritsu stopped him. She presented a stack of bills beneath his nose, an unspoken attempt at bribery.

He swiftly grabbed the money, self-satisfied. "Now you're speaking my language. A tall man, with dark shoulder-length hair and light green eyes. Bit like the tenant's actually. I'd estimate he was in his... mid-forties maybe? Long brown leather duster, bit of an outlaw thing going for him. Handsome, some might say."

Kurapika was starting to feel impatient, irritable. "And where did he go?"

"He did not say, but from where I stood, seemed like he was heading West."

Kurapika turned his back on him, walking to the exit. Senritsu trailed just behind him, thanking the landlord for his help.

"Hey kid! You and your friend be careful, alright? I got a seriously bad vibe from this guy. But then again, who am I to infringe on the law, eh? A Hunter comes asking questions, I do my duty and deliver."

-

"It's nice to meet you, Veronika.", the department manager told Kakume. "Your resume is quite impressive. Can you tell me about your experience in the casino industry?"

Kakume smiled. "Certainly." The skills Tam had taught her were coming in handy. She wore a crisp women's suit and a silver blunt bob wig. Her documents were forged with masterful artistry. "I've been a blackjack dealer for the past five years at various establishments. My previous employer was the Riviera Casino. You may contact my former manager, Daku Gyakusai. I'm sure he'll vouch for me."

The austere woman looked up from her small pince-nez glasses, leaning her chin on her crossed fingers. "Excellent. I see you have a gaming license from the Yorkshin Gaming Commission. Everything seems in order. Now, we value professionalism and integrity here. How would you handle difficult customers or potential cheating situations at the table?"

Kakume offered her most charming of expressions. "That's a good question, Claris. I prioritize customer service and remain vigilant for any unusual behavior.", she said confidently. She continued. "I am skillfully adept at defusing tense situations and ensure fair play at all times. Time management is crucial as well, especially during peak hours. I've always excelled in maintaining accuracy and efficiency, even during high-pressure situations. One might even say, I thrive in a fast-paced environment." She faked a good-natured chuckle.

The HR representative stood up then and extended her hand. "Impressive. Well, Veronika, it seems like you have the qualifications we are looking for. Welcome to the team. We'll start your onboarding process immediately".

Bingo. They sealed the deal with a handshake.