The Reason We Fight

Chapter 63. The Departure

In the days preceding their departure, Tserriednich updated Kakume on details about their trip aboard the Black Whale. There was a reason why the princes of Kakin were loading up on security personnel beyond just ensuring their general safety: within the confines of the ship, all fourteen trueborn children of king Nasubi Hui Guo Rou will fight to the death for the right to succession. Essentially, the sole survivor will be named heir to the throne.

The prince was busy with preparations and traditional royal family ceremonies, and as such, they decided to delay his Nen training for when they were on board. Kakume noticed something however... in the past few days, Tserriednich's aura nodes had been opened, unbeknownst to him. Nevertheless, he could still not master Ten, the first of the four Major Principles. What had happened?

Well, she would have time to think about this once they were inside the ship, as the boarding was today. If everything went as planned, by the end of the trip, she, or Kurapika, would get their hands on the remaining Scarlet Eyes, through persuasion or force. And perhaps, just perhaps, once on the Dark Continent, she could get a chance to lay her hands on that miracle herb. 

They made the inauguration of the voyage into some big event, a party with live music and such. The king of Kakin made a speech, introduced his potential heirs on stage. Does Kurapika know about the succession war? she wondered.

Kakume was led to an area adjacent to the stage, where she could keep an eye out for Tserriednich, along with the other prices' bodyguards, who did the same for their respective employers.

"Is everything okay?", she heard a soft, warm voice speak nearby. It was Senritsu, she was standing next to her. Kakume was so absorbed in the events that she didn't even notice.

She beamed. "Sure, I managed to get in", she responded. "Should make things easier for Kurapika. Why do you ask?"

Senritsu looked uneasy. "I'm not sure. I've just been hearing this... sound. Ever since I saw you a few days ago. A rattling, or fluttering, coming from you. It must be my imagination", she quickly sorted out, with a forced smile.

Could this sound be related to the Vitum? "So...", Kakume said, ignoring the comment pointedly. "Which one of them are you forced to protect?"

"Tenth prince, Kacho. That woman over there". Senritsu pointed to a girl with shoulder-length blonde hair and a formal dress. "From what I've seen so far she's um... well, detestable".

Kakume said nothing, so Senritsu continued. "Kurapika got assigned to the 14th prince Wobble and his mother, queen Oito".

"He must be quite disappointed".

She shrugged. "Perhaps, but he will do his best all the same". She closed her eyes and inhaled sharply. "Kakume, I'm sure I don't have to tell you to be careful. The fourth prince, his heartbeat... it is truly frightening. He's a very callous man".

She nodded in response. Of course, she already knew that. But that was just part of the game, and she had to learn to play the part, or she would lose... and in here, defeat meant death.

-

"Whew, I'm glad this is finally over", the prince told her confidentially, once the celebrations were over. "Waving like a witless fool to the ignorant masses whose only interest is to get drunk and party. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth".

"If you say so, boss man", said Kakume. What else was there to say? Tserriednich turned on the TV and flipped the channel to a live broadcast of a Heavens Arena match.

"Blood sport?", she asked, lifting an eyebrow. "Why am I not surprised?"

The prince looked at her irritatingly. "I like it for the strategy", he said.