Kurapika holds his head down low as his hands are folded on his knees, eyes closed. For the past couple hours he has dedicated himself fully to his boss Neon and all that she had required. Even while working, his mind never once drifted from his main objective, the one goal that he had made his new life's mission. It was scary to think what all would come of this.
Would he even be able to live life normally once he had exacted his revenge? Would that even be possible?
Of course there was always the looming thoughts that he would die trying to complete his task.
Death was something he didn't fear, in fact, it only drove him more to avenge his brethren. His clan, after all, had to watch as one another were killed in front of each other. He was fortunate to not have endured the same situation. Even still, sometimes he wishes he had.
It was obviously the survivor's guilt. Something he experienced without having actually been physically present at the time of the devastation. He wished he had been there to do something, although without the use of nen, he knows his fate would have been cemented the same as his clan.
Maybe this was a gracious fate that allowed him to escape to avenge his brethren.
Yet this thought doesn't ease his guilt, nor his rage, only death would calm the storm of emotions within him.
A soft knock quiets his thoughts.
"Come in," he says deceptively calmly.
Through the cracked door Kurapilka sees Melody's concerned face.
"Kurapika, Dalzollene has called us together to discuss the plan for tomorrow's auction." Melody once again heard the sadness within Kurapika's heart. It was one of the strongest and loudest pieces to have ever met her ears.
"Right, of course." Kurapika stands up, walking quickly to the door and Melody. "Thank you, Melody."
Melody nods and they begin down the hall toward Dalzollene's room. He was their acting boss since Light Nostrade wasn't there and Neon had no hand in the mafia, besides her ghostwriting ability, which ironically is how the Nostrade family became as influential as they are.
Melody opens the door, allowing Kurapika to enter first who does, murmuring a soft 'thank you' as he passes. Baise, Basho, Squalla, and Dalzollene were already inside, sitting around a table that had papers and maps piled under cups of what looked like coffee.
Most of them hadn't slept the night before as they were quickly rushed to get to the auction today. Packing Neon's things took half of the night, not to mention preparing the other aspects of their trip such as transportation, hotels, and other necessities Neon couldn't live without. She was the reason many of them were already exhausted, even though it was the middle of the afternoon.
"Alright, so I'm going to make this brief so you guys can get the proper food and rest you'll need to work flawlessly tomorrow night," Dalzollene says.
Melody and Kurapika take seats around the table, seeing the others slouching and heads resting on their hands in exhaustion. Even Dalzollene showed some signs of fatigue with the bags forming underneath his eyes.
"So, there is a common rule that no weapons are permitted within the building of the Underground Auction, which ensures that no fighting between the different families takes place."
"So how will we be effective bodyguards then?" Baise asks.
Kurapika looks over to her, wondering if she realizes that her nen ability isn't a visible weapon, meaning she can still be useful if she executes her hatsu effectively.
"Good question, although all of you have proven to be quite effective at what you do without traditional weapons. Many of the mafia bosses don't have nen abilities which is why they rely so heavily on us." He takes a deep breath. "Now I definitely want Melody outside observing the building, considering she has extraordinary hearing. Your job is to make sure nothing suspicious happens or approaches the building. Is that understood?"
"Of course," she replies.
"Now I doubt the boss will let Neon go to the Auction, due to many of his rivals targeting her and her ability to bring his downfall. Not to mention the fortunes she told predicted there might be trouble. I haven't told her yet that she's not to attend the Underground Auction tomorrow. That being the case, Squalla will remain with her here since he's the senior bodyguard and knows her a bit better."
Squalla groans with both tiredness and annoyance.
"I know, but it's something that's required of us. As for Baise and Basho, you two will watch the vault that contains the auction's treasures, just in case that is the target of misfortune tomorrow. I will be there to bid if the auction does go according to plan." Dalzollene then turns to Kurapika. "You are extremely observant and very experienced with your nen abilities, so I'm having trouble determining where I want to place you, but I'm leaning towards perimeter duty with Melody because I don't want anyone to get past the guards. I think your sensitivity to what's around you might help increase Melody's effectiveness. So consider that your post as well."
"Yes sir," Kurapika says, not entirely disappointed. This way he might be able to stop the Phantom Troupe before they enter the building, meaning he wouldn't have to be constricted while fighting the Spiders if it came to that. There would be more space outside the building than inside with unarmed mafia bosses who the bodyguards would have to prioritize rather than capturing or killing the Troupe.
"Any questions?"
"Yes, did her fortunes tell any of the specifics of what might occur? That way we might know what to look for," Kurapika asks.
"They are vague for the most part and only have a sentence for every week of the month. Some clients were warned not to travel up stairs or they would surely die, but this probably does not apply to you."
"I beg to differ. If we are involved in this, any details at all would help ensure everyone's safety. Are there any more details you can think of that could guarantee protection?" Kurapika presses.
"Nothing else I read stood out to me, but I do believe if we communicate and stay where we are supposed to then we should be fine. I will talk to the Boss later tonight to confirm our plan with him and if he has any more issues or concerns we will accommodate them into our plan." Dalzollene releases a long and tired sigh. "Now, I'd advise all of you to get the rest you need for tomorrow. You're dismissed."
The others stand up without hesitation, leaving Kurapika, Melody, and Dalzollene lingering around the table.
Kurapika didn't understand why they didn't allow Neon to just use her powers to help aid them in her security, especially considering someone was always around her so they would be able to find the best way to keep her safe. He considered asking this, but the words never came out.
"Fine, I'll be in my room if anyone needs me." Kurapika bows slightly before leaving the room to retire back to his.
He locks the door behind him, realizing how exhausted he truly was. The room was a bit on the smaller side, but at least he had his own room to sit and think without any interruptions. The lights were always off and the curtains shut, not to allow a single ray of sunshine to seep into the room. It calmed him a bit that way, in a sense allowed him to sink deeper into his thoughts.
He lazily walks over to his bed, sitting on the edge of it with his hands folding in his lap like before.
He needed sleep, something that would take time easing into, due to his racing mind. Even so, sleep would have to be a priority if he wanted to be in his best shape to take on the Phantom Troupe.
He drifts towards the top of his bed, permitting his head to plunge into the soft pillows. His mind travels to the pillow fight Gon and Killua had while they were trapped in the prisoner's tower during the Hunter Exam.
He smiles softly, despite his fatigue and depressed state.
Hopefully they are together, safe and sound with Leorio. I hope they are all doing alright. I wonder if they have even come to Yorknew City at all like they had planned. It feels like it's been such a long time since he's seen Gon's smile, Killua's mischievous smirk and cat eyes, and even Leorio. I wonder if he's been studying hard to become a doctor like he wished. He deserves that, not to mention his kind heartedness will help many other unfortunate families. Despite his ignorance and annoying behavior at times, he was indeed one of the purest and most kind souls he had ever met.
Then he inhales deeply.
Tomorrow. I'll exact my revenge on every last Spider starting tomorrow night.
With that he fell into a restful sleep as his body numbed and his mind drifted to dreams out of his control.
(A/N)
I feel like all I do it repeat how much he hates the Troupe, but I also feel like it highlights his one track mind due to his anger. So I hope it doesn't get to boring for you!
And this chapter with Kurapika was easier to write than the other one. Probably because of dialogue, but whatever.