Vermilion Tears [Kurapika x Kurta!Reader]

[5] Scarlet Eyes

Watching as Majitani flexed, you could sense Leorio's uneasiness. "Is Kurapika going to be okay?" Leorio wondered, and you crossed your arms, shrugging. You didn't speak up. You didn't need to, actually, because Gon was the one who replied.

"We don't need to worry," he said decisively. "When I look at this guy, I don't get chills."

Gon's observation was surprising to you, and you smiled at the small boy while Leorio questioned what he meant. Perhaps you didn't give him enough credit.

Majitani was finally done yelling and flexing, looking up to meet Kurapika's eyes. "It's time to show you the ace up my sleeve!" He yelled. "Prepare to die!" The blue man launched himself up into the air, his fist coming down as Kurapika jumped back defensively. Where Majitani's fist hit the ground was a small hole, debris from the stage landing around Kurapika. You watched, unimpressed. Just what was Majitani trying to do? Scare Kurapika into forfeiting?

Turning around with ease, Majitani turned his back to Kurapika, revealing a strange tattoo. A spider with twelve legs - if you squinted, you could see a faint skull design on the main body. It was strange, and looked vaguely familiar. A watery thought that lingered in the way back of your mind bothered you, but you couldn't grasp onto the memory, just that you had seen this tattoo before. Something was off about it, but you had seen it before?

Not realizing how lost in thought you were, you muttered, "Where's the number...?"

The tattoo had also startled Kurapika, whom had visibly tensed.

Leorio's eyes widened, his face pale as a ghost. "A spider with twelve legs... That's from the Phantom Troupe!"

Gon looked up, not really disturbed. You didn't blame him - you don't believe you've heard of the Phantom Troupe before, after all. "Really?" He asked, confusion evident in his voice.

Nodding apprehensively, Leorio couldn't tear his eyes away from Majitani's back. "Yeah, definitely."

The Phantom Troupe.. I haven't heard of them before, yet the name seems so familiar. It tastes bitter on my tongue...

"They're infamous," Leorio continued. "I heard about them straight from Kurapika."

Your eyebrows shot up. Did Kurapika have a previous run-in with them? Was that why he appeared to be shaken?

Majitani grinned down at Kurapika as Kurapika stood up straight. "That's right, I'm one of the four kings of the Phantom Troupe!"

Something about that didn't sit right with you. You didn't know why, but information you swear you couldn't know was flooding your brain, and you shook your head, ignoring the strange look Killua was giving you. "They don't have four kings, only the head is the leader..."

"Yo [Y/n], you having a fit or something?"

Killua's voice snapped you out of your stupor, and you looked down at him, frowning slightly in thought. "The Phantom Troupe... I think they may be connected to the memories I've lost," you admitted, catching Leorio's and Gon's attention as they both let out exclamations. "But... It's just a feeling. I'm not sure."

"This is your last chance to surrender!" Majitani shouted. "Consider this - huh?!"

Kurapika looked up, and whatever expression he was wearing was enough to startle Majitani, the man faltering. If the Phantom Troupe had hurt Kurapika or had damaged his past in some way, you could only imagine the look of rage that would probably be on his face. In an instant, the blond disappeared, only to reappear right in front of Majitani. Without any hesitation, he reached up, grabbing the man's jaw and lifting him off the ground. You whistled, impressed.