Chasing Darkness (Sequel to Remember Me)

Part Thirteen

Kurapika had stayed on the line with you for a long period of time last night, only hanging up when the sun had finally begun to rise. The few hours of sleep he had gotten was made completely worth it since he got to speak with you for longer than he usually is able to. He lets out a drawn-out sigh as he squints his eyes at the blinding sunlight coming in from the crack in his window curtains. He pulls himself out of bed and walks towards the bathroom as he begins to get ready for the day.

Today, he was only meant to do some menial work handed down from the "organization" leader himself, or so he was told. Kurapika knew better than to trust anyone who was associated with this insane cult. The premise of this cult itself shook Kurapika to his core, as well as, finding it incredibly difficult not to lose control of his emotions and go on a rampage.

A cult needs something to worship, moreover, what this cult chose to worship was a pair of scarlet eyes. When Kurapika first started investigating Ryuuism, he had only thought that a member of Ryuuism was keeping a pair solely for himself. When the realization of what was really happening here donned on him, he nearly gave away his cover. 

A group of sheep is being led and deceived by a man simply known as Ryuu, whether this is a false alias or his true name is unknown. The worshippers of Ryuuism see him as some sort of Prophet come to teach them of the healing powers of the scarlet eyes. Of course, there are no healing powers to speak of, however, Ryuu himself seems to have special abilities of some kind. Kurapika has yet to meet the man in person but has seen him walking around the facility, his face always covered by a white and red mask, along with a hood pulled over his head.

Kurapika has heard many different things about this man, though it's hard to distinguish which statements are true and which are merely rumors. All the Kurta can do is work hard to catch Ryuu's attention and earn his good graces. It seems like his hard work has finally paid off.

Kurapika hurriedly walks down the long corridor's in his cultist's robe, a stack of books and papers in his hands, but comes to a halt when he notices one of his colleagues waving to him.

"Busy as always, Kurapika?" The man known as Merritt greets him with a large grin and a wave, "That's what we like to see!"

Kurapika simply nods to this, "Yes, I am very busy. I need to deliver these books for Ryuu."

"Oh? Did nobody tell you?"

Kurapika furrows his brow in confusion as he wonders, "Is there something that I was not made aware of?"

"Don't seem so worried, Kurapika!" He excitedly places a hand on Kurapika's shoulder, prompting Kurapika to hide his face of utter disgust, "It's good news! Ryuu said that he wants to promote you! Isn't that great?"

A small smile forms on Kurapika's face as he tries to feign happiness, "Yes, I'm very happy to hear that."

"But don't get too excited yet," The man continues, wrapping his whole arm around Kurapika's shoulder, "You have to pass his test first."

The Kurta hadn't heard anything about a test so this was news to him. He can't help the bad feeling that rises in his gut, however, he pushes this feeling aside as he prods Merritt for more information, "A test? What kind of test?"

"You don't know about the test?" Merritt questions him, seemingly surprised by this information. Kurapika simply shakes his head in response prompting Merritt to let out a chuckle, "I thought someone would have told you about it already."

"Would you mind enlightening me?" Kurapika asks him in a calm tone of voice, although he's starting to get incredibly annoyed.

Merritt nods his head fervently in response, his large grin never leaving his face, "Ryuu will judge if you've done enough good work to pass the test and be promoted. If you've done enough good work, you're transported into a beautiful place full of love and good memories for ten minutes.  If you fail his test, you're teleported to a terrible place full of your worst fears and memories for however long he decides."