The Ninth || Chrollo x Reader

XVII. The Truth

    My pace surges in speed as my feet tap down the many stairs of the Hunter Association Headquarters. The skirt of my hospital gown swishes around my knees, and my right hand grips the metal hand railings.

    The building is a frenzy of hurried Hunters, rushing about with their large weapons that cramp the amount of space available. I dodge and avoid them, as I push around the crowd.

    As I barely arrive at the lobby, Saccho Kobayakawa, the horse Zodiac, catches sight of me. He stands straight, dressed in a purple robe decorated with red floral designs. At his hip are two, sheathed katanas and on his arms are cuffed in black markings. Saccho's hair is frayed and is tied behind his head.

    Due to his position as a Double- Star Problem Hunter and previous occupations as a detective, I approach him. Saccho isn't regarded in close relation to Mizaistom or Kurapika, two Zodiacs that have been surveying me in close caution due to my recent mission.

    "Saccho," I start. "When are they going to arrive?" Saccho is solemn, though it is not unlike his usual composure. Despite the regular frenzy of the Zodiacs, Saccho is known to consider all points before creating a conclusion, contributing to his renowned position of intelligence.

    "According to the Zodiac estimate, they will be here in approximately thirty minutes," Saccho states a matter of factly. However, his tone implies that this is not his estimate, but rather that of the groups in entirety.

    Outside of the lobby, bright sunlight filters through the glass windows, shining straight into the building. It is only past noon, however the Hunters are avoiding a potential conflict with the Troupe in direct light. The idea is absurd, and for that reason, I ask,

    "What's your estimate, Saccho?" The horse Zodiac turns towards me, his eyes glittering in careful focus.

    "I believe that the Troupe will be here in five." Saccho says calmly.

    My eyebrows raise in surprise, but I don't question his estimate. I've found that despite the overall logistics that come from the Zodiacs, Saccho is most correct. He does not allow his estimates or data to be swayed by many factors that may occur. Possibilities and chances often lower the rate of accuracy, and due to that, the Zodiacs may be incorrect, no matter how rare it is that they create mistakes.

    "(y/n), what is it that you wish to do?" Saccho asks. He turns and nods to me as he continues, "You are not prepared for conflict with the Troupe. The Zodiacs are frantically searching for you to place you into your quarantine. You are unarmed. There is not much you can do," Saccho states.

    I glance at my clothing that does not shield my body, nor is equipped with my usual Ben's blades. My fingers are bare, as the rings of gunpowder have been taken from me.

    "Saccho, have you interacted with the Troupe before?" I find myself asking. My eyes are still downcast, looking at the tiled floor that is laid beneath my feet.

    He muses for a bit before replying, "Though I've never physically met them, I've been connected to them through a case. A genocide that was caused by a single member of the Troupe a few months back. It took me one week to connect the evidence." That statement was unexpected, as the detective of the Zodiacs was usually able to find identities within minutes of the crime.

    A faint smile grows on my face as I reply, "It was interesting to fight one of them. Their strength was great, as expected, but-" The smile fades as I make eye contact once more with Saccho.

    "Without experience fighting them, it's rather difficult to hold your ground. The Hunters will need those with the most battle experience and former interactions with the Troupe. Understanding their tactics, even if only little, will be of help."

    Some of the Zodiacs, such as Cluck, Cheadle, and Pyon, are inexperienced with physical combat. Many of the members have specialized abilities that do not contend to fighting. Due to this, not all of the Zodiacs will be present at the confrontation with the Troupe.

    "(y/n), where did you learn to fight?" Saccho asks in brief curiosity.

    "(y/n), where did you learn to fight?" The man swaggered over to the girl who found herself in this dark city with nothing to keep her company than the dead spirits that wish to drag her to down with them.

    "It is really amazing that such a young person like you could do things like that. Do you feel nothing? No remorse?" The man asked, tears of humor sparkled in his eyes.

    The girl did not answer, but it was soon that she found herself with this strange man. And from then on, she was nothing but a phantom that hung around those with bloodstained fortune.

    I reply quickly, "My mother taught me basic self-defense when I was younger, and then I wanted to be a Hunter." I shrug, smiling as though it was a memory of childhood innocence.

    Saccho opens his mouth to respond, but the sound of Mizaistom's shout is heard instead. I glance over Saccho's shoulder and see Mizaistom walk towards me, his eyes deep in anger.

    My feet begin to move backwards, and I lift my arms up as though I'm surrendering. I move towards the central staircase of the building in instinct. Mizaistom follows me up the stairs as I say, "Mizaistom, listen."

    It's unclear whether he heard me or not, as his jaw is set and he does not acknowledge my words. I sigh, and say,

    "You'll need help. How are you supposed to fight them all when you barely understand their Hatsu's? Even if you're battle experienced, you can't really think that you'll come out victorious."

    Mizaistom begins to walk faster, and I realize that he's followed me up multiple floors already. Briefly looking over my shoulder, I recognize the floor as the one in which my containment facility is located.

     In a moment of self realization, I scoff in annoyance. Mizaistom is briefly amused at my ignorance, and he finally states, "(y/n), you understand the dangers of allowing you in our front lines. Nen abilities, specifically those of a Manipulator, can still have a hold of your mind and influence you, endangering both your life and the lives of others."

    It was a strange feeling that I felt with those words. It was as though something had exploded, rising and rushing out of me. Built up frustration and irritation that I'd felt since my return to the Zodiacs. I'd noticed everything they'd done incorrectly or insufficiently. However, they made no effort to improve.

    "Mizaistom, do you trust me?" I ask quietly. I meet his gaze, and he is surprised to hear those words. When he doesn't reply, I repeat my question. "Mizaistom, do you trust me?"

    He did not. It was clear in his inability to assure me of his trust in me. That was alright however, as I may not have trusted myself.

    However, I knew that this was the weakness of the Zodiacs; of Cheadle, Mizaistom, and Kurapika. They were unable to trust others, myself included. I knew that I was unable to fully trust anyone, however in the few moments that I'd spend with the Troupe, the undeniably showed me great trust.

    Without trust, the bonds and relationships that connect the Zodiac members are fragile, and they are unable to work together towards a larger goal unless it contributes towards their own ulterior motives. This is the weakness of the Zodiacs, the weakness that is nonexistent in the Phantom Troupe.

    I smile sadly, as I will my aura to flow around me. The activation of my Nen awakens Mizaistom from his state, and he focuses as he activates his as well. It's as though he is an instrument of destruction, an unfeeling guardian of the Hunters.

    And together, we clash, and I hear the familiar sound of breaking. I wonder what it is.

Author's note: Hi! Please remember to vote if you liked the chapter! It's been a few since we've seen Chrollo, but not to worry, he'll be coming :)) See you again soon!
~Amorevolous