One Of Our Own [Kurapika x Reader]

0.3

︵︵☾✩☽︵︵
⁑ ⁑

--------------------

"[Y/N],"

I turn as I hear a captivating voice call my name, an image of the owner already hot on my mind.

"Kurapika," I begin, not knowing how to continue. Luckily, he holds his hand up, stopping me.

"I wanted to apologize for acting out." He respectfully articulates, bringing his hand to his chest. "You saved me from doing something rash, and instead of thanking you, I lashed out." He finished, slightly bowing his head.

I'm at loss for words. I didn't think the situation was that big of a deal. He seemed to take my silence as an answer and began turning away, his expression unreadable.

"Kurapika, it was nothing. I'm happy I helped in some way." I hesitantly said. His eyes met mine, and for a moment, I saw something familiar.

"I wish you the best of luck in the Third Phase, [Y/N]."

Before I could say anything else to drag out the conversation, he quickly departed. I watched him go, my eyes never leaving his back until he turned a corner. That look in his eyes reminded me of something; I'm not quite sure what.

I headed to a vending machine, suddenly feeling quite thirsty. My throat seemed to be closing up as I kept replaying the interaction in my mind.

How bad at this could I be?

I insert a few coins and wait for the exchange to process.

Ten seconds.

Twenty.

The machine was jammed. How lucky could I be?

With a grunt, I retreat towards the dining hall. I wasn't hungry, but the need to quench my thirst grew. I walked with long, slow, silent steps. There was no rush; we were stuck on this airship until we arrived at the Third Phase.

I turned a corner, followed by a second and a third. I wasn't paying much attention; I must've taken a wrong turn. Two minutes of walking got me nowhere, but I did recognize a room. If I can't acquire a drink, I might as well get some shut-eye.

Turning the knob, I push the door open. I welcome the darkness as I walk in, heading towards a pile of what I assumed were blankets and pillows. My eyes quickly grew heavy, and my movements became sluggish. Sleep never looked so good.

I took a seat on a small pillow next to the huge pile of blankets and rested my head on them. I must've been more tired than I realized as I didn't notice the steady rising and falling of breathing beneath those blankets. I also didn't notice the cold scent of peppermint flowing through my nose.

"[Y/N]?" I opened an eye, thinking I imagined his voice. A dark silhouette was leaning over me, in fact, it seemed to be looking at me.

"What are you doing, [Y/N]?" Peppermint. That was definitely familiar.

It only then dawned upon me. I was propped up against someone else. "I think you should leave." This level voice was definitely familiar.

"Who are you?" I mumbled, already knowing the answer. There was a pause from the individual, followed by a slightly irritated sigh. "Kurapika. Why are you here?" He asked, a slight edge to his voice. I knew we weren't on 'best friend' terms, but why does he seem so bothered by my presence?

I gathered my thoughts after an instant and stood. "Apologies, I seem to have wandered into the wrong room. It won't happen again."

Shutting the door behind me, I wondered if I said something poorly formulated earlier. Perhaps he was already in a sour mood, and I interrupted his slumber.

A sigh escapes my lips, and I tread through the halls, reflecting on the embarrassing situation. "I can't show my face to him. Even to me, that was the most uncomfortable situation I've ever been in." I babbled under my breath, forgetting that I could say that in my head to avoid further unpleasant scenarios.

I hear some thuds in the distance. I might as well check it out and forget about what happened moments ago. I pick up the pace, wanting to catch the source of the sound red-handed. I started to forget about my heavy lids as adrenaline filled my body.

Two bodies were sprawled out on the polished floor. I took a quick look at their wounds, noting the professional technique used by the assailant. Listening closely, I managed to wear the slightest tapping of retreating feet. Naturally, I followed.

I knew I could take almost everyone on this airship in a fight, so I wasn't worried. The excitement I felt was growing as I thought of who was capable of doing such things. Certainly not Kurapika and his friend, they were soundly asleep. Gon and Killua were kids, though they are very unordinary.

I peeked around the corner, only to be greeted with endless empty hallways. I could still hear the retreating footsteps, pinpointing their location was troublesome. I debated on using En to find them, but this was the Hunter Exam. Nen is only taught after the official Exam.

I walked along the halls, picking up the pace. Slowly but surely, the footsteps sounded closer. Eventually, they stopped.

"Killua?!" I yelped, surprised that he was the one responsible for the corpses. He gave me a wave, not bothering to look at me. He was obviously in a bad mood. Normally I would leave him be, I wouldn't show myself in the first place. But I figured it was about time I worked on my people skills.

"Where did you learn to do that?" I asked, not bothering to elaborate. He seems to understand and takes a moment to think of an answer.

"I'm an assassin." He simply stated, not a hint of remorse found in his voice.

I shot him a strained smile as I walked away. I walked for a few minutes before realizing how strange I must have seemed, smiling after hearing that he is an assassin and immediately walking away. After finally finding a room for myself, I indulged in my well-earned rest.

✭

"I sincerely apologize for the long wait. The airship will be arriving at its destination shortly."

There was a significant amount of tension in the air as the blimp approached a tall tower. Once it finally landed, everyone piled out and listened carefully to Beans' explanation.

"Trick Tower..." I breathed, allowing the name to marinate in my head. There must be trap doors along the top, opening once enough pressure is applied. I stand in place, watching as others begin walking around. My guess was confirmed once I saw one of the three brothers fall through.

Now, to find one of these special tiles...

After only five minutes, I feel myself falling. I was prepared; I'm ready.

Landing swiftly on my feet, I examine the chamber in which I stood. A small table stood in the centre of the room, on it, a singular pair of handcuffs. As I approached this table, I noticed a paper with a message written on it.

Whoever falls into this path shall bond with their other half. Sacrifice and salvation will present themselves as common themes along this journey.

"So I have to wait for someone else to fall in?" I ask, assuming there must be someone watching.

"Precisely! You've fallen into the path of "Lovers Sacrifice!" Alongside your partner, you will go through hardships together every step of the way."

Walking towards the wall, I sat against it and waited. It seemed like forever until I finally heard someone walking over top of me. Praying that they'd fall in so this wait could finally be over with, I was granted my wish. A figure fell through, their landing as graceful as mine.

"[Y/N]? You're here too?"

✭