Shuffle The Deck

Chapter 35 - Theivery

The meeting went on, and everyone was spread around the tattered room, either by themselves or keeping up conversation with the other Troupe members. Lilah found herself with Shalnark, who was endlessly chattering on about something he seemed passionate about. She found his presence calming and enjoyed talking to someone who didn't seem like a ruthless murderer of any sort. Though in fact, he was.

"So, what's your Nen ability?" He asked, hands on his hips.

Lilah raised her palm to face the ceiling above her, jagging one eyebrow up. "Watch this."

Using her aura, she crystallized it into a small snowflake, morphing it into a jagged ice piece, and with a swell of frost, light snow that dissipated through her fingers. It was almost sandlike, and as it hit the floor heavy mist shrouded her feet. Shalnark's jaw dropped as he watched, and he clapped happily. Pakunoda watched from the corner of her eye, something of a smile present on her face.

"That's cool! I never would have guessed it would be anything ice-related!" The blonde joked.

"Most people don't get it right if they guess anyway," she retorted teasingly.

"Yeah, I bet! So what's been going on with you for the past few weeks? Other than your gambling win streak, obviously."

She laughed and brought her palm to her heated cheek. "You flatter me. I fought in Heavens Arena before Yorknew, that sure was entertaining. Other than that just training I suppose," she answered.

He nodded and tapped his chin in thought. "Oh, right! I never officially asked, but will you be joining the Phantom Troupe?"

Pakunoda now stood up from the rock she was sitting on. "Yes, I'm fairly curious about that as well."

She walked over to Shalnark and Lilah, looking at her with a cold stare.

Lilah smiled awkwardly and looked down at the floor with a quick sigh. "I'm honestly not sure. It doesn't seem that way at the moment, since you already have thirteen members," she carefully drew out.

"Then why are you here?" Machi asked, her tone annoyed.

Lilah paused, feeling the tension grow between her and the irritated woman. "I was asked to come, that's all," she responded as bleakly as possible.

"For what reason?" She pushed on, now clearly very suspicious of Lilah's motives.

She gently waved her hands in the air to indicate no harm. "I don't have any intention of selling out your group. I'm here strictly with Hisoka since he is an active member. I cannot deny that I am curious how you manage to pull off such elaborate feats from his stories. I mean, stealing an entire selection of prestigious items up for auction? Color me impressed." 

Machi looked stunned for a moment but regained composure. "So you and Hisoka are a thing, huh." With a sharp sigh, she folded her arms. "I don't see a reason to hold suspicions. It'll be a waste of time. I'll just kill you before you're able to try anything."

At this comment, Lilah tilted her head playfully. "I'll hold you to that."

"Count on it, princess," she seethed a hint of warmth behind her words.

With a flick of her index, Machi retracted a silver sliver of a needle from Lilah's clenched palm, checkered with blood. She shook her hand a bit, sending the pinkette a big smile. "Cute trick."

Machi's eyes widened slightly. She sensed the needle before I pulled it back.

"There's a lot more where that came from. Better keep your eyes open." She looked around the room and found Chrollo's seated figure. "Well, if the boss says it's fine," Machi began, "then there's no issue. His trust is our trust."