A Worthy Enemy (HunterxHunter)

Chapter 3: A New Mission

"Ah, you two are here," Feitan said.

Phinks scoffed sitting on his stone. "Took you long enough."

"Don't act like you were waiting around for a while," Machi said, emerging with Darnell. "We're right on time."

"Boss wanted to start early," Phinks said.

Machi frowned looking around, searching the cave. "Oh. I wasn't aware."

"Don't listen to him," Nobunaga said, lighting a small lantern in the middle of the flattened rubble. "He's just jealous you both got an assignment while he didn't."

"I assure you," Darnell started, "tracking down another Troupe the past month was not fun."

Machi shook her head. "Anyways, where's Corrin? I thought she would be here?"

Feitan slid his thumb against the ends of his blade. "She took a job at the last second as something came up."

Nobunaga chuckled. "He means with the mission. You know how she is, taking jobs alone."

Machi nodded, resting on a rock near the lantern. "Sounds like her."

"You mean all the jobs," Phinks snickered. "Damn woman. Gets to do whatever she wants."

"Don't let Corrin hear you say that," Darnell said. "I doubt she'll take your comments lightly."

"I'm not scared of her. Stop talking like I am."

Feitan suppressed a giggle, his eyes squinting over the rigid collar of his robe. "Your body is clearly shaking in fear."

Shizuko pointed to his shoulders. "It's true, you are trembling." Her words caused Phinks to scowl a bitter red.

"Why is Corrin scary?" Kalluto asked, peeking out of the shadows.

"She's not," Phinks said to her. "We all know her Nen is the weakest of all of us."

"And yet her skills were bold enough to defeat Franklin," Darnell gestured an arm out. "Kalluto, you have yet to see her in action. Don't worry, you'll see her soon."

Darnell then searched the secluded area. Only six of them were here as the others were occupied with other assignments. Their hideout always changed, and this one was a cave under an abandoned highway. Towers of rubble stacked around them with subtle beams of moonlight peeking through crevices. Shadows immersed in the grounds before them, creating the perfect atmosphere for secrets. Darnell took a deep breath in, dust blouding is nose. He sensed the Chrollo about to begin, and that was his cue to join his side. "Boss is ready. Let us begin."

The room went silent of bickering. All eyes glued to Chrollo who stood with a book in his hand. Not a book of his abilities, but a simple bible. How endearing it was to stand so close to the boss. To feel a part of a reticent mystery. Darnell kept his breaths still as Chrollo planted himself on a ledge just a few slabs above him. His long black cape drabbed elegantly over the stone face. His pale skin surfaced from the shadows, matching spilled moonlight. His presence was always calming to stand near. To admire from a level below. Enchanting couldn't begin to describe this person.

Chrollo raised both hands with a soft smile. "Today is the beginning of a new era. Thanks to Darnell and Machi's completed assignment, we have now received an estimate on the Raven Troupe's arrival." Everyone's eyes widened, except Machi who bowed her head in a pleased manner from their success.

"The Raven Troupe?" Phinks cocked his head confused.

As did Nobunaga. "Wait, how come I've never heard of them?"