A Worthy Enemy (HunterxHunter)

Chapter 4: A Moonlit Match

Darnell gripped the rail, anticipating the next man's attack below. The fighting ring was built in a larger perimeter for additional uses of Nen. Similar to Heaven's Arena. This type of fighting, without weapons, always left Darnell at the edge of his seat. The more raw the skill, the more potential it held.

"Finish him!"

"Get up!"

"He's already done for!"

The crowd shuffled as the fight did. But Darnell relaxed, pulling the towel around his neck, understanding where the fight would lead. Katsu Ku always won. And he was more than welcome to sweep the floor every week. Champions helped keep his members stay on their feet, instilling motivation for them to train harder. Katsu finished the round by bashing the skull of his opponent into oblivion. On these nights, death was allowed.

Someone flicked his arm and Darnell turned to his right. "Ow, what was that for?"

Machi shrugged with a slight curve of her lips. "It's funny how vulnerable you leave yourself when you tune into your fights. I could have killed you."

He rubbed his arm. "Is that water for me?"

Machi tossed him the second bottle. "Yeah. I figured you'd be riled up." She uncapped hers and took a sip. "Did you forget it's Saturday? It's the Full Moon. Why are you here? Unless you think someone with the power is here?"

"I'd like to ask you the same thing," he tilted his head. "Have you come to watch my underground fights down in Shadou's Arena?" Behind them, a large bar bustled with clinking drinks and booths. They stood with the best view of the ring, just on a balcony ledge, leaning on a rail. Below them were the audiences, cheering on the next fight. The entire ring was built just under his gym. Only members had access to this ring because the purpose was for them to enjoy themselves, go all out, without the price of money. To test real strength and not prove to the world. Otherwise, you would fight at Heaven's Arena.

Darnell respected modest fighters growing up. They moved with purpose, for their own ideals, and had some sort of heroic gleam in their presence. And right now, he was sort of a fan of Machi and Chrollo.

"I just came to check on you," Machi said, tuning into the fight. Darnell chuckled at her vague response. It was almost hard to read her expression, but only he knew Machi was kind underneath. Did what she was told, even if she didn't like it and checked in on every member. And most importantly, she always had the Boss's interest at heart. "The moonlight doesn't reach this area so it's pointless to tell how you'd discover the person here."

"That may be true, but I thought I'd scan my members on my own. Check-in on them as well. We did have a few newbies when I was gone."

Katsu Ku stretched his muscles for another round. He stood talking to an acquaintance of his that Darnell could listen to if he pleased. With his Nen, he could hear anyone in his gym through their tainted shadows. One by one, people took turns fighting against him and it was always Katsu's choice to pick who lived or died. Still, you could only do five consecutive matches before withdrawing, and whoever signed up that day would go. No need to schedule in advance. As a private gym and limited audience, everyone had time to go. "It's only midnight Machi, we still have time to search the grounds if you planned to go with me." His hair fell messily over his eyes, and he continuously pushed it away to study her face.

Machi didn't answer. Her eyes glued to the crowd below. He followed her stare back down to the ring. Cheers erupted once more as a new opponent stepped onto the stage.

Red.

Darnell chipped in all his senses to hear her movements, to hear her heartbeat, as if his own ears were pressed against the floors of the ring. He gripped the rail harder.