Hunting for a way home - Shalnark x Reader

Chapter 53 - I am, Going to get a pizza.

Paku had decided to check out the other floors of the building they were to stay in, intent on finding a room to call her own for the time being.

Aster the giant hound padded beside her quietly. It was a marvel how a creature so huge could stalk beside her so silently. She was just pushing a door to a room open when a voice from the other side of Aster sounded.

Honestly Paku wasn't surprised and maybe even a part of her went off on this little side quest just to give Shal the opening.

"I want you to read Asters memories from the day Y/N left me." Her friend's eyes were hard and he wasn't even attempting to force a smile.

Letting out a soft sigh she looked into the room briefly. "I think I'm going to settle on this one. What do you think?"

"I don't care where you sleep as long as I get answers." Paku felt soft fur against her hand and she looked down a the head pushing into her hand and that's when she saw the hounds dark eyes looking into her own.

It was as if she understood what Shalnark asked and indeed wanted him to know. It's not that Paku didn't want to help but it was strange navigating the memories of the hound. And more than that it was a matter of did she really want to be this deeply involved?

It seems she truly didn't have a choice though as the body pushed harder against her hand and she finally asked.

"What are the last memories you have of Y/N?"

Paku's eyes flicked up to Shalnarks before she let out a sigh. "Something tells me you're not going to like what you see."

"I want to see it all the same." Paku knew that though. That's why she was already pulling out her gun and a fresh bullet.

_______

The sky was starting to darken when Feitans group came in. Shalnark was excited to see the rest of the troupe, despite what Paku had shown him earlier.

He knew for a fact Franklin had seen Y/N and was eager to question the man.

Although when Franklin, Shizuku, Nobunaga, Feitan, and Machi appeared from the shadows of the hallway leading into the room everyone felt the tension of the approaching group.

"Hey Gu-" He happily began shouting down when he cut himself off abruptly. Especially with the look Machi shot him.

"Boss" Machis eyes had gone from Shalnark to  where Chrollo was positioned.

Shalnark brought his attention to Chrollo who was now peering up from his book he leaned forward eyes traveling from the faces of each newly appeared member.

"What happened?" His voice and expression were flat. Machis eyes flicked to Shalnark which left him stiffening.

"We ran into Shal's newest little toy on the way to the hideout."

That had Chrollos brows raising faintly, but Shalnark wasn't paying attention to the boss anymore his full attention was on Machi.

Anger was flaring in him at 'newest little toy' and the potential implications of what they could of done to her considering she wasn't anywhere in sight. Because he was anything but stupid there's only one person Machi would consider to be his toy.

But he just maintained a smile hoping to not let anyone become aware of the slow burning anger. His mouth was opening about to ask a question but Chrollo spoke.

"Ah, if that's the case where is she? I must admit I've been eager to meet her." Shalnark paused at Chrollos words. Did his boss really have an interest in her?