The Otonari's Last [Draft, Discontinued]

XIV - the Assignment

"I'll see you in a few weeks, Kurapika," I yell as I jog to my terminal.

*A Few Weeks Later*

"Now, show me what you've brought," the painting-man says, though he is actually sitting in front of us this time. I set down a jar filled with a preserving liquid and a black, charred heart. A paper was taped onto the front of the jar.

"The heart of an electrical burn victim, with its corresponding coroner's report," I announce. Kurapika gives him the hair, Basho had the arm, Melody had the skin, and Baise had the skull.

"Okay, all five of you are hired," he tells us, standing up. "I'm Dalzollene, the head bodyguard. It's a pleasure. I'll need you to start working immediately. Your mission is to escort the boss to a Yorknew City hotel room." He leads us to a table, which we all gather around. The table lights up, showing us a map. "A private aircraft will take you to Lingon Airport, just outside Yorknew. The trip between airport and hotel takes approximately ninety minutes. A special car has been prepared. You five will provide the outer ring of security. Any questions?"

"Do you know who might be targeting the boss?" Kurapika asks.

"That question isn't worth an answer," Dalzollene responds.

"What do you mean?"

"The boss is an important figure in the underworld. There are plenty of people with reasons to hold a grudge."

"Let me rephrase since you didn't understand the first time. Regardless of grudges, do you know anyone who might actually commit to an attack? If we can identify a few candidates, we'll know their motives, styles, and circumstances, and we can prepare accordingly," Kurapika explains. "That will facilitate protecting the boss."

"You said that your name is Kurapika?" Dalzollene questions. "You are the one who doesn't understand. Our job is to protect the boss, no matter who, when, where, or how they attack. That's all you need to know! Don't bother building a mental profile. If anything comes too close, it's hostile." After a moment, me speaks again. "I'll introduce you to the boss. Come with me."

We follow him out of the room and down a hallway. I glance at all the expensive-looking paintings, observing every detail before looking to the next. My eyes suddenly lock onto...

What the heck is that?

"Excuse me. What's that?" Baise asks after noticing the direction of my stare. We stop walking.

"It's a little too realistic," Basho notes.

"Yes, that's an actual human being," Dalzollene tells us, and my hand moves to my stomach. "He was once a fellow bodyguard. He ignored my advice, and let himself be deceived by false information, placing not only the other bodyguards, but the boss in danger as well. So he was punished. You are replacing him. Let's go." We start walking again. Dalzollene leads us to two wide doors, on which he knocks. "Boss, I've brought the new bodyguards."

The door opens slightly, revealing a woman with purple hair. "Please enter," she says. We follow her in, moving down a long, carpeted hallway. We soon reach a bed covered with stuffed animals, a single girl about my age sitting on the side closest to us, her feet dangling off the side.

"This is the boss, Neon-sama," Dalzollene introduces.

"Nice to meet you, everyone," she greets, smiling with her eyes closed. When she opens her eyes again, she looks at me. "Wait... How old are you?"

"Me?" I question. She nods. "Seventeen." Her eyes brighten.

"Really? You're my age and a bodyguard? That's so cool!" she squeals. I smile, and Dalzollene excuses us from the room.