The Otonari's Last [Draft, Discontinued]

XVI - the Battle

"Kurapika," I interrupt, speaking slowly. "I'm staying, and that's final. Understood?"

He stares at me for a moment, then sighs. "Fine."

*That Evening*

The other bodyguards moved Neon as soon as the desk opened that morning. Kurapika and I have been waiting for Uvogin to arrive, and my blonde Kurta friend made me tell him exactly what happened at the auction. Kurapika's phone goes off after I finish, but he doesn't even reach for it. My phone starts ringing afterward, and I look at the number on the screen.

"Who is it?" Kurapika asks.

"It's an unknown. Hello?" I ask as I answer the phone.

"Ara?" Gon asks. "Where's Kurapika? Is he okay?" I laugh slightly.

"Yeah, he's fine. We're both a little busy right now, so I'll have to call you back, okay?"

"Uh, yeah. Alright," he agrees hesitantly. I hang up and stick my phone in my pocket. The door suddenly creaks open, and Uvogin steps through.

"Oh? You're here too, little lady? Ara, was it?" he asks, and I tense. Kurapika steps in front of me slightly, causing Uvogin to raise an eyebrow. He turns his gaze to Kurapika. "Where do you want to die? I'll humor any requests."

"I'd prefer a deserted wasteland with no one nearby. Since I'll have you screaming at the top of your lungs," Kurapika answers, and Uvogin grits his teeth. Kurapika angles his head toward me slightly. "I want you to go join the others, alright? Don't tell them anything, just that I sent you down," he says quietly.

"No, I'm not going to leave you," I whisper back. A ghost of a smile appears on his face.

"I'd feel better if you were somewhere safe. Please, Ara." I sigh and nod. I glare at Uvogin.

"Are you leaving? Don't worry: I'll be back to get you later," the man says.

"I hope you rot in -"

"Ara! Go," Kurapika interrupts me. I calm myself and turn to face him.

"I've changed my mind. I'm going with you," I say determinedly. I set my hands on my hips, and Kurapika sighs.

"So she's stubborn, too?" Uvogin questions, and I glare at him threateningly.

"You say one more thing about me, and I swear -" Kurapika squeezes my shoulder, silently telling me to shut up. I huff angrily, and Uvogin laughs.

"A deserted wasteland, you say?" the man asks. "Alright. I know a place."

*Half an Hour Later*

Kurapika and I stood next to each other in silence as Uvogin left to 'get rid of the disgusting leech eggs inside him.' Kurapika stared at the ground while I drummed my fingers on my arm nervously, triple checking that my dagger was in its sheath. I conjured my dance ribbon, rubbing the silky fabric between my fingers. I look up at the sound of footsteps.

"Sorry about the wait," Uvogin says as he joins us. He drinks from the beer can in his hand, then looks at Kurapika. "I've got a question for you." He crushes the can, throwing it at our feet. "Who are you? You're no ordinary Nen user. I can sense a special intent behind your Nen."

"Before I can answer your question," Kurapika starts to respond, "I need you to tell me something." He tears off his over-garment, leaving him in his white training suit. I cough in surprise, looking away from him as a small blush appears on my cheeks. How does he do that so nonchalantly?! "Do you remember the people you've killed?" I tense slightly, looking toward Uvogin.

"A little," the spider answers. "I can remember the people who made an impression. So you want revenge? Who are you trying to avenge?"

"The Kurta," Kurapika replies, fury clouding his eyes.

"Never heard of them."

"A small clan with Scarlet Eyes that lived in the Lukso Province. Five years ago, you attacked us," the boy next to me explains.

"Scarlet Eyes? What's that? The name of a treasure? Sorry, doesn't ring a bell... But five years ago, I was definitely a member. What about you, little lady? Why are you here?" Uvogin asks, turning to me.

"The Otonari," I growl, rage coursing through my veins.

"Otonari... That sounds familiar..." He thinks for a moment. "Ah, that clan that had Nen abilities over sound! I remember; the boss wanted those powers. So you're one of them, little lady? Man, the boss'll definitely be happy to meet you now!" My hands curl into fists.

"When you kill a completely innocent bystander, what are you people thinking?" Kurapika questions, walking forward. "What do you feel?"

"Nothing at all," Uvogin answers, smiling creepily.

"Scum!" Kurapika yells, awakening his Ren. "You will atone through death!" Uvogin grins and uses Ren, and I quickly do the same.

"Fools like you are the reason that I never get sick of killing," Uvogin tells him. "Wanna know what I enjoy most? Denying those who come in search of revenge!"

He throws his large fist into the ground, boulders tossed into the air due to the force of the punch. A cloud of dust overtakes us, blocking our vision.

I feel Kurapika jump into the air from beside me. I quickly slide out of the cloud as he manipulates his chain to target Uvogin, another puff of dust appearing as the metal misses and hits the ground. The large man lands on a rock edge briefly, jumping off again when Kurapika's chain swings and hits the rock.

This continues for a few minutes, but Uvogin suddenly lands in front of me.