Red String (Kurapika x Kuroro)

Trust

"we reject no one, so take nothing from us" 

That message, that was all he had. Kurapika knew nothing of the people who killed his family, who defiled their bodies and stole their eyes. All he had was that message. He asked many people what it meant, going to libraries and doing research but he couldnt find anything on what that message could possibly mean. 

It wasnt until he asked an old shopkeep in a small village for some information did he finally recieve a solid answer. "That is the motto of my home city of Ryusegai." The shopkeep told him with a whimsical look. "Its not on any maps and people will swear it doesnt exist; but I can assure you it does." He said. "Do you know where this city is?" Kurapika asked getting hopeful, he might finally be able to get some answers.

"Children like you shouldnt go there, its dangerous." The shopkeep told him becoming very serious. Kurapika wasnt sure what to do, he needed to know where this mysterious place was, this may be his only chance. So he did the only thing a powerless 12-year old like himself could do; he lied. 

"Sir, can you p-please tell me? My father di-dissapeared leaving only this behind. I know he's there I need to bring him back home!" Kurapika said his eyes welling with tears. The tears weren't completely false, he was truly crying for his father who was gone, and everyone else in his clan. Those people from Ryusegai killed them, and he wouldn't let them get away with it. The shopkeep looked uncomfortable and panicked. He probably wasnt used to children bawling in his store, not to mention it was bad for buisness. 

"Alright boy, please calm down!" The man said. As soon as Kurapika seemed to calm down he went to the back of the shop. He came out with a rolled up peice of parchment. "This is a map, the area I circled is Ryusegai, I hope you rethink your descision or at the very least wait until your older, however I know that if I dont tell you someone else might take advantage of you. please be safe and dont trust people too easily." The shopkeep told the boy. 

Kurapika smiled brightly at the old man and took the map. He wasnt sure how he'd get there since he had very little money, but he knew somehow, some way he would get there, even if it killed him. 

With this newfound determination he set off, ready to face whatever his journey had in store for him. According to his map Ryusegai truly wasnt all that far. It would probably take him around a week to get there, Only a few days if he could afford public transit. Unfourtunately he could not.

The first few days of the trip were peaceful, he was walking along country roads, heading north. He didn't know the area but the paths were easy to follow. There werent any animals or thugs to worry about, his only issue was hunger. He was starving. He could only afford to eat one meal a day, if he ate any more he'd run out of money. 

The hunger was grueling, it made him want to turn around and go back to the orphanage. but he couldnt do that, he had a mission and he'd be damned if he didnt see it through. Day 4 was when things took a turn for the worse, he was heading into more dangerous territory and he was starving. 

He encountered a gang of street kids. They all appeared to be orphans themselves, and they were definately a lot stronger than he was. "Look at that bag, I wonder what she's got inside." One of them questioned the rest of the gang. Truth be told there was nothing in that bag but a tattered blanket, a change of clothes, and his meager money. "She's kinda cute boss, maybe we should keep her." Another kid piped in. Kurapika was scared, he couldn't go up against these kids. He was starving and felt like he might faint. 

"Please...please leave me alone." He pleaded. He knew it was pointless but since they thought he was a girl maybe he could use that to his advantage. He made sure to make his voice sound more feminene. The leader of the kids smirked. "Well your cute and I'm feeling generous, so how about this, You become my girlfriend and join my gang and I won't hurt you." The leader said, Kurapika could tell he didn't have pure intentions. But he didn't have a choice. "O-ok" he said making his voice sound meek and powerless.