The Dancer & The Magician (Hisoka Romance)

Chapter 9: Old Flame

Kurapika calls Dalzollene to update him on what happened. The Shadow Beasts and Nostrade's guards have been ordered to go to the Gordeau Desert to stop the rest of the Phantom Troupe members from escaping. A lot of mafia security have already tried to take them down, but only succeeded in damaging the hot air balloon. Other than that, most of them are being killed as we speak.

It's decided that I'll stay behind since the troupe members will recognize me from the auction likely target me because of that. I arrive at Nostrade's hideout, I find some vodka to drink, change my clothes, and take out the contact lenses Kurapika gave me. I realize that my toes are still injured from my performance at the auction. That means Kurapika's chain only heals what it's in direct contact with. The alcohol eventually helps take the edge off my nerves and the pain.

I hope they don't bring back any of the troupe members I fought...or Uvo. The last thing I need is another incentive for them to seek vengeance. That is if Nostrade's guards survive going after troupe, even if it's just to capture one of them. All the security the mafia sent are likely dead by now.

After I clean and wrap my toes up I sit and wait. Half an hour later, I hear the door open. The guards come in and they're dragging something heavy by the sound of their grunting. About the size of a bear. Shit. I look out the doorway to confirm my suspicion. It's Uvogin. He's unconscious so someone must've dealt a knockout blow or drugged him. The latter's more likely. The guards drag him into an interrogation room and strap him to a table.

Dalzollene stretches and takes out his sword. "We'll begin when he comes to."

The more I think about it, the more I realize I probably have a better chance coming out alive than the other guards if I interrogate him. "Let me do it. I know him so he's more likely to cooperate. The sight of all of you will just piss him off."

"I'm not leaving you in a room alone with that beast. It took several of us to subdue him."

I look around and size up the guards to see who isn't afraid and can keep a level head. "Fine. Kurapika can join me."

I open the door to the room and wait for Kurapika to enter. He narrows his eyes at me like he's not sure what I'm playing at, but eventually goes in.

"Are you sure about this?" Dalzollene asks.

"Of course," I respond before shutting the door.

*

We wait in the cold sterile room, with the light flickering over us. Kurapika leans against the wall with his hands crossed with his bangs covering his eyes. "I take it all the mafia's security and shadow beasts—"

"Are all dead, yes. How do you know Uvogin?"

I nod, unphased by his cutting to the chase. "I was hired to track him down a few years ago. A diamond collector put a bounty on his head for stealing his prized jewel...and for biting his ear off."

Kurapika tilts his head to look at me. "Is that all?"

I stretch and crack the joints in my back, neck, and hands. "That's the important part."

"Is it odd I still think the sound of your joints cracking is the sexiest thing in the world?"

We turn to see Uvogin staring at me. The metal cuffs on his arms and legs gleam under the light.

My eyebrows raise. "You're up. Finally. I'm sure you know why you're here."

Uvo yawns. "Yea, but I'm not sure why you're here."

"Hired hand."

"Should've known."

Kurapika clears his throat. "Let's get to it. Where did you take the trea—"