One Of Our Own [Kurapika x Reader]

1.6

Though the vibe in the room did not seem particularly negative, it was extremely tense - no exchanges of words were made, though many sneaked quick glances at others, assessing their potential strength and abilities. The silence was soon broken by the same butler, who once again cleared his throat before beginning to talk.

"Thank you for your patience." He began, his eyes closed and his hands behind his back as he spoke. "It seems everyone has arrived, so we will now begin going over the details of the contract."

By now, everyone's eyes were trained on the eldest man in the room, awaiting further information. The butler brought his hand up, bending his arm at the elbow, and he pressed a button on a remote he had hidden in his hand. As the click of the button met your ears, a large painting on the wall next to a staircase changed from a beautiful image presenting a scene of blissful nature to static, and finally to a dark-haired man dressed in a black shirt and white pants, sitting with his legs crossed and interlocked hands resting on his lower thigh.

"I'll start by going over the requirements." His voice was gruff, and his full, bushy eyebrows furrowed as he spoke. "I won't ask whether or not you have a License." He paused for a moment before continuing, and the corners of his eyes crinkled as he squinted. "My only concern is whether you can obtain the items we seek."

Everyone in the room listened intently, some scooted forward in their seats to assure they would not miss a word. "The auction, as you all know, will begin in one month. Before that time, find one item from the list provided, and then bring it safely back here."

As the man on the screen finished talking, the corner of his lips curled up into a smirk. Not giving anyone enough time to process his words, the butler did not miss a beat before opening his mouth. "Here you go, these are the data cards you're assigned."

At his words, everyone stood from their seats and approached the older man. You, Kurapika and five others gathered around him, each of you waiting to receive your own card. As the man passed them out, everyone closely examined the small gadget. You and Kurapika were the last to acquire the card, and you stood a small distance away from the others. Instead of using your own card, you peered over Kurapika's shoulder and watched as he clicked through the images displaying the variety of items you could choose to steal. Standing on the balls of your feet proved to be rather difficult while leaning forward, and the blond noticed each time you lost your balance. Without saying anything, he turned his head enough to see your eyes, and as you met his, his gaze darted down to his shoulder, inviting you to hold onto his shoulder. Accepting the offer, you placed your hand on his shoulder, curving your fingers to get a good grip.

With the newfound stability, you examined the images more thoroughly, noting each name. The first displayed black braided hair, tied and secured by a red ribbon in a black box, and the name beneath it read "LOCK OF HAIR FROM THE FAMOUS ACTRESS, SARA."

The next image displayed a thin arm, practically skeletal, with three gold bracelets around the wrist. The title of the picture was "A RIGHT ARM OF A MUMMY FROM AN EGYPTIAN TOMB."

The following photo had a jar with what you presumed were scales, and as you read the text beneath it your suspicions were confirmed - "THE SCALY SKIN OF A PATIENT WITH ICHTHYOSIS."

Next, you saw a cracked skull that resembled one of a human's, only there seemed to be a bone sticking out of the area where the forehead ought to be. Beneath the picture, you read "THE SKULL OF A ONE-HORNED CREATURE."

You did not have enough time to thoroughly examine the next image, as once it was displayed, the boy you were leaning on went stiff. A soft gasp left his rosy lips, and you could tell his eyes widened a fair amount. Your eyes trailed back to the card, and it was then that you instantly realized why the boy reacted in such a way. On the screen you read "THE EYEBALLS OF A KURTA," and the photo above the text showed two jars holding one scarlet eyeball each.

Kurapika's breathing became unstable, his body lightly shaking beneath your grasp. He let out a few ragged breaths, to which you responded by placing your free hand on his other shoulder.

"What, something wrong? You look a little pale." The man standing nearest to Kurapika had felt the change in the boy's aura, and he leaned over to catch a glimpse of what made the blond react in such a manner.

"Ah, the eyeballs of a Kurta, huh?" The tan, bare-chested, brown-haired man straightened himself out after seeing the image, and he continued to speak with a grin on his face. "Difficulty level: A. Preserve the post-mortem scarlet hue after death. Complete set with head preferred." He read out loud as he glanced at the description from his own card.

Seemingly unaware of the blond's state, the man with a pompadour did not pause for as much as a breath. "You know, I've heard about that! Their eyes turn red whenever they're excited. You see, the Kurta-"

"Shut up."

The man was unable to finish speaking before being cut off by your companion, who now seemed rigid with rage. The brown-haired man's expression twisted into one of both fear and concern as he regarded the boy standing close to his side.

"That's enough." Kurapika's words were cold, void of all emotion, although his stance betrayed his voice. The man who was now at a loss for words snorted derisively, his right eye twitching from being told off by some teenage boy.

Sensing Kurapika's growing rage, you gave his shoulders a tight squeeze in an attempt at comforting him. Surprisingly, you felt his body relax beneath your grip, a sign that he was stable.

The man on the screen raised his voice, gathering everyone's attention. "I'll say it again: All that's required is one item from the list you've been given. If you are successful, you'll be hired and begin your training in security and acquisitions." The dark-haired man paused to catch his breath, his expression remaining neutral.

"Well then. Best of luck to you."

The screen crackled from static before once again displaying the original painting of a magnificent scenery, and silence filled the room. A few people walked to the door as you stood in place next to Kurapika, waiting for him to move. However, before he turned to follow the others out the door, the moustached man with the pompadour twisted the knob, but to no avail.

"Hey... It won't open."

Static filled the room and the man on the screen presented himself once again. "I forgot to mention one thing," He began, instantly gathering everyone's attention. "The minimum requirement for the position is strength." You raised your eyebrow as you listened to him, already understanding what was about to happen.

"Enough strength to get out of this mansion..." The dark-haired man continued, his eyes squinting as he spoke intensely with an unfathomable amount of suspense in his tone.

"...With your lives."

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