Part 27: 1st X Of X September

Ever since I heard those words from Kurapika's mouth, I couldn't remove my thoughts from it. To think that one of my friends is working for the worst person I met in my life. I can't accept it. I felt betrayed because of what he did.

I understand that Kurapika didn't know what happened to me and Nostrade in the past so that's why I'm going to tell him our story next time, to tell him that he can still have a choice to leave the Nostrade.

But if he chose to work with the Nostrade for the rest of his life... then I don't have a choice but to make him my enemy.

"Secco," Gon's voice brought me back to reality. I looked at him and I saw his worried eyes. "Are you alright?"

"Y-Yes, I'm fine.~" I just smiled at him to insist him that I'm okay, but I guess it didn't help. His eyes are still the same. I also noticed Killua's eyes turned into slits.

Then I stood up, getting everyone's attention. "I'm going to bed now. I'm kinda sleepy." I made a fake smile again. Even though I know they won't fall for it, I tried.

"Okay. Good night, Secco." Gon greeted me with a smile and let me go to my bed.

I closed my eyes as I wrapped myself with a warm blanket.

***

"This is too much food!~" I exclaimed as I saw the humongous dishes placed in the large picnic blanket. We are currently in the park somewhere in Yorknew. Today is the 1st of September, the day that we will meet Kurapika again, the day we promised. But now, for me, it just looks like meeting with an arch enemy. Since that night, I couldn't see Kurapika anymore, and only see an obstacle from keeping my revenge.

I know I promised Leorio that I wouldn't go on revenge, but I still see Nostrade as an enemy, as well as his pawns.

"But not enough for me!" Gon shouted and jumped into the pile of food, along with Killua who was also hungry.

They dug in like some wild animals. I couldn't stop myself from laughing and finally joined at their gluttonous feast. Spending my time with them every day is the best time of my life, and I wouldn't mind staying like this forever. If only Kurapika won't destroy this bond.

"Oh, Kurapika!" Gon suddenly shouted as the food in his mouth accidentally spitted on Killua's face. Even though I can't see his face, I knew that he was pissed off.

Then, I turned my head to look at the latecomer. Kurapika had changed so much since then. His blonde hair grew longer and his outfit is much more stylish and mature to look at. And especially, he had that ring of chains in his hand that wasn't there before.

Gon was talking to him about their experiences but all of a sudden, Killua hid from his back and smashed the apple pie he's been holding earlier to his face. After that, Gon tried to chase him down but always failed. Kurapika laughed at the situation.

If only you didn't go to their side...

He suddenly looked at my direction and smiled warmly, like what he always gave me in the Hunter exam. But I didn't smile back, and just looked away and lowered my head, keeping him from seeing my grudge.

"Kurapika, come over here!" Leorio shouted between his waves.

***

NARRATION

The wind blew at a strong force as the train increased its speed while passing on the rails without interruption. The smoke produced in the chimney grew taller and darker like the rain clouds.

"No one's following us, right?" the middle-aged man in blonde hair asked the boy with brown hair and red jacket. Although he doesn't seem like that, he's more powerful than any of the civilians inside the train.

"Don't worry. I used my ability to detect any strange movements. It should be fine." he answered, without looking directly at the man and just stared at the window.

"Mr. Archimedes—"

"Archi's fine."

Before Michael could finish his sentence, the boy spoke to interrupt it.

"Archi, I was just wondering why are you doing these works instead of enjoying your childhood. You're just a kid." he continued his sentence and noticed that the boy still didn't look at him, and even spoke. Looks like the words triggered his childhood.

"I don't have time for that. And you don't know what I've been through. Instead of just playing around, I'll have to use my time on something productive." he said. "And besides, I'm already thirteen."

Michael didn't speak because of the words that came out of the boy's mouth. He was used to seeing little kids playing in the front of their house, the dirt didn't bother them, he didn't notice that not all children are experiencing a happy life.

Some are sleeping in money and were spoiled, while some are struggling from isolation because of their weird characteristics and yes, his daughter was one of them. He just wished he could bring his daughter with him but he decided not to. He doesn't want her to be in that dangerous place, and she might have found some friends to accompany her.

The boy sighed.

"Sorry. It's just that I've been struggling so much.", he said with an apologetic face and because of that, Michael considered his apology. "I watched my loved one got killed. And... I suspected the girl I loved to be the killer. I've been thinking about so many things."

Michael became quiet once again and never said a thing, but he wants to comfort him. He knows deep inside, his companion was shouting at him to help him pass through his struggles.

But... how can he help one boy, if he even couldn't help his daughter?

***

SECCO RASVIN

After that short reunion at the park, we went back to our hotel with Kurapika. My hatred towards him wasn't being noticed by them since Gon was so busy talking to him about their adventures since they separated.

"...And I punch Hisoka in the face for the first time!" he said as we walked towards our room in the long corridor. I don't mind Gon being noisy, but I wish he'll keep quiet for just a while. I want my mind to be peaceful as I want so I can avoid my arm from wreaking havoc.

Finally, we reached our room and stayed inside, and the last thing I want to do is to jump at my bed and sleep.

"Gon, excuse me. I'm going to sleep for a while.~" I said to my friend with an apologetic smile, hoping he would slip through this. I don't want to talk to Kurapika right now. Ever since I knew his connection with my archenemy, I couldn't be able to trust him even though I wanted to.

Which should I choose? Pride or friendship?

The combined mix of hatred towards a friend and an enemy. The consideration of trusting Kurapika or consider him as an enemy's pawn.

"Secco?"

I came back to reality when I heard Gon's voice in a louder volume.

"Secco, can you please stay with us for a little while?" Gon gave me pleading eyes as he held my hand to accept his offer. Even though I hate to be with Kurapika, I couldn't let Gon be disappointed. I was once so energetic and ready to do anything for my friends but now, it seems like I changed. And not for the better.

"Alright, I'll stay for a while," I said with a smile and he showed me the best smile I saw in him and hugged me.

We sat down on the sofa to discuss what is really happening to Kurapika. He told us how his mysterious teacher taught him Nen and became a professional Blacklist hunter. He also said that he killed one of the Phantom Troupe and nicknamed him the 'chain user'.

"Killua, Secco, we should grab some snacks! I'm really hungry!" Leorio shouted all of a sudden and grabbed both of us out of the couch. At first, I was confused by his actions since we already emptied the fridge for the picnic last time but then, I realized it was all just an act so Gon and Kurapika can have an alone-time.

I looked at Killua and I think he already noticed it, too. We stepped out of the door and Leorio shut it down.

"Why do we have to do that?" I asked both of them since I was so confused about what's happening. Why didn't Gon and Kurapika let us hear their conversation? Is it forbidden? Or Gon might do something so risky?

"Relax, Secco. We know what Gon was about to do but we mustn't stop him yet. We must wait here for a while." Leorio said as he crossed his arms.

"And to talk about your condition." Killua suddenly spoke after Leorio said those words.

I wasn't surprised by what he did or how he knew. As expected from him, he already read my actions since the night I heard about Kurapika.

"Look, I know that the Nostrade family is your full-time arch-nemesis, and I was also surprised that Kurapika is working for them," Leorio said it this time. "But you know that Kurapika wasn't involved in the incident between you and that billionaire so you must not consider him as an enemy. Okay?"

"Just trust Kurapika. He will never hurt you or choose a greedy rich man over you," he added. I just nodded at him.

After what he said, I finally considered some that I must trust Kurapika. He may be working for the Nostrade, but I know that we're still friends and that he won't abandon me in exchange for that person.

"Now we can go back," Killua stated and we opened the door.

Gon was actually insisting Kurapika put his chain on his heart in case he will break the promise but thankfully, we interrupted just in time for that.

Kurapika requested us, or rather Gon insisted him seek help from us, to help him in capturing the leader of the Phantom Troupe and finally destroying the whole gang.

All of us are willing to help Kurapika and since I don't have a choice, I would help him. And besides, there's no Nostrade involved in this plan so I should take it.

After that meeting, Kurapika left the room but I followed him to the corridor outside.

"Kurapika," I called him in a serious tone. He turned around to see me and approached me.

"What is it, Secco?" he said with a smile on his face. Now, I don't know if I want to say these words or not.

"I-I just wanted to say that..." I paused for a moment, taking some fresh air to my lungs. "t-the Nostrade family tortured me since I was a kid, and that gave me trauma. They played with my arm, making me kill five people out of control."

When I said that to Kurapika, he couldn't help but be shocked at my story. He wouldn't expect a happy-go-lucky person like me experienced those torture.

"Since you are working for the Nostrade now, and you don't know about it. I want you to choose." I added and this time, I raised my right hand and lend it to him.

"Which side will you give your loyalty? To the Nostrade? Or to me?" I might sound like some fictional character in a book, but I am dead serious now. If Kurapika chooses the wrong path, then it is all over. But no matter what he chooses, I accept it.

Like me, Kurapika also had trouble choosing, if he will abandon his friend or his key to revenge.

"I-I can't choose. Sorry." Kurapika simply said with a sad face. "It's hard to choose between you two. I know you're one of my friends, but I can't abandon this opportunity."

I didn't say anything after some minutes, thinking about what should I do, until I had an idea on my head. It does seem like a childish thing but I think it will work.

"Let's be frenemies then!~" I cheerfully said with a smile on my face.

I saw his eyes widened in surprise but then smiled at me. I think he like my idea. "I like it. We're frenemies from now on."

My smile didn't fade yet but then, I crossed my arms and made a pout.

"But if you finish your revenge for your clan, then you must leave the Nostrade family, okay?" I stated the rules. "After this, I'll consider you as an enemy, if I encounter you with the Nostrade."

"Deal." Kurapika lent me his hand to offer a handshake. I accepted it and smiled at each other.

"Deal."