โฅ wc:ย 11.7k (51k+ drafted) - last updated 26/12/24
Scarlet never considered the possibility of seeing him again, believing Chrollo to be dead for years, let alone that he is the 'man of mystery' who's visits she'd come to expect. In a twist of fate, she finds herself helplessly navigating a world full of heartbreak, mistrust, deception, pain, and grief in hopes of healing the ghosts that haunt her. Is a future together possible or does Scarlet prepare herself for this to be just fleeting desire? Is it even possible for either of them to know what love truly is?
โฅ series warnings: death, grief/loss, murder, gore, implied previous experiences of SA, human trafficking, symptoms of mental illness/trauma (specifically C-PTSD, BPD, and anxiety), character trauma related to previous CA, co-dependency, organized crime, fluff.
wc: 2.8k+
rating: explicit
warnings: interrogation, mentions of human trafficking, description of gore and a corpse, a bit of fluff
โก แดสษชแดแด แดแด สแดแดแด โฌ
wc: 2.9k+
rating: mature
warnings: mentions of human and child trafficking, mentions of murder, themes of co-dependency
โก แดสษชแดแด แดแด สแดแดแด โฌ
(Art by @//ladynefeli) (OC Instagram: echo.sapphire)
[ ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐๐ ]
https://toyhou.se/21539779.scarlet-echo-sapphire
[ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ง ๐๐๐ข ]
Scarlet (ในใซใผใฌใใ, Sukฤretto) is an informant for the Phantom Troupe who is primarily known through the false identity of Echo Sapphire, the first Mafia Donna in the Ten Dons and Boss of the Sapphire Family. The Sapphire Family is most notable for owning Sapphire Entertainment and the finest gemstone mines on the Yorbian Continent, including the worldโs only โblood sapphire" mine.
As Echo Sapphire, she is publicly recognized as CEO of Sapphire Entertainment and a semi-retired classical musician/singer, a career she pursued in order to infiltrate the Sapphire Family for revenge. Using the family name, Scarlet now operates an empire training femme fatales with the sole purpose of dismantling the human trafficking rings running rampant through the Yorbian underworld. In the time between the events of the Yorknew City Arc and the Succession War Arc, Scarlet becomes the first woman to sit among the Ten Dons. In filling one of the vacancies left in the wake of the underground auction massacre and the previous leaderโs assassinations, Scarlet undertakes tremendous responsibility as both the Ten Dons and Underworld rebuild. This appointment helped bring the now prominent โyoung moneyโ families to power, strengthening her position in the council.
โฅ series warnings: death, grief/loss, murder, gore, human trafficking, symptoms of mental illness/trauma (specifically C-PTSD, BPD, and anxiety), character trauma related to childhood abuse, co-dependency, organized crime.
Scarlet never considered the possibility of seeing him again, believing Chrollo to be dead for years, let alone that he is the 'man of mystery' who's visits she'd come to expect. In a twist of fate, she finds herself helplessly navigating a world full of heartbreak, mistrust, deception, and grief in hopes of healing the ghosts that haunt her. Is a future together even possible for two souls who donโt know what love truly is?
[ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ฅ๐ ]
A community for collaborative character creation and trading, worldbuilding and roleplay.
[ ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ ]
(Reference Art by @//ladynefeli, Chibi Art by @//akitasoba)
(Art by @//ladynefeli) (OC Instagram: echo.sapphire)
[ ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐๐ ]
A community for collaborative character creation and trading, worldbuilding and roleplay.
[ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ง ๐๐๐ข ]
Scarlet (ในใซใผใฌใใ, Sukฤretto) is an informant for the Phantom Troupe who is primarily known through the false identity of Echo Sapphire, the first Mafia Donna in the Ten Dons and Boss of the Sapphire Family. The Sapphire Family is most notable for owning Sapphire Entertainment and the finest gemstone mines on the Yorbian Continent, including the worldโs only โblood sapphire" mine.
As Echo Sapphire, she is publicly recognized as CEO of Sapphire Entertainment and a semi-retired classical musician/singer, a career she pursued in order to infiltrate the Sapphire Family for revenge. Using the family name, Scarlet now operates an empire training femme fatales with the sole purpose of dismantling the human trafficking rings running rampant through the Yorbian underworld. In the time between the events of the Yorknew City Arc and the Succession War Arc, Scarlet becomes the first woman to sit among the Ten Dons. In filling one of the vacancies left in the wake of the underground auction massacre and the previous leaderโs assassinations, Scarlet undertakes tremendous responsibility as both the Ten Dons and Underworld rebuild. This appointment helped bring the now prominent โyoung moneyโ families to power, strengthening her position in the council.
โฅ series warnings: death, grief/loss, murder, gore, human trafficking, symptoms of mental illness/trauma (specifically C-PTSD, BPD, and anxiety), character trauma related to childhood abuse, co-dependency, organized crime.
Scarlet never considered the possibility of seeing him again, believing Chrollo to be dead for years, let alone that he is the 'man of mystery' who's visits she'd come to expect. In a twist of fate, she finds herself helplessly navigating a world full of heartbreak, mistrust, deception, and grief in hopes of healing the ghosts that haunt her. Is a future together even possible for two souls who donโt know what love truly is?
[ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ฅ๐ ]
A community for collaborative character creation and trading, worldbuilding and roleplay.
[ ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ ]
(Reference Art by @//ladynefeli, Chibi Art by @//akitasoba)
โฅ warnings: mature | mentions of human and child trafficking, mentions of murder, themes of co-dependency
The night has yet to begin and all eyes are on Scarlet and Chrollo, having set out to gather intel from a mafia hotspot. With her help, Chrollo plans to infiltrate the Underground auction in order to steal Neon's ability. But what is Scarlet to do once troubled by the news of the Ten Dons preparing a dangerous intervention? While this sparks excitement for Chrollo, she worries about the clash igniting a phantom blaze. Is this just the calm before the storm?
โฅ a/n: Click here for a brief character overview on Scarlet (CONTAINS SPOILERS)
โก masterlist
โก previous chapter
โก next chapter
A small group makes off to a hotel near the Cemetery Building where the auction will be taking place that evening to begin the Spider's operations. A few spiders have left to try luring the chain user out in public, using the massive mafia bounties on their heads as bait. Though Scarlet knows little about the chain user, she figures if they were smart enough to capture a Spider, they likely won't walk into a trap completely unaware. However, the thieves' abilities elude her except for Pakunoda's, so anything is possible.
Chrollo, Scarlet, and another Spider she now knows as Shalnark, enter the hotel, wasting no time checking into the room Shalnark prepared earlier. As she gets ready with Chrollo, Shalnark is grabbing an up-to-date profile of the Nostrade guards from the Pro Hunter website, in the process confirming the report of her death by the family. He is the first to leave, having printed a few copies of the list to bring to the rest of the Spiders in their search.
โTake care of the chain user for me,โ Chrollo says as Shalnark heads out the door.
In the dressing room, Scarlet applies concealer on her neck scars, purple contacts, and dons a prepared wig to achieve the recognizable deep red hue of Echo. Hanging in the wardrobe is a stunning backless dress with long sleeves, with the front completely covered up to the neck and a thigh-high split to show off her legs. Solid black with delicate rhinestones sprinkling the dress, concentrated near the bottom hem, gives this dress a glamorously cosmic feel. She dons the dress once all done getting her hair and makeup ready, moving to the other side of the partition to check in on Chrollo.
Chrollo, straightening his tie, wears his hair down with a head wrap covering the forehead tattoo. Leaning against the vanity, marveling at how such a handsome man could even possibly exist, Chrollo catches Scarlet's glances in the mirror with an amused smirk.
โYou clean up exceptionally well.โ
Shifting her weight against his arm for a closer look, she marvels at how handsome he looks. Turning to look directly in his eyes, further draping herself on his arm, she radiates with flirtatious energy. Chrollo turns himself towards her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"You are absolutely ravishing, darling," Chrollo's deep voice vibrates through her body.
Reaching up and behind to caress his face, she closes her eyes, savoring this fleeting moment of requited intimacy. This man sets her heart ablaze, from his touch to gaze, that burns for a tenderness she has hardly known. She is falling, fast and hard, without any clue how to slow herself from being singed or burning to ash in the process. Is it so wrong to crave - no, need to fulfill the passion with another? Something about it feels wrong, selfish even.
It may be selfish to hurt or give up on the others around her, but they would never be able to fill the void in her heart the way this man is capable of. She deserves to be happy, truly happy, and seen for the person she is in every way, even if it's with a murderer.
Ready to go, the two of them get into a car to review the plan one final time when Chrollo gives Scarlet his reassurance that no harm will come to Neon. For the time being, she'll trust him. Determining the first point of interception, she informs Chrollo of a popular mafia-run bar many family heads and right hands gather prior to events like these, figuring Light would be there schmoozing before tonight's auction. The venue is commonly used to have important conversations, particularly for new or lucrative business deals. With the Mafia Community spread across the world, there are many similar bars scattered around, usually operated by the region's strongest family called the "Host Family". Since guns will be confiscated at the auction house doors, and at most large events, these bars allow for last-minute disputes to be 'settled', though it doesn't happen often. It takes a rather ballsy person or family to take someone out at one of these establishments since it could incite the wrath of the host family.
The drive to the venue is quiet, leaving ample time for Scarlet's mind to drift far away to the past while being anxious for a future with Chrollo. Her introspective silence does not go unnoticed as Chrollo observes her behavior closely. Sensing the brewing anxiety, he places a free hand on her exposed thigh, his gentle grip bringing her back to the present moment. His reassurance subtly soothing the butterflies for her to better focus on the matter at hand.
Arriving at the scene, Chrollo extends an arm to escort Scarlet to the doors where multiple mafia guards straighten after recognizing her. The venue is swarming with mafia dons, capos, and their security details. Smoke-filled rooms do little to dampen the boisterous chatter echoing through the halls as she scans the main lobby. The plan is to have Chrollo escort her inside, for her to find Light Nostrade to talk business with casual inquiry about his daughter's attendance, which then Chrollo will move to her location and approach her. Getting her bearings, she heads towards the most probable area for Light to be networking with the higher-up families. Light relies so heavily on Neon's ability that there are only a few approaches to business he has, rotating tactics in a feeble attempt at disguising his patterns. Without a doubt, he is offering Neon's services in exchange for other tangible assets or, favorably, influence within the Ten Don's inner circle, so this bar would be the main place. Such an insecure man is predictable in how he will conduct himself at these dick measuring competitions.
At least half a dozen eyes fall onto both of them upon entering the room. The chatter seems to become more muted as the eyes assess both Scarlet and Chrollo. Holding herself in high confidence, poise, and dignity, she fiercely shoots glances at anyone whose eyes linger for too long. A few throats clear as some men are intimidated by her presence, quick to avert their gaze, while a couple of onlookers continue to warily observe. This was a bit more attention than she had anticipated, but thankfully, the decibels in the room rise to their previous volume once conversations carry on. However, there was a time in recent memory when those eyes tried to destroy her, who to their beholders only saw this fresh-faced young woman as prey.
Being one of the only donnas within the underworld has largely impacted Scarlet's reputation. At first, many expected her failure, the community so deeply embroiled in a misogynistic culture that the notion of a woman leading was laughable. However, her cunning strategies in business and investment drew attention to her skills rather than her gender. It took a lot of effort, but it quickly became clear who was really calling the shots from the shadows. Even now, those who remain cautious or jealous of her success know better than to try anything, especially after news of how she disposed of her late husband and his allies circulated. From their perspective, she went from being a doted-on, loved, and prized wife to a ruthless killer who betrayed her dearly beloved. Her performance had them believing both were living a fairytale love, so their caution is warranted.
After the coup, it took time for Scarlet to fully hold her own in the community, having to rebuild an empire on top of the downfall of many great and old families. Naturally, it made sense to defect from the overarching family since they benefited from the previous Sapphire 'business' model. Their protests caused quite a stir, especially among the Ten Dons, but luckily a few stronger and newer families grew a sort of admiration for her noble cause and backed her decisions. Even luckier still, these newfound allies have influence within the Ten Dons, allowing her family some grace. What they saw was the potential for many new business opportunities and couldn't resist the temptation to dig their claws in first.
Reforming the Sapphire Family in the name of liberating women and children trafficked throughout the Western continents drew in those who either opposed the trade morally or were enemies to the families involved. Those who believe in the moral obligation have proven to be her strongest allies while a couple who primarily joined for more selfish reasons continue to support her actions. Perhaps they stay because the thrill of never knowing how her next move may shift power in the community is entertaining, especially when it challenges the status quo. Either way, the benefit to supporting her efforts proved fruitful to them, absorbing assets and resources from each destabilized power. This helped the Sapphire grow significantly in name and power too, giving her more influence in achieving her goals.
Every now and then, the deplorable trade re-emerges in the West, oftentimes backed by powerful families such as the Kakin Mafia. From her vigilantism came an undesirable outcome, a blind spot out of reach. Since the Eastern families' competitors were eliminated, a lucrative opportunity to expand their territory dangles in front of them. It's an infuriating push and pull, where her enemies see her as an unintentional accomplice to their plans.
As for the Ten Dons, from what she heard, there was only a 60% consensus in allowing her to continue her manhunt with the stipulation of only operating in the West. Though she may have gotten rid of her previous enemies, she continues to make new ones. This also means her every move is under watchful eyes which requires innovative resourcefulness on her part, the Underworld constantly moving in tides and storms. However, with the combined support of these allied families and the growing force behind the Sapphire Family itself, she possesses a unique power independent of the Ten Dons. Thus creating a complicated dynamic she must balance in the community at-large.
Focusing back to the task at hand, Scarlet notices a handsome middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair, dressed head to toe in designer labels approaching her. Recognizing the face of this womanizer, she extends her hand towards him. Notorious for breaking hearts, similar to her, he has a public image as a celebrity in the entertainment industry, though as a renowned actor, not a musician. They've crossed paths many times, both in underworld dealings and industry events, each time this man pulls out all stops in an attempt to charm her. He's a silver fox, through and through.
"Echo, you look exquisitely radiant this evening."
Kissing the back of her hand, his eyes never leave hers to acknowledge Chrollo's existence. The arm she's draped herself on tenses as Chrollo has a seething stare. She squeezes his wrist, signaling him to cool off.
'He's rather possessive.'
"Gordi, a sweet talker as usual," Scarlet responds with a coy smile beaming at the man.
Over his shoulder, she spots Light Nostrade in the corner of the room talking among a small group of men. The man in front of her turns to address Chrollo, sort of.
"I see you've brought along your latest plaything." The man holding her with both of his hands gives a light tug, "My dear, if you'd allow, I could show you a divine time, walking the promenade and conversing under the starlight on my private yacht with the finest wine you've ever had. A woman of your caliber deserves only the best a man can offer." A charming and devious smile plays across his face.
Chrollo's jaw clenches. He could kill this boastful man in an instant or drag out his death in the most painful of manners, but here he is forced to listen as this imbecile thinks he deserves to even touch Scarlet, let alone tolerate her allowing it?! He doesn't understand where she gets the patience to put up with such idiocy on a regular basis.
Pulling Chrollo closer, Scarlet takes back the hand being held hostage to stroke Chrollo's chin, visibly irking the prideful man in front of her.
"You should never judge a book by its cover, Gordi. This man knows how to hit my sweet spot better than any before. I do not intend to let him go, so please expect him to remain my escort for the foreseeable future."
Lightly kissing Chrollo's cheek, she leaves a faint lipstick mark behind. Chrollo grasps her hand with a sense of superiority, making her giggle on the inside for his childlike reaction. Chrollo smugly stares down at the incandescent man, resolving him to bow his head in defeat, for now. She knows he'll continue making advances the next time they meet, but for now, she feels satisfied having rubbed dirt in his wounded ego.
Approaching Light, Scarlet leads the conversation with the usual formalities followed by inquiring about having her fortune told by Neon to casually ask if the girl will be joining him this evening. It turns out, Light has kept her from attending due to the tip going around the community of a potential attack this evening from the Phantom Troupe, implying he sent her back home. Scarlet exchanges glances with Chrollo at this news. It's possible one of her contacts let it slip, but she thinks Neon may have predicted this attack as she did with the first night. Another man in the group mentions the mafia hired the best assassins, including the famed Zoldyck assassins, to deal with the Troupe. He continues by stating Light is being overprotective since he's confident any danger will be swiftly dealt with. The men discuss the possibility of improving their standing by sending someone to assist the assassins; however, most of them feel it's unlikely to get their guards in on the action. Light takes a moment to boast about a powerful guard he has assigned to the task of replacing his previous first in command, Dalzollene, that could probably do the job, leading Scarlet to believe he could be speaking of the chain user. After a few minutes, Light gets a call, hastily excusing himself as the men he had been conversing with laugh at his expense. Scarlet takes the opportunity to step away to a private room with Chrollo.
"I think Light was talking about the chain user, which means you might have a chance to directly confront him if he is assigned to the assassination squad. But the Zoldyck family too? You're going to have your hands full tonight," Scarlet says, wrung with worry.
"How interesting," Chrollo seems excited at the prospect, only worrying her more.
Feeling like a doting lover, she lets out a sigh, "Please be careful."
"Don't worry, my darling, I'll be able to handle it."
Her heart skips a beat as he flashes a tender smile her way, a look he hasn't shown her before. Forced to take his words to heart, she gives him a wry smile in return.
"As for Neon, she probably has acted out for not being able to attend tonight. She'll take any opportunity to get what she wants."
Racking her head to determine the best way to find her, let alone confirm if she is even still in Yorknew, Scarlet comes up with an idea. "Your colleague, Shalnark, was it? He's a technological genius, yes? Could he find her through a cell phone?"
Chrollo contemplates for a moment before reaching for his phone, speed dialing Shalnark. Scarlet hears as he picks up and Chrollo relays her question.
"Oh, I can try!" The idea of this challenge seemingly excites Shalnark, and Scarlet can hear as his voice picks up, "If I know who her provider is, I could hack into their database to get a continuous feed of her phone logs. From that, I should be able to track her within a range between nearby antennas. Once I have it set up, we'll need to make a call to confirm the feed is working properly and find her geolocation."
It's difficult for Scarlet to follow along with Shalnark's technobabble as she doesn't really understand how it works, but at least it sounds like he knows what he's talking about.
"Oh!" Shalnark's enthusiasm for phones is evidently reflected in his voice, "But I heard the Benefon recently stormed the market with GPS tracking technology. If she were to have that model or a similar competitor's, we could pinpoint her location more accurately!"
Chrollo passes Scarlet the phone to give Shalnark details known to her for setting up a sophisticated tracking system, which he achieves in just a matter of minutes. Upon confirmation he's ready, Scarlet calls Neon using her burner phone, hoping she will pick up. Her heart pounds with each ring, cementing the thought that she wouldn't answer, until after five tones when she hears a click.
"Hello?" Hearing her voice brings a smile to Scarlet's face. She's a spoiled brat, but Scarlet is happy to hear she is safe.
"He's got it," Chrollo whispers in her ear. Without uttering a single response, Scarlet hangs up on Neon.
It turns out Neon's spoiled nature has paid off as Shalnark is able to find a GPS lock on her. With Neon currently at the Lingon Airport, there is still time to intercept her before she leaves the city. Appreciative of Scarlet's help, Chrollo parts ways with the spare entry pass, leaving her to descend from the bar to the auction house alone.
Trapped in a position where no isn't an option, Scarlet desperately searches for a way to protect herself and Neon without losing too much of herself in the process. Chrollo knows how to play into her vulnerabilities, but even he is wary of being forceful for the consequences it may cause. Is there enough trust in either party to safely move forward with an agreed upon plan?
โฅ a/n: This chapter is a lot more introspective, getting an idea of how both Scarlet and Chrollo view the situation. From this point on in the story, there will be increasingly more of Chrollo's POV incorporated.
โก masterlist
โก previous chapter
โก next chapter
The Spiders exchanged glances as they processed the growing likelihood of Uvoginโs death; some visibly worried while others refrained from showing any emotion, including Chrollo. However, the atmosphere was somber no matter how much the Spiderโs tried to hide the grief over their comrade. As Machi feels unsure of whatโs to come, the threads binding Scarlet's hands squeezed tighter, either as a warning to her or a subconscious tension.ย
โWhat should we do with her?โ Machi lifted up Scarlet's bound hands, the force making her stagger forward to prevent keeling over.
Chrollo scanned Scarlet over, contemplating how to best make use of her and her knowledge while he recognized the threat she still posed. A bad taste formed in his mouth seeing her at the mercy of his friends, but heโs the head of the Spider and there is nothing more important than to protect them, no matter who is hurt in the process. He would be on her side, only she is on theirs.
Chrollo deeply contemplated the options laid in front of him. Scarlet seemingly held no allegiance with the chain user, nor did she try to withhold the little information about him she had. She quickly picked up on Pakunodaโs abilities and knew how to navigate the surrounding circumstances while maintaining a level head in the high stakes scenario. It was clear survival is of utmost importance which normally would mean her behaviour could be predicted, but her nen-fueled rampage went against basic sensibility. She was complicit and even vulnerable with him, but it doesnโt mean it was entirely genuine. He doesnโt doubt the tears she shed earlier, for there were real, intense emotions behind them. Yet the attempts to give off the impression she wonโt betray him, at least not immediately, are obviously forced. However, if there was a benefit for her to remain loyal, the chances of betrayal decrease, especially if her chances of survival increase with it.
Scarlet demonstrated a vested interest in the safety of at least one direct connection to the chain user, which the Spider could benefit from. Unfortunately, Chrollo believes this would be possible only either through threatening the safety of this girl or offering protection from the cross fire. If they threatened her safety, it would more likely cause a direct assault on the Spider by Scarlet's hands, which could result in serious casualties while the extent of her abilities remained unknown. They could easily find out her weaknesses or how to counter her skills through Paku; however, he wanted to directly learn about her nen, not ruin the potential of her joining the Troupe or to take her abilities for himself.
Chrollo noted Scarlet had expressed more concern over her own personal interests and assets than the well-being of her associates, with Neon being the exception. He could manipulate the chain user through her in exchange for Neonโs explicit protection, but he didnโt understand how Scarlet weighs her morality. Though he didnโt get the impression she'd be easily swayed with fickle emotions, there was an unknown, emotionally volatile, element to her nen that could be triggered in the right conditions.
If he did offer for Scarlet to join the Spiders, would she be willing to harm those she has worked with and perhaps come to care for to meet the Spiderโs ends? What would she get out of it, what could he give her that she canโt already give herself? Fame, fortune, and power are already under her thumb, but the Spider doesnโt care for that. Would she throw it all away to join their lifestyle of thievery? Not unless she was bored of her life as is.ย
But even if she declined, she knew too much about the Spider to be let go. Not without unfettered assurance of her silence or loyalty. Alternatively, he could take her nen but in doing so would sever all potential benefits of keeping her around otherwise, including the growingโฆ personal desire he had towards her.
Chrollo subconsciously drew his hands to his face when a realization dawned on him. The surrounding group noticed this change in demeanor, including Scarlet. An unspoken yet ambiguous question loomed over the Spiders: was his confidence wavering?
Chrollo felt his mind freeze as a new question and all its possible answers repeated itself.ย
โCould she live without her nen?โย
A concern that posed a literal threat. Scarlet had returned from the dead through post-mortem nen, so what would happen if she lost the abilities which granted her second life? If he were to succeed in stealing her powers, would she continue living as a regular human or if she would simply die? Was it even possible to steal post-mortem nen abilities? Though it would be an interesting experiment on the limits of Skill Hunter, Chrollo did not savor the risks it posed to test out.ย
โ...โ
Chrollo had to come to terms with a new fact: he did not want Scarlet dead. Yet, he couldnโt underestimate her capabilities and how they may backfire onto the Troupe. She had yet to show any real hostility towards the Spider, besides her supposed uncontrolled nen rampage. He wanted to believe there to be a way to get both her powers and skills on their side. He had to.ย
As a man who walked with death every day, he never placed any value on his own life over those of his comrades. But what was he to do with this unexpected, though not unwanted, variable Scarlet brought into his life? Despite the sudden internal conflict, he found itโฆ exciting. A change that challenged him in ways not experienced in a long time.ย
This sensation of mystery and uncertainty reminded him of how they previously thought to have first met, though he knew her as Echo back then.
From the moment Chrollo heard her siren's song, he was captivated. Her aura was steady, strong, yet gentle; it entranced him. He already knew she was skilled from her performances alone, but the knowledge he had recently gained exemplified this further. To him, Scarlet was a beautiful gem on display, but the world still undervalued her worth. It was exhilarating.ย
Scarlet presented herself for all to marvel at her brightness and talents yet she was closed off to everyone. He loved being the one that could steal her at any moment. He lamented not showing his face sooner in belief the decision protected the Spider, but wondered how different the circumstances now could have been. Perhaps the attack on Uvo could have been prevented. Perhaps he and Scarlet could have been reunited in a less complex manner, where he couldโve excluded her from the dangers of the Spider or involved her in less invasive ways.
But this begged the questionโฆ How did he never realize why he was so captivated by her?ย
The truth being her music was not first heard at a concert in Yorknew, but years ago in Meteor City. How could he not have recognized her voice? After so many hours listening from afar as a child, he admired her tenacity and drive to learn. He always hoped to catch a glimpse of Scarletโs progress every time he visited the church, and though she was rarely there, the days he did were special. Chrollo now understood he was drawn in because her voice was nostalgic. Like a warm breeze, it carried memories of a time before children were armed to fight the battles the adults were losing. Before a time of grief and sought justice. However, it was through a melancholy tone a feeling that could only truly be conveyed from experiencing great loss which captivated him. The expression of pain was relatable yet the story was concealed behind a mysterious mask she wore. What he saw in her was similar to looking in the mirror; a truth untold but kept them going.ย
While Chrollo was deep in thought, a few members settled into spots amongst the rubble, still holding out hope for their friend's return. Scarlet's hands remained tied by Machi's nen threads as they silently and patiently waited for Chrollo's plan. Concern bubbled up inside of Scarlet, her stomach churned in the stillness of the room. As the minutes passed, she flipped between optimism he was hesitating to the uncertainty of her survival. But even a small amount of hesitation was a good sign.ย
Chrollo closed his eyes, resolved in his approach though it meant subverting the Spiderโs expectations. When he opened his eyes again they snapped to Scarlet, piercing through her with an unreadable expression.
โWhat would you like to do?โ
Mouth agape, the question took Scarlet back.
'After all that, he's just asking me what I want?'
Her brow furrowed in confusion but wouldnโt let this opportunity slip past her. It didn't take long for her to give a reply considering she'd been trapped there alone with her mind for hours.
โIdeally, I'd like to get back to the operations of my family businesses. I'm certain there's a pile of work waiting for me from the mess you've all made at the auction, butโฆ I am also concerned for the safety of Neon. She often has rival families attempt to assassinate her and is in need of my security more than ever with Dalzollene's death, which, again, you are responsible for. Howeverโฆ'' she paused,ย gathering the courage to say next.
โI want to make up for the time lost, to have the chance to share my story on equal terms.โ
Looking at Chrollo only, Scarlet's ears turn bright pink at what was practically a confession made in front of the room of criminals. She dared not to adjust her gaze towards anyone else out of sheer stubborn embarrassment. Chrollo's face shifted to genuine surprise at this bold statement as the words struck something deep inside.
Keeping her voice steady, she concluded, โI'm not sure what I can do to prove I wonโt stop you from your goals, but I have no interest in being involved.โ
A humoured smirk allowed a chuckle to escape Chrollo, digging the embarrassment deeper.
โThen by dawn letโs make a deal.โ
His words implied an exchange of something for her freedom if their friend Uvogin failed to return. He was likely looking for information, which was the kind of condition Scarlet hoped to use to her advantage. She digested potential terms further before reckoning it was the best choice sheโd get.
โOn the conditions Neon remains unharmed and I am free to continue my business otherwise, yes.โ
Being forced to directly sell out one person to protect another didn't morally feel good, but Scarlet knew so little of this bodyguard that it was hard to feel any lingering remorse. Especially since Neon is likely endangered because of this guard's actions. Truthfully, she had no reason to help the Spider except for the selfish desire of having Chrollo in her life once more. Ethically, it was different to snuff out the lives of those who do direct harm, than someone who has only likely done harm indirectly. It left a sour taste in her mouth, feeling no better than those she openly condemned, but her desire for more held her in a vice of pure greed.
'I'm embroiled too deep to walk away now. It'll be impossible to forget or let go of him again.'
If there ever existed a reality where she could actually control time, the most preferred situation would be to return to the way things were before these last few nights. But even in a perfect world she may have eventually learned the truth of his identity. What she knows now, would have only hurt more learning any later; to have missed her chance to reunite with Chrollo would be devastating. If it was unavoidable fate, she would rather face it now than never.
โI can grant that. Until then, we wait.โ
Chrollo motioned for Machi to remove the threads from Scarlet's wrists, followed by a signal for her to quietly sit amongst the Spiders. Awkwardness sunk in as a combination of scowls and curious eyes studied her. Amongst the gazes, a pair of golden eyes mischievously devoured her image with an intensity unlike the others. She could have sworn he looked elated about something but he broke their gaze. An amused smirk arrogantly filled his face to where Scarlet was left wondering why he reacted so differently than the other spiders. What were his intentions?ย
โฅ ๊ฑแดแดแดแดแดสแดส 3สแด , แด แดแดกษด
By dawn, the group had grown solemn by the ill-fate of their comrade. Chrollo divulged the new plans to take down the chain user, where Scarlet once again became a hot topic. The tension of having her present for the discussion was understandable given most of the troupe members had only known her for the brief time they shared in this room together. What she did moving forward was vital to her freedom, a fact she was acutely aware of in the role she must religiously play; to be a willing puppet for their show that exceptionally met its every cue.ย
โScarlet.โ
A chill ran down her spine as Chrollo spoke her name, her real name. Of course, she went by Scarlet in her undercover employment with the Nostrade family, but having it spoken by someone who actually knew her was different. The sound no longer had an empty ring to it.ย
โAccompany me to the auction house to find the girl, Neon. I need her fortune-telling ability. Itโs vital to the Spider's survival.โ
โWhat?! You said she wouldn't be harmed!โ Scarlet's blood begun to boil at the request that seemingly went against their agreed upon terms.
โShe won't be harmed,โ Chrollo reassured her, โBesides, how many times has she almost been killed just for having the powers she does? By removing the reason for the target on her head, she will be safer.โ
As much as she didn't want to admit it, he was right. She recognized the attempts on Neon's life would never stop so long as she held it or Light Nostrade used her for his gain. For each future she correctly foretold, her notoriety would rise alongside the influence of the Nostrade family. It was why she had so many guards in her command. However, Light's obsession over Neon's safety was not for Neon herself, but the money-making power she had. Scarlet pondered what would happen if Neon were to lose it. How would Light react? But more importantly, could Chrollo really take her nen away without harming her?
โDon't you want to free yourself of the need to vigilantly protect her? To be your own free woman again?โ His honey-coated words expressed concern, though Scarlet was uncertain if they were genuine or not.
Though Scarlet originally intended to kill Neon, the connection she felt couldnโt be so simply ignored. However, he presented an undeniable opportunity to rid herself of a burden she never intended to carry. Plus, if the Nostrade guards presumed she was dead, how would Neon react? Would she even care? If she knew she were alive, would Neon even be appreciative of the lengths Scarlet was going to preserve her safety? The thoughts made her bitter, knowing that it was very possible she wouldn't.
In the past, Neon had shown little regard for the lives of others in close proximity to her; however, being a maid servant was different. The job of a guard required a person to steel themselves for the possibility of death in order to protect their boss, whereas an attendant fostered a more personal relationship. Scarlet thought Neon had grown fond of her in the last couple of years, but the girl was fickle and quick to lose interest in things. It remained uncertain, even up till now, if the relationship was genuine or if Neon just liked the convenience of having her around. She had spoiled Neon and, in many ways, enabled her to continue her troublesome behaviors so perhaps Neonsโ preference for Scarlet was solely because of her leniency. Scarletโs thoughts paused when she considered it may have been she herself who had held onto false connection because she liked the idea of caring for another sister. Was what she had been seeking actually to fill the void left by her real sisterโs absence?
Regardless, it was not an easy decision. Though Neon reminded Scarlet of Lizzy in many ways, the concern over her well-being remained genuine even if one-sided. Scarlet wondered, would finally fulfilling her mission be what she needed? Could bringing hardship to the last family on her hitlist without killing the girl make it possible to rid herself of her demons? A shift in the target from the girl; instead, a mission of assassination on their biggest asset, Neon's fortune-telling. Without it, the Nostrade family would quickly lose their foothold in the Underworld, much to Light's dismay.
However, there was the risk of Light turning his anger towards Neon, as her ability was the one thing that gave this desperate man his edge. She didn't know if Light would abuse his daughter from his anger, but he had been covertly exploiting her for years to the point his affections towards her have always seemed conditional. It was a distinct possibility Scarlet could not ignore.ย
But she didn't want to do this. She didn't want to hurt Neon or risk endangerment, even if it held potential to finally bring closure. It was promising to have Neon's protection held sacred by the Troupe given their current proximity to the Underworld, but the agreement would only be binding until the end of the auction. Then what? Being by Neon's side allowed Scarlet to protect her, but she couldn't do that anymore. Not without arising extreme suspicion for having disappeared and came back from presumed death. Hell, she might not even be allowed near her because of that.
'Fuck, is there really no other option?'
If she didn't do this, she would not be able to curry any semblance of favour with Chrollo or the Troupe. It was unlikely he'd take no as an answer anyways, given how sticky and manipulative his words were, but Neon couldnโt be left so vulnerable. As Scarlet racked her brain for a feasible solution,ย she felt Chrolloโs steeled eyes burrowing into her with a slight impatience. Thatโs when it hit her: being Neonโs attendant wasn't the only way she could keep her safe. Maybeโฆ It was time to bring Echo into the equation.
"Alright. But, Iโll be attending as Echo, not Neonโs former guard. By now, the other guards will have reported me as dead. It would bring too much attention and suspicion to suddenly return," Scarlet carefully studied Chrollo's face while she pitched the idea, "Plus, you need a pass to get through the security gate. I can secure a couple extra for you."
โHmm.. In that case, it appears Iโll be the one escorting you.โย
A grin settled onto Chrollo's face in amusement over the unexpected role reversal from what he had imagined.ย
Chrollo continued, โOnce Neon is located and incapacitated, you can take her to safety. From there, do as you wish until I contact you. If you learn anything more on the chain user, then contact me first.โ
He dug into his pocket for a phone before he passed it to Scarlet. She opened the contacts to find a single number with an unrecognizable area code saved under the name โZeroโ. Though she wasnโt sure what โzeroโ meant, a glance from Chrollo confirmed it was his contact. In her quick scan she couldnโt confirm if a tracker was installed, but felt it best to assume so.
โIn exchange for Neon's ability and any additional information on the chain-user, she will be guaranteed safety. You may also inform your associates to not attend the auction this evening, without specifics, to spare the damages to your business. However, expect to be needed or called upon at anytime until we complete the rest of our plan. Failure to follow through or report information will be seen as betrayal to me.โ
His choice words expressly conveyed that if Scarlet were to fail in meeting his expectations, heโd sever their relationship, and probably her life. Putting aside the moral issues she had with his plan and the lack of agency she ultimately had, it still seemed too good to be true. There was something more Chrollo benefitted from, but it didn't appear he'd divulge this secret anytime soon. Unable to discern what he was hiding, Scarlet had no choice but to agree in order to gain his trust.
โฅ warnings: explicit | angst, interrogation, mentions of human trafficking, description of gore and a corpse, a bit of fluff
Swayed by his charms, Scarlet's quick to fall back into old habits with Chrollo. Are these games a rouse to confuse her or is he just as confused by it all? Betraying her own best judgement, Scarlet dances with the devil in hopes for something more, but the loyalties she holds dear may be at stake. While Chrollo begins to walk a thin line of contradictions, the trust of the Spider remains strong: the legs will follow where ever the head may go.
โก masterlist
โก previous chapter
โก next chapter
Feeling rejuvenated after a long hot bath, Scarlet found an outfit laid out on the bed catered to her usual style. A satisfied hum left her lips while observing her reflection, no longer caked with the blood, dirt, or faded dye. She styled the newly revealed silvery white strands of hair; nothing fancy, just a simple side braid that could keep it out of her face.
โI donโt want to play into his hands, but I need to let him know that I am vulnerable and trusting of him, without losing myself in the process.โ
Satisfied with the braid and clothes, Scarlet did a little twirl in the mirror.
โI canโt trust him, as much as my heart wants to. Heโs a very cold and calculating man now.โ
Her thoughts were interrupted when a subtle noise came from behind the door. It was not a knock but the distinct sound of clothing rustling, which meant someone was there.
In preparation for the possibility of a fight, Scarlet put her nen into a state of zetsu to prevent the potential threat from getting a successful sneak attack. As she reached for the handle, the door swung open, taking her with it. The momentum pulled her forward to stumble into the person she heard, before she felt an arm swoop around the small of her back.
โHmm? Eager to see me?โ
Chrolloโs voice provided a sense of relief, though Scarlet felt embarrassed at the clumsiness of the situation.
โYou startled me,โ she said in a slightly flustered voice.
Her attempt to step backwards was immediately halted by the strong arm that held her firmly in place. Chrollo leaned closer as she turned her face away in a feeble attempt to cover the growing blush with her hands.
โYou seem easier to fluster than normal. Itโs entertaining.โ
His hot breath could be felt against the skin of Scarletโs neck, sending a chill of excitement down her spine. She tilted her head up at Chrolloโs face, now impossibly close to hers. Her heart wanted to give into temptation over how his teasing gaze softened with their lips tantalizingly close. However, her better judgment prevailed and she quickly pulled away from his grasp.
"Chrollo, this has been a lot," she said in order to keep her composure.
Chrollo nodded, understanding the complexity of their situation without a second thought.
He took a full step backwards to create space between them, while Scarlet recollected herself. Though she felt the lingering effects of his touch, she knew the importance of maintaining her outward appearance to the larger group of criminals that held her captive. She straightened herself as she took a deep breath to calm her racing heart.
"Thank you," she said to him with a small smile. โSo, what really brought you here for a visit?โ Scarlet said this nonchalantly, as though she wasn't being held prisoner by the Spider.
Chrollo brushed his hair back, almost as if he were flaunting his good looks before answering. It was his way of making it known he caught on to how his touch alone had a significant impact on Scarlet.ย
โI have a proposition.โ
As if on cue, another knock sounded at the open door. Chrollo signals Pakunoda, as well as the two men from earlier, into the room. One of the men avoided Scarletโs gaze, while the other man exchanged a knowing glance with Pakunoda, making Scarlet wonder how long they were standing there.ย
She's not one to hide public displays of affection from others, but this felt like too much, too soon, with not enough time to process. However, if the other Spiders knew, or even just had an inkling, she was involved with Chrollo they probably wouldn't act against her openly. As long as Chrollo wanted her alive, she felt untouchable. Perhaps it was naively wishful, maybe borderline delusional, thinking but that's the gamble she was willing to make.
โFirst, we need to finish where we left off,โ Chrollo signaled to resume the interrogation.
Scarlet's suspicions about the woman's abilities seemed to be confirmed by the lack of explanation needed after the first round of questioning. Unfortunately, that meant nothing was sacred.ย
The trio escorted her down to the building entrance, where she saw a vaguely familiar pink-haired woman and two other unknown men. After studying the pink-haired womanโs general frame, Scarlet concluded she may have been in the first room with her, but it was too hard to know definitively.
โMachi,โ Chrollo motioned the pink-haired woman toward her.
โExcuse the precaution. Iโm sure youโll understand.โ
With a single nod, Scarlet felt a sharp thread-like binding wrap around her wrists. A strong aura around the binding could be felt, either used to strengthen the thin rope or create it. Regardless, it stirred a familiar sensation from her before capture. The group looked at her expectantly, but looked away when nothing happened after a few seconds. Were they waiting for Scarlet to do something? A sudden anxiety arose in her chest from their keen observation and unknown expectations, though the threat seemed to be false.
However, it stung having Chrollo blatantly treat her like one. She understood his reasons, and would do the same in his shoes, but felt disillusioned by the growing crack in their relationship. The hastily built foundation wasnโt designed to withstand this immense pressure nor did Scarlet believe it could. Her mind bounced in effort to make sense of what he actually wanted from her. Was this just a show or was she the hors d'oeuvres before the grande feast? The emotional whiplash caused her stomach to churn as she felt immediately distrustful of his intentions once more.
With Chrollo at the head, their group traversed through a corridor until they reached a large room at the end. The eyes of half a dozen fell over the group, mentally dissecting the stranger amongst their peers in every suffocating way imaginable. Yet, Scarlet felt insignificant compared to the empty space that swallowed her whole. It looked as though the whole Troupe was there. She held eye contact with each of the unfamiliar faces through steeled nerves, eventually landing on one red-haired Spider who flickered a twisted smile before turning his head away in feigned disinterest.
As Chrollo settled on a block of rubble atop of a raised area, Scarlet recognized this was the first room she awoke in. Pakunoda approached once more, placing a hand on her shoulder.
โIs physical contact a condition? How much can she see? Can I hide anything?โ
โNow then.. Why were you looking for us?โ
Scarlet thought of Dalโs corpse on the floor, pooled in blood from the massive hole ripped from his spine out his chest, with a bit of intestines falling out. She recalled the striked fear of what happened to him, the grief in losing someone she was once close to, and the realization that the same could happen to Neon.
โYou killed someone I cared for.โ
Lips pursed, Scarlet contemplated speaking Neonโs name out loud before Pakunoda took the choice away.
โHmm.. You have another sister you care for?โ The woman probed.
A palpable tension filled the air. Scarlet knew she meant Neon but a subtle wave of confusion and curiosity washed over Chrolloโs face.
โNot by blood, but I care for her like one.โ
โNeon Nostrade is it? What a coincidence..โ Pakunoda shot Chrollo a scrupulous glance.
Chrolloโs eyes darkened as Scarlet's potential allegiances became starkly clear. He thought she lied to him, which in part, she did. She omitted this detail out of habit to maintain Neonโs safety rather than as an attempt to thwart the Troupeโs plans. But they didnโt know that, yet.
โWhat does she have to do with you?โ Scarlet brazenly asked, staring up at Chrollo.
As a surge of aura could be felt from different directions, she swallowed the building anxiety in defiance. Why was Neon important to him?
โPaku.โ Chrollo nodded at the woman, giving her clearance to disclose limited information.
Hesitantly, Pakunoda explained how the Nostrade Family was known to the Troupe since it was one of their guards who captured their still unaccounted for comrade. This vague explanation confirmed the claims Scarlet heard from the one guard, Melody, but she had presumed their comrade would have returned with them after escaping.
โHave you heard of any of the Nostrade guards capturing Uvogin again?โ
โNo.โ
โDo you know which guard captured him initially?โ
โNo, I only heard that the head guard was missing, after the man escaped.โ
Scarlet remembered Melodyโs voice, soft but filled with urgency over the missing leader. She didnโt get much in words after sharing this news before she hung up and headed for Dalโs last known location.
It was clear the Spider believed their comrade may be dead and were looking for leads to find the culprit. She was unsure if it was good or bad that she didnโt have much information to give, since she never got the chance to get a profile of the new bodyguards. Dal had been rather cold recently, saying heโd prefer not to waste time providing a personnel update remotely. That pissed Scarlet off. He knew how much Neonโs safety mattered to her, yet he was petty and spiteful because she had to unexpectedly leave due to urgent business of her own. If she had been there, maybe she could have prevented all this nonsense drawing unwanted attention in proxy to Neon.
A sigh was heard from the tall man, โSheesh. Are you really that useless?โ
Scarlet responded with a scowl.
As members piped up to discuss the issue, she learned Chrollo knew of and believed it was Neonโs fortune-telling that tipped off the Mafia leaders of their attack. However, this sudden interest in Neon frightened her. Not only were they looking for one of her guards, but theyโd made note of her ability to be of use, leaving her in direct harm's way as a potential target. Anger bubbled inside at how such reckless actions have brought serious danger to Neon.
โDo you know a chain user?โ
There was silence except for the sound of settling dust.ย
โ... Yes.โ
A spike in malice intent on killing incited a primal fear in Scarlet which caused her heart to skip a beat through a cold sweat.
โW-Wellโฆ Know of.โ
Dal had mentioned a promising guard candidate for their impressive use of chains in the test, where he urged Scarlet to finish her business to meet them and gauge their potential for herself. However, she never got back in time before all this chaos transpired because despite his haughtiness, Scarlet trusted Dal to protect Neon sufficiently in her absence. She failed to account for the new guards causing severe problems though since it sounded like Dal had them under a tight leash. This was unfortunately proven to have not been the case.
โIt doesnโt seem like she knows who it is either, Boss."
Another flare of menacing aura emanated from the same people in the room. The annoyingly familiar tall man was the most animated, holding a fiery burning stare in Scarlet's direction.
โShe must be conspiring with the chain user somehow! Uvo should have been back by now, meanwhile sheโs here to distract us or get intel for him!โ he exclaimed.
Chrollo motioned his colleague to silence.
โItโs true we canโt rule out the possibility just yet. Continue questioning, Paku.โ There was a frigid darkness to his voice.
The woman turned back to Scarlet and followed up, โHow do his abilities work?โ
Having responded with a shrug, Scarlet knew only as much as they did, which wasnโt much. She elected to non-verbal answers to the woman's following line of questioning, feeling exhausted from this interrogation.
โWhat do you know of his plans to target us?โ Scarlet gave a similar shrug.
โWhat are his weaknesses?โ Another shrug accompanied with a head shake.
โAre you an accomplice to his plans?โ Scarlet shook her head.
โWhat are your intentions in pursuing us?โ
Worded differently from the first time she asked this, it seemed perhaps Scarlet's original answer was unsatisfactory. This time she was inclined to speak up.
โTruthfully, Iโm not sure.โ She paused to rationalize while the tall boisterous man let out a scoff, hand readied on his shodachi.ย After brief reflection Scarlet concluded, โAn irrational fear of losing another person I love drove me to a pursuit of madness.โ
Backed into a corner, Scarlet knew there was no way to answer Pakunoda's question without exposing her weakness. The Spiders now held complete power over her, and she knew that the woman was likely aware of how and why she had been on a rampage before being captured. Therefore, being honest was the best approach to gain Chrollo's trust, though it would not be easy.
Pakunoda hummed to herself as she digested what she had seen into describable words.
"What's your role within the Nostrade Family?" she asked with a pointed gaze.
Scarlet stared back at the woman and answered for the others in the room.ย
"I'm the ace up their sleeve," she said, "a secret guard within Neon's maid attendants meant to be the failsafe in the worst of scenarios."
"What are your other allegiances?" Pakunoda asked.
Chrollo already knew of Scarlet's identity as Donna of the Sapphire Family, under the guise of Echo. Besides her music career and various alliances within the underworld, there was nothing else to share. Scarlet responded accordingly.
"How did you become involved with the Nostrade Family?" Pakunoda asked, curiosity written all over her face.
Scarlet sighed. This question was being asked purely out of personal interest rather than necessity. With furrowed brows, she closed her eyes and recollected her ambitions for revenge against the old money families at the core of the Yorbian Continent trafficking rings. She had destroyed their empire from the inside out, until she reached her final target: a minor family quickly rising to notoriety due to the daughter's clairvoyant abilities.
Scarlet knew this ability as Neon's Lovely Ghostwriter, but the daughter herself was unaware of the aura she possessed or the properties of nen. Surprisingly, Scarlet grew a strong familial bond for the girl with a disgusting hobby; the girl who was her last target. She knew Neon was a former client, taking parts of Scarlet's deceased sisters in trade when they interested her, but she wasn't a driving force to their abuse or deaths; Neon was a secondary customer making use of the waste like slaughterhouse by-products.
It was a nauseating thought Scarlet had grown a desire to protect this girl, whose nativity and spoiled nature had left her detached from understanding the violence and trauma behind her prized โpossessionsโ.
"Interesting. A story of revenge turned sickly sweet," Pakunodaโs words caused displeasure to settle on Scarlet's face at her oversimplification.
Pakunoda turned to face Chrollo as she removed her hand from Scarlet's shoulder.
ย "She's honest and willing to cooperate, which might prove to be useful.โ
Pakunoda explained the information she gained, but showed tact by excluding details from Scarlet's past before working for Neon. However, Scarlet still felt an immense violation of privacy in having any details shared with this group of murderous strangers.
In Pakunoda's explanation of why Scarlet started working for the Nostrade Family, a LOT of eyes fell onto her. It was jarring to process given each of their faces conveyed something unique from one another. A lot of curiosity, maybe a bit of respect or indifference, but a shadow loomed over the group. Something haunting.
A few glances were exchanged before voices picked up around the room as a debate on Scarlet's fate ensued.
โWe should just kill her now that we have all the information we could get from her about the chain user.โย
โI still think Uvo is just out having fun. Thereโs no way this chain user could even touch him.โ
โIf he doesnโt come back, we can use her as a hostage to get to the chain user.โย
โSheโs worthless now, why leave any loose ends. She didnโt help the chain user get to Uvo and Paku confirmed she doesnโt know his next move. Heโs working alone it seems.โ
โDid you see her skills though? Sheโs a skilled nen user. We could make use of her abilities.โ
โAre you suggesting she joins us?!โ
โWell no, but she could still be useful, right? Should we flip a coin?โ
โMore importantly, what do we do if the chain user has killed Uvo?โ
Silence.ย
Having moved to stand again, Chrollo commanded the room through presence only.
โA chain userโฆ Heโs probably a manipulator or conjurer. Uvogin is a dominating fighter but in a one-on-one fight heโs most vulnerable to those two categories. Many conjurers enhance things they create. Some of those abilities could easily render Uvo helpless and a manipulator could manipulate Uvo himself.โ
โI should have gone with him. Damn it!โ A younger blonde man berated himself.ย
โIf he fails to return by dawn, there will be a change in plans.โ
โฅ warnings: explicit | angst, interrogation, self-deprecation/self-loathing, dissociation, derealization, descriptions of blood and witnessing death, confinement
The Spider continues their questioning, digging up memories of the past Scarlet wish could lay dead. She finds herself trapped inside, losing feeling of reality while Chrollo watches on from the shadows. Unable to forget the ghosts that haunt him, Chrollo understands he will have to confront his demons if he wants to keep her by his side. And so begins an unprecedented shift.
โก masterlist
โก previous chapter
โก next chapter
Chrollo took out his phone to write a short text before he retrieved the book from earlier out of his coat pocket. Scarlet prepared herself for something to happen again; however, this time thereโs nothing. Further glance over the book led her to determine the book likely had some affiliation to his nen.
โIs he a Conjurer? An Emitter? Or perhaps a Specialist like me?โ
Chrollo moved to sit across the room from Scarlet as three figures came through the door. Both the taller and shorter men returned, but a different woman accompanied them this time. She was much taller with a delicately slender frame.
โWeโre going to confirm your story first. Check her again, Pakunoda.โ Chrollo motioned at the trio.
The woman approached Scarlet, towering over her as the two men positioned themselves on either side. They made a defensive formation leaving no openings but allowed them to dispose of her in an instant if needed; a reasonable precaution with her aura recovered. She could attempt to escape, but since she didnโt know their abilities there was the chance of being cut down very quickly. Then there was the risk of exposing more about her abilities, with a greater risk of the Spiders finding a way to exploit them. Scarlet gambled that it was best to play along with their interrogation instead of showing her cards or how they worked.
โNow thenโฆโ
This womanโs voice was very familiar. A few seconds of racking her brain led Scarlet to recall it was this voice she heard in her ear back in the large chamber; the one that reacted with surprise to something. Like before, she placed her hand atop Scarlet's shoulder.
โ... How do you know our Boss?โ
โHow much is okay to say?โ
โWe grew up together, for a short while. In Meteor Cityโฆ Chrollo looked after me and my sister like an older brother. We lived in a small hovel, our beds made from broken desks, tables, and discarded blankets. I usually scavenged the smaller piles with Lizzy -โ
Scarlet froze as her sisterโs name slipped out, having not spoken it in so long. It felt foreign. As if she were speaking the name of a stranger yet with a fondness reserved for only the ones whose touch mends the soul of all ailments. A person whoโs light had since long faded into a distant memory.
โA-ah. We would scavenge for anything we could trade for better tools and resources. Chrollo, or as they called him back then, Luci, would take odd jobs for the Elders in exchange for additional food rations. We knew he visited the church often, but my sister and I mostly stuck to the city outskirts.โ
As Scarlet said this, a creak of wood was heard as Chrollo leaned forward in his chair, his face obscured by shadows. A grimace flickered in Pakunodaโs expression, remembering an unpleasant, though unrelated, memory of her own.
โSheโs telling the truth so far. I recognize an Elderโs face.โ
Eyes wide, Scarlet quickly looked at the woman she now knew to be called Pakunoda.
โSheโs from Meteor City? Wait. Can she see my memories?โ
She looked at the other two men in the room to gauge their reactions. Though she couldnโt glean much, she suspected they were from Meteor City as well. She couldnโt imagine Chrollo would trust to include people in this conversation who werenโt. There were unspoken laws, tenets, which everyone from that place abided by, even ones Scarlet still followed.
โIs the whole Troupe from Meteor City?โ
Sweat began to bead on Scarlet's forehead as she realized she might not be able to keep anything hidden from this womanโs abilities.
โHow did you get that scar on your neck?โ
โFuck.โ
โHmm?โ Pakunoda raised an eyebrow and looked towards Chrollo. โLooks like your suspicions were right, Boss.โ
โI-I died, at least, Iโm pretty sure I did.. But I believe it was post-mortem nen that brought me back. I was surrounded by an immense aura.โ Scarlet hastily responded, feeling a need to explain herself before the opportunity was stolen from her.
She didnโt need to see his face to know Chrolloโs eyes were burrowing through her, the hairs on the back of her arm standing up from the mental dissection. She was trying not to reveal too much about her nen out loud, but she was fairly certain this woman now knew enough she could expose at any point. Glancing at the others, the shorter man furrowed his brows but was otherwise hard to read. The taller man was much more transparent in his feelings, his face contorted as if he was staring at a monster.
Scarletโs gaze fell to the ground as her mind wandered, remembering bits and pieces of the trauma leading to her death. She remembered the excruciating pain as her throat burned, unable to breathe or scream.. the metallic taste of blood as it bubbled out of her mouth and the smell that lingered in her nostrilsโฆ the paralyzing fear and hatredโฆ the hot tears rolling down her face as everything went blackโฆ The searing desire to stop the bleeding, to stop Lizzyโs face from turning a blue or her eyes from going dull.
Pakunoda flinched her hand back, knowing she had seen too much. Scarlet didn't notice as she remained lost in her mind, haunted by the memories of a previous life and removed from the world around her. As if she were in a fishbowl the world felt glossy and distant with a dreaded sense of unreality sinking its teeth into her mind. The ringing in her ears grew louder in each passing second.
โSโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆ..Scโฆ..โฆ..letโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆScaโฆ..letโฆ..โฆ.โ Chrolloโs voice eventually rang true, drawing her back into reality, "Scarlet."
As Chrollo stood up, the book faded from his hand; it was definitely nen. Scarlet stared at him blankly.
โDoes he know?โ
โSheโs telling the truth, Boss.โ
โYes. Thank you, Paku. You may all leave again.โ
โBut I havenโt asked why she-โ
โLeave it for now.โ
The two men exchanged disconcerting looks before they hesitantly left the room with Pakunoda in tow. Scarlet watched as Chrollo stared at her from the shadows, clearly deep in his own thoughts as the silence they held was palpable. Though there was no breeze from the windows, reflections of candlelight heavily flickered in his eyes providing the first glimpse into his soul since this interrogation. It only took a mere shift of his weight forward for the defiant flame to cast light onto his face, rife with a mixture of emotions competing for dominance.
Chrollo dared to take a step forward, closing the distance. Scarlet instinctively reached for his face, though what instinct drove this act of tenderness was unclear. He didnโt stop her, rather, allowed the bloodied hand to gently caress his cheek. But with a touch as kind and familiar as herโs, his expression hardened as if all those conflicting emotions were simply erased. Suppressed. A reflex that stung Scarletโs heart, for the shared sweetness between two veiled lovers to have such a bitter reality brought a tear to her shaky eyes. Sheโd always wanted a close look at the face whose voice soothed her soul in those busy evenings. Despite his cold exterior, his attentiveness was enough of a subtle communication. This insurmountable and newfound happiness began to tear into her heart, desperately hoping to find its home within.
Properly studying his features, Scarlet became vulnerable to the world around her. Tears swelled in her eyes as she choked down a sob; a feeble attempt to recollect herself.
โDonโt let yourself feel too much, Scar.โ
With a forbearing sigh, Chrollo grabbed her shoulders to pull her into his chest. Scarletโs body went rigid from the sudden, almost suffocating, closeness as his arms wrapped around the small of her back. His embrace was strong, yet gentle, and so, so warm. She hadnโt realized how the bitter air prickled her skin until this opposing warmth touched it, having lost the impossible battle against melting into his arms. When was the last time she felt secure in the arms of another? Even when mere minutes ago, she was facing death by the hands of this very man?
It didnโt matter. Both her hands clutched the folds of his shirt like a child seeking safety. She felt so small in being enveloped by his jacket, small enough to hide from anything that sought to hurt her.ย
After nearly a decade, something inside Scarlet shattered.ย
Was it the years of restraint? Loneliness? The confusion over her very identity? Tears fell uncontrollably as pain poured out from her soul; wet eyes quickly dampened the shirt she clung to. She was shocked, embarrassed, and ashamed by how messily everything had unraveled; crying in a way she never thought possible. Yet, a hand came to rest on the back of her head to hold her tighter.
โDonโt look at me.โ
A new and ridiculous fear emerged, wanting to bury this version of herself from view forever. It was as if having someone see her so easily broken and defeated was worse than the dire situation she was in itself. She hid her burning face into Chrolloโs chest as she was consumed by self-hatred.
In the arms of death, Scarlet found comfort.
His steady and smooth heartbeat filled her pounding head as she listened to its rhythm, tracking each beat methodically.
Her legs began to give out before she was effortlessly scooped up by Chrollo into his arms. Without a word he carried her out of the light, placed his back to a wall and slid down to the floor together. He leant her back against his chest as she continued to cry, her knees hugged like a lost child fearful of the world. Ironically in this state, Scarletโs greatest fear was being seen, not abandoned. Chrollo wrapped his arms around her waist as his face buried itself into the crook of her neck, seeking a place to peacefully rest.
Did he turn Scarlet around because he knew she wouldnโt want him to see her face? Because he didnโt want her to see his? Or because he didnโt like feeling her tears having dampened his clothes? Scarlet didnโt know.
She did know in that moment, Chrollo's arms were safe. His warmth brought comfort and his calm breath on her neck helped steady her own. Scarlet took in his scent, a familiar musky cologne, as slowly but surely sobs turned to sniffles. She remained there for a while, feeling confused by these sensations of familiarity while knowing just how much of a stranger this man really was. Her stomach twisted as she betrayed her better judgment.
โI thought this would be easier.โChrolloโs voice rumbled lowly in her ear, sending goose bumps across her arms.
Scarlet silently nodded; it was true. In all those months with Chrollo, her mysterious visitor, she never once saw his face. The closest she got was being able to blindly feel out his features and run her hand through his hair. Scarlet knew he was handsome, but only imagination could fill the gaps. He was an enigma that intrigued and excited her. A disembodied voice with a gentle and sensual touch like no other. Being positioned like this was what Scarlet knew best with him.
The two remained on the floor for a while longer before silence filled the room. Scarlet's mind was still trapped in the past, but dissociation slowly pulled her away from it all. Chrollo gently rubbed her arms, waiting for a sign that she was there with him again. As she started to feel his soft squeezes and arm rubs, she tilted her head back against his chest.
โIโm sorry.โ Chrolloโs voice, a sweet whisper in her ear, eased her into the space once more.
โWe were kids... we were powerless.โ
โYes, but that has changed.โ
Scarlet digested the truth to those words. They were both strong now, having created and led their own families of sorts. One having become leader of the world's most wanted criminals while the other is of the underworld's most influential powers. It was a power she gained through vengeance and deceit, but at a great cost to innocence. Could the same be said about the Spiderโs rise to power?
Sitting here in parallel, in contrast, were two souls one in the same.
โThe other Spidersโฆ are they all from Meteor City?โ
โ.... Most... There are a few who come from other places where they were also forgotten by the world.โ
โI see.โ Scarlet thought for a moment before continuing, โIโm glad you were able to find them. They seem to really trust and believe in you.โ
Chrollo ruminated on these words for a moment before responding.
โI may be the head, but Iโm not worth any more than the limbs.โ
Scarlet considered his words carefully before concluding he carries himself as an equal with the rest.
โIโm sure at least one person would disagree.โ
Chrollo grimaced at the thought.
โI trust their judgment to know better, as they do mine.โ
Scarlet felt Chrollo straighten.
โLetโs go.โ
Where? Though the question lingered, her haggard voice couldnโt say the word. She considered refusing until she knew exactly where he planned to take her, but chose to follow his lead instead. She knew she was not in immediate danger anymore, but criticized herself for letting go of her caution so easily. For being blinded by the sense of comfort familiarity brought.
Having walked in stride with each other, Chrollo led Scarlet to a fully furnished room with cathedral style windows, the decorated glass intact. In the middle of the room sat a king-sized bed framed by a large canopy and a plush duvet. The room didn't feel like it was inside a decrepit old building, making her wonder if nen was also involved here.
"It's better than I expected, but why not let me return to my hotel?"
The Sapphire Family owns a number of hotels in Yorknew, most of which being utilized by her associates and allies attending the auction. He should know this, but the decision to keep Scarlet here begged a question as to how much or how little trust Chrollo had in her.
"Hmmโฆ I suppose I don't want to lose you again."
He said this with candor, but her gut believed it to not be the whole truth. He knew very well how and where to find her anytime he wanted to.
"I'll have some clothes prepared while you wash up."
He turned to leave before she stopped him by his sleeve.
"Thank you."
Chrollo let out a pleasant hum as he lifted the hand that stopped him to place a light kiss before exiting the room.
Now alone, Scarlet silently stood in the room to process what just happened. After some time, she proceeded to prepare a bath that surprisingly operated normally, which begged the question how this building even had running hot water. She had been avoiding the mirror, but finally found the courage to assess the mess she was. The piercing ice green of her eyes caught her immediate attention, as they were not the purple she expected. At some point, she must have taken her contacts out while sleeping orโฆ Someone took them out for her. Her gaze was drawn next to the dried blood and dirt caked on her face, then the messy knots and crimson strands of hair clumped together.
All the needed products to wash up were already gathered on the counter next to fresh towels and a neatly folded bathrobe, making Scarlet be led to believe this room was prepared for her ahead of time.
โPerhapsโฆ He had hoped I was telling the truth all along.โ
With a frigid aura, Chrollo stares down at Scarlet, skeptical of her intentions yet curious of how fate drew them together. She's too much of a sudden and inexplicit variable to ignore, but her presence alone poses a threat, leaving him at an impasse. While Scarlet worries for the well-being of a young girl that was in her care, Chrollo refrains from showing any signs of trust until he can determine how to use Scarlet for the Troupe's gain.. but will she oblige?
โก masterlist
โก previous chapter
โก next chapter
The man's dumbfounded expression only lasted a moment before he composed himself once more. His gray eyes bore a hole through Scarlet, a heart dropping experience which felt like an eternity. The silence worsened her anxiety until he finally broke it with a chuckle, then a jarringly disturbed guttural laugh. He removed his hand from her face to cover his own, the corners of his mouth upturned at the absurdity of this situation.
Her heart palpitated when he suddenly stood and slipped his hands into his jacket pockets. He stared down his nose at her with an unrecognizable expression before turning his back, walking a few paces away. Scarlet was left confused and hurt. Was he happy to see her? To know that she was alive? Was he angry at her for not bothering to find him? But how could she have known when she believed him to be dead too? She bit her lip with mindless force, unsure of how to feel.
Consumed by his own thoughts the man looked out over the edge, staring into an unseen space. A strong gust blew Scarlet's sullied hair across her face, breaking her view of the man. She hurriedly brushed it away in fear of losing sight of him, but a few defiant strands stuck to the blood splattered against her skin. As the man's long black coat fluttered in the wind she studied his silhouette, noting the fur trim and the golden St. Peterโs cross design.
Though the wind animated their surroundings, time felt frozen until he turned back to face her. With one still hand in his pocket, he slipped the other through his sleeked black hair, disheveling it. He looked up to the sky for permission to release a deep breath, one to carry away the restraint and animosity which burdened his soul.
Scarlet, too, let out a ragged breath, having just realized she was holding it and was at her limits.
Her mind had endless thoughts desperately that grasped at her options. Should she say something? What would be appropriate to say? Where would she even start? Would he understand anything she did share? Would he think she was lying? As she debated her next move, she failed to notice the taste of fresh blood on her lips.ย
โI see. I have an idea how this happened.โ
He said this coolly, as though he had figured everything out. The confidence behind his words, though they took her aback, reminded her of the boy he once was. Analytical and quick to the uptake, yet steadfast in his ambitions once his mind was made. The brief jog of memory led her to believe he at least likely deduced the partial truth. Except now, he now towered over her as a powerful and dangerous man she knew nothing about. At this thought, his sudden resolve frightened her more; she felt completely left to his mercy.
He stared at the sky for a moment longer before he gave his full attention to her once more.
โI need to confirm if what you say is true. Itโs still possible youโre lying.โ
His words were enough to invite hope into Scarlet's heart believing he had honest intentions, that he wanted to trust her even though she had yet to explain the details. Regardless of this spark, she knew he wouldnโt blindly concede to her story without thorough verification, no matter how much either may have wanted.
โLuci, noโฆ Chrollo.. I...โ Scarlet struggled to find the words she wanted, choosing instead to nod shakily.
Chrollo reapproached without hesitation, sending her heart into a maddening flurry. He grabbed her by the elbows and, to her surprise, was lifted to her feet effortlessly. His stoic gaze lingered on her face before his thumb wiped off the fresh blood, now trickling down her chin. But just as gently as he touched her, he pulled away with a hardened face. The feeling of her heart palpitating in her throat was almost suffocating.
โHeโs so cold.โ
She reminisced about the wonder-filled boy who behaved like a protective older brother. The ache in her heart brought realization on the hardships he must have endured to grow frigid, even in the face of familiarity. Granted, she too was far from the naรฏve girl he once protected, knowing first hand how this cruel world would either harden people into cold sapphires or shatter them like glass.
Chrollo took notice as her face betrayed her. His eyes softened, but his demeanor remained unwavering. Regardless of his outward expression, a strange sense of comfort washed over her from his presence alone. Perhaps it was a longing for family, but... he was no longer the Luci she once knew.
Reaching into his coat, Chrollo pulled out the book from earlier. She noticed the white handprint on it and surmised it was likely not a normal book. He flipped open a few pages before they suddenly were inside a room, their wind-tousled hair falling flat.
โYou can rest here for now.โ
Allowing herself to finally break her gaze from Chrollo, Scarlet absorbed her new surroundings. It appeared she was in a makeshift bedroom as an old mattress lay in the middle of the floor. Dirty, tattered curtains haphazardly hung from the broken windows, allowing for only a faint stream of light. The smell of must lingered in her nostrils as she observed thick layers of dust built on top of the unfrequented surfaces. She had seen worse. Lived in worse.
โI hope you understand that I canโt let you go. While I have many questions, I do not know where your allegiances lie.โ
As his icy words echoed in the room, her mouth ran dry. Until now, she had forgotten her last memories before waking up here. Losing control of her powers regularly led to dire consequences, this time no different. Chrollo was surely made aware of her state before his subordinates captured her.
โI understand,โ Scarlet responded dryly, though the taste of stagnant mildew lingered on her tongue.
Chrollo hummed to himself as he turned on his heels out a door; the only door connected to this space. It closed with a heavy thud, scrape, and click, locking behind him. At first glance, it appeared pointless to have a locked door given the broken windows; however, Scarlet assumed nen was somehow at play. With a quick glance using Gyo, she confirmed the room itself had a latent aura. She would be unable to shield herself from any nen attacks as she could barely stand from exhaustion.
โBest to avoid the possibility.โ
She scoffed at the idea that Chrollo took full advantage knowing how weak and pathetic she was in the moment. It stung how calculated he was, even after their unexpected reunion, though she couldn't blame him.
โIs this the same building as before?โ
She sighed, realizing that information wouldn't help. She didn't know where here was. Were they even still in Yorknew City?
Rummaging around, she found a dusty blanket tucked in a broken cabinet, its door hanging from the hinge. She rationalized that if Chrollo didn't trust her in the end and commanded to have her killed, she'd at least like a fighting chance. Cautiously, she laid on the bed to get a semblance of rest. The mattress had a slight impression in it, making her think that it may have been used recently.
Staring at the ceiling, she analyzed her options and processed the new revelations from this encounter. She had suspicions, between piecing together words that had yet to make full sense, the familiarity of his voice, and the instinctual reactions sheโs had, that Chrollo was him. If her senses hadnโt been frayed and on the edge already, she would have realized sooner. The charming and mysterious man whose smooth voice she had grown to crave, the boy she thought long dead, and the infamous Phantom Troupe leader wanted by the entire Underworld were all the same person: Chrollo Lucilfer.
This complicated things. A LOT.
She let out an exasperated groan as she continued to mull over her options until exhaustion washed over and her vision went blackโฆ
Scarlet sat in front of a vanity in the dressing room provided by the venue. The lights were dimmed to ease her headache now that she had space alone to relax. She found solace here, away from the bright lights, paparazzi, and expectation of perfection. Despite being met by the reflection of a stranger, she felt a strange sense of comfort in seeing her. Sheโs the woman who does not exist yet is known by countless people. The woman who has carried them both through the last few years with tenacity, fearlessness, and uncompromised resolve. She was someone whom Scarlet wished to be. Maybe she was to some degree, but she never believed the confidence found in painstakingly hiding her scars, figuratively and literally, to be entirely authentic. Self-doubt constantly loomed over her, yet she could ignore it so long as she embodied this perfect visage. Her sense of self was fragmented between who she used to be and who she pretends to be. For years she has neglected the person beneath the mask in favour of the one adored, feared, and respected by those around her: Echo Sapphire.ย
Who was Scarlet now though? This was a nagging question that sought resolution with no guidance on where to find it. How does one even begin such soul-searching when theyโve left the corpse to rot, forgotten and alone for years? Yes, it was due to this overwhelming feeling which made Scarlet hide: loneliness. Not a soul alive knew who she was, including herself. Yet, to have felt loneliness over this fact seemed ridiculous. For Scarlet was just an empty shell.ย
But if Scarlet was a shell, why did the pain of loneliness burrow deeper than anything other emotion she felt? It was the only presence that filled the void within this shell; an awareness which served to confuse her more.ย
โInfuriating, really.โ
All she could do to combat this maddening conundrum was to escape and numb herself; however, she had nearly met her demise this way. The sickeningly sweet allure of liquor drew her in still, but she knew better after witnessing its horrors firsthand. Nevertheless, there was a difference between knowing better and doing better. She admitted to herself, she was still a sinner deep down. A sinner who craved numbness in this moment.
Tonight had been difficult. Strange. It was far away yet overbearingly real. So much so she felt trapped in her body, like she desperately wanted to claw away the mask and crawl out of her skin. It was her closing show which fell on the eve of her beloved sisterโs passing. She had always been able to avoid performing on this date, but not today. Itโs not because she had moved on but rather wished to prevent herself from losing resolve. The pain was still raw and easily reopened a state of mind she struggled to escape. She could neither forgive nor forget, at least not until she personally dealt the hand of justice.ย
It was once their dream to share the stage together, but life was cruel and unfair. She knew it would never be. Except tonight was different, Scarlet swore she felt anotherโs presence beside her.ย She wasnโt sure at first, but soon thought it was Lily. Her performance tonight became especially emotional, as though she could hear Lilyโs violin singing along with her melody. A vulnerability which was not unheard by the audience, proven by the standing ovation and flowers they decorated the stage with. Roses, magnolias, and carnations were scattered at her feet, yet it was the sole white lily that struck her heart. It was the only flower she took extra care to safely bring back to the dressing room. It sat elegantly in a pearlescent vase backlit by the vanity lights. Its scent was not strong but pleasant nonetheless.ย
Scarlet felt guilty for the love her fans expressed as it could only be superficial at best. She knew it was genuine for them, but how could she accept it when the person they adored was a lie? She wondered if theyโd be disappointed to know her true self, whomever she may be. She even felt some twisted sense of guilt for how the man she loathed unabashedly doted on her with all his heart. Perhaps it was pity for how he cluelessly followed her into the depths of deception; a web of lies she wove as a necessary evil to deliver justice.ย
โHe had his chance.โ
In a daze of thoughts, she plucked a petal from the lily, noticing how its satin-like softness rolled between her fingers. She gazed at its reflection and how it easily bent to her will. The petal crumpled to the vanity top when Scarlet realized she wasnโt alone.ย
โI thought a lily best captured the purity behind your ballad. Iโm glad to see you like it.โย
A manโs voice echoed from behind, startling Scarlet to defensively activate Ken. In the reflection, she could faintly see the manโs silhouette, though he dared not to venture out from the shadows which shrouded his face. Somehow, this man snuck past the guards stationed outside her dressing room and entered through the door without her noticing. Itโs not the first time someone had tried to covertly approach her, but it was the closest someone had gotten. In hindsight, having the door to her back was not a wise design choice. She mentally noted for her next visit to get a room with a safer layout.
โGet out now before I call security or worse,โ Scarletโs words were coarse with no room for forgiveness, contrary to how she would typically want a fan to interpret her interactions, โIโm not sure how you snuck past the guards, but I wonโt hesitate to use any means necessary to forcibly remove you.โ
A white lie as she determined the man might have used Zetsu to approach, whether knowingly or not was still debatable. Worst case scenario, she knew sheโd be safe with her own nen; however, she preferred not revealing her cards unnecessarily.
โMy hunch was correct. What an exquisite aura you produce. It is brilliant and firm, just as a sapphire.โย
The manโs words seemed to genuinely marvel at Scarletโs aura, but by confirming he knew nen made the scenario much more concerning. This person could be a legitimate threat.ย
โAh, apologies. I mean no harm nor meant to frighten you. I just had to get a closer look. You seeโฆ I could sense your aura from the stage and wondered if it contributed to tonightโs spectacular performance. It was notably more vibrant than previous ones.โ The man paused for what Scarlet presumed to flash a smile, โTruly, I am a fan of your art.โย
Scarlet held an unwavering gaze on the man in the mirror. So long as she kept a visual on him, she could activate her ability in an instant. It wasnโt ideal to have her back to him, but even if she turned as quickly as she could he would have a fraction of a second window to attack. A risk she wasnโt willing to make yet. However, she noticed she still could not sense any aura from him. Did he remain in Zetsu as a show of peaceful intent? Or did he not take her threat seriously to warrant needing nen?
โWell, has your curiosity been satiated yet?โย
The man lightly chuckled, โIt has only grown since Iโve spoken with you. Alas, I know when Iโve overstayed and wish to no longer inconvenience you. I would love to meet again soon though.โ The faceless form shifted in the darkness, raising a hand in an inviting gesture.ย
โIโd prefer not.โ Scarlet hissed as the man turned towards the door.ย
โWe shall see,โ through a smirk he muttered, โ if curiosity does kill the cat.โ
When Scarlet woke up, a single melted candle with wax on the floor stood next to the mattress, its flame flickered in a cool draft from the windows. Next to it was a plate of food. Surprisingly, it wasnโt the stale bread and watery soup she would have expected. On the plate sat a fresh looking sandwich and a clean cup of water, the sight of which was almost comical. It was pickings almost fit for a quaint tea party being served in this rundown room where she was held against her will.ย
โ...Is it really against my will?โ
โIs the food not to your liking?โ
Scarlet blinked at the unfamiliar, almost mocking voice which came from a dark corner. Squinting in the candle light, she made out a short feminine figure, but couldnโt see their features. However, a powerful aura emanated from them.
โBoss left me to watch over you. To make sure you donโt do something stupid, but I guess youโre smart enough not to have tried. Otherwise, you wouldnโt be breathing right now.โ
Scarletโs suspicions of a nen trap were confirmed by the woman's words. Adjusting herself to be sitting straight, she scanned her surroundings and sensed another person's presence just beyond the door.
โDonโt worry itโs not poisoned. If we were to kill you, it would have happened already.โ
Though Scarlet had realized this truth earlier, she knew there was no point in arguing over being made to feel stupid. Despite the meager rest, she felt clear-headed enough to ask the woman the first question that came to mind.
โHow long have I been asleep?โ
โAbout 6 hours.โ
โShit.โ
The underground auction. The mafia. Neon. She wondered what had happened beyond these walls in the time she'd been asleep. Before her mind could spiral into a fear-induced slurry, she took a deep breath, remembering to focus on the immediate danger before her first. Otherwise she would never be unable to protect Neon.
โ... Yea, sheโs awake.โ The woman spoke to someone through a phone.
A few minutes passed until there was a knock on the door. Scarlet looked towards the sound as three figures emerged from the opening - two tall men and a much shorter one. She immediately recognized Chrollo from the silhouette of his coat. She scanned the other two when they stepped into the candle light. The taller man had a long face with his hair in a tight high ponytail and was wearing purple robes. The shorter man had most of his face covered by the collar of his jacket, but his eyes were clearly those of a sadist. Both men stared at her with intensity in return of her visual dissection. Chrollo, on the other hand, looked at her with curiosity.
โLeave us.โ
โBut Boss -โ The taller man protested.
โStay nearby. Iโll let you know when youโre needed.โ
The taller man let out a small huff and promptly left the room. The shorter manโs dark eyes lingered on Scarlet, releasing a flicker of blood lust before he followed his colleague out.
โIโm clearly not welcome.โ
The woman who was in the room with Scarlet earlier gave Chrollo a small nod as she closed the door behind her.
โYou came at an opportune time havenโt you?โ
As he said this, Scarlet's stomach dropped. She could hear the callousness in his voice as he spoke down his nose at her. There was no sense of trust in these words.
โWhy host a tea party if youโre so concerned about me?โ
Instead of cowering at the vague accusation, Scarlet took a risk by responding with the usual snarky banter they shared, back when he was only known to her as the mysterious visitor; when she unknowingly danced with the devil.
โPrey should be well-fed before being devoured by the Spider.โ
โWilling to play with his food? I have a chance.โ
โLook, Iโm just as surprised as you by all of this. We now have a veryโฆ complex relationship that I havenโt got a clue how to address. But I can promise you, my being captured was not some elaborate ploy to distract you from whatever your goals are. I donโt even know what it is you want beyond stealing treasure or who you think I may be working for. That said, I too am unhappy with my business being sullied by your ambitions.โ
Scarlet decided to use the truth as leverage. She really didnโt like having her associates and allies killed as it had a direct impact on her familyโs business and assets. However, she left out a crucial burning thought: the worry she harbored for Neon. She even felt the faint concern for the other Nostrade guards was wise to abstain. There should be no one left alive who knew she was working undercover. Besides, Chrollo did not need any more ways to hold power over her.
Thinking of the Nostrade Family, Scarlet wondered when she grew to care for any of them. They were largely strangers with the exception of Neon and Dalzollene, one of whom was now dead. Right. Scarlet shivered as she remembered finding Dalโs corpse. His lifeless body was traumatizing enough, but coupled with her deep fear for Neonโs safety, she couldnโt bear the thought of losing another person. Another sister. But thatโs what triggered her frenzy, leading her to this predicament.
โFrom what I heard, you were on quite the killing spree. Indiscriminately taking down anyone in your path to find us.โ
โIt is a bit of a haze.. I - I wasnโt.. in control most of that time. Iโm sure your subordinates can attest to my state of mind.โ
โThatโs not too much information is it? It's not entirely true, but itโs too big a risk to expose any vulnerability. As long as he doesnโt learn the conditions that led to it. I just need to say enough for him to start trusting me.โ
Chrollo chuckled with an unrecognizable tone, snapping Scarlet out of her thoughts. Did he think what she said was interesting or did he take her words as a joke?
Scarlet never considered the possibility of seeing him again, believing Chrollo to be dead for years, let alone that he is the 'man of mystery' who's visits she's come to expect. In a twist of fate, she finds herself helplessly navigating a world full of heartbreak, mistrust, deception, pain, and grief in hopes of healing the ghosts that haunt her. Is a future together possible or does Scarlet prepare herself for this to be just fleeting desire? Is it even possible for either of them to know what love truly is?
โฅ a/n: If you are confused why you're seeing this, its because this is a 3rd person perspective version of the Scarlet Web Series. (yes, I am insane lmao)
The words echoed in Scarlet's mind as blood rushed to her face. Her ears popped from the strain as she stared up at the man, who was once a boy she knew. Itโs hot. The room was spinning. Yet, this man loomed over her. She felt so nauseated she had to swallow hard to keep the bile down. Her body was in shock, breaking out into a cold sweat. He was saying something, but she couldn't focus. Just a few words here and there came through.
โThis isnโt how we were supposed to meetโฆ?โ
Scarlet repeated those words as if they meant something, but she didn't know what at this moment.
The man continued to stare down at her with cold contempt. It wasn't the first time she had heard this man's voice. In fact, she was quite familiar with it, but yet again, it didn't stick in her mind long enough to mean anything.
She had woken up in a strange place surrounded by people she was sure could kill her in an instant. Their threatening aura was hard to ignore as it encased her, heightening the awareness of her weak state. But even this wasn't enough to stop her mind from running wild as she stared bewildered at the dominating man before her.
There were maybe half a dozen or more voices echoing in the chamber, but she couldn't concentrate long enough to count. Words continued to be spoken all around, buzzing in and out of her conscious mind.
โCheck her.. useful.. chain userโฆโ
With sudden clarity, her mind focused on a single thought.
โDoes he know?โ
Without breaking her gaze towards the man, Scarlet tried to stand up.
There were murmurs from behind as she was pushed back down. Unable to resist the force, her knees buckled to the ramshackle floor. She stared at her trembling hands covered in blood and dust. She couldn't even remember if the blood was hers or someone else's.
A hand was placed on her shoulder as a woman spoke into her left ear.
โDo youโฆโ her ears were ringing, โ... chain user?โ
Scarlet couldn't comprehend what was happening. The woman's voice growled harsher in her silence. She could feel the stranger's minty breath on her face but her mind was racing, thinking of the only thing she was certain of.
โHe doesnโt know.โ
She lifted her head once more to see the man was now holding a book. He was still talking to her - no, at her - while facing one of his subordinates. Scarlet's dizzying mind continued to make the room spin despite her efforts to focus her vision. However, when his eyes finally met hers again, she had a jolt of clarity. Was it the piercing gaze of his steel gray eyes?
โWhat is it you want?โ The voice from the left asked.
She felt the woman's hand go tense with a faint gasp. She was reacting to something, but Scarlet's eyes were unwaveringly locked on the man. She had no intention of focusing on anyone else.
The woman hesitantly spoke.
โBossโฆโ
Her voice trailed off in a struggle to find the words to describe what she saw.
Scarletโs throat burned as anticipation swelled up inside, now trembling with adrenaline. The man spoke to the woman, though Scarlet didnโt care to hear before brazenly cutting him off; her body acted without thought.
She called out the name of the boy she once knew as if it were a question.ย
Silence.ย
Did time freeze? There was a stiffness to the air, with tension so sharp it cut into her soul.
The manโs eyes darted back to Scarletโs, stabbing through her like ice. Her breath hitched while the rest of the room remained still. He maintained an expressionless gaze.. No.. There was something there, so faint, so subtle, it would have been missed if she blinked. However, she was unable to understand what emotion, if any, he felt as it was gone in the same instant; an elusive fragment she could never capture.
A spike in the surrounding aura put Scarlet on alert, filled with blood lust andโฆ anger? Without hesitation the man raised a hand, quelling the groupโs energy back. She was certain even a flinch in those precious seconds would have meant death. The man looked back at the woman next to her.ย
She gave a hesitant nod before the manโs eyes bounced back to the purple hues of Scarletโs - well actually - Echoโs eyes. Silently, he moved forwards, walking down from the platform which he towered over her from. Step after step, gravel crunched at his feet, echoing in the hollow chamber. By now, Scarlet had forgotten there were others in this room for how deathly still it was. The man's looming presence only grew the closer he drew near.
On the final step he closed the book in his hand. In an instant, Scarlet found herself outside. Alone. With him. The strong howling wind had caught her by surprise as her senses adjusted to the jarring change. She thought they were on top of a building but found herself unable to break her gaze to confirm.
Now directly in front of Scarlet, the man knelt down. The two stared at each other, face to face, less than a foot apart. He took her chin in one hand, placing his thumb over her dried and smeared lipstick. His free hand reached behind her neck and unclasped the thick gold choker she wore, removing it effortlessly. He tilted her head upwards, then side to side as his eyes scanned the pallid skin of her face and neck. She watched closely for any sign of emotion, yet he remained terrifyingly stoic.
Scarlet knew what he was looking for.
At that moment, she dared to move her hands up from the ground. With a gentle touch, she brought one to rest on the hand holding her chin, halting his movements. Scarlet raised her other hand to her neck, cuffing it with her clammy palm. She rubbed it in place then slowly dragged her hand down, revealing a scar underneath smudged foundation. The old, but deep, long scar across her throat held the man's entire focus.
For the first time, she saw a flicker of recognizable emotion in his eyes: Pain.
Her lip quivered as she whispered out his childhood name once more; a name only the two of them, and her sister, knew of.
"Luci."
His eyes floated up to meet Scarlet's. They had softened, perhaps only just enough for her to see and no one else.
His voice, now slightly raspy, echoed in her mind.
โHow did you survive?โ
He said this as though he was thinking out loud, not so much as a question for Scarlet to answer. However, his gaze prompted her to respond as if asked.
