[It's so disconcerting to see Kurapika move so gracelessly, having seen plenty of him before both in combat and out.
...Extremely concerning, too.]
Break...?
[He'll remove his shades to take a closer look, but even with them on he could tell Kurapika didn't seem physically injured.]
...Just eat that sugar for now.
[Hopefully it helps. They've got an oddly crisp, refreshing flavor; much like Ahito's attempts at healing, there's a soothing quality that would be perfect for washing away the muddled haze that comes with overheating from exertion.]
[ His hand tenses when Ahito grabs onto it, but it doesn't take more than a second or two before he grips that hand back like it's a lifeline. Even through the pain, exhaustion, and fear he feels right now, that hand feels like a bit of light in the darkness for him to cling onto. ]
There was a cursed object. You don't have to tell me it was stupid, but I touched it, thinking I could cleanse it more easily if I did.
[He will keep holding on, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.]
A curse...
[He repeats the word gravely. He's studied curses for fun - a morbid reminder of all the ways one's resentment of a life unfulfilled could remain in the world long after the user passed.]
...So, what, then? Will you let it keep eating away at you - because it's a punishment?
[ He shifts his hand, threading their fingers together so he can feel the warmth of Ahito's palm more thoroughly against his own. It's been a long time since he's allowed himself something like this, and the comfort that it brings is undeniable. ]
Of course not. I'll adjust and learn to deal with it so that I can keep going.
[He'll allow their fingers to thread - gripping his hand tight in return.]
We need to get it purified. There's things you need to do - a place you need to return to, right?
Don't leave something like this to fester. No matter how strong you are, it could destroy you and every chance you have of achieving the things you want.
[Don't let your body and soul break down like him-]
If there's no cure, there's no cure. But at least find out if there's one, first.
[Maybe it's a good thing Kurapika can't see - the distress on his face doesn't quite make it to his voice.
...It does make it to his hand, though, grip still tight. It's a bitter thing, feeling robbed of his unnatural healing magic, but more and more its absence is felt in this place.]
I can be your eyes, if you need - see if the library has anything. If it's a curse, though, you'll probably want to find someone representing the East.
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...Extremely concerning, too.]
Break...?
[He'll remove his shades to take a closer look, but even with them on he could tell Kurapika didn't seem physically injured.]
...Just eat that sugar for now.
[Hopefully it helps. They've got an oddly crisp, refreshing flavor; much like Ahito's attempts at healing, there's a soothing quality that would be perfect for washing away the muddled haze that comes with overheating from exertion.]
I'm assuming you guys tried healing?
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Kurapika twists, turning around so that he's on his back. Bringing his hands up to his temples, he starts to rub them. ]
No one else knows.
[ Welcome to the true nature of being friends with Kurapika, Ahito. He never tells anyone anything. ]
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...
Do you want me to try?
[He's no Southern wizard, but...]
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Don't. I don't think it's worth the effort. Whatever this is... it's a punishment.
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Punishment for what?
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[ His hand tenses when Ahito grabs onto it, but it doesn't take more than a second or two before he grips that hand back like it's a lifeline. Even through the pain, exhaustion, and fear he feels right now, that hand feels like a bit of light in the darkness for him to cling onto. ]
There was a cursed object. You don't have to tell me it was stupid, but I touched it, thinking I could cleanse it more easily if I did.
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A curse...
[He repeats the word gravely. He's studied curses for fun - a morbid reminder of all the ways one's resentment of a life unfulfilled could remain in the world long after the user passed.]
...So, what, then? Will you let it keep eating away at you - because it's a punishment?
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Of course not. I'll adjust and learn to deal with it so that I can keep going.
[ No matter what, he will achieve his goals. ]
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[He'll allow their fingers to thread - gripping his hand tight in return.]
We need to get it purified. There's things you need to do - a place you need to return to, right?
Don't leave something like this to fester. No matter how strong you are, it could destroy you and every chance you have of achieving the things you want.
[Don't let your body and soul break down like him-]
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I know. But we need to be prepared for no cure at all.
[ Kurapika opens his eyes again as the pain in his head begins to dull. Hm.
Maybe this will recede. ]
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[Maybe it's a good thing Kurapika can't see - the distress on his face doesn't quite make it to his voice.
...It does make it to his hand, though, grip still tight. It's a bitter thing, feeling robbed of his unnatural healing magic, but more and more its absence is felt in this place.]
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I'll look. I haven't read of anything like this in the library before, but maybe our two caretakers might know something.
[ Ah, but he can't let the tight grip of Ahito's hand go unnoticed either. ]
Don't worry so much, Ahito. I'll figure this out.
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[Smh pika!!]
I can be your eyes, if you need - see if the library has anything. If it's a curse, though, you'll probably want to find someone representing the East.
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I could ask Yamato. [ He frowns. ] But I don't want him to worry like you are right now either.
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[Is it easier to bear if he makes it sound funny.]
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You have a point, I guess. I didn't think merely touching it would cause all of this, but... it's good to know for the future.
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[He would, of course. But also what if not???
How's Kurapika's grip, now? Relaxing any?]
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I can't make a promise, but I'll do my best. [ Promises are bad, after all. ] At least now we know the extent of what we're working with.
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[Norths are a cautious sort, it seems.
Anyway he'll keep a gentle hold on Kurapika's hand, but it's heartening to know it's improving.]
Do you want me to fetch Yamato later? Or should I hit the books first?
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[ He breathes out, his vision slowly starting to creep back in. ]
Whatever this is, I think it goes away after a certain amount of time.
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[And at least Ahito's calmed enough to no longer be visibly distressed even if Pika can see him again.]
I'll see what I can dig up.
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[ His eyes are completely back to their normal cool brown, and he lets go of Ahito's hand so he can sit up. ]
I should be able to help too.
[ But... not right now. ]
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...I will. I'm exhausted beyond the curse itself.
[ The curse hasn't had any impact on him other than what just happened. But the knowledge of it? That's weighing him down. ]
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If you need any food or water from the kitchens, I can probably grab you something.
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