Winds of change.

Pairo and Ikki sat at the kitchen table, brainstorming birthday party ideas for Kurapika. They sipped warm tea and nibbled on sweet pastries as they discussed various options.

Ikki suggested, "We could get him a new journal." "He's always scribbling in them."

Pairo shook his head. "Too predictable. We need something truly special, something that he would never expect."

"I have an idea," he added "let's create a personalized notebook with his name engraved on it. That way, he will feel more attached to it and cherish it more."

Ikki thoughtfully rubbed his chin. "What about a rare book from the library's restricted section? Or how about we hardcover his favorite book?"

Pairo agreed with a nod. "Yes, those are excellent suggestions. But we must think bigger. Something that will astound him."

Pairo's foot got caught on the edge of the rug as he went to grab the sheet of paper, and he stumbled forward, his hands flailing in an attempt to regain his balance.

However, it was too late. He slammed into the nightstand, his jaw taking the brunt of the blow. There was a sickening crunch, and blood splattered across the floor like a geyser from his mouth.

Kurapika, who was on his way to the room with refreshments, heard the uproar and dashed to the scene. He took in the scene before him, his heart racing. As blood pooled around Pairo, he lay crumpled on the ground, clutching his fractured jaw.

"Pairo!" Kurapika yelled, his eyes flashing with an otherworldly crimson glow, as if they held a precious gem within their depths…."What happened?"

Ikki, who had been in the room with Pairo, voiced his concern . "He just tripped and hit the nightstand," he said, his eyes flickering between Kurapika and Pairo.

As he saw Kurapika's eyes suddenly change color, Ikki couldn't help but feel a sense of shock and confusion wash over him. He had never seen anything like this before, and he questioned whether this world was as normal as he believed.

"What the hell just happened?" Ikki muttered to himself, his eyes fixed on Kurapika's crimson gaze. "Did he just use some kind of supernatural ability?"

He looked over at Pairo, who was still unconscious on the ground, and couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. If Kurapika truly did possess some kind of otherworldly power, what else was out there in the world that he had yet to encounter?

Kurapika's mind was racing as he knelt down beside his friend. He could see the pain etched across Pairo's face, and he knew that they needed to act fast if they were to help him. "Get Grandma," Kurapika ordered, his voice firm. "We need to get Pairo some medical attention right away."

Ikki nodded, his expression grim as he hurried out of the room to fetch the elder. Kurapika could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for help to arrive. His face pale 'Please not again… Please not Pairo' .

As Pairo lay on the floor, Ikki wheeled quickly to get him out of the room and call Grandma. "Please, hurry! Pairo needs medical attention!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency.

Grandma appeared moments later, her expression grave as she assessed the situation. "What happened here?" she asked, her tone stern.

"He fell and hit his jaw," Ikki explained, his eyes filled with concern.

Grandma's expression grew more concerned as she heard Pairo's words. Kurapika felt a lump form in his throat as he watched his friend struggle to speak. He had never seen Pairo in so much pain before.

Suddenly, Pairo's body convulsed, and he let out a strangled cry. Kurapika and Ikki both jumped in surprise, their hearts racing.

"What's happening to him?" Kurapika asked, his voice shaking.

Grandma's face was grim as she held Pairo still. "He's having a seizure," she said, her tone urgent. "Ikki, go get the herbs I left on the kitchen counter. We need to calm him down."

Ikki nodded and wheeled out of the room, leaving Kurapika to watch Pairo continue to shake in horror.

It felt like an eternity before Ikki returned with the herbs, but in reality, it was only a few moments.

Grandma quickly mixed the herbs together and administered them to Pairo, who began to calm down almost immediately. His breathing evened out, and his body stopped shaking.

Kurapika breathed a sigh of relief, his heart still racing from the fear of what had just happened. "Is he going to be okay?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Grandma looked up at him, her eyes filled with sympathy. "He's stable for now, but he needs to rest," she said. "And we need to keep an eye on him. There could be more complications."

Pairo struggled to form coherent sentences, his words coming out in jumbled, disjointed fragments.

"I...it hurts...my eyes...blurry," he managed to gasp out.

Kurapika's heart sank as he realized that Pairo's injury was a result of his past mistakes.

"Pairo, I'm so sorry," he murmured, his voice filled with remorse.

Pairo gave him a weak smile. "It's okay, Kurapika. I did what I had to do to save you," he whispered.

Kurapika felt a lump form in his throat at Pairo's words, a profound sense of gratitude and guilt washing over him.

Ikki's eyes widened at this news, his concern for his friend evident. "What do you mean, blurry? Has it been getting worse?" He asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Pairo nodded weakly, his eyes brimming with tears. "I...I think so. I can't see very well anymore," he murmured.

At this, Grandma's expression grew even graver. "It could be related to his past injury," she said, her voice low and solemn.

Ikki's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "What injury?" he asked, his voice urgent.

"I.... felt... from a cliff!" exclaimed a rasped Pairo.

Grandma nodded in agreement. "It's possible that the injury has caused further complications. We will need to monitor him closely."

As Grandma finished tending to Pairo's injuries, Ikki approached her with a concerned expression.

"Grandma, can you tell me more about the Kurta clan's condition?" he asked.

Grandma's expression grew serious as she spoke. "The Kurta clan has a crimson iris, a trait that is unique to our people. Unfortunately, this trait has led to discrimination and persecution throughout our history."

Ikki's brow furrowed in confusion. "Why would people discriminate against something like that?"

"Superstition, fear, and ignorance," Grandma replied with a sad sigh. "Some people believe that the crimson eyes are a sign of evil or a curse. Others simply fear what they do not understand. But the consequences for our people have been devastating."

She went on to explain how the Kurta clan had been hunted and killed by body collectors, who coveted their eyes as valuable treasures. "We were forced to flee to obscure arenas, where we could live in secret and protect ourselves from those who sought to harm us," she said.

Ikki listened in shock and horror, unable to fathom how people could be so cruel and unjust. "That's terrible," he murmured.

Kurapika's eyes widened in disbelief as he listened to Grandma's words. "Body collectors? People really did that?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Grandma nodded solemnly. "Yes, they did. And they still do, to this day. That's why we must be careful, even here in our own village. We can never be too careful."

Kurapika's mind was reeling with the implications of what he had just heard. He couldn't imagine living in a world where people were so ruthless and greedy. "But why would they want our eyes?" he asked, his voice filled with confusion.

Grandma's expression grew grave. "For some, it is a matter of superstition. They believe that possessing a Kurta's eyes will bring them good luck or power. For others, it is simply a matter of money. The market for rare and valuable items is a dangerous one, and our eyes are unfortunately a target for those who seek to profit from them."

Ikki shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe people would do something like that. It's so...inhuman."

Grandma sighed heavily. "Yes, it is. But it is the world we live in, and we must do what we can to protect ourselves and our people."

Kurapika felt a deep sense of anger and frustration welling up inside him. He couldn't accept the idea that his people were being persecuted and hunted for something as trivial as the color of their eyes. "But it's not fair," he protested. "Why should we have to hide and live in secret?"

The elder looked at Kurapika sternly, his expression unreadable. "Because the world is not fair, Kurapika. We must learn to navigate it as best we can, and protect ourselves from those who would do us harm."

Kurapika bristled at the elder's words. He knew that she was trying to protect him and his people, but he couldn't help feeling frustrated and trapped. "But what about living? What about experiencing the world outside of our village? Don't we have a right to that?"

The elder's expression softened slightly, and he placed a hand on Kurapika's shoulder. "Of course we do, my child. But it must be done carefully and with the proper precautions. That is why we require the exam. It is a way for our young people to prove themselves."

Kurapika nodded slowly, his mind still racing with conflicting emotions.

Ikki nodded, his mind whirling with thoughts and emotions. He just couldn't understand WHY?! This one dominant thought occupied his mind.

....

As I made my way through the dense forest, my eyes scanned the terrain for any potential obstacles. My heart raced with anticipation, knowing that I had to reach Grandma's dwelling before nightfall.

The foliage around me grew thicker and more challenging to navigate, but I moved with the agility and precision.

In the darkness you could see a light hair that reflected moonlight.

I leaped over fallen trees, dove under low-hanging branches, and even swung from vines to move faster.

The wind whipped through my hair as I ran, the rustling of leaves and the sound of my footsteps the only noise in the stillness of the forest. I felt a bead of sweat trickles down my forehead, but I didn't slow down, my focus was solely on my destination.

Suddenly, a group of monkeys swung down from the trees, their angry chatter filling the air. I skidded to a stop, my heart racing as they circled around me, their teeth bared in a warning.

I stood still, not wanting to provoke them. But just as I was about to make a run for it, one of the monkeys lunged at me, its sharp claws outstretched.

I reacted quickly, dodging its attack and landing a swift kick to its side. The monkey yelled and scurried away, and the rest of the group followed suit, sensing my power.

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding with adrenaline as I continued on my journey. I could hear the sound of a nearby stream, and I knew that I was getting closer.

I emerged from the dense forest into a small clearing, and there it was—Grandma's dwelling, a modest hut made of wood and thatch. I felt a sense of relief wash over me, knowing that I had made it in time.

I ran towards the door, my body moving with a grace and fluidity that belied my exhaustion. As I reached out and grasped the handle, I could feel my heart racing with anticipation.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside, my heart racing with anticipation. The room was alive with energy, and my eyes darted around, taking in every detail. The walls were draped with bright, vibrant banners, and the ceiling was adorned with twinkling lights that cast a warm, inviting glow over the space.

The air was thick with the scent of delicious food and sweet perfume, and my mouth watered at the sight of the feast spread out before me. On the long, wooden table, there were plates full of tasty meats and colorful vegetables, as well as platters of fruits, cheeses, and sweets.

But it wasn't just the decorations or the food that left me speechless. It was the people—the faces of my family, Ikki, and Pairo, all smiling and beaming with joy. They had gathered together to celebrate my birthday, and the sight of their love and affection filled me with a deep sense of gratitude.

A chorus of cheers and laughter erupted around me, and I was suddenly swept up in a sea of hugs and well wishes. My cheeks flushed with warmth as I hugged each person in turn, feeling their love and appreciation wash over me.

As I pulled away from the last hug, my eyes met Pairo's, and I felt a lump form in my throat. He had risked everything to save me in the past, and I knew that this celebration was as much for him as it was for me.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion.

Pairo smiled at me, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "Of course, Kurapika. We're family, and we take care of our own."

The air was filled with the sound of clinking glasses and laughter, and I realized that the people I loved most in the world were all around me. It was a moment that I would never forget—a moment of pure happiness and joy that would stay with me always.

"Happy birthday, Kurapika!" Ikki exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

Pairo, who had recovered, added his own well-wishes. "We wanted to surprise you, my friend," he said, his eyes shining with excitement.

I was speechless, and my heart was filled with a sense of gratitude and love. "Thank you," I managed to whisper, my voice choked with emotion.

As the night wore on, we laughed and danced and sang, our spirits soaring on the wings of joy and friendship. And as the fire crackled in the hearth, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope for the future.

As the celebration for Kurapika's birthday continued, the mood was light and festive. Everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves, and there was a sense of joy and camaraderie in the air.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew in through the open window, causing chaos in the room. The curtains billowed wildly, and a vase of flowers teetered on the edge of a nearby table. Just as Kurapika's family and friends were trying to grab onto the vase, the wind picked up, and the vase toppled over, spilling water and petals all over the floor.

Kurapika couldn't help but laugh at the situation. "Looks like we've got a bit of a storm on our hands," he said, grinning.

As everyone tried to clean up the mess, Pairo stumbled over a stray cushion, and his face went straight into the birthday cake.

There was a collective gasp, followed by a burst of laughter as Pairo emerged from the cake, covered in frosting.

Kurapika couldn't help but join in on the laughter. "Looks like you got a little too excited about the cake, Pairo," he joked.

Pairo wiped the frosting from his face, chuckling. "I couldn't help myself. It looks too delicious to resist," he said, grinning.

The moment of lightheartedness helped ease the tension in the room, and soon everyone was joking and laughing again, enjoying the festivities of Kurapika's birthday.

...

The elder looked at Kurapika with a serious face as he paced back and forth, his eyes wide and bright.

"You are too young and inexperienced to venture out into the world," the elder said firmly, his voice filled with the weight of his years.

Kurapika scoffed. "I am not a child; I am a capable young man" he pointed his nose up ". I am fully capable of handling myself; I have studied the ways of the world extensively. I am ready."

The elder shook his head, a look of concern etched on his face. "The world is a dark and dangerous place, Kurapika. You have no idea what lies beyond the safety of our village."

Kurapika's eyes narrowed, his tone growing more forceful. "I am aware of the dangers, elder. But isn't it unfair of you to confine us here?"

The elder sighed heavily, his expression softening slightly. "I understand you... I truly do". He added slowly " I was just like you".

Then he sighed "But Kurapika. But you must also understand that your actions have consequences. If you venture out into the world and get hurt or worse..., it will not only affect you but our entire clan."

Kurapika's resolve did not waver. "I am willing to take that risk. I must see what lies beyond these walls; I must find someone...

The elder regarded him with a scrunched face. "You are a brilliant boy, but you're too young for god's sake; you're only twelve. How do you expect your family to accept this?"

"You cannot simply leave this village, Kurapika," the elder warned sternly. "You know the dangers that lurk beyond our borders. The outside world is full of darkness and treachery, and you are still just a child."

Kurapika bristled at this, his desire for adventure unyielding. "I understand the risks, but I am capable of taking care of myself," he countered. "Why must I be confined to this small corner of the world? I want to see everything that lies beyond!"

The elder's expression hardened, his voice growing cold. "If you were to leave, your family would be punished for your disobedience. They would bear the consequences of your reckless actions."

Kurapika's eyes widened at this, the weight of his decision suddenly bearing down on him. He knew that he could not risk putting his loved ones in danger, but the thought of remaining in the village for years to come filled him with despair.

The elder seemed to sense his inner turmoil, his voice softening slightly. "I understand your desire for adventure, Kurapika. But you must prove yourself first. Take the exams, and if you pass, then and only then," he stopped and stared at him "You will be granted the freedom to explore the world beyond."

Kurapika's mind raced with possibilities; the prospect of going outside was just too exciting to pass up.

"I will do it," he declared, his voice firm.