KuraSen

KuraSen is the het ship between Kurapika and Melody from the Hunter x Hunter fandom.

Yorkshin Arc
Kurapika and Melody meet for the first time at the Nostrade Mansion, where both Hunters are looking to be hired by Light Nostrade. They undergo a screening test where they, along with several others, are unexpectedly attacked and must find the two imposters within the group. Kurapika finds the first through observation, and the second with his Dowsing Chain. Melody voices her agreement with Kurapika's judgement of the imposters, saying that she could hear the heartbeat of a liar due to her nen ability. Kurapika and Melody both take a moment to state that they do not suspect each other of being imposters, though Kurapika mistakes Melody for a boy which the latter corrects.

After both of them are hired as bodyguards to Neon Nostrade, they travel to Yorkshin where they are assigned the duty of watching the main entrance of the Cemetery Building together, where an auction is set to take place. They take their positions on the roof of a building, spending a moment to survey the entrance and report to Dalzollene, before Melody asks Kurapika what the scarlet eyes mean to him. She is curious because she took note of Kurapika's heartbeat when the eyes were mentioned during the screening test, explaining that his heartbeat had turned violent and deeply angry. Kurapika, realizing that it is useless to lie to her, explains his past and his goal to collect the eyes of his deceased clansmen. When Kurapika asks Melody whether or not she will report him to their superior, Melody replies that she won't because, "I don't want to be killed," to which Kurapika replies, "You can figure out that much..." Melody explains that it's again because of Kurapika's heart which beats calmly but coldly, telling her that Kurapika is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.

When Kurapika asks Melody why she took the job with Nostrade, Melody jokes that she might be the one to lie this time, and Kurapika replies that he would be able to tell by looking at her eyes. When Melody reveals some of her past, they lock gazes for a moment before Kurapika notes that, while she didn't lie, she wasn't telling the whole truth. Melody laughs and agrees, revealing to Kurapika about her goal to locate the Sonata of Darkness, the piece of music which cursed her appearance but which also gave her the ability to sense heartbeats, as well as influence the emotions of others through her music. When Kurapika expresses his doubt about the existence of the sonata, Melody pulls up her sleeve to reveal the extent of her curse, causing Kurapika to break out in a sweat, and she offers to show him a picture of herself before the curse. Melody states that she wants to find the sonata and destroy it in order to get her old body back, as well as make sure that no one else will ever have to suffer the same misfortune that she did.

Soon after, some items of interest from the auction are stolen, so the Nostrade bodyguards are sent after the thieves. Observing from a distance, Kurapika becomes enraged when he realizes that the thieves are none other than the Genei Ryodan. He announces his intention to fight the Ryodan by himself and, sensing his heartbeat, Melody realizes that Kurapika is beyond reason due to his rage. She uses her nen ability to calm him down by playing "Fields of Spring" on her flute. Gently, she advises Kurapika that they should think before acting and Kurapika thanks her, saying that he's recovered himself thanks to her help.

When Dalzollene is killed by the Ryodan, the remaining Nostrade bodyguards decide to choose a new leader as Dalzollene's replacement. Melody nominates Kurapika for the role, stating that, "It's he who captured Uvogin, and I think he has good judgement. Isn't he the most responsible among us?"

Throughout the Yorkshin arc, Kurapika and Melody are seen communicating with each other, keeping one another informed on the developing situations. When Melody and Basho accompany Neon to the Lingon airport, Basho asks Melody if she thinks Kurapika will be okay, to which Melody responds, "According to what I read with my flute, he seems to have recovered some strength but... I know he has one priority set that he will fulfill before everything else. He won't hesitate to sacrifice everything to reach his goal." After Kurapika kills Uvogin, learns of the Ryodan's (faked) deaths, and purchases the scarlet eyes at the auction, he is emotionally wrung out. Noticing this and concerned for Kurapika's wellbeing, Melody tells him, "We'll take care of the auction... and the shopping. You can use that time to rest if you want."

When Kurapika learns that the Ryodan were not actually killed, but rather their deaths were faked, he decides to pursue them with the help of his friends, specifically requesting Melody's assistance because of her superhearing ability. When Gon and Killua are captured by the Ryodan for a second time due to Kurapika's recklessness, Melody reminds Kurapika to be patient and not to lose his cool when dealing with his enemies. She reassures him that he will get his chance to strike eventually.

After Chrollo is captured by Kurapika and his friends and restrained inside their car, Chrollo informs Kurapika that he doesn't fear death and moreover, that his death will not affect the Ryodan — they will simply elect a new head and continue to exist. Angry and agitated, Kurapika asks Melody what Chrollo means when he speaks cryptically, along with whether or not he is telling the truth. Melody reads his heartbeat, telling Kurapika that "it is the melody of someone who has already accepted death." Disturbed by what she hears in both Kurapika and Chrollo's heartbeats, she exclaims that she doesn't want to hear anymore, which Kurapika shows some concern and remorse towards.

During the hostage exchange with Pakunoda, Kurapika relies on Melody's ability to determine whether or not Pakunoda is lying, as well as whether or not the hostages have been tampered with. While watching the exchange, Melody can read the confusion and agitation in Kurapika's own heart as Kurapika comes to terms with the humanity displayed by Pakunoda for her comrades, realizing that his mortal enemies are not simply cruel and heartless people but individuals who care for each other.

Greed Island Arc
After the exchange of hostages, Kurapika falls ill with a fever. Melody tries to cure him with her flute but it doesn't work. Both her and Leorio are seen watching over Kurapika while he sleeps off his illness. After he wakes up, Melody informs Kurapika about the state of the auction and Neon's own desire to return home after the death of Squala, telling Kurapika that they are off-duty for the time being so he can continue to rest. He falls back asleep immediately.

Once Kurapika has recovered, he and Melody travel to Lingon airport to return to their employer. Leorio accompanies them, pulling Melody off to the side for a moment to say, "Take good care of Kurapika! With you, somehow, he lets down his guard. From what I've seen, he confides easily in you. I'm counting on you to restrain his actions." Melody smiles and agrees, complimenting Leorio on the exceptional warmth of his own heartbeat.

Fanon
KuraSen has a decent amount of popularity within the Hunter x Hunter fandom, though it is largely overshadowed by more popular Kurapika ships such as Leopika and KuroKura. Fans of this pairing feel that Melody is a calming influence on Kurapika, and that, due to her unique nen ability, she is the only one who can calm Kurapika down when he gives into his rage. KuraSen is seen as a healthy relationship and many fans seem to respect this ship, even if they don't ship it themselves. Some also prefer to see this as a platonic friendship.

A variation of KuraSen would be the poly ship including Leorio, LeoSenPika. KuraSen is the most written ship for Melody on AO3, and one of the most written het ships for Kurapika, rivaled by KuraNeo.

Fandom
FAN FICTION
 * KuraSen tag on FanFiction.net
 * KuraSen tag on FanFiction.net

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