Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Hunter X Hunter rights belong to Togashi the man, the myth, the Dragon Quest player.
Info: I decided to make this story after reading several AU stories about Kurapika and Chrollo. I will be using the translated names as you can see from the introduction. This will allow me some time away from my ongoing story Sapphire Sorceress. This is also to keep my mind off the depressing latest updates from the ongoing series that's not on hiatus at the time of this chapter. Hope you all appreciate this story like the SS.
Rubrum Oculus Aranea: I The New Limb
Each day on earth new life is born and life also drifts away.
Sometimes it's the natural way of the world, but in other cases, a life might become stolen too soon. Humans would do anything to stay alive for as long as they can. The universe was not balanced realm so there were those born gifted with abilities that made them stronger or better than others. It could be considered knowledge, wisdom, power, or any kind of talent. This divided the race called mankind on the planet Earth. Many continents became filled with unique types of different cultures of population, and the dark continents still unknown to the human world were different in their cultures.
The tribe blessed with the red eyes had become desired by many people who've known about the Kurta clan. From those who got to meet them felt they were very talented people feeling their tribe would last for a long time. They never expected the massacre that claimed all but one. That remaining boy would be chained into a drive of revenge. He would seek out the eyes stolen from the corpses of his clan members. His other drive to murder the Spider for their role in the incident. The jail of his chains would claim each one of the bandits. He was not remembered by any of them however he would make sure they would know his name before they die Kurapika Kurta. The last surviving member of his clan now following a long road to seek his vengeance.
The head of the Spider was born in a normal way having nothing special happen in his life. It just so happened he was not born in a city rather a place far away from civilization. From the early days of his life, the man of the reverse cross was distant from his humanity. Growing up he realized that he could get so much more out of his life. Under the tutor of a famous thief, he learned the thrill of the hunt.
That book of his which contained the ability to snatch other powers from people. The life energy called Nen made such a skill possible. The Bandit's Secret which Chrollo desired to take for his own. His mentor raised him too well as he always explained to Chrollo must steal what he can, and wait to take what is more important later on. The greatest prize that he desired would come with enough time and patience.
It just so happened that his teacher's death would be Chrollo's time. His path leads him into a land of trash filled with people abandoned by society. The motto "We reject no one, so taking nothing from us." seemed like the law of the city. It was in that area he managed to recycle into a group of people into being remembered by the world for years to come.
- September 9th - Yorknew City
Their paths would eventually come into crossing as the years passed on. Their conflict would begin in a city full of wonder and horror. Both grew up as complete opposites as the blonde youth wanted to stay in his dim light, but the other enjoyed his life of faint darkness. One seeks out the death of the Troupe, but the other leads them into their crime wave. So it began to rain in Yorknew City. The special time of the year where auctions took place having valued priced goods on the black market.
Criminals both rich and poor came to visit this city wanting to buy whatever goods they can get their hands on. The area drew the main players in the story of Kurapika and Chrollo's meeting. The situation's tension increased with the latest development of Kurapika's comrades Gon, Killua, and Leorio. While they might not have known the Troupe they have become important chess pieces in this game. Now the next move would be made as the standoff was on between both sides.
"Tell them and I'll kill him." The message left for the current second-in-command of the spiders to digest for herself. Her boss was now under the power of the "chain assassin" as he was leverage for the new hunter. She along with the other limbs already lost one limb to Kurapika's actions. If the head became undone the Spider would be no better in her mind anyway. Decisive action would be taken otherwise the prophecy would come true. Their fortunes told with the latest stolen ability in Chrollo's book of "acquired" Hatsu skills. The current details predicted the fall of half of the spiders, and with tonight's events, the fortune might indeed come true.
"I knew it these hostages has some worth after all! Wait for the one who kidnapped and killed Uvo it's gotta be that chain bastard!" Nobunaga was never the best person to control his temper, but with the loss of one of his best friends in the group, he was out of blood. While the swordsman got into another debate with his comrades Pakuonda began to consider her options.
'On a day of obscurity, where the light hardly passes, subdued to two choices, in your small room. Pride or treachery are the only two answers you will find the god of death comes to visit you'
She was not the brightest woman in the world, but it was clear a choice would be made that could mean her death or someone else's instead. Whoever the reaper might be from the chain assassin, the two boys being used as leverage, and or the 4th member of their gang the clown himself. Either way, it was clear there was no winning scenario to choose that would allow everyone to survive.
"The Boss will be alright I doubt this chain-user would just kill him without getting to us first." The blonde-haired memory reader agreed with Machi's line of thinking. The situation was in a deadlock until someone made the next move in their complicated situation. Until then no one could ready harm the hostages without losing their bargaining chip. The phone rang forcing Pakuonda to look at the number. It was her leader's phone, but that's when the game began to change for all parties.
"Don't answer it!" To the surprise of everyone, Nobunaga took hold of her phone. Was he trying to start more trouble with the person he wanted to kill very badly now?
"Nobu what are you thinking? That's the leader trying to call us so let Paku answer the damn phone!" Phinks did not get into heated confrontations with the samurai-like this. Trying to take hold of that phone Nobunaga pulled out his sword which caused Machi, Pakuonda, and Feitan to retaliate. The standoff now including the Phantom Brigade fighting with each other.
"What makes you think this is the leader speaking? If the boss got kidnapped don't you think his kidnapper would be the one answering, and I'm not giving that bastard control of the situation."
"Don't be more stupid than you already are Nobu." The torture expert of the group's words was short, but to the point as usual. Nobu always hated being considered the idiot person out of everyone there however he knew that he was right on this point. He refused to allow the man who killed Uvogin to control the Spiders even if this put their leader in danger. While the debate continued on the phone had stopped ringing. Gon and Killua realized they could break out of this situation which was shortly stopped by Machi.
"I suggest you both don't make things harder for yourselves." The youngest people in the room tried to get out despite the danger each member of the Troupe represented. Nobunaga admired their bravery which is why felt like even now they were Phantom Troupe material. They were not as strong as Uvo however they were quite gutsy just like how he usually acted.
"We need text our leader back the chain-user might be pissed off about not answering his call thanks to you Nobu." Phinks still was angry he decided to screw over the possible negotiation demands. The tension was quickly reaching a boiling point as suddenly Pakuonda broke through the shouting. Her voice was loud and thick as she finally realized something.
"We should wait on this. We can't possibly come to decisions about what to do if we are at each other's throats." The jaws of most of the men in the room almost dropped on the floor. They could not believe Pakuonda of all people was seeing things from the hot-blooded samurai. They rarely got on the same page during their stay in the Spider so for this to occur now was history being made.
"You can't seriously be siding with this idiot Paku! He's likely going to get the Boss killed for his own pride."
"Do you think I don't care about the leader Phinks! I know he would hate the fact we are sitting here unable to do anything about this."
Shizuku didn't seem to show concern about this entire debate. She usually was not the kind of person to form a plan of a plan, and she usually just accepted orders without question. She did pull out the choice tool to end arguments in the group. It was a pacifism weapon to keep infighting out among members.
"Don't we usually flip a coin to agree on something?" The two sides of this gold coin would decide the winner or loser of any debate. The head side had the emblem of their group a spider insignia. The tails side was in the style of the web made by a spider. Pakuonda, Nobunaga, and Phinks knew that coin would decide who was right out of this ordeal. After all, it was a fair choice by 50/50 chance. Placing the coin on her hand she was ready to flip the coin up in the air.
"Heads" Pakuonda called out for the game.
"Tails" Feitan replied in return.
Suddenly the ring of a phone interrupted the event while the coin was in the air. Nobunaga looked at the phone not seeing it ring this time.
"Managed to break out of chains. Meet me at our hideout, and bring the hostages. From Chrollo!" The swordsman almost jumped for join at this text sent to the phone. He knew things would work out for them as it seemed like they now held all the cards. Feitan was quick to spoil the celebration.
"Do you really believe that's Chrollo?" While he was being blunt the monotone youth was not willing to believe that was their Boss making that message. That question brought doubt from everyone as they realized there was a good point made by Feitan. No one knew what to think about this as they wondered if the agreement was in fact trap. The chain-assassin would leave them helpless with their leader in his grip.
"Pakuonda you won the coin toss." Her eyes noticed the coin was showing the symbol of their group. Pakuonda and Nobunaga could decide how the group can move now. Once more the choice was laid down in front of her. The split path in sight would lead to the return of their leader or certain death. She knew that there was no turning back once she made her choice, and there was no way you can talk her out of it.
"I-I...I believe in the Boss. We should go to the meeting spot." Feitan could be correct in that whole ordeal being a trap however she believed in him being wrong. Nobunaga agreed with her decision wanting to face the person responsible for their current problems. He could not wait to get his blood to stain his sword for Uvogin's revenge. Gon and Killua did not know what to think about this. Their lives were on the line, and now they would once more return to the Spider's lair.
To say the ride over to their hideout was awkward was an understatement. Everyone was unusually silent as they knew everything would rely on if things went down the way they hoped it would for their leader's sake. Pakuonda was also in deep thought processing all the possible outcomes of this showdown.
'If the boss is not there we've been fooled.'
'If he is there we could become lured into a trap.'
'He could already be dead and our work has all been for nothing.'
'If he really did manage to escape what happened to the chain-user?'
Unlike her boss, she was not really much of a strategist when it comes to these moments. If things ended up going south she did not know how to respond to failure. Looking at the two hostages sitting next to her she wondered if they felt scared about this as well. The sky was just as gloomy as it was when it began to rain. She was always nervous when the weather was like this, and she felt that it could be an omen for what could be coming next. The drive came to an end with the base now just a few feet away.
"Don't try anything funny if you value your lives." Machi had the strings holding the boys on tightly to feel certain they don't pull a trick. Pakuonda knew she would need to meet whoever was in the building all by herself. The others disagree about that idea, but she wanted to face this choice on her own. The others would stay where they were until she called for them. If this ended in failure she wanted to pay the price with her life, not theirs.
The building was fairly dark as she tried to find her way into the main area where the spiders lie in wait. She began to experience fear, panic, worry, concern, and gloom about this moment. Each step echoed through the empty hallways, and the pitch-black area did not house anything that can ease her mood. Finally, she arrived at the center of their base looking outwards into the void of darkness. Two figures could be seen however she did not know which one was her comrade. Then the voice of a silhouette spoke to her.
"I was wondering if you would come to get me Paku."
"Boss..."
- September 9th - One Hour Ago
The clouds were still gray and lifeless with the rain pouring down on the car holding the three remaining parts of this picture. The man of the reverse cross was being held inside the tight grip of Chain Jail. Kurapika the youthful avenger was trying to keep his composure while his friend Leorio was driving the car to meet with one of the spiders.
Currently in his "feminine" disguise so the gang could not recognize him during the meeting. Well, that was the plan for the Kurta however when the call did not get a response from them he became very angry. His control over his emotions felt tested with Uvogin, but now his fury was close to breaking loose.
"What the hell is going on? Why didn't your Spiders answer back!" He suddenly grabbed hold of Chrollo near his neck area. The older criminal was powerful under the Nen chains trapping his body. Leorio could not stop the car as he was the driver yet he knew he needed to calm his friend down. He decided to park the car in an empty area off the road. Thankfully Kurapika was so in thought with Chrollo he didn't notice his change in the course until the car was in the parking position.
"Why did we stop? We are not near the Spider's yet Leorio!"
"You need to calm down. Don't let this obsession consume you!"
"You underestimate me! I'm perfectly fine, but I won't let this man get away freely after everything he's done! My destiny is to get my revenge for the clan that died by the hand of these bastards"
"Listen to yourself just relax for a minute you have the Spider head, and even if they won't comply they still need him back."
Kurapika's eyes blinked realized he brought up a good point. Even if it seemed like they were refusing to negotiate he still had their leader. He can simply keep him away from them, and eventually, they would crack under the weight of losing their boss. He still could destroy the Spider once and for all. The sudden quietness of the car made the two friends uneasy. That's when Chrollo had a small laugh suddenly breaking the mood.
"What the hell do you find so amusing about this?" He was ready to give the black-haired thief another punch to his face if he didn't like the response given to him.
"Destiny truly is a funny thing some believe their lives are not determined by what is already determined for them. Others live to follow the rules of a religion to gain favor with their deity of choice. Personally, I'm not a man of any real faith despite what some believe my last name to actually mean. I found it amusing you speak about predetermination when I got a fortune told about my future. I believe the girl's name was Neon Nostrade." Kurapika's eyes got big when he heard that name being mention. She was the very reason he became involved in this year's auction.
"How the hell did she get your fortune bastard! Wait don't tell me you manipulated her into giving you that information!" Kurapika took hold of Chrollo's head giving him another hard punch to bruise his face more. Leorio was about to call his friend to stand down, but Chrollo still had on his face.
"If you want I can give you both a fortune-telling, but I can't do that with these chains on my body." He actually could use her power was the first thought in the chain user's mind. He knew the man could steal many things, but to actually snatch that kind of power to use for his own. The blonde looked ready to squeeze the life out of Chrollo when Leorio grabbed his arm to make him stop.
"That's enough you're letting him get to you Kurapika!" The young teen suddenly glared at his friend trying to remove his grip on his arm. He was very close to killing this man even if he could not take down the other spiders. Chrollo even with the chance of being killed now still didn't seem all that phased by what is happening. Leorio thought the man might not have the heart to stab with such a lack of emotion.
"The offer still is on the table Kurapika. Believe me, I have no intention of lying to you now." Leorio knew he was just finding an excuse to break free and get to his allies. That's not what Kurapika seemed to have in mind as he no longer seemed bloodthirsty, a calm expression appearing on his face that was different from how he was just moments ago. He suddenly moved his hand down hiding those eyes of his from view.
"Let's say you could predict my future what do you get out of it? You can't run away while you're in those chains so you must want me to remove them to escape from your bind." The fruit of temptation was dangling in front of the Kurta, however, he was not going to bite the apple just yet. Despite what the boy might say his interest became peaked thinking about what his possible future could be even if it was foretold by his worst enemy.
"Do these chains per chance prevent someone from lying?" Kurapika was just wanting the car to start again, but Leorio was having some trouble getting it to work.
"Damn it! How the hell did this thing work just a few minutes ago, but now it's refusing to even get going!" The problems just continued to mount and the pressure was getting to the avenger of his tribe of brothers and sisters. As the woes got worse for their night he decided to exit the car for a moment to gather himself. How could things get this bad when he thought capturing the head would give him the advantage.
"Gon, Leorio, and Killua my friends.I know you three are in dire places at the moment. Perhaps I need to consider my future now instead of later..." He was slowly running out of both time and options to keep his friends alive. If the Spiders didn't get their head back they could take their revenge on innocent people. His friends had nothing to do with the incident that changed his life.
Looking back in the car Kurapika looked into those black eyes that were the window into Chrollo's soul. He could become a problem yet he might be the only way he would make sure his friends will be okay. Without the help of the Spiders in finding their place they likely would be doomed. Now was the time for a decision even if it might end up costing him later on. He opened the door looking right at the wanted killer's face.
"How can you predict fortunes?"
The deal became made despite Leorio's concern as Kurapika decided to let Chrollo out of his chains. He did make sure Leorio had something keeping the man from breaking free with rope keeping his hands and legs tightly held in place. He can also use his abilities now so he could project his power into using Neon's stolen power. Kurapika was holding out his chains for when he tried something. The offer was in exchange for letting Kurapika see his future the man would speak with the other Spiders to arrange a meeting.
Chrollo took out two pieces of paper needed for the information on both Kurapika and Leorio's details. While his body was still under restraints he could begin writing the information while sitting on the car's seat more easily. The required information was given as suddenly Chrollo became possessed into written something down on both notes. Before he explained the details about this stolen ability he suddenly began to write something on the third piece of paper.
"This is the prediction Neon gave to me. I can't explain the details about my fortune or your own but I thought you should understand this by example." Chrollo felt some irony he had the power of the future; and yet he was not a fortune-teller like Neon was before she lost her ability.
'The calendar loses a precious component. The remaining months gather to mourn. The mourners play a melody, while the eleventh moon quietly rises. The chrysanthemum withers and falls, to lie on the ground beside blood Scarlet Eyes. But you remain supreme, even after losing half your limbs. Enjoys the interlude. Search out new allies. East is the direction to go. You will find one who awaits you.'
"Precious component? Then the poem is referring to Uvogin." The person he had to kill in battle. The person all the spiders considered their strongest member. Kurapika did not know what to believe about the rest of the poem. Would the Spider really lose half of its power? Chrollo's eyes narrowed at the man who took that limb from his group. He performed a requiem of blood in his name so the fact he was performing this deed for that same avenger was hard to swallow. Nodding his head he gave the fortunes to both of the participants.
Kurapika began to read his fortune however he suddenly felt very weak as he continued to learn what fate has in store for him. Suddenly he began to grip the paper in anger, Leorio suddenly walked over to see what the blonde was angry about which caused him to hide the paper.
"It's a trick nothing but lies, and so you can't believe what he wrote to you!" His friend didn't understand what he was so upset about so he decided to check out his own future written by the Lovely Ghostwriter's power.
'A piece of the valuable Stone will come undone. The remaining corners will seek its missing part. The loss of the November Moon has stirred the Spider, and they look for an equal return. Your efforts to seek out salvation will bring about a forbidden fruit. The corner-stone with red eyes will make sure your safety, but you shall remove your bonds to it. The Stone and Spider shall stay alive while changing in shape and destiny.'
Leorio's eyes widen as he tried to understand what this could all mean. Obvious the red eyes line was referring about Kurapika while the other details could speak about Gon and Killua being this stone. The rest was stuff he did not understand yet he knew Chrollo must know how this works.
"What the hell is this Chrollo? Why is my fortune being about you and my friends? Is this a trick you pulled on us!" The black-haired man shook his head knowing they would be skeptical about their fortunes he was also judgemental about Neon's prediction.
"The previous owner of this Hatsu Neon Nostrade managed to write a prediction that included Uvogin despite never meeting him. I'm unsure of these fates will come true, but I'm not one to deny religion despite my looks." Leorio turned his attention back to his friend who was ready to rip the paper apart. If he was acting like this then whatever Chrollo had written must have gotten to him.
"Kurapika what does your paper say?" His voice was low as he tried to avoid making the blonde even more upset. He still refused to speak when he suddenly grabbed Chrollo's shirt looking angry.
"I'm not going to become a Spider damn you! I don't know how you did this, but you won't win you bastard!" Leorio gasped when he heard the comment spoken hinting about his fortune. While his attention was on the criminal he let the paper drop to the ground, and curiosity got the best of him.
'During a night of infamy, the 11th month has come undone by your hand. The remaining months gather to seek atonement. The Stone you are part of will become undone, but you alone can prevent the destruction. Should you save your other pieces, the color black will stain you. The Spider and Stone will survive, but you shall attach yourself to the Spider and become its new leg.'
"This is not real..." Was this the future of his friend Kurapika? To join the group of savage killer's he vowed to stop with his power. Looking at the boy it seemed like he refused to allow that to happen. Suddenly he his red eyes glowed in the dark of the night. His chains created a haunting sound as the blonde was getting ready to commit another sin
"I won't let my destiny come true. Even if I have to claim another life the Spider will die here!" NO! Leorio didn't have time to plan or think as he quickly charged behind Kurapika to stop him from killing the man. There could still be another option that didn't have to involve killing. The blonde quickly began to shake Leorio trying to get him off his back. Their moment of fighting with each other only gave Chrollo the moment he needed to gain the upper hand.
"I suppose you will get that phone call from me after all Kurapika." With the aid of the sharp edge of the car, he was able to remove the ropes binding him, and it did not take long for the Spider head to knock out the both of them while they fought with each other. He was considering returning the favor and taking the avenger's life for that stunt, but he remembered the poem about his possible future. He could not just let him die like this after all despite his actions the leader of the troupe became impressed with the teenager.
"He managed to capture me and kill one of my own men. Uvogin I wonder what you must have thought when you battled him?" That man was prideful of his power and strength so the fact the young Kutra managed to not only survive but actually beat Uvogin was no easy task. His Nen abilities also seemed very rare which the criminal wanted as his own. Still, there was so much to learn about his powers, and the fact he was nearly captured by them made Chrollo question if added them into his book was a good idea.
For now, his goal was to reunite with the other Spiders and bringing along the both of his would-be kidnappers as insurance. With Gon, Killua, and Leorio in his pocket, the last survivor of his clan would have no way of fighting back. It seemed his friends were his biggest weakness just like the Spiders are to Chrollo Lucifer. It did not take long for the wanted fugitive to seek out a means of transportation with the both of his treasures so to speak knocked out behind him. The drive felt long for Chrollo as the mastermind of the Phantom Brigade thought about his next move.
-September 9th- One Hour Later
The head of the spiders was wishing he was given Uvogin's strength as he was having trouble carrying both of his hostages into the center of their current hideout. While he could not explain over the phone what would be happening the text message would send his comrades here in no time. The area did not creep out the leader as he enjoyed the privacy it provides for his meetings. The place reminded him of when he first met the founding members of the Phantom Troupe.
Where is all started for the master thief and now would continue as Leorio and Kurapika's hands got wrapped up just like he was a short time ago. The blonde was no longer in his outfit hiding his real identity. Hearing the clicks of feet walking let Chrollo know who was coming to him first.
"Boss..." His trusted second-in-command the most devoted of his group. While most of the other members cared about their leader she was the only one who would take a bullet to save his life. The oldest female of the gang quickly noticed the shapes of his two prisoners and wanted to know what's going on.
"Relax they are not going to become a problem. I plan to end our troubles with the chain-assassin once and for all tonight." She never thought the text was actually from Chrollo or expected this kind of sight. The cause of so much of the Spider's worry now wrapped up and very much helpless. Her decision to commit treachery would up saving the man she cared about more than everyone else in the group.
"I didn't call you that was the decision I made. I could have let you die by his hands I'm sorry..."
"Don't be I believe you took your own destiny instead of allowing fate to run its course. It must have been difficult to not answer that cell phone." Chrollo didn't feel angry or betrayed by her choice, in fact, he was happy. While he appreciated her willingness to obey he did want Pakuonda to act for herself once in a while. She might have taken advice from Nobu, but at the end of the day, she decided to let chance find the outcome of this night. It just so happened luck was on her side and his as well.
"I suppose I should get the others in here now." Her tears were quickly removed from her face allowing Chrollo to gaze at the beautiful woman he trusted to follow his actions most of all. She quickly turned around having her steps echo through the empty room as Kurapika's body had started to move around. Naturally, all hell would break loose once the others arrive so the Spider head quickly brought up his weapon to keep him at bay. The blonde teen's eyes open to see the mostly dark room filled with lit candles giving a small amount of light.
He tried to get up however his hands and legs were now tied up by rope. He was now the prey helpless in the spider's web.
"Don't move or your friend will not wake up." The Ben's knife was held right under Leorio's neck. He could easily slice the throat killing the man yet the poison in the blade might do the trick just as well. On sheer instinct, the blond's chains came out, but he realized by the time he broke free and used them his friend would likely be dead. The boiling rage inside him was close to bursting yet that would cost the lives of three people who were not involved in the slaughter.
"Don't worry I have no intention to spill more blood, but you have to agree with my demands Kurta."
"Like I would agree to anything you offer murderous bastard!"
"We will see about that in time." Holding his weapon the standoff continued from last time as the red eyes glowed in the darkness of the room. He looked into those familiar eyes of the people he and his group got hired into killing during the massacre of the Kurta clan. Each one begged for him to spare the youngest, but he could not agree with the request. No, they also had to die it was what they wanted...
The shadows grew as the rest of the Spider's limbs came into the room along with their prisoners. Gon and Killua could not move as their wrapped limbs in Machi's strings made it unable for them both to escape. Chrollo could have sworn today was Christmas so many gifts before him now. The children that managed to become involved with all this, Kurapika's other comrade who could be considered his voice of reason, and finally the topic of the Troupe's problems lately.
"Hey, Boss! What are those two freeloaders doing in our hideaway?" The swordsman quickly drew out his weapon ready to battle the strangers near his leader. Feitan also seemed like he wanted to kill them having an itch to kill. Chrollo quickly moved Leorio up still having the knife near his neck to keep Kurapika from trying to attack him. He needed to choose his next words carefully. He did not wish to piss off any of his allies enough into attacking his captive.
"Everyone, I have managed to capture the chain-assassin Kurapika Kurta." Gasps came out from everyone as they took a good look at the blonde captive which turned out to their source of issues. The survivor wanted nothing more than to kill each one of them, but he could not risk the lives of the only people he cares about in his life now. He was struggling to keep his anger in control.
"That's him the last of the Kurta tribe?" Machi's tone was quite despite the shock she had in her facial expression.
"He's the one that the fortunes spoke about." Franklin figured the red eyes were speaking about him with the revelation given by his boss.
"Well that's perfect, and now we can finish the job." The torture expert could not wait to make the hunter's life hell before his death.
"Wait! I believe we should not kill him just yet there is too much left unexplained." The leader was thinking about learning more from this man.
"There is nothing to explain I'm going to kill each one of you monsters!" Kurapika's rage was boiling as he looked ready to break out, but then a voice that Kurapika did not hear in a while stopped his movements.
"Wait Kurapika don't throw your life away!" Gon the young hunter who desired to meet his father once more yelled out despite his current situation. Killua knew Gon cared about his friend's safety more than even his own right now. Their days spent with him during the auction brought them closer to the last of his deceased clan. His red eyes looked at the worried Gon's face and his rage began to cool down. The both of them were helpless, and his selfishness to get revenge could not matter more than his comrade's lives.
Once more he decided to act selflessly and calmed his rising aura down.
"Pakuonda gather his memories I want to know more about him before coming to a decision." Chrollo's order caused the older female of the group to walk over to her leader. Kurapika could not do anything to stop him as Leorio was glaring at the blonde subordinate of the bandit as she made her way near him. For a moment Kurapika could see himself stabbing her heart with his Judgement Chain and beginning his rampage. Instead, his head moved down as her hand came down on his shoulder.
"Why do you hate the Phantom Troupe?" Her calm tone brought out Kurapika's frustration again. She along with the other killers should know his reason by now.
"You bastards took away my friends, family, and everything I've ever known! More than anything I've sworn to myself that I would make you pay for your actions!" His teeth were close to biting that hand on his body however it would all be in vain. She slowly gathered images and memories of his life. All the secrets would be known to his worst enemies yet he was unable to stop them.
"Kurapika..." Killua's voice whispered out as himself and Gon never saw their friend like this before. Vulnerable and without any kind of defense for himself. Finally, after what seemed like ages she released her grip on his shoulder and pulled out her personal gun. The bullets were not actually lethal instead they appeared out of thin air. The ammo crafted from the memories she would take from a person's mind, and the Memory Bomb went into the chamber ready for release as Chrollo's head moved back taking in the memories. Leorio noticed this and looked ready to knock Chrollo back to save his friend. The click of a gun showed Pakuonda was ready for that.
"Don't move." Unlike her other weapon, one bullet would be enough to wound or kill this man. Another window of chance became shut as the spider head open his eyes with the new information given to him. All the details about Neon's bodyguard were inside of his mind now. He also had learned about Kurapika's personal details about his life, from the Hunter Exams to his family, and finally his close friends in this building with him.
"I think we can come to an understanding Kurapika. There is a way you can grant your allies their lives for another day." Chrollo suddenly walked over to the center of everyone's attention now looking right into his now dim eyes. Their red glow was gone for the moment, however, Chrollo knew they might light up again.
"You friends will go free from this place in one piece, and in return, you will stay here. Uvogin was a dear friend of mine who killed with those chains of you. How fitting then you will become chained here with us."
"If you want to kill me don't draw it out if you do I will bring you all into death with me."
"Who said anything about that. For now, I simply want you to project your chains." Chrollo removed the ropes holding Kurapika, but the shorter teenager could not choke the man in front of him now. No way out for the Conjurer his chains became known to all the Troupe. His targets for his power watched the chains appear on his right hand. Chrollo moved his hands up in the air and he had a smile on his face.
"Now use your Judgement Chain on me." Kurapika gasped when he listen to the phantom's demand. Out of all the things, he could suggest was he actually placing a command on himself. No this could not be happening, but if he didn't agree would Leorio and the others be killed. Closing his eyes and giving a moment to breathe he quickly entered his Specialist state. The Stake of Retribution quickly moved into Chrollo's chest. The chains wrapped themselves around his heart, and Chrollo almost fell over from the pain.
"Good now I can give you conditions and..."
"Now impale yourself with that stake Kurapika." His eyes narrowed in realized of what the man was planning. To bind the both of them into a set of conditions. That's why he allowed himself to get stabbed first lifting his worries so he can manipulate his feelings.
"Don't listen to him!" Gon's disapproval ended by Machi's strings as Killua struggled to break free. Leorio wanted to speak yet the gun pointed between his eyes prevented him. With no other choice, Kurapika stabbed himself with the stake as well to submit to Chrollo's demands.
"I will give three requests for you to accept, and should I disobey or you decide to break them one of us will die. The first order is you will become a member of the Phantom Troupe. The second order is not to kill any of the spiders or take your own life. Finally, you can leave the group of your own will once both of our goals succeed."
"There is no way I'm going to agree to any of those terms!"
"Do you want your precious comrades to die here? Besides I can make a promise that you will get something out of this deal. I along with the other spiders would not harm any of them, you can keep an eye on our activity, and we can help you take back the Scarlet Eyes. Speaking of which Kortopi how long until those fakes disappear?" A small person with lots of hair covering his face spoke up to his boss.
"It should only be a few more hours from now." Kurapika did not believe what he just heard. They managed to fool people with fake eyes. He suddenly remembered when he thought the Troupe had been considered dead, but Hisoka revealed the truth. Suddenly it made sense Kortopi had the power to make fake items that lasted for a short amount of time. He must have been an invaluable member of a group of criminals.
"We've been known to steal many things so I believe gathering the eyes of your clan will be no issue for us. Still, you will need to earn it as you work in the Phantom Brigade." Kurapika's chains were still inside the hearts of its user and the man he swore to remove from this world.
Revenge, anger, hate, suffering, pain, surrender, submission, and finally defeat. There was so much the black-listed hunter could do, but in truth, he knew there was only one option he really had to pick. Looking over at his three friends he made over the Exams this would make sure they live to see another day.
"...Very well." His voice was completely blank and without a sign of life. The chains made their contract between the both of them, and the conditions became set for the both of them. All of the Spiders along with the prisoners looked on shocked by this turn of events.
"You aren't serious right! How dare you let that bastard into our group! He killed Uvo!" Nobunaga drew his blade to attack them regardless of his leader's command.
"He should kill him now!" Fetian moved to slice off the heads of all the enemies in the room. Chrollo lost control of himself as he reigned in his subordinates.
"Enough both of you! Uvogin died protecting us, and now I'm protecting you all! We can kill these people, but what would that do in the end! You know the fortunes that predicted our possible futures, and it's now that I realized how much I have to deny my fate. To save all of your lives I will accept the risks. If you ever believed in me I'm begging you all to trust me now..." The silence that followed that speech was defining as no one spoke a word.
He knew trust was not going to come easily however he knew this would be an interesting challenge. Kurapika's unknown potential was worth the gamble of putting his life on the line. It might end up being a mistake Chrollo admits to himself even so the boy was something he wanted to keep to himself. Unlike most of the other treasures, he took this person was something that was different in both value and beauty.
"Machi, Pakuonda, knock the boys out." Leorio, Gon, and Killua didn't have time to blink as each of them got put into sleep by the quick actions of the female troupe members. They would wake up in a few hours long after they were out of the web of the spiders.
"Boss why don't you invite those two into the group instead?" Shizuku asked usually never questioning the wisdom of her leader's actions. Chrollo knew that was a good think to ask him since Nobunaga was very invested in having Gon or Killua join up instead. His reason might not appeal to them, but in the long run, it would work out better.
"They would be wonderful comrades, but tell me do you believe they have what it takes to become like we are? Unlike Kurapika they have not sworn themselves into a life of bloodshed. While Killua might come from a family of killers he seems to have changed. Gon while very interesting likely does not want to harm anyone, and naturally, Leorio is Kurapika's friend. When you consider the kind of people we are, and what we do in our days do you really believe anyone else can become a spider beside the survivor of the clan we failed to destroy."
Yes even with so many bodies they had left one behind. This lone Kurta ended up becoming an important part of their lives.
"The next few months will become hard for us all, but for now I simply wish to enjoy being with my friends. Now then to send Kurapika's friends into safety as per terms of our arrangement. Nobu, Phinks, and Feitan didn't like this decision along with Franklin, Shalnark seemed interested, the girls besides Pakuonda looked bored, and Kortopi along with Bonolenov simply followed the request made by the leader.
Kurapika bit his teeth knowing he was unable to make actions to stop any of this. While the Troupe would not harm his comrades now he became their slave. Who knows the horrors he would deal with once the next night started. Would some of the spiders attempt killing him very likely. Still, perhaps not all of this was bad if Chrollo was able to create fake eyes then perhaps he knows where the rest are in the world. His secondary goal might come true but at the price of betraying himself. Who would Kurapika be as his descent into darkness begins...
Afterwords: So now you know what I've been up to recently. I took in some details from other great HXH fanfics from Wild Hearts to Catch-66, and some of Blood Pact. I also will make it modern hence the lack of a date for the birthdays. Some details are kind of hazy, this story won't get usual updates as it will mostly be one shots with Kurapika's time with the other Spiders. I still hope you enjoy this story while it might not get chapters so quickly like Sapphire Sorceress. Anyways I will be doing two more stories beginnings for other stuff I wanted to get done, but I will get back to SS in time thank you all for reading my stuff. Let me know what I can do for improving this story or any other one I've written.