Disclaimer: I don't know anything from Hunter X Hunter all rights belong to Togashi.

Info: The show is over for the spiders, but for the actors there is still a few acts that must be completed before the final curtain call. A few extra stories that take place after ROA. Spoilers inbound...

Diebus Solet Aranea: ROA Extras I Birthday

- April 4th -

Kurapika knew what today meant more than any others throughout the year, his skin began to crawl once he looked down at his phone as he got out of his stolen bed through the fake identities provided by his associate and partner in crime. Being under the assumed role of a dead man was something the Kurta had gotten used to living as these days. Hiding from the people he's given up his life in order to protect from this traveling pack of killers, thieves, and overall deranged outcasts of society. In a funny way, he learned to trust these guys more than others he's met in his former career as a blacklist hunter.

'I want to kill them all, but especially their leader first and foremost...however I feel like they are of some use to me. They gave me the Scarlet Eyes, and they've also helped me survive many moments when my life could have been forfeit...' His reasoning for not fulfilling his words continued to grow more and more devious over the following months since the beginning of this relationship that changed the course of both of their lives forever.

Now, he continued to look for excuses to allow criminals he's been forced to work with to continue in their crime wave of the world not caring if they stole things from other people, and eventually joined in by taking valuables as well to sell for goods, his skills with infiltration improved with Shalnark's help, the utilization of his chains got more sharp with Machi's training, and even Feitan stepped in while certainly still not trusting the Kurta considering that his emotions might get the best of him possibly resulting in both of them dying.

Yes with the black tattoo etched onto his skin there was no doubt of how much he was willing to put into surviving for another day. The instincts of a predator were both a blessing and a curse to the changed Kurta.

"You're sulking again, dear." The whisper near his ear made Kurapika punch Chrollo in his face, the imagination ended as he simply glared at the black-haired traveling companion in his current disguised look with him being in a stylish coat with his usual taste in shoes with a weird nut bolt on them, several different lines that covered the pants and coats with his hair being patted down under a black hat. As for Kurapika, he remained in the red and black wardrobe needing to avoid looking like an undead Kurta in the eyes of the public.

"Have an inkling about what we will be doing today since until the voyage begins with the princes and Pariston's crew we don't have much else to do in the meantime."

"I thought you had that covered, dear!" Kurapika knew that he was being a tease about that dear part. The problem was, he wondered if he was joking about that line about not having a real plan about what they should do except for hanging around this little town that was near the ocean. Of course, the rogue ex-hunter knew that today wasn't like any others in his life.

"Well, the more important matters involve preparing a very special dinner later, after all, it isn't every day you become 19 years of age."

"Oh, here I thought you wouldn't know about that. Who told you that exactly?"

"Give me a little credit, the information was somewhat difficult to find even with Pakunoda's help." Kurapika knew that his memories were easy enough to grasp with a mind-reader who likely scanned that from his mind when he first agreed to meet with Chrollo's demands to save his pals.

"Planning on giving me the pictures of my deceased parents, allowing me to speak with Gon, Killua, and Leorio despite wanting me to stay dead in the eyes of the rest of the world, or maybe you're teasing about me being your dear could mean-"

"You will be surprised for sure, but for now why don't we have a little pop quiz about some things." Looking at the innocent bystanders who were clueless about who these men truly were Chrollo wanted to know how much Kurapika knew about the world, himself, and people like the Phantom Troupe.

"When you killed Uvogin I know from Paku's mental probes that he didn't sell us out, but I want to know from you how did it feel to you when you killed him?"

Kurapika wondered what Chrollo hoped to accomplish by asking him that, but he knew how much that juggernaut meant to the spiders. In a weird way his real induction into the brigade started on that night; by killing one of their own he unwillingly gained entry into their group later down the line.

"Do you want me to say that I got my justice? In short, I did...I got every sickening moment of that revenge against you all," Remembering the red moon hanging above them in the sky, the blood that came into contact with his skin, and the sight of such a powerful man being made into a living tool for torture was something he wouldn't ever forget. "It was enjoyable to me deep, down on some level and I hated that part of myself for liking what I did to someone no matter how much I hated him."

"Interesting. Next question: Why didn't you agree to become the "Rat" of the Zodiac?" Kurapika knew that kind of question would be coming as he never told him if he was a spy or not, but the fact hunters haven't contacted the Kurta before the fight with Hisoka was a big sign that he hadn't been in contact with the former Vice-President.

"It wasn't a role that I wanted to accept. Even if the rank would mean I could have been given some freedoms with my actions, the chances of earning favor with everyone would have been next to impossible." The opinion on the Kurta soured despite his efforts to make them understand why he what he did for his friends. That stigma would taint him for the rest of his life no matter how long or short it would be in the end.

He had laid his bed with the wolves, so why not ride with them until he would achieve his goals that he might not pull off with the Hunters Association and even with his precious comrades that changed his life.

"You were willing to put aside your differences with us in order to gain those things people within the association couldn't do for you. The ability to adapt to your environment in order to overcome obstacles standing in your way is very important."

Kurapika was struggling to understand this man's intentions with these questions, but at least by answering them, he could get Chrollo to stop bugging him over this stuff for a while.

"Do you mind if I turn things around by asking you a question, Chrollo? Why? What possessed you to head down this path of thieving, killing, and slaughter to earn a name for yourself no matter how infamous it would become..."

The answer was a simple one, even Chrollo knew Kurapika wouldn't be satisfied by the response however it made sense as to what triggered this whole shift in his lifestyle.

"Chaos. The embers of chaos that have lit up my entire existence from the moment I first took a glimpse at the world for what it really is," Holding out his hand Chrollo imagined the sun was capable of being captured, shrunk down in size, and in the palm of his hand. "That fire of evolution that is born out of newly found chaos is one of the founding ingredients in the history of man." Wars were something that had a negative connotation to them by the mass public while many soldiers involved in the many battles of these conflicts were filled with the foolish, but noble pride to emerge the victors in such conflicts.

"Fighting has always been part of human history. It is without our nature to continue having a conflict with ourselves no matter the reason or purpose behind it, and that is why we strive to build and create stronger, and more potent weapons of warfare like the "Rose" of the former Chairman." Kurapika knew how powerful such a weapon was considering it is the only reason the Chimera Ant King is now deceased.

"That doesn't mean all people want to live in an endless cycle of death and destruction." He knew for a fact some only wished to have their lives end when they were in their older ages, the time of their deaths coming from an inevitable end to their time on this earth rather than murder on the frontlines of a war.

"People are rather fascinating," Looking at the bystanders looking at them as if they were trying to have a date with the way they were speaking in their minds he mused to himself. "Any possible idea can be constructed into a purpose for fighting. You wanted to kill me and my followers for justice while we killed your clan for the sake of profit. In turn, the Philosophers used my group in order to achieve their own desires of gaining more wealth and power over the world." He also knew that eventually, Kurapika would keep his word by taking his life, and with the chains removed from his heart, this Kurta would get the vengeance that has eluded him for so long.

"One last question. When you first read that fortune back in Yorknew, the choice to refuse my offer...why didn't you?" This was vital to Chrollo, his reasoning for wanting to understand his partner completely hinged on the response he would receive. Should he have chosen instead to deny such a request all of the cards would be in his hands, such a change in events likely would have allowed Kurapika to remove his nen if not kill him in that city.

"I had to know what could possibly happen if I decided to see into my future, and it will remain the worst mistake that I've ever made in my life. That being said, if you want to know if I would redo everything if I was given a second chance. To refuse the offer you provided while we were at each other's throats in that coat, the option that I had taken would remain the same even if I knew the results would be the same."

"Why?"

"Because it doesn't really matter to me. I could deny your request certainly, but who's to say that everything would turn out much better for myself in the end? I decided to head down this path to keep those important to me alive, so these consequences of having done that will be the burden I have to live with for the rest of my time in this world."

"Oh, you're calling me a burden now?"

"That is the least insulting thing I could say to you actually..."

Despite being enemies in some way, shape, and form they couldn't help but laugh in agreement over such a remark. As the day went on Chrollo left Kurapika alone so that he could do some "things" at their hideout in an empty factory letting the Kurta think about his future. After today he would be a full adult even though some consider the age 21 of being a completely grown person, the world would become much harsher than it has already been to him. His own friends saw him in a much different light, and with the recent revelations about what his own mother did to ensure his life would remain safe made him question everything he knew.

'Was all of this meant to really happen no matter what I could have done?'

He knew if Gon was aware, the friend he gave up all of his freedom for would be ashamed of what he's become in his eyes: a spider.

The hunter-turn-fugitive-turn-criminal wondered if Gon, Leorio, and Killua would attempt to apprehend him should he reveal himself over the phone. That would also draw the attention of both the association and the Zoldyck Family, the last thing he needed was more heat considering the huge news about Hisoka, Chrollo, and his "demise" was still fresh on everyone's minds. He was no longer Kurapika Kurta the man who would destroy the Phantom Troupe with his chains and bare hands. The enemy he was in their eyes, and the black ink covering his back would cement this...

As he came back into the factory to find Chrollo he could sense many different traces of nen outside of the hideout making him worried, such was his nature when he wasn't around anyone like the spiders being on the run from the authorities. There could be anyone waiting for him within the factory, so he would need to be ready to kill at a moment's notice. Running through the other pathway that was made in the factory's worn down walls, the hole is what Chrollo and Kurapika used to enter without being detected by anyone who was outside of the place.

'Alright. You're used to killing by this point, and chances are the people in this building won't let you escape or reveal the truth about your body not being a zombified state that just wants to eat flesh.' Gritting his teeth, the Kurta knew it was now or never to make his move against the enemy, but he was quickly stopped by a single hand.

Gripping his arm with the knife being deployed in place of his chains, her grip tightened as she was impressed by his increased speed from the last time they were in the same place, his eyes widening and glowing red as he realized who he could have struck with his blade.

"Pretty good speed, kid. You could have really hurt anyone else with that thing..."

"Happy Birthday, Kurapika!" Everyone in the place, even Nobunaga said at the same time revealing themselves with party hats and other celebratory items with them.

Kurapika was a simple man, he enjoyed simple things, and Chrollo knew he didn't want much besides their deaths and the eyes of his clan. That is why when Chrollo Lucifer walked up to him with a sloppy carrot cake, the candles that were lit up, and a small card he stole out of a convenience story Kurapika couldn't help but grin at this stupidity of observing a "caring" individual that he would have killed for pulling off this kind of stunt.

"Happy birthday, Kurapika." Those words should have been like venom coming from this man, but Kurapika was able to tell he was somewhat sincere with that remark. Why else would Chrollo work hard to create such a pastry by himself to offer his former enemy, for it would have been a death sentence for everyone here nearly a year ago if these same events occurred?

"You better hurry up and get your first piece, birthday boy. Shizuku's look is suggesting she will be taking about half the damn cake once you're done." Feitan flinched when he saw her hold up Blinky in a threatening gesture making Phinks laugh in amusement.

"Don't stand between a girl and her meal, so that you don't end up like you were before. Oink?!" Feitan would get him back later by stuffing some ants into his tracksuit while he was napping.

"Shame Bonolenov can't be here for this. At least Kalluto seems to be proving himself as a worthy addition to this group." Franklin began to dive into his drink, the beverage wasn't filled with a drop of alcohol in it rather orange juice as he's been wanting to expand his tastes beyond what he has been putting into his colon for years that likely has been causing more harm than good. The Zoldyck, when given the compliment by one of the founding members smiled as he pointed at Kurapika to show his admiration among the other members.

"I wouldn't even be in this place if I hadn't become so interested in the last remaining Kurta's potential. Well, that along with a few other agendas on my plate, of course." Thinking about what he should tell Illumi next once they began their voyage onto the ship where the Seven Princes would be during this huge trip, the youngest of the family of assassins wondered if he should take one or two pieces of cake before it was all gone.

"Oh, we gotta take a picture when you blow out the candles, Pika!" Shalnark wanted to get many photos on his special phone to remember such a time as this, and he knew Chrollo would be the first to ask for a look at such pictures that will capture history in the making. Pakunoda was preparing the plates, forks, and the knife that would be used to cut the cake into equal parts for everyone to share, but she knew the honors of getting the first slice belonged to the birthday boy as she provided him with the knife with a cheerful smile.

"This is your first step into adulthood, but you already seem like quite the man already..."

"What makes you say that exactly?"

"Well, the answer is quite obvious Kurt- no Kurapika. You continue to do whatever is necessary in order to accomplish your goals, and your skills have grown from when we last came together. I finally see why Boss was so desperate to recruit you into the fold, and I do see you as one of our own." Kurapika was shocked by how sincere Pakunoda sounded and looked, the words made him remember his mother when she would be proud of him whenever he did something well. He wanted to get angry at her, but she must have read those memories about her interactions with him...

"I uhhh...thank you..." He said in a quiet tone, nearly whispering those words but she heard him and nodded in return. As Kurapika moved to the front of the small table they put the cake on that was being lit with the nineteen candles bought with actual money from Chrollo Lucifer, the smallest spider wanted to say a few words before they began to dig in.

"If I hadn't met someone like Bonolenov, the chances of me sticking around with this group would have been slim. Unlike everyone here I had a lot of doubt about following someone like Chrollo even when I accepted membership into the fold with you all," Many nodded in agreement with hesitant the mop-haired man spoke out to the others with his one shown eye closing in thought. "Then, I got to understand the warrior and the reason he joined you, Boss. After realizing I could offer more to the world besides another body to add to the number of corpses in the ground I knew that you all could use me despite how worthless I am in battle..."

"That doesn't mean we aren't grateful for your Gallery Fake ability, Kortopi. As for what I think about the newbies...they are fine in my books. Nothing extraordinary, but they certainly the worst recruits that could've had joined."

"Harsh words, Machi." Phinks knew she was rather cold to everyone here most of the time, but he figured she would pretend to be nice today considering they were treating the kid this nicely.

"What? Want me to sugar-coat things? We killed this boy's clan, and the fact he's tolerating us is a miracle in and of itself. Kurapika has a long road ahead if he wants to live and survival like the rest of us..." Her eyes looked at his non-crimson gaze knowing he had to admit that she made a good point with that.

"Bah! How about we eat before I barf already. Chain brat should have just blown out the candles while we're bitching about stuff as usual." The elder samurai tried to seem more friendly compared to his usual verbal battles with the Kurta. As Kurapika looked at the cake with his name written in red Chrollo started off the chant that usually came with these celebrations, and while everyone eventually joined in with the Happy Birthday song their number eleven wondered how much stranger things could possibly get for him.

'What should I wish for...' The deaths of these people in the room? Getting to reunite with his friends? Discovering the hidden truth behind the deaths of his clan and the Philosophers? In the end, there was just one thing on his mind, the wind from his lungs blew out the lights on all the candles allowing everyone to get their piece of the cake.

'I wish to understand this man better: Chrollo Lucifer.'

Taking the first piece while everyone else chowed down between Paku nibbling, Machi taking a few bites, Franklin devouring his piece with some juice, and Nobu who didn't like it but lied in order to not ruin this cheerful mood, the Kurta had to admit this cake never tasted sweeter than it was to him right now.

Looking at Chrollo who merely smiled once he saw the man of the hour he wondered just where the journey of life would take himself and his former enemy turn the closest ally he could have on his side having spent nearly two years already with the most infamous criminal in the world.

[ Afterwords: This is a companion piece that comes after Rubrum Oculus Aranea, so check out that first before reading this one. Edit: Fixed the age issue thanks to SernaJ and FicSave thank you guys and well computer website thingy. ]