Inspirations:

- Youtube video: Meruem AMV - Hail to the King

- The unacceptable, dishonorable and pathetic way that Meruem and Komugi died.

- Being obsessed to the point of sadness.

I do not own Hunter x Hunter. If I did then this fanfiction wouldn't have needed to exist. xx

"Komugi…?"

Welfin uttered the barely audible word, miraculously escaping his seemingly inevitable death at the hands of Mother Nature's most superior being. Welfin's brain was so overworked that he zoned out, not even comprehending that the King was standing in front of him anymore. In contrast with Welfin's dazed state, the King's world as he knew it was once again plunged into that of color and light. A simple word. A simple name. It changes everything for the King; his perception, his personality, hope. She was his hope. As the king regained his lost memories, Pouf was drawn into the emotional response of his King to the name of that insufferable, pathetic human girl. Loss of purpose and failure suddenly replaced the feelings of resolve and madness he had felt before when he had previously submitted his life for his King. Now however, his reason for offering his life had changed.

Before, Pouf had offered his life to quell the King's anger towards him but now, but now… it was because he simply lost the will to live. As he witnessed just how much Komugi affected his unrivaled King, he realizes just how futile his attempts were. He didn't stand a chance.

"Punish me for my actions" Pouf bluntly requested, all traces of hope for his King's legacy gone. The King seemed to pause and process his request for a moment.

"No words are needed. We are one. There will be no punishment". Pouf had no choice but to comply.

"Yes, my King". Meruem knew the reasons for Pouf's betrayal and in some circumstances, he felt that Pouf's actions were agreeable but the King did not care about logic anymore. His purpose is now forgotten to him and all he could focus on was seeing Komugi again.

"Continue searching for Pitou. The two captives might have information. Once you're done, release them. I have nothing else to ask them". Pouf nodded. The King has changed so much that he would give mercy. The tyrannical Chimera Ant King. The destined ruler of the whole world showing mercy to two pathetic mortals.

"Yes, my King". As the king questioned Welfin of the reasons for his betrayal and hatred, the King realized just how different beings with self-awareness is to that of the creatures of the animal kingdom. Meruem's mother, the Queen, ate humans in order to create the Chimera ants, infusing the DNA of humans into her offspring. Technically, Meruem is part human. He has the ability to understand the human hierarchy system but has never considered trying. Perhaps there is more to humans than what meets the eye? His experience with Komugi definitely supports this theory. Humans as he's come to know, makes up for their physical weakness with their minds and therefore they continually add to their own knowledge with each generation. Sure, humans are flawed to the extent where it's laughable but they've managed to make it to the top of the food chain somehow. So experience… knowledge… its power? The more Meruem explored this idea, the more he realized how fabricated his instinctive sense of self-purpose is.

Even after Welfin's outburst, whom was not even bothering to conceal his hatred towards the King anymore, was allowed to leave with his life. The King concluded that emotions serve as a huge role in leading his subjects. Forcing those whom are inferior into his command would only result in rebellion. The King was not interested in killing those whom defies him anymore. He wanted to find a new purpose. He wanted to see Komugi. The king turned away from Welfin, a newfound respect for the Wolf-Human-Ant forming within him.

"I hope that you find him. And if possible, I hope you can live as a human" Upon hearing this, Pouf collapsed into a ball complete anguish.

The King cares so deeply for this human that he would discard his birthright and would then allow those below him to not only live whilst outwardly revealing their loathing, but in turn receive the blessing of the King. It was so unbelievable that every last ounce of Pouf's willpower to live was lost, causing the effect of the poison to quicken within his already-deteriorating body. After the King's departure, Pouf was unable to fulfill the last task given to him by his King, and died on the cold concrete floor, eyes open and glassy, reflecting his insanity and grief. The King however took each stride with the determination to find what he had lost.

"Was this… was this a plan you devised after discovering my personality? You expect me to believe you?! You think I'll just accept that explanation?! After all the killing you've done, and soon will do… A creature like you… IMPOSSIBLE, THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" He knew that she knew that he wasn't deceiving her. It was the truth. In normal circumstances, he would never bother with her but he had obtained a new sense of… morality.

"I believe it was only a slight change" The King opened his palm, considering this newfound form of kindness that unearthed itself within him. "Huh?" Palm was surprised how calm he was. He was supposed to kill her right then and there for the tone she was using but he… "Something, somewhere, changed ever so slightly. In my current state, I am not God, but I… No.. Perhaps, I only feel this way because everything is falling into place" The King looked up, meeting her eyes.

"You should know I have very little time. I want you to tell me her location, so that I do not have to go and search for her". He knew he was dying. He could feel himself weaken. He knew Pouf was dying too but he had hoped that Pouf would be able to reach Neferpitou before that happened. He needed Pitou to look after Komugi when he himself dies. Because she was the only one he could trust to look after her.

"What are you saying?! Yes. I know where she is! Why don't you just torture it out of me?" Within those angry tear filled eyes, he saw that she did not believe the words coming out of her own mouth.

"We both know that isn't an option. Your aura is strong and beautiful as any I have ever beheld. All I can do is ask you to help me." What happened next made Palm regret every word that came out of her mouth. Her Ant instincts yelling at her to stop his next action. As the King slowly lowered himself, she could feel herself giving in.

"DON'T!" But it was too late. There he was, physically demonstrating his admission of defeat by bowing to her. She couldn't help the tears that fell from her face.

"I am part Ant now…" She stuttered "I know very well how important you are to the race…" her real emotions now being nakedly exposed to the King. "I'll tell you…" The King's head snapped up, his eyes widening, surprised with her sudden approval. He thought that he'd have to beg harder.

"But on one condition. May I use my powers to watch your final moments with her?" She asked with genuine sincerity and admiration, one hand placed on her heart and the other reaching out. She broke Killua's promise because she couldn't bring herself to reject the King's innocent request. Because the King would choose to spend time with someone so much weaker than even an average human. And she knew that it was because he too, deep down, has a heart.

"If that is what it takes to be with Komugi, you certainly may" the King replied, content filling him.

Palm knew that Komugi was important to the King, and she was grateful to Komugi for changing the King, even if he was now at death's door. Because she now also decided not to hate the part of her that is now Ant.

"I think it would be in your best interest to reconsider meeting with her at this very moment. If you see her now, she will die shortly after you do". She said in a firm tone. Of course the king already knew this. He stared at her, unresponsive.

"I can… I can prevent this, if you'll let me". The King was speechless. 'This woman would not only give in to the demands to a monster such as myself, but to actually help those close to me? Perhaps she just feels sorry for the girl...'

"Why would you do this for me?" Palm considered this and her face softened.

"Because I believe the girl is innocent". Meruem didn't question her further. Palm turned and hurriedly walked down the darkened corridors, footsteps echoing down the bare hallway. She came to a sudden stop and opened a door, indicating that he follow her in. His curiosity was peaked but he said nothing. She switched the light on and Meruem saw white marble floors and pearly white walls with unusual machines, tools, tables and desks positioned in a neat and orderly fashion.

"What is this room?" The King asked, genuinely interested with the purpose of these instruments.

"It's a laboratory. It's where we humans experiment and study science to expand our knowledge of the world". The King, having a mind that far exceeds that of a normal human could not help but wonder what the purpose of each item and object was as he observed the strange instruments within the spacious room. Palm walked and motioned him towards the far right hand corner of the room. She opened a door to a claustrophobic compartment about 3x3m wide with a strange metal piece of equipment with holes in it hanging from a long tube running down the top of the roof alongside of the wall and attaching itself to a strange, large glass container with buttons on it. He stepped inside, suddenly feeling uncertain as to what was about to happen but ignored it.

"Take that sponge beside you and scrub every part of your body. It's important that you wash in places like in-between the cracks of your armor and under your nails to get rid of the poison."

He nodded but remained silent. Palm hurriedly pressed a series of buttons and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her. The shower turned on and the lukewarm liquid rolled of the top of Meruem's helmet-like armor and onto his body, Meruem noted that although it was clear, it was not water. He grabbed the sponge and started scrubbing his arms. He started noticing that the water rushing off him turned into a cherry-red color. After he had been cleansed and he had stepped out of the minuscule room, Palm handed him a type of fabric used for drying. He stared at the object in his hand for a while, discerning her kindness. Palm looked at him with a serious expression on her face.

"If you were a normal human or even a normal Chimera ant, you wouldn't have a chance. But I think you of all people might just survive this" He blinked.

"Thank you. For everything. Not that I'd think it would mean anything to you, but I would like to tell you my birth name that my mother gave me. Meruem… my name is Meruem." Palm took a deep breath. His name. Apart from the fact that Meruem is the Ant King, there is something special about him that makes this name so… fitting.

"Meruem… I see" At this, Meruem gave Palm a small smile, and it would have gone by unnoticed if Palm had not had such keen eyesight. "Meruem. Make no mistake. I do not like you. In fact, I hate you. But I believe that, given time, you could change for the better. Therefore, I'd like to inform you that whatever you thank me for is done only because of the slight potential I see within you, not because of who you are at this given time" Her eyes narrowed.

"You have killed many people, my friends… and for that, I'll never forgive you". His only reaction was to close his eyes for a few seconds and opening them again, and she realized that he had expected this reaction from her.

"I understand, but even so, I am grateful". She took in his confession and hesitantly turned her heel and led him towards the room where Komugi was being held.

When he opened the door, he stopped. She's asleep, huddled with a small blanket in the corner of the dim room with a small candle being the only source of light. She looked dirty, her hair was a mess and she looked bruised and scratched but her injury was healed. Neferpitou saved her. The king let out a deep breath that he didn't realise he was holding in and slowly approached the silent form, noting how tranquil she seemed to be. He crouched down next to her. The last time he saw her sleep was when she was waiting in the throne room for him to return. She looks more at ease now. He snorted. She felt safer being held captive by these people than she was with him but when he thinks about it, he did threaten her life more than once. He even attempted killing her a few times. His eyes lingered on her face, still plump from baby-fat. He gently tracing his fingers on the side of her cheek. So soft. He nudged her shoulder gently

"Oi. Wake up" he said softly. She stirred and suddenly sat up straight. Meruem stood up and walked to the other side of the Gungi board and sat down.

"K-K-King?! AhHH you're here!" Meruem's tail twitched behind him.

"Yes. Is there a problem with my being here? Or did you forget just who I am?"

Whatever response the King was prepared for, it wasn't this. Tears and snot mixed plentifully as she started sobbing uncontrollably.

"I t-thought" she hiccuped "I w-was never g-g-going to see y-ou againn" The King was taken aback with her reaction.

"Hmm. Well I'm here now. Sit up and stop crying. I want to play another game with you again. And this time, we won't stop until one of us is unable to continue" The King was obviously referring to the fact that he's dying but he did not bother telling her that. His chance of survival is slim. He's not about to get his hopes up. Well, at least Komugi is safe from the poison now.

She shuffled next to the board, sniffing and trying her best not to keep crying by biting on her bottom lip. She finally opened her eyes, signifying the start of the game. Whilst he was focused on the game before her, there was a flicker of being distracted every now and again. He now saw her in new light. He wanted to know more about her. Whilst he was technically still only a few weeks old, he was curious about her age. Strange because he never even thought about it before. He can't fathom why he is interested in knowing all of a sudden. After a few minutes of playing, his curiosity was finally too much for him.

"Komugi." She looked up and closing her eyes again, concentration broken.

"Yes my King?" He paused for a few seconds.

"What is your age?" She sat up straighter.

"F-Fifteen!". The king absorbed this and decided to store this information away.

"I see. So you are still pretty young for a human". Komugi shuffled uneasily.

"Hai. Many people that I compete with gets angry at me b-because of the fact that I'm a- a child. I didn't mean to make you upset. I'm sorry.. I-" She trailed off and hurriedly wiped at her eyes.

"No. I was merely asking out of interest". The King stared at her tear-stained face.

'Humans are so strange. But why does she care what I think of her? Does she want me to have a positive image of her? Does she perhaps enjoy my company? Or does she pretend to out of fear?' The King's eyes narrowed slightly.

The current game soon finished. And another. And another. And after hours and hours of playing (All of them being won by Komugi of course), the King finally realized something. He wasn't getting any weaker. In fact, he started feeling a little stronger. Why does he only realize this now? He suddenly stood up.

Komugi started at the sudden movement. He flexed his palm and rolled his shoulder, his muscles rippling audibly with power. Unbeknownst to the king, the cells in his body started fighting the poison by constantly mutating to create an invulnerability to the poison all whilst he was concentrating on playing Gungi. The king formed some Nen in his palm. It felt normal. But… Finally it clicked. 'Pouf, Youpi… I absorbed their powers. Pouf's body reconstruction powers combined with Youpi's Metamorphosis ability could have been the reason as to why I've survived. After all, I use their powers more effectively than they did. It's all thanks to them that I am alive even now. Even after their deaths they are still protecting me'

The king sat down quietly again.

"K-k-king?"

"Meruem." Komugi flinched.

"S-sorry?"

"My name is Meruem. You will call me by my given name from now on" Komugi's face suddenly lit up like Christmas has come early

"Hai Meruem!" She sat there giggling to herself and he studied her with confusion. She's the complete opposite of him. He slowly took in her form and realized for the first time that her hair was out. He suddenly leaned over the Gungi board, reaching for a lock of her hair. Komugi started yet again from this unanticipated movement.

"Ahh ummm… ah... Kin- Meruem?". The King himself was surprised at his own actions. Why is it that he loses all sense of rationality when in her presence? Giving nothing away, he slowly returned to his previous position.

"Komugi. Listen carefully. I will give you humans one last chance. We will play one more game. Not only will your life depend on this particular game, but the lives of many of your people will depend on it as well. So you better take this seriously" Komugi's eyes opened again. Whilst she didn't fully realize the gravity of the situation, she knew that this game was important to the king. There was a sudden glint in her eyes.

"Hai!" The game started. Tension filled the air. After all, they were both representing their whole species… though Komugi doesn't know that. This game was longer than most. Both opponent's mind was filled with counters and predictions. Had the game been real life, it would have seemed as if they would had had the ability to predict the future itself. With one final move, Komugi broke down all the king's defences and had him in check mate. She did not close her eyes however.

"Meruem. Who are you?" Disconcerted by her blunt and forward question, the King was hesitant. 'I was hoping you'd tell me'. "I think the better question would be 'What are you?' so instead, I will answer just that" Meruem paused "You see…"

Author's Notes:

Guys pls… be gentle… it's my first time… at writing a fanfiction. Meruem really is my favorite character in HxH and I thought the way he died was COMPLETELY UNSATISFACTORY but then I was like aye sweet as there must be some cool fanfiction to make me feel better bUT ONLY THERE WASN'T ANY UJGVJJKHGNUKYFUTFIUMJOPOIUIDHOWHW sooooo anyway, I had this made up story in my head for idk, like 2 years and it's been eating away at me ever so slowly so I thought what the heck, I've never written anything before and I'm probably crap but I NEED to create a new reality for Meruem where he can have a happy ending too :'C Please make sure to lecture me if I make mistakes. And please note that if you hate on me, it'll only feed my desire to make your hate grow and flourish :)

Soon you will all see how I've carefully manipulated the story to my satisfaction. Even if only 1 person ends up liking this fanfiction, I'll be content.

Also, what the heck? Writing is so bloody hard. So much damn research is required. Like, 70% of all the time that it takes to write is taken up with gathering information. SIGH. But it's good. I can deal.