DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Hunter x Hunter", Togashi owns them who's back from hiatus and is continuing the manga. The only thing I own are my original characters and the story itself. That's all and please enjoy. =D
Chapter Two: Confrontation
"Now, tell me, what you know about the Ryodan?"
"Hehe."
"Tell me now!"
"Why? Why do you want to know!"
"…"
Yuna has suddenly let go of Kurapika's collar, slowly backing away from him until she reached the opposite wall, leaning her back against it then slowly sliding down until she sat on the floor. She then brought her knees close to her chest then bowed down her head against it, curling up like a ball.
"They killed my parents."
Kurapika, approached her then sat right beside her, listening to what she has to say.
"4 years ago while on a journey, they were ambushed by a group of bandits…"
FLASHBACK
"You're Majesty, where shall we head on next?"
"The Kingdom of Voiny is not far from here. Just go onwards."
"Yes, you're Majesty." said the carriage's driver as he gave the horse a whip and they were on the way.
"I can't wait till' I see my good friend Marcel. As well as his son."
"Really now, my dear. Don't you think you should reconsider this arranged marriage thing? Yuna won't be too pleased about this."
"Nonsense! I know Yuna won't mind. That girl knows how to follow her duties as a princess and this is one of them. Besides, an alliance with another kingdom will be for the best."
"Haaay. Well, I hope this prince better be worthy."
"That's why we'll see for oursel-"
Suddenly, the carriage shooked violently, as if something big hit it. Then, the doors opened.
"What's going on! Who are you people!"
"Don't worry, you're Highness. We are only here to take what is ours." And with that the stranger suddenly brought out a knife then killed the two royalties, taking something from them and then left, along with the others that were with him. The soldiers and guards accompanied by the King and Queen were also massacred and where left there. Pretty soon, they were found by the Kingdom of Voiny's guards, who were ordered to supposedly escort the arriving royalty. And then, they delivered news of the King and Queen's death to Paix.
A funeral was held, with the young princesses mourning for the lost of their beloved parents. Weeks later, a coronation was held, crowning Paix's new ruler, the current Queen, Jacquenett.
It took the princesses while before they can adjust to their new duties as well as getting over for the lost of their beloved parents. All, with the exception of one…
END OF FLASHBACK
"So, that's what exactly happened."
"I see. I'm sorry."
"No, don't be. I'm the one who should be. Apparently…" she stood up.
"I haven't gotten over our parent's death yet. My sisters' already moved on but their death still haunts me. Especially since I'm one of the reason why it happened, I was about to get engaged, even if it's against my wishes. Well, life's tough, I guess that's how it goes. Now…" she turns around then pinned Kurapika against the wall once more.
"You still haven't told me your reason yet." she said, smirking.
"…"
Then, suddenly, his eyes began to glow a bright scarlet color.
"No way… It can't be… You're a part of the-"
"Kurata Clan. Yes. My clan was massacred five years by the same people who killed your parents. The Genei Ryodan."
"I never thought… That you… Oh great…" said Yuna as she let go of her grasp on Kurapika.
"Oh well, it's ok I guess. Hehehe."
"You're not shocked?"
"Surprised, yes. But, I have a something to show you. Meet me in the throne room later. I have to change my clothes first." said Yuna as she smiled, turning around then walking straight towards the door then left, shutting it behind.
"Huh?" said a confused Kurapika as he just shrugged his shoulders then went out of the room as well, heading down the right corridor towards their assigned rooms.
When he was out of sight, Yuna came out of hiding behind a pillar then sighed.
"Kurta Clan, eh? Boy, he is in for a surprise." she said as she laughed then turned around then headed down the left corridor.
"Ah! Kurapika's here!" exclaimed Gon as Kurapika entered his room, along with Leorio and Killua. Gon was sitting on the bed while Killua was lying beside him, his hands under his head. Leorio was standing next to the window, apparently was gazing out into the horizon until he snapped out of it when Kurapika arrived.
"Oy, you better tell us what happened back there." said Killua.
"Nothing much…" he said as he sat on the bed as well.
"The princess pretty much reacted to the Ryodan thing."
"I see. Princess Patricia told us. Apparently, their parents were killed by them as well. And, Yuna-himesan isn't taking it too lightly. She hasn't moved on about their deaths yet."
"I know, Gon. She told me all about it. But something is bugging me though. When I told her I was a part of the Kurata Clan-"
"Wait, you told her!"
"Well, not exactly. Anyways, she wasn't surprised much. But, she did tell me to meet her in the throne room. So, I better get going now. I'll fill you guys in more about it later. Bye." Kurapika said as he stood up and then left.
"Well, that was weird. Now, what do we do now, Gon?"
"Let's go explore the castle! I've been itching to do so all day!"
"Then let's go!" said Killua as they both hopped off the bed and then dashed for the door.
"We'll be going now, Leorio. See ya' later then!" said Gon as shut the door close.
"Now, I'm all alone. Haaay. Might as well take a nap, I'll go to my own room then." he said as he headed towards the door, turning off the lights before leaving.
"Ah, you're here already." said Yuna as she finally appeared in the throne room, with Kurapika who was practically waiting for her, having a conversation with the Queen while he does.
"Took you long enough to get dressed." he said.
"Well, I'm not suppose to go out looking like that whenever I have something important to do and besides, when royals have business to attend to outside of the castle, they have to be dressed properly." she said. She was wearing a royal officer's uniform coat, color black with several gold medals attached to it. Instead of pants she was wearing red shorts instead. Along with it are a pair of black socks and a pair of white and red sneakers. (A.N.: Think of it as the primary costume of Utena of the anime, "Revolutionary Girl Utena". XD). Her hair was down as well, with a tiara placed on top of her head.
Kurapika just stared at her.
"What? Is something wrong?" Yuna asked, confused.
"You're prettier when your hair is down."
"Well, thank you. I get that a lot. Let's go." she said coolly, apparently blushing as well.
"Have fun you too!" said Jacquenette, smirking.
"Yes, sis." answered Yuna as she and Kurapika headed out of the front door of the castle.
"Where are we going anyways?" asked Kurapika as she and Yuna made their way down the stairs.
"You'll see."
She then turned left and headed straight towards what looks like to be the palace's stables. Different kinds of horses, as well as unicorns, can be seen. Also, a young girl was there.
"Ila! Hey!" said Yuna as she ran towards the girl.
"You're Highness! Good to see you! Going somewhere again?"
"Yeah. I have something to show this guy. By the way, his name is Kurapika. He's a Hunter." said Yuna as she pointed towards the guy behind her.
"I see. It's very nice to meet you, Kurapika. I'm Ila, a Wildlife Hunter. It's nice to see another Hunter." she said as she took out her hand to him.
"Oh hi, nice to meet you." said Kurapika as she shook hands with her. "We're riding horses?" he said as he turned to face Yuna.
"Yup. That's the only way we can get there to that place. Anyways, Ila, please fetch me a horse and as well as my beloved Nila for me."
"Right away, you're Highness." said Ila as she turns then leaves, going into one of the stables.
"There are so many horses. How come there are only four unicorns?"
"Because, those four are my sister's and mine."
"I remember when I use to work for a Mafia Boss' family and in order to get hired; one of my comrades had to kill a unicorn for the skull. The boss' daughter was a body part collector you see. Creepy girl she was…"
"I see. Ah, here comes Ila."
"Here you go, you're Highness. A horse, and as well as your Nila."
"Hey there girl! Who's a good girl?" said Yuna as she patted and hugged her unicorn, Nila.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Don't tell me you haven't ridden a horse before?" said Yuna as she mounted on Nila.
"Uh… Eh…"
"Huh? So you haven't ridden one before?"
"Well, back in the village, we don't have horses much. So, yeah." said an embarrassed Kurapika.
"Haaay. It can't be helped then. Come, get on Nila."
"Are you sure? I mean I can just walk beside yo-"
"Nonsense! It'll be faster this way! Come!"
"Alright." said Kurapika as he reached out his hand towards Yuna, as she pulls him up on the horse.
"Now, what?"
"Wrap your arms around my waist."
"What!"
"Oh come on. Just do it." said Yuna, who was blushing.
"Ok. If you say so." said Kurapika as he reluctantly wraps his arms around her waist, embarrassed by having to be this close to the princess.
"See? Isn't that hard? Alright, here we go!" said Yuna as she gave Nila a whip then they were on their way. Riding off to a distant path past the stables, going towards their destination.
"Good luck on your trip!" said Ila as she waved them goodbye.
The path there was pretty much dangerous. Rocks were everywhere and there was also a deep cliff to cross. Luckily enough, a hanging bridge was placed there. Although, from the mere looks of it, it's almost about to give-in anytime soon.
"Are you sure about this? The bridge looks like it's about to fall anytime soon!"
"Don't worry, Kurapika. I'm aware of that. I always go to that place every single day and I always use this bridge. Besides… try using Gyo."
And so, Kurapika focused his entire aura to his eyes therefore using Gyo.
"Now, look at the bridge."
He then focused his attention towards the bridge.
"Ah! No way!"
"Uh-huh. I used my Nen to envelop the entire bridge, so I can cross safely. This way, only Nen-users will be able to pass through here. That's why I didn't ask the kingdom to fix that bridge."
"But why go through the trouble? Maybe… are you hiding something?"
"You'll find out. Come, let's go!" and with that, using Ren, she enveloped herself, Kurapika and Nila with Nen and then made their way across the bridge. Finally crossing, she then gave Nila another whip and then they were off again.
"How much further is it?"
"Almost there. We just have to cross…" said Yuna as she pulled on Nila to stop.
"This river."
"Eh!"
"Oh don't worry. There are plenty of rocks scattered around. We just have to hop on them to cross. Although, one mistake and we are done for, just look at those rapids!" she said as she pointed towards the water, crashing violently across the rocks.
"I'm not so sure about this…"
"What? Scared? You're after the Ryodan and you get scared just because of this? Hahaha! Come on! Let's go!" said Yuna as Nila jumped across, landing safely on a rock. Hopping on one rock to another, not caring about slipping or anything, until they reached the other side.
"I wonder if I should be more scared of you than the Ryodan…" said Kurapika, sweatdropping.
"Hahaha! You should be. Anyways, the village is nearby, so let's go!"
"This day is boring as well. I wonder where the princess is. She hasn't come yet."
"Oy! Lupe! Stop slacking off. The princess wouldn't be too pleased if she heard of this. Really, you're supposed to be our watch guard."
"Whatever, Luigi. It's not like we're gonna' get ambushed or anything. The princess does the real protecting here."
"Just go back to work."
"Yeah, yeah. Geez. Mean old man. Like he's the one to talk, he isn't doing anything much either! Back to work then." said Lupe as he straightened up then gazed outside the village's gates, looking for anything suspicious until he spotted a shadow approaching.
"Huh? Who's that?" he said as he grabbed the watch tower's telescope then pointed it straight towards the figure.
"Well, if isn't the princess. She's late, and not alone. There's someone riding with her." he said as he lets go of the telescope then reached towards the tower's signal bell, ringing it.
"Ah! The princess is here!"
"Oy! Guys! The princess is back!"
"The princess, the princess!"
Villagers started buzzing around after hearing of the news that the princess has arrived. Every day, the villagers get excited whenever the princess visits. They have great respect for her since she's the reason why they're still alive. Not only her but the entire royal family as well, going through lengths in order to obscure this village from many prying eyes.
"See that huge gates? That's the entrance to the village. And it looks like they were already informed of my arrival. Hahaha!"
"Wow, making a village fuss like that? You must have done something great for them to respect you like that."
"Yeah, I'll tell you what later. Right now, a friend is here to welcome us. Whoa, Nila!" said Yuna as she ordered her unicorn to stop.
"You're Highness, welcome back again to our village!"
"No problem, chief. By the way, I have a friend of mine I would like you to meet. This is Kurapika by the way, and I'm positive that you two have a lot in common. I mean, the whole village does!"
"Nice to meet you, Kurapika-san. I'm Chief Naples, welcome to our humble village." he said as he shook hands with Kurapika.
"Now, now. We have lots more to attend to! Come Kurapika, I have somebody I want you to meet." said Yuna as she leads Kurapika into the village, passing by a lot of people on their way. Different people come and greet her, as she greets them back.
"You're truly a princess. Somewhat, all the people you meet will either praise you or thank you."
"Well, it's no big deal actually. It's kinda natural now since I've been doing this for years now. I am a princess after all. One of my duties is to my people."
"I see. Anyways, where are we headed to?"
"To my "mother"."
"Your "mother"?"
"She stands as my mother figure now. I met her here in the village. She's really nice and she's always looking out for me."
"I see. It's nice that I get to meet her."
The village isn't that huge, since its population is about thirty to fifty people only. Although, the houses were elegantly made, like an old medieval period village. There is also a tavern and a small marketplace. All of the village's construction was all paid by the Queen.
"Ah, we're here." said Yuna as a small, cottage was slowly coming into view. The walls were filled with flowers, their tendrils spread out across it. It also has a chimney built-in. A cozy home for about three people.
"Is this her house?"
"Yes. Let's go. I'm sure she'll be happy to see us."
They approached the front door and then Yuna knocked on it.
"Come in! It's open!"
"Ah! Kaprika-san! It's me, Yuna!" said Yuna as she opened the door and then entered the house.
"Yuna! I'm in the kitchen right now."
"By the way, I have somebody I want you to meet." said Yuna as she beckoned Kurapika to follow her into the kitchen, the smell of food was wafting through the air.
"Ah, Kaprika-san, what are you cooking?"
"You're favourite, apple pie. I also prepared some tea." said Kaprika, as she brought out the pie from the oven.
"Smells good! By the way, this is Kurapika. He's a Hunter."
Then, suddenly, Kaprika lets go of the pie, crashing into the floor.
"Kaprika-san! Are you ok?" said Yuna as she rushed at her side, placing her arm around her.
"No way…"
"Kaprika-san?"
She stood up then slowly, lifted her head up, looking straight towards the young man in front of her.
"Kurapika…"
"Mother…"
"You're alive!" said Kaprika as rushed towards Kurapika, hugging him tight.
"I thought you were dead! Oh thank goodness, every night I prayed for you to be alive and here you are, right in front of Me." said Kaprika as she cried onto her son's shoulders.
"Mother… Oh Mother! I thought you were dead too!" said Kurapika as he himself started crying.
Yuna smiled as she watched the scene right in front her, happy for once that she get to help two people reunite once more.
"So, does this mean that this whole village are Kurata people?"
"Yes. I was about to tell you but since I don't have to, your Mother already did." said Yuna.
"Since when did you arrive here in Paix?" asked Kaprika.
"Just now actually. Yuna here was in a hurry to get me here, I didn't even have the time to rest. All this time, I thought the Kurata tribe was gone. How did you survive the ambush? When the Ryodan left, all I saw was dead, eyeless bodies everywhere."
"It all started when…"
TO BE CONTINUED
Author's Note: CLIFFHANGER! Hahaha! Sorry, I will save the flashback for the next chapter. I know that Kurapika is clearly very out-of-character here but I can't help it; I just have to give him a soft side for once since I'm getting tired of his evil side in the series. Anyways, please give out a review on this chapter as well. This one is shorter than the previous one.
I won't be able to update soon since school has just started. But, I will try to at least post one or two chapters a week. So please, be patient with me.
Special thanks to Sammi V for being my first reviewer. I dedicate this chapter to you. =D
