Disclaimer: I don't own Hunter x Hunter.

Notes: This is something of a side-chapter, exploring the consequences of the previous events. Next chapter will return to its focus on the developing relationship between Komugi and Meruem.

Fundamental Needs

Chapter Three: The First Ripple

Knov had reached the desert outside the palace, and could proceed no further.

He could feel the En of the Royal Guard named Pitou, just within reach. The depth of malice contained within it left him shaking, sweat soaking through his shirt and into his suit jacket. Every nerve in his body was screaming at him to run - as far and as fast as possible.

It was only with a supreme effort that he managed to crouch down and set the exit for his Nen pocket dimension, his legs trembling so badly that he almost lost his balance. It wouldn't be good enough, to execute their plan. Not even close.

But it would have to do.

"So tell me: what is my name?" the King asked his Royal Guards, after reciting each of their names in turn.

Pouf felt unrest come to life in the pit of his stomach. "With all due respect, Your Highness: you are the king. The one and only true king. You have no other name. There are currently impostors who claim to be kings, but we shall eliminate them all."

By the king's expression, Pouf could tell that his answer had been unsatisfactory. Shame joined the rising apprehension. "That assumed the others can be eliminated," said the King. "'King' is a title, and a title can be bestowed. It is not the same thing as a name." The King shifted his gaze to the left. "Your thoughts, Youpi?"

Pouf had to fight back tears, that the King was seeking council from that moron after dismissing his own. What a failure he was!

"Your question is far beyond my capacity," said the red-skinned Guard, which made Pouf feel marginally better. "As much as I'd like to answer - I just don't know."

"Pitou," prompted the King.

"I'm sure whatever your feelings are on the matter, they greatly outweigh my own," they said. It was another non-answer. Pouf was proud for at least having concrete thoughts to share, even if they had been dismissed. "If I could make a suggestion: why not select a name for yourself? Something that pleases you."

The King narrowed his eyes, and Pouf was certain for moment that he was going to scold Pitou as well. But instead, he said, "Very well, then."

The shame was back with a vengeance. It was such a self-evident solution, in hindsight - yet he had failed to think of it. Hastily, he interjected, "You will have to wait until after the Selection is completed to choose your name, Highness. For the time being, our top priority is to finish all the preparations by tomorrow morning."

He realized belatedly that it sounded an awful lot like he'd just given the King an order, and he flinched inwardly. If the King killed him for such insolence, it was only fitting. But the King did not strike him, then. He was staring out into the distance, instead, a shadow passing over his eyes.

"Is something the matter, Your Highness?" Pouf asked, knowing that he was pushing his luck. "If you have any more concerns, we will do everything in our power to address them. That is, after all, why we are here."

After a brief silence, the King spoke. "Komugi has shown me how humans express affection for one another."

Pouf's mouth twisted downward at the now-familiar name. The King had uttered it once before, when he'd instructed Pitou and himself to make arrangements for the blind gungi player's care. That the King had even bothered to learn her name, let alone take a personal interest in her well-being, made bile rise up from the back of Pouf's throat.

Pouf said nothing, fearing that speaking would result in something truly foolish.

The King continued: "Humans, it seems, find meaning outside of their strength. In their bonds with one-another."

"I'm not sure I take your meaning, sire," Pouf managed, careful to regulate his tone.

The King raised his hand up before him, examining it. "It is my strength that makes me King, but strength is not a purpose in its own right." The hand dropped back to his side. "Pitou."

"Yes, sire?"

"If Komugi were to be Sorted tomorrow, would she survive the process?"

"No, sire. We will select only those who can serve as soldiers for our cause. That is, those who have the potential for excellence in combat."

Pouf felt his throat close up in horror. Mentally, he begged the King not to continue with this line of inquiry.

The King walked towards the edge of the balcony. "Komugi has demonstrated that the measure of one's existence need not be confined to metrics such as strength."

No, no, no. This was all wrong.

"During our journey here, I ended a child's life," the King said. "He could never have hoped to surpass me in strength, and yet I suspect he had a greater sense of purpose than I. It is for that very reason that he didn't wish to die. And yet...I snuffed out his life on a whim."

Pouf could no longer hold back the words. "Surely you don't mean to imply that you...regret your actions, sire?"

"I do not regret that I killed the child," replied the King. "I merely find it vexing that I had no purpose in doing so." He turned around, his cold gaze falling on the three Guards. "And that I see no purpose for the Selection, either."

Pouf thought he just might vomit. This was all that damn human's fault! He should've killed her when he'd first had the impulse, consequences be damned.

"We serve at your command, sire," said Pitou. "What is it that you wish us to do?"

"I need time to deliberate," replied the King. "We shall put the Selection on hold."

It was at that moment that Pouf lost consciousness.