Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Hunter X Hunter rights belong to Togashi. Hisoka, Chrollo, and Illumi who are considered by some as the unholy trinity of sexy in Hunter X Hunter.
Info: The summit with Chrollo and Hisoka is set, but Kurapika is unsure which man he should be rooting for in their feud.
Rubrum Oculus Aranea: XIV Hisoka X Chrollo
- September 23th - Toredo City's Downtown District
When Kurapika got back up the first thing he saw was not the cold, unfeeling face of the captor holding him prisoner in this city rather one of his subordinates: Shalanrk. While the expert genius was still holding his portable phone which had the game Aliens and Other Aliens 3: The Last Game Truly on pause the computer wizard was happy to see his "friend" was getting out of the sleep he's been stuck in ever since the raid on the last auction. Taking a risk of getting steel cutting up his face Shalnark quickly wrapped his arms around Kurapika who didn't punch him rather started at his criminal partner in confusion.
"Glad to see you sleeping beauty! So, are you feeling up to getting a nice breakfast today?"
"Breakfast? Oh, that's right..." His stomach answered the question for him as he was eating smaller dishes when he was conscious under Chrollo's orders since he knew from Kurapika's memories how long these rest periods could take, and how much the toll would be on his body with extended periods of using his clan's eyes. His body slowly would need to re-adjust to normal activity, so he asked his subordinates to prepare a special meal for him while he left to meet with their traitor alone. Nobunaga, despite his wounds, believed he should go with him however Chrollo said he had an ace up his sleeve.
"Yeah we can't keep the others waiting, and I definitely want you to try out what I made to eat for us to eat."
He figured it was going to be a dish to die for or rather die from eating, but part of himself decided to let his taste buds decide how it would turn out. Anything would do as long as he didn't look like an unfortunate child sitting out on the streets, the only chance of likely getting food was a sheer miracle or a stranger. While the Kurta despised how much his life has changed he knew things could have turned out much worse...
"I was told not to say this to you, but apparently some of us will be going back to our home in Meteor City soon." Kurapika was certainly not expecting that development, so instead of seeking out the next pair of eyes they were going on a detour to another place entirely. He also took note there was less noise going around although he figured that was because some of the spiders were still asleep.
"Meteor City? You mean that is where the Phantom Troupe was born?" He heard rumors back when he first investigated details about the criminal organization, but from what he learned and everyone said that place was a home for what the world considered trash and garbage.
"Not just born that is my hometown along with a few other founding members including our leader!"
'I just hope they don't want to send me there...' His said to himself as he continued following Shalnark.
Unless his clan's eyes were somewhere in that city there was no way he would willingly visit such a place. Finally, he came into the basketball court where Machi, Kortopi, Bonolenov, and Nobunaga were enjoying a nice early meal of rice and noodles. The others were just getting up a while ago, so it was only the six of them at the moment which Kurapika was somewhat happy about despite having his most hated samurai in the room.
"What are you two brats standing there for not sitting your asses down already!" The Kurta was surprised he was being actually welcomed by the man who vowed to have Kurapika's head on a stick just a few weeks ago. If he had the strength in him Kurapika would test his luck by dumping the food made on Nobunaga's head, but instead, he sat down with the rest of them submitting to his hunger.
"Does he know about why our leader is not present yet?" The copy-maker of the group just outright said trying to understand how he would react to the news, Bonolenov responded by giving the smaller man a light punch on his head.
"That is what we tried to avoid saying this early, Kortopi!" The smaller spider was not exactly known to keep his mouth shut about secrets like that. As the bandaged man was glaring at the peeping eye on the Conjurer's face.
"What's going on here?" With a raise of his eyebrows Kurapika wanted answers from someone; the group was not exactly the best at keeping secrets from each other compared with people that were not affiliated with the brigade. Machi decided to get things over with summing up what happened in a simple sentence.
"Chrollo is going to convince Hisoka not to kill him."
Kurapika had to listen to what she explained a few times, running that sentence in his mind over and over to fully grasp the concept of what the head spider was doing today. Instead of yelling, screaming, and throwing his bowl at someone he simply glared at everyone in the room.
"Why didn't any of you stop him? Don't you care he might get killed by that perverted clown!" He knew while part of his soul would feel at ease with his death, the conditions of the Judgement Chain still wrapped around his own heart could ensure the demise of the last Kurta remaining in this world. The man who vowed to kill the spiders was starting at each of them in amazement by their lack of concern for their leader's safety.
"Chrollo, he told us to stay here and keep an eye on you. Besides, it's not like he's alone Kalluto's gone with him since his older brother will be at the meeting."
He was flabbergasted they would assume that having one person with him could stop that maniac, and if anything it could be a trap set up by the Zoldyck family. There were just so many things which could go south for Chrollo and Kurapika could hardly keep control of the chopsticks in his left hand.
"Boss can handle himself. We trust him and he knows we will do fine by ourselves every once in a while."
The blonde was beginning to question how loyal Machi was to this man, but his thoughts were quickly changed to eating the food prepared for him to eat while Shalnark went over to get a few drinks of water for everyone. With everyone else chowing down Shalnark was starting to believe that Kurapika was slowly accepting his place with them. He certainly would not call himself a spider yet, but he was no longer ashamed of doing certain things with the group.
'Perhaps he should go with us to Meteor City, and see how our lives began before the Phantom Troupe.' With a sigh, the tech-support member of the wanted fugitives got back to helping prepare the rest of the breakfast. The former hunter noticed the bandages wrapped around the samurai, which hid the battle scars and wounds he got fighting a Divine Blade...and only getting in one good attack on the elderly man.
"Tch, listen here chain brat if you're done being a lazy bum I need a sparring party for training and I think-"
"Are you ignorant or stupid, Nobu?" Machi hoped her partner was not seriously considering re-opening the wounds she had to stitch together, the both of them would rack up quite the bill if they attempted doing any kind of physical activity let alone sword fighting. The hot-tempered spider was about to lunge over toward the ninja when Bonolenov stepped in knowing she had a good point.
"Unless you want to die from blood loss which I wouldn't mind you shouldn't even touch that stupid old sword of yours."
"The only way I'm going to let go of my blade is when I die, and if anything I will drag my weapon into the grave with my deceased corpse!"
Huffing the both of them went back to their bowls to finish eating as Kurapika began to wonder what he should do until Chrollo returns from the summit. Technically he could be living his last hours on this planet if the conditions of the chain binding its targets were broken with the death of either man. He could be upset, angry, saddened, and or depressed his life was now hanging in the balance with no way of knowing how things will turn out. Then again without their leader, the rest of the spiders would likely disperse likely never to unite again.
'Everything they worked for would be gone...could they even do anything else besides work in the Phantom Troupe.'
He knew it would be difficult for wanted fugitives to have a chance at a normal life, but the idea of gleeful murders trying to act like normal people again seemed impossible to imagine. He was taken out of his inner thoughts when the pink-haired spider called out to him.
"Boy, how do you feel about doing some training with me instead of "professional" samurai over here." Machi knew Kurapika was going to end up just retreating into his room, the books he had also would be an excuse to not hang out with the others and she was interested in learning more about the Kurta. She held no grudge against him along with some of the other members, the overall goal of being a thief was more important to feeling like getting revenge for the loss of one of their own as Chrollo has shown over the month.
"Hold on I thought you said I should not be doing any kind of physical activity with these stitches in my body?"
"I believe you are a pretty smart boy, you were told that you shouldn't be risking injury with someone like Nobunaga watching over your condition. I know how to keep those nen-stitches in place better than anyone else, Kurapika." Considering how much she was getting paid to keep his body in good health by her leader she was going to do a damn good job of that. Looking down at his now empty plate he knew that he really couldn't do much else besides reading some more, and the weight of boredom might crash down later giving him few options for activities.
"What did you have in mind exactly?" As he was about to get up Shalnark gave him a small glass of milk not wanting his meal to go without the item he prepared himself, so he could get a possible thank you out of the young man he's grown fond having conversations with over the weeks. He began to give Kurapika his best puppy down impression to seal the deal.
"Don't leave just yet I want to hear your opinion about this meal...considering well someone made it."
"The rice is pretty bland are you sure that this dish isn't expired, Shalnark?"
"I WASN'T SPEAKING TO YOU NOBU! Please just give me your honest opinion after having a sip of that milk Pika." He knew he wasn't that great of a cook yet he did try his best today when he asked Machi for help in getting the rice and noodles done just right, and if he could please his friend then the work would be worth the lack of sleep.
"Well I don't feel hungry umm thank you?" He was unsure how to feel about it just as long as it kept his stomach full he didn't care how it tasted to him. Shalnark naturally was dancing around even if he hadn't gotten a detailed compliment on his cooking.
"Oh! You! Are! Most! Certainly! Welcome!"
"..."
Kurapika was worried he might have broken Shalnark at that moment seeing him almost pass out in joy. As the other spiders woke up to get their own meals the aloof ninja told him to meet her in the weights section of this gym they were borrowing for their current base of operations. Looking around Kurapika observed the many different options to get your body into good condition, but he was already physically prepared for fighting making him curious about what she had in mind. Instead of a few dumbbells in hand, there was a web of nen-string in her fingers.
"I know you're pretty good in physical fighting, but I want to see what you are capable with that nen of yours along with those crimson eyes."
"These chains are something you've all seen before and I don't think you need to be reminded that I can't keep using these eyes otherwise I'll end up back in bed." She shook her head, her hands moved around changing the shape of the web now forming the image of a spider. The quickness, agility, and speed that her fingers moved during that process made it nearly impossible to see with the naked eye.
"Even if you know how your abilities work there are ways you can unlock new assets with your own nen through experimentation. Nen can be understood, but never truly mastered despite how much you train. Years, time, and effort can help you see brand new horizons unexplored by your mind since only you limit that untapped potential." Kurapika was surprised at this admission, the idea he could learn and develop new skills to enhance his Conjuration beyond his current scope was surprising.
"Could the same be done for all types of Nen-users?" She nodded admitting she herself still has not mastered her own powers to their fullest.
"Indeed boy and Chrollo himself is still adapting to understand the limits of his own powers. He doesn't tell me since the spiders are meant to discover about each other's talents on their own, but since we all got a glimpse into your memories along with research on the Kurta clan I've been waiting for an opportunity like this."
"What do you get out of helping me?"
"You're part of the Troupe, which helps out their own so I figured you could learn how to control yourself...after what happened during the last auction raid."
The memories would never leave the minds who watched the pacifist nature regress into nothingness, which left the young Kurta in a state of blind malice lashing out at everything in his red-eyed sight. While it was a sight to look at Kurapika had no skills or professional nature with his chains, his hands simply moved around to choke or slash at whatever poor sap was in his way. The most disturbing part was the fact he never came after the spiders instead only laughing as they observed the chaos he unleashed that night.
"So, you're doing this in order to tame me?"
"Despite what you've seen from us I don't needlessly create slaughter there is a certain level of...restraint in my movements. My goal is not to control you rather teach you to keep control of yourself."
He knew just by how calm she acted that statement was correct, the coldest member of the Phantom Troupe she rarely expressed emotions besides her apathy stares and dry remarks. He figured if anyone was going to teach him out self-control it should be Machi. He had some concerns about what made her decide now was the best time to start, yet he couldn't really do much else around this place.
"Alright now conjure those chains."
"Hold on I thought you said that my body should take it easy for a while!"
"I'm not asking you to do much Kurapika, but in order to help I need to see the steel you use in battle. In fact, I only need you to do a few things with your right hand and arm but not the rest of those limbs."
Part of him was considering taking those chains around her neck, place her body in a Zetsu state, and just enjoy Machi's final moments of breathing air through her lungs. Kurapika knew it was this kind of struggle that was sending his soul into madness when the medical ninja noticed his head move down she figured he was in the middle of a mental debate with his mind. He looked right into her cool eyes as he didn't reply; he projecting his chains without question.
The chilling sounds of Kurapika's chains were echoed through the room as Machi saw the different styled chains now hanging from each of his fingers, the cold steel joining together forming the perfect arsenal against spiders, detecting items, and giving out certain commandments on a person's soul. She knew any one of those tools could bring harm to herself, so she asked him to reveal the ones that are not lethal against spiders.
"The Dowsing Chain along with my Holy Chain and this regular chain don't possess any limitations besides the fact my abilities are stronger in my Specialist state." She has seen those used before knowing that he was talented in having different usages with his Nen, but she wondered if he could battle without those chains.
"Can you use other weapons like knives, swords, and that Bokken you had during the Hunter Exams along with those other steel weapons in your possession?"
"Honestly I don't like to other weapons if I don't need to in a fight. Believe it or not, I've hated the idea of using any kind of firearm since I tried to remain as pacifistic as possible." His agenda against the spiders was something he didn't to consume his life, but it was only when he met people like Gon, Leorio, and Killua...Killua that he managed to have a lighter mood with his life. As the days went on by he began to remember how lonesome his days were back when he was fully committed to avenging his clan.
"I don't blame you handguns are much too noisy, but if you're in a situation where you can't fight without your chains it would be wise to come prepared with a second option. Now then I want you to send out the chain you can use to attack me without limitations placed on it."
"Are you sure? I don't want the others to think I tri-"
"You're not going to lay a finger on me even if you try, kid." Her smirk only made him determined to prove Machi wrong, his right hand quickly moved to strike her on the chest, but she easily moved her nen-strings around the chain trapping in within the web. He knew she was quick but to have his chain stuck in this way was surprising to watch, he attempted to move the chain back only to find himself unable to pull back.
"These strings aren't too hard to cut, but they seem to have a good hold on your "strong" chains, boy."
'She's trying to motivate me...or she's really mocking me just to have fun.' Either way, Kurapika began to get serious, his other chains came out which made Machi widen her eyes as she was not expecting that. Letting go of his hand she moved out of they way he managed to wrap the chain with his limitations around her leg.
"I thought you weren't going to use that chain Kurapika!"
"You forced my hand, but I was going to harm you with it!" At least that's what he said while his inner mind was thinking about doing the exact opposite once she was under the effects of Chain Jail. Dragging her toward him the darker intentions of his actions were beginning to manifest as was something new which repeated itself over and over again. While she attempted to break free of his strong grip Kurapika was losing control of his mind under the command of Illumi's needle.
'Find Killua...bring him to us alive...' Kurapika let Machi go as he closed his eyes, the command was something he didn't understand or why he was suddenly thinking about his friend. The ninja knew his mind was in a state of flux, her hands moved around to seal up his hands keeping him from using his chains until she allowed him.
"What...what is happening to me?!"
"I don't know you tell me, Kurta." She stared at his face watching the conflict within himself, but there was not much she could do to help calm his mind. She decided to let the situation play out watching Kurapika regain control of his sanity. The former blacklist hunter knew that after what he could have done to her he could really use her kind of help.
"My soul is tearing itself apart, the dreams I keep happening involve a forest dripping with blood, and my friends taunting me about staying around the Phantom Troupe. Honestly, I've never told anyone about these dreams not even Chrollo because I thought they would have stopped by now." Perhaps the key to understanding this problem was through his nightly terrors. The pink-haired spider agreed that whatever is troubling his mind could involve the vivid dreams.
"You might need more help than just me with this problem, boy. I don't know which one of us can handle mental issues besides well a doctor, but perhaps Pakunoda can help you talk about this or Shizuku."
"Don't the idiots like Nobunaga and Feitan consider her just some airhead." The conversation he had with her suggested that was not the case, but he didn't know if he could trust her not to go blabbing about his personal matters with the spiders who would take advantage of that information.
"Well, you can also talk with Shalnark if you feel like speaking to another guy will help ease any concern."
"Ugh don't think I'm some kind of sexist pig, Machi. I don't have a problem speaking with girls it's just..." It was just everything else about that instilled fear like the idea of loving a female, possibly having a family, and spending the rest of his life with a woman. Machi had a rare smile on her face watching his cheeks turn slightly red as he was slowly admitting he was shy around the opposite gender.
'Heh, this boy is pretty honest and cute about being shy. Unlike Hisoka he might be completely innocent when it comes to the matter of romance let alone lust and love.'
"I don't know why I'm acting like this around a criminal like you. It's n-not like this means that I l-like you either okay. Unless you think I "like" your leader wait no I'm not...UGHH!"
"Kurapika, how old are you exactly?"
"I'm 17 years old..."
"This is how kids like you react, the hormones, dating other girls in school, and learning about the opposite sex is perfectly natural for someone like yourself at this period in your life."
"I'm not some normal young adult in his final years at high school." He never got the chance at living like a normal child, with a loving family, and only being worried about being good at schoolwork all because of the spiders. Kurapika wondered if that is why he was no longer so hostile toward them compared to the first couple of days, but could it also be that he was still hopefully there was a way out of this arrangement.
"Don't be so certain about that while we don't behave like others it doesn't none of us have human desires."
"Is that why you're following Chrollo Lucifer? Are you looking for a purpose like Shizuku, is it loyalty like Nobunaga, perhaps your reasoning is faith similar to Pakunoda, but maybe it is something else completely..."
"I...cannot say really we just meet in Meteor City and I've been working under him ever since that day." Not much of an answer then again he figured she was being defensive considering this was their first real talk after they've left Yorknew City. He had to admit - this chat was intriguing to him, which made Machi's sudden tightening of her strings rather painful. Holding him up with her threads she placed a hand on his cheek in a chiding fashion. She wondered if she was becoming like an older sister to the young Kurta.
"Don't think you're getting out of this exercise with this small talk. I'm not done "teaching" you quite yet, boy."
Before Chrollo would return she vowed he would learn new ways to fight in combat no matter how much Kurapika complained about being so hard on him. Nobunaga laughed at the sight of the Kurta being tangled up in her strings, which made Shalnark remind the samurai about how she kicked his ass with those "girly threads" a few times during training battles. The remark also gave him the motivation necessary to become strong enough to claim the lives of the Divine Blades who've humiliated him in defeat. If Nobunaga wanted to remain a spider then he would need to become stronger and better.
Toredo City Hall
Hisoka knew this place would be the perfect setting to discuss politics, battle planning, and finally get the exact date of when he could finally kill Chrollo Lucifer in a real fight. Questioning a few city council members, Hisoka learned he came at the right time since tomorrow would be a huge debate on what to do with the growing criminal activity on the streets, he added to the list of crimes by cutting the men's throats with his playing cards. From what he's learned about politicians they killed people, not with weapons rather through words and laws.
"Ahh, what a lovely sight you've given me today, Hisoka." Illumi removed any other stragglers still within the building along with Kalluto walking into the main office on his right. The performing clown began to sarcastically clap and bow when he saw the lack of blood on their clothing, the men knew how to kill without ruining their clothing or leaving much trace evidence for the authorities. As he plopping himself in the chair enjoying a day's work, the Zoldyck brothers looked at the pictures hanging on the wall showing off many of the council members now dead because of them.
"I only wish the mayor and hired praise men were here; unlike most of this lying trash here I would love to meet such a spokesmen like Mayor Truman."
"What makes you think he's not as much of a coward as these people. Between their apparent sanctions on the low-market districts in this town, and the stories about their mayor promising to bring prosperity back into this city by affiliating with the Mafia, Triads, and other major black market organizations I don't find Truman all that interesting."
"Illumi, you've got to hear this guy speak in a way I'm impressed by his silver tongue even when it seems like he's no different from other politicians who are really just criminals working inside of the law, but the best part is the fact he's managed to get re-elected once again only losing by a few votes."
"Well, not all people are like that Hisoka." Kalluto knew it was rare for people to see men with power who do honestly care about protecting the public, but when he grew up he's met a few lawmen and officers who broke the mentality people have for the police, which this city demonstrated through music, protests, and graffiti over the walls. They haven't come here to discuss those matters, however, but Chrollo apparently was going to be late to this party leaving them a few minutes to themselves.
"Hmm so tell me Kalluto, the Phantom Troupe has taken you in a few days by now and I was wondering are you ready to kill one of them yet?" Hisoka knew unlike himself the professional assassin might have less restraint when dealing with their antics. Shaking his head to the question Kalluto brought out some paper showing off the paper designs he's made each one resembling the brigade.
"Sure a few of them are simply morons, but there are some within the Troupe whom I wish to understand more mainly that Kurta..." His hand went over to the paper chibi model of Kurapika, the boy wondered how he was doing without him or Chrollo monitoring the rest of the spiders.
"I'm sure you do brother, but you must remember he's our pawn to keep the group in check while Hisoka gets what he wants as will our family once Killua is brought back to our mother."
'So, that is your endgame then? What a twisted plan of using the boy's desire to reunite with his friends against him Illumi." Hisoka had to smirk realizing what he likely did with one of his golden needles. The potential battle with their friendship likely being on the line was very interesting to him, and the fact he's never gotten a battle with the last remaining Kurta left in this world made him a valuable person to Hisoka.
"Tell me what do you wish to do once you've gotten your match with Chrollo. I know you're still looking to fight Gon one day, but there has to be a bigger goal for a schemer like yourself..."
"Hmm I wish I could tell you the answer, but in truth, the future for me is uncertain once all my dreams come true." His greatest moment won't come until he can enjoy the thrill of seeing the full strength of that boy, his efforts to ensure that such a fruit ripens will be worth the wait. Hisoka knew his antics were simply to pass the time, but in a way, he appreciated having a few side-projects like the Phantom Troupe, Zoldycks, and Kurapika to play with if he was bored. If he crushed the bugs once he killed their boss then he would seek out new kinds of prey like other hunters since he's managed to pass the exams.
"What will be your next move Illumi?"
"I'll be returning to the rest of my family on Kikyo's request while Kalluto will spend more time with the spiders."
"Good those people will teach your brother new ways to slaughter people in so many ways!"
Footsteps broke up their conversation as they realized who's nen had entered the building, the very last person coming for this small party of killers. Instead of wearing a disguise Chrollo showed up in his old costume not wanting to seem like a stranger to everyone here. He also stopped off near a department store to pick up a few supplies for tonight should things go well after this meeting. Waltzing into the board room he looked at the faces who would be witnesses to this summit along with possibly keeping the peace.
"Chrollo, fashionably late I see then again you could be signing your death warrant just by showing up."
"Hisoka, and I see you've brought help to make sure you don't get into a fight you might not win."
The usual banter between these two was to be expecting as Illumi wondered how long this teasing would take since it was clear they were simply toying with one another with their taunts. Both of the predators were stalking each other, getting a good feeling about their future confrontation, and trying to see who had the edge between them.
"Gentlemen I believe we should get on with things before more pests show up to die. Now then I believe the two of you wished to come to an understanding about your differences is that correct Hisoka and Chrollo?"
"Yes I believe can formulate the proper battleground, time, and date along with any minor details Chrollo. Sorry, forgive me for believing that your subordinates were simply minor details."
"Don't worry no offense is taken considering you were a "minor detail" before leaving so suddenly without even a proper goodbye."
'I see this is what Illumi spoke about earlier, the art of trash-talking is most strange.' Kalluto knew how to act prideful yet he never was that good with verbal jabs like the ones being displayed through Chrollo and Hisoka, which he would take note of if he needed to dish out a few insults to the likes of Nobunaga.
"No matter; a little verbal warfare never harmed us before - oh, by the way, tell me how is Uvogin's replacement doing, Boss?"
"Kurapika, he is doing remarkable actually compared to my early expectations of his growth. He's certainly never going to be a real stand-in for someone like Uvogin, but he does not need to be when the Kurta is already rather special in his own way. If you wish to perhaps I can arrange another meeting with you and him in the future as I know you enjoy having the chance to fight unique opponents like myself."
"That is true, and such is the reason I've called you here to keep you from running away from me like you have been ever since Yorknew. Hide behind your excuse of searching for the very eyes you stole in the first place, but I believe it is time to determine which one of us will survive my second greatest battle to come!"
"Let me guess you're considering me second only to Gon what a honor..."
Hisoka just smiled, his hands began to shuffle around the playing cards now holding drops of blood over them. He did consider this upcoming duel with Chrollo to serve as a great game of both physical and mental chess, the both of them knew how to perform in both areas, and part of himself had some doubt about emerging victorious over the head of the Phantom Troupe. This small concern buried deep in his mind only made his lust for violence against Chrollo all the more exciting.
"I'm assuming you have already chosen where you wish this battle to take place then."
"Indeed, but you will need to become a Floor Master before this can happen, "Boss". I'm already sure you know about Heavens Arena don't you?"
"A "neutral" site that does make sense along with hampering me since I will need to technically become an "official" hunter to even fight in that building." Chrollo knew Hisoka was trying to stack the deck against him, and he expected the next limitation would be none of his spiders could get involved during the fight.
"Not to worry I'm not that cruel you will stay out of the spotlight of the higher-ups, and the Zoldyck family will take care of everything else since you're keeping their youngest safe and sound."
"Consider it our thanks for helping groom my dear youngest brother into a fine killer." Chrollo understood business came first for their family over anything else, it was the reason Zeno and Silva didn't take off his head when he had to fight them in Yorknew after all.
"Well, I suppose that does sound fair but there is another problem. The reason I've been able to tangle Kurapika into my group is because...my life depends on it." Explaining the details about the Judgement Chain wrapped around his heart, the conditions he requested for the both of them, and how both of them could die if Chrollo gets killed by Hisoka the situation took an unexpected turn.
"I see...if I were to fight you then the possibility of facing that Kurta in your possession could be lost. Tell me do you believe he is capable of fighting someone like myself seriously?"
"He's certainly not on your level...as of now, but if you give him enough time he might end up matching you someday much like your investment with Gon will take its time."
"There might be something we can work out then, the visit to Greed Island gave me lots of things to study including the craft of nen-exorcists one of which I've gotten the chance to meet. Now, if Kurapika's commandments can be put into place then it's not that much of a guess to assume with the help of an exorcist they can also be removed just as easily. You know if I didn't know better I'd say you did this on purpose to avoid fighting me once again." The clown giggled at the suggestion of Chrollo potentially getting himself killed just to avoid losing to someone like himself.
"If only I could believe that was the sole reason, but Kurapika has managed to peak my interests with his potential much like Gon has with you, Hisoka. That could be why I'm willing to bet everything that I have for the sake of seeing those possibilities come to fruition." The mastermind of the spiders was amused about the obvious parallel between them and their chosen hunters.
"I suppose it would be unfair to rob Kurapika of that chance to become strong enough to be a worthy opponent. I'll tell you what in a span of 6 months I wish to fight Kurapika in a real fight once you've given him more time to train and like to hunt down more of those red eyes. If he can prove his worth then I'll remove the Judgement chain around your hearts, but if he proves a disappointment then the both of you will lose that gamble you've made and die..."
'All or nothing then. I suppose I have to put everything I've worked for on the line.' He knew the man was a dangerous opponent, but on the other hand, Kurapika was still an unknown factor.
"That sounds reasonable. In six months we will reunite in a location of my choosing if that is fine with you Hisoka."
"Certainly you have made quite the bargain here, so I hope it doesn't blow up in our faces."
"I hope the same with your project with Gon." Chrollo knew Hisoka wanted to just get the fight over and done with here and now, but the prankster did enjoy putting on a show in front of a live audience and not just two brotherly assassins. Illumi had one last thing he wanted to ask the phantom thief before he left town.
"Do you know if you'll come across Gon and his friends sometime in the future?"
"Are you asking me to capture your brother for you? Then again considering Kalluto's reason for entering the Troupe do you really wish to know what you already believe my answer will be to you, Illumi?"
"I simply wished to hear it coming from your lips old friend that which isn't that hard to do, really."
"We will be in touch then...Illumi...Hisoka."
"Oh, do tell that Kurta boy I said hello will you!?" With a smile hiding back disgust against the traitor of the Phantom Troupe Chrollo simply nodded before leaving with Kalluto in tow.
"Hisoka, do you think Kurapika has a chance of succeeding with Chrollo Lucifer's challenge against you?"
"I can't really say Illumi, but if he was once a close friend with Gon then he must have some kind of talent from what I've seen out of him during the exams."
The older heir of the Zoldyck family knew the Scarlet Eyes alone made Kurapika invaluable to many people, but his techniques seem to be unpolished in the mind of the professional killer not to mention the limitations he's set on most of his chains. Hisoka thought differently, the effort he's put into his abilities made them much stronger against their intended targets, but with Chrollo's influence that strength could easily weaken if he was fully converted on the side of his sworn enemies. With the small pyramid of cards finished Hisoka pondered what his next move will be against Chrollo.
"I suppose you wish to finish your business with the Phantom Troupe leader before moving on to the Dark Continent. It would not surprise me to hear about Pariston Hill bringing along the Zodiacs for the exposition to oppose Ging. With his clout and power within the Association Netero might have to step down or confront him once they arrive on the continent."
"Yes, the unexplored world that not many humans have come back from visiting. The perfect breeding ground for powerful opponents that I can fight to my heart's content."
"I wonder if the beasts on that land should be afraid of you instead of the other way around..."
With the hours ticking by Chrollo began his trek back to his followers, the news about their future trip to Meteor City might seem like a detour, however, the head spider needed to return home. Too long has the young criminal been away from that junkyard he loved so much, but his newest ally never visited there along with Kurapika so they will learn about where the Phantom Troupe began. The origins of their beginnings have been a mystery to everyone not involved with their small organization. So, in preparation for this event he wanted to have a good meal for tonight before that Chrollo needed to know something about the youngest member of the Troupe.
"Tell me Kalluto, do you know how old you currently are?"
"I'm 10 years of age sir, but do you mind if I ask why we are about to steal from a pastry shop instead of a food market." When he was told about this plan the newest spider wondered what his leader was scheming in his head. With a small smile, Chrollo knew his newest subordinate was never going to guess what his intentions were with this place.
"While I might not know when your birthday is we should celebrate things with a nice cake none the less. Do you have an idea about what kind of taste appeals to Kurapika?" He knew while the boy was very young for an assassin Chrollo realized Kalluto would have a long time to grow and mature in his group, but that also that means he would need to make good friends with people like Kurapika Kurta.
"Umm...that is a good question. Kurapika might be willing to try out carrot cake if you get it for him since I heard him say that to himself, and as for me I wouldn't mind cherry-flavored stuff - but why exactly are we celebrating?"
"Anything you can think of but for myself: the joy of being alive and experiencing the wonders still left in this world!" Kalluto was taken back with the sudden emotion in Chrollo's voice. Even with his age, the Zoldyck thought he was trying to prepare for his possible death when he finally confronts Hisoka in battle; the unusual happiness in his face also could mean this was him embracing his demise. Of course, Kalluto knew he shouldn't underestimate the mastermind behind the most notorious gang wanted, so the other reason could be he was happy that he would be returning back home.
'Home is where the family is...right?'
Kalluto didn't question himself further as Chrollo asked him to find other good treats for the rest of the gang once they made their way back to the spider's temporary base of operations. Another day...the leader of his group of fugitives was given another day in this world to consider his future and each choice he's made thus far, and how many decisions he will make in the future...
Afterwords: Short part with little action, but that will change next time don't worry about that. With the holidays coming up I'll focus on one more update for this year perhaps another when Christmas is over. As for KH, I will try to squeeze out two more chapters before the end of the year. I appreciate the feedback given in these reviews, the positive buzz motivates me to continue on instead of letting the stories gather dust.
BTW the carrot cake bit is a reference to the Catch-66 story I mentioned before, but if you haven't read that story I highly recommend you check it out. Also you could assume Truman is about Trump, but this is just my thoughts on politicians in general they are not all bad...