A/N: Hello dear readers. Once again, I must apologize for the slight delay again as writing has been taking me longer than usual. I've been trying to manage releases much less than a month or slightly over a month, but with this persistent partial writer's block it's been difficult. :/ Maybe at some point it will go away so I can get back to providing everyone more frequent content. For now, I hope the chapter releases have been enjoyable. :3
As usual, this installment is also not beta'd. There has been a lot happening on SweetsDreamer's end, so she hasn't been able to beta read for me unfortunately. I am considering a temporary beta reader in her place until she is able to resume, so for now, RoF's chapters will be left without editorial proof until I can find a substitute for the meantime.
Summary: As Kurapika and Chrollo continue to prepare for their impending journey to the Dark Continent, they manage to find help getting onto the Black Whale from an unlikely source, which in turn, leads them into the middle of harrowing situation.
"So, you're telling me that you have figured out a more viable way for us to get on board the Black Whale?"
Silence had briefly descended in the room a moment later as Kurapika checked through the messages on his phone while Chrollo watched him with keen interest. Even as the younger man pretended to be engrossed in something else, Chrollo knew that his lover wasn't able to ignore him entirely. A grin slid across his face, though he was sure that Kurapika failed to notice. The fact that he had been resourceful enough to locate a possibly better way for them to get onto the ship had made him pleased indeed. Chrollo raised the cup in his hand and took a sip of coffee.
It was good, actually, and had a decent taste. Of course, after going so long without drinking any, it made almost any kind of coffee taste good, but the stuff currently in Chrollo's cup wasn't bad. He could tell that Kurapika probably thought the same as well. The younger man carried a mug in his left hand and appeared to be sipping on it rather vigorously.
At least they had something to work with. Chrollo had begun to wonder if any of them would have a direct line to the upper decks where the royal family would be staying. From what they had already learned, the general public accompanying them would only be allowed onto the very bottom decks.
Not that it would be a major issue for him and the rest of the Spiders, but even so, Chrollo wanted to be as discreet with their presence as possible, even if some of the passengers boarding the ship may recognize them.
Locating the place where the Scarlet Eyes would be kept as a top priority. For him and Kurapika, at least. Not that it wasn't also the same goal for his comrades - despite the fact they were there for more - it was the same for Kurapika's friends as well. Plus, Amar was there to help them with scouting the ship since the Nacknar was pretty effective with using the shadows as cover.
When it came down to it, they had a lot going for themselves and a decent advantage if he and Kurapika got access to the uppermost decks. The only thing that worried him was that Kakin would be having their Succession War, and he wasn't sure how much of a hindrance it could be.
If they were lucky, they could find a way to use that aspect to their advantage.
Kurapika set the mug down that he had been carrying after taking a long draw and let his attention land on Chrollo. "Yes, I have to be honest." He spoke quietly before slipping the phone away into his pocket. "From what Leorio told me, Mizaistom had mentioned that some of Kakin's princes and princesses have posted requests for bodyguards and are willing to pay any individuals interested in taking those positions. However, they keep raising the prices in an attempt to outdo one another, but I think I have found the one offering the most." A drumming sound resonated in the room as Kurapika rapped his fingers on the table before picking up his cup again. There was a slightly nervous twitch to his movements.
While he had long since left his bodyguard duties behind regarding the Nostrade family, picking it back up, even if temporarily, seemed a bit strange, if not foreign. Although he still retained the skills and aptitude necessary to perform as one, committing to it would take a bit of getting used to. Nevertheless, if it was going to get him closer to his target and the remaining Scarlet Eyes, everything else was insignificant.
The only aspect that he questioned was Chrollo's ability to work as a bodyguard since he was sure that his lover had probably never done it before.
Still, if that was the case, it more than likely wouldn't take long for the older man to adapt. Chrollo was just as adept as he was, and Kurapika was confident that he would manage without much issue, if at all.
He knew that it was essential to have faith in his lover, just as Chrollo had faith in him.
Right away, Chrollo sat back in his chair and quickly took another sip of his coffee, but this time, he raised an eyebrow afterward. He seemed quite curious. "Hm. I have to say that is a rather direct way for us to board the Black Whale. Since we have been made aware of how the passengers are going to be split between the ship's decks, having direct access to the first deck would be a lot better for us. More than likely, that is where the Scarlet Eyes will be stored, and possibly their treasures as well," Chrollo paused and watched Kurapika's reaction intently. "Though, it would be good to have some of us spread out just in case they are hidden elsewhere. I have instructed my subordinates to find access points between decks two and five, while I am sure your friends can look for any information they can about the ship and the people on it."
Naturally, they had already acquired a fair amount of information about the Black Whale, its journey to the Dark Continent, and the Kakin royal family's Succession War. However, there was still a lot about the people themselves they didn't know.
Chrollo was also quite interested in exactly which one of the royal family's heirs was currently offering the highest amount, as Kurapika had mentioned that one of them seemed to be willing to pay a relatively large sum of Jenny. Getting paid while playing guard duty was a bonus the more that he looked at it, but nabbing some of those treasures in the process was more than enough to motivate him into taking the job.
Whoever it was, though, was obviously desperate.
From the way Kurapika spoke, he had probably concluded the same. The very notion would make it easier for them to get the position.
Deep, vibrate cerulean eyes met his own, and Chrollo merely hid his somewhat smug reaction behind his coffee mug. "Chrollo," his name slipped off Kurapika's lips, and hearing it always sounded like silk when the younger man spoke it, "you do understand that reclaiming the eyes is a top priority for us? I get that you want to take a few spoils while you're at it, but only if there is a chance to do so. I won't jeopardize getting the eyes just to steal a few treasures."
A sour expression formed on Kurapika's visage, and his slender hands planted instantly on his hips. Chrollo could easily tell that his lover was a bit more than just miffed, mostly because he must have thought that acquiring loot from the Kakin royal family would take precedence over retrieving the Scarlet Eyes.
It was one time when Kurapika was wrong.
"Babe," he began and lowered the cup in his hand before setting it aside and rising to move over to where Kurapika was, "do you really think I would sacrifice something so important for a few items made of gems and gold?" Chrollo let the question roll off his tongue before slowly wrapping his arms around Kurapika's slender waist. Gently, he pulled the younger man close to his body. "You should know me better than that. Trust me, I wouldn't risk doing it, nor would I hurt you in such a way. I still want to grab some of those valuables, but yes, only if there is an opportunity to do so after taking back the eyes." There was silence after he finished speaking, and for a moment, Chrollo simply looked down into Kurapika's striking blue eyes.
He could easily sense his lover's concern; that much was apparent. By now, he had expected that Kurapika would have more faith in him, but they were also supposed to trust each other as well. Then again, Chrollo didn't blame the younger man for questioning him on the matter. Perhaps Kurapika reached that conclusion from how adamant he sounded in wanting to raid the Kakin family's prized possessions.
Although his Troupe primarily agreed to help because the notion was practically guaranteed to happen, he wouldn't permit it until they had seized the eyes first.
The statement made Kurapika watch him skeptically, but he wasted no time planting his hands against Chrollo's chest once he was pulled firmly against his lover. Even though Chrollo sounded puritanical, the consistent, underlying push to go after more than the Scarlet Eyes made Kurapika wonder.
Still, Chrollo was right; they had to retain trust in each other. It was the only way to keep their bond strong and the love they shared from ever waning.
Kurapika sighed, and for a brief second, he closed his eyes. "Yes, I know." He breathed and then opened them again to gaze back into Chrollo's stormy depths. "I only wanted to be sure you knew the importance of this mission, and that nothing would interfere with our primary objective. Sometimes I do wonder, my love, but I still believe that you wouldn't do anything to harm me." Following his speech, Kurapika moved one of his hands to rest on Chrollo's cheek, and the tips of his lithe fingers danced over the older man's skin. For a few seconds, they just stood there regarding each other.
"Of course I wouldn't," Chrollo drawled after a bit, and the comment made a faint smile appear on Kurapika's pink lips. Bringing harm to Kurapika or causing him any pain was the last thing he ever wanted to do. "Besides, if I did something asinine like that, I am sure you wouldn't hesitate to kick my ass, right?" Chrollo chuckled, and the next thing he knew, Kurapika's fist was connecting hard with his right arm. The impact caused him to grunt, but it didn't stop the smirk that inched over his face.
"Fucking jackass," Kurapika retorted, and his hands then moved from the older man's firm chest and cheek to the sides of his head. The tips of Chrollo's hair tickled his skin. "You know how to be pretentious at times." Then, without warning, Kurapika drew Chrollo down closer to him, and soon their lips met softly. The feeling of Chrollo's skin against his own invoked a quiet moan to rumble in the back of Kurapika's throat, but he wasted no time letting them both work slowly against one another.
It was an act that Chrollo hadn't expected, especially from Kurapika, because his lover wasn't always that auspicious. Still, whenever he did actually take the initiative, there was no denying that he really enjoyed it. Following the younger man's lead, Chrollo let himself be guided, and he dipped in closer, the gap between them instantly closing. He could feel Kurapika's chest press against his own through the barrier of clothes separating them and melded willingly into the kiss. Though he didn't try to force his tongue inside Kurapika's mouth, and instead, Chrollo waited for him to decide when the time was right.
Which thankfully, he didn't have to wait long for, as moments later, Chrollo felt something prodding at the base of his lips, and he eagerly gave Kurapika what he wanted.
Soon, both appendages were winding around one another as their kiss only deepened while growing more passionate by the second. Gradually, Kurapika's hands began to wind gently within Chrollo's soft, raven locks as his lover's fingers started to descend slowly along his sides, the tips of them attempting to feel every inch of him possible. At one point, Chrollo's hands had even slipped beneath the hem of his shirt, and he hissed when the man's warm flesh contacted his skin. Kurapika was almost certain he could feel Chrollo's smile against his lips, but he ceased any prospect of that by pressing his own against them even more firmly. The act made Chrollo grunt as a result, and those fingers crept all the way up to his chest until they grazed teasingly over his pert nipples.
Every part of him seized in that instant, and Kurapika growled against their shared lock, but Chrollo merely reacted by tugging on each nub before flicking them with his fingertips, then caressing them with his palms. Again, Kurapika could sense the impulses raging through him, and his skin prickled from the shiver that raced up along his spine. Chrollo was tempting him, and quite profusely.
It was a dangerous game that his lover was playing, but if the older man was going to insist on pushing his luck, well, then he may just end up responding to that.
Chrollo pulled his hands away right after Kurapika decided to take hold of his lower lip to nip at it. Another growl resonated deep in his chest, and gently, he tugged on the supple mound before letting go, the mixture of their warm breaths now dusting amply over Chrollo's kiss-bruised skin. For a moment, Kurapika opened his eyes, only to meet his lover's titillating gaze, and his breath hitched within his throat.
Finding the words to speak was difficult, if not impossible, and Kurapika swallowed hard. He was still dealing with the effects of their heated kiss, his body trembling and mind intoxicated as it was full of want and need. Even Chrollo's scent and the cologne he wore made Kurapika crave for him even more. It was like an invisible force constantly tugging at him, and there were points where Kurapika was sure he wouldn't be able to retain control.
Just standing there, as they were, and because Chrollo's hands were still gently but adamantly caressing over the surface of his effeminate frame added to that forceful pull. However, ignoring it was futile. While Kurapika knew they had a mission to plan for, the prospect of indulging in a bit of intimacy to help relieve the stress and worry they were dealing with made him less reluctant to stop.
Kurapika only stared hungrily into those abyssal eyes.
"Are you deciding to quit now, angel?" Chrollo purred, and although his breathing was somewhat labored, he couldn't prevent the smug grin from appearing on his partially swollen lips. "You know there is still a bit of time before we have to settle on a decision regarding those offers." The tips of his fingers danced impatiently again over Kurapika's heated flesh, and he hoped the emphasis was enough to tantalize his lover even more.
There was no denying what Chrollo said, and though he preferred to think with clarity as opposed to his raging hormones, this was one of those few times where he just didn't care. Instead of resisting his urges, Kurapika leaned in closer to Chrollo, his expression turning more covetous than before. "No, I am not."
A symphony of items crashing to the floor soon disturbed the once quiet stillness as they were tossed unceremoniously away, leaving the area behind them practically bare. Then Kurapika carefully shoved Chrollo down until his back contacted the surface of the table. It creaked slightly from the weight, but after he was entirely against it, Kurapika climbed on top of him before straddling the older man's legs. Afterward, he leaned in close to his lover, their noses just barely touching.
The act surprised Chrollo.
"Well, I certainly wasn't expecting this." He uttered softly as the feel of Kurapika's hot breath against his skin caused it to prickle. The younger man looked so beautiful while asserting his dominance. It was breathtaking. Celestial. Mighty. Avenging. Such divinity and power. It made Chrollo yearn to see Kurapika like that, no matter the circumstance. "So you want to take this another step further after all," Chrollo let a knowing smile tug at his lips, the fire in Kurapika's eyes only proving what he saw. A raw, primal, unadulterated need burned deep within them, the weight of it heavy within his lover's aura alone.
Resisting the urge to take over and get right down to it was almost impossible, but Chrollo flexed his strong fingers before bringing them up and over Kurapika's back. The muscles rippled beneath the soft flesh under them, and the sensation made him exhale slowly. Kurapika even shivered from his touch, which added to the luscious scene sitting right above him.
It truly was a sight to behold.
Moments later, Kurapika dipped in close to his ear, and the surface of those plump lips brushed teasingly against it. "Of course I do. Why shouldn't we?" Kurapika whispered, his voice trembling. "I don't hear you complaining." He then took the area between his teeth before tugging on it playfully, and his body unconsciously pressed down against Chrollo's.
Being so close to his lover and in his presence as the energy between them swelled was unlike anything he had ever felt, especially as Chrollo's Nen seemed to wrap around him, flow into him, and fill him like fire, liquid, and hot. His own Nen expanded with it, the two forces mingling, and Kurapika was sure that Chrollo was probably experiencing the same that he was.
Thinking about it caused him to growl low and deep in his throat as the idea of their energies also becoming one increased Kurapika's slowly encompassing drive. He gave Chrollo's ear a few more tugs before moving away, his eyes now a fiery scarlet as they locked with his lover's enticing greys.
The sight of it made Chrollo's breath hitch in his throat. "Because I have no reason to." He responded gruffly. Kurapika had really taken the intimacy between them to new heights.
Not that he hadn't done so in the past as well. There were a few other instances where his sweet lover had demonstrated just how far he was willing to go, but the number of times where Kurapika did wasn't nearly enough as he would have liked. The younger man lacked initiative, or at least when it came to their time in the bedroom, but it was definitely a treat when he actually did.
Though Chrollo also enjoyed the moments when he was in total control, as holding complete reign over Kurapika was just as fun, it was more pleasurable when the experiences were equally divided. He had to admit that, while he generally preferred to hold the reins, there were times where Chrollo wanted to just be totally eclipsed by Kurapika.
Confessing to that had been strange as he was used to deciding everything that happened. Yet, the longer he was around Kurapika, and the deeper their relationship grew, the clearer it became that aspect of himself was continuously changing.
Instead of responding, Chrollo rose just high enough to close what little gap there was left between them and captured Kurapika's lips, drawing him into another kiss. Though it was softer, gentler, more loving this time. He wasn't surprised when Kurapika readily accepted it or when his lover's thin, deft hands soon began working to unclasp his belt. Right then, nothing else seemed to matter. Even as their auras raged, bodies hot while full of need and emotions running high, they both only focused intently on each other. It was perfect, glorious, divine.
Every minute that passed, and for each beat their hearts took, it was nothing short of thrilling, like finally reaching an ascension. Kurapika found no will to stop and relied solely on his instincts, while Chrollo basked in the radiance of it, lucky to have someone as exquisite as him.
It wasn't long afterward that Kurapika had managed to strip away his pants and was now working on doffing his shirt, although his lover had since removed his own. The white material laid in a clump on the floor along with the rest of their discarded clothes.
All that remained was Kurapika's shorts and boxers. The final barrier between them.
Slowly, Chrollo flipped their positions once his shirt was gone entirely and cautiously pushed Kurapika back against the table before diving in for another kiss. Instantly, he made short work of the last two articles of clothing on his lover's body and then broke away long enough to admire the beauty that lay before him. Those lustrous crimson eyes bore into him with a ferocity and passion so intense that Chrollo realized he was unable to look away. Seeing Kurapika like that made him truly appreciate the younger man, but it also made Chrollo love him even more.
His heart still ached for what he had done to Kurapika's clan, but after they were done with their current mission, he would make everything right.
Chrollo instantly cast the thought aside to focus on the present and the moment they were both sharing. Kurapika had come to rest fully against the table and was panting, those slender but muscular legs now wrapped around his waist and gripping tight. Watching Kurapika let go and succumbing to desire was enticing, just as the heat that fluctuated between them was another reason he didn't want to stop. At least Amar was away visiting with Kurapika's friends who were staying in a room down the hall, so there was nothing to hold them back.
The moment was perfect. "Are you ready for this, love?" Chrollo questioned, his tone quiet and tender. Their hips pressed firmly together, and he was able to feel that Kurapika was slowly getting hard.
"Yes, I am," he responded heatedly, the implication making him huff, "as I want this just as much as you do. There is no desire for me to back out, so don't assume that I will." Kurapika pushed himself up to reach Chrollo's face and slid one hand behind the older man's head before latching onto a spot just beneath his jaw and suckling hard. Chrollo grunted as a result, but Kurapika continued until he was satisfied with the mark that would be left behind. Afterward, he moved away. "Just keep going, Chrollo. Fuck me. Please."
Hearing the plea, although it was somewhat commanding, brought a sly grin to Chrollo's lips. While he enjoyed hearing Kurapika beg from time to time, the fact that his lover outwardly demanded to be taken was enough for him. It seemed the younger man was determined to retain control after all. How exciting.
His grin expanded further, and Chrollo reached for the small tube of clear liquid he always carried. "Alright then," he purred and readied to distribute the substance where it needed to go after coating his fingers, "let's get started." Chrollo then darted forward to capture Kurapika's mouth once more.
At least for now, it was just them and the empty room while they both indulged themselves.
Kurapika stood outside the hotel, hands resting in the pockets of his crisp, three-piece suit as he surveyed the exterior with intense scrutiny. It was upscale, trimmed in gold, partially flashy, though certain parts of the place were gilded and intricate.
A gentle wind blew and was vastly different from what he experienced when they landed in Kakin. Fortunately for him, it was dark out, so the temperatures weren't brutal like it was sometimes during the day. Inside was the client who expected him - the prince or princess whose bodyguard position he applied for. Deep down, Kurapika hoped that it was prince Halkenburg, but since the identities of the ones making the offers were hidden, it could have been any of the six lower family members. Pertaining that his gut intuition was correct, he had picked the right one.
"So, this is the place I assume?" Kurapika turned almost entirely on his heel to see Chrollo striding up beside him. The older man was also dressed to the nines as he wore nearly the same exact suit combo, but the only difference was the off-white fabric wrapped around his forehead to conceal his tattoo. For some reason, Kurapika noted, it made his lover appear slightly younger and playful.
The very idea was somewhat amusing. "Yeah. Apparently the one who answered our applications is inside. Considering there were two possible options, we'll have until we get inside to see if I was right." Kurapika turned away from Chrollo, his eyes locked on the building once more.
A wave of nervousness shot through him, making Kurapika frown as a result. While he was determined to see this through, there were so many variables between him and his goal. Getting as close as he could to prince Tserriednich was his primary focus, even if that possibility meant actual physical contact. Naturally, many people were helping him, including those he had previously encountered or worked with, such as Hanzo, Basho, and Melody. He had even got aid from his old mentor Izunavi, and a woman that Killua recommended named Biscuit, who he and Gon had apparently met while on Greed Island. Along with Chrollo, the Ryodan, and his friends, hopefully, it would be enough.
He had to find out where Tserriednich was keeping the eyes, or all would be lost.
Chrollo hummed and also turned his attention in the same direction. "You usually are, angel. There is still the chance of being wrong, of course, but with your strong skills of deduction, the chances of that are a lot slimmer. However, it's best that we make our way inside and find out." He also planted one hand into the pocket of his pants while the other one gingerly touched Kurapika's cheek.
Although he said nothing more, Chrollo used the silent gesture to try and placate his lover. Kurapika needed to retain confidence. Wavering now would be detrimental.
"Right," Kurapika said after Chrollo pulled his hand away. The remnants of the touch lingered on his skin, and he briefly closed his eyes. Once Kurapika had regained his composure, he opened them again and began making his way toward the hotel. Chrollo fell into step beside him.
They stepped through the massive glass doors and into a large, well-lit lobby. Everything was practically bedizened in gold. Even the flooring had gold-flecked marbling amid its solid white color. A large, spacious rug with a decorative pattern sat in the center beneath expensive, beautiful furniture. It was grand, palatial, and quite illustrious, though not entirely unexpected since the hotel was run by the Hui Guo Rou family. Clearly, they liked to flaunt their embellishments.
Several men who were also clad in suits intercepted them once they entered the lobby. Kurapika stopped the moment two of them barred his path. "I assume that you both are here to meet with the prince?" One of the men sporting glasses asked in a firm voice.
"Yes," Kurapika simply responded, his attention focused on both of them as their stony expressions seemed to weigh him critically. From the corner of his eye, he could see Chrollo doing the same with them. Evidently, his lover was keeping watch for any potential weaknesses or chinks in their armor, as it were. He and Chrollo had to be careful no matter the circumstance.
For a moment, neither man appeared to move as one of them spoke quietly to someone through an earpiece that he wore. Kurapika waited patiently, then tilted his head when the man exchanged glances with the other guard before nodding, and they swept to the side. Afterward, the one with the glasses held out his hand. "Alright then. Follow me." He spoke commandingly, and Kurapika wasted not another second trailing on the man's heels.
Eventually, they were led to the second floor, where security had been increased. The man turned down one corridor where guards were posted at nearly every door and began approaching the one toward the end. Kurapika felt his hackles start to rise as anxiety welled up inside of him. Chrollo cast a look of concern in his direction, but he responded with one of his own that indicated he was okay. When they got near the door, the man turned to face them again. "This way, the prince is waiting inside." He implied with a sweeping gesture towards the entrance.
The door swung open, and Kurapika immediately stepped through, followed by Chrollo. Inside, the room was massive. It was set up like a large antechamber with several pieces of decorative furniture scattered about the area. In the center was another large, ornate rug, while many kinds of elaborate tapestries hung from the walls, which added to the intricacy of the scene. Though ultimately, none of it was any different than what he had already seen before.
He then trailed his eyes away to realize that off to the side, sitting in a gilded chair beneath some fancy portieres, was a woman cradling a baby. Kurapika's breath nearly hitched in his throat.
The person before him was not a prince but a princess.
"Who is that?" He heard Chrollo question. It was hard to believe what he saw.
"Queen Oito Hui Guo Rou and the fourteenth in line, princess Woble."
Silence had descended around them almost instantly, and Kurapika stood there in utter disbelief. He had been sure the offer he had selected was prince Halkenburg's, but it seemed that wasn't the case.
Unfortunately, he had been wrong after all.
"Yes, that would be me. And may I ask your name?" She questioned, her voice soft, almost like silk.
"I am Kurapika, and the man beside me is Chrollo."
Oito regarded both of them following his statement, then frowned once she noticed his somber expression. "You seem disappointed." Her eyes, dark and piercing, locked with his own blue ones. She was fair, with ebony hair and a slender figure. It was hard to ignore how regal she appeared, yet, there was a sadness behind those swirling depths.
The implication caught him off guard, and Kurapika nearly lost his footing due to it. Chrollo's hand came to rest on his shoulder to help steady him and quickly used it to regain his stature. "No… Not at all. I was just a bit surprised," Kurapika stammered in a visible flurry, though he managed to keep from appearing too astonished. He then cursed inwardly for letting himself get taken aback too easily.
She held up one slender hand before herself and closed her eyes, a gentle yet regal air forming about the young Queen. "It's quite alright. The way you reacted means it's highly likely that you're someone we may want, especially if they are extremely perceptive."
Kurapika's jaw fell open at Oito's statement, then immediately snapped shut. Chrollo once again placed a hand on his shoulder but stepped slightly in front of him afterward. There was a calm but analytical expression on his lover's face.
"May I inquire as to what makes you say that?" Chrollo asked, his voice soft but charming. A faint smile accented his features. It wasn't hard to tell that Chrollo was attempting to remain cordial while retaining his alluring, magnetic personality, though it didn't stop Kurapika from eyeing him intently.
Granted, they were in the presence of royalty, and he was sure that Chrollo had some knowledge of the proper conduct used when speaking, but it didn't stop him from carefully watching how his lover behaved. While Chrollo was veritably devoted to him, it didn't stop the older man from doing things he shouldn't. Kurapika's lips twisted downward as the smooth tone to Chrollo's voice and the way he moved seemed more alluring than it should.
Sometimes, he really wanted to strangle the man.
For a moment, Oito appeared circumspect by the abrupt question and Chrollo's approach, but she quelled any worry she had right after. Her posture remained the same - slightly rigid with a confident air about her. Woble cooed and wriggled in her grasp before going quiet. "Well," Oito began, her attention locked on Chrollo, "to be honest, I wanted to find someone who would not only surmise that our request was from prince Halkenburg, but who could reach that conclusion with very few clues. A person who is able to reach their goals with little to go on is quite skilled." She paused and let her attention drift over to Kurapika before going back to Chrollo. "None of us were permitted to write anything that would give away the identities of which family members were hiring, so the only change allowed was the fee. Even the descriptions had to be picked from preselected options."
Outlining the rules that she and everyone else were given caused her gut to twist slightly. Thinking about the future and what could happen to her daughter while on the Black Whale sent a wave of fear rising coursing her. The Succession War and everything about it was horrifying and awful, which also spoke no less about the King who had ordered it. Or the man that Oito once loved.
Yet, she could do nothing about it, considering her situation, and Oito breathed out slowly. Whether or not she wanted to participate, her primary goal was protecting her infant daughter. It was sickening that King Nasubi Hui Guo Rou was prepared to send all of his children into the jaws of death just to name a successor, which he clearly showed no emotion over aside from sheer enthusiasm. The notion made bile rise up in the back of her throat.
When it came down to it, the man was nothing short of the devil.
In any regard, she had to protect Woble at all costs.
"I see," Chrollo responded and stroked his chin. Clearly, the woman was in distress, that much he could tell, so there were no indicators she was lying. Even if they were both expecting to be meeting with Prince Halkenburg, there was still a chance that Queen Oito could be their way onto the ship. "So, the anonymous offers were a feint used to only draw in legitimate hunters?" His eyes locked firmly with her's once again.
Very perceptive. It seemed that Kurapika's partner was also quite astute.
Oito tilted her head. "Yes." She answered. It was hard to ignore the fact that Chrollo had intense but sophisticated eyes. Their grey, stormy depths, although clear, held an emotion behind them she quickly recognized. It was a look of someone who had seen all manner of horrors, been to hell and back, and survived, much like herself. She could tell he was well guarded because of that. "It was to prevent any possibility of an assassin slipping through, plus the more popular heirs would have been flooded with responses. Both apply to Prince Halkenburg, which he anticipated, so therefore, he did not put up a listing."
Hearing the Queen's statement made Chrollo hum as a result, and he turned away to face Kurapika. There was a thoughtful expression on his lover's visage as the young Kurta appeared to be processing everything Oito had revealed to them. Kurapika shot him a quick glance before deciding to address her. "I see." He murmured. There definitely was more to the story than either of them knew.
"Then why pose as Halkenburg? If he is a potential target for radicals, wouldn't that put you and the princess in danger?"
It was a valid point, yet he was surprised that Chrollo was the one to question the details. Still, Kurapika found it odd that Oito would make such a bold move, especially when the trip was supposed to be a journey to the new continent where the successor would be announced.
Underneath it all, Kurapika had the feeling the story went deeper than he realized.
"That is because Prince Halkenburg is very strict with both himself and others. While the rules forbade it, someone who knows him personally could easily impersonate him and set the fee to zero. However, there is a reason behind that." She paused, her mind still reeling from everything that was transpiring. Woble mirrored her mood and gurgled in protest, her little hands grasping aimlessly at thin air. Quickly, Oito rocked the child gently to calm her before resuming. "Truthfully, Halkenburg wants to change how the politics for the royal family are handled. He has followers both inside and out of the the system that are slowly gaining power, which creates an endless flow of rumors about assassination plots and some of them want to use him to form a dictatorship. Anyone who manages to get close enough to him without going through his organization's background checks are either assassins or imposters. However, I see that as the perfect opportunity for us." Once the last words left her mouth, Oito turned from Woble and looked up towards both men again. She could see the scrutiny in their eyes.
Everything she was telling them so far must have been a hard pill to swallow.
The silence that ensued immediately afterward made fear well up inside her, but Oito kept from allowing herself to waver. Regardless, both men were either willing to help her or not.
Chrollo frowned, which had only deepened by the time the Queen had finished, but it wasn't that he didn't believe what she was saying as opposed to the prospect of getting enwrapped within the family's personal affairs. He wasn't much for politics, so the idea of getting caught up in it concerned him. Yet, they had a mission to complete, and both of them still needed to find a way onto the Black Whale. Ultimately, he would leave the final decision up to Kurapika.
"I am having a difficult time following," Chrollo heard his lover say, and his focus landed on him. "What do you mean by saying it's the perfect opportunity?"
Slowly, the question slipped from Kurapika's lips, and his blue eyes locked firmly on her. It was rather tough parsing what Oito's intentions were, but he wanted to find out why she had used Prince Halkenburg's name to further her own goals. There was definitely something that she wasn't telling them.
Queen Oito cleared her throat and remained steadfast despite his hard stare. "Well, to be perfectly honest, those after Prince Halkenburg's life will get the ability to wait for their chance to strike while protecting me and Woble, or those who simply want to manipulate him can learn what his weaknesses are." It was evident that he was definitely cautious.
The mention of taking on personal bodyguards who would either kill or take advantage of another member of the royal family made Kurapika raise an eyebrow. He definitely wasn't comprehending everything she said. "I don't understand," Kurapika stated, suspicion heavy in his voice. "What is wrong with regular applicants? Pros will do nearly any job even if it's just to get paid and would be more reliable than anyone with ulterior motives."
She instantly frowned at his response. "Not in this case. This voyage," she paused to gather herself before swallowing sharply, "is a killing spree until only one heir remains."
Both men exchanged startled glances.
It took a moment for Kurapika to shake off the horror, but he was no less baffled. Even Chrollo looked confused by the information and was trying to puzzle it out as well. He knew there was something strange about the Dark Continent trip since it was hosting the next Succession War for the Kakin empire, but he had no idea it was to go that far. How anyone could be so callous to hold such contents caused the anger to rise in the very core of his being. Kurapika clenched a fist, already disgusted by the notion of it.
"Is there no one who can stop this? Didn't someone speak up or refuse? Surely you must have—"
For a second time, Oito held up her hand to silence the young blond man. His concern and empathy were admirable, but regrettably, the situation was out of her hands. She sighed. "I would do something if I could, but there isn't. Unfortunately, the higher-ranking family members with the most power and wealth have personal guards and military, so they are fully prepared to accept this war. As for the wives, King Nasubi Hui Guo Rou requires them, along with his children, to conduct themselves as someone worthy of his royal blood. It is the role of each wife to raise the King's child with the unwavering belief that one day they will succeed him and earn the right to the throne, and that such an opportunity should never be renounced. Anyone who believes otherwise would no longer be his child, which he instilled into them so long ago. I can only imagine the fate of defectors."
Kurapika closed his eyes and breathed out slowly. Each word the Queen spoke was another moral blow to his consciousness, but he knew what it was like to lose everything or be forced into an unwanted situation. It was almost the same as his, wrought by hate, controlled by vengeance, and governed by negative emotion. The chains on his right hand and the one still around his heart were all testaments of that.
Witnessing others go through his plight - first Killua, then Amar, and now Queen Oito made him realize more and more just how dark his views were. From the corner of his eye, Kurapika could see Chrollo. His lover appeared contemplative and was probably mulling over the aspects of their current situation. Kurapika's eyes then trailed away and down to his bare right hand where his chains usually would be.
The very metal of them was cold, merciless, and unforgiving, much like he was. And yet, through mutual understanding and love, all that had changed. Kurapika was able to escape his fate.
Could it be the same for anyone else like Oito and her child?
"What a shame," Chrollo intoned, and Kurapika snapped back in his direction. Oito had mirrored him with the same action. "Since there is no possibility of just refusing to participate, then it seems the options are limited. It's more likely that you will have to find the most unsavory methods of ensuring your own survival." He shoved both hands into the pockets of his slacks afterward, almost regretful of what he said.
Kurapika's frown only intensified while Oito took in the severity of her position. He knew his lover would not want to accept the facts that both of them faced, but the odds were definitely stacked against Oito, which left few options. Neither of them had yet to take the position, and he wasn't sure how well they would fare with the lowest Queen on the totem pole whose child held the least power.
Granted, that wasn't the primary reason for boarding the ship or even partaking in such a ridiculous battle while traveling to an uncharted continent; finding the eyes was their priority, with stealing a few treasures as an added bonus. He just preferred to keep their chances decently increased as they would ultimately get thrown into the middle of a royal battle.
If this turned out to not be their prime venue onto the Black Whale, or even the path to the Scarlet Eyes, Chrollo hoped that Kurapika understood.
Even Oito's expression suggested that she had reached the same exact conclusion, yet, her determination remained. "That is why," she answered firmly, "Prince Halkenburg is the best solution for those of us in the weakest positions. If he becomes King, and the Succession War gets made public, then he will be the one to suffer as a repercussion. Our only hope is to demand asylum by blackmailing him for participating in the current one." Oito paused and carefully scanned over both men, the baby in her arms giggling as she did so. "Truthfully, I can't explain why you're both here, but if you choose to leave now I will pay you each the promised fee if this conversation remains confidential. However," her eyes landed on Chrollo, "if both of you decide to accept the job, I will give you ten times the promised amount if you can guarantee to get us off that damned ship alive. Though, I won't force the decision on either of you."
There was a long, uneasy silence that followed her declaration, the ensuing stillness making Oito shift anxiously in her chair. Woble protested by garbling loudly. The child then reached aimlessly at her. Immediately, she tightened her arms around the tiny infant.
Imagining the position they were in, and the fact that she had to resort to asking strangers for help was hard, but if the grace of the Gods was on her side, then both men would accept her proposal. Judging from what she could ascertain, they were strong and just might be the key to preserving her daughter's safety.
All she could do was hope.
Sitting there waiting in silence made it difficult for Oito to refrain from demanding an answer, though her faith was rekindled the second the young, blond man faced her. "I must say that Chrollo and I are not in either position you described, but if you will accept a few of our conditions, then we vow to protect you both to the best of our ability."
The abrupt revelation brought shock to Oito's system. Her back straightened, and she studied both men with blatant astonishment. Their expressions never changed from the time of Kurapika's reveal to when realization had finally struck. Resisting the urge to shed a few tears was difficult, but Oito didn't hold back her gratitude. "Alright." She enunciated slowly, careful not to make any mistakes. "I'll do the best that I can." Woble seemed to mimic her actions by cooing in agreement.
It was amazing just how intuitive the child really was. Oito reached over to wriggle a finger towards her daughter before she managed to clutch at it with her own tiny hand. The image brought a tearful sadness to Oito's eye.
She regarded both men again, but this time with more determination. "Then, I think we are all in agreement here," Chrollo said, his arms crossed as he processed everything from their conversion, "and that we will do what is necessary to see you safely to the Dark Continent. Rest assured that no harm will come to you or your daughter." He then shot a glance back over to Kurapika, who only nodded to him in response. At least his lover was remaining calm about the entire situation.
Oito breathed out slowly, then relaxed her posture ever so slightly. The tension had been immense, especially with the pressure to find the best way to ensure her and Woble's survival during the entirety of the battle. She just prayed they all managed to get through it alive.
Because of who they faced and with the uncertainty of how the other princes and princesses were going to react, it still left her fighting an underlying vein of worry and stress. Since she and Woble were the weakest and furthest in line, it made them both prime targets, and there was no predicting what kind of shady, underhanded tactics that some of them may pull, especially prince Benjamin or prince Tserriednich. Even princess Camilla and prince Zhang had notorious reputations and were considered dangerous.
Much of the information about the higher-ranking family members was shrouded in mystery, so predicting their moves was nearly impossible. The very notion was disconcerting.
Still, there was no other way out of the Succession War, and Oito had since resigned herself to that unavoidable aspect. Her only chance rested in either Halkenburg winning or Kurapika and Chrollo becoming her bodyguards. Otherwise, the likelihood of them making it through that death trap alive was slim to none. Fate sure had a way of showing cruelty.
Once more, she gazed into her daughter's large, brown eyes, and the infant smiled before giggling enthusiastically. It was amazing just how precious life could be, especially in one so small. "Thank you." She responded after a minute, then motioned to regard both men again. "I wish there was another way, but sadly, there is not. Although I would prefer to avoid involving anyone innocent in this ungodly war, I still appreciate your willingness to help us." Oito shifted her stare between the men, though neither of them appeared discontented with the outcome, which continued to ease her troubled mind.
"Your gratitude is appreciated, your Majesty," Chrollo responded with a slight bow, his hair falling in a cascade over his eyes. "Kurapika and I are happy to oblige and will assist in any way that we can."
A brief smile graced Oito's painted lips, but her expression became more somber after that. "Honestly, I was foolish," she began, voice slightly strained, "and failed to understand the dangers of the outside world. I grew up in poverty, so when the King became enamored with me, I quickly grew obsessed with becoming his royal wife, and ignored the dangers that were lying in wait. Everything that I had dreamed of, at the time, was a sordid life of fame and luxury. Though, after Woble was born and I learned of her fate, I had instantly regretted all of it, and learned what truly mattered." Oito ceased speaking, and this time, she was unable to withhold the tears from breaking free as thin trails of water started rolling down her cheeks. The thought of losing her daughter was just too painful. She slowly rose from her chair and approached both men. "Would either of you like to hold her?" Oito questioned dejectedly.
Right then, Kurapika exchanged looks with Chrollo as Woble was held out to them, and he opened his arms to take the infant gingerly into them. Within moments, she sniffled, and the vision of pure innocence that he witnessed in the small, unsullied child pulled instantly at his heartstrings. Seeing Woble and just how vulnerable she was and the fact that she had just started to live made it enough for Kurapika to solidify his decision in protecting her. Chrollo peered over at the child cradled in his arms, and what Kurapika saw in his lover's grey eyes revealed they shared the same sentiment. Holding Woble even made him long for a child of his own.
Maybe that could happen one day after this is all over. A voice whispered in his mind, and Kurapika kept the idea of it deep within his heart.
He still yearned for a family and future with Chrollo.
For now, they had to find the remaining Scarlet Eyes and a Succession War to deal with.
"Ladies and gentlemen! It's the event we have all been waiting for! The time has come to witness the dawning of a new era shaped by new possibilities for humanity! Tomorrow marks the start of the journey to the New Continent! Let the festivities begin!"
All around, many voices rose in clamor and cheer, the applause soon followed by a prodigious symphony of excitement announcing mankind's next greatest achievement. The faces of so many who were anxious to see what had, at one time, been considered unrealistic, a pipe-dream, and impossible crowded the massive outdoor auditorium. It was considerably hot, which for Kakin wasn't unusual. And despite the ungodly temperatures, people still clustered en masse to bear witness to such a revolutionary feat.
While the announcers stimulated the crowd, the King, followed by Beyond Netero, and the royal family - all fourteen princes and princesses, made their appearance. Even the speech which Nasubi Hui Guo Rou had delivered only moments after rallied the audience further.
Naturally, it was expected for the commoners of Kakin to readily exhibit support to their rulers, but such a demonstration was more than grandiose and laced with deceit. Only, it was concealed exceptionally well.
Unfortunately, no one knew aside from the royals and a select few the truth about the Black Whale voyage.
It was a vicious battle royale set in motion by a wicked, pompous King.
Kurapika stood beside one of the port windows as the airship flew casually through the clouds, its trajectory locked on the upper deck of the vast, whale-shaped boat.
As the scene moved along and passed before the circular glass, the sound of movement captured his attention. "They certainly are bamboozled, aren't they?"
The faint resonance of the horde below penetrated the thin walls of the blimp, and Kurapika couldn't help but silently agree to its truth. Kakin's people were indeed the epitome of sheep.
Slowly, he turned on a booted heel, the sleek, crisp black suit that he wore standing out in almost stark contrast to the bright sky outside. Only the silver H pin gracing his lapel appeared more vibrant. "Some people are easily swayed when convinced by false promises and tempting lies. Having a weak constitution allows for one to be quickly misguided." Kurapika casually placed both hands into the pockets of his pants, eyes trained back towards the window. "I've seen it many times where that was readily proven." He added, voice low.
Gradually, more puffy white blobs passed by as the airship began its slow descent. Several other blimps had already made their landing. Chrollo glanced through the porthole briefly, then turned to face his lover. "It's because of those very aspects that it makes humans so interesting." He commented musingly. The bandage around his forehead slipped a little, and he reached up to carefully secure it. "Watching them falter so effortlessly, and usually without a care makes it quite amusing at times."
Hearing that made Kurapika instantly raise an eyebrow, and Chrollo couldn't help but smirk as a result. "You really are pretentious." His lips curled into a frown. "Fortunately, I still love you." The response made Chrollo enact his usual feign of getting wounded, and Kurapika rolled his eyes as a result. Sometimes the older man was a real jackass.
"That is why I know there is nothing for me to worry about," Chrollo countered, and his grin - the one he knew that tended to annoy Kurapika - grew even bigger. Teasing his lover was still fun at times; Chrollo just knew how far to go when doing it.
Kurapika huffed and rolled his eyes before stepping away from the porthole. At least it wouldn't be much longer before they would be landing on the Black Whale. Chrollo's mind needed to be elsewhere instead of toying with him. "Focus. There will be a lot for us to do after we land, and I don't want to miss anything that could be important to our mission." Closer the blimp got to the upper deck of the Black Whale, and Kurapika could sense a fleeting wave of nervousness go through him.
Maybe the stress of the situation and the growing uncertainty of it was the reason.
For a moment, Chrollo said nothing, then his amusement steadily faded. Although he didn't want to openly admit it, what Kurapika said was true. They had more vital matters to attend to. Once the mission was over, there would be plenty of chances for him and Kurapika to relax. Now wasn't it.
"Alright." He conceded and then resumed looking out the porthole after Kurapika moved away. Their airship was nearly on the landing pad now. "How are preparations coming along?"
One of Kurapika's hands came to rest on the top of a chair beside him, and he breathed in slowly. "For the moment, Queen Oito has been resting with Princess Woble inside one of the private cabins while awaiting for us to be brought into her personal section on the Black Whale. Leorio is already with one of the medical teams on deck three, and I had managed to secure a way for Gon and Killua to get onto deck five. What about the other Ryodan? Also Amar?"
The image of a few seabirds drew Chrollo's attention before he tore his gaze away from the window and towards the younger man who stood a few meters away. Kurapika looked regal in his dark suit and tie while observing him with those striking blue eyes. He definitely looked the part of a bodyguard.
"Secure within Fun Fun cloth. Although he protested about getting put in there again, I plan to release him once we are finally in Queen Oito's private chambers. As for my subordinates - they have also made it to deck five and should meet with your friends soon." Chrollo closed the gap between him and Kurapika, his fingers reaching for the younger man's chin. "Don't worry, love, everything will work out, trust me."
Although he wanted to believe it, Kurapika averted his gaze and turned slightly in Chrollo's grip. There were still aspects of their mission that gave him doubts, but it didn't stop him from trying. If they were lucky, both of them, along with everyone else, would get through this without too much consequence. "I hope you're right," Kurapika responded and reached up to place his own hand over Chrollo's.
Feeling his lover's warm skin against his made Chrollo smile broadly. Kurapika was generally optimistic, yet, he could tell when the younger man was skeptical. Not that Chrollo blamed him, really. They were taking a huge risk, specifically during a country's royal succession war, so there were many possibilities where something could go wrong. And because of that, it was an aspect constantly sitting in the back of his mind.
Regardless, he promised Kurapika, and there was no backing out now. They had to retrieve the Scarlet Eyes.
Before Chrollo could say anything, one of the airship's attendants entered the room and disrupted their conversation. "Two minutes until we land. Please be ready." The man quickly announced, then exited.
Kurapika exchanged glances with Chrollo.
"I'll inform Queen Oito then." He stated, but as Kurapika began to walk off, Chrollo took hold of his arm. It made him come to an abrupt halt. "What?" Kurapika looked up at his lover in slight irritation.
Two fingers came to rest on both sides of the younger man's chin as Chrollo turned his head, so they faced each other, then without warning, pressed his lips against Kurapika's. Chrollo lingered there only for a fleeting moment, just long enough to taste his lover but also to convey his reassurance before slowly pulling away. "I will see you on the ship then." He stated while looking down into those pretty blue eyes.
Kurapika simply nodded and reached up to quickly brush his fingers along Chrollo's cheek before turning and heading out the door. It clicked shut a second later, leaving him alone in the cabin.
Once the blimp reached the ship, their mission would truly begin.
It was a flurry of chaos as people zipped about from servants to attendants and other guards as they began setting up the rather large, elaborate room. Boxes of various shapes and sizes, even colors, were stacked into piles at several different spots while some of the maids began to slowly unpack them. Queen Oito stood relatively close to the entrance of their quarter's, watching the scene unfold, the expression on her face a mix of curiosity and concern.
She made no attempt to conceal her emotions very well. Almost anyone would have noticed, including Kurapika.
He had positioned himself only a couple of meters away from her, but clearly, she was shifting through bouts of worry. Since they were now on the ship, anything could possibly happen. Kurapika was confident the other princes and princesses were already onboard - considering the order of which the royal family was allowed in. That meant they had to begin preparations as they were last to arrive. Chrollo was across the room, already working out details with a few other bodyguards, his lover wasting no time getting the situation organized.
And sooner, the better with their current predicament.
There were so many loopholes and unseen probabilities that Kurapika found it difficult to map out every conceivable outcome to form a greater line of defense. Security was vital, primarily during the entirety of the Succession War. Kurapika wanted to ensure the highest chance of not only Queen Oito and Woble coming out of this alive, but himself and Chrollo as well.
He also had to consider the safety of friends, the Ryodan, and even Amar. There were just so many he needed to protect. It was paramount that he found the best route to ensure their success in reclaiming the eyes and making it through the impending battle.
But also the Dark Continent. The Nacknars would be a threat once the ship arrived, and without knowing exactly how many there were, it was another factor to be contended with. The beasts were deadly beyond comparison with their lack of discrimination for who they killed. Although it seemed the Nacknars tended to be more adverse towards humans, their regard for life outside their own kind was practically nil.
The dangers he was about to face along with Chrollo, his friends, and the other Spiders were almost terrifying. Walking into the unknown with little to no knowledge made dealing with the situation even harder, but in no way did it deter him from completing the mission. He was so close to finally laying his clan to rest that Kurapika could practically taste it.
Seeing them buried properly fueled his drive, and nothing was going to stop that.
Kurapika breathed in deeply, then expelled and drew himself away from his wayward thoughts. At the moment, he had to try and assess their current enemies' capabilities as their resources were limited, plus there was also the prospect of the other hunters on the ship who held provisional licenses as potentially dangerous. With the fact they would be wandering the halls with covert missions of their own, it was best to err on the side of caution. Ultimately, a large part of the battle was going to be a game of subterfuge.
In the end, there were just too many variables.
Then again, Kurapika silently questioned if his overwhelming need to seek contact with Tserriednich, along with surviving both the war and the Dark Continent, was making him immensely hypersensitive.
Looking back on everything and how he came to be in such a state, it seemed more and more like a cruel twist of fate. The very thought made Kurapika silently laugh. Not once had he ever known Moiari to be kind.
A buzzing sound disrupted his thoughts, and Kurapika looked down to see a pending call on his phone. He quickly answered it.
"Kurapika…" The voice on the other end said, and he groaned inwardly.
"What is it, Mizaistom?"
There was a brief pause before the Zodiac member responded. "I wanted to give you a quick update on our current situation," Mizaistom noted, his tone critical, "as it's worse than we anticipated. I've been focused on decks three and four since the crime rate is far worse than expected. Between ticket fraud, racial conflicts, drunken brawls, identity theft, various assaults, it's been one hell of a mess. On top of it, there are an abundance of false reports. There are even people who believe that if someone commits a crime, their ticket is automatically invalidated and that person will be replaced by another from the waiting list. It's also gone to the point where individuals are saying that if they are the one who reports the crime of a ticket holder, they get that person's spot." Again there was another pause as Mizaistom continued to process the weight of their position. "The problem is, Kakin's response has been inconsistent at best, and the possibility of a riot steadily increases. Unfortunately, we didn't properly estimate their sloppiness with this, and now, the plans we had are meaningless. Even the medical teams are suffering as a result."
It took a few seconds for the magnitude of what Mizaistom had relayed to fully sink in, but when it did, Kurapika breathed out in exasperation. As if the situation wasn't bad enough as is. Now it appeared that another war was about to break out but on the regular passenger decks. Kurapika had a feeling that he knew exactly where this was going.
"From the sound of it," Kurapika began, his voice somewhat taut, "the meeting will end up getting canceled as a result."
"Perhaps," Mizaistom countered. "However, this very well may be my last call before the ship leaves. Be careful."
After that, the line went dead, and Kurapika tapped the end call button before putting his phone away.
Just how much worse could this situation get?
Right as Kurapika was about to turn his attention to Queen Oito, a weight on his shoulder ceased his movements. He shifted and realized that Chrollo was now standing beside him. "Is everything alright, babe?" The older man questioned slowly. Kurapika could tell the pressure from Chrollo's hand had increased slightly after speaking.
Which, to a fault, was comforting, as the field of his lover's Nen made him calm, even if slightly. All he sensed within it was compassion, empathy, and the desire to protect. Kurapika knew that Chrollo had a strong affinity for wanting to keep him safe, even if that wasn't always possible. Though he was quite capable of holding his own, he didn't blame his lover for showing concern. It had long since been evident that Chrollo cared for his safety and had his best interests in mind, even when that didn't seem to be the case.
Gently, Kurapika raked his slender hand through his hair and closed his eyes. "I wish it were." He commented flatly. "From my understanding, the circumstances on the lower decks have become increasingly chaotic, which is causing way more problems than anticipated. Because of that, it's made things far worse. I just hope Gon and Killua are okay and the Spiders are staying out of trouble. At least Leorio is with the medical staff despite everything going on."
His lover's dismay brought a frown to Chrollo's lips, but the news of recent developments was a reason to be alarmed. "I am sure they're fine, angel." He purred quietly so only Kurapika could hear. "And I can reassure you that my subordinates are staying on the downlow. They know not to raise suspicion and to act only when necessary. I told them to find what information they could about the upper decks as discreetly as possible." Following his words, Chrollo squeezed Kurapika's shoulder to affirm what he said. It was clear the younger man was overwhelmed.
The ensuing pressure and constant pull of Chrollo's Nen helped calm his emotions further, which eased some of the stress to his body. Kurapika was grateful as it aided him with keeping a level head. "Alright," he finally replied after a long minute, "I trust you." And with that, Kurapika shifted his focus back to Oito, who seemed to be observing them intently.
After quickly mulling over the recent information he received, Kurapika hoped to use the chaos on the lower decks to their advantage.
"Queen Oito," he stated and began walking towards her, "we should plan your emergency evacuation route in the event that we need to get you out of here quickly."
When Kurapika reached her position, Oito turned away from the servant she spoke with and addressed him. The idea of needing a contingency plan despite everything that was happening made her almost pessimistic. It wasn't as if they had boarded a ship bound to a dangerous continent that was also dubbed as a private killing ground. In just a few hours, the Black Whale would be surrounded by dark - and eventually - uncharted, hostile water with nowhere to go.
Little by little, her situation continued to appear more bleak and dismal. "Emergency?" She enunciated slowly. "What else could possibly go wrong?" It was hard to believe that anything else could be worse than where she already was.
Oito's lack of confidence made Kurapika frown as there was still a decent chance that everything would go according to plan, and they would get through the war with little to no loss. Maybe the odds weren't exactly in their favor, but he nor Chrollo were about to give up. "I understand your skepticism, but if something extreme were to happen, the gate between deck two and three can be opened. If we play our cards right, then it's possible we might be able to slip past the other princes and princesses along with the army and blend in with the general populace."
The notion brought about a sudden but startling revelation, and Oito was nearly taken aback. "Is that even possible?" She asked in a near hastened stutter.
"We must be prepared," Kurapika responded frankly, "because there is no telling what could transpire. You should also memorize where the blimps, lifeboats and escape pods are located in case you need them. When you have to make a snap-decision in a life or death situation, having that knowledge will greatly increase the likelihood of survival." Chrollo was at his side, even before he finished speaking, the expression on his visage practically conveying the nature of the reality they all faced. Knowing was definitely way better than not knowing at all.
It was the difference between living and dying.
He only hoped that Oito understood that.
"Kurapika is right," Chrollo carefully interjected, his voice clearly pensive. "It's a factor that you should consider as there are too many variables regarding this war, and your safety is clearly essential."
However, she abruptly began shaking despite their words of urgency, and all Kurapika could do was stand there and watch. One of his hands extended to gently touch her on the arm to offer reassurance but never actually made contact. Chrollo watched her looking perplexed. "Is she going to be alright?" He questioned, obviously concerned.
Despite that, Kurapika turned from his lover, attention now wholly on Queen Oito. "Your majesty, what is wrong?"
Some time passed before she managed to find enough will, or even her bearings so she could speak, but when she did, her voice trembled heavily. "I… I had prepared myself to die on this ship… and now that I realize there may be hope—"
In a flash, Chrollo had swept up beside the distraught Queen and gingerly gripped the young woman by the shoulders to prevent her from toppling over. Oito's skin had turned visibly pale, her eyes practically wide. She turned shakily towards the tall, dark-haired man but said nothing as her mind was too frazzled to process anything.
Once he was sure that Oito wouldn't buckle, his eyes landed on Kurapika as the younger man slowly approached them. "You should rest." His lover commented, those frosty blues filled with concern. "Chrollo and I will gather the necessary intel in the meantime. Someone take the Queen and the princess to their quarters." Kurapika commanded afterward.
"I will try. Thank you," Oito added after managing to finally regain her composure. She nodded gratefully to Chrollo before one of the servants skittered to her side. The woman began to carefully guide her away.
Afterward, the rest of the servants began moving Woble's cradle. Chrollo used the distraction and was at his side while leaning in close. "Taking into account our situation, what should we do about Amar? We can't leave him inside Fun Fun cloth for the entire duration of the trip."
Chrollo's words made him stop short as Kurapika had nearly forgotten about their furry companion. While they had agreed to let the young Nacknar join them on the ship to the Dark Continent, mainly because his kind were there and his knowledge of them would be immensely helpful, Kurapika wasn't sure how well Oito would take seeing his presence. Even though she had been informed afterward that Amar would be joining them, what they had not revealed was the fact he wasn't human. Still, Chrollo was right, and they couldn't make him stay permanently where he was.
He would have to be let out eventually.
Perhaps, it was better to do so now and deal with telling the Queen later on. At the moment, she wasn't thinking straight to handle that kind of news.
"Go ahead and let him out. Though, I advise that he stay out of sight until we can adequately explain the situation to Oito. The last thing we need is for her to lose control, or panic thinking that one of the other royals sent Amar to kill her and Woble."
While it was true that Amar knew of Queen Oito and Princess Woble's position and was there to help them as well, because he and Chrollo hadn't alerted her to that aspect, there was still a chance that Amar would be seen as a threat or enemy. Even his appearance may startle her as Oito may not be familiar with his kind or be comfortable with magical beasts, and that one of them suddenly showed up in their quarters. Regardless, Amar didn't need to make himself known until he was sure.
A moment later, Chrollo nodded and proceeded to find a more obscure place to release their companion when something snapped his attention. The sensation of something ominous made Kurapika jerk straight as a chill ran up his spine. It was sinister, dark, almost menacing. Every muscle in his body stiffened, locked up, and Kurapika practically felt paralyzed.
It took a couple of seconds before he was able to move, and Kurapika wasted no time swiftly pivoting around to face the servants who were delicately carrying Woble's cradle away. He stared in their direction practically wide-eyed.
"Is something wrong?" One of the other guards asked him, and Kurapika instantaneously snapped from his unexpected trance.
"No." He muttered and raised a hand to his forehead. Whatever it was that he sensed had put him on edge, or perhaps his own nerves were frayed as well. There was no denying that it felt like a surge of powerful Nen, but he had no way of confirming it one way or the other. Perhaps the answer would eventually make itself known. Regardless, he had a lot to do, and losing his composure now would only be detrimental to their cause.
He had to keep it together for not only Oito's sake but Woble's as well. Even Chrollo, his friends, and the Spiders were depending on him. Kurapika couldn't afford to waver.
At a time like this, there was no room for error during a war where everything was a balance between life or death. It was a risk that Kurapika wasn't willing to take.
After Thoughts: I have to admit, writing for the Dark Continent and the Succession War has been both fun, but also challenging. There are a lot of ideas that I have for this arc, but it's been tough trying to decide how to incorporate all of it and what direction to take it in. I won't lie that I am excited to write the entire thing, as the ending is something that I've been wanting to write for a little while now. It will be some form of ending (even if it's not official) since the manga has been on an extensive hiatus. This arc will also lead to some major plot advancement for Chrollo and Kurapika's relationship, along with a few others as well. So, there is a lot coming up.
Also, I forgot to mention in the last chapter; I call each of the Kakin royal heirs by prince and princess because it just drives me absolutely nuts to call females prince as prince and princesses (like king and queen) have no gender neutral pronouns. Because it's gender specific, it's just too strange for me to call the female Kakin heirs prince, so hence I've labeled them as princesses. Plus it flows better and seems less artificial, but not only that, I can't imagine calling a female successor 'King' then take on a husband and call him queen. It just... too cringy lol and doesn't make sense.