Leorio meets Vastorie for the first time, but his views on the man are left to be undesired, as Kurapika, on the other hand, feels there's something wrong going on with him.

Alluka gets to dance for the first time as Killua watches from afar.

Prompt

Dance

"Kurapika!" The voice rang loudly, the man forced to cover his ears out of agony. Leorio hadn't changed at all; the same, over caring, clean shaven, tall man, who screamed louder than a whisper in a microphone.

Kurapika barely had time to react before the older man swept him into his arms, hugging him tightly like a mother being reunited with her child. The man awkwardly patted Leorio on the back, hoping this would be over soon.

The glasses tipped slightly, bumping his forehead in the process, the act making himself laugh a little. It genuinely felt warm, unlike his heart.

Leorio pulled back before smiling at the younger man, a crooked grin showing only for a moment. All it took was a second for Leorio to launch into his anger, berating just like an overbearing parent would, "You have no idea the shit I've been through! Having been forced to let go of my brother's hand after having been reunited with him. Then being told I'm forced into this life or death mission, and-"

He paused, looking slightly down at smile, Kurapika had changed. It was subtle, a cold demeanour contained within his eyes, and the unnatural growth spurt that suited him.

Leorio shut his mouth as Kurapika's smile dissipated, "You haven't changed in the slightest… the same loudmouth doctor who'd knock out a patient if he didn't rest."

Was that sadness he heard, or just a hint of nostalgia in the younger man's tone. It felt natural, but Leorio wouldn't let him get away with it for long, no matter if the man behind them interrupted the apparent touching reunion, "The same can't be said for you. You look like hell. You haven't been sleeping properly!"

"It felt like hell…" Kurapika chided, a hint of sass reverberating in his words. Crossing his arms, Kurapika looked the man over once, eyes taking in his form and features, "You're not one to talk. You look like you've barely had a wink of sleep in the past week."

"Ha!" Leorio nudged the man lightly in his ribs, smiling at the words, "You do care about me! You're not as stone cold as you make yourself out to be."

Kurapika shook his head, unable to stop himself from containing his smug expression. Leorio really hadn't changed at all.

Mizaistom held up his hands, ushering the two further inside, "I'll lead the way to Cheadle."

The two hung back, following the older man's footsteps, a silence now brooding between the both of them. Leorio couldn't keep quiet any longer. He had to talk, no matter if Kurapika responded or not, "This mission seems like a way bigger deal than expected… Are we gonna be ok?"

Kurapika shook his head lightly, the quiet footsteps continuing to echo throughout the empty hallways, "What I'm worried about is that they haven't given us much information. But it seems as though we're going to that savage continent."

"Savage is an understatement…"

Kurapika looked up at those words, the voice sounds familiar, yet different, like a ghost from his past has come back to haunt him. His eyes fell on the offender, a no longer giddy, smiling like he was doped up on coffee man. How long had it been since their encounter with the Phantom Troupe, the mission they were hired to complete?

Technically they failed, the Phantom Troupe still lived. The man must have known that, yet he said nothing to Kurapika, it was the deranged Clown, Hisoka, that had revealed the truth to him, not this man, "Vastorie…"

"Huh?" Leorio snapped wide awake, now forced to look at the man Kurapika seemed to have known, "Wait, you're Vastorie Darkscryer…?" His eyes trained on the man, the one beside Cheadle. Now that he's focused, he remembers the man sitting towards the front during the election. He was wearing a rather peculiar uniform, white, with a mix of old Victorian and a Military style clothing. It fluttered lightly as he moved, his arms crossing after having been addressed.

Leorio's mood soured as did the man's, an eyebrow being raised in disgust, "Yes…"

"Your son-"

"Is NOT your concern! I will not have this discussion, not now… NOT EVER! I don't care if Daniel is a friend to you, nor what you have to say on the matter. I am here, forced by Cheadle to do her bidding until I get what I want…" I never wanted to be an asshole to my son… but the more I push myself further away, making him in-turn hate me, the less danger he'll be in. My father wants me… So, whatever Cheadle can offer to help me track that bastard down, I'm willing to have everyone despise me…

Even the ones I love…

Vastorie tightens his features, hoping that his heart kept still, and emotions in check. He honestly wished his father had remained dead, that he hadn't touched his son at all. He'd give just as much to reverse time to a moment where he could smile without constraints. Even now he could look back on his outburst as being a child throwing a tantrum. He'll fucking give anything, to be able to have the courage to apologise. But he didn't know how to find that consistent lining, to be comforting like Nathaniel could.

To this day he didn't know how or why Nathaniel still remained by his side all this time. Was he likeable in the man's eyes, or was he a pet project, one where the man wanted to improve on?

Empty eyes held their gaze on Leorio, a rage being pulled at the man's heartstring. This is what his life is now… He was born, to be hated…

Leorio grit his teeth at the words, reaching out to grab the man by the collar, what he hadn't expected was the older man's movements. It was quick, the sound of a snap being the only indicator of having been blocked. The action hadn't deterred his anger, but rather intensify it "You're willing to admit that, after everything that has happened. And I thought Ging was an asshole!"

"Sure, whatever makes you sleep at night…" The man twisted his feet, walking away from the trouble infringing on his personal dreams, "I know where to go. I can feel the other Zodiacs in the room already."

"Get back here!" Cheadle demanded, only to have her voice fall on deaf ears. She shook a fist at the man, but nothing was going to bring him back. The only news about his father, which may shock him. Rubbing the bridge of her nose, Cheadle calmed herself before addressing the two men still beside her, one angry while the other had a neutral expression, eyes trained on where the man had left, "Sorry about that, I'll explain everything soon, Rat… Boar…"

Leorio blinked at the code name as Kurapika side glanced the woman, a little concerned about having that man near him. He was leaking a strange aura, with ghostly inconsistency, unlike what he had last seen when first met him. For a split second, he could have sworn he saw a child-like figure run by him, features unable to be made out.

A chill ran up his spine at the thought, but he kept his figure still, no movements being able to be detected by his friend who was now stunned at having been called a boar.

Holding out a hand, Cheadle led their attention to Vastorie's direction, the man long gone, "Please, right this way."

"~"

There was a fumble of the boy's hands, finger entwining with the bowtie around his neck. As he pulled the last piece through the loop, he pushed it behind the short end, tighten along the centre knot until it became both comfortable and presentable.

Daniel tapped his jacket, padding out any creases along the shirt he made during the process, a smile tugging at his lips as he grabbed his jacket, throwing it over his shoulder.

He could hear giggling coming from outside. The sounds were coming from the younger offender, Alluka, and mixed grumbles of her brother as the most likely fumbled with the girl's dress, "Stop moving…"

"You're tickling me, big brother…"

Daniel held his smile for longer than he needed, his journal resting on the table, open on the page of a confession he couldn't remember. Sliding his fingers along the page, Daniel compelled himself to closed it before entering into the hallway, seeing a half-dressed boy, his bowtie still hanging loosely around his neck.

How it remained there without falling, Daniel didn't know. But what he did know, was Killua looked stunning alongside his sister, the thoughts soon been pushed out as he addressed the two siblings, "Wow, someone looks pretty."

Killua's cheeks tinged at the words, Alluka's knowing smiling, made the boy look away momentarily, "Well, my sister is off limits…" Shifting his attention to the table, he distracted himself with the white flower bracelet, remembering how Alluka had begged him to get it as well. It was a single jewelled white rose, something Killua didn't mind buying as an extra.

He allowed his fingers to reach out, turning back around to his sister, sliding it on to her wrist with a smile, "Now, you're going to make all the girls in the room jealous."

"Thanks, big brother!" The girl pressed a kiss into her brother's cheek, Killua's rose cheeks returning as he stood up.

"Now all-" Killua hadn't anticipated the movement, Daniel stepping close to him, fingers reaching out for the bowtie he failed to make all this time.

Without words, Daniel tied the offending article, fingers lingering on the object a little more than Killua had liked. The boy's breath felt so close to him, a few inches away from a kiss. Actually, now that Daniel was leaning back, his lips were at a perfect height to his forehead, a little bit just above the eyebrows. Since when was Daniel taller than him?

Wait, wasn't he shorter than him at one point? No, Daniel was taller than him always, although not as noticeably as he was now. Puberty was a hell of a drug. When Daniel finally pulled away, the boy looked down at his feet, a little embarrassed at having his bowtie fixed by someone he pretending to not have feelings for, "Thanks..."

"No problems," Daniel checked his watch, a present from Killua that came with the suit, the same one Killua was also wearing, "So, we still have at least six hours before the main event. The winner, or should I say winners gets 100,00 Jenny. I'm sure Alluka would love to see the bedazzling dancers, as well as get to dance herself. There is also two hours before the sign-up closing period. I wanna try to join, see if I can score a win! Hopefully, my partner I get paired up with isn't a terrible dancer…"

Killua hid his sadness, "Sure, I'll be rooting for you from the sidelines…"

"~"

Cheadle spoke non-stop, highlighting the facts and news surrounding the information amounting to this task at hand. Even now, Vastorie could feel the piercing gaze of the others, some being quick, while others sometimes stared intensely for longer. He had this gut-wrenching feeling that he wasn't going to get the information he required until way later on this mission, and he didn't plan to interrupt either.

Causing a racket will not get him what he wants, and he knows that.

Pressing a button on the controller in her hand, Cheadle was reaching the main point, a map covering the screen, "These are the countries that represent the six main continents, known as the V6. They were originally the V5, but from recent turmoil, Kakin has had its status raised as the 6th. In the past, the V5 tried to challenge the Dark Continent but all of their efforts resulted in failure."

Vastorie hid a smirk, eyes glancing now at Kurapika. His eyes were glued to the information, wondering what was going through his mind. Was he angry that he let the Phantom Troupe getaway, or was he thinking clearly on the task at hand, listening to Cheadle discussing the Dark Continent?

"And we've come to call the disease and dangerous beasts that caused those failures, the five calamities. From the details of the documents we have on hand, I'll explain to you the first 7 pages on Hellbell."

Cheadle detailed each beast, accentuating the information they should pay attention to the most. The more the man listened, the more Cheadle seemed to hint at a dark lining, something linking his father to this topic.

"-So, in other words, the danger ranks of all 5 have been raised to B+, all exceeding the B rank of the Chimera Ants. Capturing any of these and returning with them to benefit mankind is our mission. Additionally, we also have the issue of dealing with the currently restrained Master Beyond. It has been decided that we are to take him to the virtual New Continent. From there until the Dark Continent, the pros and cons of whether we bring him or not are outside of this discussion. It won't be an easy decision, either way, Now are there any questions so far?"

Kurapika held up his hand, "I've got plenty, but… to start with, there's one I would like answered."

"Go ahead."

"Beyond most definitely has allies within the organization…" The room stood still, silence looming over the other Zodiacs, all of them except for Mizaistom and Cheadle were unaware of the underlining issue. Vastorie had been an exception, his gazed expression held on the documents in his hands. He probably suspected as much, possibly because he trusted no one at the table right now, "have to been able to identify about how many?"

"What did you say…? Why do you know about that?" Kanzai flipped out, aggressive towards the man who seemed to react unfazed.

"Kanzai, if you think everyone here agrees with each other's methods, you'll be sorely mistaken. You'll reach an impasse somewhere, which I can prove with my mere existence. Most of you don't want me in this room… am I correct?"

From a few glares he got, none were more proving then Kanzai's reaction "You were there when Netero said his goodbyes. You should have known that that mission was a huge risk, and even tempted the old man call upon the other Zodiacs for help…"

"Same could be said of Ex-Vice president Pariston, yet I don't see you chasing the Ex-Rat any time soon… was he not just as close to Netero as I was? Actually, you would be wrong to think I didn't say anything. He was like a father to me, to everyone in this room, except for Kurapika and Leorio. They're new to the group. He…" The man bit his lip, turning away in disgust "it's not important." I just wish he was here so I could ask him for advice…

Cheadle hid her eyes for a moment, the book still in her possession. She needed to put it on the table soon, for not only Netero's but Vastorie's, as well as the group's sake. It was important information left out until now, "Unfortunately, it isn't…"

Vastorie shot the woman a glare, but Kurapika instead brought the group back to the main question "From the previous President Netero's will, I surmised that Beyond had always been waiting for his father's demise. So, there's no way that he hadn't been preparing for this voyage all along, right? Coming to the organization himself and getting involved with the organization makes it clear that was his plan from the very start… Without a doubt, he had the utmost confidence that he would be able to control a project of this grand a scope and scale even after being restrained. That's why he turned himself in."

Kurapika set his eyes on Vastorie, "which brings me to Vastorie's point. The existence of a capable right-hand man that he can rely on… And a great number of comrades to support him would also be necessary. The successor that took over after the previous President died must have made some kind of movements. I'm assuming…" Kurapika brought his gaze back to Cheadle, "this all rings a bell?"

"Yes…" Cheadle sighed, "Pariston and the Mediator Hunters. However, we have another issue which Pariston may be aware of already." Reaching into her pocket, Cheadle pulled out a journal, sliding it over to Vastorie.

The man looked at the journal with a questioning gaze, Cheadle forced to bring the topic to the unknown issue, a secret which she herself wasn't aware of until she took her position, "The secret member of the Pure Paladin Squad…"

Vastorie carefully flipped the journal open, a finger being used to scan the first journal entry. The person sounds like a caring father, one who wished to be reunited with his family.

When the man reached the signed off name, his eyes widened, dark aura leaking from him as the Chairwoman spoke, "Victor Tempest, the shape-shifting sixth calamity."

Soulless eyes found Cheadle's "He's…?" That can't be right, he acts the exact same way he always acted with me… "You can't be serious… you're fucking with me!"

Cheadle shook her head, "I'm not…" She flicked two photos to the middle of the table, a really old photo of the members from the Pure Paladin Squad, and a new one containing the current picture of Victor. Nothing had changed, he looked exactly the same as he did all these years ago, "This man hasn't been the same since coming back from the trip to the Dark Continent."

No, you're wrong! You can't be serious… you can't get up and tell me that my father, was never my father! You can't be the third person to deny my desire to kill that man! I won't let you!

Cheadle pulled out some papers, laying them out on the table, "which brings me to a separate topic," she nods at Mizaistom, the man leaned over to Kurapika, whispering something in his ear as she lulled everyone's attention "Vastorie is in this room, because he is going to be collaborating along with this mission, including information about his father Victor Tempest…"

"Sure…" Vastorie slumped in his chair, thoughts left to wander in confusion. Could he have been wrong, this entire time, his perception being blinded by his rage for his father's death? No, it can't be right…

Lifting the journal to his eyes, the man began to read his father's entries, intending on solving the mysteries of his father's actions.

Cheadle, however, didn't stop there, "However, I'm stating Vastorie as a 13th member of the Zodiacs, an official one."

"What? No! Oh, hell no!" Kanzai objected to the rule, "He may be a three-star Hunter, but his ability's and strengths don't match our ideals. He hasn't got a reason to join us!"

Botobai Gigante held up a hand to object, "I wish to hear her reasoning before objecting."

Cheadle looked at the man, his eyes buried in the journal "He is the only living man who-"

"Is it wise to reveal that information, Cheadle?" Vastorie looked up, eyes narrowing into slits, "If someone is indeed a spy within the Hunter Association, or the Zodiacs, what if they told Beyond about this?"

Gritting her teeth, Cheadle stood up, crossing her arms at the man. He was right in a sense, the information could leak back to Beyond, or even Pariston and other Hunters that could perceive his ability as a threat.

But if she leaked it to only this group, the members in this room, she could narrow down who is a spy if there is a leak, "yes, but if there is a spy among us, this information is only going to be told to the Zodiac members, and under no circumstances should be told to anyone else…"

Vastorie returned to the journal in his hand, "It's your funeral. Or should I say mine…"

"Netero has kept a secret from all of us, including why Vastorie wasn't incited as a Zodiac. Vastorie is the only living person we know of, whom can speak with Netero."

"What, Leorio objected… wait, that means he can talk to others, right?"

"You would be right to assume so…" Vastorie butted in, "however, you should wait for the next part."

"His ability is to make deals with the dead… at the cost of their existence."

Vastorie's eyes found Cheadle's, wondering if she feels like she made the best decision. An ability like his would be perceived as a threat, considering he could undo, or even create world disasters with a single deal.

But two things didn't make sense right now, at the cost of this reveal, the reaction of the other's shocked eyes now watching him… If Victor Tempest was dead, would she still make this decision, or would she leave him alone?

Something about this moment just didn't add up! If his father did bring back one of the calamities, why wouldn't have Netero hunted the man down? What is right…? What is wrong…? What is the thing wearing his father's skin? And more importantly, how does this thing gather memories?

"~"

Killua slumped against the table, glassy eyes idly watching Daniel's movements. Seeing his sister smile, made his widen. He was unable to stop it, using his arms he kept it hidden from the world, only wanting Daniel to bear witness to it… the old Daniel…

The one he wanted to bring back by tonight… Hopefully…

He imagined boy trying to court him, a hand held out and a request for a dance. His cheeks tinged at the idea, but unless he wanted to get one, he needed to be the one to ask first.

Killua turned his head slightly, looking at the other surrounding participants. There were a few skilled dancers like him and Daniel, but at the same time there were a couple of them were barely learning, while others giggled and stumbled like two hammered fools with two left feet trying to stabilize their movements.

However, one member caught his eyes, a lone teen swirling a drink, their eyes focusing on one person on the dance floor… Daniel…

The boy's eyes narrowed, fingers now tapping against the table. Who are you…? Why are you looking at Daniel?!

Daniel held Alluka by her shoulder, the other guiding her hand. He allowed her to dig her heels into the boy's shoes, scuff marks now ruining the dress shoes. He didn't mind much, only revelling in the girl's laughter, making sure that she smiling in happiness her herself. Plus, it would also improve Killua's mood after seeing his sister being happy.

This is something Killua after all, wanted his sister to experience, but it seems the boy was too shy to ask for her hand. Or maybe, he just couldn't dance at all…

By now he was getting some onlookers, a few playing close attention to his every move. With Alluka. Although it wouldn't be possible to call out his full protentional. The inexperienced girl would be unable to keep with his pace, and he really didn't want to hurt Alluka in the process.

"Daniel…"

"Hmm…" The boy swirled the girl, leaning her back slightly so he could place his ear mere inches from her mouth. He wanted to see what she has to say.

"I wanted to thank you for tonight…"

Daniel, leaned back, offering a smile in return, fingers weaving between the girl's own, "No problems. I know how much you wanted to dance after witnessing the others, but it seems Killua didn't want too…"

"He did… this was his idea…"

"Oh," the boy hummed, twirling the boy's sister before pulling her back into his arms. With minimal effort, he raised the girl, one arm used to brace the girl's chest as he used the other to guide her hand, swishing and weaving her between the other dancers while making sure to not bump into any of them. "The boy whose looking lousy at the table, was the one who wanted to go dancing?"

Alluka peaked through the crowd. She noticed that her brother was indeed 'lousy', but she knew better than to assume. Killua was in-fact sad, and she knew the best way to peak up his mood.

If she could get Daniel to ask for a dance, Killua would smile like when he first met her, when he first introduced Daniel and his best friend, Gon. It glowed like a sun of its own, a warmth that she felt when first meeting Nathaniel and the hug him and his son shared in common.

She just needed to push him a little, the question was, how…? "I think Killua is sad because I'm having so much fun, and his not…"

"He could ask anyone else for a dance, but his not…"

Alluka puffed her cheeks out, just in time for Daniel to notice it, which made the boy laugh in response, "What…? I'm serious. Just look at him! He could ask anyone in this room, and I believe they'll accept."

That didn't make the situation any better, but a single slip was all it took for Alluka to notice it. Did her eyes deceive her? For a single second, did Daniel seem sad at the idea of someone else, or even Killua asking a complete stranger or a dance?

Maybe Killua was right, that this dance was the best way for the two to reconcile their broken bond, their relationship. But the two of them instead, were just finding ways to avoid the other, "Well, I think you should ask him for a dance!"

Alluka moved her feet, stamping the ground in protest.

Daniel could only hum, the gaze of others placed upon him now being his main concern. He had drawn the attention of at least six people. Two guys, and four girls. Ignoring the girls, and one guy, the person on the far left swirling their drink gave a sort of elegance, a weak wave of aura leaking from the person's figure.

He just oozed attention, wanting eyes to meet their own. Daniel, however, didn't give in yet, he had no reason to do so, at least not yet. So maybe he might listen to the younger girl, asking for her brother's hand for a dance.

Killua was stronger, more flexible, something that could benefit him when lulling the attention of the more experienced dancers of the party. Even if Killua had two left feet, a single song could mean all the difference between winning and losing in this event.

No matter if Killua was bad at dancing, he just needed to draw the attention of the better, more experienced ones. With a nod, Daniel lifted Alluka up slightly, placing her down on the floor with a pat, "Alright, I'll ask your brother for a dance."

"Yey!" Alluka's smile widened, which in turn brightened Daniel's. He took the girl's hand, guiding her through the other dancers, back towards her brother.