A/N: Not as much action happens yet as the story is set to develop and slowly. Things will pick up relatively quickly when these two start to interact more. But sit back and strap in because you guys are in for a long ride as this is set to be one hell of a monster fic.

Chapter updated and revised - 5/6/19.

Summary: Kurapika stipulates his reasons for wishing to seek out the Genei Ryodan leader; Gon, Leorio and Killua are not entirely convinced the idea is well thought out and dangerous. Meanwhile, Chrollo muses over his current predicament.

Dry. It was so dry. Chrollo slowly licked his lips; dealing with the arid city which was strikingly in the middle of the Gordeau Desert that he had taken refuge in wasn't something he considered easy to contend with. The daily biting winds and unbearable heat and without his Nen as a buffer, just the aspect of the thick sweat clinging to his skin had caused his clothing to practically stick to his body, which was becoming more than annoying.

He pulled the sable hued coat that hung upon his frame tight against himself; the arctic fur lining around his neck had long since become matted and damp. Another bout of wind rustled through the streets and whisked swiftly between the stone and clay buildings, the jagged shards of the desert heavy within its currents. It was like sandpaper across the skin; another aspect of the city of which he came to hate.

Chrollo grumbled and raked his fingers through his raven locks which had become disheveled, long since loose of the gel that was used at one point to hold it back. Specks of sand and dust coated the strands, falling away as his hand retracted, causing him to sigh in exasperation. For weeks now he had dealt with the growing difficulties of his current situation, quickly realizing that regardless of the fact he had placed so much confidence in rectifying the predicament he was forced into, the waiting process for the solution was starting to become less tolerable.

It wasn't quite what he expected. Granted, he had people practically toiling away night and day searching for the one solution that would allow him to return to his former glory, but in the meantime, Chrollo saw each day in essence pass while he did absolutely nothing.

Sitting around playing the waiting game wasn't something that made him any more pleased with his circumstance.

How Chrollo Lucifer had come to this, he had really no idea.

Another round of fierce wind raged violently through the city, kicking up coarse sand in its wake and the Spider leader hissed in annoyance; dealing with the storms on practically a daily basis was becoming quite problematic.

He hissed between his teeth as the sharp particles raked abrasively over the exposed parts of his body and chaffing his skin. The howling sound of the desert storm echoed in his ears; the warning had come quickly, just as every other resident who had decided to brave the harsh conditions instead sought shelter, the streets becoming devoid of any signs of life. Chrollo wasted no time ducking into the nearest building of which he happened to be astride. As luck had it, he found himself inside a dimly lit bar.

So many energies all coalesced into one area. A few were even Nen users. Just the amount of aura – Chrollo had to ignore the bombardment of the ebb and flow that washed over his masculine frame and strode casually to an empty seat at the bar.

Dark eyes regarded a burly fellow in dusty hued clothing as he was wiping a glass clean with a tinged washcloth and thick eyebrows furrowed in the Spider head's direction as he settled in. "Don't see many outsiders in these parts. Suppose you're just passing through?" The man drawled as hazel eyes creased with age regarded Chrollo questioningly. He readily surmised his choice of attire made him stand out to the locals like a sore thumb. Not that he had any choice really.

"You could say that." He responded smoothly, that ever-present charming smile crossing his lips. Of course, he didn't intend to reside longer in Ti'alma then necessary; he already had his fill of the place. For now, he simply would deal.

"So, can I get you anything?" In all retrospect, the Spider head felt he could actually use something to quiet his twitching nerves. Normally he didn't feel the necessity to delve into such simplicities, but for the moment, Chrollo was stuck where he was while waiting for the dreadful storm outside to eventually break.

At the moment he could have gone for a glass of sweet red wine. But judging from the type of establishment and available commodities, he severely doubted wine would have been one considered a popular enough item to warrant selling. Chrollo settled for Ale instead.

It wasn't long before he was nursing a glass of dark amber liquid, the taste was rather delightful and sharp, its flavor pliable enough that the leader of the Spider regarded the alcoholic beverage was worthy of his regard. Of course, Chrollo wasted no time relishing in the finer things in life and anything that even remotely piqued his attention he felt was deemed worthy as part of his rather particular tastes. This was no exception. Yet his thoughts wandered once again, back towards his current predicament.

The thrum of conversations in the room started to dim, and he became vaguely aware of what was transpiring around him. Even the watchful gaze of the wizened old man who stood close by and cast fleeting glances in his direction was something Chrollo wasn't completely unaware of.

He swirled the liquid within the glass and stared contemplatively into its depths.

Again his mind wallowed over every event that led up to the exact moment in time which had brought him to where he was now.

No, he definitely had an idea. Chrollo knew his cause for the current standing he was in. It wasn't something that he particularly liked thinking about. How he was so simply bested the way he was, tricked and fooled due to his imprudence, then trussed up like a holiday turkey and the blow it had dealt his pride wasn't something he had taken very lightly. Every aspect of that entire scenario gripped at him down to his very soul, Chrollo's mind falling back on the events that had lead up to his inexorable capture.

However, the one thing that stood out the most within that folly was the one thing he had thought was long since defunct from the world but had returned in karmic form.

The Chain User.

He was like the wind, expeditious and decisive, each precious second was down to the most accurate detail and exceptionally cunning, which had effectively given him the upper hand. In a split second, Chrollo had fallen into the hands of the very person he learned had wanted him dead with an unabated passion. The look in those eyes – even after that ridiculous disguise had been removed, he remembered burned with such an ethereal glow, they were like scintillating embers within heated depths.

Something about the resolution which seemed to flash beneath the animosity the blond man held quickly had caught Chrollo's attention. Despite the fact he had stared down a possibility of facing his own death, those eyes lingered invariably in his mind, even if they held such aberrant disgust when they focused on him, the burning desire that sought his own demise and held such conviction and obstinacy was only befitting of someone as elegant and steadfast as the blond was.

It was the same one of whom he learned was the last of a civilization he and his spiders had eliminated with their own hands. The Kurta.

Such beauty and grace, delicate and radiant, the young man was perfection at its finest. Just like a living relic, a walking piece of history, the magnificence and the ferocity, such a being Chrollo found was indeed, a rarity, like fine art that was meant to be savored and admired. Those golden tresses and transfixing eyes in their sapphire allure, Chrollo couldn't get it out of his mind. He knew the blond was a capable fighter and had the strength of will, though he was far from his full potential, yet, there was room for advancement.

However, one thing the Spider leader wanted to be sure of was just how much the Kurta could take before he would inevitably crack beneath induced pressure.

Kurapika. The name had so easily rolled off his tongue. So many times he found himself repeating it, determined to memorize it, ingrain it into his mind, and affix it into permanent knowledge as he fully intended to capture such an exceptional creature. His hand gripped tighter around the glass, the strain nearly casing the fragile material to shatter. Chrollo snorted; the prospect seemed almost too perfect, just the very thought of having something so prized, so unique, it was superlative, and the Genei Ryodan leader wasn't about to let something so opportune slip past his fingers. Not this time.

"You look troubled." The statement broke him from his reverie, and Chrollo's focus landed on the old man who was watching him quizzically. "I can see it in your eyes."

"Yeah, I just have a lot on my mind. It's nothing I can't handle, however." Chrollo returned his attention back to his drink, though he was pretty sure his answer hadn't convinced the old man. He simply let the edges of his lips curl into a smile; regardless this was something he decided he would assuage on his own.

The bartender had shaken his head; either way, he figured whatever the young man was dealing with, he didn't want to harass him over it and simply returned to the task of watching over the patronage which attended his tavern, leaving the dark-eyed customer to his thoughts.

For a moment, Chrollo drifted, wrapped up in the calm the alcohol was providing him with before settling again. He would make sure to see his little problem was handled and without any interference. It was a promise. One he made silently to himself and would accomplish once he managed to get the Chain User's accursed Nen binding off his heart.

Yes, it would be a reckoning indeed.

"It's something I have to do," Kurapika responded vehemently as he stood at the edge of his kitchen with his back to his friends as they had been arguing with him for practically the last hour. "There are answers I need to exactly why I have been constantly plagued as I have and I believe that there is only one way to find out."

The blond rubbed his temples – he was tired. For weeks now he had been tapped, running on practical fumes from the lack of sleep and the exhaustion from dealing with from his workload constantly pilling up. Between the two outlets, he was left with little reprieve. Now that they had finally made some headway as to what may be the source of his unwanted dreams, Kurapika felt the only solution to his ongoing plight would be to seek out the one person whom he was certain was the cause of it all.

Not that he was keen on meeting the older man. Quite to the contrary, Chrollo Lucifer was one of the last people he ever wanted to see again. But Kurapika had since settled with the fact that if he wanted to find out exactly why he was going through the suffering he had, the best recourse was to track down the Spider head and at least question him. Or beat him utterly senseless.

"Still, I don't think you should do this alone!" A man with small glasses and cropped hair blurted out angrily, "Who knows what possible traps that maniac could have waiting for you! I just don't trust it!"

"Don't you think I am not already aware of those facts, Leorio?!" Kurapika retorted as he rounded, eyes flashing briefly crimson before returning to their normal state. "I know what I could be potentially walking into. It's still something I cannot avoid; no matter how much we discuss it."

"Doesn't mean I like it! I mean come on Kurapika! For all that we know Lucifer could have planned this out all along. At least I think that would be a reason for caution."

The blond sighed – this was becoming tiresome. Of course, Kurapika understood the reasoning for his friend's concerns, but it was unavoidable. The dreams had been growing in intensity, and the toll they were waging upon him wasn't something he wished to allow to continue. He had pondered over so many other probabilities of handling the situation without resorting to the very last one he didn't want to do, but no matter what other circumstances they entertained as a potential solution, it became null before it even started.

There was just no other way of dealing with his rather ambiguous problem.

"He is right Kurapika, this could be a trap." A younger voice broke in; dark honey colored eyes landing on the distraught blond with worry, "At least let us come with you. We can help!"

The Kurta sighed in exasperation; he had expected no less from them, especially Gon. Still, he had already placed them onto the pathway of danger before, and the idealism of doing it again only wrenched painfully in his gut. Shaking his head, he closed the gap between him and the young boy, placing the cup he had been drinking from down on the dark Formica countertop.

Lithe digits came to rest upon short, brunette tresses, mussing them gently. "Gallant as ever," Kurapika smiled, head tilting slightly angular, "You never cease to amaze me, Gon. Still," The blond trailed off, his once faded serious look having returned, "I cannot live with myself should something happen to you," The surprised looks returned to greet the obdurate blond; Leorio's jaw had slackened, falling open as if he wanted to say something, but he raised a hand to silence whatever it was. "Any of you."

A deafening silence befell the room, lingering on for what felt like an eternity as Kurapika settled within himself the basis for his decisions. Too many times had he endured the repercussions of his disordered actions, being too brash and quick to react which would ultimately incite grave consequences he wasn't comfortable with allowing to happen again. Almost each and every time someone he cared about would end up the victim as was proven just recently when he allowed Gon and Killua to go after the Genei Ryodan which very well could have cost them their lives. No. He wouldn't let someone else suffer for his own impertinence. This was his fight and his alone.

"I just simply cannot live with myself if something were to happen to either of you. Not after... Not after last time." Kurapika finalized, tone firm.

This time it was Leorio's turn to express sympathy and compassion – the older man's hand clasped Kurapika's shoulder consolingly, "You understand we are here for you, right?" For a moment, shock laced the blond's eyes, slightly becoming wider at the epiphany, "Even if we don't agree with the decisions you make, we will support you regardless. That doesn't mean we have to like it, though."

It was in moments like these was where he appreciated his friends. Even if he had considered so many times in the past that relationships such as these were nothing but a setback. There were just times where he needed the mental support and stability, which could only be given by those who were there for him unconditionally and regardless of the points when he was rough and stubborn. They saw past his outward flaws and shortcomings. In a way, it was nice to know that they appreciated him enough to stick with him through thick and thin and sometimes he questioned where he would have ended up if it were not for them.

Even in light of such alluring facts, the end result remained the same. It was something he had to do alone. Kurapika couldn't afford any outside interference.

"I am not comfortable with it, either. Something doesn't seem right with the entire situation. But…" This time another voice rang out, clear eyes like that of liquid blue with indiscrete intensity landing on the Kurta, drawing the other's attention without hesitation. Kurapika flinched slightly at the zeal in the young Zoldyck's stare. He held one slender finger up, "I believe you know what you are doing and thus I feel you should be alright. However, to ease the tension and concern I know we will have over you doing this, I think it's for the best you at least keep us updated regularly on your status."

It was good to know at least they had faith in his capabilities. While the blond wouldn't have put it past them to still come after him at any given time, Kurapika felt that at least they wouldn't jump the instant he left to try and track him down. The last thing he wanted was for them to get involved in his plans. He knew what he was going to do the moment he tracked Chrollo Lucifer down, and them getting involved would only serve to complicate matters or lest, put them into unnecessary danger.

The insight was good, however. Keeping them informed of his status was something that was at least feasible. "Don't worry. I will check in regularly if that helps you guys feel any better." At least the situation was beginning to look positive despite the fact he was about to track down one of the most dangerous people in the world. But he dealt a heavy blow once, which was to say he couldn't again? Kurapika could feel his Judgment Chain still held steadfast around the Spider leader's heart; the presence was unchanged, so the man was still within forced Zetsu. In his current state, he shouldn't be that difficult to handle. Right?

He expelled a long, withheld breath and faltered back into the rising, calming waves of his resolve. The comfort it exuded helped him retain a form of quietude; something Kurapika surely needed. Mentally the Kurta braced himself, serene waves enveloping him once again after such a long withstanding interlude – the void had left such an empty feeling, and it allowed him to feel some sort of normalcy once again.

A grin peeled over the blond's lips, replacing the indeterminate frown he held and soon Kurapika found that he was being felled as three bodies landed on top of him in a clumsy, rough hug.

It was quiet. Finally, silence had descended around the room as moonlight filtered in, washing over the area in a phantasmal glow. The soft, resonating sounds of the night had echoed through the surrounding area, filtering in through the open window, the curtains billowing with each gust of wind. Such peace, the tranquility, the ever presence of stillness, Kurapika found such in its lull was a way for him actually to relax, and reach a level of beatitude where he could finally exude all the stresses and negativity he had been holding for so long. Even if it was temporary, it was a welcome change.

He closed the book he had been reading, the enriching material was enough of a distraction from the days earlier events, which gave him peace of mind. How easily the blond was able to immerse himself within the confines of literature, and become transfixed by the pages of scripture that held so much valuable information and just how intriguing a lot of the writing was. Reading became a calling of his, finding that it was one of the few indulgences he had within his chaotic life that he could readily enjoy. How easy it was to get lost with each and every book he delved into.

Kurapika set it aside, and vibrant ceruleans focused almost absently at the ceiling above him as the bland staccato lining its surface somehow held his idle attention. Ths soft tinkling of his chains seemed to ring melodiously with his unconscious movements and intoned his mood. Kurapika sighed heavily. With the distraction now gone; all he was able to do was focus on his upcoming objective.

So many scenarios ran through his mind, so many outcomes. All the plans he had derived for when he finally encountered Lucifer, and what would be done when such happens, it seemed so overwhelming. Kurapika's breath hitched in his throat, and a momentary lapse in thoughts drove him back to those events that lead up to that fateful night in Yorknew City. The very one that seemed to change everything and where he felt that his life got upended for the second time. It was somehow, instigated continuously by the very same source.

The Genei Ryodan. Somehow it always led back to them and its leader.

Just the very thought caused Kurapika to clench his right hand, almost knuckle white, the chains rattling in melancholy, reflective of his sudden change in mood. Why were they, this murderous band of notorious thieves always being a fixture – and a horrible one at that – in his life? It felt as if no matter what he did, the Kurta seemed as if he just could not escape it. Escape them. He even attempted to acquiescence in making peace with himself after he realized what damage the radical blow he dealt the Spiders had caused by killing two of their members and sealing their leader's Nen. But even then he found no armistice. All that was left behind was mental anguish and an indescribable emptiness.

No matter how far, how long, whatever the circumstance, or the change, the end result always concluded the same. Kurapika had been chained, dragged down by some cruel hand of fate and interlocked with the one thing he wished he could permanently remove from his life.

How long his mental acuity would be able to hold out, was something Kurapika definitely wasn't sure on. One thing was for certain; he had to put an end to it, and soon.

"Whatever it is you have done to me, or what hold you think you have, I intend to sever it. I will not allow this to continue." Kurapika thought as his mind ran over the turmoil of emotions that raged through him, feeling all the anxiety and disquietness at once, which left him feeling more confused and depressed.

"I will find you, and I will put an end to the constant suffering you have put me through. I will finish what I started. This I swear."

No more games. No more mercy. He was tired of running, tired of enduring. Every aspect of his life had been entirely encompassed and controlled by his past, by the current which he had come to loathe, and the fret that such would follow into the future.

A hiss tore from between Kurapika's clenched teeth, unconscious of the fact that his lithe hands had balled themselves within the silken sheets of his bed. His slender frame shook from the wracking tremors of disgust, of scorn. The once placid and amiable nature the blond had so desperately clung to was now becoming evanescent as anger and contempt, disdain and hatred began to crawl to the surface. Its hold, its grip was growing strong and almost crushing.

It was only a matter of time.

He would be free, Kurapika was sure of it. No matter what it took, or the price he had to pay to ensure his freedom. No longer would he continue to remain tethered to the dictating flow fate had so easily laid out for him. For once Kurapika would decide for himself on how he wished to live and not by any set of standards but his own. Enough was enough.

Such a thought wavered at the edges of his consciousness as his eyes became heavy, the bidding of sleep slowly drawing him toward its gentle caress. Even after the revelation suddenly hit and the Kurta fell into that moment of grandeur, he knew. For so long he had walked such a fine line. But no more. Finally, he would see ablation and no longer be rendered or torn asunder. The final notations peaked, and he made his silent promise before fading into rejoiced slumber.

Kurapika would take everything back that had been so horrendously taken from him and seek the retribution he so justly deserved.

After Thoughts: I had long since settled on forcing the idea of a chase as the prelude to slowly driving these two, together. It's more like a game of cat and mouse though despite Kurapika makes the brash decision to track Chrollo down and try to stalk him, it inadvertently takes the control of the situation out of Kurapika's hand. Right now there is a complete imbalance of power, but that will eventually change.