A/N: Hello dear readers, I have returned with another update, haha. Which surprisingly, I actually managed without taking a huge amount of time to complete. I had a little more fun with this one and wasn't as difficult as some of my prior chapters. This one, however, is a little more action-packed and progresses further into the arc I had planned for this type of scenario.
It gets a little darker and more emotional in this chapter, as it was demonstrated with Kurapika after his near-death encounter with one of the beasts they have yet to learn about. So, be warned as a little bit of a darker theme presents itself over the course of the next few chapters.
As always, a huge thank you to Sweets Dreamer for beating the chapters for this fic. She has done a fantastic job!
Summary: After spending a night trapped with dangerous creatures, and Kurapika's harrowing experience, both he and Chrollo manage to free themselves and make their escape from the besieged city of Mirie.
Beams of light began to stream through the cracks within the ceiling of the dilapidated building, its glow breaking through the shade that engulfed the room. Minutes ticked into hours as Chrollo had stayed awake for the remainder of the night, the sound of shuffling and claws raking over stone were the only things he was able to hear amid the echo of his own breathing. He knew they were there, dark bodies skulking in the shadows, patient, waiting, cackling in anticipation.
One thing he realized was the severity of the enemy they faced. Chrollo was surprised to learn that not only did the creatures hold great tactical ability, but they were also intelligent. He remembered hearing that voice ringing through his mind, its tone hateful. Evil. Something about the way it communicated left Chrollo not only curious but troubled as well. He had encountered his fair share of magical beasts, but nothing he remembered amounted to this.
There was something definitely abnormal about them.
His eyes landed back on the sleeping form in his arms - Kurapika had shuffled slightly in his fitful slumber, and Chrollo was able to tell that the blond may have been subjected to the grips of painful nightmares. The strained look on his pretty features made the older man feel a pang of compassion for his lover and the fingers of one hand had instantly found their way within those soft, golden locks.
Slowly he carded through Kurapika's hair, attempting to coax the younger man awake as Chrollo knew it was daylight and past time for them to make their escape from the city. The longer they remained, the higher their chances were of encountering more of those evil beasts.
Granted, he wasn't one to defect from battle or recant an enemy, but judging from Kurapika's condition, the Kurta was in no shape to fight.
Withdrawing from the city was their best option.
"Kurapika," he called softly, hand gliding effortlessly through that blond crop, the strands sliding like silk between his fingers, "wake up."
For a moment, Kurapika remained still before his face slightly contorted and those blue eyes opened as he instantly raised his own hand to clutch at the side of his head, "What's going on?" He questioned as the dull pain he felt became a reminder of what he endured the night before.
"It's morning," Chrollo began, watching as Kurapika rose from his arms and into a sitting position, "we really should get moving. Remaining here any longer isn't a good idea. Our priority now is to get out of the city."
Grunting, Kurapika attempted to steady himself, the ache he felt made it more difficult to regain his equilibrium as he tried to come back to his senses, but the atmosphere in the room seemed heavy. The thickness in the air made it hard to breathe.
Stilling for a moment, Kurapika closed his eyes, "I just need a moment." He uttered as he slowly felt himself begin to even out. Little by little he became aware of his surroundings and the full magnitude of their situation hit, the reality becoming all too clear. He remembered the battle he had with those ebony creatures, specifically the one that he called to mind which nearly ended his life.
It was then he heard them. The creatures' chafing laughter and those beckoning voices that still echoed in the air around them, reminding the Kurta of the situation in which they faced. Kurapika attempted to blot them out, though from the corner of his eye he was able to see them. Large bodies skulked in and out of the thin beams of light that shone into the room, the rays of the sun illuminating their shaggy pelts.
Although they were safely behind a stone barrier, Kurapika was just able to see them motioning around, their presence was maniacal, hungry and sadistic.
Unconsciously, he took hold of Chollo's hand, threading his fingers through his lover's and instantly squeezed it almost as if he had no intention of letting go.
Time seemed to drone on as he felt his strength and determination returning despite the pressure surrounding them, knowing their time was short and the longer they remained, it decreased their chances of escaping. Even with the odds stacked against them, Kurapika was confident that neither of them wished to end their lives in that cold, dank prison they were in. Once again, his eyes met Chrollo's as he noticed his lover had been watching him and he nodded, understanding it was time to go.
The Kurta lifted himself from the unforgiving stone floor and came to stand beside Chrollo, his free hand raising to shield his eyes as his lover used his Nen to create an exit point in the side of the building which they instantly stepped through. Right after they entered the streets again, the hole collapsed from the stress and sealed the remaining beasts inside.
For the first time since they had barricaded themselves within the dilapidated building, he saw it. The aftermath left behind from the creatures' assault on the city. Blood ran through the streets, bodies scattered everywhere.
All the destruction and carnage; Kurapika was taken aback. It pained him to see what the beasts were exactly capable of; they harbored no prejudice. So many casualties had been left behind, though he was quite confident those creatures were still out there.
"So much death..." He uttered as he searched for signs of life, but unable to find any. Just the realization of the outcome brought back the remembrance of the very same scene Kurapika saw when he last returned home. All the bodies. The dissolution. He tried to suppress the growing urge to snap, feeling like he was breaking, his grip so tight on Chrollo's hand, the chains which remained corporeal were biting into his skin. "It's the same... All over again."
Gritting his teeth, the Kurta attempted to dissuade the memory by focusing on his lover's face, realizing Chrollo had turned his attention towards something.
It was impossible to ignore what lay before them, the decimation was too real. It was shocking, even for Chrollo whose eyes landed on the scene without hesitation. He was no stranger to death as he had committed many immoral acts, just like the cruel slaughter of Kurta tribe. The memory of it still haunted him, the scene before him another reminder.
However, the number of fatalities was on a grand scale, one that went far beyond anything Chrollo had ever seen. Even for him who had the blood of many staining his hands, the scene before him was too much. Such senseless killing. People laid to waste for practically, nothing.
Then again, was the requiem he performed in Yorknew to honor Uvogin's memory just as senseless?
Chrollo rarely had regrets and felt even less for those who he had wronged, but seeing Mirie being razed to the ground while most of its inhabitants had perished as a result only caused something to stir within. Sorrow. Mourning. These were feelings Chrollo was unaccustomed to, and the notion was strange. Granted, he felt something akin to it for what his decision had caused Kurapika and all the pain his lover suffered as a result, but this newfound sensation was something unlike any other.
Knowing that so many had died at the fangs of those beasts was enough to invoke a once unlit fire within.
The sound of Kurapika's voice and the feel of those fingers tightening around his own brought Chrollo from his reverie and his gaze turned towards the younger man who stood beside him.
"Yes it is," he whispered and turned to face the blond, hand raising to bring their twined fingers to his lips, "but as horrific as it may seem, don't allow it to overtake you, Kurapika. You are stronger than this. Trust me when I say these beasts will be made to pay for what they have done." Chrollo professed further and kissed Kurapika's fingers tenderly, hoping to comfort his lover in any way possible.
He could see it, the tribulation that threatened to resurface, the echoes of the past simmering behind those beautiful blue eyes and it was enough to tug at Chrollo's heart.
Seeing Kurapika like this was something the older man hated. More so the grief that he was sure his lover still felt despite the recent changes that occurred between them. Chrollo hoped one day to abolish that from Kurapika's life as he deserved so much more.
For Kurapika however, it was much more difficult.
Seeing so many casualties only brought about the painful reminder of the last time he had to endure a scene like this. The very realization that history was repeating itself, and what transpired so long was coming back to haunt him only invoked his despair. When he looked out over Mirie and the bodies that lined it as blood ran through the streets, he saw his people, his brethren all over again. It was like his past refused to stop plaguing him no matter how hard he tried to banish it from his life.
Kurapika breathed in slowly as he felt his hand being raised and the sensation of warm lips over his fingers. Chrollo's eyes locked with his own and he could see the worry behind them.
As hard it was in letting go of the fact that the man before him was the reason he endured so much, the compassion Kurapika felt in his lover's own aura was enough to ease his growing apprehension. Many times before, he needed to remind himself that letting himself lapse now would only successfully undo everything he and Chrollo had worked so hard to achieve.
"It's hard," the Kurta responded, and he exhaled as those lips touched each of his fingers, "as I know that so many died senselessly just like my clan. It only shows how quickly the innocent become victims." Pausing, Kurapika allowed himself to gravitate closer to Chrollo, hoping that his words didn't affect the older man, "However, you are right, and I also intend to see these creatures are dealt with as a result." He could see the questioning look in his lover's eyes and before the leader of the Spiders could respond, Kurapika continued, "Although this brings back memories of what happened seven years ago, it doesn't change the fact that I love you."
Maybe Chrollo wished not to reopen old wounds, and Kurapika couldn't deny he felt the same way. Even if it was hard not to see the comparison from his past to what he was now seeing in Mirie.
However, when Kurapika felt an arm wind around his back as it drew him almost flush against Chrollo did his fear of possibly offending the older man evaporate instantly.
"I don't blame you for seeing the similarities. There is no denying that I too, see them myself. It is something else that reminds me of why I hate what I have done to you." A faint smile crossed his lips, and Chrollo leaned down to kiss the top of the blond's head, "But as I've told you before, I do not wish to see what we have damaged in any way as I hold a strong desire to preserve the trust and feelings we share."
Removing his arm from the Kurta's waist, he allowed the tips of his fingers to sweep a few strands away from Kurapika's visage. Chrollo hoped that his words were enough for his partner regardless of how the younger man viewed him. One thing Chrollo wanted Kurapika to know was them being together made him feel human. Made him feel whole.
At one time, Chrollo truly believed he lost his humanity, which he readily accepted. All that changed when the blond came into his life.
Maybe he was a monster. Perhaps he was no different than those beasts they faced, but he was far from incapable of feeling, and the longer he remained around Kurapika, the closer they became. Which in turn, only invoked changes in Chrollo that he was unable to ignore.
Even if at first he was reluctant about the idea, now, he openly accepted it.
Gently, Kurapika leaned into the touches, always taken with how Chrollo made him feel, "I know." He responded quietly, and once again, sensed no deception in the older man's words, "For I want the same thing." Raising his head, he looked into those lively gray eyes, "I want us to survive this, to continue on living and see where life takes us." His unoccupied hand came to brush against Chrollo's cheek before letting his arm come back to his side, the reality of their situation still woefully apparent.
Chrollo nodded as the younger man's hand swept over his cheek before falling away, "I'm glad you feel the same way." He responded as the words his lover spoke sunk deep into his thoughts, and vowed that should they make it through this he would continue doing whatever was necessary to make it up to Kurapika. For now, they needed to get out of Mirie.
As they separated, Kurapika breathed in deeply, the sulfur that hung in the air made his lungs burn, and he could feel himself slightly recoil in disgust. It was a pungent odor he remembered that seemed to surround those beasts, and he could tell there were more of them out there.
Whatever they were, it was nothing formally documented.
There was also the aspect of those voices. It was mocking, demonic, like a presence that burned inside Kurapika's head. He could still hear them and their belligerent, hateful calls. Humans for what the blond could tell, those creatures seemed to loathe the most.
However, there was something more, something underlying. It was like a deep-seated hatred, and it wasn't just the end of life they sought. No. He had seen that maligned look before, and it was the very same which spoke of the desire to conquer.
Kurapika remembered what the creature said to him just before Chrollo dispatched it - they would win and humanity would submit. The clarity of it rang like melodious chimes on the wind, and the only thing that came to mind was enslavement. Their entire purpose was to assimilate and pull any given species into their servitude. If that indeed was the reason behind the attack, it made everything so much clearer.
Balling his left hand into a fist, the Kurta curled it tightly in disgust as the full weight of what they faced came crashing down like a torrential storm. The situation only became more dire, leaving them with little options.
"Chrollo..." He whispered, voice filled with urgency. Kurapika knew what was being entailed - there was no way either of them could become lax at a time like this. Growing too complacent meant certain death. But there was more to the problem then either of them realized as it had become a complex situation that required delicate and intricate planning, "I don't think these creatures are here to solely kill..."
Hearing Kurapika's suspicions drew Chrollo's attention instantly as not only was he concerned about the beasts running rampant through the city and killing at will, but he was also fascinated. Having witnessed something that was not only intelligent but held great tactical advantage and skill made the older man interested.
Still, one thing Chrollo hadn't forgotten was the necessity to vacate Mirie. At the current, they were in no position for combat, and any encounters with the beasts would only continue to leave them at a severe disadvantage.
Perhaps he and Kurapika were used to brushes with death, but he wasn't quite ready to die. Not yet. Especially after realizing there was so much more he wanted to experience in life with Kurapika.
However, something in his lover's words invoked his own catechism. The creatures didn't seem to have any order aside from the desire to kill, so the thought of an ulterior motive struck Chrollo as strange. Then again, they both knew little about these beasts.
The older man had noticed Kurapika's other hand had clutched into a white-knuckled fist, "Is there any reason you believe this?" Chrollo questioned, the obvious skepticism hinting the edges of his voice, "Because the way I see it, these beasts only seem bloodthirsty and murderous. Considering the amount of necrosis they have left in their wake."
For a moment Kurapika looked contemplative as he considered the older man's words, the remembrance of the creature's voice invading his thoughts had resurfaced and caused his eyes to flare scarlet, "It is something that beast said to me..." He bit his words off with vitriol and dispatched the memory from plaguing his already fragile mind, "while we were cooped up in that building. It mentioned how we humans had no chance, that we would submit and they would win over us. Honestly, that phasing has me concerned, and I think for good reasons too."
So the beasts had an agenda? Even then it was hard to contemplate much less process that something like that was even feasible. Regardless, it wasn't something Chrollo completely dismissed. Apparently, his lover had heard the creatures as well. "I thought it was just me, but I heard whispering during our initial battle with them."
Kurapika's eyes nearly widened at the affirmation as they returned to their usual hue, "So, you heard them too?" At least he wasn't the only one. The thought of that beast pervading his head caused the blond to grunt in distress.
"I did, but I thought it was just my imagination. Yet after everything else that has occurred, I can't say it's a mere anomaly." Chrollo commented as he was just surprised as Kurapika.
"Agreed. However, it wasn't through normal speech as the creature's voice seemed to echo in my head. I cannot quite explain it, but I think it's something called telepathy. It's nothing I have ever encountered before." Kurapika had recalled the few different types of magical beasts that he and his friends came across during the Hunter Exam, but nothing amounted to this. Somewhere in the back of his mind, the blond wondered if the Hunter Association was aware of it.
He glanced out at the blood-soaked streets once more - they would have to get moving. In the distance, he heard the sound of howls and Kurapika cringed at its invocation.
Chrollo watched his lover's reaction, and without hesitation, the palm of his other hand came to cup Kurapika's cheek while the other only tightened around his lover's own, "At first, I had thought the beasts were communicating with me normally until I realized the sound of their voices were penetrating my mind. To say the least, I was caught off-guard by it, but you didn't experience it alone, Kurapika." He paused a moment, thumb stroking over the Kurta's lips, "Still, I won't let them hurt you. Whatever it is they are planning, we will stop them." Once again, the thought of anyone or anything harming Kurapika sparked Chrollo's ire.
He knew it was imperative at this point for them to escape the city.
"I believe you." The blond whispered, his eyes closing briefly as that warm palm came against his cheek while the pad of Chrollo's thumb dusted over the softness of his lips.
The older man smiled, but it quickly changed as he felt droplets begin hitting his skin, a gentle rain soon expanding over the city, "We really should get moving. Staying here any longer puts us in more danger." Chrollo commented, voice serious, "Getting out of the city should be our next priority."
Regardless of the outcome, Kurapika couldn't deny the inevitable - staying would only bode ill for them. Those creatures were out there stalking them, and they were vulnerable out in the open. He could feel the cold droplets touching what exposed skin there was through his torn clothing and Kurapika sighed heavily. At least the rain would mask their scents.
"We have to take care. Keeping our guard up won't be enough. These creatures are also coordinated and well diverse. I believe they understand humans. If we are not careful, we could end up meeting the same fate." The younger man urged, foreshadowing everything had just intoned and hoped Chrollo understood. Brute force wasn't going to win them this fight alone.
Faster the rain came down as it turned into a gentle deluge and Chrollo groaned. He felt Kurapika's grip on his hand tighten, "That is something I had been suspicious of since learning of their ability to speak. But there is also this heavy presence hanging in the air."
Kurapika felt it too. The same thing Chrollo spoke of. There was a thickness which seemed to dampen the senses, but also make the air hard to breathe. Whatever kind of evil these creatures were, it left behind a pestilence that only seemed to weaken them the longer they stayed around it.
Looking over the scene once more, he allowed himself to silently mourn the loss of so many that lined the streets. It appeared they were the only survivors, yet there was still the chance of them becoming a part of the death toll if they didn't leave Mirie and soon.
Fighting back the tears, Kurapika struggled to retain a grip on his waning composure, and he looked away from the decimation in front of him.
There really wasn't anything they could do.
The sensation of eyes on him suddenly jolted his awareness, and the blond shifted his gaze warily around them, "We really should go." Kurapika whispered as he started to feel uneasy, "There is nothing more to do here. Besides... I have this nagging feeling of being watched. Being attacked out here in the open, Chrollo we are highly vulnerable, and neither of us are in the best state as is."
Of course, Kurapika wasn't wrong. Chrollo's own intuition told him something wasn't right as he could sense the weight of stares upon him as well. More than likely those creatures were nearby, hidden in the shadows. Lurking, watching and waiting. Being out in the open left them highly susceptible and prone to attack.
"Let's move," Chrollo responded and wasted no time in leading Kurapika through the streets, the younger man shadowing his every step almost meticulously.
As time pressed on, it seemed like hours they had traversed the ruined streets of Mirie as the rubble and debris from destroyed buildings, overturned cars, and mangled street lights blocked many of the main roads in and out of the city.
Several times they had to take longer routes through back roads, alleys and narrow passageways that appeared to be drawing them further inward than toward the outer limits. Each moment drove Kurapika more into despair, the fear of becoming trapped within Mirie another night with those beasts became all too real.
Gradually the sun descended lower on the horizon as its light started to wan. Kurapika could easily tell they were no closer to exiting the city than when they started. Soon, the night would take over, and they would be left once again to the mercy of those vicious, sinful beasts. He could sense Chrollo's own growing apprehension as their situation was becoming grim.
"It's going to be dusk soon, and we are still far from reaching the city limits. Unfortunately," Chrollo paused in his stride, eyes turning to the sky, "we should seek shelter. Once darkness falls, the creatures have the advantage." The rain had long since picked up. Fat drops of water started falling toward the earth at a faster rate, soaking through Chrollo's clothes except for his coat. Luckily for him, it was waterproof.
Kurapika heaved a breath - if their situation couldn't get any worse now they were looking at spending another night in a city filled with beasts seeking their demise. Not that he wasn't used to people trying to kill him as it was something he had continuously been faced with since the loss of his clan. But this was different. These creatures haunted him, plagued him. The blond could still hear that maniacal voice inside his mind.
Even as the unforgiving deluge crashed down upon them, his clothes now clinging to his skin, Kurapika couldn't help but feel as if the Gods, or maybe even fate herself was intentionally trying to make life harder for him. It had been one thing after another since their arrival in Mirie.
Whatever these creatures were - which he intended to find out their origins regardless if the Hunters Association got involved or not - they were definitely not something native to any continent he was aware of, much less visited. But first, they had to escape from the city with their hides intact.
He definitely wasn't enthralled at the result, and his anxiety grew while the feeling of being watched only intensified. The clouds darkened in the sky above as the howls which emanated around them simply accented their melancholy. Kurapika felt his skin crawl.
"The thought of another night here only makes me more unsettled, but if your suspicions are correct, then these beasts will use the darkness to ambush us," Kurapika spoke, his voice shaky as he was more then just rattled.
Keeping his nerves in check while retaining a hold on his mental fortitude became harder with each passing moment they remained in a place that was more like a death trap then not.
Cold penetrated his skin as the rain droned on, his steps remaining in perfect emulation to Chrollo's own as his lover kept leading them through the battered and ravished streets. Eventually, they found themselves in the more impoverished part of Mirie as the sun slipped further down, the colors of reds and oranges painting the sky beneath the thick, menacing clouds.
Finally, Chrollo stopped before what appeared to be the remnants of an old missionary building, its structure was rotting away with time.
Silently they slipped past its inert doors, the hinges creaking in mournful canticle as they entered a rather large and conical room. Several other doors lined the parameter, branching off from the section they were in, "We shouldn't stay in this area." Kurapika intoned, eyes trying to adjust to the dimness, nerves still on edge as he noticed their possible vulnerability.
Slowly, he expanded his Nen field, attempting to form a barrier between them and what lay ahead, warding themselves from anything that may have been lurking just beyond. Though his mind continued to race as every emotion coursed through him. Deep down he still had a sense of foreboding - it didn't feel right. At all.
Glancing back, Chrollo took into account the caution that Kurapika was exhibiting, noticing that the younger man had looked genuinely perturbed. Considering how open the room was, they were definitely not in the safest of places to bunker down for the night. His grey eyes gradually adjusted to the faint light inside the room and Chrollo realized there were other doors along the back.
"Agreed. It's too open. This way. We would be better off in a smaller room." He commented and began heading towards one of the doors off to the right, feeling it was best they stayed away from any place where the beasts may be able to sense them or trail their scent.
Without hesitating, Kurapika followed, his eyes narrowing while he took in their barely visible surroundings as they approached a door in the far back.
Another screech of rusty hinges rang through the area, the noise making the silence appear mournful. Chrollo gazed back at him, and he silently followed as they entered into smaller, much more enclosed antechamber. Once inside, his lover proceeded to secure the doors behind them, sealing them in.
It was dank and harbored the scent of musk and inactivity. A single window resided in the back, partially covered by boards in haste, allowing very little light to filter in. Off in a corner isolated from the rest of the room was a lone chair, the blond sinking onto its old surface and sighing heavily in exasperation. "This should work, for now."
Slipping past him, Chrollo proceeded towards the window and perched himself upon the sill, eyes instantly concentrating on the streets below. For the time being, they were safe, or about as safe as they could be while in a city full of dangerous, bloodthirsty beasts. He watched as the last rays of light faded into the ashen, inky colors of the night as the sun had fallen entirely behind the horizon.
"We will remain here until dawn," the older man spoke, disrupting the lull about the small room, noticing his lover's disturbed state from the corner of his eye, "until then, you should rest."
Although he couldn't shake the portent feeling of something imminent, Kurapika tried to relax his tired and weary body as his slender hands came to rest within his lap, digits betwixt one another, "We still need to devise a plan, Chrollo. On top of analyzing our current situation. For as it stands, we are still at a severe disadvantage." From the corner of his eye, he could see his lover reclining against the sill of the window, eyes focused outward through the slats, obviously surveying the motions outside. The blond was glad he could not envision the misery below; he had enough heartache for one day, "Also come morning I suggest we get the rest of the way out of the city. Remaining here could prove detrimental."
Thinking back over previous events, he couldn't help but falter to those harrowing words the beast spoke. There was just so much weight and merit to them that he couldn't exactly let it go. The words incessantly replayed over and over as he tried to figure out exactly what it meant.
A stillness fell around the room while the Kurta recessed to his thoughts though Chrollo had kept watch on the events outside as the twilight bled into complete darkness. Shadows began creeping once more into the devoid streets from their hiding spots and brought with it an ominous atmosphere.
Rancorous howls and baleful cries soon rose in a symphony all around the city, the calls a profession of a thirst for blood as their voices whispered along the wind in a sinful litany. Even as they prowled through the area looking for survivors, Chrollo couldn't help but feel himself remain constantly on edge. His eyes were trained to watch for every little movement as insurmountable bodies were flowing en masse, several passing close to the building they were taking refuge in.
Instinctively, he leaned back as a few pairs of red eyes flashed by the window he was at, making sure he wasn't seen. Once he was confident the beasts had meandered on, he turned his attention from the scene below to that of Kurapika's form.
"I am very well aware of that fact, love." He responded, head turning so he could look at the blond fully. "Our main priority is getting out of Mirie. Once we are safely away from here, it is then we should regroup and think of a strategy to best handle this. Since we have little knowledge of our enemy, making a frontal attack now would be ill-advised."
Even amid the dim light in the room, Kurapika looked beautiful. Still, he couldn't help but notice the distress written all over that immaculate face. He had never remembered seeing the younger man so rattled, but Kurapika was always one for having a strong resolve and nerves of steel. To view the Kurta like this, it was disquieting.
They definitely needed to get out of Mirie. Remaining for much longer would prove to have drastic consequences.
"Then we must reach a place of safety. There is no way of telling if they have spread past the city's limits. However," Kurapika breathed. He tried to focus, the chill seeping through his clothing and into his skin, causing him to tremble, "I know of a place we can lay low in, but it's not exactly close. I often retreated there during my Nen training when I wanted some solitude." The blond added, remembering the location he had chosen so long ago when he just needed to get away.
Few people knew of its existence, which Kurapika had concluded would offer them sanctuary and give them time to rest while devising their next course of action. Again he shivered, feeling the dampness permeating his wary body and the blond could only hope they would place Mirie to their backs before the next day would end.
Realizing his lover had continued shivering, he glanced towards the empty spot beside him before gesturing for the younger man to join him, "Come," Chrollo whispered, knowing Kurapika needed warmth. Which pleased him when the blond didn't hesitate to accept the blatant invitation and in the next moment, Kurapika was positioned next to him on that same rickety chair he had been using since they arrived in the small room. Removing his coat, Chrollo once again, draped it over the Kurta's shoulders. "Tell me more about this place of yours," he continued once satisfied, head tilting slightly angular, "how long do you think it will take for us to reach it?"
Kurapika sighed as Chrollo's warmth seeped against his skin, but his attention diverted towards the older man when he felt something encompass his shoulders and realized that his lover had given him that leather coat once again. He slid his arms through the sleeves in haste, feeling the softness and comfort it provided. Shortly after that, he noticed the cold had begun to diminish.
There was something about it younger man could not explain, but whenever he wore Chrollo's coat, it seemed to offer him a soothing sensation. Even though he failed to admit, Kurapika enjoyed wearing it.
The softness of the fur surrounding the collar brushed against his nose and cheek, causing his body to relax. At least for the time being, he would attempt to regain his lost strength.
After a few moments of settling his restless mind, Kurapika came to the conclusion that allowing himself to lose any form of control during a time of crisis would only spell disaster for him and possibly for Chrollo. He needed to hold it together if he was to survive. If they were to survive.
"Pertaining we make it to the gates by noon tomorrow, we should be able to reach my safe haven by nightfall. I will feel better once we are out of the city." The sooner, the better he thought. If they remained any longer, and regardless of his attempt to stave off the temptation to give in, Kurapika felt he may crack beneath the pressure.
The atmosphere that had descended around Mirie was taxing, draining, and he had realized it was becoming a struggle to maintain his energy and vitality.
A thoughtful expression crossed over Chrollo's countenance; the motivation to get out as quickly as possible became prevalent, "Then we will leave here at dawn and take the shortest path we can towards the western gate where we entered a few days prior. In the meantime, I did suggest that you should rest. You will need your strength for the upcoming day ahead." Reaching over, he gently brushed his fingers over the blond's cheek, hoping the gesture would be enough to coax Kurapika into relaxing further as he had noticed his lover's muscles were still tense.
Leaning into the touch, Kurapika closed his eyes as Chrollo's fingers swept over his delicate skin. Taking a moment to relish in the tender sensation, the blond let a breath softly pass his parted lips, "I cannot argue with you there," He relented while he tried to position himself as comfortably as possible while remaining seated upon the old chair, "as I am tired. I assume you will keep watch then?"
When Kurapika had settled, and he was confident the younger man would attempt to rest, Chrollo returned his attention back towards the window and the beasts that continued to pace around outside, "Of course. I had planned on it. I will wake you when it is your turn." He concluded, voice low, yet firm.
Taking it as a sign that his lover was not one to contend with, he leaned back and closed his eyes once more, allowing himself to falter into a fitful slumber.
Hours passed as the echo of howls continued to reverberate around the entire city, the beasts appearing to have settled into an uproar as Chrollo had started to suspect that they were searching for both he and Kurapika.
Several times groups of beasts had swept past their building, a few times, right in front of the window he sat perched upon, but neither instance did any of the creatures notice him. He maintained his En field, hoping to be alerted well in advance should any of those things attempt to launch a surprise attack, but each time they passed through the range of his Nen, he never felt any of their presences. Which was odd, to say the least.
How these creatures were able to conceal their energy from them had greatly interested Chrollo. There wasn't a thing alive he was aware of that was able to hide their presence unless they were skilled Nen users. And even then, it took someone who had a relatively good grasp of In for them to stay hidden to others who were masters in the art. It baffled Chrollo as he couldn't quite understand how it was even remotely possible, unless -
And then another thought had crossed his mind; were these creatures possibly able to use Nen, themselves?
The idea didn't seem too far fetched, as they were able to keep themselves from being sensed by their aura. Also with how formidable they were and the fact that he and Kurapika's own skills had ultimately paled in comparison to the raw power these beasts held, it only served to further that impression.
With that knowledge in mind, Chrollo vowed to find out exactly what made these creatures tick, for they were too unique and resourceful to let go of.
During his ruminative thoughts, he had realized several hours had passed, and it was time for Kurapika's watch. Leaning over, he proceeded to wake the younger man up when something had caught his attention. Instantly he had noticed it had gone silent, too silent. It was an eerie quiet that he quickly noticed, and as he turned back towards the window to check the streets, he saw a pair of red eyes staring back at him. The look was menacing, and it was then Chrollo understood the unfortunate circumstance of their situation.
They had been detected.
A loud banging came from the door behind them, and Kurapika instantly jolted awake, the blond's eyes landing on Chrollo. "What is going on?" He questioned in alarm, hackles rising immediately.
"We are no longer safe." Chrollo quickly responded as he rose from the sill, "Those creatures know we are here. If we stay, they will be able to take us out easily."
Scarlet bled over cerulean, and Kurapika stood erect, the chains on his hand ringing in anticipation, "How are we to get out of here if they are on the other side trying to get in? At the moment it seems like they have us trapped!" The blond hissed and positioned himself into a fighting stance, ready for those creatures should they manage to get past the door.
"Unfortunately," Chrollo uttered as he summoned Skill Hunter, this time his Indoor Fish materialized once more, "there is no other way out. We are going to have to fight our way through."
Such a pain, and yet, Kurapika was prepared for the fight of his life. After what happened last time, he would be damned if he would allow those bastards to get the best of him again.
The banging continued as the beasts tossed their bodies relentlessly at the sealed door, the force causing it to lose its integrity slowly, making the structure weak. Kurapika could see that every time they connected with the door, it was slowly breaking away. Soon, he was able to see patches of somber pelt through the cracks the monsters had made, foretelling that it wouldn't be much longer before they would break completely through.
"Be ready," He heard Chrollo speak again, and as the words left his lover's lips, the frame crumbled. The breach allowed large, snarling beasts to stalk into the room, deadly incisors flashing threateningly.
Before Kurapika could react, one of the ghostly fish lunged forward, attacking the beast closest to him before pinning it to the wall, the thing wasting no time consuming the creature's flesh.
Thrusting his right hand outward, one of his chains darted for the next beast as it began to enter the room and curled around its legs before flinging it up against the ceiling. It whimpered in pain from the impact and crashed to the floor in a heap, those horrific eyes becoming lifeless.
Two more slid in behind the last and Chrollo wasted no time dispatching them with his Benz Knife, the miserable creatures dying as they fell from his grasp. "Let's go. Once we exit this room and return to the streets, my Indoor Fish won't be able to stay in physical form. They need a closed space to remain sustained."
Nodding, the blond fell in step behind him, ready to get the hell out of the death trap they were in, "Lead the way."
When they entered the streets again, Kurapika could see hundreds of obsidian hued bodies, red eyes flaming with insatiable desire, their snarls a warning that made his own body tremble. Chrollo bolted across the main thoroughfare, and Kurapika shot after him, winding recklessly through the horde of ferocious, unbridled beasts, their jaws snapping at his heels as he sailed past.
Whispers began to rise in a clamor, and the blond could hear their voices amid the din and the pounding of his heart in his ears.
They raced through winding streets and alleyways for what felt like hours, weaving around fallen carts, husks of cars and litter that was scattered about. Kurapika's lungs burned, body straining from the constant exertion as they attempted to distance themselves from the beasts that seemed to pursue them relentlessly. The rain had slowly begun to let up into a gentle drizzle as the night progressed on, Kurapika's muscles aching from the stress.
"We don't seem to be losing them!" Kurapika called over the collection of snarling that resonated from behind him, the hum of voices still threatening to penetrate his mind once again.
Chrollo grunted, the reality of their situation sinking in. He had been confident they would have been able to elude the beasts. Now, it couldn't have been further from the truth. Considering the magnitude of what they were dealing with, it had invoked a sudden thought to come to mind. The older man recollected that he had not once seen any of the creatures off the ground. Could it possible they were unable to climb?
Looking back over at his shoulder, he could tell Kurapika was tiring as well and raised his voice to be heard over the growing babel, "We need to go up!" Height. They needed height. If he were right, getting off the streets and onto higher ground would give them the vantage point they needed and put space between them and the growing pack of beasts.
Rounding the next side street, Chrollo ducked into the nearby alley, using the close proximity of the walls to bound upward. In one swift movement, he pushed himself off the stone closest to the top and landed on the roof of the next building. The older man then peered over the rim to ensure Kurapika was following him.
In the next moment, the blond landed on the roof beside him, expression looking haggard, "Damnit Chrollo. Did you take into account that the walls would still be wet from the rain? I almost lost my footing on the way up." Kurapika grumbled as he stepped off the ledge, the rise of disgruntled snarls and growls announced the creatures were frustrated their quarry had eluded them.
The older man smirked, eyes watching his lover intently, "Sorry about that," Chrollo commented, watching the flow of shaggy bodies as they paced below, "But it was a snap decision that seems to have worked."
"Still could have given more warning than you did." He snorted, voice sharper than he intended. "At least we can stop running." Turning away from the edge, the Kurta strode towards the center of the roof as he looked out over the city, "So," Kurapika gazed back over his shoulder, blue eyes illuminated within the darkness, "what should we do now?"
Mimicking the younger man's movement, Chrollo came astride Kurapika, his own attention turned towards the cityscape, observing the layout from their vantage point, "Well, for one, we can practically see the entirety of Mirie from here. Perhaps we can find the shortest route to the western exit. And two," another beat of growls emanated around them, the tone more low and guttural than it was prior before fading, "there is a chance we can lose those things if we utilize the rooftops to travel for as long as we are able."
Kurapika inhaled slowly as he mentally tried to bring his breathing back into sync. Even as the howls dissipated once again, he had to admit that Chrollo was right about that. It appeared the creatures were incapable of accessing high places, which allowed them the ability to move about freely. At least, until they were forced back onto the ground once again.
Narrowing his eyes, Kurapika was able to see the faint outline of the exit in the west, and judging from its distance, they wouldn't be able to use the rooftops to travel the entire way.
"I can see the exit from here, but at some point, we will have to return to the ground. Hopefully, we can lose those damn creatures before then." Kurapika groused, the ache in his arms and legs from the strain and wounds he suffered were beginning to get to him.
Turning his head to look in the direction Kurapika was facing, Chrollo too noticed the gate he remembered they had come through upon entering Mirie a few days ago, "Then we shall head in that direction. Once we are able to establish which roadways lead towards the exit point will be the time we return to the ground. For now," he turned fully, eyes now landing entirely on Kurapika's own, "we need to remain as quiet as possible. Stay close as we advance. Limiting the number of noises we make should help us in losing them. At least we are upwind, so they won't be able to pick up our scents."
Kurapika nodded upon hearing his lover's words, the idealism of putting as much distance between them and those creatures was enough for him to accept Chrollo's judgment. He had long since placed faith in the older man's skill and gut intuition. Now was no exception. "Alright." The Kurta intoned, and he flexed, mentally and physically preparing himself to reach the final stretch and out of the city altogether. "Let's go then."
Without another word, Chrollo darted forward, leaping to the adjacent building, Kurapika following behind him without hesitation.
They continued on, using the shadows to conceal themselves as they moved fluidly, the night air holding an unearthly feel. Eventually, they came upon a massive square that stretched upon the expanse of the city's western quadrant. Stopping on the top of a large warehouse, Chrollo surveyed the area below, noting that they had lost the creatures while they were on the rooftops. "It's clear." He uttered in a low tone as Kurapika came up beside him. "The road leading toward the western gate should be on the other side of this city square."
Peering over the rim of the massive building, Kurapika confirmed that none of the beasts had managed to pursue them, the area below filled with vestiges from Mirie's inhabitants due to the onslaught. The blond watched as the older man used the metal stairwell on the building's side to reach the ground, and came to a stop once he reached the bottom.
Following his lover's example, Kurapika descended the metal case behind him and landed on the hard stone with a thud.
He inched forward, as he slowly poked his head from around the corner of the alleyway, the drizzle hadn't stopped its relentless flow, crystalline droplets continuing to soak the ground around him and into this aruluent locks. It plastered the silken strands to his visage. Though, Kurapika had realized the coat he wore appeared to repel water, which helped to keep his body mostly dry.
Intently, the Kurta listened, and he heard the distant calling from the creatures along the wind, their undulating calls only hampering the blond's full ability to focus, his eyes desperately searching the promenade. Kurapika watched, and waited, sight honed on the area before him and for any signs of movement. After a few moments of eerie stillness, he believed that nothing was shifting about.
"So far, nothing," Kurapika whispered, turning back to briefly face Chrollo. "It looks safe to advance."
Coming up behind the younger man, Chrollo looked out over the expanse before them. The scene was no less grizzly then what they had witnessed throughout the rest of Mirie, "If we pass through here and into that alleyway," he pointed, the entrance hazy in the darkness, "that should lead back to the main road which then leads out of the city."
Knowing they were so close to their goal, Kurapika began to creep from the shadows and into the main square. The coat flourished around him as he moved, and caused the Kurta to meld into the darkness around him, masking his presence while it kept him under the covert of obscurity. Behind him, Kurapika was able to catch the faint footfalls of his lover as Chrollo trailed closely behind.
When they reached the center, something caught the Kurapika's attention, and suddenly, the echo of nearby hisses reached his ears.
As he turned to look at the origin of the sounds, he caught the sight of sallow figures dotting the landscape just mere feet away as they skulked along the still blood soaked stone. The beasts ambled about but seemed to be searching. Kurapika narrowed his eyes, momentarily stilling while attempting to remain downwind and concealed.
Although be creatures sniffed the air relentlessly, it appeared none of them had picked up on either of their scents, allowing the blond to finally expel the breath he held, "Let's move before they notice us." With grace and agility, the Kurta wove around a few upturned benches before managing to reach the alleyway they needed traverse and quickly ducked into the entrance.
Keeping pace with his lover, Chrollo silently commended Kurapika's skills and stealth while maintaining pursuit at his heels. He watched the aimless creatures that prowled about as he passed, reaching the alleyway and joining the younger man just within its entryway. "I say we definitely shouldn't linger about lest they learn of our presence." Chrollo intoned, urgency in his voice.
"Agreed." Kurapika couldn't have been any more enthusiastic, the compulsion to put as much distance between them and those beasts reigned strong, "As I definitely don't relish another battle with those monsters." The memory of his fight against that wicked, disgusting beast still weighed heavily in his mind, and for that, he just wanted to be as far from Mirie as possible.
Resisting any further reason to hesitate, Kurapika resumed his trek, the sound of footfalls resounding in his ears as he and Chrollo slipped through the muffled alleyway, the minutes feeling like they were ticking towards an eternity before a faint glow came into view. "I think I see the end." He spoke, pushing incrementally towards the light he saw.
Stepping forward, Kurapika found himself back on the main road and recognized the hollow opening of the city's entrance only several kilometers away.
Emerging beside him, the older man came to a full stop, "Looks like we've made it." He vocalized as he turned his focus to Kurapika, "Just a little further and we can put this place behind us."
Feeling exactly the same, Kurapika breathed a sigh of relief as the tension he had been dealing with for so long was taking its toll on him. "Well, then, let's get the hell out of here."
As the words left his mouth, a low growl snapped Kurapika from his brief reprieve only to see to see a hellish form careening past him as the large mass suddenly leapt at Chrollo, knocking the older man to the ground with brute force. Raising his arms up defensively, Chrollo struggled against the beast as it had ambushed him, those concave fangs sinking effortlessly into his flesh.
Quickly, he focused his aura, using Ko to add strength and enhance his forearms before the creature could shatter the bones within. Chrollo grunted as he forced back against the beast, using the momentum to push its snapping jowls away and give the older man enough time to retrieve his Benz knife. In one swift motion, he turned the blade inward and thrust it into the side of the creature's neck.
Chrollo watched as the creature went limp, its eyes becoming lifeless.
Throwing the body off of him, Chrollo rose off the ground, preparing for another attack when something shifted just off to his right.
His lover had come up beside him, shock contorting his expression.
Instantly, Kurapika breathed in sharply as he watched Chrollo dispatch the creature that had snuck up on them only to realize another shape was advancing right behind the last one. Hissing beneath his breath, the blond snapped, his body shifting quickly in place as he raised his right arm, and an unfathomable length of silver chain surged forth.
Its surface gleamed as it lashed out like a viper and seized the beast, coiling deftly around its massive body, cinching instantly.
Blue faded into scarlet as they flared, burning ignominy rising from their brilliant depths. Kurapika ground his teeth as he jerked his right hand backward with ruthless force, causing the chain from his ring finger to go forcefully taut then constrict, the chain soon splintering the creature with a grotesque sound as it easily sliced easily through its melanoid pelt.
Radiant silver soon became corroded in crimson as sections of the body fell around them in a sickening spray, leaving behind a macabre scene. The blond panted heavily before his legs gave out and he collided with the paving beneath him, trying to process everything that just happened.
It was unbelievable. How long had those creatures been trailing them?
He barely registered as Chrollo came up beside him, the thought of something happening again as so many horrific memories came to mind only hampered him, leaving Kurapika taxed.
"Everything is okay now." His lover's voice called softly to him, though he refused to look at Chrollo. Kurapika wasn't sure how much more of this he could take. They were so close, so fucking close to being out of Mirie and right before they could leave, the beasts had caught up to them, nearly killing them in the process.
"I just want to be gone from here." He choked, voice filled with weariness. "This place is starting to get to me."
Placing one of his hands on Kurapika's shoulder, he gave it a reassuring squeeze, hating to see his lover like this. Every time the younger man doubted himself, it pained Chrollo because he knew the blond was stronger than this, "Kurapika," he called softly, and this time he allowed his fingers to brush over that soft cheek, "you are stronger than this. I know you are. If you give in now, if you allow yourself to falter, then you will be failing not only everyone around you but yourself as well." Brushing a few strands away from his face, Chrollo exposed Kurapika's eyes before slipping beneath the Kurta's chin, raising his head up, "Look at me."
He trembled despite the comforting touch as those fingers pressed gently against his skin through the clothes he wore. Every part of him was wracked, his mind tired, body worn. Even his strength was betraying him. No matter how many times Kurapika was reminded that Chrollo held faith in him, each time he slipped, it only made the younger man continue to lose trust in himself. Remaining strong wasn't easy, but he did so for Chrollo's sake, as well as his own.
Facing Chrollo like this was hard, yet, after deft fingers swept aside his locks, he felt his chin being lifted. It was then their eyes met, "Chrollo…" He uttered.
"Do you still trust me?" Chrollo instantly questioned the moment he was able to see Kurapika's face completely, his voice firm, yet compassionate.
"I do." Kurapika wasted no time in responding as he attempted to once again, regain his composure.
Chrollo smiled, pleased by his lover's response. He wasn't about to let the Kurta falter. Not like this, "Then trust in me that what I am telling you is nothing short of accurate. I know you are better than this and I know you will survive. You just need to keep believing in yourself and stop giving in every time something goes wrong. A few failures don't make you weak."
Pulling his hand away, this time he extended it for the younger man to take.
Letting the full weight of Chrollo's speech sink in, he grasped his lover's hand as he was pulled up and back onto his feet. Once again, everything the older man spoke was nothing but true. It was just something he had to remind himself of constantly.
Sometimes, the reassurance was all Kurapika needed. But it furthered to serve the reasons why he loved Chrollo and why he stayed by the older man's side.
"I understand." Kurapika professed and gave Chrollo's hand a squeeze before reluctantly pulling away, his eyes reverting back to their blue color, "Thank you."
Reaching out one more time, the older man brushed his thumb over the Kurta's lips, "Now, how about we get the hell out of here?"
Sighing at the gentle touch, Kurapika leaned slightly into it, "Yes, please."
Crossing what distance was left to the gate, they hastened their pace, eager to be away from Mirie and soon, the massive, elegant archways came into view. Kurapika was glad to see those beautiful structures as he and Chrollo passed beneath them and into the surrounding forest outside.
Leaning into the caressing wind, Kurapika slipped amid the trees, finally at ease. For once, it felt like he could breathe and he stopped as he was able to rest without worry.
Kurapika took a few more steps forward before stopping to ensure that Chrollo was behind him. At that moment, the sound of a massive explosion reverberated through the area, causing the ground to shake beneath his feet. The instant Kurapika turned around, he watched the arches that once resided over Mirie's gate come crashing down, the stone avalanching to create a blockade over the entrance.
"There," Chrollo's voice called out as he approached, "Hopefully that will keep them in."
His lover never ceased to amaze him. But hopefully, it would contain the beasts and keep them from spreading. If such were to happen, it could prove disastrous.
"I pray that it does. With as resourceful and canny those creatures seem, we can only hope. However, we cannot allow them to run amok. Once we are able to devise a course of action, we need to return here and dispatch them." Kurapika remarked, confidence now filling his voice.
That smile crossed over Chrollo's lips again as he enjoyed seeing Kurapika's fiery determination, "We will. That I can safely say will happen. For now, we need to reach your sanctuary so we can rest and formulate a plan."
Straightening, Kurapika closed his eyes as the wind swept over him again, the tranquility of the forest calming him, "It will take some time to reach, but if we keep an even pace, we should reach it in one day."
"Alright then, you lead the way this time." Chrollo stood beside Kurapika, watching as the radiant Kurta looked at peace for once then he did in days. It was of no surprise he seemed at home among the trees.
"This way, then." He responded, ready to get moving.
Without another word, they began walking deeper into the forest, the image of Mirie slowly fading into the distance behind them.
After Thoughts: Now begins the journey our boys have to make in order to find out exactly what they are dealing with and how to go about handling them. These creatures are highly dangerous and if left unattended, it can have disastrous consequences.
Chrollo and Kurapika definitely have their work cut out for them. So, things will get intense as thing's progress.
Also, who and what the creatures are will eventually be revealed in later chapters.