A/N: Hello, dear readers. Fortunately, I have another update that I managed to post much sooner than my last few chapters, though it would have been up a couple of days sooner as my beta reader had been swamped for the previous two weeks. Nonetheless, the wait wasn't too long.
While this chapter may be a bit subtle than expected, it alludes to bigger things yet to come. To keep this from growing too large (as the context of what I wanted to write was intended for this installment), I ended up breaking it into chapters to keep the size down, but to also ensure it wouldn't take long for me to get it finished and released. At least an element I've been waiting to incorporate is finally showing up. It's been a long time coming. So, hopefully, it's just as eventful.
As always, a huge thank you to SweetsDreamer - bless her heart as she's been working hard with her internship - for taking the time to beta this chapter. 💖💖💖
Summary: After returning to the continent where a cataclysmic event had taken place, Kurapika and Chrollo run into something unexpected while traveling to their next destination.
It was mid-afternoon when their blimp finally landed in the city of Burbank. The sun was at its peak, which forced Kurapika to shield his eyes as he exited the air bridge, and onto the platform below.
As the other passengers funneled out from inside the blimp, Kurapika took a few steps back, some of them looked rushed while others were focused on their destination. He proceeded to stand just off to the side while he awaited for Chrollo to catch up.
Right after everyone was given the cue to begin safely exiting the blimp, he and the older man had gotten separated. Although Kurapika had managed to reach the platform before his lover, it surprised him that Chrollo was still inside. The number of people occupying the blimp was less than usual, so it shouldn't take long to disembark.
Standing there waiting made Kurapika start to grow impatient as the sun's rays had become more aggravating than usual, especially while getting stuck facing the same direction as the blazing life-giving star. He simply grunted while keeping his eyes averted, so he didn't go blind. Moments later, Chrollo's towering frame appeared in the archway of the exit gate.
"Took you long enough," Kurapika groused, and went to stand before his lover, arms crossed in front of his chest. "I was beginning to wonder if you would have ever found your way out of there or just up to more, 'disingenuous' activities." His expression hardened and became almost accusatory.
While Kurapika was confident that Chrollo wasn't necessarily up to no good, he still couldn't entirely dismiss the prospect. Considering how long it took for his lover to leave the blimp caused that kind of speculation.
For a moment, Chrollo observed the younger man, quite curious about what had prompted the allegation, but it only took him seconds to realize the reason. It didn't entirely surprise him that Kurapika was suspicious of his activities. His lover tended to think he was doing something shady every time his actions were considered outside the norm.
A faint grin crossed over his lips. "That's because I ended up getting stuck behind a group of people who were taking their time exiting the blimp, not to mention, you left me alone to handle our luggage, babe."
Chrollo then turned to drag Kurapika's suitcase up to him, the wheels of it creaking as it was rolled over the rough, uneven terrain. He casually deposited it before his feisty blond lover as the look on Kurapika's face changed from skepticism to indignation at getting proven partially wrong. His smile grew a little more from seeing his lover's reaction. Of course, there was no denying that he was a thief to the very core, but Chrollo still had his standards. It wasn't as if he stole everything that he came across. Kurapika just assumed that was the case. Given enough time, his pretty angel would see otherwise.
What he stole were only items of value, and even then, he didn't take anything from places where it openly drew attention.
That was a fact Kurapika should know about.
His lover's scowl became more apparent when Kurapika grabbed the handle and took it from him. It was clear the younger man detested that his accusation had turned out to be unfounded. "Even then, you took an extremely long time. It seems that would have been just enough for you to pinch someone's purse, or worse," Kurapika continued, clearly unable to let go of the topic. This time, his demeanor grew slightly more defensive, almost convinced that something unjust had surely happened.
Whatever it was, Kurapika had a hard time believing otherwise.
The notion made Chrollo laugh. "Really now. And why would I? Do you honestly think any of these people would have something of value? Perhaps they have some Jenny to swipe, but none of it would be worth taking anyway." He commented as a slight touch of crimson rose along the skin of Kurapika's neck and cheeks.
It seemed that his statement had hit the younger man hard for him to look so embarrassed. Sometimes, he wondered if Kurapika knew how he was, or maybe he did, and just refused to admit it outright. Whatever the case, his lover would eventually come to accept his lifestyle. They had already decided to be together for a very long time.
"I have no clue why! All I know is you're still a criminal and have a penchant for stealing anything you think is pretty or unique," Kurapika blustered, the color in his face deepening. He couldn't understand why his lover was so quick to deny the facts. Not like he wasn't already aware of Chrollo's history. "Considering how long you were on the blimp, it's hard not to think that." He added, voice low, but stern.
Listening to Kurapika's persistence made him chuckle. It was an aspect he wasn't entirely shocked by, considering that his lover still had some morals and convictions he had yet to let go of. There just were times where it tended to get obnoxious. "While that may be true," Chrollo began and reached over to cup one of Kurapika's flushed cheeks, "I wouldn't do anything that could potentially put us in jeopardy, love. As I said, none of these people would have anything worth stealing. Besides, the only thing on my agenda - or our agenda - is to get back the Scarlet Eyes."
Silence had fallen between them as Kurapika contemplated what Chrollo had said. From the sound of his voice, the older man was truthful and had committed no underhanded acts. It was still strange that Chrollo had taken so long to exit the blimp, but he did leave his lover behind to retrieve their luggage. So, there was the probability that his speculation had made him biased.
Whatever the reasoning, Kurapika closed his eyes as Chrollo's hand contacted his skin. The touch was comforting. "Alright," he conceded, and leaned into the older man's palm, "I will take you at your word. Honestly, you had been pretty restrained since we began traveling together. I suppose that I should put more faith in you." Kurapika reached up to cover Chrollo's hand with his own, the sensation of their contact had invoked a sigh from within him.
At times, it was hard to remember that Chrollo wasn't precisely the same person he met back at Yorknew, and to a degree, the older man had changed. To a fault, Chrollo was still a criminal, and more than likely, would never stop being one, but when it came down to those types of schemes, Chrollo never did anything beyond what was asked of him.
Even if that prospect was only temporary.
Kurapika expelled a long, drawn-out breath. Regardless, he loved Chrollo, and once they had finally retrieved all the Scarlet Eyes, he would fully become part of the Genei Ryodan. It was a habit for him to be so judicial, but at some point, even that wouldn't be a viable facet for him to keep.
Eventually, their eyes met when Kurapika lifted to gaze at his lover, and the smile on those tanned lips had softened, though he could tell there was a hint of satisfaction behind it.
"Good," Chrollo responded, and he gently rubbed over Kurapika's cheek. The younger man's hand felt warm against his. "As you know, I would never betray your trust, my love. While I cannot change who I am, I wouldn't do anything that could harm you." The pad of his thumb stroked up along the edge of Kurapika's dimple, his skin so smooth. "Nor will I go against the love we share." He leaned in close enough so that his lover could hear. "Just as I have accepted you, it's the same with you accepting me." Chrollo paused momentarily to allow his words to sink in, but he was reasonably confident that Kurapika had long since known the truth behind what he had stated. It was just a reminder of what his lover had confessed to so long ago. "In the end, we have to continue accepting each other if we are to keep moving forward."
After that, Chrollo pulled back, the lack of warmth from Kurapika's body caused a chill to rush through him, but the emotion he saw on his lover's visage made the decision worthwhile. Recognition never looked so good on an angel who had fallen.
"Yes, I am aware," Kurapika commented, his tone full of submission. "You're not wrong, and I have not forgotten the choice I made at the beginning of our relationship. Sometimes, it's hard to remain in perspective, but it hasn't changed the fact that I trust you. If I did not, we wouldn't be together, nor would I be in love with you." He stopped, and just looked into Chrollo's fathomless greys, the depths of them pulling him in. Thinking about how he implicated the older man upset him. Perhaps he had gone too far with it. "Forgive me as I had overreacted."
It didn't take long for his confession to hit Chrollo as the older man's expression became even more gratified. Those lips peeled further into that accursed grin. Kurapika breathed out again, and he gripped harder on the handle to his luggage.
While he could tell that Chrollo had taken delight in his proclamation, there was still no avoiding the simple fact that he had taken the entire scenario out of context. Kurapika understood that his lover was who he was, and altering it would be the same as trying to pull the wild out of an animal. Nonetheless, he had to accept what may come. It wasn't as if he didn't know what he was walking into from the moment he made his decisions.
One thing that wouldn't change was the love they had for one another, or that Chrollo cared for him. Kurapika had chosen to be with a thief, and that was that. Best to get used to the idea.
Chrollo noticed the tense hold that his lover had, and he reached over this time to stroke his fingers through Kurapika's locks. The younger man looked adorable when sullen, but he still wanted to soothe his lover. "Don't worry, babe, I am not angry with you, nor do I doubt what you said." He commented while looking into those chilling blue eyes. "It is easy to forget the way things are, but given enough time, you will get used to it." As the last few strands fell away from the tips of his fingers, Chrollo pulled away again. He continued watching Kurapika hoping that his words had been enough to calm the younger man.
Regardless of how difficult it had been on Kurapika, or that his lover was taking time to adapt, Chrollo didn't blame him for his occasional skepticism. Chrollo knew certain parts of Kurapika were ingrained and would remain the same, just like himself, while other aspects would change to accommodate his situation.
Expecting his lover to become an entirely different person was something he could not do. How Kurapika was right now, was the same person he had fallen in love with. The trust and bond they shared remained strong but unique.
All else would fall into place over time. Chrollo was sure of that.
"You're probably right," Kurapika uttered, already missing his lover's touch, "and that I just need a little time." Processing Chrollo's words and the reality of their position had been excessively hard, but slowly, he had begun to see it differently. Adapting to his ever-changing lifestyle had been a challenge indeed, yet, it was a facet that he accepted. Coming to terms with it, however? That was the hard part.
At least he had Chrollo to help guide him through it. They were continually altering for each other, although some elements remained the same. Eventually, the rest would become easy.
The growing silence had eventually brought Kurapika out of his reverie, and he stared up into Chrollo's lingering greys. It was impossible to ignore the adoration that swirled deep within them. "I am sure that's all it is." He responded, then straightened. The sound of the airport echoed around them and was a thorough reminder of exactly where they were. "That said, we should probably get moving. The distance from here to Fallyne is long and will take time to reach. Unfortunately, considering the village's location, most of our journey will be done on foot."
Kurapika blinked at the abruptness of Chrollo's statement, but he didn't argue the point made. However, the fact they would have to walk a good portion of the way irked him. It wasn't that he had been accustomed to traveling on foot; it had just gotten tedious in recent months. While it was sufficient enough, using other methods to get around was also nice.
At the very least, they wouldn't be out in the wilderness for more than a day or two at most.
He nodded and quickly fell into step beside Chrollo. The airport had slowly faded into the distance once they had gotten far enough away, and to where they could converse without getting overheard. They paused briefly, where Chrollo instantly commandeered their suitcases to stow away within Fun Fun cloth.
"Since the trip will be long, it will be best we don't have to carry our luggage. Traveling light will mean we can keep going at a faster pace. Though I will admit, there is a good chance we will end up having to camp overnight. The distance from here to Fayllne will take several hours. It's thirty-two kilometers north of Mirie." Chrollo turned to look out over the horizon. They still had plenty of daylight left, but he was sure they wouldn't make it to their destination before nightfall.
Chrollo heard the younger man grunt beside him, though his lover's reaction had only amused him. Getting stuck sleeping on the ground was quite bothersome, and wasn't something that he wished for Kurapika to keep enduring, but it was unavoidable. Nevertheless, they had to get moving if they were to cover as much ground as possible.
Yet, the mention of the decimated city had captured Kurapika's ears. "Mirie?" He questioned instantly, shock lacing his tone. "That's only a few hours away. It's rather strange we will be moving so close to that place again." Just the mere thought of the old, ruined city had often resurfaced haunting memories. Thinking about those creatures with their fathomless, eerie red eyes and chafing voices left him rattled.
Knowing exactly how close they would come to Mirie again caused a shiver to roll up Kurapika's spine. He prayed it wasn't nearby so that it was visible. The mere sight of it had been enough to pervade his dreams.
Kurapika's abrupt change in demeanor had invoked a thread of concern within Chrollo. He knew how hard their time in Mirie had been, especially their second encounter when they fought off the beast horde, so he wasn't surprised by his lover's reaction.
Instead, he bent down to gently kiss Kurapika on the lips. Hopefully, the act was enough to distract his lover. "It's not far, yes, but I don't believe the route we have to take will bring us anywhere near it."
Another sigh followed his words as Kurapika had immediately flushed from the kiss he left behind. The younger man appeared ready to offer a retort, but aside from his slightly bewildered look, nothing happened.
His lover simply crossed his arms. "Chrollo, you know how I feel about us showing affection in public," he replied, tone stern, "but I pray that you're right. The last thing I want to see is that place again. The memories of it are just too much."
Brief images of Mirie as it lay in ruins flashed through his mind. The sight of rubble, overturned carts, burned cars, and crumbling buildings brought him back to a time that Kurapika had since tried to abolish. He was able to hear the snarls and whispers from those creatures, even smell the burning and death that clung in the air. Kurapika was sure that he would never be able to entirely forget the sight of all those bodies that littered the streets.
What those beasts had done and the destruction they caused was forever imprinted inside his mind.
There was a pause as Chrollo contemplated his lover's words. The smile which had formed on his lips by Kurapika's admission over showing public affection faded the second his lover mentioned seeing Mirie again.
Chrollo was quickly able to see Kurapika's perplexity over it. "I understand how you feel regarding the state of Mirie, and the effect those beasts had in you." He spoke calmly, concerned about Kurapika's past traumas. The younger man had been through so much. "Trust me when I say that I am confident we won't have to venture anywhere near that place, as I agree, it's too much of a reminder."
Proceeding his reply, Chrollo resumed walking, the motion coaxing Kurapika to do the same. If they lingered for too long, nightfall would come before they were able to get very far. Chrollo figured that if he shifted Kurapika's focus to the mission at hand, it would take his lover's mind off their past encounters. How much Kurapika had endured was concerning enough.
The sound of their footsteps reverberated through the air as silence had fallen between them. Off and on, Chrollo cast glances towards the younger man beside him, but his lover appeared contemplative. Sometimes he wondered just how Kurapika was able to handle so much stress.
"Alright," Kurapika finally said after remaining quiet for some time. He turned slightly to look at Chrollo. "So long as we steer clear, I should be fine." It took extreme effort to cast aside his thoughts regarding those evil creatures, especially their wicked voices, but Kurapika tried to forget once more. Their proclamation to bring down death upon humanity had nonplussed him as is. "That said," Kurapika resumed, and turned his attention back to the terrain ahead of him, "how much information did you manage to gather about our target?" The last vestiges of his worry dissipated as his focus had shifted to their upcoming operation.
Continuing to linger on the past - as it had been proven before - did nothing but hinder him. Like so many times before, which had caused him more grief then he cared for, Kurapika didn't want to lose any footing and start falling behind. The only thing he cared for - aside from his relationship with Chrollo - was acquiring the remaining Scarlet Eyes and delivering his clan to their final resting place.
After that, he would deal with whatever else came his way.
Chrollo watched him curiously and hummed as a result. It seemed that at least, his lover had stopped fretting about those now dead creatures, and turned his attention back to what was truly important. Which he was grateful for. "Well, from what Shalnark had managed to dig up, the village of Fallyne is supposedly the home of a solitary group of people that live fully off the land, have their own belief system, and largely follow not only a village chief but whoever is designated as their mystic. The person selected to fill that role is supposed to have prophetic and healing abilities, communicate with spirits, and be wiser than most. I don't know how accurate it all truly is as I have never heard of people like this, but then again, I didn't even know your clan existed until that prospector approached me." He stopped when the last few words left his mouth and gauged Kurapika's reaction.
It hadn't dawned on him right away as to what he said, but the last thing he wanted to do was resurface any more stressful memories. Kurapika had been through enough as is.
There was an immediate twist to the younger man's lips, but he didn't seem entirely perturbed by what had been said. Once again, the sound of footsteps had overtaken the moment as their conversation made them fall silent. Though, Kurapika didn't allow it to drag on for too long.
He cast a fleeting glance in Chrollo's direction. "Prospector, huh?" Kurapika replied with a bit of vitriol but said nothing more. It wasn't the time or place. Nor was it an immediate concern. At least, not now. He continued. "Can you tell me more about this mystic?" Kurapika then asked, interested to know more about this person who was allegedly able to predict the future and commune with spirits.
Much of what Chrollo divulged sounded highly akin to that priestess they encountered back in Sorbia. Hopefully, these people weren't just another cult.
The weight and ferocity of Kurapika's aura had rapidly exerted itself, then instantly disappeared. Chrollo felt it, but he had expected such a reception. Any mention of what happened six years ago tended to rattle his lover. It had even caused extreme bouts of depression. For Kurapika, the subject was still touchy, as he anticipated it would. Eventually, he would completely erase all of that pain away.
Maybe one day, he would take Kurapika to see the person who had commissioned him and his Spiders to perpetrate the massacre. If his lover faced the man, even sought retribution through him, it would ultimately give Kurapika closure and peace.
In the meantime, they needed to focus on collecting the remaining eyes.
"From my understanding, they are people designated by the entire village to be their sole healer and usually the advisor to the Chief, though I have heard these mystics tend to hold more weight than most of them. Also, they are predominantly female." Chrollo stopped when a noise from an area nearby had snapped his attention, but he soon realized it was only an animal. It seemed that even their encounters were beginning to affect his nerves. "I don't know much about the current mystic other than her name is Katarina Dunne, and that she has one pair of Scarlet Eyes."
The added information had piqued Kurapika's curiosity but also his scrutiny. More and more, the people of Fallyne sounded like the cult in Sorbia; manic, depraved, and dabbling in forbidden arts. He also didn't know much about these 'mystics,' or how far down the rabbit hole they've likely gone, so it was hard to believe they were any different from the priestess who had been intent on using him.
Perhaps the lack of thorough knowledge made him jaded, but Kurapika couldn't help the way he felt.
"It's hard to imagine that such people exist, specifically those who are said to commune with spirits," Kurapika stated, his voice slightly terse. "Not even the people of my clan were capable of such a thing. And even then, partaking in those types of activities was considered taboo." He raised a thin hand to tuck a few strands of hair behind his ear, the ruby dangling from its delicate, silver chain swaying with the motion. "If anything, this mystic is a fanatic just like that crazed priestess we encountered. To think that someone else is possibly violating the eyes of my people makes my stomach twist."
For a few seconds, Kurapika struggled with keeping the bile from rising to the back of his throat as the idea of someone else desecrating the remains of the dead - his dead - was beyond fathomable. How anyone could be so morbid; there just were no words. That kind of knowledge was a hard pill to swallow.
The sensation of warmth on his cheek had drawn his eyes to Chrollo, who paused while standing beside him. "I understand how you feel, babe, as I am behind you every step of the way. It will be no different than last time. Even if we find out that Katarina Dunne is abusing the eyes, there will be no stopping us from taking them." Slowly, he caressed over Kurapika's skin, the motion tender with intent to calm. "And if push comes to shove, we can just punish her for what she has done." The moment he spoke, Chrollo was able to feel his lips curl into a devious grin.
Although he was aware of Kurapika's opinion regarding capital punishment if dealing with another instance of degradation was going to be a source of trauma for his lover, he would remove it. Considering how dismayed Kurapika looked gave Chrollo enough reason to follow through with his decision no matter the consequence.
Kurapika made a soft noise in the back of his throat that sounded more like a sigh of contentment, and it only furthered his resolution.
"I don't know how to feel about that," Kurapika uttered as he leaned into Chrollo's touch, "as you know, I don't like resorting to killing, especially without any real reason." While the act was comforting, hearing his lover's proposal had concerned him. Unless Katarina became an immediate threat, killing her just because she may have committed treacherous acts was out of the question. And even then, he was uncertain. "However, I have no qualms with stealing the eyes. And that is whether or not she is willing to hand them over."
Naturally, he had come to terms with the nature and circumstance of his situation with the eyes as not every mission would go smoothly.
Looking back, Kurapika evaluated how their most recent ones had gone, from his encounter with Corthoes and Debron to their unexpected fight with Baxel. There was even Chrollo's near-fatal experience with Valek when they invaded the Mafia. So many of them had adverse outcomes, which prompted a change in some of his views.
Because of that, Kurapika realized he had to be prepared for anything.
It seemed that Chrollo had become privy to his altered mentality, even though it had been a slow transition. Practically every time there was a chance of encountering anyone hostile, his lover had suggested using extreme measures, regardless of whether or not the target was showing aggression. While the notion upended him, it was something that he readily considered should either his life or Chrollo's become endangered.
The idealism remained a subject of contention for him, but when it came down to saving his or Chrollo's skin, he no longer scoffed at the notion.
Still, it seemed that his stipulation hadn't impeded Chrollo from acting coy. His lover continued sporting the same grin before his response, but Kurapika merely sighed and closed his eyes.
"I figured that was going to be your answer," Chrollo calmly spoke while trying to avoid sounding pretentious, "as your stance has remained virtually unchanged from the start." Casually, he moved his fingertips to toy idly with the silver chain dangling from Kurapika's ear, the gem reflected the sun's rays and made it appear to be on fire. "Don't worry, though. We won't take that route," Chrollo gave the jewelry a gentle tug before letting it go to brush aside a few strands of golden hair, "unless she proves to be more of a threat than not."
Declaring such a thing was strange. Chrollo wasn't used to showing leniency, especially towards anyone who had crossed him - or Kurapika, for that matter. Generally, he would extract whatever method he felt appropriate when it came down to getting results, including times where he and his Spiders were on any heist. Anyone that got in the way would just get mowed down in the process.
Now that he was in a relationship with Kurapika, those tactics weren't entirely permissible.
It wasn't to say that he was thrilled with the limitation, but to prove himself worthy of Kurapika's love and trust, it was one of the conditions he made. Though sometimes he wondered just how far Kurapika's intransigence would go.
Chrollo pulled his hand away, and the younger man's eyes landed on his. "You really shouldn't be surprised, love, as I have no plans to change that aspect unless there is no other choice," Kurapika commented firmly. "If the situation becomes too dangerous, or our lives are put into jeopardy, then I will consider it. Like the instance with that crazy scientist." He knew it wasn't precisely how Chrollo chose to operate, and given the opportunity, his lover would enact on his impulses. Although such methods were how the Genei Ryodan worked, getting into that kind of mindset wasn't something he regarded as paradigmatic. "Otherwise, I find it highly unnecessary, but also excessive," Kurapika added, his tone slightly rigid.
He was almost certain that Chrollo was probably hoping his viewpoint would have been different by now, yet, he wasn't about to make any exceptions. Kurapika scanned his lover's visage for any signs of disapproval but saw nothing in contrast. The lack thereof left Kurapika relatively suspicious.
A sharp breath escaped his lips, and instead of elaborating on his feelings, he merely defaulted to accepting what Chrollo had said. As always, his lover had kept his promises, and this would be one of them.
If anything deviated over time, he would deal with it then.
"There is no need to question that angel," Chrollo remarked and smiled at his lover. "If you wish not to hyperbolize our situation, I completely understand. Killing her will be the last resort if something were to go wrong, providing it doesn't become a necessity beforehand."
A few moments passed as Kurapika contemplated what his lover had said, but once again, he sanctioned the older man's proposal. He didn't favor using such heinous means to achieve his goal, but when it came down to survival, it meant doing whatever it took to ensure that. Chrollo was no stranger to that aspect. Kurapika nodded his consent, then crossed his arms. "Just don't forget that." He instilled, making sure the point was taken. "I don't want anything happening until it becomes apparent we are left with that as our only option."
Kurapika made sure to keep his concession firm, and Chrollo simply made his affirmation by the mere look in his dark eyes alone. One thing his lover never seemed to do was browbeat him into doing anything that went against his moral code, even if that code would eventually become defunct. It was that kind of respect that Kurapika loved about Chrollo and showed him just how much consciousness and decency the older man had.
"You have my word, as always," Chrollo vowed after another pause, then he turned to face the terrain ahead of him. "That said, it's best to get moving. We only have a few more hours of daylight left, and I want to cover as much ground as possible before we have to make camp."
Falling silent afterward, Chrollo resumed walking with Kurapika trailing quickly beside him. Both of them were left to their thoughts as the image of the airport faded behind them. Gradually, the barren landscape opened up into a sparse field that had very few trees. As the sun continued to creep lower on the horizon, the heat started to dissipate while bringing in cooler temperatures.
The hours they had spent on foot made them both grow wary as trudging across such uneven ground made it hard on the feet. Kurapika was able to feel the ache in his despite the boots he wore, and Chrollo looked as if he had seen enough of the seemingly endless wasteland.
As the last traces of the day had begun to bleed into twilight, the image of a forest finally came into view. Kurapika had immediately noticed it, but it was Chrollo who broke the silence. "Let's head for the woods. Afterward, we can find a place to set up camp."
It took another half an hour before either of them made it to where the first trees opened up around them, and another ten minutes before they found a satisfactory spot to bunker down for the night. Chrollo had suggested they ventured deep enough to keep them from remaining out in the open while limiting the chances of anyone sneaking up on them undetected. Kurapika had expanded his range of En to the maximum and then felt Chrollo do the same. At least, they would have plenty of warning if an intruder dared to approach their campsite.
Once they had cleared the area so they would have enough room to sleep, Kurapika started working on building a fire, while from the corner of his eye, he could see Chrollo laying out their sleeping bags. Though he was confident that his lover would insist they slept in the same one.
After Kurapika managed to scrounge up enough firewood, he got a small fire going using an old trick he learned during the hunter exam, and then pulled two fallen logs he found up close to the outer rim. Chrollo came to sit beside him after preparing a mixture for coffee and placed an iron pot over the top of the flames.
"I figured we could use something warm to drink," Chrollo commented offhandedly and stared into the fire. "The night feels like it's getting cooler, and I suspect that it may get a little chilly later." Kurapika hummed in response, though he merely smiled softly at the younger man. While the cold didn't bother him, it gave him an excuse to cuddle with Kurapika. Although he had set up two separate beds, he didn't mind the aspect of keeping his lover warm.
He held back the grin that tried to spread across his face and reached into the duffel bag beside him that he had extracted from within Fun Fun cloth. Chrollo retrieved the provisions he had acquired in the last place they stayed in and offered a few pieces of dried meat and cheese to Kurapika. There were a couple of strawberries leftover from his lover's birthday, but he wanted to save them for a bit later. Kurapika took the proffered food silently, but he wasted no time eating what he was given.
Chrollo then reached for one of the apples that sat at the bottom after grabbing some jerky for himself.
"So," Kurapika uttered around a mouthful of cheese, "how much further do we have before reaching Fallyne?" He questioned after finally swallowing. The food wasn't exactly substantial, but it filled his belly. Learning to eat sparingly wasn't something he was a total stranger to.
After setting his food aside, Chrollo retrieved the pot that he had placed above the roaring flame and dispensed the contents of it into mugs that sat before him. Then, he handed one over to Kurapika. "About twenty kilometers. Give or take a few," Chrollo replied and went to snag the packets of cream and sugar he got while back in Old Zephyrium. "I estimate it will take us about six more hours to reach the outskirts. Because of that, I do want to get an early head start." He added, then dipped a spoon into the dark-colored mug.
How long it was going to take them to reach Fallyne made Kurapika snort; he wasn't looking forward to more walking, especially for that many hours. He grabbed a few of the creamer packets himself and began to flavor his brew, though it didn't take his mind off the day to come.
"I assume this is by taking the fastest route possible?" Kurapika inquired, the clinking of metal against porcelain echoed around them as he spoke. "It would be in our best interests if we did, pertaining you are aware of such a route." He set the spoon aside once the contents of his mug were thoroughly stirred, and his eyes landed on Chrollo.
Grey eyes fell closed as he pondered over his lover's words, the finality behind them drawing his attention. Fortunately, he already had the answer to that. Chrollo grinned and took a sip of his coffee. "Naturally." He commented, though slightly smug. "That was another aspect I had Shalnark look into before we left our last location. If we continue heading north from here through the forest, it should cut a few hours off our journey."
He lowered his mug until it came to rest on his lap, and Chrollo turned to look out over the thicket that surrounded them. It was dark, almost impossible to see, although the moon hung bright in the sky. Mentally, he tried to map the course they would be using to get through the trees and sighed.
With the information that he had acquired from Shalnark, Chrollo counted on it to lead them accurately to their destination. Since it wasn't an area he had been to before, Chrollo placed faith in his instincts. Though, he was pretty confident they would find their way just fine.
Maybe Kurapika was a relatively better tracker than he was, but Chrollo trusted his intuition.
"I see." There was a faint hum as Kurapika took a drink while he eyed his lover from over the rim. It was hard to conceal the underlying skepticism in his voice. "Pertaining that we don't get lost, it should take no time at all." He took another draw from it, the liquid warming his bones. "I trust that you also know the direction we need to go in, so that doesn't happen either?"
The corners of Chrollo's mouth curled upward into an almost sardonic grin, the very sight making Kurapika huff. His lover had all the answers as usual, but it was that puissant attitude he found irritating. Again, Kurapika let his gaze fall on the older man beside him while remaining silent.
"Honestly babe," Chrollo purred once he realized there was a pouty expression on the younger man's face, "you need to have more faith in me. More so, when it comes to my tracking abilities. Though, if worse comes to worst, we have your navigational abilities as back up." He promptly tried to conceal his look of feigned shock when Kurapika regarded him sharply, but the clicking sound his lover made told him that it was unsuccessful. Chrollo focused on his drink instead.
"It's not that I don't hold faith," Kurapika simply added, "but rather, I am cautious due to your unruffled demeanor. Sometimes, I think you don't take things seriously enough."
A nearly awkward silence descended around the camp, and Kurapika casually took a draw of his mug. It was clear this time that his abrupt statement had muddled Chrollo, but there was no other real way of putting it. Kurapika gripped his cup stiffly when the older man's gaze lingered on him as if he was getting judged, though it quickly changed into a semblance of curiosity. Blue eyes found deep, thunderous grey when he finally decided to face his lover fully. The look made him flush.
Chrollo tilted his head. "I am quite surprised by that. What makes you think in such a way, angel?" Processing what Kurapika said took a few moments as the initial shock had yet to subside.
It was strange to hear his lover speak so dismissively when the younger man confessed to having faith in him. The notion seemed odd as if Kurapika struggled with constant uncertainty. While it must have been distressing for him, knowing that he still coped with lingering doubt bothered Chrollo the most. He knew it wasn't a matter of trust, but his lack of principles - or certain ones - that made Kurapika wary.
For some time, Kurapika sat there in perpetual silence while observing him with an inquisitive expression. The younger man's pink lips were pulled into a slight frown, even the hue of his blue eyes seemed to deepen in color. Chrollo just continued to sip his coffee as he waited for his lover's answer.
"Have you ever noticed the number of times we have gone on missions where caution and concern have been repeatedly tossed to the wind? I get that you're highly confident in your aptitude and skills, but we can't just casually dismiss everything. Regardless of how certain you are, we still need to remain vigilant to prevent mistakes."
It didn't take long for Kurapika to recognize the similarities between Chrollo's behavior pattern and his own. Several times in the past, the older man had practically stressed the same points, particularly when he got overwhelmed by his situation, but it was hard to ignore the comparison. Kurapika was slowly learning to keep his views in perspective. Chrollo had taught him that much.
Now, it was ensuring that his lover also understood the same. Even though it was more or less seen as a contradiction, Kurapika had no problem making sure that Chrollo practiced what he preached. Thinking about it to a fault was slightly comical.
His exasperated state soon faded, and Kurapika rose his mug as a delicate smile graced his lips.
The reaction didn't go unnoticed by Chrollo, and he became even more curious by Kurapika's quick change in demeanor. He leaned forward, the warmth of the fire brushing over his skin. "You do bring up a rather interesting point," Chrollo purred, his gaze sweeping over Kurapika's body as it was accented in a red glow, "but I recall saying the same thing to you multiple times as well babe. I won't deny that you are right, and still, the same is also expected of you." Chrollo supplied before reaching over to brush away Kurapika's hair. His lover's visage looked so attractive amid the fire's light.
Just how pretty Kurapika appeared, especially while beneath the moon's rays, never ceased to astonish him. From its pearlescent hue to the radiance produced by the flame beside them, Kurapika was more angelic than ever. It was hard resisting the urge to capture those supple mounds, but even he knew it wasn't precisely the right moment. Kurapika's mentality was still fluctuating between perplexity and amusement. Until Kurapika settled from his disruption, prompting a kiss may negatively set him off.
And yet, Chrollo wondered if that was even possible by now.
Kurapika merely sat there watching his lover, though he sighed when Chrollo's fingers brushed against his cheek. There was a slight twist to his lips following the older man's words, but Kurapika was unable to argue the point. In the past, Chrollo had explicitly warned him when it came to avoiding mistakes - which had proven to be problematic at times - so, the statement wasn't entirely wrong. As the realization hit him, Chrollo seemed to revel in the satisfaction of it. The outcome made him snort.
"Did you honestly feel the need to remind me of that?" Kurapika accused, and his gaze hardened. Although his comment was seen as criticizing, he didn't intend for it to be used as leverage to admonish him in return.
Chrollo raised an eyebrow at the younger man's blunt comeback. He supposed Kurapika had already forgotten some of their past events. "Perhaps it was because I am not the only one here who has committed that mistake," Chrollo added calmly and drank the rest of his coffee. Kurapika was ballsy indeed.
"Yet, I am not the one of primary focus here," he retorted, then expelled a breath in vexation, "since it is your skills and confidence we are talking about."
"Regardless, it's amusing for someone to implicate another when they are guilty of doing the same thing." Chrollo continued while refilling his cup.
"That's not the point!
"The point is, I am certain there will be no issue finding our way through the forest. Despite past occurrences, there is no need to worry. You really do tend to stress yourself too much, love."
Kurapika's jaw practically fell open, then snapped shut as he leaned back and crossed his arms with a huff. He couldn't believe Chrollo. The older man was blatantly dismissive of the facts, and it irritated him to no end. It was one of the things his lover did that drove him utterly nuts.
"But you love him anyway." A voice whispered to him, and Kurapika sighed. It was the truth.
"No matter the problems you both face, the bond you and he share will always keep you in place."
Hearing the statement invoked a sort of calm as Kurapika was confident his clan was speaking to him so that he would remain in perspective. It wasn't the first time, and they had an uncanny sense of doing it during moments of ambivalence.
So, instead of trying to contest the matter, he simply grunted before nodding. Even if he had decided to continue, Kurapika was sure Chrollo would have counteracted him. It was virtually moot anyway.
"Alright," he finally said and drained what remained of his coffee, "you have made your point. That said, what is the plan for handling Katarina once we make it to Fallyne?" Kurapika still found it difficult to concede when his back was up against a wall, especially to Chrollo, but he swallowed his pride anyway.
Mirroring his lover's prior action, Kurapika went to refill his cup. At the current rate they were going, he was going to need caffeine.
Satisfaction accented Chrollo's features when his precious blond decided to yield. While it was a rarity that Kurapika did so without resistance, it was usually the result for most cases. There were plenty of times where the younger man attempted to argue just to prove a point, and even then, most of the instances were virtually inconsequential.
It was funny just how alike both of them truly were.
After Chrollo added the necessary sweetener to his coffee, he took a sip then hummed. "Initially, I figured we could just easily raid the village and confiscate the eyes, but to avoid confrontation, I decided that we could survey them beforehand to locate where the eyes are kept, and then sneak in during the night." He then allowed his eyes to find Kurapika. The younger man was focused on him intently. "This way, the chances of running into any problems are significantly diminished. And it will be another way to avoid having to fight."
Despite that he would have chosen to push his way through, and take the eyes regardless of circumstance, Chrollo didn't want to disregard Kurapika's value of life. If he ended up killing someone needlessly or caused any bloodshed, the younger man definitely would berate him.
Pissing off Kurapika was something he didn't want to do.
"Do you think we will be able to get in close enough to see where they are keeping the eyes?" Kurapika questioned, though scouting the village sounded plausible. "What if there are scouts keeping watch on their borders? We could easily get detected."
The tip of Chrollo's thumb came to rest on his chin as he pondered the inquiry, though he practically knew the solution. "I plan to check for any patrols." He stated assuredly. "However, I also plan to utilize a high vantage point while we study their movements." Chrollo knew if they kept their movements quiet while making their approach to the village, but also during their observation, the chances of them getting detected were much slimmer.
With luck, none of the villagers were Nen users.
"So, you mean that you want us to watch them from up in the trees," Kurapika appended, not surprised by the proposal. It didn't stop him from wondering just how well his lover was able to scale a tree.
An image of it popped briefly into his mind, and Kurapika wasn't able to hold back the proceeding chuckle.
His lover's mirth made Chrollo curious about what had prompted it, but he merely focused on his coffee instead. "That is pretty much the idea." He confirmed and took a long draw from his mug.
Chrollo almost wondered if Kurapika was suspicious about his idea of using the trees so they would have the advantage. Maybe his feisty Kurta thought he wouldn't be capable of it considering where he came from. But even then, the younger man would be surprised.
Kurapika's plush lips peeled into a delighted smile, and Chrollo was nearly convinced of his earlier speculation. "I am almost eager to see exactly how this is going to work, but I won't deny that it's plausible. If it gives us the upper hand to watch the village unhindered, then I am all for it." He affirmed staunchly.
"You just want to find out if I can climb a tree," Chrollo countered, a grin forming over his face. "It's evident in your voice."
"Maybe I do," Kurapika admitted, his eyes lingering on the older man's, "as I find it hard to believe all considering. Watching you will be entertaining for sure."
The grin on Chrollo's face expanded even further. "Then, you just may end up disappointed, babe." He said with slight sarcasm to his words.
"We shall see about that," Kurapika hummed and proceeded to take another sip from his coffee.
Then suddenly, he jerked upright. An unknown presence filled the air, and Kurapika felt the sensation of eyes on him. He turned to gaze over the trees that surrounded them but couldn't see anything. Yet, the feeling that someone or something was there remained strong.
The abrupt movement caught Chrollo's attention. "Is everything okay, love?" He questioned with concern lacing his tone.
"I sense that something is out there as if we are being watched." Again, he peered into the darkness while attempting to make out anything he could, but there was nothing aside from shadows. The fact that someone may be stalking them made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Not only was it creepy, but it made him feel vulnerable.
How anything was able to penetrate their fields of En boggled Kurapika. Nothing should have been able to get even remotely close without getting detected. Yet, something was out there, he was sure of it. Whatever it was, they would find out.
Right after the words left Kurapika's mouth, Chrollo instantly picked up the faint traces of a presence nearby, its lifeforce undeniable. He pressed his lips together but retained a sense of calm. Getting worked up would only show they were easily upended and possibly open to attack. Chrollo didn't want to react too quickly. If anything, they would be able to lure out whoever it was.
"I sense it now as well," Chrollo observed their surroundings, but also was unable to locate where it was. The darkness put them at a disadvantage. Without a lot of moonlight, it made it even harder to see.
Kurapika scowled. He didn't like that he couldn't identify who it was. The very thought made him agitated. Cold metal appeared on his right hand without thinking, the chains tinkling as they accented his mood. He attempted to stare into the forest's depths once more while looking for anything abnormal when the sight of movement caught his attention.
A figure nimbly darted around the tree trunks, its appearance almost too difficult to make out. Kurapika attempted to track where it went, but it moved too fast to follow. The figure seemed to blend into the shadows once again, and Kurapika growled as he started to grow impatient with its toying.
"Come out and show yourself, we know you're there!" He commanded, and once again, the figure slid fluidly among the trees, though Kurapika was able to make out the hint of red along with the appearance of long ears. The sight unnerved him, but he continued trying to figure out what was stalking them despite that aspect. Behind him, Kurapika could tell that Chrollo was just as intent as he was. The older man's breathing was slow, but even.
Silence fell around them, and the stillness caused Kurapika's nerves to twitch. Moments passed as not even a sound was made, then something edged its way from within the trees.
A lithe, ebony body slid forward as it came towards him, while red eyes looked up into his own. Kurapika froze, the entire world practically fading from around him.
It only took seconds for Kurapika to realize what it was that stood only a few short meters away. The revelation caused the breath to hitch in his throat.
"No... how is it even possible?" He stammered while feeling paralyzed. There was no mistaking that abyssal hued coat, the long, blood-colored stripe that ran the length of its body, and the curved horn that sat on top of its head. Even those pupilless, red eyes that had often haunted his dreams watched him acutely. The only difference he noticed was that it appeared much smaller than the rest. Kurapika swallowed sharply, his throat dry as he had stood and taken a few steps back. Chrollo was practically right behind him, the older man's body brushing against his own.
Strong hands reached out to grapple his arms to steady him. "What is it?" Chrollo inquired before moving just enough to see around his lover, the image of the creature finally coming into view. The sight had nearly caught him off guard.
Despite Chrollo's firm grip, Kurapika was unable to suppress the shiver that raged through him. The creature hadn't attempted to move forward, though its gaze seemed to pierce down into his very soul. It just sat there, observing them as if it was innocently watching a mentor. "I thought all of those creatures were dead." Kurapika continued, hoping what he saw was nothing more than a dream.
"Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case," Chrollo commented from behind him, and Kurapika had to resist expelling a sigh. "Somehow, one ended up surviving."
Although the beast had remained stationary, Kurapika couldn't help the fear that welled up inside him. Even his chains reacted to the apprehension and began rattling wildly on his hand. The urge to raise them and unleash their fury reigned strong. It took all Kurapika had not to let them go.
The very notion astonished him.
"Don't worry. I am not here to harm you."
The creature's voice abruptly echoed in Kurapika's mind, making him hiss. Hearing it alone had caused him to tense up. Chrollo's hands tightened on him, and Kurapika leaned back against his lover.
"I don't believe you," Kurapika snapped, and his hands unconsciously balled into fists. "Your kind attacked us and had decimated an entire city! What makes you think I will be so willing to trust anything you say?"
Slowly, but cautiously, the creature stood and motioned closer while keeping its posture unimposing. "I understand if you don't believe me," it commented, but kept its voice low and somber. "All I ask is that you please hear me out." It furthered, almost pleading.
Kurapika instantly tried to back up when the beast moved forward, though his back contacted Chrollo's chest. "How do I know that you won't attempt to attack us if I do?" He demanded, the last bits of his patience wearing thin.
"There isn't much I can offer you to prove my honesty, but I can say that if I try to harm you in any way, then you can kill me."
Silence descended around the camp following the creature's last words, and Kurapika felt himself become conflicted. Due to his past experiences with those beasts like the one before him, trusting anything they had to say was nearly impossible. Yet, the prospect that it was willing to offer its life in exchange for a chance to be heard was very compelling.
Blue eyes turned to seek out grey, and Kurapika looked to Chrollo for answers. The older man appeared contemplative as if he had been weighing the options, but unlike himself, Chrollo didn't have any trauma from their prior encounter with the creatures.
His lover's fingers squeezed tightly against his skin before loosening. "An interesting prospect, to say the least," Chrollo vocalized before stepping sideways to view the creature properly. "I am intrigued to hear what you have to say despite past events, but in correspondence with your last statement, if you try to hurt Kurapika in any way, I won't hesitate to kill you."
There was another moment of silence while they processed everything that was said, but once reality sunk in, Kurapika looked almost flabbergasted. "You can't be serious?" He uttered with fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned practically white. "Even though it promised not to attack, there is no way we can validate that. It seems way too risky." Kurapika turned sharply to the side, his gaze landing on the older man beside him. Something about the entire scenario didn't feel quite right.
In truth, he didn't buy anything the creature had to say. Kurapika trusted his instincts, and his gut feeling told him to be extremely cautious.
"But I am," Chrollo intoned and met Kurapika's stare. "I see no reason why we can't give this creature a chance. You have to think, not only does it appear to be alone, but we are more than capable of handling this one ourselves. Should it become a threat, I will end its life."
Kurapika sighed and clicked his tongue, but said nothing more. Arguing with his lover was frivolous. Once Chrollo's mind was made up, like himself, there was no altering it. He merely shrugged his shoulders in response. "I pray that you know what you're doing." He commented offhandedly and turned his attention back to the creature before them.
"You heard our terms," Chrollo resumed, his eyes now landing on the beast again, "accept that, and we will hear what you have to say." He finalized with a sharp emphasis on his last words.
The creature tilted its head and watched them quietly before deciding to speak. "I understand and accept these terms. Also, know that I am alone as well. You were correct in that particular assumption."
Without waiting, it lifted on its haunches and strode over to an unoccupied spot beside the fire. Despite the agreement it made with the two humans, it was able to feel the underlying tension. Most of the weight it could tell came from the one with the blond hair, which he remembered all too well. Again, its gaze shifted back towards them as it calmly waited for them to sit.
Chrollo stepped completely from beside his lover and retook his position on the fallen log. Kurapika followed him, though he made no move to sit. The skepticism he felt was hard to ignore, and while Chrollo wanted to give the creature the benefit of the doubt, he, on the other hand, was still in conflict with its sincerity.
"Are you going to come and sit?" Kurapika heard his lover's question before he slipped from his transfixed state and turned to face Chrollo. The older man held his coffee mug again as it was pointed towards the log next to him.
A sigh whisked past his lips. "I still don't like this," Kurapika replied coolly, then reluctantly took his place on his old spot.
Several times he cast wary glances at the creature across from him, those red eyes watching him cautiously, but without a hint of aggression. And even then, Kurapika found it hard that he was in the company of one whose kind had incurred so much destruction. Still, he would hear the creature out despite his reservations.
Curse Chrollo for being so curious. It was his idea that put them where they were currently.
"Thank you for the opportunity." The creature spoke, which sounded strikingly cordial. "I wasn't so sure if my idea of speaking to you both was feasible, but I appreciate you giving me a chance." It momentarily paused while composing itself, then focused on the two humans again. However, it realized the one with blond hair appeared impatient, so it continued hastily. "Moving on, let me introduce myself. I am Amar, and I came out here seeking you for a very particular reason."
Instantly, Kurapika exchanged glances with Chrollo, who seemed just as baffled as he did. Not only did the creature admit to tracking them down for some unknown reason, but it also had a name? That aspect was surprising since the beasts didn't come off as entities that would have names or titles. Chrollo's curiosity grew more intense while Kurapika was practically dumbfounded.
"And what reason would that be?" Chrollo leaned forward quizzically, his deep-set eyes locked on the creature. "It seems odd that you would implore our help considering that others like you adamantly expressed their hatred for humankind."
The allegation made the creature bow its head. What the dark-haired man said was unfortunately true. "I won't deny your words as it's far from inaccurate. However, I am not like the others as my path is much different. The way my kin chooses to live is not the one I wish to walk. Because of that, I have decided to make contact with both of you. The information I carry is something you might find important." Amar said while carefully weighing the reactions of the two across from him.
Approaching the humans who had already crossed paths with those from his platoon made the concept quite challenging. Primarily because of what happened to them as a consequence.
However, Amar didn't expect a warm reception, nor did he think the two humans would even take the time to listen to his story without trying to kill him first. The blue-eyed man still appeared to be in contest with his statement, while his companion showed signs of continued interest.
There was still tension in the air around them, which prompted him to proceed with caution.
"I see," Chrollo responded, fingers on his chin. "So, you mean to tell me that you're willing to turn against your kind in favor of siding with humans? Why exactly would you want to do that?" He furthered with evident pessimism.
"I agree. It doesn't make sense. Considering that we were assaulted by your kind and the fact they slaughtered an entire city leaves me beyond skeptical." Kurapika crossed his arms; the tone in his voice was sharp and unforgiving. Trusting one of those beasts seemed wrong and went against every moral he had.
When it came to Chrollo and his spiders, Kurapika was willing to bend for them, but could he honestly do the same for this creature?
Amar bowed his head at the blond human's harsh tone, but he wasn't entirely surprised by it. However, his attention remained on the older man beside him. "I know it sounds brash, even preposterous, but I assure you that I am telling the truth. What they have done isn't something I've condoned, nor have I ever supported it. Since my views are vastly different from the rest of my kind, they branded me an outcast. Because of that, and the fact I chose to rebuke their ways, I have sought you both out." Once Amar finished, he examined them to evaluate their reactions. He wasn't so much leery of how the dark-eyed human would respond, but rather his companion.
Managing to break that one's skepticism would prove difficult, primarily because of how the rest of his group treated them. Amar continued to remain humble while betting that it would be enough for them to believe him. Gaining their trust would take time - if he got lucky at all - but it wasn't the top of his agenda. There was information he needed to pass off to them, plus he felt terrible for what his kind had done to them. Whereas the rest of his race despised humans, Amar felt differently.
Then again, he had never wanted to follow their ways. It was always something that he never understood.
For a moment, Amar's gaze shifted from his hosts to the glow of the fire. How majestic its light was, and powerful of a force it could become. That very same fire reminded him too many times of all the destruction and death that came with it. He had seen enough homes, and cities razed to the ground as entire civilizations burned. Witnessing it appalled him, and had been one of the reasons he rebuked everything they stood for.
Now they were in this world, and the real likelihood of the same thing happening was high. Amar grit his teeth. If given a chance, the others would reduce everything to ash and slaughter the people within it, or enslave them. It was something he couldn't allow to happen again.
"That is rather interesting, indeed," Chrollo replied after a long, uninterrupted pause. "From what I gather, you came to us not only because you feel remorse for what your race has done, but you also have nowhere else to go. Am I correct?" Chrollo tilted his head inquisitively, genuinely interested in what Amar was going to say. To him, the story sounded legitimate, at least on the surface level, though he had a hard time figuring out exactly how the creature before them could prove to be so different from the rest.
If their encounter had told him anything, those creatures cared very little for life, and even then, it was taken for granted. There was no room for mercy, as death or subjugation was the only outcome. Each one of those beasts thought alike and were without any reason at all.
So, what would prompt one of them to harbor views completely polar opposite from the rest?
"You came all this way just to ask for asylum?" Kurapika blurted out suddenly, disbelief masking his features.
The abrupt change in tone caused Amar to cringe slightly, his ears wilting as a result. He figured that both men would exhibit resistance when it came to his explanation, but he hadn't anticipated the blond-haired man to be so petulant.
"While I do lack a place to call home, that isn't my real intention," Amar replied slowly after managing to regain his composure. "It would be pretentious of me to expect forgiveness after everything that has happened, nor would I ask outright to be given refuge. After everything my kind has done, there is more than I could ever atone for, but if I can help in any way, then it's the least I can do." He paused for a moment, a look of thoughtfulness crossing his features. "Before you make an informed decision, the knowledge I bear is in regards to those like me." Once the last words left his mind, Amar sat entirely straight. This time, the determination was evident in his posture.
Time seemed to drag on as no one said anything while the tension continued to hang in the air. Kurapika had a difficult time processing what the creature had said to them, but the prospect of gaining information on the rest of them was hard to ignore.
He cast a glance in Chrollo's direction. The older man didn't look perturbed in the slightest. "I would personally like to hear the rest of what Amar has to say." Chrollo turned to face Kurapika, his aura reassuring. "If he can provide us with valuable information regarding the other creatures like him, it would be unwise for us to pass it up."
Kurapika grunted, but his attention was drawn back to the crackling flames as his mood turned somber. He was still ambivalent when it came to accepting this creature's aid, but by the same token, Chrollo was not wrong when he said it would be a foolish decision for them to disregard what he had to say. Thin fingers came up to rub at his temples, and Kurapika closed his eyes as he attempted to suppress the tension he felt from the strain of their entire ordeal.
"I have to admit that I am still not a fan of accepting your help, but I trust Chrollo's judgment, and if he thinks we can benefit from it, then I will agree to it." Kurapika's movements stilled, and his cold blue eyes turned intently towards Amar. "However, should I find out that you are trying to trick us or be deceitful in any way, I won't hesitate to kill you."
As Kurapika's sharp proclamation reached him, Amar simply bowed his head again. It was a reaction that he expected. "I understand, and you have my word. If I can provide any valuable assistance with protecting yourself against my kin, I would like to do what I can." He stopped briefly to gaze at the fire himself, the flames somehow placating. "Whatever you need of me, just say the word." Amar finished with undaunted finality.
"That settles it then." Chrollo leaned back, a pleased grin spreading over his lips. "For now, we accept whatever abetment you can give us, especially when it comes to effectively fighting against them. Though, it pertains to the fact that any of them are still alive. Nevertheless, what information we can glean on your kind will be most helpful."
Amar breathed out slowly as the frantic beating of his heart soon found a calmer rhythm once the dark-haired man's decision was made. He wasn't able to stave off the sensation that if the situation had gone on for much longer, he possibly would have lost his head.
Based on the younger man's current demeanor, Amar was sure that would have been the case. Just his presence alone was overpowering. And that didn't account for the despotic weight that even his aura gave off.
It was evident that he was formidable, no doubt about it. Amar knew that he never wanted to cross swords with the man.
Kurapika shuffled, and Amar's gaze lifted from the roaring flames. "Well, I, for one, have gotten my fill for the night." He muttered brusquely and rose from his seat after polishing off the rest of his coffee. "I am going to bed." After that, Kurapika set the mug down and proceeded to climb into one of the sleeping bags without saying another word. It was bad enough that he had acquired a massive headache, and after everything that had transpired, he certainly needed rest.
Grey eyes followed his movements as Chrollo watched him go, but knowing Kurapika, he was still in a foul mood and needed time to clear his mind. When the younger man got into positions like that, it was best to leave him be until he managed to sort himself out. Changing his mind otherwise, was nearly impossible. Chrollo chuckled, then finished off the last of his coffee. He realized that he never got his goodnight kiss.
Ah well.
He turned to face Amar. "Truthfully, I also have to agree. It's been a long day, and what you have said is a lot to take in. I think it's for the best that we all sleep on it, and pick up where we left off in the morning." Once Chrollo set his mug aside, he too rose and strode away from the fire.
Amar was then left alone with his thoughts.
For the longest, he sat there staring into the flickering embers, the dancing flames looking beautiful against the night sky. It was hard to imagine how far he had come or the fact that he had successfully achieved one of his goals. In the beginning, Amar didn't believe he would be lucky enough to convince both men that he was trustworthy, or useful, but in the end, he was grateful they did. It was a step in the right direction to ensuring that what occurred in that human city a few months ago, never happened again.
Envisioning the carnage in his mind made Amar grit his teeth; it was all too much. If there were any way to rectify what happened, he would find it. Both men deserved that much.
With a sigh, Amar got up and moved slightly off to one side of the campsite, though not far enough to lose the fire's warmth. After finding a spot to settle in, he then closed his eyes.
Before drifting off, his last thought was on the long journey ahead.
After Thoughts: Well, now we get to see another character added to the mix. I had been planning on bringing Amar into the mix for quite some time, though it just took a while before I was finally able to bring him in. Since he will now make a regular appearance, it won't be long before who and what he and the rest of his kind come to light. The information he has will eventually reveal this. It will also lead up to other significant events that will take place down the line as well.
Also, past characters, as well as primaries like Gon and co, will return as well. Of course, RoF primarily centers around Kurapika and Chrollo, but the rest aren't entirely out of the picture and will hold important roles much later on. The PT especially. So, expect more as time goes on.