A/N: Oh gosh, it's been a bit since I last updated, huh? I do apologize for yet, another extensive delay between chapter posts; but I won't lie when I say that life has been hectic on my end as usual. Though, more so between work and my health, so it's bit into my energy, and also my writing time. Plus, writing this chapter was a bit difficult to boot. Then again, I do did expect this arc to be quite the challenge and may take longer work out the details. Still, I hope everyone enjoys it nonetheless.

Naturally, the events in RoF are loosely following the ones in canon, so there will be some similarities. However, it's starting to get serious, so it's definitely beginning to pick up. :3

And as with all chapters since fifty-six, this one currently is not beta'd. I haven't had the time or chance to find a substitute beta-reader, so for the time being there won't be one. Hopefully at some point, SweetsDreamer will be able to resume once everything on her end gets straightened out.

Summary: Now aboard the Black Whale, Kurapika and Chrollo begin their assessment of their situation as they journey to the Dark Continent. But when a series of murders happen, they learn there is more going on than initially expected.

The sounds of boisterous cheer tore through the area in unhindered dissonance as multitudes of voices coalesced together. It only got louder when the announcers finished outlining the purpose of the journey, and the Black Whale finally left port. Witnessing the ceremonious departure by the citizens of Kakin was almost a landmark in the nation's history and practically akin to a once-in-a-lifetime event. For many, it was observing the greatest step the country has ever made.

Inside of the ship was no different. A theater had been set up on deck two during its construction and was practically filled to the brim with eager adventurers. Two intrepid announcers were standing on the grand stage before billowing curtains decorated in crimson and gold. One sported an animal-like motif, while the other was bedecked in clothing that seemed lavish but gaudy.

Even the ovation that happened within the ship was no less enthusiastic than it was from the people at the auditorium during the ship's recent exodus.

Not even the fact they would all remain confined on it while making their way towards the Dark Continent, which continued to be a land of the unknown, seemed to perturb anyone.

Across several decks, many of the different factions who joined the unprecedented voyage were making preparations. From the Zodiacs to the selected members of the Hunters Association and even those who ran the medical bays, it was a fervent hustle and bustle to keep up with the ever-changing circumstances from such a chaotic event. In addition to the hectic nature, there were constant uprisings and discourse between the five decks and a proposed Succession War amidst Kakin's royal family. Such events left a ceaseless flow of problems to address.

For Kurapika, it was the same. Ever since his arrival on the Black Whale, he had been frequently met with constant, ongoing issues. It was bad enough they had gotten thrust into the middle of a family war - though by his own volition - but the ship had just barely left Kakin, and his worries only piled on.

He stood right outside one of the private bathroom stalls set up within the bodyguard's quarters. Chrollo was standing beside him.

"So, this must be the missing guard," Chrollo commented offhandedly. "Though, it's a rather odd place to die if you ask me." He scanned the shriveled-up body of a man as it laid in an awkward position against the side of the toilet. The look of pure terror on the guard's face spoke that he must have died while in shock.

Kurapika's eyes never wavered from the scene before him, despite how gruesome it appeared. The nervous shuffling of the other guards around him didn't cause his attention to sway for even a fraction. Identifying the man wasn't hard either.

"From what I can tell," one of the men to his right began, "the blood had been entirely drained from his body. When he didn't check in, I proceeded to locate his whereabouts and this is how I found him."

It hadn't even been more than an hour from the moment they left port, and already people were turning up dead. Kurapika placed a hand beneath his chin, obviously concerned by the discovery. Of course, he already knew that Kakin's Succession War could enact at any time - if it hadn't already - so circumstances to that caliber were to be expected. But it was utterly discerning for it to happen this soon and so uncomfortably close to where he, Chrollo, and the queen were staying.

Perhaps his underlying suspicions were justified.

One of the other bodyguards just to the left of the stall leaned forward while trying to get a good view of the scene. He was a bald man who was stalky with a square face. "Aside from the fact that we ascertained the door hadn't been locked, it appears the time of death was between twelve fifteen and twelve thirty."

There was a soft hum at the notation. "So, the attack happened in the middle of the night. Seems more opportune despite the facts we know," Chrollo added, his expression more thoughtful than not. While murders weren't necessarily a strange aspect to him, the fact that someone was targeting them, particularly Kurapika, bothered him. Though it wasn't to say that he didn't have concern for their employer as well.

"Looks to be that way." Someone else responded, the comment dampening the already somber mood.

The lack of evidence or answers made Kurapika's frown deepen. Whatever happened, it more than likely occurred outside the standard norm for criminals. "Did anyone find signs of an intruder?" He questioned, voice somewhat strained.

"No." Said a man sporting a goatee. He had short-cropped hair and narrow eyes. "Unfortunately, whoever the suspect is, it's someone inside this sector."

Contending with the notion that someone amongst them was potentially a traitor sparked a bit of ire within Kurapika, but it wasn't the only factor to consider. The possibility that the culprit was not just your average muscle man became more and more evident. It only heightened Kurapika's suspicions, but there was something else he wanted to confirm beforehand.

He carefully slipped in closer to the body of the fallen guard. "Not necessarily," Kurapika countered and dipped down to gently lift up one of the dead man's arms. Then he began to quietly strip away the top half of the suit. Once Kurapika finished, the torso visibly showed that it was littered with gaping holes. "Judging from the state of the corpse, it is also reasonable to assume this may have been a Nen attack." He furthered before backing away slightly. Kurapika remained in a crouching position.

Several grunts and noises of surprise followed his statement, but for Kurapika, the scene only made him even more alert. Chrollo motioned closer to where he was and stooped down beside him. "Are you convinced this was caused by someone who can utilize Nen?" Chrollo inquired quietly, the palms of his hands resting on his knees.

Blue eyes lingered on the body of the dead guard for just a bit longer as he surveyed every possible detail before turning to gaze at his lover. "Yes," Kurapika confirmed, the tenor in his voice unwavering. "Conventional weapons wouldn't have done this. Besides, it's a factor that we cannot rule out."

Chrollo hummed in response, but he didn't attempt to refute the younger man. From what evidence he could gather himself, and due to the body's condition, it was safe to assume that Nen played a factor in the man's death. Furthermore, there was still the chance that other people aside from the Hunters Association could also use Nen.

However, if that was the case, Kurapika would surely root them out.

With a nod, Chrollo stood up, followed by Kurapika. He then turned his attention toward the remaining people in the room. "I want everyone here to answer me honestly. Since it's highly probable this was committed by an outsider with Nen abilities, if any of you are able to use this kind of power, then step forward now."

The other men immediately exchanged confused glances as none of them appeared to process the question he asked. Kurapika kept his expression neutral - he didn't want to indicate that his inquiry was outside the boundaries of the general norm, but learning the truth to their ordeal was vital. If the culprit wasn't found, it could possibly threaten the integrity of what little defenses they had.

Kurapika snorted. He wasn't about to let something like that happen. One thing he vowed was to protect Queen Oito and Princess Woble, and if it came down to it, Kurapika knew that he would do whatever was necessary to ensure their safety. Even if that meant committing to hard decisions.

Again, he spared a glance for his lover but was sure that Chrollo would agree with such a notion.

"Please do answer him. Remaining silent will only serve as probable implication." Both of Chrollo's hands - albeit his commanding-like appearance - were casually stuffed into his pants pockets as he addressed attending guards. An air of turbulence surrounded them, followed by threads of uneasiness and dubiety.

Several of the men stared at them, utterly perplexed. "Nen?" One of the men questioned. His voice had a stutter to it. "Is that some sort of psychic power?"

"I've never heard of such a thing." Another responded. He was adored by short-cropped dark hair and a thin mustache. "This wasn't the work of some strange creature or maybe some other explainable circumstance?" The guard wrung both of his hands anxiously.

"To a fault, it seems as if some of them truly do not understand the logistics of what is actually going on," Chrollo leaned in slightly - but discreetly, close to Kurapika so the blond-haired man could hear him. It was evident the other bodyguards had no clue what it was that his lover asked of them. "So perhaps it's safe to assume that maybe none of the royal guards are able to wield Nen?" He furthered in a quiet voice.

The very idea made Kurapika reevaluate his strategies as the situation appeared worse than he initially thought. Using his chain right then and there would only prove to be more than just risky, which could instigate the already touchy but dangerous line they were walking. Finding another way to get down to the bottom of their crisis was imperative; he just had to figure out why those among the Hunters refused to take any initiative and cooperate.

Knowing that, it was easy to see why the royal guards would at least feign ignorance, not those from the Association.

"It's almost time to retrieve the queen and princess from the Ceremonial Hall," Kurapika commented offhandedly, his eyes still locked on the shriveled corpse. "Turn the body over to the army as it's their jurisdiction what happens to it. Also from now on, everyone is to always be in a group. No one moves about alone."

Silence fell around the small group as three armed men dressed in military outfits approached them while pushing a gurney. Without saying a word, they carefully hoisted what remained of the dead guard onto it before covering the body with a thin, white sheet. Afterward, the three men began moving away.

Then, all the royal guards broke off from the rest of the group and dispersed in the opposite direction. Kurapika watched them go intently.

"Why didn't you come forward?" He said a few moments later once the three guards were out of earshot. Chrollo looked somewhat amused. "Nen is ultimately the biggest secret of the Hunters Association, but you can see how a situation such as this supersedes it." Finally, Kurapika turned to look towards the three men who remained, all of whom he knew were Hunters. "We cannot get through this without any form of adaptability." Kurapika added. Any form of deception was something that tended to wear heavily on his patience.

All of them remaining silent on the matter had managed to spark his ire.

A man with light brown hair sporting a thin mustache and square jaw turned to face Kurapika. "I want to ask you something." He began, the lines of his brow creasing as he spoke. "Why made you even decide to bring up the topic of Nen?" Evidently, the man was intuitive, but the very nature of who he was said exactly why. His dark eyes focused intently on Kurapika.

It took a few seconds to even process the question, but Kurapika merely looked at the slightly taller man in utter surprise. It was awfully suspicious that he was getting questioned on the subject. "What?" Kurapika responded, still slightly befuddled.

The man cleared his throat. "The fact is," he paused, eyes locked directly on the younger bodyguard, "that our mission is limited to protecting the queen and princess. We are bound specifically to those duties alone." He paused again, then furrowed his brows.

"Everything happening currently is a result of the Kakin army's own internal conflict, right?" Another guard spoke. The man had green eyes and short-cropped hair with upturned eyebrows.

"Truthfully," the man with the brown hair continued, "if someone in the military was able to use Nen, stepping forward would prove to have the opposite effect."

"And it would be a blatant declaration of our intent to meddle with their infighting." The other man finalized. He carefully narrowed his green eyes.

Kurapika was almost taken aback by such an affirmation. Not only was the lack of continuity between their statements rather odd, but the sheer amount of nescience they displayed helped spark his growing skepticism. Then, a moment later, he felt an elbow nudge his own. Chrollo was standing right at his side.

His lover appeared just as curious as he was. "Do you think it's possible they are entirely unaware of what is actually going on?" Chrollo muttered quietly so the others couldn't hear. "How they are behaving would certainly indicate that may be the case."

The very idea made Kurapika take pause, and he fleetingly glanced at the older man beside him. Chrollo was generally good with gut intuition, but it only served to further his own nagging doubts. Even the prospect that each of the four pro hunters may be sporting ulterior motives never left his mind, so he wasn't entirely dismissive of the chance that all of them had been thrown into their jobs without knowledge of the upcoming Succession War. Any form of ignorance they displayed wasn't an act of deception at all.

Realizing that had ultimately shed some new light on the situation at hand.

"Tell me," Kurapika began slowly, his voice practically flat, "didn't you apply through Kakin's official website?"

There was another pause as the three men observed him without reservation. The look in each of their eyes had revealed more about them in the last few hours than when he met them initially. Kurapika pursed his lips together. Even Sayird, the man with the brown hair, appeared somewhat affronted. "Of course." He hummed, caught off-guard by Kurapika's sudden inquiry.

"Didn't you see the queen prior to boarding?" Kurapika pressed, his supposition only mounting. The abnormality of the circumstances he continued to face weighed heavily on his mind as Kurapika attempted to search every angle to find the answers that he sought. Although he focused on the three men across from him, Kurapika could tell that Chrollo shifted from gazing at him to the other guards. Yet, he didn't blame his lover's unyielding concern; there was no denying that Chrollo too was struggling with trying to come up with answers to their steadily growing problem. The older man had silently crossed his arms as those grey eyes rapidly flicked between both groups.

"If you're referring to the primary interview, then no, all of us were exempt from it." Sayird shoved both hands into the pockets of his blazer and effortlessly turned on the ball of his heel. Bill, another guard who sported wild spiky hair and brown eyes, had practically done the same. "Unlike you," he resumed while looking back over his shoulder, "we got into contact with Kakin immediately after the voyage was announced. Our applications were only used as a means to make our positions formal."

"Speaking frankly," Bill then chimed in, his expression stoic, "we know more about the royal family, Kakin's military and their situation then you do! I know the queen seems to have taken a liking to you, but do try to be more discreet." He fell silent after that, and following both of their declarations, the guards walked away, leaving Kurapika and Chrollo behind.

It was then Chrollo came to his side. "Well," he uttered flatly, his own hands resting in the pockets of his dress slacks, "it appears as if your suspicions are true, babe. We must be the only ones who applied for the job fully aware of the actual circumstances. Though I must admit, knowing that surprises me." Chrollo then tilted his head just enough so he could see Kurapika clearly.

The frustration that crawled over his lover's features was clearly visible.

Kurapika raised a slender hand, and his effeminate-like fingers came to rest just beneath his chin. It was a usual gesture when the young man was deep in thought. "So it seems." He responded after several long minutes, the tone of his voice a bit strained. Realizing the new detail in their current matter only complicated it further, which Kurapika found easy distressing.

Between dealing with the impending Succession War and protecting Queen Oito until they reached the Dark Continent, the prospect there was now an anonymous source of Nen silently killing people off made the nature of their crisis even more dire.

If they were to stop whoever was causing the recent, sudden deaths, then it was imperative to find out the identity of the user and quickly.

Yet, Kurapika was no closer to finding the answer than he was in the beginning. Even with the current information he and Chrollo had acquired, it didn't give them enough of a lead to find out the location of the source. All they had was an unknown assailant that was more than likely adept in the field of Nen. There was a chance of tracking down their target, but it was still a matter of how, especially since he wasn't entirely sure where to begin.

Then it hit him, and Kurapika remembered there was a possible way of figuring out the solution to their problem, although it would be slightly risky. While the assailant's identity was unknown, Kurapika settled on one factor that could reveal that for them. Only, it would depend on how those around them responded once he was to unveil it, mainly Oito herself. Nevertheless, Kurapika was prepared to accept what consequences might ensue from his decision and readily explain his intentions and the nature of what they saw. With the Succession War at their backs, none of them could afford any more problems from approaching their doorstep.

He needed Amar now more than ever.

Oito anxiously paced across the length of her private chambers, mind racing as she fretted over the message she had received from her bodyguards the moment that she stepped through the door. Her grip on Wobble reflexively tightened as she intended to protect the tiny infant in her arms but then loosened it enough to ensure that her daughter wasn't uncomfortable. The princess cooed quietly while briefly reaching out for her mother, then settled quietly again before looking around with her large, dark eyes. It hadn't been long since she and Woble had returned from the dinner banquet, which turned out to be nothing more than a show of mandatory academism. The uneasiness that shifted through the dining hall was invariably apparent, as the rest of the royal family was completely on edge, and rightfully so, though it made the event nearly unbearable.

She breathed out. The air felt sharp, causing her lungs to strain, and the sensation in her chest was strangely tight. It was bad enough with everything else going on, but since Kurapika and Chrollo wanted to discuss something they hadn't initially revealed to her, it caused a thread of worry to form in the pit of her stomach. She pursed her lips while directly observing her two bodyguards. "What is it that you wanted to tell me?" Oito questioned, her words slightly rigid.

A lengthy pause extended between them as Kurapika glanced cursorily towards Chrollo before letting his attention shift back to the queen. He could readily tell that she was uneasy. "Well your majesty," Kurapika worded slowly, his posture remaining unchanged, "despite what has happened, we are no closer to finding the perpetrator, and with the current state of events, the sooner we learn who that is, the better." He ceased talking for a moment and carefully observed Oito's reaction before continuing. "However, I believe there is a way for us to… potentially change that aspect. A method we can use to help us succeed with learning who the killer is and quite possibly, our enemies as well." Kurapika finalized slowly. For a split second, he worried that his caution would betray the determination underlying his voice as Oito's expression turned even more concerned.

Her face screwed up into a look of utter contention, brow creasing heavily. The uncertainty in her eyes told Kurapika plenty.

"What my partner was trying to say," Chrollo interjected suddenly, "is that we know someone who can help us with our current predicament. The only thing is, he isn't your typical bodyguard or commoner. If you can even call him a person at all."

Instantly, Oito's lips twisted into a thin frown. She wasn't sure where both men were going with this, but what they were saying had only heightened both her anxiety and curiosity. Whoever it was that Chrollo and Kurapika spoke of made her feel hopeful but also afraid. She wasn't exactly sure if she was ready for this, if ever.

Still, if there was any way of increasing their chances of staying alive while on this damned boat, then she wasn't about to rebuke it. "Alright then. Tell me who it is," Oito stated after several long moments.

Chrollo nodded right after, but he took a step forward and gestured toward one of the four ornate pillars that sat at each corner of the room. "I think it's better to show you instead, your grace."

Right then, a large, dark form moved out from behind the pillar and into the light, illuminating the large, bright red strip adorning the length of his body. Amar kept his head bowed slightly as he gradually but cautiously stepped forward, the tilt of his ears angled slightly back toward his broad neck. He kept his tail down, the length of it brushing warily against the tiled floor all the while as he surveyed the one person that he heard so much about. It wasn't hard to see that Queen Oito appeared shocked by what she saw, as those dark eyes of hers widened the moment they laid eyes on him. Amar cringed at the gesture and prepared to recoil if she became too stressed.

"Who… or what is that?" She stammered while drawing Woble closer to her chest. Amar's ears wilted further by getting addressed as what, and he tried to frown the best that his maw would allow.

Seeing the shock etch over Queen Oito's features made Kurapika breathe out sharply, and he went to stand slightly ahead of Amar but off to the side so that he wasn't blocking the Queen's view either. "This is our companion Amar, your majesty. I know that he may appear intimidating or seem ferocious, but I assure you that he is anything but. Amar is trustworthy, and has been in our service for some time now. He has agreed to help aid you during our voyage to the Dark Continent."

An uneasy stillness descended around the room as Oito shifted her gaze between Kurapika and the creature standing just behind him, the very sight causing her to shiver. Kurapika pursed his lips. He was already prepared for Oito's adverse reaction, as he had been pretty confident that she would be frightened by Amar's presence. Unfortunately, introducing him now, especially after dealing with the murder of a bodyguard, didn't help the matter either. The queen was already on edge, and bringing Amar into the mix increased that aspect.

Still, their Nacknar companion would be a vital component in solving their current problem while helping to keep the prospect of any threats at bay. But, first, he just had to ease Oito's reservations about Amar the best that he could.

If anything, Chrollo would be the person best suited to smooth that over, considering just how charismatic his lover was.

For the longest, she merely stood there while carefully evaluating the creature as he remained positioned only a scant few meters away, those eyes observing her, but none too intently. Yet, it was those eyes that seemed to draw her attention the most. Looking at them made Oito's heartbeat erratically and not necessarily in a good way. The fact they were a deep red and pupilless added to her steadily growing dismay.

"I see…" She replied in a jittery voice. "Then what exactly is he?" Oito shifted uncomfortably, and seconds later, Woble began to fuss, almost as if sensing her disquieted mood. The turmoil she allowed to creep over her had, without a doubt, reflected on her child. "Is he some kind of new magical beast? Are you sure that he won't attempt to harm any of us?"

The flurry of questions Oito flung at them indicated that her fears were far from satiated. Kurapika was well aware of how Amar's presence was going to affect the queen and her opinion. So naturally, she didn't trust him, which they understood. Both he and Chrollo had also felt the same way after first meeting the young Nacknar, but the pup had proven himself over time. While he was part of a species hellbent on destruction and enslavement while harboring an immense disdain for humankind, Amar was nothing like his kin. But, as it did with them, it would take effort on his part to earn Oito's trust. Kurapika just hoped it was sooner rather than later.

There were still many threats to contend with, plus a royal battle to determine the next successor; they couldn't afford to delay.

Another moment of awkward silence passed, and Chrollo stepped forward, instantly drawing the queen's attention to him. "Amar isn't any kind of magical beast, at least none that we have identified. He comes from another species altogether, though one that is not from any known lands. After Kurapika and I have spent time with him, we came to learn that he isn't from anywhere that has been discovered, but from the Dark Continent itself."

Immediately, Oito's eyes widened to the size of saucers, shock welling up within her. "The Dark Continent?!" She blurted out, and Woble began fussing again. Oito drew the infant closer to her bosom, hoping it would offer her daughter some comfort. "But, how?!" She continued, the stress in her voice becoming quite evident.

"It's a long story," Kurapika added, and he motioned closer to her. The expression on her face told him that she was quite startled. He didn't blame her, but they had to quell any reservations that she had. "You may want to sit." He added while gesturing toward the large, gilded chair nearby. Oito lowered onto it wearily. Her eyes remained locked on him the entire time.

Once she was seated properly, Kurapika sat down in one of the other plush chairs across from her. Chrollo, on the other hand, decided to remain standing. Woble waved her tiny hands about for a few short moments, then settled despite her mother's current mood. Although Oito felt upended, Kurapika didn't want her little girl to feel the same way. He intended to solve the problem diplomatically while showing her that Amar was there to provide help, not cause harm. Kurapika knew that he would keep to his word, as he had before, and would only enact when told or by whatever plan they devised.

Hopefully, it was enough.

"So, you're telling me these creatures actually come from another world, and not strictly the Dark Continent?" Oito inquired once Chrollo had finished his explanation, though she was clearly exasperated. Getting told that something existed outside their world was almost incomprehensible and seemed more like a fable instead. Never had she heard of something so bizarre, and yet, there were two men telling her a tale of creatures from beyond the stars. The very notion was practically insane.

Her gaze shifted to the large, dark creature as he sat hunched, back arched and head lowered. Although he appeared meek and humble, the submissive posture didn't thoroughly abate her suspicions in him either. Some of the most vicious, dangerous individuals would give off the image of subtlety before using it to attack.

Exploiting weaknesses was key to winning battles, but also in defeating someone labeled an enemy. The creature may have the support of her bodyguards - or mainly two of them - but that didn't mean she was trusting.

Not yet, at least.

"Essentially, yes," Chrollo responded. He remained standing, back straight as he continued talking. "It was confirmed after our initial meeting with Amar, plus it coincided with all the known information we had on the creatures prior and after our encounter with them in the city of Mirie. The Hunter's Association is keeping a record of them as they are rather dangerous. However, over the course of our time with Amar, this particular creature, or Nacknar as they are called, has proven that he is quite the opposite of what his species is truly like."

Oito pursed her lips and was not entirely convinced, especially knowing that whatever these Nacknars were, they were still considered highly dangerous beasts. Even if this creature called Amar was nothing compared to his ilk, then he would have to prove it.

Perhaps Chrollo and Kurapika trusted him, but she wasn't so sure. "If what you say is true, and these… Nacknars inhabited the Dark Continent after reaching our world, how exactly did they make it to the mainland? Not to mention, that is where this ship is headed." She finalized, her voice short and words taut.

The question wasn't something Kurapika entirely unexpected since they had also asked the very same thing. It was likely that Oito didn't assume the Nacknars could swim or fly, so he understood why she was flummoxed. "Apparently, it happened during the earlier expeditions." Kurapika provided factually. "Some of the Nacknars had managed to commandeer a ship during that time and used it to escape." He paused to watch Oito as the true nature of the Nacknars began to sink in. "Despite that, an encounter with the remaining creatures is almost likely," Kurapika commented grimly as he leaned forward. "We knew this before applying as bodyguards, but there are other reasons for us to reach the Dark Continent. Having an encounter with Tserriednich isn't the only mission that I have."

Right then, an uneasy stillness fell about the room, and Queen Oito's gaze shifted deliberately in Amar's direction. "In any regard," Chrollo interjected suddenly, "we plan to safeguard you and the princess even after arriving on the Dark Continent. Kurapika and I have our own agenda, but we will ensure that you make it safely back out when the time comes."

Even after all their assurances, it didn't make Oito feel any more confident about her trip to the Dark Continent, much less the prospect of encountering creatures possibly not of their world. Oito remembered listening to speeches about creature rankings, and the very idea that something else far worse could be living there terrified her. These Nacknars sounded like the stuff of nightmares and more vicious than any magical beast. Knowing that made her wonder if the chances for survival decreased again.

Oito trembled, the infant in her arm squirming in reaction to her mood. If their situation didn't look grim before, it most certainly did now.

Her gaze shifted toward the ebony creature as he sat there in total silence. Those blood-red eyes watched them - although he appeared calm and reserved - it caused another wave of chills to run through her body. It was hard to believe that something like him, despite the nature of his species, was there to even remotely help them. Oito pursed her lips, ready to finally deliver her verdict, when she stopped abruptly, her entire frame going rigid.

"What they said is true." A voice suddenly rang out, and the resonance of it caught Oito off-guard. She quickly surveyed the room for the source of the sound when it called out again. "I mean no harm to either you or your child." It continued. The tone was nearly passive. "Contrary to what you may believe, I have not come here with any ill intent and do not pose any threat as my ilk does." There was a long pause as Oito shifted her position, and despite that she was rather unsettled by the entirety of the situation, she turned away gradually from the two men before her gaze now landing on the creature just mere centimeters away.

It didn't hit instantly, but after several moments passed, recognition had sunk in. Oito's eyes nearly widened fully, her dark pupils virtually shrinking to practical needle points. The truth - if that could be even considered as such, was almost too substantial or significant to fathom. The very idea alone was beyond any form of comprehension, yet, her knowledge of magical beasts was vastly limited.

The probability of one speaking directly into her mind seemed absurd. Preposterous even. And still, there was no way to be sure that none like that existed. Whether or not Amar and his kind were beings from another world, it weighed not on the end result of her decision.

Regardless, the chance was high that others like Amar existed, and it was a fact that she couldn't deny.

Seeing Oito's expression and the underlying recognition within, Amar could only assume she was slowly coming to the realization that perhaps, what he had been saying was true. Although it may not have been quite enough to fully convince the Queen, at least the impact he made was a start. Pertaining that, he could, at least, help to ease her fears in some way.

Without looking, Amar could sense that Chrollo had moved closer to him as the sturdy man was now beside him. Oito's head immediately snapped in his direction.

"What's happening isn't an illusion or some figment of the imagination." He began, arms crossed over his chest. "Though I won't lie, hearing Amar's voice for the first time is a bit jarring."

Despite Chrollo's affirmation, the young queen continued struggling to process the truth of it all. Standing before her was a creature of considerable intelligence that could speak in an unusual way offering to protect them. Although looking at him, the one named Amar, was still a perturbing sight, Oito had to put a little faith in her bodyguards. So far, Chrollo and Kurapika had proven to be nothing but sincere.

Once more, she suppressed the urge to shiver, and Oito cradled her infant daughter closer to her while focusing on the creature again. If Amar honestly had both men's credibility, perhaps it would be safe to consider giving him a chance. Nonetheless, they would be responsible for the creature's demeanor.

Almost a second later, Oito noticed Woble begin waving her tiny hands forward, most notably towards where Amar had been sitting humbly, an almost jubilant smile on her chubby face. Then she started waving her arms a little more excitedly as if she was attempting to draw herself towards the large, ebony creature, and the act shocked Oito. Seeing it was beyond astonishing.

To her, it was as if Woble had given her trust to Amar. Those eyes stared bright-eyed at him, a world of curiosity shining within their brown depths.

Woble's initiative didn't go unnoticed, however, as Amar had quickly noticed the infant's attention directed at him. "Please forgive me if my voice startles you," he commented slowly, though his eyes remained on Woble, "as my kind primarily communicates telepathically. As Chrollo mentioned, it may be quite alarming to hear one of us - or me - for the first time, but please understand that while those like me despise humans, I house no such feelings. Everything that my kind stands for, and their complete lack of compassion for other life is the primary reason why I have turned my back on them. Both Chrollo and Kurapika," Amar said while gently motioning with his head towards them, "have saved my life, and been nothing but kind and given me a purpose. Because of that, and the fact I want to seek redemption for the sins of my people, I want to do anything that I can to help others. It's why I agreed to assist with protecting you. If there is anything that I can do to ensure your safety, and that of your child, I will gladly do so."

Amar bowed his head again while retaining a modest and submissive posture. The obsequious nature of his stance would hopefully convey his absolute loyalty and make it easier for Oito to trust him. Amar knew it would take some convincing for the queen to come around entirely, but given enough time and showing his devotion would ease any lingering reservations.

A faint, empathetic smile crept its way over the woman's young, pristine features, and Amar believed that he still had a chance.

Even then, it was no different than it was the day he met Chrollo and Kurapika. Both men had been skeptical of him for a long time, though Kurapika more so. Chrollo had come to trust him much sooner as it seemed that his older companion had a better judgement of character. Kurapika, on the other hand, had multitudes of reasons for not opening up until much later. It was possibly the same for Oito, but Amar was prepared.

He was almost unaware of when Kurapika had joined them at his other side.

"What Amar says is true. I will also vouch for him," Kurapika supplied confidently, his shoulders squared. "Amar has been assisting me with retrieving the eyes of my people and has shown time and again that he can be trustworthy. While he also wants to aid in finishing my mission here, helping you is something that he asked to do on his own. He was quite adamant about it, but allowing him to do so will put him one step closer to finding the atonement that he seeks."

Kurapika remained firm, keeping his facial features unaltered as he continued to support the reliability of Amar's case. He was thoroughly aware that Oito was skeptical when it came down to believing anyone who even remotely seemed dangerous. It was no different when she had initially met them.

He figured that at least, with his affirmation along with Chrollo's, it would be enough to convince the queen to give Amar a shot at showing it himself.

"I see." She uttered slowly, the baby in her arms still waving enthusiastically towards Amar. "Alright then. Between your testimony and Chrollo's and Kurapika's assertion, I am inclined to accept your pledge. But know this..." Oito paused, glancing between Woble and Amar. "If at any time I suspect that you will betray me, I will have you removed without hesitation." Then her expression softened as she quietly approached the young Nacknar before kneeling down in front of him while bringing Woble close. The child reached out for him immediately and gently touched his nose.

The queen's sudden change of heart had nearly caught Amar off guard, and he blinked as the tiny baby began to pat him on the snout. A soft cooing followed the quiet gesture, though he didn't ignore the demand that she made. Amar carefully nuzzled Woble's probing hand, his tongue darting out to tenderly lick at her tiny fingers before letting his gaze wander back up toward Oito.

Nothing in the world could force him to harm this tender human woman and her precious infant. "I swear on my life that I will never do anything to hurt you or jeopardize your safety, and that I vow to do what is necessary to protect the both of you." Amar bowed his head following his words and made a gesture of submission to further instill his promise. With that, he hoped that Oito would begin to trust him.

Keeping his eyes averted was easy, as Amar couldn't meet her gaze right after making his profession. His ears even lowered as a sign of his humble stance. Several moments passed without so much as a word, or sound, then Amar heard shuffling and the queen's voice after that.

"Raise your head dear pup." She had spoken quietly, the tone of her voice like chimes, and he rose to meet her gaze once more. There was a faint smile on her painted lips. She had risen again, the baby she carried waving those little hands in his direction but cooing energetically in the process. "There is no need to continue on with being formal. You will have plenty of opportunity to prove your loyalty and garner my trust." Oito added, her eyes locked with Amar's.

While standing in his presence was still a bit strange and foreign to her, Oito couldn't help but get a sense of valor from the dark and mysterious young pup. Not once had she ever encountered someone like Amar, or was there anything like him or his kind, but so far, what Chrollo and Kurapika had spoken about him was true.

And still, time would demonstrate just how much honor and dignity Amar had. Of course, there were magical beasts with extreme intelligence, some of which had a moral code, so it didn't surprise her that a creature like Amar actually existed.

It was just the notion that he was from another world and not of their own that continued to make her somewhat wary.

Yet, both of her new bodyguards trusted him without reservation.

Oito turned from Amar after he nodded in affirmation, and her attention landed on both men who stood beside him. "I think it's settled then," Chrollo stated and crossed both arms over his chest. "Now that Amar has given his word and made a commitment, it is probably best that we continue our investigation regarding what happened to the guard and finding the person responsible, especially since it's pretty evident that Nen was involved."

They all fell into a brief moment of solemn laconism while contemplating their situation before Kurapika broke the stillness in the room. While its severity didn't change, the end result was the same - they had a mission to complete. Not only did they have to survive the upcoming Succession War and make it to the Dark Continent, but he also had to get close enough to Tserriednich and find out where the bastard was keeping the Scarlet Eyes.

Since Amar was now initiated, they could resume their search. Kurapika's gaze met his lover's. "I couldn't agree more. There is much at stake, and not just our parts in this upcoming battle. With the identity of the Nen source still unknown, it's best that we act quickly before anything else has a chance to happen." A fleeting sound of tinkling accented Kurapika's speech before vanishing completely, and Chrollo had noticed the split-second flash of crimson in his lover's eyes.

His desire to go after Tserriednich stayed resolute; the determination emanating from his posture alone was evidence of that. It was a dangerous game that Kurapika was playing, but what choice did they have when the remaining eyes of the Kurta clan were on the line?

Chrollo was prepared to move mountains and do whatever it took to help Kurapika. It was a profession of just how much he loved the younger man.

Nothing would change that. Ever.

However, Chrollo remained silent and merely nodded his consent at Kurapika's comment. He wholeheartedly agreed. The sooner they figured out exactly what was going on, the better.

"For now, it's best that you remain here," Chrollo finally said when he faced Oito, who had been observing their conversation since making her public acceptance of Amar. He could see the look of worry slowly etching back over her visage. "Let no one in or out until we have returned." His attention then diverted away from the queen. "Amar will stay here to ensure your safety while we are gone." Chrollo furthered as his gaze landed on the young Nacknar.

It took a moment for Oito to process what happened, but she instantly subscribed. "Alright." She muttered and gently rocked Woble to slowly coax the baby into settling down finally. It was getting close for her daughter to take a nap. Perhaps she would go relax while Woble was in her crib.

Without a word, she turned away from the entrance to her private chamber as both men took their leave. Amar sat down beside the large bed as he watched her. After some time, two servants entered and made their way towards where she stood, though both of them stopped, eyes going wide the moment they noticed Amar.

"Don't worry about him, it's safe. He won't hurt either of you," Oito addressed, and both ladies immediately bowed their heads.

"Yes your majesty." They said in practical unison and finished their approach before one of them gently took Woble from her arms. The other carefully led her towards the bed. Amar said nothing as he continued to silently observe the unfolding event like an unmoving sentinel. If he had to stand by while the queen slept, then so be it. His job was to guard her, and that even meant while she rested. Oito meticulously lowered down onto the bed, and the servant wasted no time ensuring she was comfortable.

Once Oito was settled and Woble placed into her crib, both women left, and it was just the three of them again. The silence in the room had resumed.

At least for now, all was well.

An eerie stillness settled about the area as several people stood completely flabbergasted while staring down the long, narrow hallway. Four bodies, all royal guards dressed in suits, were left near the very end. Some were slumped against the walls, though one was practically toppled over and lay in a crumpled heap. It had only been a few hours since Kurapika and Chrollo had gone out to search, now there were even more victims, and they weren't any closer to solving the case.

Kurapika stared down the hallway in utter disbelief. Chrollo appeared to be analyzing the situation.

"What happened?" His voice thundered around the immediate area. Some of the remaining bodyguards - including Bill and Sayird - practically jumped at the command. Though it wasn't either of them that responded.

"Initially, nothing appeared out of the ordinary." Another voice quietly answered. Amar sat beside Oito, the woman standing close to him with eyes full of shock. "For some time after you and Chrollo had left to go on patrol, it had been relatively quiet. I had remained with Queen Oito in her private chambers while she slept. It wasn't until just recently that I heard somebody scream, and when I entered the main room, one of the servants was stricken with fear and pointing towards this hallway. It was then I noticed the bodies and decided to contact both of you."

Every pair of eyes had turned to Amar, who recounted his story of current events. Most of the guards had found it strange, even unnerving, that something like Amar even existed. However, after a quick, detailed explanation of who he was, they seemed to calm down and take the idea in stride. Yet, it didn't stop a few of them from casting furtive, skeptical glances in Amar's direction.

The statement had brought a contemplative expression to Kurapika's face, though his attention instantaneously shifted from the ebony Nacknar to the other bodyguards standing close by.

"It's true!" The man with short, cropped hair and a thin mustache said. He appeared to be wringing his hands nervously. "Though, none of us know what happened! We were out here unpacking while the servants were in the kitchen cooking. The queen was still in her chambers with the creature. I hadn't seen them prior to now, but they had checked in about fifteen minutes ago and reported there were no problems." He wrung his hands even more anxiously after finishing his statement, which only made Kurapika eye him more suspiciously.

Though dealing with the complex yet threatening nature of their current scenario had caused Kurapika's lips to purse into a thin, razor line. His eyes narrowed, the scrutinizing judgment of his gaze sweeping over everyone in the room with heated intensity. Chrollo had swiftly come to his side, though he was unaware; or perhaps Kurapika ignored it, and with an abrupt flick of his right hand, a melodious tinkling echoed through the air signifying the appearance of his Nen chains. At the same time, the other snapped towards the holster to retrieve his gun.

Without warning, he jerked both hands forward, and Kurapika placed the one holding the gun directly above the other. Then, his dowsing chain slowly unfurled from his wrist and dangled motionless beneath his right ring finger.

Kurapika's eyes locked vehemently on those standing only mere centimeters away, his eyes now blazing a dangerous, incalescent scarlet behind his blue contacts.

"Guard the queen." Kurapika commanded from over his shoulder as his gaze swept over toward Amar. The young Nacknar bowed and ushered Oito to step back several meters before positioning himself between her and everyone else. Kurapika then shot his attention back to everyone else, the intensity in his expression no less than fierce. He wasn't about to deal with anyone's bullshit. Kurapika could see Chrollo from the corner of his eye watching him intently, his lover's own expression analytical. "The rest of you, go into the living room. Now!" He demanded. They quickly shuffled into the larger, adjacent room.

As he followed them, Chrollo leaned in close. "Are you sure this is necessary?" He drawled, voice just above a whisper. "Even though we haven't discerned who is behind the recent attacks, it seemed prudent that we eliminate the threat closer to home. From what we have already ascertained, said threat was external."

Despite Chrollo's question, Kurapika kept his eyes forward. The question was valid, as their earlier assessment pointed to the culprit as something outside their inner circle, but now, he wasn't sure. "We have to be certain that it isn't," Kurapika replied, the gun he held steady pointing forward. "This most recent attack, which again, our people have been the primary target, is making me rethink that decision." He paused and spared a quick glance at Chrollo before continuing. "Both of us promised Queen Oito to protect her, and for us to do that, we have to ensure that no one else here is responsible." Kurapika fell silent after that, his attention trained forward again.

The finality of his statement left no further room for argument as Chrollo knew that once his lover made up his mind, that was all there was to it. Not that Kurapika was wrong. Both of them already made a vow to the queen, and if they were to guarantee her safety, it was imperative to make sure that no one close to her was a threat.

It was a logical course of action, and Kurapika most certainly knew what he was doing. "I understand, and do not disagree with your decision," Chrollo stated as he resumed standing straight before tugging absently at the base of his dark blazer to straighten it. "There is still a slight possibility the culprit is closer than we realize."

And it wasn't wrong. In the beginning, it seemed that whoever was conducting the attacks wasn't related to any of their personnel. Now that possibility had to be eliminated entirely before focusing their attention elsewhere. All of them stopped once they reached the center of the living room in the central part of the Queen's chamber.

Once more, Kurapika poised before the rest of the guards and servants, his dowsing chain going still again. "Before anything, I will tell you everything that I know, then afterward, I will ask all of you some questions." He stopped a moment while holding the gun steady to emphasize his point, scarlet-hidden eyes fixed on the group standing a short distance away. "If any of you lie, this chain will move. If it does, then I will shoot." Everyone fell into an uneasy quiet, the remaining five bodyguards and four servants all poised with their hands up in the air.

Kurapika utilized their reticence to divulge the circumstances behind the voyage to the Dark Continent and the Succession War. The final outcome resulted in a string of exasperated gasps and sighs.

"There is a battle going on between the Kakin princes and princesses where they are to kill each other to decide the next successor to the throne?" Sayrid questioned in shock, the reality of it making his face contort in disgust.

"I can't believe it either!" Another guard, Kurton, followed Sayrid's comment, his eyebrows raised up in disbelief. "The entire thing is just insane!" He added in a strained voice.

"Unfortunately, it's a fact," Kurapika continued firmly. "Think about it. Why would the royal army dispose of the bodies without performing autopsies?" He finalized a little more tersely than intended.

Silence descended around the room again, and the sound of uncomfortable shifting filled the room. Chrollo shifted his stare between Kurapika and the rest standing across from him. For a second, Woble garbled in disapproval, but Amar swiftly tried to quiet the infant when she was lowered by Oito so he could nuzzle her tenderly. It seemed to placate the child.

"What proof do we have that chain will actually do what you say?" One of the guards suddenly blurted out. His chubby face scrunched up in utter defiance.

The challenging tone made Kurapika's lips twist distastefully. "Do you care to test that theory?" He snapped back, and the stout man clammed up without further dispute. Their lack of competency alone made his temples throb. Kurapika kept his lips pressed firmly together, posture tense. It was annoying enough dealing with the current mentality of this lot.

"Honestly, I wouldn't test Kurapika if I were you," Chrollo interjected right after, arms folded over his chest again, a flat look on his otherwise attractive features. Kurapika couldn't help but steal a glance at him despite the circumstances. "Unless, you are willing to accept the outcome that is. However, I don't advise it." He furthered, this time a little more nonchalant than before.

Practically every head swiveled in unison to indicate that none of them dared to cross that line. The chubby-faced guard put his hands up even higher as a sign of continued surrender. Chrollo watched them all in amusement as Kurapika had decidedly chosen to follow up the aspect by stepping a little bit closer. The gun in his slender hand never wavered from its potential targets.

"That said," Kurapika resumed, his voice steady, "I will proceed with the interrogation." His expression hardened, and he faced each one of them attentively. "Do you know about the Succession War?"

Almost collectively, from the guards to the servants, each of them began replying in a fervent clamor. Fear welled behind the eyes of some.

"Not at all!"

"I had no idea."

"Something heinous like that never occurred to me..."

"I'm just the Queen's—"

Their immediate barrage caused Kurapika to wince then grunt in annoyance. At the current rate, the situation wasn't going to get anywhere. He briefly closed his eyes and breathed. Kurapika could feel Chrollo shift beside him impatiently. "One at a time please." He commanded as his gaze went back on the people in front of him. "A simple yes or no will suffice. You first." Kurapika then pointed his gun towards the servants without any remorse.

Without hesitation, they quickly shook their heads. "No…"

Kurapika glanced down at his chain, noticing it hadn't moved, and shifted the gun fluidly towards the bodyguard with short-cropped hair, a square jaw, and a large nose. The man's beady eyes widened in horrific realization. After several long, tense moments, he swallowed thickly before finally responding. "I knew."

What the man said had ultimately gleaned the sudden but rapt attention of everyone else in the room. The startling revelation didn't entirely nonplus Kurapika as he already suspected that someone close to the queen would be involved in external affairs.

Exposing them, however, only required the right amount of pressure. Kurapika held the gun steady, the deadly glint in his eyes remaining strong. Unending.

"I knew as well." The pudgy guard said a few minutes later, his thin mustache twitching with his quivering lips. Following the man's affirmation, Kurapika drew the gun readily in his direction, and all he could do was keep both hands up defensively.

So, there were two spies in their midst. How convenient. Too Convenient. Whatever their purpose was, and whoever sent them was something that Kurapika intended to find out. He wasn't sure exactly how or when they had managed to infiltrate the queen's personal guards or even her private chambers, for that matter, but one thing Kurapika had no intention of was letting them go. He had many questions that he wanted answers to.

Chrollo leaned in close enough again to whisper next to his ear. "Perhaps they are the ones behind the recent murders?" He stated, leaving Kurapika with the potential idea.

The very prospect made Kurapika snort, especially for Chrollo to bring up the aspect of murder in any regard. Yet, even then, his lover wasn't probably wasn't entirely wrong. So there was a chance that one or both men were responsible for the recently slain bodyguards.

Nonetheless, he had to be sure there weren't any other foreign informants.

Swiftly, Kurapika pointed the gun toward the other three guards who he knew had been employed under the Hunter Association. If he was correct, none of them had been privy to the Succession War before entering the Black Whale. Therefore, weeding out all possible dangers was necessary to protect the Queen and her infant daughter.

Neither of them appeared to show any signs of deception in their responses as all three men were expeditious with fulfilling his demand. At least for Kurapika, it was definitive that none of them had been previously aware of the Succession War. Due to the confirmation of his dowsing chain, finding out that fact was satisfying enough to clear the Hunter Association bodyguards.

The other two, though? Both men had a lot to explain.

Of which Kurapika wasted no time doing as he promptly drew the gun back in their direction. Two sets of eyes widened, like deer caught in headlights, and it was clear that both men were in the paralytic grips of fear that he adamantly instilled. It was one of the few times where Kurapika didn't hold back his unbridled aggression or belligerence.

He was prepared to shoot both men without a second thought.

"You two," Kurapika said, low and venomous, are you on Princess Woble's side?"

It would be the moment of truth. The fine line between ceding or placing a bullet into each man's head. Kurapika glared at them icily, almost impassively, his grip firm on the gun despite that sweat had begun to collect on his skin and between his thin fingers. Even his chains felt cold. It caused a numbing sensation to roll through his arm and up to his spine. The once quiet rage that Kurapika had always managed to keep under control and from thoroughly unleashing was slowly, ever so slowly, bleeding away.

The last time Kurapika remembered letting the beast inside of him break free and run loose was back in Fallyne when he had confronted Katarina after the woman had practically cornered, then threatened him.

And despite the horrific circumstances, the outcome still haunted Kurapika. Even the encounter with Corthoes and the fact that he had lost a grip on himself back then was unnerving enough.

But now, as he stared down at the two interlopers, Kurapika didn't care about containing the beast as it raged and seethed, only that he got results. Regardless of oath or conviction, all that mattered was finding a solution. His grip tightened even further on the hilt of the gun, and he was sure that both men noticed instantly. The sound of them swallowing sharply was audible even to his ears.

Doing so, fortunately, didn't sway the men into remaining silent, as their secret, now exposed, left them with no option but to actually comply. Becoming pliant was better than getting pumped full of holes, right? At least, in a reasonable perspective.

The man with the square jaw and broad nose soon faltered and breathed in slowly. "To answer your question, no. I'm not an ally."

Without breaking concentration or movement, Kurapika rapidly drew the gun barrel towards the other man, who recoiled the moment it faced him. "Well… No… But not quite." He stammered, hands visibly shaking as he responded.

Such a revelation caused an abrupt but uneasy stillness to fall about the room as every pair of eyes were directed onto them, shock, bewilderment, and disgust flickering beneath. Oito sucked in a ragged breath as the culmination of what happened began to finally sink in. Right away, her hands tensed and quivered as she clutched tightly to Woble. Though it was nearly impossible for her to contain the sheer terror that surged through her as a result.

Almost unconsciously, Oito raised a shaky finger towards the men who openly admitted they weren't there to support her or the princess. "Shoot them!" The queen screeched and backed up a few steps. "Shoot them right now! Please!"

It wasn't until the moment that he heard the queen's desperate plea, one that begged for him to brutally end the life of two men, that Kurapika began to understand the nature of his own darkness. However, when Chrollo placed a hand on his shoulder to placate him, the fog started to lift from his infuriated mind.

"You must remain calm, your majesty," Chrollo enunciated slowly and quietly. Dark, stormy eyes locked with Oito's as his hand gripped onto Kurapika even tighter before giving the area a reassuring squeeze. "Doing otherwise could very well cost us valuable information or more." Again, Chrollo kneaded Kurapika's shoulder to emphasize the same point. It wasn't hard to tell that he was also struggling with his own emotional praxis.

Though it didn't take a fraction of a second for those words to seep in and Kurapika sensed the tension begin to evaporate. He relaxed ever so slightly, but not enough for anyone to realize it aside from Chrollo. His lover really did have a way of helping to keep him mentally glued.

Rosy pink lips parted slightly as Kurapika released a long, drawn-out breath. "Chrollo is right," he added, the gun still pointed forward. "Whatever information they have may be vital to our survival. I'll shoot them only if they refuse to cooperate."

Despite everything, it seemed that what he said had also managed to quell Oito's growing fears. The young woman backed up a few steps more, and right away, Amar came to sit right beside Oito, his body brushing gently and comfortingly against her leg through the kimono she wore. "Don't worry," he communicated carefully as he watched her, "my companions will get it all worked out."

Even then, it wasn't consequently enough to abolish her fear entirely. The Succession War had made sure of that. But she had faith in both men regardless.

Oito nodded without replying, and Kurapika coughed before resuming. "The five dead guards, were they also not on princess Woble's side?" He inquired emphatically.

"No. They each served under someone else."

"Each?"

"Yes. Princess Woble had seven guards assigned to her by the Royal family. Why do you think it was exactly seven?"

For Kurapika, it was a startling revelation, as if the answers were finally beginning to reveal themselves and bringing to light some of the mystery that had been plaguing them since boarding this floating death trap. Now the pieces were starting to fall into place. How he hadn't come to such an epiphany much sooner, Kurapika wasn't sure, but at least what they were dealing with was becoming a lot more apparent.

"It's the number of queens there are aside from Oito herself," Kurapika confirmed after pausing, and the man with the square jaw nodded stiffly.

"Correct." The man continued after he and the chubby-faced guard were seated and tied to chairs. "The other queens are using their own guards as informants to determine if anyone else in the Royal family is plotting a rebellion. The number of guards increases every time another queen is added to the line, but a queen that is lower cannot spy on any queen or prince and princess that is above them. Also no queen is given an official guard until one is added with a rank lower than hers."

"And Queen Oito is the lowest one currently," the chubby-faced man supplied, "but the system, and how it works hasn't been explained to her." There was a pause as he moved his hands around within their bindings to ensure the blood was still flowing before sitting up straight. "Truthfully, our job is to protect Princess Woble so long as it doesn't threaten the safety of our clients."

The guard with the large nose snorted as he watched the way Kurapika reacted. It wasn't all too surprising because he and the rest of them were from the Hunter's Association. "Do you get it?" He mocked, voice slightly raised. "The Succession War has changed everything! Now the very existence of the other princes and princesses is a threat!"

"Did either of your clients send you to assassinate Princess Woble?" Chrollo chimed in, disrupting the statements from both men.

They immediately stared at him practically wide-eyed, and the man with the pudgy face began to sweat profusely. "No!" He exclaimed, voice trembling. "Even a queen would be thrown into prison if she issued that kind of order."

"The Succession War doesn't mean the laws go right out the window." The other man said rigidly.

All the complications surrounding Kakin's insane killing spree made the strain return to his temples. Kurapika lowered the gun, then holstered it as his dowsing chain disappeared from sight, and he rubbed gently at the side of his head. Everything regarding the Succession War was sure to be an experience to last him several lifetimes.

He felt Chrollo shift beside him, those sturdy fingers brushing feather-light against his own. The gesture was soothing. Kurapika just hoped that no one had noticed.

"Didn't King Nasabi allow this to happen?" Kurapika asked after he managed to compose himself. The throb that emanated from behind his eyes made him sniff irritably. If they made it through this, he would be sure to take Chrollo's offer and go on a long break. Gods be damned if they didn't need it.

"Not necessarily," the broad-nosed guard replied, "as there won't be any acquittal for murdering a prince or princess. We were doubtful until someone turned up dead." He paused before licking his lips. "We thought it was just a drastic measure taken in an attempt to mollify the vicious relationships between the queens, princes and princesses, and that it was supposed to make them understand the difficulties and risks of plotting assassinations. It's how serious of a crime it would be, and we thought it was unrealistic. Yet, seeing those bodies and hearing about Nen, there is no denying the war has begun. Though, it won't be carried out by us, or the private soldiers." The man's narrow eyes then met Kurapika's. "But the princes and princesses themselves."

An eerie and apprehensive stillness settled about the room, the sensation of extreme turbulence practically thick in the air. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, unsure of how to parse the information they had received, but it was evident the true reality of their dire circumstance was far worse than expected. Kurapika blinked, and Chrollo shuffled beside him. Even Amar bristled at the notion.

Oito, however, appeared thoroughly shaken. Her fingers grasped firmly against the blanket wrapped around Woble, pure fear marring her features. As the truth of their situation gradually sank in, the hopeful look in her eyes had faded. Instead, they became less vibrant, lackluster, and dull.

If there was any reason to lose faith, it was now.

Still, the queen took a step forward once again, her painted lips formed into an unrelenting frown. "What are you saying?!" Oito shouted, her voice tight and verging on hysterical. There was a sharpness to her posture.

"Didn't she participate in the Seed Urn Ceremony?" The broad-nosed guard replied. "That must have been done to bestow one with Nen abilities."

"But-But! That was just an old tradition! It wasn't supposed to actually mean anything!"

Woble squirmed a little in her arms as a result but settled down a moment later. The act had also sparked momentum in Amar's once stony posture, and he decisively nuzzled against the queen's elbow to try and comfort her. It was at the same time that Chrollo placed a hand on the woman's dainty shoulder. Letting her lose control now would only complicate matters further.

His grip, though tender, lingered but a few moments before the queen turned to face him. Chrollo kept his expression neutral so that she would refrain from causing further stress. "Please, you must remain calm. Losing grip on your temper now could do more harm than good." He coaxed soothingly before moving his hand away. They had to do everything possible to keep Oito satiated.

"I agree with Chrollo," Kurapika insisted a second later, his hands raised in a gesture meant to quell the young queen's rage. "If what they say is true, it makes sense to think that Princess Woble's Nen ability is driven by the instinct for self-preservation. That is the most plausible theory we have so far. However, it's still undetermined if the attacker is friend or foe."

There was another long pause as they all contemplated their situation, which seemed to grow more severe by the minute. To even get the upper hand, Kurapika mused, it was imperative they figured out what was going on quickly.

Allowing it to go on as it had would only put them at a greater disadvantage. The Succession War had already begun; that was a fact. Now, they had to determine if all the princes and princesses might have Nen themselves. Kurapika glanced at Woble, who was nestled gingerly in Oito's arms. What a horrible, detestable fate she had been given.

Kurapika brought a chain-clad finger up to his chin, his expression bearing one of deep thought. Uncovering the absolute truth while treading carefully wasn't going to be easy and by a long shot. If the other princes and princesses really had access to Nen, it would only aggravate the situation.

The answers lay therein to the actual nature of the Seed Urn Ceremony and how it could grant anyone the ability to use Nen.

"Maybe it's possible that Princess Woble enacted out of self-defense because she sensed an uncertainty regarding each of those guards," Chrollo said after some time, which garnered every head to swivel in his direction, "or perhaps it was another prince or princess targeting the youngest and weakest one by attempting to destroy her inner circle."

Which also made sense. Kurapika made a humming noise as he averted his eyes from Chrollo's to look down toward the floor. Granted, what his lover said was entirely feasible as there was no way to prove or disprove the theory currently. Kurapika mulled over it while trying to seek out answers, but it left him just as baffled.

There definitely was more to this war than what meets the eye.

"As that may be true," Kurapika stated, his gaze shifting from the floor to Oito then finally on Woble, "questions still remain about her mastery process. Nen is something that is usually gained over a very long time as it can be dangerous to try and learn quickly." He stopped briefly and let his attention shift back to Oito. "When did the ceremony take place? Kurapika asked.

Hearing the inquiry made Oito tense slightly, but the acts of both men plus Amar aided in keeping her calm. She breathed in before responding. "Um… it was a little over a month ago." She confirmed slowly.

A collective hum resonated around the room as the rest of the group took in what they were given. Sayrid looked thoughtful, yet it was hard to conceal his apparent skepticism. From what they knew of Nen, a month wasn't enough to even use it, much less have a decent grasp on any of its skills.

Sayrid knew this as much as any other hunter. "That is true." He replied. "It hasn't been long enough for that theory to work. What happened couldn't have been done by someone who just learned Nen."

"Well…" Bill commented abruptly, the man's attention shifting towards Kurapika and Chrollo. "It's not entirely impossible if the Nen type is parasitic."

Shock worked its way over Kurapika's features, the instance catching him off-guard. "Parasitic?" He finally asked after several moments, and Chrollo nodded in conference to his words.

Confusion worked its way over the whole group, especially Kurapika, though Chrollo also seemed to be contemplative. Not once had the thought crossed his mind, nor had the subject of such a thing ever been mentioned. During his training with Izunavi, he didn't remember his teacher talking about a parasitic Nen type. It was just beyond strange, which only added to the oddity of the situation. Kurapika stared long and hard at Bill, entirely unsure of what to make of the information that he had received.

"Yeah," Bill responded calmly, his expression unchanged. "It would explain the Seed Urn Ceremony."

Right after the words left Bill's lips, a sudden change in pressure captivated Kurapika's attention. The young Kurta let his deep-blue eyes shift slowly to the right, where both of the guards were tied up to spot something rather strange poking out from behind the man's head with the broad nose. The abrupt appearance of it caused Kurapika to practically halt in his tracks, and he stiffened instantly.

For a second, he observed it, trying to understand what exactly it was that he saw. Kurapika noticed that it was unlike anything that he had ever seen. The creature was black, almost dark as night, and sported only one eye. It sat there, behind the man's head, watching him, and the very image caused a shiver to roll briefly up Kurapika's spine.

"Hey…" Kurapika uttered, his voice a bit unsteady, "can any of you see that?" He questioned while still facing the man with the square jaw. Instantly, the other guard beside him turned to look in the same direction.

There was a brief moment of silence as everyone in the room focused on where the stout man sat while tied to a chair. A few of Oito's guards shuffled uncomfortably while Chrollo stiffened and Amar's hackles fully rose. The queen herself was confused by Kurapika's statement and her gaze shifted between the two seated men.

Finally, it was Sayrid who spoke next. "Whoah!" The man called out, which made Bill and Kurton twitch as they noticed exactly what Sayrid was looking at.

"What in the world is that?" Amar questioned as he inched closer to Oito and Woble, his back hunched slightly, which indicated that he intended to protect them. "It doesn't appear to be anything that I have seen before." He added in a quiet voice.

Immediately, Kurapika's hand came up, and he let his eyes slide towards the group behind him. "Quiet," Kurapika commanded. "None of us have any idea what it might react to."

Amar lowered his head, though his long tail bristled regardless of circumstance. He continued watching the men who were tied up, the strange, darkened entity seeming to curiously scan the area around it. Even the others had done the same, yet, for the ones who could see it, the creature's appearance came as quite a shock.

Then, it was Sayrid who broke the silence. "Wait…" He commented slowly while focused on the two foreign men. "Are either of you able to see that?" Sayrid's eyes were almost wide, an expression of bewilderment on his visage.

"What?" The chubby man with the spiked hair questioned as another single-eyed creature appeared upon his head. "What is it?"

"What do you see?" The other man asked, confusion masking his features.

Before anyone else could react, several more of the bizarre creatures manifested and began to slowly crawl over the unaware men. This sparked the remaining hunters to pass fleeting glances at one another, then around the room. Chrollo followed several of the creature's movements before leaning in close to Kurapika.

"Any idea what they might be, love?" He spoke in a quiet drawl, hands still resting in the pockets of his pants.

"None," Kurapika responded as his attention remained forward. "Can you see them, your majesty?" He then asked Oito without breaking his gaze from both men.

"I-I don't see anything. What is it?" She said with a slight tremble to her voice. Woble reacted by fidgeting in her grasp but settled moments after. Oito clutched the baby to her bosom.

The negative emotion she displayed caused Amar to brush up against Oito as his form stood firmly between her and whatever it was invading their space. "I most definitely can see them." He stated. Though Amar figured Kurapika was already aware. "However, I will keep the queen and her baby safe." He added with a bit of chivalry to his voice.

Kurapika broke his gaze from the creatures long enough to see Amar remaining steadfast with Oito behind him. "I already figured as much." He confirmed. "Though I have faith that you will."

It was rather evident that everyone who was a part of the Hunter Association or trained in Nen could see what transpired before them. Chrollo adamantly watched the peculiar little creatures with profound interest while the hunters were more startled than anything. As for Oito, who couldn't see the entities, it caused her to feel unsettled, which made Amar cautious.

Though, it wasn't long before the temporary displacement in the room intensified several-fold when a variety of different creatures soon began making their way into the area. Many of them appeared through the walls, beneath the floor, and descended from the ceiling. Each of them varied in different shapes, sizes, and likenesses. Some were recognizable, others were not, but as they invaded Oito's chambers, their presence had put all in the room on extremely high alert.

Even Kurapika couldn't believe what he saw.

"Well, it seems as if we got our work cut out for us," Chrollo uttered from beside him, and all he could do was stare. His lover was right. Their situation became more and more complicated. Every minute spent on the Black Whale was another that revealed their dire circumstances.

Bill pointed up as another slew of beasts descended from above. Amar released a low, throaty growl in response.

Slowly, any advantage there seemed to ebb away. Kurapika was almost unsure of what to do next. "This is quite the predicament." He murmured, the tone of his voice a near mirror to Chrollo's own. "Since the Succession War has begun, they may have come here to gauge each other's strengths and weaknesses, but-" he paused as another wave of strange, hostile like creatures circled around them, "they're too erratic and visible. There doesn't seem to be anyone controlling them."

The sensation of weighted energy forced Kurapika to prematurely cease his speech, and all he could do was stare in utter dismay as the myriad of creatures swarmed the room, their presence disconcerting. It caused the other hunters, plus Oito and Amar, to harbor a commingling of expressions from perplexity and shock to etch over their faces.

It was the true nature of the Seed Urn Ceremony. The parasitic Nen had the ability of autonomy and to move on its own.

"So, what do you think we should do now?" Chrollo inquired, his passionate grey eyes locked intently on him. Kurapika could only see zeal flowing in their depths.

And even then, despite the nagging urge to move, there was nothing any of them could do at the moment but watch — and hope.

After thoughts: Honestly, I had originally intended for the chapter to end at the same point it did in the manga, but since it was getting so long, I chose to cut it where I did. Because I had initially planned to introduce Amar relatively early in, and due to the scene between him and Oito getting quite intensive, it contributed to the length, which I didn't expect to happen in the beginning. Nonetheless, I am actually quite happy with how it came out, and the fact that it will be leading up to other, more interesting events that will be occurring in upcoming, subsequent chapters.

Also, don't worry! Gon and co plus the rest of the Troupe will be getting the spotlight and very soon. This chapter was primarily to focus on Chrollo, Kurapika and Amar as they are predominant and had to establish a connection with Oito and Woble first.