A/N: Sorry, but I have not read the Chimera Ant story arc. I just made 'chimera' a virus here instead of those "ants" for the purpose of my story. If you read my other fics, expect that there will be some OOC-ness and pairings here, the usual and my favorite plus some new ones, but sadly no yaoi. You've been warned. +wink+
Disclaimer: I don't own any of HxH; I just enjoy putting the characters in bizarre situations like this one.
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HUNTER HOUSE HELPS
Chapter 1: No Nen
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"What do you mean we CAN'T use nen?" Killua demanded of his older brother, IIlumi. Gon, who was staying for the weekend at the Zoldyeck mansion, was also stunned as he was at Illumi's announcement.
"I gather you don't believe me," Illumi said matter-of-factly as he negligently combed a hand through his hair. "You can ask father, he was the one who confirmed it."
"You bet I will," Killua answered, matching his brother's tone as he put his hands behind his head. "Imagine a virus fatally attacking anyone who uses nen? Hah!"
Illumi fixed upon him a dangerous stare but then shrugged, "Tell that to great-grandfather Maha who's now in our private hospital, little brother. He's in a coma."
"Well, he's ancient," Killua rallied but reddened a little at his brother's stare. He refused to acknowledge that what his brother said might be true. There's just no way it could be true, because if it was…
"Demo, Illumi-san," Gon started to say, "You said that this Ch−…Chi−…"
"Chimera Syndrome"
"…Chimera Syndrome doesn't have a known cure," Gon continued, "Does this mean we can't use nen…..ever?"
Illumi looked squarely at Gon which Gon unflinchingly returned. Even though he felt hostile at his brother's supposedly best friend, Illumi couldn't help but admire the kid a little. "As my sources have told me, there's no cure…yet. So in the meantime, all users of nen are strongly advised not to use this ability, or face dire consequences." He then turned again to Killua, "Now, don't you see the advantage of all those training?"
Killua just snorted and motioned for Gon to follow him. "We're going to see otousan now," he said to Illumi without a backward glance as they walked away.
They walked in silence.
Gon sneaked a peek at his friend, gauging his mood. Killua looked at him, "Well?" he asked.
Gon couldn't meet his eyes as he said, "Your brother is right, Killua. None of us can use nen anymore but you…your family, all of you, still have other abilities because of your assassin training."
Killua halted in his steps as Gon continued.
"I can't even be a hunter anymore, I mean, I can't do anything because that's the only thing I've got. Whereas, you were also trained to be an assassin, you−…"
"Gon, what exactly are you saying?"
Gon lowered his head even more and Killua could see the telltale blush creeping around his friend's neck. He said something softly that Killua couldn't catch, "Ei? I can't hear you. Gon! What did you just say?"
Gon looked up, his face very red but he went on hurriedly, "Don't you see? The Hunter Card is now useless. I don't have a career! I don't have money! I would need to get a…a…another job!"
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Kurapika sat composedly, hands in his lap, as he waited expectantly with the other Nostrad bodyguards, Senritsu and Basho. The three of them were the only remaining bodyguards after the incident at York Shin and were now gathered in the Nostrad den at the summons of Mr. Right Nostrad.
"How's your arm, er, Senritsu right?" Mr. Nostrad asked by way of starting the meeting. He was seated at his desk facing the three of them.
Senritsu looked at her covered arms before answering, "It's fine now. I don't think the virus will continue to spread." She then looked up, "Thank you for asking, Nostrad-sama."
Mr. Nostrad coughed self-consciously, "Well, yes, erm, have to make sure everyone's alright. These are troubled times." He was really ill at ease, not knowing what to do. First, Neon still hasn't recovered, second, his bodyguards were sadly depleted and third, to make things worse, there was that virus which was fatal to anyone who uses nen, whatever that was. And would you know, his bodyguards' abilities were actually dependent on that.
Kurapika was also thinking somewhere along those lines. He looked at Senritsu and as usual, Senritsu heard his movement so she looked up at him and smiled a smile saying that she was really alright. He didn't know what was going on but the news said that the mysterious virus named Chimera Syndrome had spread and only affected nen users. He hadn't heard of it only until Senritsu used her ability one day and her right arm suddenly became numb with pain.
As if reading his mind, Senritsu told him, "I think what stopped the virus from spreading was that my arm and almost all of my body is already deformed and decaying. Who knew that it would prove beneficial to me?" she added to make light of the situation.
Kurapika smiled slightly and nodded. He had forgotten about Senritsu's condition but was still concerned for her nonetheless. He was also concerned for Gon and Killua, those kids managed to get themselves embroiled in affairs that didn't concern them. Take for example that incident with the Genei Ryodan.
"At least," Kurapika thought, "They won't be able to harm those kids. We're all on the same boat." As for Leorio? It was a good thing he decided to be a doctor. He was secure, not like him. He couldn't use his abilities anymore, he won't be able to go after the Genei Ryodan, much less be anyone's bodyguard. Was this the reason why they were summoned? Was Nostrad firing them?
"These are troubled times," Mr. Nostrad repeated again. "I just got back from a meeting with the head of our family." Kurapika knew what he meant by "family" was the mafia branch the Nostrad clan was under. "It seems that the keyword for the crisis that's happening now is 'numbers'. We have all agreed that 'safety in numbers' is the way to go."
Kurapika relaxed a little. 'Safety in numbers' could only mean one thing, more people. They wouldn't be fired…but then, it would also mean…
"They have generously lent me the resources to hire more bodyguards," their boss continued. "It is a loan that I have to pay back once things are," he paused, "…back to normal." He had been apprehensive about this, especially with Neon losing her 'sight,' good thing however that because of this virus, he had acquired unexpected wealth.
What Nostrad didn't plan on telling them was that the bodyguards were not really for the protection of the family members but secretly for the auction pieces he had bought. He discovered from the mafia meeting that most of those pieces were imbued with the aura called nen, and since they weren't living organisms, they were safe from the virus. Those particular black market pieces have increased their value a hundredfold!
"I have gathered you here today so you could meet the new bodyguards," Mr. Nostrad then looked at Kurapika, now his head bodyguard. "I expect you to take over these matters."
"Of course," Kurapika said as he stood up. Senritsu and Basho followed his example.
Nostrad nodded, pleased to turn over the responsibility of orienting the new bodyguards. He pushed a button on his desk and said, "Come in!"
The double doors of the den opened and three people walked in. The one in front looked odd. She, Kurapika assumed the person was a she, had long blond hair caught in a ponytail and was wearing a pink dress. What was strange was that, well, she looked like a muscular, well-built man.
The other one was sneering and had on a black, sort of sporty, gym overalls. Senritsu sucked in her breath as she recognized him as one of the Genei Ryodan, Phinx! She quickly looked at Kurapika.
But Kurapika hadn't even noticed Phinx. His eyes were widening in disbelief as he saw the third person who entered the room. "Great gods of Kuruta!" Kurapika almost said out aloud in shock, "Kuroro!"
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"Ah, it's good you came here," Silver Zoldyeck told his son as Killua and Gon entered the cavernous family room. "I have also sent someone to call Illumi."
"What is it father?" Killua asked in confusion. He and Gon had purposely sought out his father to confirm the news about the virus but it seemed that there was going to be a family meeting. Milluki, Kalluto and even never-before-made-an-appearance Alluka were already gathered there at one side of the room.
Gon nudged him, "Look!" he pointed to three other persons on the other side of the room. Killua wondered what the big deal was about, they were only servants but Gon asked, "Don't they look familiar to you?"
Killua did look and saw two maids, who didn't look at all that reliable, and one footman who was clearly lacking in height. "Well of course they look familiar," Killua told Gon patiently, "I know all of our family's staff, they're….." Killua's voice trailed off as he looked at the three "servants" in disbelief and recognition set in. "Wha−…."
"You called for me father?" Illumi asked as he entered the room. He frowned as he surveyed Gon and his brothers who were all present in the room. "I was just….." He froze as he too noticed the other occupants in the room.
"Sons…and guest," Silver nodded to Gon, "I wish to make known to you the new members of our staff."
Gon could hear Killua making choking noises at his side. Illumi was frowning, only slightly of course, while Kalluto was smiling mysteriously.
"You both look shocked," Silver told Killua and Illumi then he consulted the papers he had in his hand. Gon could swear that he saw Killua's father hiding a smile. Silver continued, "I'm surprised that you are, considering that they wrote the two of you as their references in their application forms."
"App−…Applic−…What?" Killua was spluttering.
"References?" Illumi asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, that's why I hired them. After all they know both my eldest son and my heir," Silver waved a negligent hand to the three uniformed persons in the room, "So meet Machi, our new upstairs maid, Shizuku, our new downstairs maid, and Feitan, the new footman."
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A/N2: Next chapter: Answer to why the GR took body guarding and domestic science. Hisoka (of course!) also enters the picture. And umm…review?