The walls of the cold building felt like they were closing in on Killua. After spending hours trapped in a small room with no windows, one would think that he would be happy to be let out. Instead, Killua felt more claustrophobic than ever. Nobunaga was slowly walking with Gon and him down the hallway towards 'the Boss,' as Nobunaga had explained. Gon and Killua were in front of him, the swordsman himself following close behind—giving directions when needed.
This isn't over yet, Killua thought. If he can just act as a decoy long enough for Gon—
All thoughts were cut off when he felt an alien weight in his hand. Looking down, Killua saw a tan hand tightly entwined with his own. Looking up to see the owner of the hand, Killua was met with golden eyes, burning with an undying fire. Any time Killua looked into those eyes, he drank it in like it would be his last look. Now it truly could be.
And Killua was helpless to do anything about it.
Gon's eyes screamed 'Don't worry, we'll be alright,' while squeezing the life out of Killua's own hand, promising that Gon was just as scared as he was.
Nobunaga immediately noticed the two holding hands and laughed, "Aren't you two adorable? No need to act so terrified. If you don't catch the Boss's fancy you're free to go. And if you do, well…"
Killua had to clench his other hand in a fist to stop himself from shaking. Soon, they were back to the open area in the building. Except, the floor was crowded now with the number of boxes taking up space in the room.
These must be the items from the auction, Killua realized. He wondered what scheme they pulled off to successfully steal what looked like every item in the underground auction. Making their way closer, the members of the Troupe slowly looked up one by one, until there were 12 pairs of eyes on them.
"I'm surprised," the pink-haired girl commented, "I thought they would have escaped by now."
"Shut up!" Nobunaga yelled.
"I was wondering where you were, Nobunaga," the one with the tattoo on his forehead said. "Who are these two?"
"Oh," the pink-haired girl commented. "I forgot you hadn't met the kids yet." She went on to explain their interactions from earlier that day, from the two trailing her and Nobunaga to the arm-wrestling contest Gon had with the swordsman.
"Boss! I want to recruit this black-haired kid to the Spiders." Nobunaga explained.
The 'Boss,' as he was labeled, silently looked over Gon, unflinching at the boy's fiery gaze. The boss gave a small smile, "He sure looks like he hates us. What's your name?"
"I don't need to tell you anything!" Gon fired back. "You go around, needlessly killing others, but then I see you guys shed tears for your fallen comrade. If you understand the tragedy of death, why do you all kill people that have nothing to do with you?"
There was silence for a long moment and Killua held his breath the entire time, sure that if he breathed out, they would be killed before the breath could fully leave his lungs. The tension lifted as soon as it arrived and Killua was able to exhale.
"Why indeed," the Boss murmured. "I see why you like him, Nobunaga. He has a fire in him similar to Uvogin."
"Right? I knew you would see it my way, boss." The swordsman was smiling now. "This is Gon, by the way."
Then, those dark eyes turned to Killua. The only face he had ever seen more devoid of emotion was Illumi, but this man would give his brother a run for his money. "And who is this?"
"That's his friend Killua," Nobunaga explained. "He's impressive as well, but I'm more interested in Gon."
The Boss looked contemplative. "Killua, you say? Your last name wouldn't happen to be Zoldyck, would it?"
Killua felt his blood run cold. Did the Boss still have a grudge with his dad for killing one of his members? He thought about lying but then remembered how Pakunoda could check for memories and if they had her perform her power again, they might figure out that Kurapika was the chain user.
"Yes, it is." Killua kept his eyes locked on the Boss, looking for any tell of emotion on his face. But there was none. There was absolutely nothing there. Those eyes felt just as soul-sucking as his brother's. The man tilted his head up to look at the skylight.
"I just came from a fight with your father and grandfather. I would love their abilities, but I don't think I'll ever have the chance to take them."
Killua was having trouble following, being bombarded with so much information at once. His father and grandfather had been sent to fight this man? And he was still alive? And what did he mean by 'take' their abilities? Was that even possible?
"What happened?" Killua asked before he could stop himself.
"Nothing much. They're still alive if that's what you're wondering. Simply put, the Ten Dons hired your father and grandfather to assassinate me, and at the same time, I hired your brother Illumi to assassinate the Ten Dons. Your brother finished the job first."
"Why are you telling them all this, Boss?" The large man with the scars on his face asked.
The Boss answered easily enough. "Killua here could easily find out this information from his own family."
Now, some emotion did filter into the boss's face. It looked like...anticipation.
"And Gon-kun, well, he'll be staying with us for a while."
Killua felt like his heart was ripped out of his chest, just like he had done to so many targets before. They're going to keep Gon?
"I would keep Killua too, but we don't need to give his family any reason to seek us out. I won't force him to join."
Nobunaga whooped in delight. "Yes! Thank you, Boss. You won't regret this."
Killua was still in shock. Gon was going to be taken away from him? He was jolted out of his thoughts by a loud yell coming from his side.
"As if I would ever join you guys! I'd rather die!" Gon was breathing heavily in anger and Killua felt some relief. How were they supposed to force Gon to join? Maybe if they saw how against the idea Gon was, they would let them go.
The Boss brought a hand to his chin. "His attitude is an issue though. I think it's severe enough that we might have to use Pakunoda. If you will?" He gestured for the busty woman to come closer and for Nobunaga to bring Gon to him as well.
Pakunoda? Why Pakunoda? Her power had to do with memories. Why—
No. No. Anything but that, Killua thought in desperation.
"Gon!" He yelled, trying to close the distance between him and the other boy. Before he could move, Killua felt wires pull him back with his hands tied painfully behind his back.
"Killua!" Gon tried to rush around Nobunaga, but before he could, Killua felt the sharp edge of a card at his neck again.
"One move and I kill Killua-kun here," Hisoka purred.
Gon stopped in his tracks, looking extremely conflicted. Pakunoda finally made her way over and Gon looked at her in confusion. It seemed he still hadn't figured out why the Boss wanted Pakunoda.
"How much do you want gone?" She asked.
The Boss was silent for a moment as he stared at the ground contemplating.
"All of it," he said finally. "I don't want him to remember any people in his life before us, especially this boy here."
A look of horror had grown in Gon's gaze as he realized what was about to happen. He didn't move, however, as Killua still felt the card digging into the side of his neck. He felt completely helpless and he was sure Gon felt the same way.
Pakunoda sidled up next to Gon and slung an arm around his shoulder. Gon didn't look at her. He kept his gaze locked with Killua's. Then, Pakunoda started asking her questions.
"Do you remember your family, Gon? Your friends? Everyone you've met before?"
Gon said nothing, and Killua felt his heart break as he stared back at him.
"What about Killua?"
In anguish, Killua saw tears form in Gon's eyes at his name and Killua realized his eyes were damp as well.
"I'm sorry, Gon," Killua choked out. "I'm so sorry."
"Remember him well Gon," Pakunoda murmured, "Because in a second you won't."
Killua felt Nen start to build in the air.
"It's okay, Killua" Gon looked at him fiercely through his tears, "I lo—"
Suddenly, the building nen came to a climax and Killua watched as Gon's eyes blanked out before he tilted his head back in a silent scream. Then, as quickly as it started, it was over. As the Nen dissipated, Gon sagged bonelessly into Pakunoda's waiting arms. She had a look of shock across her face that she quickly hid. Killua was too focused on his friend to care though.
"Gon!" Killua screamed in desperation. But he didn't dare move a muscle—his brother's voice echoing in his head that he could never fight off one of the members, let alone all of them.
Soon, Gon started stirring and his eyes fluttered open. He looked around in confusion before closing his eyes in a wince, bringing a hand up to his head.
"Where am I?" He asked with his eyes still shut.
"Gon? Gon! Are you okay?" Killua cried in relief and worry.
At his voice, Gon opened his eyes again and met the gaze of Killua. But there was no recognition there. There was silence for a moment before Gon asked,
"Who are you?"
Those three words became the only thing buzzing around Killua's head.
Who are you?
Wordlessly, Killua sank to his knees. Heavy, silent sobs started wracking his frame. Gon, his Gon, was gone. His first friend—he let slip through his fingers. He felt like his insides had been hollowed out, leaving unending emptiness. He didn't fight when the pink-haired one gripped his arm and hauled him to his feet again, silently standing with his fringe covering his eyes.
"Pakunoda," Killua heard the Boss say, "lead Gon-kun to one of the side rooms and try to make him comfortable. Get him some food and water. Nobunaga, you go with them. He'll be largely your responsibility."
"What should I do about the memory bullet?" Pakunoda asked. Killua didn't know what she was talking about but he didn't care. Gon was gone.
"Dispose of it," the Boss dismissed. "He won't be needing those anymore."
"Yes, Boss."
"Everyone else, start packing this stuff up. We leave at sunrise."
Killua could hear Gon being led away but he didn't look up. Then, he heard footsteps coming towards him and a moment later the Boss's legs came into view. A hand gripped his chin and forced his head up. Killua tried to meet the other's eyes defiantly, but all the fight was drained out of him.
After all, what was there to fight for anymore?
"I know you probably hate us now, but I promise you he's in good hands. We'll make him strong. He has a lot of potential. When you're older, you're welcome to come after us to exact your revenge. But I promise you, your friend will never be the same. He'll be one of us."
The Boss smiled then, and it was a smile that Killua would remember for the rest of the life. It was one that stole a person's hopes and dreams. It was a smile that made Killua understand why the Boss was the leader of the Spiders. The Boss then looked over Killua's shoulder at the pink-haired woman.
"Machi, knock him out."
"Yes, Boss."
The Boss stepped back. "It was interesting to meet you, Killua. If we're ever in need of a member in the future, I'll be sure to give you a call. In the meantime, you must trust Gon to us. I mean, you don't have much a choice, now do you?"
That was the last thing Killua heard before he felt a sharp pain on the back of his neck, then total darkness.
Killua woke up to rain pounding on him and a killer headache. He found himself in a deserted alleyway with the moon hanging high overhead. How did he get here?
"Gon, where are—"
Everything came flooding back to him as he sat up quickly, causing his head to throb even more. How hard had that girl Machi knocked him out? His greatest worry, though, was Gon. If he could get in touch with Kurapika and the Mafia, maybe they could raid the Troupe's hideout and rescue Gon. But first, Killua dialed Leorio. The teen answered on the first ring.
"Killua?! Is that you? Zepile and I have been worried sick! Where have you been? It's been over a day!"
Killua stopped rubbing his head at Leorio's last comment. It was nighttime, so Killua had thought it was the same night. If Leorio was telling the truth, however, then Killua might be too late.
Don't think like that, Killua thought to himself. They could have decided to stay an extra day.
"Gon has been captured by the Troupe. They knocked me out and dropped me off in an alley. I'm calling Kurapika now."
"Gon's been captured?! Wait, Killua—"
He hung up and quickly dialed Kurapika. It took a few rings for him to pick up but when he did, Killua cut right to the chase.
"Gon was captured by the Troupe. I know where their hideout is. Help me save Gon. I know you're the chain user."
"What did you just say? Do you know how dangerous the Troupe is?! I can't believe—"
"It's too late for that," Killua yelled into the receiver. "It's too late," he said in a softer tone. "Will you help me or not?"
There was silence on the other side of the line for a moment before Kurapika spoke in a quieter voice.
"I'm going to give you an address to a hotel. I will meet you there with a friend that can help us. Do not go after them without me. Gon wouldn't want you throwing your life away to save him."
Killua gritted his teeth but agreed and hung up. As soon as he got the address, he started running there at top speed. When he arrived, he saw he saw Kurapika in a new outfit with a short person standing next to him. When Kurapika saw the state his friend was in, he looked at a loss for a second before pulling himself together.
"Killua, this is Melody. She'll be helping us find Gon. She has the best hearing of anyone you'll ever meet." He gestured to the person standing next to him, who looked like she was wearing a plant around her neck. She looked at him with an expression of deep worry and sympathy, but Killue felt no pity coming from her.
"Your heartbeat sings in the melody of absolute loss and heartbreak. What happened?"
Kurapika looked at Killua in alarm. "Are you alright, Killua? Did they hurt you or Gon?"
Killua felt a lump in his throat when he thought back to his time with the Troupe, and the last time he saw Gon.
Who are you?
Melody pulled on Kurapika's sleeve. "If we push him too hard, he's going to lose it. Let's not question him for now and instead worry about finding Gon-kun."
Kurapika stared at Killua a moment longer but Killua still said nothing. Killua was aware that if he started talking, he would break down right there in the hotel lobby.
"Let's get going then," Kurapika said finally.
And with that, they headed out towards the Spider's base.
"That's it, right there. The building at 2 o'clock."
Killua pointed to the large abandoned building to their slight right.
There was silence for a moment before Melody timidly asked, "Are you sure this is the building?"
"Yes, I'm sure!" Killua hissed back.
"Killua, calm down!" Kurapika ordered.
Killua took in a deep breath and let it out again. "I'm sorry, Melody, but I'm positive this is the right one. Why do you ask?"
She didn't answer for a second, seeming wary of Killua's response.
"Well, it's just—I can't hear anyone inside at all. It's silent."
It couldn't be. Killua refused to believe it. Not until he saw it with his own eyes. He stood up from their hiding position and started running towards the building.
"Killua! Are you insane?" Kurapika hissed from behind him. With a curse, Killua heard two more pairs of footsteps join him in his sprint for the Spider hideout. Sneaking up to an open window, Killua peeked into the main room of the building and found...nothing. No boxes of the stolen merchandise from the auction, and certainly no Troupe members. Giving up on any semblance of discretion, Killua climbed through the window, ignoring Kurapika's protests, and started making his way through the rest of the building.
There was nothing. No signs of life. It was abandoned all over again.
"No no no." Killua kept muttering under his breath. "This can't be it."
Kurapika's hand came to rest on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Killua. I would help you go after them but we can't go where they probably went. The Mafia rescinded their hit on the Troupe. They're from Meteor City. And they don't just allow anyone to waltz in there."
Meteor City? Like where Canary is from? From what Killua knew about that place, he would have to become much stronger to bring back Gon from there. And he would, no matter what. He turned around and started walking back towards the populous part of the city.
"Killua? Where are you going now?" Kurapika called after him.
"Kukuroo Mountain. I need to become stronger." And if that meant willingly going back to his family's influence, to Illumi's, then so be it. He was going to become strong enough to save Gon, even if it killed him.
A/N: Hello, all! This is my first hxh work so please go easy on me. I've had this idea since the first time I watched the show and I decided it was finally time I wrote the damn thing. Thank you to my great friend Sonia for helping me out. She's the best, and she makes awesome cookies too.
Enjoy! If you like this story please favorite and review :)
