1. We meet again
Alluka stared carefully from the airplane seat at her brother and his friend. The boys were looking through the window in opposite directions, both with their arms crossed against their chest. There was an awkward silence which Alluka could not bear anymore. Someone had to break the ice
-Stop arguing! - she finally yelled
-but I am not! He is the one who's being difficult- said Gon
-Me? Seriously? You are the stubborn one who does whatever you want without permission- Killua replied
-But Alluka said it was ok to go with you!-
-Well, she is not in charge!-
-I don't understand why won't you let me go with you...-
-I already told you, it's dangerous. And I won't be able to protect both of you, I need to take care of Alluka-
-I don't care if it's dangerous, you have always been with me at moments even more dangerous than this. Besides, I don't need you to protect me, now I'll take care of you both- Gon looked at him with determination
-that's not the point...- said Killua as he looked away
-then what is it?-
-I...- he couldn't find an answer
-if you don't have anything else to say, then I'm going-
Killua was thinking of an answer when the flight attendant called for all passengers to fasten their seat belts. They were about to land
-Ok fine, do whatever you want...- he stretched his arms and rested his hands on the back of his head, as if he suddenly lost all interest in the conversation. This caused an instant smile on his friend's face. That smile...it was like magic to him. It caused an effect on him that he could never fully understand. Gon turned to chat with Alluka, Killua stared at him for a long moment, thoughtful...
"My point is that even if I say that I won't protect you, I will do it anyway, and that is the real danger".
The plane was heading to a huge and uninhabited forest, home to all sorts of gigantic species of trees and unknown animals and other beings, among them, a nen remover who lived there as a hermit. A few days ago, the Zoldyek siblings had started a journey to seek for the origin of Alluka's ability and a way to separate her from Nanika if possible, or at least to control it's power. In that journey they found out about this nen remover who was extremely difficult to find, but they were convinced that something could be done by nen removing.
When they parted to the colossal forest, Gon had track them without being noticed and showed up in their same flight, determined to join them in their quest. After they parted a few months ago, Gon had missed Killua so badly that he felt the need to find him. After all the time they had spent together for a long time, he had gotten used to being with him. Moreover, he felt in debt with his friend for all he had put him through when he selfishly decided to throw his life away to fight Pitou, and Killua was there to save him. Now he wanted to help him somehow and going with him and his sister was the only way he could think of helping at that moment.
The plane landed in a small prairie between the massive trees, which served as a tourist spot for taking pictures. There were no services in that forest. The tourist guide gave them some information and advice about the place as they walked around a few meters
-This forest has a unique flora and fauna. Everything is gigantic and has its own species of animals and plants. It is said that a long time ago indigenous tribes inhabited within the woods, but they disappeared because of the man-eaters plants. That's why they grew so tall, because of the human nutrients. Now please don't touch anything, take a few pictures with no flash, and head back to the plane…-
As she kept talking, the three children waved her goodbye and ventured into the woods
-hey you three! What do you think you are doing?-
-Thank you for everything miss, we are staying here-
-haven't you heard a word I said about this place? It's suicide! I'm sorry but I will have to call security if you intend to go any further. I can't let a group of children go…- she ran chasing them, alarmed. Once she got closer, she stared at Killua and Gon for a moment- huh? Have we met before, kids?
-ehhh!?- Gon pointed at her with his finger, suddenly surprised- you are the guide that took us to Kukuru mountain!
-really? to my house?- Killua asked surprised
-but you...! you are alive! how did you...what are you, kids!?- The girl looked at them, both frighten and amazed, and then rushed to the plane along with the rest of the tourists
Gon, Killua and Alluka walked into the woods. They didn't know where to start looking. Killua climbed a tree to have a better view, but all trees where equally big, so it was no use. Gon climbed with him, but instead of looking around, he closed his eyes and sharpened his nose to scent something
-I can smell fire coming from that way- he pointed east of Killua
-seriously, what are you? some kind of dog?- he thought out loud
They went down again and started walking in that direction
-I'm glad I could be helpful- Gon said, cheering up
They walked peacefully for two hours. Gon and Killua sometimes discussed their strategy to find this nen user, but they mostly continued their way in silence, watching carefully for any sign of wild creatures.
-brother, I'm bored- whined Alluka taking his hand
-I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do about it- he replied with his eyes fixed on the road.
Gon looked at her sad face and felt sorry for her
-What if we play something in the meantime?- he asked her cheerfully
-sure, you play with her, while I try to keep us alive- said Killua with sarcasm, letting go of her hand and going ahead
Alluka scowled at his back. Gon had offered to take her hand with a smile, but she just looked away and kept walking, leaving Gon puzzled. After a while she spoke
-how did you become friends with my brother?-
-well, I'm not really sure- he looked at the sky, thoughtful. Killua continued walking ahead but listening carefully to the conversation- but...since the moment we met, I thought he was cool, and I wanted to be his friend
When he heard that, Killua blushed a little, but said nothing
-we met during the hunter's exam and before I realized, we had stuck together. But now that I think about it, I guess it was when he told me about your family that I started to be considered as his friend by him-
-that's not true- Killua interrupted- we became friends ever since we ran together in the first phase of the exam-
-oh, right. Hehehe- Gon smiled, rubbing his head- But because you were a little jealous of Leorio and Kurapika at first, I was not sure if you were that interested in me
-what do you mean by jealous?- Killua had turned back and walked towards them
-who are Kurapika and Leorio?- asked Alluka, but they carried on their conversation without paying attention to her questions
-...yes but I told you first that you were my best friend- continued Gon
-no you didn't, you only said that to Biscuit when we were going to meet Kite. I said it long before…- denied Killua
-what biscuit? which kite?- Alluka felt ignored again
-... I was the one who asked you to stay by my side that time in Whale Island- recalled Gon
- well, you met my family before you introduced me to Mito-san...- continued Killua
-STOP LEAVING ME OUT OF THE CONVERSATION!- interrupted Alluka- I already know you are good friends
-sorry Alluka-chan- Gon smiled at her
-brother, I'm tired, carry me please- she said, standing between them
-ok, but just for a little-
She leapt into his arms and kissed him on a cheek. When Killua wasn't looking, she stuck her tongue out at Gon, who laughed. His nice attitude towards her was driving her nuts.
They kept walking a little further, until Killua started to feel tired
-ok let's rest for a moment- he said once they reached a river. He put his sister down
-have you noticed? the tourist guide said we should be careful with the animals, but it's been very quiet for a while- observed Gon
-I know, it's been troubling me too. We should use this opportunity to rest, but we still need to be alert-
Gon nodded -ok, you stay here with your sister, I will go and get us some dinner. I will be right back-
After a few minutes Gon came back with a huge fish, almost as big as the Master of the Swamp (and it was the smallest he could find). He found Killua playing around with his sister, carrying her on his shoulders, so cheerfully. Gon walked slowly towards them to admire that moment for a little longer. He had never seen his friend laughing so naturally and innocently. Gon was always the cheerful one, and he never realized how cute and radiant Killua could be when he was happy. He stared at them for another minute, until Killua noticed he was back, waving at him. The three of them started a fire to prepare dinner
-here, take this, this one is well cooked- Killua handed Alluka a grilled fish, blowing it to cool it down a bit before she ate it- be careful, it's really hot
Gon stared at them with sparkling eyes
-what...what is your problem? why are you looking at me like that?! - Killua asked, disturbed
-nothing, it's just that you are such a cool big brother. Alluka is so lucky to have you... and Alluka is so cute too, I think I'm a little jealous-
-w-what are you talking about… You always say such things so lightly, it's embarrassing- he said, his cheeks turning slightly red
-but it's true! you are like a manga hero. I wish I had an older brother or sister- his eyes suddenly turned watery
-don't be silly, older brothers can be very annoying- he replied, taking a big chunk of his fish. He continued without even finishing it- Take Illumi… or Milluki for example! you don't want one of those...-he paused to swallow and noticed that comment didn't make his friend feel any better. In fact, he seemed about to cry- besides... you don't need a brother when you have me to look after you... idiot- he patted his friend's head gently and looked away, too embarrassed to look him in the eyes.
Gon sobbed, touched by his friend's words. He looked at him tenderly
- Killua...- he whispered in a sweet voice
There was a moment of silence, and Alluka stared at them, feeling the tension.
-hey brother!- she jumped on him, and grabbed him by his arm- I'm sleepy, can we go to bed together?
-yes, sure. I'll go prepare a decent bed. I will just look for some branches and...-
But just before he finished, he suddenly froze for a second, pushing Alluka away. He had to jump to dodge a huge wild boar-like animal attacking them out of nowhere
-Gon!- he thought fast- take Alluka to somewhere safe!-
-I want to stay with you brother!- she cried
But Gon was busy fighting a new boar by himself -I'm trying!- he shouted while dodging one of the beast's huge spiky horns
Alluka had already ran away from them back into the woods. She tried to climb a tree, but she was too afraid, she kept slipping and falling on the ground. When she finally reached a branch with her hand, a third boar hit the trunk, making her let go of the branch. Just before she reached the ground, Gon managed to catch her in the air, but when they were about to land the boar hit them once again. Gon blocked the attack with his aura to avoid damage, but he wasn't fast enough. The impact sent them away several meters, falling into the river. The current dragged them quickly, violently hitting them against the rocks. Alluka had passed out instantly, Gon tried by all means to protect her with his own body from the rocks. Gon still had his fishing rod with him, and he managed to reach shore hanging from a tree. He carried Alluka to a safe place into a cave, and then passed out too.
When Gon woke up, his body was still numb by the cold and his wounds, but he noticed some sort of bandages around his arm and ankle. Alluka was sitting in a corner, holding her knees against her chest
-Alluka...are you ok?- his voice sounded weak. His head spun, he could still feel blood coming out of his head. He fought the need to close his eyes.
-yes- she replied without turning to him- thanks to you
-I'm glad to hear that- he whispered, and his sight slowly faded to black again
He woke up a few hours later, he felt strong enough to stand up without help. When he opened his eyes, Alluka was in the same position
-I'm sorry we got separated from your brother- he said, sitting next to her- are you cold?
But she didn't answer. Gon thought she might have been crying, he didn't know what to do
-are you hungry? are you afraid? do you... want to play a game?-
No reply. Still her face hidden between her arms- I'm sorry Alluka, I don't know what to do. I'm a terrible big brother.
-Gon...- she finally said in a dry, distant voice, which seemed different than usual- can you give me your jacket?
-sure! here- he covered her back with it, happy to do something for her
At that moment, she had turned her face to him.
-are you afraid, Gon?- she stared at him
-no! no of course not! Why would I? everything is fine, we will soon find your brother...-
-Gon... can I have a lock of your hair?-
-why would you want...-but just before he finished the question, he realized the situation. The jacket was the first request, this was the second. And he couldn't refuse them. He remembered what Killua said about the conditions. "The next one will be more difficult to fulfill", he recalled, as a drop of sweat came down his face
-take it- he said, pulling a lock of hair- you can keep it to remember me- he said with a gentle smile
Alluka stared at it for a moment in silence, and then asked- Gon... if I asked you to give me your life, would you give it to me?
-hmmm- he crossed his arms against his chest and raised an eyebrow, with a troubled and thoughtful face- it depends on what you want to do with it- he answered sincerely- But… if I had to give my life to save you, I wouldn't doubt it.
-why?- she said, hiding her face again between her knees
-because you are Killua's most important person in the world, and if something happens to you, he couldn't be happy, ever again. And if he is not happy, I can't be happy either-
-Gon...what do you wish?-
Gon didn't expect that question yet. Starting to think about it, maybe she already had asked for something else before, and he didn't realize. She turned to him again, her face was now pale white and had no eyeballs. It wasn't the first time Gon had seen Nanika, but he still wasn't used to those sudden changes
-are you afraid now, Gon?-
-no, I... I'm just a little surprised- he didn't want her, or "them" to feel offended- I have no reason to be afraid
-do you wish something, Gon?-
He stared at her for a brief moment, there was no fear or greed in his eyes. Only his most honest feelings
-I want to be friends with Alluka- he finally said
He could see how those black, empty eyeballs were slowly filled with teardrops. The more Alluka tried to reject Gon, the more gentle and caring he was to her. And as much as she was jealous of him for his close relationship with his brother, she just couldn't dislike him
-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you cry! -said Gon standing up, alarmed
-She says she wants to be your friend too, because you are brother's best friend- answered Alluka in a sweet voice, sobbing. She suddenly hugged him, and almost instantly fell asleep on his lap.
-I'm so happy- he said, and covered her with his jacket once again
Next morning, Gon had fully recovered from his wounds, so they went out looking for Killua
-the river current was very strong, I doubt he could catch up. We must go back to where we got separated- Gon observed
He carried Alluka to a safe place in a tree, climbing to the top to get some orientation. He was looking carefully, when he suddenly saw a big lightning rushing through the forest towards them. He went down for Alluka as fast as he could, but when he got there, the lighting had already reached them.
-Killua! it was you- Gon claimed, surprised
-where the heck have you been!- Alluka had jumped to hug him
-I tried to follow the river as fast as I could, but then it was divided in two streams and I guess I followed the wrong one. This morning came a thunderstorm, and I could charge myself fully to find you-
-good thinking!- said Gon energetic, and gave him a high five
Alluka gave him a dirty look- Gon-Kun, don't think because we are friends now I have given you my brother. He is mine- she said, pulling Killua's arm close to her
-huh? but he is my friend! then he is mine too- Gon held his other arm
-w-what do you think you are doing! cut it out! both of you!- he said with his face completely red- and what's that "Gon-kun" thing about?
-Killua is such a cute brother when he is overprotective with Alluka-chan- said Gon in a sweet voice- you two are the best brother and sister, aren't you?
-I love my brother more than anything in the world. When I grow up I'm going to marry him-
-huhhhh!?- yelled Gon in astonishment by the words he had heard, letting go of Killua.
-Alluka! stop saying that! that was cute when you were like 3 years old... but now it's just... disturbing -
-well then, can I marry Gon-kun?-
-what!? absolutely not! Gon, what have you done to her when I was away!-
-nothing, I just look after her- he looked at him, puzzled- but I'm really loving this overprotective Killua- this time he was staring at him with a serious look, blushing a little
Killua coughed and changed the subject, although he was flattered - anyway, let's just keep walking...-