DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Hunter x Hunter", Togashi owns them who's back from hiatus and is continuing the manga. The only thing I own are my original characters and the story itself. That's all and please enjoy. =D
Chapter Four: The Tour
The next morning, Gon and the others were already up, currently making their way down to the castle's kitchen.
"Man, I lost to you last night. But, Pierrette was sure on a roll. Seems like losing way too much caused her to be like that." said Killua.
"Yeah, even after everybody left, she was still playing. Really competitive that girl." said Gon.
"Anyways, you still have a story to tell, Kurapika. And we're not letting you get away anymore this time." said Killua.
"Yeah, yeah. Well, Yuna just took me to a small village, that's all. We're gonna' go back there later anyways, along with you guys. Besides that, there's nothing else." said Kurapika.
"Really? What about that thing going on between you two during dinner, eh? And you being pissed off and slamming the door on us." said Leorio.
"That, I couldn't tell you." said Kurapika as he suddenly remembered what happened last night, blushing from the mere thought of it.
"Oh come on! At least give us a hint!" whined Leorio.
"No."
"Yeah, what did she meant by "gotten it to hook up"?" said Killua, joining on the teasing.
"Umm… Ehhh… she was trying to put a picture up on the wall… I was just helping her…"
"Really?"
"Yes, really! Come on, just leave me alone!" said Kurapika as he walked faster, slowly breaking into a run.
"Oy! Kurapika! Slow down a little! We were just messin' with ya'!" called out Leorio.
"Hey! Now you're the one who's speeding up!" said Killua as he ran after the two.
"Don't leave me alone guys!" said Gon, following.
"Ah! That was great! Thanks as always, Kasumi-chan! You always knew what I wanted!" said Pierrette.
"You're welcome, you're Highness." said a young girl, about sixteen, with long, flowing orange hair. Dressed in what seems to be a chef's uniform, along with a toque.
"And you still eat like a pig." said Patricia, nibbling on a piece of toast.
"Hey! Who're you calling a pig!" said Pierrette.
"Now, now. You two never get tired of fighting. By the way, where's your sister? She hasn't come down and eaten breakfast yet." said Kasumi, as she wiped her hands on a towel.
"She's probably still sleeping. Tired maybe, she's usually awake before the two of us." said Pierrette, while using a tooth pick.
"She'll wake up soon." said Patricia, gulping down all of her orange juice.
"Plus, she's too grumpy if you wake her up. Just let her wake-up on her own. I ended up having a black-eye last time that's for sure." said Pierrette, her eye twitching from the mere thought.
"I didn't know that. Thanks for telling me. I almost went up to her room once to wake her up. I never thought it was actually a bad idea." said Kasumi, clearing their dishes away from the table.
"Good Morning everybody!" said Gon, as he and the others walked in at the kitchen.
"Good Morning! Have you guys eaten your breakfasts yet?" said Pierrette, turning around to face them.
"Not yet. We're practically starving! Especially after chasing Kurapika here." said Killua, as he took a sit at the kitchen's table.
"Blame Leorio, he's the one who started it." said Kurapika.
"I told you it was only a joke. Geez." said Leorio.
"Huge kitchen you got here." said Gon as he took a look around.
"Oy, we can look later. Come and sit down, I'm starving too." said Leorio as he pulled Gon, and Kurapika as well, then shoved them to their seats.
"You don't have to shove us! Really. After teasing me…" said Kurapika, mumbling to himself.
"Oh yeah! I haven't introduce you to her guys yet, everyone, meet Kasumi-chan. She's our Head Chef, in charge of everything that's happening here. Plus, she's a Hunter. An Epicure Hunter." said Pierrette.
"And also my girlfriend. Good Morning everybody!" said Satoshi, as he entered the room. Going up to Kasumi and planting a kiss on her cheek.
"Satoshi! Don't do that in public! It's embarrassing!" said Kasumi, blushing as she playfully punched Satoshi on his arm.
"But I love you! I'm just showering you with my love!" said Satoshi, pouting.
"Let's continue this later, ok? Right now, I have people to feed." said Kasumi as she laughed.
"Oooook." said Satoshi as he took a sit besides Gon and the others.
"Oh, and it's nice to meet you guys. I'll be right back with your food." said Kasumi, as she leaves.
"You have a pretty girlfriend there, Satoshi." said Leorio.
"Yeah. She's really great!" said an embarrassed Satoshi.
"While you guys eat your breakfast, we're just gonna' go upstairs. Excuse us. Let's go, Pierrette." said Patricia as they both stood up from the table, leaving the kitchen.
"Even though they're always fighting, they always seem be together most of the times." said Gon.
"They remind me of you and Killua, so much alike." said Kurapika.
"Really? I never realized." said Gon, smiling.
"Where's Yuna-san anyways?" said Kurapika.
"Good Morning, everyone." said Yuna, yawning as she walked in.
"Speak of the devil. Ohayou, princess." said Leorio.
"Huh? Oh, ohayou. Really, I woke-up late again. And to think even Pierrette and Patricia woke-up before me. I should adjust my sleeping schedule." said Yuna.
"Ah, Good Morning, you're Highness. Just in time, I just brought out the food." said Kasumi, placing them one by one on the table.
"Looks good! Ok, itadakimasu!" said Killua as he began digging in.
"Ah, my favourites. Thanks, Kasumi-chan." said Yuna as she took a seat next to Kurapika.
"No problem. By the way, what are you wearing?" said Kasumi, her face scrunching while looking at her outfit.
"Oh, this? Well, I couldn't find my pajamas last night so I just grabbed on some random t-shirt and shorts and put them on." said Yuna.
"Remind to tell one of the maids to get one for you. Really, is this the way you should be dressed?" said Kasumi.
"I can wear whatever I want, Kasumi. Really, you haven't changed a bit." said Yuna, chuckling.
"You don't have to scold the princess on her fashion sense, Kasumi." said Satoshi.
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever, it's like you two never knew me at all." said Kasumi.
"Oh yeah, Yuna-neechan, Kurapika said we're going to that place you two went to yesterday." said Gon, chewing on a piece of bacon.
"Yeah. I'll take you guys there. But first, I'll show you around the town first. Then to the urban district area." said Yuna, taking a bite of a piece of toast.
"Urban district area?" said Killua.
"It's an area further away from town. It has buildings and stuff. Mostly technological stuff. Bars, clubs, restaurants, casinos, you name it. I hang out there most of the time."
"Looks like the kind of place for me!" said Leorio.
"That place is full of thugs though. Be careful, princess. Like I always tell you." said Satoshi.
"I know, Satoshi. And thank you." said Yuna.
"Hey, I'm just looking out for you. It's my job after all. Plus, you're my childhood friend." he said as he smiled.
"Anyways, I'm done eating. Excuse me; I have to take a bath and then change. You guys should meet me at the throne room later. See ya'." said Yuna as she stood up then left.
"Then we should be going then too. We're finished too anyways. It was nice meeting you, Kasumi-chan. Let's go." said Kurapika as they all stood up as well, leaving the kitchen.
"My, what a strong group of Hunters. Don't you think so, Satoshi?" said Kasumi as she began picking up the dirty plates.
"Isn't that the other workers' job? Why don't you let them take care of the dishes instead?" said Satoshi.
"Na'h. I'll do it instead. Besides, I only get to do less here in the kitchen. Most of the time I'm outside looking for rare ingredients around this kingdom. And, it's also my privilege to serve the princesses. The other workers here in the castle are served by the minor chefs."
"Yeah, and whenever you go away, I always miss you."
"Aww, it's my job. I can't help it."
"That's why I always want to be with you whenever you're here." said Satoshi as she hugged Kasumi.
"Now, now. Safe that for later. Besides, I have something in surprise for tonight." said Kasumi, as she winked at him.
"Ohohoho! Now I can't wait for it." said Satoshi as he pulled away from her.
"Now, now. Be patient. It will be worth it."
"Then I'll go and entertain myself until then. See you later honey!" said Satoshi as he left.
Kasumi chuckled as she went back to work.
A little while later, Gon and the others were already at the throne room, waiting for Yuna to come down.
"Is she always this late?" said Killua.
"She takes longer to change. You'll see why." said Kurapika.
"Where are you going this time, Kurapika? And I see Gon, Killua and Leorio will be coming with you this time." said Jacquenette.
"Yuna-san's taking us to the town, you're Highness. We haven't even explored the kingdom yet anyways." said Kurapika.
"Yeah, that's why I'm taking them. Yo'. Sorry for being late." said Yuna as she finally arrived at the throne room. This time, she's wearing the same uniform she had on yesterday except the coat is red and her shorts were black. Along with black socks again with a pair of white and black sneakers. Her sword still strapped to the side of her right hip. A tiara was placed on top of her head, a different one compared to yesterday.
"Now I know why. Why the need to get dressed up?" said Killua.
"Tradition. And it's proper. Anyways, let's go. We can just walk to the town from here." said Yuna as she led them out of the castle.
"Well, that's a relief. No horses, for now." said Kurapika.
"What horses?" asked Killua.
"You'll see. We're going to the village after all." said Kurapika.
The walk to the town wasn't long enough. Thirty minutes later, they were already there. People were bustling about. Vendors and merchants were shouting, trying to get people's attention. The small restaurants were buzzing as well, with waiters and waitresses scrambling around.
"Wow, so many people." said Leorio.
"Na'h. This is few compared to the number of people during Sundays. Especially on Wednesdays, which are market days. So, not a good idea to go out those days." said Yuna.
"Ah! It's the princess!" said a passerby. Pretty soon, people started to stop and look towards their direction.
"Oh yeah! It's the princess!"
"The princess? Where?"
"There she is! It's the princess!"
The people then started to gather, wanting to see the princess in person. Although, they still maintained a distance away from her, letting her pass through easily.
"Are they always this excited when one of the four of you are here?" said Killua.
"Yeah. Can't help it. They love us so much. Not that I'm bragging or anything."
"Amazing! Look at all these people!" said Gon.
"It's the same at the village." said Kurapika.
"It's like you're a celebrity." said Leorio.
"Ah, more are starting to gather." said Gon.
"WE LOVE YOU PRINCESS YUNA~!" shouted a bunch of guys, with "We Love Yuna" plastered all-over their shirts. Along with pink and red hearts.
"And there goes my alleged fan club." said Yuna, as she waved to them.
"You even have a fan club?" said Killua, surprised.
"Yeah. But those guys were only some of the members. Usually there are more of them. Probably scourging the Internet for information about me again." said Yuna, sighing.
"You should get them restraining orders." said Leorio.
"Na'h. They're pretty much harmless. Besides, onee-san's fan club is the rabid ones. One time, we caught three members trying to break into the castle." said Yuna.
"Do all of you have fan clubs?" asked Gon.
"Yeah. Onee-san has the most number of members in it, second are mine and then the third would be either Patricia's or Pierrette's. It varies since the number kept decreasing and increasing, it's like their fan clubs are fighting as well."
"It's like those two. Hahaha! It's funny to think even their fan club's mimics their actions." said Killua.
"They even have their own respective headquarters! And a website. Plus, merchandises as well." said Yuna.
"Phew, take about dedication." said Leorio.
"Are most of them guys?" asked Killua.
"Yeah. But there are girls also. More rabid than the guys. Scary if you ask me." said Yuna.
"Ah look, more are starting to show up." said Gon.
"I don't think it's a good idea to stay here much longer then." said Kurapika.
"Yeah, we should hurry. Once they started to gather, it will be too late. Let's go then!" said Yuna as she and the guys walked faster. Getting further away from the town's plaza.
They've reached the far ends of the town. Less people were around. The surroundings were less quiet than at the plaza's, with small buildings and lesser shops. A huge fountain was in the middle.
"Ah, we're safe here. Plus, the shops here are interesting though. Why don't you guys take a look around for yourselves? I'll be waiting at the book store then, over there." Yuna said as she pointed towards a shop, the windows a little dusty and the door already aging.
"Ok then. Let's go, Killua!" said Gon as the two ran off to elsewhere.
"I wonder what they have in here…" said Leorio as he wandered off.
"I shall be staying with you then, princess." said Kurapika.
"Well, it can't be helped then. Let's go?" said Yuna as she and Kurapika made their way to the shop.
The book store wasn't that amazing. Dust seems to fill the store, with only a little light coming through. Books were scattered everywhere, the pages already worn-out. The faint smell of burnt out candles were wafting through the air.
"Hello? Anybody here?" said Yuna as they entered the shop.
Nothing responds.
"Looks like nobody's here." said Kurapika.
"Hello. What can I do for you today?" said an old man, who came out from the store's back room, startling Yuna and Kurapika.
"Oh, we're just looking around." said Yuna.
"I see. Are you maybe, the princess Yuna?"
"Why yes."
"Getting away from your fans again huh?"
"Actually, yes. We just needed something to do to pass time with."
"I understand. Feel free to browse the shop then. There are a lot of rare books around here. Some are from other parts of the world. If you need something, don't hesitate to ask me. I'll be at the back room if ever." said the old man left, going back to the back room.
"Might as well take a look around. I'll see if there's anything interesting in here…" said Yuna as she went towards one of the bookshelves.
"I'll take a look around as well." said Kurapika.
Books on different genres can be found inside the shop. Action, fantasy, romance, drama, you name it! Although, there are seem to be lots of books on black magic and other dark stuff. Besides that, references to treasures and pirates can be seen. Yuna, happens to stumble upon one…
"List of the World's Greatest Treasures… huh, interesting." said Yuna as she opened it, flipping the pages.
Many different articles on certain items can be seen. Rare insects, jewels, minerals, pottery, including the eyes of the Kurta Clan.
"I wonder if-" there, right on the page, is a picture of an eye. Not just an ordinary eye, it shines with the different colors of the rainbow. A description of it was printed on the page.
"What do you have there?" said Kurapika, approaching Yuna from behind.
Yuna, startled, immediately closed the book shut.
"Uhhh, nothing. Just a book on different plants and stuff. Find anything interesting?" she said as she reluctantly puts the book back on the shelves.
"Ah, well. Nothing interesting, just books on black magic and stuff."
"Looks like there's nothing to see here."
"So much for rare books."
"Let's go then. Why don't you wait outside for awhile, I'll just go ask the shop's owner something." said Yuna.
"Ok then." said Kurapika as he leaves the shop.
When he left, Yuna immediately grabbed the book and hurried into the back room. The old man was sitting on a chair, bent over his desk.
"Umm, ojii-san, how much does this book cost?"
"Huh? Oh that. You can take it for free." he said as he turns around to face Yuna.
"Really? Thank you. I'll take it then." said Yuna.
"May I ask you a question though, what's inside that book that makes you want to get it?" said the old man.
"Personal information. It's important that I get it, this might be a threat to the royal family." said Yuna bluntly.
"I see. Ok, take it then. Please come back again." said the old man as he went back to work, facing his desk once more.
"Thank you once again. I'll come back again next time." said Yuna as she left, heading towards the door with the book in her hands.
As she opened the door, she saw Kurapika approaching her, along with Gon and the others. She immediately hid the book behind her back.
"Took you long enough, Gon and the others are here already." said Kurapika.
"Sorry. Anyways, did you guys find anything interesting?" said Yuna.
"Not much. Pretty boring stuff if you ask me." said Killua.
"But it think that weapons shop was interesting. I wanted to buy that special fishing hook they have there. It has spikes all over it!" said Gon.
"That's why we left immediately. I don't want you to buy that thing, it could accidently hit me or something!" said Killua.
"Great idea for dragging him out of there." said Leorio.
"Plus, it's too expensive! A million zennies for just a hook. I'd rather buy sweets instead." said Killua.
"Oy, I'll buy what I want to buy." said Gon.
"And that's why I'm here to stop you from doing so. Geez. You might buying a lot of useless stuff. I'm bored here, can we go to the urban district area already?" said Killua.
"Ok, ok. Just wait for a moment and then we'll go. I have to do something." said Yuna before turning around then leaving.
"I wonder where she's going." said Leorio as they all sat down near the fountain.
"Dunno'. She was acting weird all of a sudden." said Kurapika.
"I do not buy useless stuff!" said Gon.
"Yeah you do!" said Killua.
"You're the one who buys useless stuff! Remember all those chocolates you bought when we were in the Heaven's Arena? Really now."
"Hey! At least that was food!"
Gon and Killua started bickering then.
"Oy, stop it you too. Really, don't start on it now. I already had trouble keeping up with the two princesses' fighting…" said Leorio as he tries to break them apart.
Kurapika just practically sighed, watching the pigeons that started to gather around him.
Yuna made her way around the far ends of the town until she found a palace guard roaming around.
"Ah, excuse me. Could you please send this back to the castle? It's for the Queen." she said as she approached the guard, handing him the book.
"Why certainly, princess. I'll have a messenger deliver it right away." said the guard, taking the book from her.
"Thank you. I leave this to you then." said Yuna as the guard bowed and then left. She then in turn started to make her way back to Gon and the others. Until, she was stopped by a couple of strangers.
"Oh, look what we have here. It's the princess."
"What do you want?"
"Nothing, we just want to play with you."
"Look, I don't want to fight you guys right now. So, get out of my way."
"My, that's pretty rude, princess. Why don't we teach you some manners…"
They started to circle around the princess. Drawing out their knives and pointing it towards her.
"I already told you, I don't want to fight. Leave now before I hurt you."
"Oh, acting all tough eh? We just needed you to come with us for awhile. I wonder how much will we get as a ransom for a captured princess?"
"Hehe, you can't catch me."
"Oh really? Ok, let's go guys! Attack her!"
As they rushed towards her with their knives aiming for her, she jumped in the air, then gave a kick on all of the four of them. She jabbed their sides and then disarmed all of them of their weapons. Taking their knives, she threw them aside, picking up their leader by his collar.
"I told you, you can't catch me that easily. Don't underestimate us princesses." she said as she dropped him, the guys groaning in pain.
She called on the other guards who were roaming their area, ordering them to send the four to prison, for threatening a member of the royal family. After everything was cleared up, she went on her way towards Gon and the others.
"Sorry guys. Something blocked me on the way here. Shall we go?" said Yuna as she smiled towards them, making it seem like nothing happened.
"Alright! Let's go!" said Gon as he jumped off the fountain, as well as Killua. Leorio and Kurapika stood up as well.
"Ok! Urban district area, here we come!" said Yuna as she led them towards their way…
TO BE CONTINUED
Author's Note: Sorry if I'm only able to update now. Been busy since it's Father's Day and all, so, Happy Father's Day to your fathers as well! =D
Anyways, basically the thing about the rainbow eye will be revealed in a later time. The next chapter will continue their tour of the kingdom. New characters will be introduced.
Oh and I see we have two new reviewers to join us. Thanks to BlackRabbitpyon and yonet-chan for submitting their reviews. As well as Sammi V.
As usual, feel free to review this chapter as well. I enjoyed writing this too. 8D