Chapter 7

I.

One cannot imagine how difficult it was not to speak up on what you already know. Even when it wasn't a lot, my knowledge jumped about four years away from their current age. I can only imagine how strong Gon is now, and how many more times he came closer to death. His life is now too valuable to be of waste, and of course the protagonist aura revolves constantly around him. He is absolutely the best and purest protagonist in any series I know.

To explain the chill I had described in the previous entry, it was because of the third article written on that large wall. I distinctively remembered that the third article in the original series was, "hunters shall now hunt fellow hunters unless they committed atrocious crimes." But now the third article changed one single word, which was to replace the second "hunter" with civilians, and the second part of that sentence had been scratched. I don't know what happened, but I felt something terrible caused a need for that change in the article. I mentally cursed the illustrator for taking so many hiatasus making it impossible for me to know anything much beyond the Election Arc.

Well several very lame guesses jumped into my head. First, could it be that fellow hunters really does not need the protection of an article. But in truth even between hunters there is a large difference in their abilities. Look at Hisoka, the master of reading these abilities, for instance. Or second, a few hunters have hurt civilians, which forced the organization to have that article put in place? Third, the Hunter association itself has been detached from the Hunter exam? It does seem that the association seemed to be affiliated with the government and such, but does this mean it's not possible for other hunters to gather together and still be under the control of Zodias?

But who could have the time to think about these things!? My personal doom is so close upon me! There's only two possible endings for me that I could think of. Either I could hire a hunter and die a little later than expected, or I give up now and go with the Troupe. The latter may end in a very ugly death for me right away.

So either ways I'm as good as dead.

This was my frame of mind when Gon approached me and asked tentatively, "Miss?"

I raised my head and saw him standing with a bit of an awkward pose facing me. He doesn't seem to know where to place his hands as he shifted uncomfortably, "Are you alright?"

"No, I'm going to die tonight." I sobbed.

He stared, "What?"

"Cheadle just told me," Unaware I was not using honourifics to address the head of Hunter Association, "That the Phantom Troupe members are coming for me."

He looked immediately serious and genuinely worried, "I had dealings with them here and there..."

I wanted to tell him, "I know." But I kept my mouth shut and smiled in a most pitiful way, "And?"

"Um..." He looked away.

I know what he is thinking. I'm as good as dead.

But then he pressed the down button of the elevator and said, "Come with me."

I followed him directly down to the first floor in the lobby. When the door opened, a bright light came across the front gates. But a even brighter figure leaned against one of the pillars of the marbled floor. He looked so very beautiful and bored at the same time, eyes glued to his phone and seemed to be scrolling down without particular interest.

"Killua,"I breathed out when I saw him, even before I stepped off the elevator.

"So you two have already met."

Gon's eyes are bright, "He is my friend."

As if anybody doesn't know that.

But then again, I left wondering. What was it that brought the two back together? The last I've seen of Killua was when he went off to take care of Alluka.

I have not had a good meals in days, and when he approached Killua, my stomach rumbled so violently they both turned to stare at me. I blushed at the look they gave me.

So we ended up in a restaurant that was splendidly filling. I ordered a rice omlette and a cup of ice tea, while they both ate hamburgers and fried. I found the restaurant of this world a bit unnerving, truthfully I found all places of this world a bit unnerving. They seem to resemble my previous world, yet there's always a few tweeks and changes that made me uncomfortable. For example this restaurant is a fusion of eastern and western cuisine, but they don't seem to think so. Cuisine here is the result of an evolving culture. Does that mean there is a culture that has a bit of both eastern and western aspects in this world?

They both spoke quickly and quietly in front of me. I think they were talking about me but I was too hungry to care. After the meal I ordered a slice of pie and ate slowly this time, enjoying the sweet and familiar pumpkin taste. The duo in front of me gorged themselves on large sundaes. They offered to order ice cream for me too, but I was too full to continue.

During desert, I told them everything, well not everything, just after how I encountered Chrollo and how he abducted me.

They were equally confused as to what exactly the Troupe wanted from me. I suggested that I had a connection with Komugi, whom the duo expressed it's irrelevant but sad nonetheless. Killua said he had direct contact with her and expressed his condolences. I nodded to acknowledge it, and in truth when I read about it in the manga I cried for days. When the anime came out, I watched it and cried for more days. That didn't change the fact that at the time it seemed so distant from me. I never expected to actually have a sister who fell in love with a perfect being. Only in shonen mangas they end up dead, if this was a shojo manga I bet they'd be flying around the world with their three equally perfect children. Yes, the king would develop wings because he's that goddamn perfect.

"In my opinion," Gon begin, "I don't think the Troupe could've had any connection towards the Chimera Ant and Komugi-san, it was a long time ago."

I agreed, "And I have obviously never left East Gorteau in my life. This is my first time, so there is absolutely no way to have known that I would be of any use. I may have spent some time with Chrollo... wait, that puzzles me too. What was he doing in the battle arena?"

"It's something we should ask Kurapika." Gon said.

Then I felt Gon made a rumbling sort of noise. I stared at the two of them and saw Killua glaring at Gon in a meancing way, before saying to me. "Stay with us for the moment, we will try our best to protect you."

"How!?" Both Gon and I asked simultaneously.

Killua made a eye rolling gesture that could only be interpreted as, 'you guys are all from earth and of an equal and lower intelligence. It is I! Whom am from the planet of Cats, who is of a superior intelligence. However! I will waste some seconds of my time to explain my thought process so that you will understand!'. "The best solution, is to seek protection from my family, of course."

As if that was the most obvious thing in the world.

Two hours later, we are all on our way to Kukuroo Mountain.

II.

I should take note of how excited I was to see the two of them. Perhaps I still have not gotten used to the idea of talking with characters from my favorite series, because when I spoke to them my voice tends to be higher than expected. I also can't help but have my mind wandering off and sometimes realizing that I was staring at them intensely. Which made them, well, Killua, to be more suspicious of me. Gon is as trusting as always, and I thought about finding a puppy or a cat of some sort and hold it in my arms to prove to Gon that I am a good person. Unfortunately, no animals are allowed on this blimp.

Gon has paid for all my expenses so far. He apparently also pays for Killua's. I've only saw Gon's wallet, never Killua's. When I thought Killua wasn't watching, I secretly asked Gon, "Do you pay for everything?"

Gon thought about it and answered truthfully. "Usually."

I gasped, "Why? Isn't Killua rich?"

He smiled, "I don't mind."

I turned around, and all the way across the other end of cafeteria Killua turned towards me and gave a toothy grin while his eyes frowned upon the two of us. Knowing that he actually had been listening to me, I quickly ducked behind Gon.

Despite my adoration for Killua, he is still someone that I can't get close to. His movements and speech are so secretive that I was afraid he might start to claw at me if I tried to approach him. He's still suspicious of me due to the fact I knew his name without ever seeing him before. Little did he know that I really did have seen him millions and billions of times in my previous life. I adored him so much that I drew sketches, painted his image, and tried very hard to decipher his personality by reading and re-reading the manga. As well as watching and re-watching the series. I prayed for the author to stay healthy because I wanted to see Killua until the series ended. Apparently it's all just an illusion since the world of fiction that I'm in is now my reality.

Gon and I, on the other hand, had lovely conversations.

"I came from an island that shaped like a whale!" Gon said excitedly, "It's a tourist attraction and many people come to stay for a couple months for relaxing vacations too. I also have an aunt..."

"Don't you also have an grandma?" Stupid, I shouldn't have known about that.

''Yes! How did you know?" He asked, eyes wide with surprise, "She's gone though."

"Oh, so your aunt is in Whale island all by herself?" I suddenly felt sorry for Mito.

Gon nodded, "I visit her every few months, she seemed to be happy."

I desperately wanted to ask him if Ging was still alive, but I felt I have said enough stupid things for one day. So I kept my mouth shut.

"Where did you come from?" Gon asked me.

I was surprised by the question, but then turned my head and looked outside of the blimp. Gon is not stupid. He must've sensed my lie when I said I came from East Gorteau and have never been out of that country in my life. My thoughts were momentarily distracted by the nature. The view was spectacular, like emeralds embedded with silk as rivers, jade as trees, and wisps of smoke as the clouds and mist.

"I came from a place-far, far, far away from here." I said, my eyes a bit red, "It's a fantastic place..."

"Do you miss it?" Gon asked, his eyes carefully observing me.

I don't know how to answer that. Usually when I was faced questions of whether I miss my hometown or not, I usually bullshit through them with the politest and nicest answer possible. But saying nice things that are fake seemed to be an incredible insult to Gon, who has been so kind to me. So I looked at him in the eye and answered, "I think it's a great chance and privilege to be here in this world. If it weren't for the impending doom always looming around my head I think I would never want to go back."

He smiled at me brightly, then changed the topic, "I encountered the Troupe when I was fairly young. They were lethal then, and they are lethal now."

I smiled back, "Did you want to ask my why I am running away from them."

"If you can."

"I think-"I pulsed, "I think it has something to do with Chrollo Lucifer."

"Oh?"

"Did you know that his nen was sealed-"

"Yes?" Gon leaned in tentatively, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Killua edging closer in.

"His nen! The seal removal must've been removed just recently." I said, telling him about the this thing which was on my mind for a few days now.

"Why do you say that?" Gon was surprised.

"I remember when I still didn't know who he was at the time, he used to avoid all spider-esque symbols. Even spiders themselves. I also remembered that he dropped a letter from his pocket and had me mail it from the post office. I did as he told, of course, but there's an imprint of the spider on top. He got immediately sick after that."

"Sick?" Killua popped in, "You must have been delusional."

"No-it's true, really." I said, my eyes widened, "He was feverish and in and out of consciousness, I had to constantly take care of him-but perhaps in hindsight I shouldn't have done anything. He would've gotten better on his own."

"Stupid girl," Killua said to me.

Gon thought about it, "come to think of it, we haven't heard from Kurapika in a while."

"More like years." Killua rolled his eyes, "I bet he forgot we existed."

"I'm sure he didn't-"

"When are you going to get it through that thick skull of yours that he values his revenge more than he values us-"

I supposed skulls are less thick on planet of Cats, where Killua came from. I also suspect beings from planet of Cats have a natural enmity towards planet of Dogs, where Gon came from.

"His revenge is destroying him!"

"And there's nothing we can do about it." Killua shrugged, "Remember how you turned out during the Chimera ants war? Besides, I am rather surprised that Kurapika hasn't killed all of the Troupe members by now already. It's not like he hasn't put in enough effort."

Such cruel words from such a beautiful youth.

Killua turned to me without taking a break in between his speeches, "Quit staring at my lips already, you're freaking me out!"

I must've been slow, because it took me about 10 seconds to register what he said and immediately turned away with shame. "Sorry."

He made a sound that resembled cat growl and walked away, pulling Gon with him, "Let's explore the ship."

Either they haven't changed a bit since I remembered them, or that was the worst code in the world for: 'let's talk about her behind her back and other important stuff I don't want her to hear'.

The blimp continued to Kukuroo mountain for a couple of days, during which I slept like there's no tomorrow. It felt like there was literally no tomorrow. However, I got myself back on track when I forced myself to calm down and put my trust in the two protagonist. But I felt it was necessary for me to worry more about the Troupe, because in the worst case scenario I would be captured by them. The only plan I had was at least simple, that was give them whatever they want and beg for my life.

I got calmer as we approached landing and got on a tourist bus. That did not stop me from tugging and holding onto Gon's sleeve almost all the time, which seemed to disgust Killua.

As the tour bus drove up the mountains, Killua said to me, "I have a few things to warn you about my family."

I listened intently.

"First, only speak when spoken to."

I nodded.

"Second, don't wander around."

This is simple enough, I don't want to be Mike's dinner.

"Third," Killua eyed me with more meaning in a look he has ever given me, "Don't overstep your place."

I nodded numbly, thinking all of this could be over if I have the guts to find a way to go back to my previous world. but that would probably mean ending my own life, of which I am so fond of.

"Also, be prepared." Killua suddenly leaned in and had his back curved like a feline while placing one hand on my shoulder. I looked at him gratefully, thinking it must've been out of the goodness of his heart when Gon said, "Thank you so much, Killua," -which meant he was obviously doing this for his friend, Gon.

"Is it weird for you to ride this bus every time and had to hear your own family history?" I asked Killua.

"No more than usual." Killua replied, "I don't usually take the bus." He then narrowed his eyes at me, "You seem to be particularly excited."

"It's a famous place." I lowered my head and muttered.

Gon was slightly worried, "Killua, are you sure your family is going to accept her?"

"With the price you are offering, of course." Killua rolled his eyes.

"I'll pay you back some day." I quickly said to Gon, who laughed and shook his hands, "That's alright, don't worry about it."

The tourist guide is a very pretty girl standing at the head of the bus, talking into a speaker. She has a long hair and a knack for story telling. Each time she says something secretive about the Zoldyck family I turn to Killua and ask with my surprised expression whether or not it was true. For example she said that a photo of the family member could be sold up to millions of dollars. I suddenly wish I had a cell phone. Killua pretty much ignored me and pretended I don't exist.

As the bus arrived up to the famed gates, my heart strung up on a high string when I saw five figures standing in front of the gate itself. At the center, was Chrollo.

I practically hugged onto Gon's waist and wouldn't let go. He shifted to let me held onto his arm instead and walked down the bus. All the while my leg trembled so much I practically went numb and considered myself then on a jelly-like being.

It might seem a bit unfair to say this, but when I'm with Gon I feel particularly hopeful. Maybe he has that effect on people, maybe it's because he would protect me like how he tried to protect Kite. But I don't want him to die, yet I want to be able to plan for the future with the assumption I will still be alive then.

A huge relief came over me when Killua also gave me a look. It was part disdain on how cowardly I was and part reassurance. Then the three of us faced the five people whom in my opinion, came straight from hell.

"A bit bold, isn't it?" Killua spoke first when we're around 15 meters away. "To stand in front of one's front door."

Gon generously lent his back as my protective shield as I peeked through the gap between his arms. I saw a total of five members, and from left to right, Franklin, Shizuku, Chrollo, Feitan and Machi.

I gulped silently, thinking how deadly this combination might be.

Feitan was the first to speak, muttering, "House? I can burn this place down in seconds."

Killua, surprisingly, did not react to this. Instead he said to Chrollo, "What is it that you want?"

"The girl behind you." He didn't beat around the bush, "There really is no cause for trouble, once she's in our hands, we will leave quietly."

To which I grabbed onto Gon's arms and popping my head up and yell at them, "What the hell do you want from me!? You sick, sick, bastard!"

Chrollo glared at me with minimum emotional depth. It still caused my blood to run cold nevertheless, and I immediately ducked behind Gon again. My outburst caused Killua to also glare at me and say, "Shut up!" Then turning back to Chrollo and ask, "What is it that you want from her?"

"Personal matters." Chrollo replied, and a breeze rose behind him as he turned colder, causing the back of his leather trench coat to flap violently. In my mind, that probably best resembled the sound from hell.

"Unfortunately," Killua begin, "your interest conflicts with my family's. You see, she paid a fee for our family protection and it is now Zoldyck's business to ensure her safety. Unless of course, you think it'd be necessary to start a war between our two factions."

Chrollo did one of his classic moves, which was to lower his head and chuckle. Then he looked up at the person directly in front of him with widened eyes, "It seems that we have a misunderstanding, I never meant to harm Yui, physically or mentally. In fact I think it's absolutely safe to say that we are currently romantically involved."

My first reaction was to cough violently, causing both Killua and Gon to turn to me, and I quickly waved my hand around in denial at the looks they gave me, "no, no, he-he seduced me-"

Which was probably more surprising, nobody in their right mind would imagine Chrollo Lucifer needed to seduce someone like me. It's probably noteworthy to mention I could literally feel Machi's eyes carving me to pieces.

"Would it not violate your agreement, if she voluntarily forfeited your family protection?" He asked Killua, eyes full of amusement.

Before any of us could react, something extraordinary happened. Chrollo released the bandage holding his hair back and letting his bangs falls in front. While I was knocked back into the memory of when he was still 'Lear', he pulled out his book of nen abilities. Which should have been a critical warning sign to me. I could not avert my gaze fast enough as he looked at me in the most adoring and loving way that literally would have my heart melted if it was not for the thought that he would physically take it out from my body!...

You get the picture, he uttered from his lips, "Yui, dearest, come here."

I stepped forward.

My mind only registered the yelling from both Gon and Killua as buzzing noises and something along the line of "You idiot, he's using his nen ability on you!" or, "Grab her, she's walking-"

Finally someone slapped me on the head, causing me to fall down and clenching my head in pain. By the time I got up Chrollo had his books closed and was looking behind me. I shifted my gaze behind me, as I did so I heard Killua breath out in annoyance, "Aniki."

Illumi and Milluki were there, standing behind us.

My eyes were too blurred by the tears of the pain on my head, still I heard Illumi asked coldly, "Is she our client?"

"Yea-"

Before Killua even answered, something happened that pretty much amazed everyone present. Milluki rushed his obese body over to me and pulled me up violently from the ground. This forced me to stand up, then pushing my hair back to stare at my face. His eyes shone in a fanatically as he yelled, "You...! You..! You...!"

Apparently he was too excited to speak. I was equally surprised and could we have met before? The only way to know was to ask "Do I know you?"

"Probably not." Milluki stuttered out, "B.. But I know you."

"How!?" Killua yelled.

Milluki heaved up and down while still grabbing onto my arm, "She's from 'Lalalulu, Tales of a Magical Fairy'!"

A silence fell over everyone present. Even the other Spiders seemed to be taken aback by what Milluki said.

"Lalalulu?" Gon repeated, breaking the silent.

I think I heard Killua crush a rock or something as he yelled, "Let her go, fatso, she's not your sick otaku fantasy!"

Now I finally understood. Apparently I look like a figurine character from a wildly popular anime in this world. Especially with my green hair, which Milluki is stroking with great adoration. He frowned when he saw split ends, and muttered, "your hair needs treatment..."

I was overcome with an incredible urge to both cry and laugh at the same time.

"Milluki." Illumi finally spoke, "Let go of her."

"But Illu-nii!" Milluki protested with great fervency, and held onto my arm tighter, which caused me to cry. Yes, actual tears came out because it hurt so much. This only caused Milluki to looked at me with even more obsessiveness in his eyes, "Lalalulu, you look so cute when you're crying..."

I think he broke my arm.

Finally Killua pulled him away from me, while Milluki yelled, "Illu-nii, I'll give anything-anything to have her! I'll protect her, give her to me, I'll feed her and dress her-"

I cried harder.

Illumi ignored Milluki as he gestured Killua to shut him up, and stepped in front of all of us to face the Troupe, "I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience. As you might know by now, she is under our protection with a fairly high price..."

I'm surprised that everyone in the Troupe had just stood there without attacking or something. Even more surprising, I had managed to forget about them for the first time in a while.

Chrollo waved his hand, "I'll match it."

I wailed.

Milluki struggled to get out of Killua's grasp, and yelled, "Aniki, I will offer up everything in my possession-including my life-to have her!"

What was this, an auction!?

Illumi didn't even turn around as he told the Troupe, "As you see, the price of one of our family members is quite irreplaceable."

Chrollo, though all those fuss and noises, smiled in a charming and lethal way, "Very well. Until next time, then."

I shall stop here, because I have been writing hours and hours non-stop. I am in my own room, which I suspect was once a servant's quarters. Later I must get dressed in frilly clothing and agree to Milluki taking photos of me and Photoshopping me because I appear to have gained a few pounds ever since I arrived.

Life in Kukuroo mountain seemed safe enough, at least I am not worried I will be killed by the Troupe. But Mike doesn't care for me very much, and everyone else pretty much ignores me except for Milluki who seemed to be chasing me around every chance he got. I shall go into detail next entry, right now I am quite hungry and the chef always prepares this delicious, poison free yogurt cake every afternoon...

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TBC

A/N: HAHAHAHA, comedy relief before we get into the real emotional thriller.

Thank you to my beta - Lynarg