Chapter 20 – Enter the Zoldyks

''To love is to destroy, and to be loved is to be the one destroyed.''~ Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments.

With an enduring smirk on my face, I admired the pretty high ceiling of the hotel we were staying on and ignored Leorio's loud protests and scolding (something about contact numbers, perverts, paedophiles and 6 years age gaps). Gon caught my eyes and I smiled at his wide-eyed stare.

''What's Leorio on about, Gin?'' He asked, tilting his cute head to the side, blinking innocently like a puppy and lips puckering a bit. My eyes softened and with a silent squeal at his cuteness, I grabbed his fine arm and entwined our arms together.

''Nothing, my love. Don't worry about him.'' I softly said and leaned my head against his shoulder as we followed Kurapika's lead.

''-Don't worry?! Gon! Tell your sister to give up Hanzo's cell number! That bastard is 18! This is underage harassment!'' As the older man rambled on, Gon met my eyes, slightly worried. I shook my head -nothing to worry about. Gon's small frown disappeared and his eyes brightened, carefree once again.

''Hanzo just wanted to stay in touch, Gon. That's alright.'' Gon nodded his head, approvingly.

''That's good! We should stay in touch!'' said my brother.

''S-stay in touch?! So it is his number! Gin!'' I rolled my eyes and looked around the hotel instead. The Hunters Association seemed to have booked the whole hotel because it was empty of other clients.

Everywhere I looked was comfort and luxury. The main colours were red, cream, green and black. The plants gave a lively feeling while the black polished tiles indicated grandeur. The whole design of the establishment was decorous but not overly done. I pursed my lips and nodded approvingly. I like it.

Kurapika finally sighed and calmed Leorio's rambling. ''Leorio! Gin can do what she wants. Besides, Hanzo-san is an honourable man. I'm sure he's not planning anything bad.'' Kurapika said. ''If we ask nicely, maybe Gin would kindly share the information, won't you Gin?'' I bit my lip at the blonde's sudden edgy tone.

I smiled weakly and shifted my gaze from the hotel designs to the two boys. Leorio had his arms crossed, smirking at me while Kurapika was waiting patiently for my answer while sat in front of a computer.

I hugged my Gon's arm closer and hid half of my face on his shoulder. Looking and pouting away, I sighed. ''Fine!''

Seemingly satisfied, Kurapika smiled a little bit too keenly than I'm comfortable with but then before I can analyse his expression, he turned around and faced the computer.

Meanwhile, Leorio raised one eyebrow, pursing his lips then with a shark-like grin, he made a show of popping and cracking his knuckles before also turning around. I raised my eyebrows and rolled my eyes at their overprotective gestures. But the smile I can't help but have.

Gon and I walked closer as Kurapika clicked his way through the Hunters association website. I watched in fascination at the first form of advanced technology I saw since I was born, Ahem, re-born, aside from washing machines, air conditioners and televisions. Come to think of this, I haven't held a mobile phone!

''Kukoroo Mountain, it's from the Rebublic of Padokea. Hm… Looks good. They allow ordinary tourists.'' Said Kurapika.

''That's where we'll find Killua?!''

The blonde nodded then held his chin in thought. ''Hm! By airship, it will take three days to reach. When do we leave?''

I opened my mouth to say 'maybe tomorrow' when my brother beat me into saying ''Today! Right now!'' I looked at him, incredulous. Then, much to my dismay, the other two boys agreed heartily. My God, save me from over-active boys…

''Gin? What do you think?'' I blinked when I noticed all of them waiting for my answer. I softened, appreciating their consideration. I nodded happily.

''Sure! Why not? We'll have first class seats anyway.'' I grinned brightly, excited at the idea of getting first class. The boys grinned.

''Alright! I'm ordering four tickets now!'' Kurapika typed eagerly and then we checked out after making sure we had everything with us.

When we finally get on the airship and found our first class seats, I immediately sat beside Gon by the window and eagerly peered through it even though the airship was still loading with passengers. After a while of just looking around, I got tired and relaxed on the soft cushioned chairs. They smelt a lot of a citrus flavoured air freshener. It was probably to cover off any lingering scents of the last passengers but it was okay since the scent was not unpleasantly strong.

Shortly after the ship has begun to take off, I cuddled beside my brother and leaned on his shoulder. He shifted a little and I smiled when I realised he did it for me to get more comfortable.

''Does your arm hurt?'' I asked. He turned from the window and smiled, eyes dark and a little distracted.

''No.'' He answered gently before turning back towards the window. I took in a deep breath and rested my chin on his shoulder, watching the city lights from above with him.

Gon was undoubtedly thinking about Killua. Everyone can tell he was worried about his friend. I killed the seed of jealousy before it can take root inside my chest.

Killua is necessary for Gon. Killua is and forever will be Gon's best friend. Everything he does or he will do successfully is because Killua is beside him all throughout the way. I can never replace that boy and I don't want to. Assassin, killer or not, Killua's not heartless. Killua is Gon's most loyal friend.

What about me?

I closed my eyes and controlled my breathing. ''You will either get yourself killed or get your dear brother killed.''

I heard someone come closer. I smelt Leorio's scent tickle my nose and found his arm right across my eyes. I looked up and our eyes met through his sunglasses. He grinned at me and pushed a potato chip into my mouth.

''Eat before you sleep, Gin!'' I blinked and chewed, loving the taste. Come to think of it, it's been so long since I ate something more filling. I opened my mouth again and blinked at the older teen expectantly. He narrowed his eyes and raised an eyebrow but proffered me another chip.

Kurapika appeared behind him, holding the drinks. ''We will be in the Republic of Padokea by the morning. You'll see Killua soon enough.'' He announced with a happy smile and directed the last part to my brother. Gon straightened up in his seat, causing me to do the same too.

''Hm!'' He nodded and chewed enthusiastically. I gave him a kiss on the cheek and he smiled, turning back towards the window, looking and feeling better. The two other boys sat down in front of us and I reached out to eat some of Leorio's chips. He pushed the chips towards me with a smile.

''We have more coming up, by the way.'' He grinned, brown eyes bright and mischievous. I can't help but mirror his bright grin.

''Cos we're first class.'' I added, raising my eyebrows. We shared one cheerful laugh. I turned to Kurapika who shook his head with a wide happy smile on his face.

''You got that right! We're hunters now! '' Leorio snapped his fingers.

''HELL YEAH!'' I shouted and we grinned, eating more of the chips.

''Guys, please keep it quiet. We don't want to attract attention…'' Kurapika cautioned, looking around a little. I copied him and sensed and saw no one. I shook my head at him and he relaxed, turning to Leorio. ''We don't want them stealing it, do you?'' I sucked in my salty lips to stop my giggle upon seeing Leorio's scared look. I wasn't that successful.

''Shut it, shorty. At least back me up.'' He grumbled, hugging his suitcase to his chest. I frowned.

''You didn't put it there, did you?'' I asked, incredulous. When he just glared. I widened my eyes at him. ''Put it in your pocket or something!'' I whispered, leaning in. What if he lost his suitcase or something? Or it opens and everything in it flies away!?

''Tche…'' He looked away, pouting a little. I scowled and turned to Kurapika who just shrugged and pulled out a tourist guide book about the Republic of Padokea.

I lowered my voice. ''Are you scared to crumple it or something?'' I watched as a pink dash appeared on Leorio's cheek, barely noticeable because of his dark sunglasses. I broke out into a giggle, reclining back on the seat, clutching my stomach. 'Aw… That's so cute. '' I teased. His blush spread to his ears. He opened his mouth as if to shout when Kurapika elbowed him and glared. The older teen fixed his face to a more serious one.

''Shut it, shorty.'' He just said, voice husky and embarrassed. I laughed for a little bit more before I took in a deep breath and stuffed my mouth with chips.

A bit later, Leorio opened his suitcase and I watched as he carefully removed the card out of its folder and placed it on his chest pocket. I watched as he placed a hand on his chest for a few seconds with a contented smile.

''Most people treat their Hunters License as something very important. So important that they will die for it…To some hunters, their license is their pride, their honour and their life.'' I heard Satotz speak in my mind. My smile faltered a little but I fixed it right away before Leorio turned his gaze to me. ''Happy?'' he asked.

I smiled and nodded cheerfully, ignoring the tiny ache in my chest.

After three days on the airship, we rode a train and arrived in the Dentora region, of the Republic of Padokea where Killua lives. I rested my hands on the window's railing for support as I tilted my head and marvelled at the cool, crisp and fresh wind. The Dentora region was rich in mountains, hills, valleys, trees, plants and wildlife. It was beautiful especially because of its blue sky and fluffy white clouds overhead.

As the train roll smoothly on the rail tracks, we caught a glimpse of Kukuroo Mountain, looking out of place from the serene surroundings. Kukuroo Mountain stood dark and forbidding, decorated by still dark clouds near and at its peak. It really looked like a place where assassins would dwell at. Despite its name, Kukuroo Mountain is actually a dormant volcano. Why was it not called Kukuroo Volcano then? I rolled my eyes and shook my head. People here are sure weird.

''There it is,'' said Leorio as he propped his elbow on the window sill and laid his chin on his palm. ''The base for this assassin family is on that Mountain? It sure looks creepy.'' he mused out loud.

Kurapika nodded. ''Hm. Once we reach our destination, we should start gathering information.''

Kurapika had approached a vendor after we disembarked. She had kindly advised us to take the scenic tour bus to reach the Mountain. ''The scenic bus runs only once a day but you'll have a tour guide to show you around.''

While the woman was talking, I couldn't help but admire the collection of multi-coloured feather headdress from her stall. With an excited smile, I took one and placed it on my head. The headdress was slightly heavy but they looked very beautiful and it looked so good on me!

''Gon!'' I turned and gave my brother a thumbs-up. ''What do you think?!'' I squealed and pirouetted on my spot.

''Hm! So pretty Gin!'' My brother grinned brightly and gave me a thumbs-up.

I turned to Kurapika who nodded smilingly and to Leorio whose eye was twitching. I tilted my head to the side, waiting. He scratched his head with a smile, ''I guess… it looks nice…''

I can't help but laugh. I instantly felt like a tribeswoman from a remote forest. With my black leggings, black tanktop, and black boots, the headdress was just right to counter-act my rather dull and insipid costume.

I tilted my head from side to side and up and down from the mirror, noticing a happy blush colouring my cheeks. It's been so long…

I looked up at the beaming vendor and made to remove my bag to get my wallet when Kurapika handed the woman a 50 Jenny note. Before the woman can count for a change, ''Please… Keep the change.'' Kurapika smiled handsomely. ''Thank you for all your help.'' With a small, gallant bow, he started to walk away. The rest of us bowed at the same time and followed the leader.

''You're welcome!'' exclaimed the vendor who I noticed was slightly blushing. I raised an eyebrow and turned my gaze to the blonde's blue and yellow back. With a smile, I caught his arm and smiled my sweetest to him.

''Thank you, Kurapika-kun.'' He blinked at the name and I beamed even more at his blushing face.

However, the moment ended when something flicked my temple. ''Oy. Where are you guys going?! Bus is this way!'' Kurapika and I stopped and turned back then realised we had walked straight ahead and away from the bus stop. We looked at each other blankly for a second before breaking into a small disbelieving laugh.

I fixed my face and we made a turn and ambled towards the older teen who has started walking away with Gon. ''Seriously? You throw a stone at the girl?!'' I complained.

''Tche! Where is aack!''

As soon as we boarded the bus, my eyes instantly caught the hairy, ragged and unsmiling men at the back. They were armed and obviously not tourists. I turned to the boys, but they have already sat down and eagerly waited for the bus to start. To be fair, the men didn't look particularly threatening. Yes, they have large weapons but other than that… Hep. Hep. Hep! Don't get too carried away with your confidence, missy. I scolded myself.

I relaxed and reclined on my seat, sitting beside Leorio because Kurapika has sat beside Gon. I smiled and shook my head at him when he made to move. With a wink, I sat down beside Leorio. I took a deep breath, only to wince at the explosion of scents in one tiny space. I leaned my head down and to the side, hoping to avoid the smell.

I blinked up when Leorio moved and the next thing I know, there was fresh air hitting me on the face. He grinned down at me and I smiled, touched by the sweet gesture.

''Alright, thank you for taking the lamentation bus today,'' bowed the pretty tourist guide. She was very pretty, indeed and nice to look at. Her hair was extra bushy and the colour of candy-floss. Her eyes were like a cute mouse's, smiling and bright. And her body has an impossible hour-glass shape. I say impossible because her waist were too thin in proportion to her shoulders and hips. I jerked my head to the side, trying to imagine how her body looks like without the clothes (on pure curiosity, of course), and if she was wearing a corset.

''We will be visiting Kukuroo Mountain, the home to the famous assassins, the Zoldyk Family!'' Man… These assassins sure have a reputation. It was amazing how these people actually want to visit their home. They might as well call it a shrine with this amount of wonder being shown. I sighed again. People here are weird. Normal people will not even take a step near them. Or maybe… it was like this…

Since the region is home to the assassins, terrorists and other bad people would think twice before they attack the area. Therefore, in some way, living near these assassins is better. A form of mutualism – one gains a place to live whilst the other gets a safer place to live in. It also probably helps that the family attracts this much tourists which means income for the region. Furthermore, it's not like anyone here can take on a family of assassins.

Since everyone has settled down, Leorio was the first to notice the two odd men at the back of the bus. We shared a look, he nodded at me then leaned towards Kurapika. ''Look at those. They're obviously not tourists…'' he whispered. Kurapika glanced at them briefly and nodded.

''Please look to your right! That is Kukuroo Mountain where the Zoldyk Family lives!'' My mouth parted despite myself. Killua was so freaking famous. Like one of those guys from mangas with perfect but not really so perfect lives! And right now I am acting the pretty but poor girl. Oh the shame! I smothered my giggle and ignored Leorio's odd look.

''A forest surrounds the 3, 722 meter mountain and the Zoldyk estate is somewhere near that mountain!'' said the tourist guide, voice dropping to add some air of mystic. ''But no one has actually ever seen it.'' I started and closed my eyes, slightly irritated when Leorio started to doze off on me. In the end, I didn't move away and let the older teen use my head as his pillow, as payment for his kindness a while ago.

I listened on. ''The Zoldyk Family includes 10 members: a great grandfather, a grandfather, a father, a mother, and then five children. All of them are assassins!'' I fought the shiver threatening to take over me.

How creepy are they? Killua says his family are crazy…I gasped, hands flying over my mouth. Do they marry inside the family?! Omygod that's so cool! Creepy but cool.

''Then, let's approach the mountain!'' The bus drove through curved road and I installed myself rigidly on my seat to avoid falling over because of Leorio's added weight. Curling my lips in annoyance, I reached out and flick his forehead. He just groaned and snored on.

''Holy shit-hole…'' I mumbled in awe. Killua's gate was enormous!

There were two Chinese dragons rolling over the walls that descended in height towards the middle gate which was made of grey steel and seemed to be divided into seven stages. All around us, people were shouting in awe and taking pictures. I wonder if Killua would sometimes peer through a telescope and watch these tiny people take pictures of his home.

This is like Buckingham palace! - The dark version.

''T-that's really something.'' Murmured Leorio, peering at the dormant volcano from above the gates with a hand covering the sun's glare above his eyes to help him.

''This is the gate of the Zoldyk State! Also known as the Door to Hades because no one who has entered ever made it out alive.'' My eye twitched at the name.

Door to Hades? Seriously? When I get my own house, I shall the gate the Door to Heavens or something, no. Door of pleasure? That sounds too auspicious. Door of Gin and Gon? Door of the goddess Gin…Hm… Still doesn't beat DOOR TO EFFING HADES, DUDES…Ah! DOOR TO ZEUS! POSEIDON? ARTEMIS? DOOR TO THE SUN AND MOON? TWINS' DOOR? I nodded, satisfied but still uncertain of my future door's name. I decided then that I'll worry about it once I build a gate to beat Killua's.

''To enter, you have to get through the door beyond the security checkpoint. But since the land beyond the gate is private property, we can't proceed to that point.'' Said the guide only to the four of us who were listening. The others were busy taking pictorials in front of the gate.

If only I had a camera…

''Wait… this is the front gate? But Kukuroo Mountain is all the way up there!'' shouted Leorio.

The tour guide smiled. ''Oh yes! The Zoldyks own the Kukuroo Mountain and the surrounding land.'' Eyes wide and mouth parted, I swallowed my spit to wet my dried throat.

''This is their backyard… '' said Leorio. I blinked my eyes since it was nearly crying due to being wide open for too long.

I nearly laughed out loud when Gon asked the guide how we can get inside. It was entertaining how she fought to stay nice and friendly when she had this vein throbbing on her forehead. ''Little boy,'' she called sweetly, '' weren't you listening to my explanation? Assassins live inside!'' she sang. I giggled silently, taking note and loving her attitude. My face fell however, when the two ragged men appeared and arrogantly sauntered towards the security checkpoint.

''It's all a sham!'' shouted the big guy.

''A family no one's ever seen? Just one photo was worth hundred billions!'' I straightened up, hands flying to my cheeks. R-really?!

I am so…. Gonna buy a camera and take every shot of Killua! Yes! Oh dear, I could just imagine the money I'll receive from it!

Oh….hundred millions…Killua's side view, front view, maybe I can get a shot while he's shirtless too! That's meant to be more expensive than others!

''Seriously?! Damn! I should've taken Killua's picture!'' shouted Leorio. I nodded, staring up into my bright money-filled space.

We watched silently as the two armed men bullied the poor security man until he opened the little brown door and let the two men enter. I tilted my head to the side, having a bad feeling about the situation.

''Are you alright?!'' rushed my brother to the old man who just sighed and murmured something about Mike eating in between meals again. Oh-oh.

Not shortly after, there were two men screaming and then a hand appeared and threw their skeleton outside, much to the horror of everyone else but us. I couldn't help but laugh, seeing how the people so quickly disappeared and entered the bus and how the vehicle wobbled because of the sudden influx of people.

''Boys!'' The tour guide called and my giggles cut off, a little hurt. ''Come on! It's dangerous!'' she shouted, eyes worried as she waved her little flag on air.

''Ah…'' Gon waved. ''It's alright! You can leave! We're staying here!'' he announced, catching the old man's attention.

I brought my hands beside my mouth. ''I'm a girl!'' I shouted. ''And you're very pretty! Miss Guide!''

''GIN!'' Leorio exclaimed, towering over me. I frowned.

''…What? She is!'' Kurapika massaged his temple and shook his head.

The security guard, whose name was Zebro let us in his small resting house and offered us a cup of tea. Because there were no more seats, Leorio offered to give the seat in front of the old security guard to me.

After a little thinking, I thanked Leorio and sat down. I gave the security guard a small smile and sipped the offered tea, even though I shouldn't probably have since duh… assassins. They probably treat cyanide like sugar (or something along those lines). But after smelling the tea, I can't help but have a careful sip. I sighed, loving the warm feeling it gave me.

The old man watched us all with a kind smile as he listened to Gon's story of how we all met in the Hunters exam. ''I work here for 20 years so I shouldn't probably say this. But this place is lonely. No one ever visits aside from those occasional people…'' he trailed off, jerking his head towards the skeletons in his bin.

I sipped and calmly watched its empty eye-sockets and teeth. But in the end, according to the security guard, he cannot let us in because he didn't want Killua's friends to be Mike's next dinner. I mostly dazed off as he explained everything but caught a few information such as the fact that they had to build a locked door for the intruders.

I instantly thought of the massive metal gate. What does he mean?

As perceptive as always, Kurapika caught on to this real quick and after finishing our tea, we were led out in front of the gate. Apparently, each gate is weighed 2 tons. Yes…2 tons… No normal person can lift that!

I looked around and took a deep breath of fresh air with a hint of wet dog. The sun has long set and the crickets had all started to sung. I shifted my focus and instantly bit my lip to escape my laugh as Leorio struggled to push or pull the gate to open. His pushed until his face reddened. Then, he'll brace himself again and repeat and try pushing at different sides.

''Stop your giggling, Gin!'' he gritted out. ''Why won't you try, huh?!'' I blinked, not really feeling like it. But then, Gon looked at me with those big brown hopeful eyes and I just had to try a little.

I sighed and unstrapped my backpack from my shoulders. ''Hmph. Leorio, move out of the way. The master is coming through.'' I sauntered cattily and made a show of flipping my feathered head over my shoulder. I smirked when I heard Gon clapping.

''Go Gin!'' he yelled. I waved at the sweating Leorio who scoffed and turned his nose away.

Hm… Should I use Nen? Perhaps I could make it look like an accident?

Closing my eyes, I ignored how I felt everyone's eyes pricking my back. Then, I arranged my headdress on place and placed both my hands on the door. I pushed.

''Pfft…'' Leorio laughed. ''Shorty… if I can't do it, you can't! Look at those arms of yours!''

''You sexist pig, shut up Leorio.'' I gritted out. Gon chuckled.

''it's okay sis! I can't open it either! But still, we will see Killua no matter what! If I have to climb over that wall, I'll do it!'' he said, sounding determined.

''Oh… I really can't let you.'' Replied the security guard. ''Little Miss. That's alright, you may step—''

I growled and with a small burst of Nen, the gate groaned and moved. ''Oh! Gin!'' Shouted an excited Gon. I managed to take a step forward before my arms gave out and the door closed on me automatically. I let out a scream as I felt myself hover through air. My dear Gon was there to catch my fall.

''Oh, Gon! Are you alright!?'' I turned and propped myself over my brother, checking for any injuries. He grinned and nodded.

''That was amazing sis! Well done!'' he said proudly. I felt my face redden and I looked away to hide it a little.

''Thanks…'' I said and pulled him up.

Taking a lungful of breath, ''Alright! I'll try again!'' I fisted my hands and turned to Kurapika and Leorio. ''Maybe if you both help me do it then we can do it better!'' Kurapika recovered first and clapped his hands once.

''You're right, Gin! We'll do that! Leorio! Come on!''

''…uh, fine…''

When Gon walked to help, Kurapika stopped him with a hand. ''Gon.'' He called firmly. ''You're arm's still unwell. Leave this to us.'' The blonde said, eyes flashing in determination. Gon blinked then turned his eyes towards an equally determined Leorio then lastly to me. Gon wasn't the type of person to just stand down and let others work without him. But he needs to do it because Kurapika and Leorio only cares… I smiled at him knowingly and winked.

His shoulders slumped in defeat and stood aside. ''Alright! One, two, three!'' We groaned together and pushed. After a few seconds of pushing without anything happening, I closed my eyes and poured my Nen out and focused them along my arms.

The gate groaned and started moving when I felt something warm trickle down my nose. I continued until my head screamed.

''Little Miss! Little Miss, Stop!'' I opened my eyes in alarm and then felt the door shut on us again. This time, Kurapika and Leorio's arms caught me at the same time.

''Gin! You alright?'' they chorused and I can't help but smirk, very much amused. My face fell when I tasted blood in my mouth.

''Oh…''

Leorio pushed me to my feet while Kurapika guided me to sit down. ''Yes, Oh…'' repeated a seemingly vexed Leorio. ''Why… Why do you always get hurt like this, Gin? God! You're such a troublemaker!'' he scolded as he pulled out a white blood-stained handkerchief from his pocket and started wiping off my blood gently. I felt guilty instantly of course.

''Sorry… I just wanted to open the door and get over it.'' I mumbled, shoulders slumping.

''Stop pushing it too much, Gin.'' Whispered Kurapika. ''We're all in this together.''

I sighed. ''Okay…eh? Where's my feathers?!'' I stiffened and looked desperately around. I heard the two boys sigh.

''Here Gin!'' Gon smiled a little as he placed the multi-coloured head-dress over my head. He brushed the hair out of my sweaty face with an apologetic look. I smiled, It's alright. He smiled back, Thanks.

Zebro coughed. ''I guess I'll just give you the intruders key, then.'' He said and later on, I saw his eyes catch a glimpse towards me. I tilted my head innocently and wondered what he was thinking about my little show of strength.

''R-really! Thank you Zebro-san!''

''Yes. This way and follow me closely.''

We straightened like soldiers and followed the security guard. Gon bounced on his feet, eager to meet Mike, the watch dog. I, on the other hand, wasn't so much. The woods weren't very alive. In fact, it was a little too quiet. No crickets singing, no birds singing, no rustling of little squirrels but the scent of wet dog was very, very strong.

''Mike!'' called the security guard. ''Mike! Come here! I have some people I need you to meet! Mike!'' I turned to our right towards the dark copse of trees. The scent was stronger there. I felt the hairs on my arms stand up in alarm when a loud groaning sound came from the empty part of the woods. Soon after, we waited in tense anticipation as the sound of footsteps grew.

My brother gasped and my breath hitched upon meeting its wide dark blue eyes. By pure instinct, I stepped towards my trembling brother. The sudden movement gained the full attention of the animal and I gasped, fingers dropping towards my thighs where my throwing knives are.

''Don't attack, girl.'' I heard Zebro whispered calmly. ''Don't move.'' I froze, eyes staring at the looming dog. It stared back. It reminded me too much of another smart human to be just a dog. This wasn't an animal at all. Its eyes… too smart, too thinking, too suspicious.

''Mike!'' I heard the security guard shout in alarm. ''They're not food, Mike! They are Master Killua's friends! No!'' A small cry escaped my throat when its massive head lunged at me. Feeling my brother jerk behind me, I elbowed my brother to push him off.

I screamed as its mouth opened, showing a cave of flashing fangs. He was going to suck out all my muscles and flesh, leaving only skeleton.

I sprung up to my feet and disappeared in a blur, running off. There was a roar behind me and a chorus of shouts. I didn't stop, leaping through branches with pure adrenaline pushing me through. The smell of wet dog permeated the air telling me that I am deep within its territory.

Why… Why… does this always happen to me!

I saw a dark blue shadow on my right. I picked up my pace and dropped myself to the forest floor and continued running for my life. Hopefully, the trees will provide more cover.

There was a long howl that raked a shiver off my spine and nearly caused me to topple over. Gasping, I ran more. This is nothing… nothing… I can run for kilometres! This was nothing like the endurance test! But then again…

I wasn't being chased by a giant demon dog then!

I held on to my head-dress as I ran in case because it felt like it was going to fall off soon. I started when the dog appeared before me, all its curly fur bristling and tail up and alert. It was an intimidation tactic. Its making itself look bigger to assert its dominance. The best thing to do now was to stay down and submissive…

But the dog's gonna eat me!

I can't fight…I can… Wait. I can. With Nen…

I instantly remembered the mirror. The one that saved me from Togari.

I closed my eyes and forced myself to relax. I felt it prowling towards me like a Lion approaching its fallen prey. I swallowed my dried throat, imagining the darkness, the swirling shadows, the unintelligible whispers, the pain, the cries, the hurt, the anger, the hopelessness, the weakness…

Ging, Gon, me as a little girl, Ging asking us to forgive him before he turned around and left us, brown cloak billowing in the wind, Togari with the hungry look in his eyes as he laughed at my nearing demise, my shoulder cut, my waist sliced open, ribs showing, blood rushing out, my leg slashed deep to the bone, unable to walk or run away…HATE. HATE. HATE.

Someone, help me... Help...

But no one came. Not once did anyone saved me. I've always had to do it myself while they watch me twist and scream in pain. Little shocks crawling all over me and tearing my muscles... Only Gon would, but he wasn't there. He was away again... No daddy...no friends...

The mirror invaded my whole mind, whispering sweet nothings. Without hesitation, I threw myself into its dark depths.

It was like falling in water. The shadows embraced my whole body, cooling it and caressing at my whole skin as if to comfort. You're going to be fine. You're safe here…it whispered. I curled myself up in there. Safe and sound in here…

Soon after, I didn't have to imagine the whispers because they grew louder and louder in my ears until it was all that surrounded me. I opened my eyes and found that my vision was sharper than ever before. My eyesight narrowed, zeroed and sharpened at my will. A slow grin tickled my lips and ate half of my face. A strange bubble of dry happiness fired inside my chest and I tilted my head back, laughing and cackling. I was happy even though there was nothing. I was just… happy. After all, I was alive.

I am still here!

''I am still here.'' I heard my voice, deep and harsh. ''I will always be here.''

I cackled, feeling a peculiar feeling enveloping my body. Like an invisible blanket that caused the all my hair to stand erect.

I stiffened when hot heavy breaths fanned my face. His scent was pungent and strongly of wetdog, and stinking meat. I didn't move because I didn't feel scared at all. No, I felt numbed. I felt nothing and that made me happy. Strange, I thought as the dog started to sniff all over my body. I giggled, as his nose hovered over the sensitive part of my neck.

My hands reached out and touched his face to push it away. My fingers weaved through the dark fur. Soft…

Its massive head gave a soft push that sent me tumbling on the floor, my back on the forest floor. Then, it stepped closer with its arms on each side of my head. It made a soft noise and from what I heard, its tail behind was wagging, making loud swishing noises.

My breath hitched when he opened his cavernous mouth and I was instantly all soaked with saliva. I frowned, surprised and a little disgusted. ''Urgh… no. Get off.'' I ordered. He whined, its ginormous head bowing as he made more pathetic whimpers that didn't suit his size at all.

I blinked and reached out. Our eyes met – dark brown against its dark blue ones. It reminded me immediately of Killua – his darker assassin version. I started, however, when I caught sight of my hand. It was black. No, it wasn't the pigment but the whole thing as a being. Still feeling empty, I didn't freak out just like I knew I should and would if not for the fact that I wasn't feeling like it.

I moved my hand around, examining the dark shadowed hand. Shadows…My hand was nothing but shadows and every time I moved, the shadows swirled like black water inside an invisible container.

A moan left my mouth as all of a sudden, my vision whirled. The sharpness of my eyesight blurred and darkened slowly. I laid on the floor with a massive animal looming over me, mouth slightly open and fangs showing. ''Oh shit…'' I managed to mumble as I felt all my strength leave me.

Author's note:

And... Enter the Zoldyks! Those assassins sure are famous!

From last chapter: Thanks so much guys for your kind reviews! Omygod! Hisoka really needed a shower, I supposed that's the first thing he did after he got out of his dark reverie. Hahaha can you imagine Hisoka running to his room for a cold, cold icy shower? Hisoka is undeniably hot but we can't admit that to Gin! or Gin can't admit that to herself when she thinks the guy is a threat to her brother. (or so she thinks, poor baby has no idea). I'm glad you like Hisoka's POV! I like it too even though it's so...50 shades of greyish LOOL.

So, what do you think of this chapter?! Nothing much going on here. HXH isn't mine!

xoxo