Chapter 22 – Ready or not

''Love is a poison, a sweet poison yes, but it will kill you all the same.'' ~ George RR Martin

After Killua has finished all his sweets, he told me that he was going downstairs to check with Gotoh again. Eager to just glide around in my blue dress, I followed him.

''Gotoh, are Gon and the others not here yet?'' he whined, opening the double doors.

''Killua!'' I straightened into focus upon hearing his voice.

''Gon!'' I cried, pushing the unsuspecting silver-haired boy away. I glided into the room, beaming at their jaw-drops.

''Gin!'' my brother stood from the grand sofa and jumped swiftly to meet me halfway. ''You look beautiful!'' I giggled, twirling around. The blue gown made a soft sloshing sound as I moved.

''Tche. Good you're here Gon. She's such a pain!'' complained Killua. I embraced my brother who hugged me back tightly.

''What happened to you?! Are you alright?'' Gon scowled, worriedly. ''I was so worried. You just ran and Mikey chased after you, howling and everything. I was so worried! We tried chasing you but…there was nothing there! I was so worried! I thought… I thought that…''

The unwavering sweet princess smile I was wearing fell down in an instant and all my dream-like state came crashing down. Gon… Gon looked awful, I just noticed. He smelt strongly of blood and sweat. His face still had scratches on them and he had dark circles under his eyes. My heart ached, full of guilt in an instant. I…I should've returned to him the moment I woke up. Why didn't I? Normally I would, wouldn't I?

Then, as if realising the silence, Gon blinked and immediately brightened. ''But then, Killua's mom said they had you! I was so glad! I knew then that Killua would take care of you!'' I let him hug me again.

I smiled. ''I'm sorry Gon. I didn't mean to worry you.''

''It's alright.'' He whispered.

Killua walked past us. ''Ohh?! So you're here too…Kurapika!'' The blonde looked disappointed.

''Am I just an afterthought?'' he asked more to himself.

''…Oh, and Liorio!'' The older teen scowled heavily.

''It's Leorio!'' he growled out.

Just like that, the attention was off us and Gon happily let go of me to jogged towards his best friend. Killua turned to my brother with a happy teasing smirk. ''What happened to you? Your face is a wreck!''

Gon laughed. ''Yours isn't any better!'' They shared one happy laugh. The atmosphere was light and happy once they've reunited. Even the usual stoic butlers smiled.

''Oy, Gotoh! I told you to let me know when they arrive! What were you doing?!'' Killua demanded. The butlers bowed.

''Forgive me.'' The butler sounded apologetic. ''I had participate in a game for a little while.'' He smiled kindly. I thought it didn't look right on him so I am fairly certain it was fake to some degree. But the butler didn't have malice leaking out…''It was nothing but a poor joke.'' He said.

''Wah… he's good at acting.'' Murmured Leorio, sweat dropping.

They chatted for a while. Then, just as we were about to leave. ''Gon-kun.'' Gotoh flicked a gold coin up and snatched them. ''Which hand?'' he asked. I tilted my head to the side, puzzled and has no idea of the right answer. After all, he could always cheat. But it sure looked like it's in the left hand…

''Left hand!'' answered my brother. The butler opened his hands and revealed it to be in the right. ''Eh! No way!'' my brother complained. He knew it was in his left hand. Gotoh cheated which isn't much of a surprise. For me, that is. Cheats and tricks are one of those cruel things that's always done in this world.

''Indeed. It was deception. In this world, there are many things that are wrong.'' I stiffened, listening intently. ''Please be careful.'' He bowed deeply to my brother. ''I am entrusting master Killua to you.'' I watched as the others bowed simultaneously as well.

Gon solemnly nodded and turned around. ''Bye, Canary!'' he cried as he passed a girl butler. He had left me but that was okay. He knew I was going to follow him anywhere. I shifted towards the butlers who have straightened up and was already waiting for me.

''Lady Gin?''

''Gotoh.'' I called. He snapped into attention like an old guard dog being called by his master. It was an automatic reaction, I realised. When he was called by his name in that even deep tone, he goes into butler mode right away. As if realising I wasn't his master, however, he relaxed in half a second.

''Yes, lady Gin?''

His death flashed in my mind and suddenly my gown felt too tight for me. I gasped, hands flying to my chest. Should I? Shouldn't I?

''Beware of the magician.'' I murmured and grasping my inappropriately grand blue dress, I ran towards the door before anyone can stop me and force me to explain.

''Eh?! You're here on tourist visa?!'' shouted Killua in disbelief. I stared at my brother who smiled sheepishly at me and Killua. I didn't know he wasn't using his license.

He nodded. ''I thought you pass the Hunters exam? You could've use it and you gain free access to stay in almost all countries in the world!''

Gon took a lungful of breath, eyes sharpening in determination. Kurapika and Leorio whispered at each other. ''That's what we told him…''

My twin shook his head. ''No. I promised to myself that I wouldn't use my benefits until I give Hisoka this tag!'' he pulled out a white tag #44. My breath hitched, the image of Gon in the arena coming to haunt my mind. The arena…Heavens arena…Gon…Hisoka…Tag…

Killua snorted then sighed. ''I wouldn't use this tag until I manage to land a punch on Hisoka!'' Gon said.

''And… do you know where to find him?'' Killua asked drily because he had an idea of the answer already. Gon shook his head no. The silver-haired boy sighed.

''I know where he is, Gon.'' Cut in a serious Kurapika who sat beside Gon from the other side of the table while Leorio and I sat together. All eyes snapped towards him.

''Really?!''

Leorio frowned. ''How?''

Still with his eyes closed, ''He told me.'' He replied.

Leorio's face changed to one of understanding. ''So that's what he said.'' I blinked, remembering the last phase of the exam then expectedly, of Bodoro's death. I remembered him right away. His face appeared in my mind so clearly like it was just yesterday. How he nodded at me as if to try and discreetly comfort the lone little girl in a big bad Hunters exam and then how I watched him die. Twice. From my visions and from my reality.

''I do not recall ever mentioning the Phantom Troupe ever to him. So, either he overheard us from the first phase of the exam or someone informed him.''

Chrollo Lucifer and the scarlet eyes. I figured immediately. It's going to get even more bloody soon. My heart rate increased and my throat started to tighten but I fought and controlled my breathing and pasted an interested expression on my face.

''Ah. Gin.'' Kurapika opened his eyes and addressed me. I blinked and tilted my head to the side, feigning ignorance. Smiling gently, ''Phantom troupe.'' He said, grey eyes flashing in silent anger. ''is a group of criminals who murdered my clan.'' I blinked and looked down at the table. Should I say sorry to hear…no. Your sorry wouldn't do anything after all. That's something strangers would say…

''Scarlet eyes. They murdered everyone in my clan for our scarlet eyes.'' I gulped spit to wet my suddenly dried throat.

''Hm.'' I felt the boys' eyes on me. I feel like I should say something. I opened my mouth and forced myself to look at the blonde. ''I'm sorry, Kurapika…'' I finally said. He smiled slightly, eyes ever so soft and understanding. Then he became serious once again.

''After the orientation, I asked him once again and he said Yorknew city, September 1st.''

''Eh? September 1st? Then, you have exactly half a year! But what's gonna happen in Yorknew City then?'' asked my brother curiously.

Leorio snapped his fingers, remembering something. ''The world's largest auction!''

''That's right. From September 1st to September 10th. There will be an auction for rare goods and national treasures in Yorknew city. This is bound to attract people, especially the nasty folks who want to satisfy their greed.'' The blonde's voice deepened in silent contempt. ''So, on September 1st, you'll see Hisoka there.''

''I got it. Thanks Kurapika.'' Came my brother's reply.

No. You'll see Hisoka at the Heavens arena, Gon. I thought and looked out of the peaceful forest out of the train's window. The sky was blue with white fluffy clouds scattered about. Heavens arena, I remembered its name was. Heavens arena, Yorknew City…The places you'll go to will be more dangerous as you go.

I'm not ready. I want…

I closed my eyes, wanting the dress off already. I can't fight in this dress. Too constricting. No matter how beautiful and how much I love the dress, I was simply too weak to wear them. I gripped my arms tighter and breathed normally.

''If you continue as you are, you will either get yourself or your dear brother killed.''

After we disembarked, Kurapika was the first to say his goodbye. I watched him, filling my head with the memory of his kind and beautiful face. He's so…dreamy, so handsome, so perfect…I sighed, ignoring how a certain white-haired boy who seemed to have heard my thoughts was now looking at me like I was some kind of lecher. To be fair, I think it was the hormones slowly catching up to me…

Oh God, yikes!

''I'll need money to participate in the auction. Therefore, I'll find a patron to hire my services as a hunter.'' He announced.

''Eh… then… I guess I should go now too.'' I turned towards the tall teen. ''I still haven't given up with my dream to be a doctor! Hm! I'm going to apply to the medical school and…'' he pulled out his Hunters License. ''Use this to pay their ridiculous fees!'' He cackled. I giggled with him and memorised his kind face as well. He, too, is handsome in his own rugged and loud way.

Oh god, hormones no! Get a hold of yourself, Gin! You can't ogle every guy you see, you bitch!

He looked down to me and smiled. He reached out as if to ruffle my hair, only to stop and stare at my feathered head-dress with a grimace. I crossed my arms at him and narrowed my eyes, daring him to criticise the pretty thing. Only Gon and Kurapika seemed to really like it!

''Ouch!'' I held my forehead. ''What was that for?'' I asked. Leorio grinned and to my utter surprise, he kissed the spot he flicked. I felt my face reddening and heating up to an impossible temperature. My tight corset was almost painful and if possible, my ears might just explode. ''Wha—wha…''

Leorio smiled and chuckled lightly. He laid a hand on my shoulder and whispered to my red ear. ''When you get another panic attack, remember to do some deep calm breaths – 1, 2, 3 breathe in and 1, 2, 3 breathe out. And tell yourself you're gonna be fine if no one was with you, okay?'' I nodded. ''And…don't curl in to yourself, try to relax.'' I nodded again. I felt him take my hand and slipped a piece of paper there. Then, he straightened up, ignoring Gon's and Killua's flabbergasted and disgusted looks.

''Alright! Let's go Kurapika!''

I looked hesitantly up. My face was undoubtedly red, judging from the heat of it. ''Gin, Gon and Killua. We'll see each other again.'' The blond prince declared with a smile.

''In Yorknew city, September 1st!'' the boys yelled together. I blinked, feeling like I missed something which I think I really did. Do boys have a secret telepathic link or something?

At the airport, Kurapika tapped my cheek. ''Gin.'' He called to me. I looked up to him expectantly and watched my wide-eyed expression floating in his grey eyes. His smile widened. ''Be careful.''

''Hm.'' I nodded and did a low curtsy in front of him which earned me a chuckle from the blonde. He bowed gallantly in return. I pursed my lips to stop my smile from getting any wider. Prince Kurapika…

''Ah. I nearly forgot Gin.'' I blinked. His smile became a little mischievous. ''You look very pretty in that dress, Gin.'' My smile fell in surprise before my face heated up once again. What's wrong with these guys! Are their hormones acting up too?!

He waved a bit more before turning his back on us, following Leorio to the boarding area. My heart was still racing and I can't help the smile in my face even though I was already biting it.

''Oy, airhead! Come on!'' My smile faded at Killua's interruption. With a sharp annoyed look, we followed Gon who was happily skipping away.

''So… It was just the three of us now.'' Said Gon. ''Hey, what do you guys want to do?''

I want to go home. I want to see Mito and Grandmother Abe. Shimura-sensei, Yukiji, Mori, Ranma...

''Train, of course.'' Killua replied first. I turned towards his cool and unbothered form. As usual, he had his hands in his pockets. I wondered briefly if all cool guys got a memo that to be cool, they got to have those hands deep in their pockets.

''Train?'' my brother asked, innocently puzzled. It's coming… ''Why? I thought we'll go have fun or something?''

A vein threatened to pop in Killua's forehead. He smiled, eyebrows twitching. ''Do you remember what you just said?'' he asked my brother, pointing an angry finger at his plastered cheek. ''You said you want to punch Hisoka on the face!'' he said, falsely sweet. Gon grimaced. Then…

''STUUUUUUPID!'' bellowed the silver-haired boy. ''You can't land a punch on Hisoka in 10 years let alone 6 months! You expect to do it without training?!'' he roared out. I crossed my arms and let myself watch the events unfold. Killua picked out a twig somewhere and drew faces on the soil. ''This is Hanzo and this…is Hisoka'' I bent down, my hands on my knees. I smiled at Hisoka's doodle face. Killua had it spot-on.

''Uh-huh.''

''This is the difference in their strength.'' Killua drew a line between the two. I tilted my head to the side, Really? That doesn't look too far, I thought. He pointed at my brother with the stick.

''You. You're here.'' I smirked as the boy swiftly slid towards the end of the park. Gon stiffened in annoyance beside me. ''And I'm being generous!'' Killua yelled. I snorted and tried to muffle my giggle.

''Now, I'm just annoyed.'' Gon admitted with a cute angry frown. ''What about you, Gin?'' I blinked, straightening up when he suddenly addressed me. I looked up in thought, remembering Hisoka and our tiny fight in the Trick tower.

''Probably about the same as you.'' Gon seemed to disagree. ''Or somewhere near there.'' I added, waving my hand.

Gon blinked, pursing his lips. My eyes softened at his hesitation to believe me. Does he think me stronger than him? My hands twitched but I fought the urge to throw myself at him. He turned to Killua. ''How about you, Killua?''

The other boy seemed to think then drew a line about half away from Gon's. ''About here.'' He shifted towards me and smirked. My eye twitched in annoyance.

Gon's eyes widened, mouth parting in fascination. Killua turned to his friend. ''What?''

''Hmm… You truly are amazing, Killua!'' I started when Killua jerked and blushed before placing his hands on his hips.

''Cut that out, it's embarrassing.'' He pouted. This time, I think I just developed an eye twitching disease. I didn't know whether to laugh, be awed, or just plain freak out. Because whatever I do, I keep getting the 'feels' signals from these two.

Killua… is a transmutation type of Nen, right? I swallowed the lump in my throat and blindly followed the two. Transmutation type… like freaking Hisoka? Hisoka…Hisoka…the pervert who preys on little boys!

''No!'' I screamed and the two stiffened and turned towards me, tensing into fighting stances. Gon coughed as I threw myself at him. ''Ohmygod…No… No… Baby… Gon…'' I sobbed and nuzzled my brother's chest.

''G-gin?A-are you alright? W-what's wrong?'' I gripped him tighter towards me. Oh my god…No…No…

''What the-? What the hell is wrong with you now, woman?!''

I turned sharply to him. ''You! You…'' He frowned, confused.

'You… get away from my boy! What are you planning!' was what I wanted to say but didn't. I bit my lip and closed my eyes, erasing the disturbing images popping into my head.

''Gin?'' Gon called and I felt his hand caressing my forehead. ''What's wrong, Gin?'' he asked softly.

Killua snorted. ''You're spoiling her again.'' He said and he sounded a little jealous to me.

''Oh Gon… I just thought of something…something completely horrible!''

''What is it? Tell me, Gin. It's okay. Don't worry.''

''Come on! We'll never get there if you continue with this drama, geez!''

I sobered up, still pushing the paranoia out of my mind. ''Where are we going?'' I straightened up, wrapping my arm around Gon's and gave the silver-haired boy a look of disdain. Killua just rolled his eyes and sighed.

''Weren't you listening?''

Gon turned to me. ''Heavens arena, sis. We're going to train and make money in the Heaven's arena.'' My grip on his slackened a little. I smiled, albeit shakily and followed him.

Look at the bright side! At least I have a beautiful dress!

Author's note:

Not feeling very well whilst writing this chapter. Hope you think it's alright ! LOL! Hope you'll enjoy reading the story as much as I love writing it. OMG! I got into 100 + reviews! I'm so happy! So so so happy! Thanks so much guys! I love how supportive you all are! It means a lot to me, really. If there's any mistakes, so sorry! HXH isn't mine! Only my baby Gin. God... I love Hisoka so much. He's so hot and so baaaad! (I just gotta tell you all).

Yours Truly,

Abby D.