Hello everyone! Thank you for making it this far with me up until this point!
I was not planning on placing notes before and after this chapter, but this message here has been placed after the original upload, and for what I believe is a good reason.
Come next month, this story will have been a part of my life for three years. It's only been on the internet for almost two now, but it has been planned and sculpted long before that. I appreciate every single one of you who has taken the time to read it and stick with me. It speaks volumes for how much you care. Through all of my shortcomings, many of you have stayed and supported me, and that is absolutely wonderful. But with this relationship comes a certain kind of mutual respect I believe we should be able to share between us. If you will be honest with me about how you feel, then in return I need to come out and be honest with you.
I have put an unmeasureable amount of time, research, and love into this. I have a plan that I am not deviating from. I sincerely apologize for those of you who had expected this writing to take a different path. I know that authors on these fanfiction sites are very specific with their tags and how they label what happens in their work. But I choose not to abide by labelling/tagging that is so specific it defeats the purpose of reading the work. I honestly feel that those types of categorizations spoil stories, making me wonder why I would choose to read something that has already been explained to me in the multitude of tags beneath the title. Or even in the summary, in some cases. But at any rate, I do not abide by this fanficiton culture, and that can be frustrating for some. Which I completely understand: there are far more characters appearing in this work than just Killua and Kurapika. But this brings me to another point.
This work is modeled after the 2011 show (and Togashi's writing style in general, I suppose I can say). It has an overarching story with a multitude of characters who develop themselves and the world around them, and everything eventually ties together. Because of the impact Togashi's work has had on my life, I dedicated a lot of time to not only paying homage to his writing style (which I'm not sure I can even come close to, but I have tried), but also I included my own ideas for what the Hunter x Hunter universe could have been. Not that I disagree with how he presents it. But he sparks a lot of creativity in me, and I wanted to bring forward the best example I could of how much he has influenced me.
I do realize, that for those of you who primarily came here for the pairing Killua/Kurapika, this overarching plotline must be getting in the way of your point for being here. But at the same time, everything I do in my writing, I do for a reason. So nothing about what I have planned for this work will change. I will however, compromise with a few new tags that will hopefully warn future readers that come into this work with certain expectations.
Once again, I apologize if I have not met any hopes you had for this writing. I realize not everyone in the world will agree with everyone, and I cannot force you to like or appreicate what I have written. But even still, I am grateful for all the time you have spent with these words of mine. Our time with each other is precious and irreplacable. And more than anything else, thank you for your continued presence.
Chapter 24
Gon jolted awake in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, swearing he felt an explosion. He was almost convinced it had been a nightmare, but the staggered shockwaves in the forest around him immediately proved him wrong.
As if out of reflex, his sleep-addled mind screamed it had something to do with Killua.
But once the more rational part of him stirred, he couldn't believe it. How could an eruption of Nen on such a massive scale have anything to do with Killua, or any single person for that matter? It didn't even feel like him . . . And it was so far away, surely on another continent. How could this aura be felt from such an incredible distance?
As Gon left his sleeping bag, he saw Ging doing the same out of the corner of his eye.
"You felt that too?" Ging had asked. When Gon nodded, the older Hunter closed his eyes for a moment to focus. "It's familiar, somehow . . ."
Gon blinked, unsure of where he could have felt that particular kind of resonance before. He would absolutely remember feeling something so specific . . . but he came up empty, with nothing to compare it with.
Ging however, was still poised and concentrating. Gon could feel him studying the ripples of energy that passed through them. It made their surroundings vibrate; down to every leaf and blade of grass the world was forcibly shaken.
Despite this display, Gon felt no need to fear the nearly overpowered aura. It was . . . defensive? Frightened? The sensation was hard to describe . . . but Gon couldn't help but feel like this power was only dangerous because it had to be, like it was trying to protect something.
What could have happened to cause this?
Soon enough, the sound of shifting dirt at Gon's side announced Ging getting to his feet. When Gon turned to face him, there was a confident and unsurprised look in his eyes. "Well, that explains a lot." he muttered to himself. And as if it wasn't still pitch black, he started packing up their campsite. All Gon could do was watch him incredulously.
The younger Hunter never pretended to understand this man.
A few weeks ago, when Gon had no more to go off of than a text, when he met Ging atop some distant, obscure mountain, there were plenty of unanswered questions. Not that Gon considered the mystery a bad thing. But he had been more curious than anything else; why was Ging here, and why now?
It had taken some serious angling and patience that day, but eventually Gon wheedled an answer out of the evasive old Hunter.
"You'll be part of the expedition team. Didn't your Nen master tell you? Or maybe I forgot to mention it . . ."
"For what?"
"The Dark Continent. All we need are a few more recruits and secure funding, and we'll be set."
The part about Bisky slightly blindsided Gon. So that was why she came out of nowhere and wanted to train him again. Not that he wasn't grateful to see her . . . it must have been a kind of refresher course before the real mission began. The whole thing had felt a bit unreal, but a burning curiosity took hold. Gon wanted, maybe even needed, to know where this could possibly go.
It was still funny, how Ging told him he'd be part of the team instead of just asking. Gon would have agreed either way, but . . . just the thought that this whole time he was deemed worthwhile enough to be on the team. By the man he never really thought he'd catch up to. It set his head spinning and his heart racing.
What could the Dark Continent possibly be like? The one place even Ging had yet to explore. Sure, Gon heard stories that were mostly based of off rumors, but just the thought of getting to experience such a distant and foreign land . . . It kept Gon awake at night, the idea thrumming in his brain and exciting him more then he thought possible. It was so distracting.
So much that he'd found himself forgetting things. And people.
Like Killua.
Guilt would always claw its way through Gon's chest when he found himself forgetting his first best friend. Again.
There was no excuse for it.
He'd made time to call Killua a while ago, only with the intent to catch up with him. He thought he hid his worry well enough, and Killua sounded really happy to hear from him. They had been talking so easily, sharing stories and being glad to hear the other's voice. Until Killua stopped talking right in the middle of a sentence. The line had gone absolutely silent.
"Killua? Is everything ok? . . . Killua?"
". . . It was really great hearing from you, but I have something I need to take care of."
" . . . I understand. Take care, Killua. I hope everything's ok."
"Yeah, you too. See you later."
He sounded so sad all of a sudden. Gon wished he could've been there, even though Killua most likely wouldn't want him to be. It'd be nice if Killua would stop pushing him away . . .
"Come on, Gon. We're already late as it is. The quicker we get this done, the better." Ging's voice snapped Gon out of his thoughts, and he mechanically began packing as well.
Ging hadn't even explained where they were going . . . or what they were about to get themselves into.
The Ox of the Zodiacs reminded himself to stay calm as he briskly walked to Cheadle's office. Yes, he was still angry. But no, he wouldn't take it out on Cheadle. He couldn't. He had to remember what Beans said: "She made what she thought was the right decision . . . Getting angry with her is only going to divide the Zodiacs further."
Yes, Cheadle was under pressure. But it didn't change the mess she caused. It didn't change that one of their top agents was now dead, because of an impossible order he was given. His unwavering loyalty was surely wasted, and now Mizaistom had to restore order before any other good Hunters were sacrificed . . .
"Can we talk?" he asked, standing in the doorway of Cheadle's office for a moment before softly closing the door behind him.
Cheadle slumped heavily in her chair, her eyes closed with her head tilted back. She faced away from the large screen on the wall that displayed the same, albeit muted, news report Mizaistom had seen earlier.
Eventually the Dog of the Zodiacs stirred. She didn't open her eyes but she did speak. "What do you want?"
"Is all of this really necessary?" Mizaistom started off gingerly. "The longer this goes on, the bigger it gets and the more people will take notice. It will only be a matter of time before the other world leaders find out."
Silence. A very long, deliberate stream of silence. If Mizaistom didn't know any better, Cheadle appeared to be sleeping in her chair.
Trying to hide his irritation, he continued, "I think you're forgetting that we're all on the same side: we don't want this situation to escalate any further. So the rest of the Zodiacs and I agree it would be in our best interest to try talking to them."
Cheadle remained unresponsive, still as stone. It was unsettling and aggravating at the same time. It reminded Mizaistom of how Cheadle had been during the last incident . . . but she was their leader. She couldn't afford to hide behind her desk and unfeasibly send good people off to their deaths. None of them could.
"Please see reason, and call off the next attack."
Cheadle finally opened her dark-ringed eyes. "You know I can't do that."
"Then as Vice-Chairman, I have no choice but to ask you to step down."
"I'll step down when this ends."
The Ox wasted no time in leaving the office. Their Chairman, it seemed, was beyond negotiating.
The entire act of departing Yorknew passed in a numbing blur. It happened so quickly that Killua and Kurapika were nearly unaware of what was happening. One moment they had changed clothes, the next they were aboard one of Neon's sleek, more agile airships. It was smaller than average which served many advantages: it was faster, used less fuel, and was easier to hide in the clouds. Of course Neon had insisted on sending pilots, who would no doubt have a better understanding of the mechanism. They also had instructions to return the ship to her, so there would be no abandoned crafts attracting attention.
The one thing Kurapika remembered so vividly before they left was Neon's questioning expression. Her worried yet respectful demeanor that just ate away at him. He promised her an explanation, after everything was said and done. He just wouldn't be the one to give it to her.
A quiet night enveloped the airship soon after it took to the sky. Mizuken had retired to one of the rooms near the back of the ship, leaving the bonded pair to their own devices. The atmosphere on the craft was dark and calm, the windows framing countless stars while the lowest of lighting defined rounded walls. It should have been the perfect setting to let their guards down . . . and yet sleep was particularly elusive, neither of them able to relax. Perhaps the quiet itself was the issue.
It was the exact opposite of what their lives had become since this started. It felt foreign, bringing a nagging sense of paranoia to the backs of their minds . . . Could they be followed? Were they already being followed? Now that they had to leave Bisky behind, was she a liability? Had they let Neon get too involved? Could she be in danger as a result? What did Kurapika using Killua's lightning really mean? How in control of their abilities could they remain until they reached Kakin?
So many uncertainties, and not enough answers to make up for them.
The bonded pair sat on one of the sofas in the ship's lounge, purposefully choosing a spot closest to a wall. The gentle hum of the craft's inner workings was background noise to an oddly comfortable lull between them. Killua was grateful they could share the stillness together without having to defend or explain themselves.
In the midst of the quiet, he felt worry spike within his partner. He turned to find a focused hazel gaze on him and a thin hand on his chest, directly over his heart. Neither spoke as the blond concentrated, and then quickly relaxed.
"Thank the gods . . ." Kurapika murmured to himself. When Killua's curiosity surfaced, he explained, "Because I can apparently tap into your abilities, I thought you might have mine. I would never wish that on you."
Killua felt a small smile curving his lips, for the first time in a very long while. "You worry too much."
"You don't worry enough." Kurapika chided. He meant to remove his hand from the younger male's chest, only to find Killua holding it there.
Kurapika stared at the hand that covered his, paying far too much attention to the heart that beat strongly beneath them both.
Has my lightning ever hurt you? Killua asked, his voice low and gentle in Kurapika's head.
No. Never.
Good. Killua squeezed the hand he held to himself. I can bear it, but you might not be able to. If anything happened to you, I . . .
The younger male's hands slipped down Kurapika's arms and up to his shoulders, clinging to him there. Killua's aura gathered thickly around the two of them, fervent and overwhelming. He stared at the older male so intensely for a split-second, before his expression softened into something nearly forlorn. The look in those clear blue eyes wrenched at Kurapika's heart.
Despite still feeling Killua's racing heart beneath his hand, Kurapika put together a conscious thought. Promise me something.
Anything.
Even if you find you have access to them, never use my chains. You will end up like me.
It was then that one of Killua's hands left Kurapika's shoulder, slowly making its way to the blond's heart. Killua didn't have to look very hard to find Nen in the form of chains coiled about the fluttering organ. The end of the chain was tipped with a small, ornate blade that simply sat, unneeded. Killua had a sudden urge to just take the chain out and free his partner, even though he knew it wasn't possible.
I won't. I promise. Killua's words, though hopeful by design, were hollow at best. They both knew very well that Kurapika had taken on Killua's abilities without any knowledge of how or why. The opposite could occur just as easily.
The pair leaned heavily into one another, still feeling relief from the physical contact. It rushed through their blood, placating their recently overused auras. Eventually, their breathing synchronized; even their pulses beat as one. It was one of the most comforting sensations either had experienced in months. It served to help them forget, if only for short while.
When Killua finally opened his eyes, they came to rest on an intricate, dangling ruby earring. The jewelry, he noticed, was nearly cloaked by blond hair that had clearly grown to brush slender shoulders.
"You need a haircut." Killua gently teased, taking to one side of Kurapika's head and nuzzling him.
"So do you." Came a soft retort as the blond draped his arms over his partner's shoulders. Killua felt a few almost playful tugs on the back of his own longer hair as a soft chuckle vibrated in Kurapika's chest.
They remained close for the rest of the night, finding solace in each other until sleep finally came.
Botobai's home was humble and ordinary; a plain looking cottage nestled in a quiet, green valley far away from all forms of modernization. Mizaistom couldn't remember the last time he'd visited this place. It had the same weathered stone walls, faded gable roof, and stocky chimney, grasped by the same vines that climbed towards the sun. It really hadn't changed . . .
The front door opened just as Mizaistom was about to knock, and the Ox couldn't believe what he saw.
The once tall, proud, and muscular Dragon was thin, bony, and riddled with dark burn-like scars. His now oversized red and black jacket hung from him, his brittle hands nearly covered by too-long sleeves. His back was hunched, barely able to support what little weight was left on him. His Nen had gaping holes torn into it, as if a giant parasite had chewed its way through his life energy.
The sight was made even more morbid when Mizaistom noticed the blinking red light on a metal collar loosely fashioned around Botobai's neck: the symbol of his house arrest.
"Did Cheadle do this to you?" Mizaistom couldn't stop himself from asking.
Botobai's weathered features almost looked confused for a moment before he laughed. It was a graveled and wheezy sound, and his speaking voice was just as worn. "No, my friend. It was all simply a product of time. Shall we?"
The Dragon had motioned toward the rest of his home and the Ox followed him inside.
Once both were seated in modest armchairs in a warmly-lit living room, Botobai spoke once more.
"I'm afraid I don't have much to offer in the way of amenities." the older Zodiac had began, but Mizaistom rose his hand in decline.
"I apologize for imposing on you." the younger man replied. "I originally came to release you from your arrest . . ."
"But?" Botobai instantly suppled, a humored grin sneaking onto his leathery mouth.
". . . What happened to you?"
The withered Dragon sunk into the plush cushions of his chair, staring out a nearby window. "Cheadle has done no wrong to me. This is a just punishment."
Mizaistom only responded with a questioning glance.
"You remember our friend M, I'm sure."
"I don't think I understand."
"I was celebrated as invincible the day she attempted escape."
Mizaistom remembered stories of Botobai's selfless bravery. He had single-handedly saved their world by coming into direct contact with M's poisonous aura. He had returned her to the prison grounds, without so much as a scratch. Despite the fact that hundreds of M's guards were plagued with the radiative effects of her Nen, and very actively dying. That was why Botobai was made the warden of her prison, because of his miraculous ability to withstand her. He could safely commute from the prison to the outside world and back again.
A cough-like chuckle came from the older Zodiac. "If only that were the whole truth."
Mizaistom made many terrifying parallels in that moment.
"M is killing you. Just like all the other guards . . ."
Botobai remained calm, even in the face of his colleague's shock. "This curse isn't by her own design, I couldn't possibly blame her."
"You've been dealing with this for four years. How has it not spread?" Words fell form Mizaistom's mouth as he tried to make sense of what was in front of him.
"I took every precaution to see that it wouldn't. The form you saw daily was part of that." Another weak smile. "But I knew one day I would inevitably fail, and she would take over. I prolonged that day as much as possible."
A glamour. How could Mizaistom have missed it, after all this time? "Cheadle must know this is happening to you now. Why would she have confined you otherwise . . ."
Although Mizaistom seemed to be reasoning with himself, Botobai affirmed. "Not so much arrest as it is quarantine. She believes me contagious despite all these years."
"I'm assuming you know what she's done now?" Urgency bubbled in Mizaistom as the words left him.
Botobai's arrest thankfully did not mean he was barred from public information. He gave a solemn nod. "I didn't expect her to strike without just cause. I hope she's learned from this?"
Much to his friend's dismay, Mizaistom shook his head. "She's planning to attack them again. I was hoping you could help me reason with her, but I was unaware of your . . . condition."
"I'm grateful you still think me that capable." Botobai smiled, a bittersweet gesture. "But my presence would only serve to push her further down this violent path she's chosen. To her, I am only proof of how dangerous they could become."
Mizaistom pulled at a spotted sleeve of his black and white coat, staring at the floor in deep concentration. "No one has been able to talk her out of this. I don't know what we're going to do."
"The first bond was twisted and gnarled beyond any hope of redemption. It ate itself to death." the older Zodiac reminded. "If our Chairman persists, she will be consumed as well."
Mizaistom left Botobai's home that night with an unsettling feeling. As if their entire world was being uprooted.
Gon didn't know the Hunter's Association even had waiting rooms. But here he and Ging were, waiting for a chance to speak with the Chairman.
"Cheadle has not been easy to talk to lately, and that aura we felt before has something to do with it. Now we have the leverage we need to get her to listen." Ging had reasoned on their way to Headquarters.
He had a strategy: send Gon in first to talk to Cheadle, and if that didn't work, Ging would introduce their so-called "leverage". That he still didn't really bother explaining . . .
Gon swallowed. Prior to last night's coincidence, he and Ging had exhausted all their other options for funding the expedition, and having dozens of smaller sponsors would only become a liability. This was their last chance to contract a single source. He hoped this would go well . . .
Gon was not ready for the moment he was called back to the double doors of the Chairman's office. Taking one last deep breath, he reached out and knocked on the office doors. They seemed to open on their own, revealing a rather dimly lit space with heavily tinted windows, a large desk, and black shelves lining white walls.
Cheadle Yorkshire was leaning on the front of her desk, her head tipped down.
"Excuse me, Ms. Cheadle-" What Gon felt in that room suddenly made him forget what he was going to say.
Ging was right: the Chairman was an absolute wreck. Her aura was so heavy it nearly crushed Gon's under its dead weight. Her hair, that Gon remembered being mint green, was now nearly half gray. If he looked close enough he could see her hands shaking. When she finally looked up, her eyes were frighteningly dark, with deep rings around them. How long had it been since she slept?
Gon quickly amended his words with, "Are you ok?"
"I know Ging sent you here, and I know what he wants." Cheadle started, her weary voice still carrying a great deal of patience. "I want you to give him a message: We are dealing with very serious matters right now. I might negotiate with him once we have dealt with these matters. But not now."
"Ms.-"
"I would appreciate it if both of you were to leave and not come back until our issues are resolved."
"What's wrong?" Gon asked simply, his eyebrows knitted in genuine concern.
The Chairman turned away, as if she couldn't bear looking Gon in the eye anymore. "You and Ging have your answer: I will not be funding your expedition until further notice. Please leave or I will have security escort you out."
"I'm sorry I bothered you. I didn't know you were going through something so serious." Gon's voice conveyed nothing but honesty. "Do you need anything?"
Cheadle walked over to one of her large tinted office windows, peering down at the city below. And Gon just watched her. She looked like she was contemplating jumping, as if there was no window in the way . . .
"Please leave."
I don't know why I found this chapter so difficult to write. No matter how many times I reread and rewrote the thing and tried to excuse myself, it must be said: I took huge liberties. But I promise, I have a plan. It's the same plan I've had for more than a year now. I wish it wasn't so difficult to follow through on though haha.
Regardless, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! And I sincerely hope it made sense. As for chapter 25, I estimate that it should be up in . . . two or three weeks? Give or take a few days more likely. I feel that this tale is beginning to come full circle.