Yuko was sitting in the seat beside Kurapika looking down sadly at the folder beneath her that had the Hunter associations symbol, as well as her license inside. She didn't even feel like taking a look at the thing, being completely not in the mood, after all Killua had left, Gon had a broken arm somewhere in an infirmary, and at the end of the day, she would still have to return home, some time. Most people would say it was a bittersweet moment, but to Yuko it was all bitter, she didn't even care about becoming a Hunter, or the stupid card on the inside, it wasn't the reasons he even took the Exam. Yuko groaned, and let her head fall lazily onto her arms, barely hearing the Chairman going off about what an honor it was and blah blah blah. Kurapika turned over to her, giving Yuko a weary smile, before looking back ahead listening intently.
Yuko grumbled. 'god, I just want to go find Killua. I wonder if Gon's doing okay right now.'
And as if on que Gon slammed the door open, sending passing applicants eyes to shoot towards him in surprise. Yuko almost twisted her neck, whipping her head towards him with a wide smile, standing up from her seat.
"Gon!" She said. However he paid her no minds walking down the isle arm in a sling, with clear goal set in mind.
Yuko watched as he approached Illumi with a piercing glare, clear anger stretched across his innocent face. Yuko watched in amazement as Gon proceeded to demand Illumi to apologize to Killua with such pure confidence. Yuko was generally super passionate and could work up enough confidence to approach someone who was obviously stronger then her, especially if it was for a good reason like her friends. But Illumi, she felt safer getting angry in her head, she learned her lesson, and she would never just go straight ahead at Illumi again, unless she had a decent plan that would assure her survival, the man was scary. But Gon not only yelled, but grabbed Illumi out of his chair, a clear crack, being heard from Gon tight grip on Illumi's wrist.
Yuko grimaced. 'He just broke his wrist, how strong is this kid?' she though watching the scene in surprise. Gons glare was intensifying, and Yuko had the urge to stand beside him for support, feeling on edge by Illumis presence. However before she could, Netero walked down from his stand, hands in his placed neatly behind his back with a slight smile.
"I was just about to enter that very subject Gon." He said. "In fact your friends had lodged a complaint at the very beginning of the orientation. So the committee decided to evaluate the fairness of Killua's disqualification."
Yuko perked up, completely forgetting about that, a small smile gracing her features. 'Maybe Killua can keep his license still.' She thought whilst sitting back down wanting to hear the details clearly. But sitting down, Kurapika stood up in defense.
"You saw it yourself, during Killuas match with the supposed 'Gitarrackur', and after. Killua had clearly began to behave strangely. That had to be the reason he committed the murder." Kurapika stated. "It's generally considered impossible to use hypnotisms to direct someone to do such a thing, however assassins raised Killua, and murder was commonplace, so it's natural that he would lack the proper ethical restraint." Kurapika concluded, Yuko noticed a side glance from Illumi that despite lacking emotion, held a small bit of animosity towards him, and she felt a small shiver. Leorio stood up as well.
"I think it's worth noting that during my fight with Bodoro, Killua aided my attack, so if anyone should be disqualified it should be me."
Yuko's eyes widened, Leorio was defending Killua? And he was going as far to throw himself under the bus for Killua's sake? Yuko smiled her heart clenching quickly with warmth at the clear development of her friends and the support they where emitting. It made her forget her fears of Illumi for a second and stand up with confidence to help as well.
"I also would like to add on to that by saying that, during the 4th phase I had come into contact with Gitarrackur myself, and during the encounter he had used needles, and even during the last phase you saw what he could do with his needles. From first hand experience, Gitarrackur had used a needle to basically manipulate me into not talking about our meeting. When he was fighting Killua it is possible he used a needle to manipulate Killua into killing and disqualifying himself. Not only that, but Gitarrackur has a motive as well, during their fight he had stated Killua had no purpose in becoming a Hunter and in fact told him he shouldn't be one. Killua wouldn't disqualify himself for no reason don't you think?" Yuko said using her hands to better explain her thinking. Kurapika and Leorio gave her surprised looks at the new information of her little episode with Illumi herself, it was news to both of them. Gon felt an anger after hearing that Illumi not only manipulated Killua but also Yuko and clenched harder onto his arm glaring deeper at the emotionless male, nails almost drawing blood out of his palm from clenching his other fist tightly to his side.
'This girl could be a problem.' Illumi thought, his face completely neutral.
Netero turned back around behind his desk, his hands still behind his back. "How are we to know you're telling the truth? None of my men saw any needle during your exchange, which turns this back to a guessing game. We have no concrete proof and your two friends statement's where mere speculations. You've got to give me something better." Netero said causing small glares and gasps to emit from the three defenders. Netero netted his fingers together nicely laying them on the table in front of him. " And with Leorio's claim, there was zero indication of aid from Killua. It was clear you outclassed Bodoro in raw ability and combat, you would've won the fight without his help, which shows that Killua wasn't purposely helping you."
"Ok but why would he kill Bodoro then huh? Killua wouldn't do that for no reason, I mean it's not like he didn't want to become a Hunter. So why would be purposely disqualify himself?!" Yuko yelled growing frustrated slamming her hand against the desk.
"That is the question. And sadly a question that can only be answered with theories. If you have concrete evidence I'd love to hear it and take it into consideration."
Yuko glared clenching her teeth. "Bastard" she seethed under her breath.
"Let's just get this over with so we can go home already." Hanzo said with annoyance, causing a negative reaction from Leorio who was now glaring at the unsuspecting ninja.
"This is pointless!" Gon yelled stopping Leorio's retort before it left his lips. Everyone stared at Gon in confusion, and expectance of his continuation. "Why argue whether some should've passed or not? If you're not satisfied with how you made it, keeping working until you are. If Killua wants to take the Hunter Exam again I know he'll pass! He didn't this time, and it is what it is. But still, if you've been forcing Killua to murder people, against his will this whole time. I will never forgive you." Gon said with pure passion and anger, glaring at Illumi.
Yuko's eyes widen. 'That's right. Who cares if Killua didn't pass this time, he was more then qualified to do it next year and be great. We shouldn't even be here right now, we should be looking for him." Yuko thought looking down at the desk with sadness. 'Poor old man, I hope he's okay. Being forced to kill, is literally taking away someone's humanity from them. I don't know, I don't what I'd do if someone forced me to kill against my will. I know i'd probably turn out worse then Killua did, and that just shows you he's naturally a normal kid, with a soft heart. If I was him, I'd probably be...you know what I'm not gonna think about that.' Yuko thought before being more present in the conversation unfolding.
"Never forgive me? So then, what will you do?" Illumi asked completely unaffected by the broken arm Gon was causing.
"I won't do anything. But after I go rescue Killua, I'll never let you see him again!" He yelled.
Illumi reached forward to touch Gon, causing him to jump back in response. Yuko sighed in relief 'At least he knows to not fight Illumi.' Yuko got up from her seat to walk down to stand beside Gon, so he knew he had some back up with him, despite her heart beat picking up pace being in close proximity to the emotionless assassin.
Netero cleared his voice, making everyone's attention to direct towards him.
"Alright ladies, and gentlemen let us proceed. Gon is absolutely right. It's up to each of you to decide whether you are worthy of your license. Now you're all perfectly welcome to complain about the results as much as you like, however our minds are made up." This statement caused the passing applicants who where standing up to sit back down before Netero continued. "Killua has been disqualified from this years Hunter Exam. While the rest of you have passed." Netero concluded before turning to give a knowing look to his assistant, Bean who nodded in return.
"Alright then, I shall continue with the orientation." Bean said, picking up a Hunter Licenses to show the passing applicants. "Now, the cards that we've passed out are your Hunter Licenses. This card will allow you to enter 90 percent of the countries that limit immigration, as well as grant you access to 75 percent of restricted areas in the world."
Yuko's eyes widened and her mouth parted, before she took out the license from her pocket to look at in in astonishment. "You're kidding me! I could take Kho everywhere! This is insane" She smiling wide. However doing so caused a frown to form on her face right after. 'Kho won't want to leave. And I'd be saying goodbye to...all my new...friends.'
"You may use 95 percent of public facilities at absolutely no cost, and banks will treat you as if you were a top-rated company. You can sell it for enough money to last seven lifetimes, or you can keep it for a life of guaranteed comfort."
' So I guess that means...I have to sell it. For Kho's sake, it would be selfish to do otherwise.' She though nobly however, her face continued to darken, not because she wouldn't be able to be a hunter anymore, but because she wouldn't be able to go on adventures, or see her friends when she goes back home. Yuko knows she will first save Killua, but still, is that enough?
"Please be very careful. You wouldn't want it to be misplaced or stolen. You won't get a replacement. According to our estimates as many as one in five Hunters somehow manage to lose their card within a year of receiving it. Your very first challenge as a licensed Hunter is to protect your card at all costs. From here on out, it's your show. Believe in yourselves, and keep working to make your dreams come true." Bean concluded.
"Well, then we can now certify all seven applicants present as licensed Hunters." Netero said.
Yuko felt a sense of accomplishment at those words, however so many things took away from her victory. So many sour things. Number one was Killua. Close second however, was returning home.
"Was that wise?" Hisoka began, leaning up against a pole. "Giving up your base of operations like that?"
Illumi turned around to face Hisoka. "Sure, it isn't a secret. The locals all know where we live. Our worlds are drastically different, a fact that I'm sure they'll all come to realize once they arrive."
Hisoka then looked questioningly at his broken arm. Illumi followed his gaze and lifted his arm up. "Oh this? Yea, it's broken."
Hisoka smirked.
"He is interesting. I understand your concern for his future. Even that girl, who was hanging around Gon and Kil, has a rather peculiar vibe. During the fourth phase, I hardily sensed her presence when she attacked me. She is also quite intriguing. Is she one of your targets to? She doesn't seem your type." Illumi questioned.
"Hmm, I don't know, she did peak my interest, however at some point I'd forgotten about her. Why do you ask anyways?"
"Well, I feel as though I should keep my eye on her. Kil seems to like her, you never know maybe one day she could become the significant other of our family's businesses future heir."
Hisoka snickered. "You're joking."
"Yea." Illumi said emotionless, causing a few more chuckles to emit from Hisoka's throat. "Jokes aside, she could be important. And I'd feel better if she wasn't one of your targets."
Hisoka lifted a hand up in reassurance from his crossed arms. "Fine I'll back off, as long as you stay away from Gon. It's sad though, it's always exciting to have more then one fruit in waiting."
"First, let's look up Kukuroo Mountain." Kurapika said whilst typing against the computer. All four of them where in the hotels lobby huddled around Kurapika. Yuko stared at the computer screen solemnly. She so badly wanted to save Killua that it hurt, she wanted to make sure he knew that he was correct about himself, correct that he could indeed be a normal kid with friends. She wanted so bad to prove Illumi wrong too.
Yuko could feel it though, the closer they got to saving Killua was also the closer she was to leaving them.
This thought made her look down sadly at her shoes.
Gon saw this and he put his right unbroken hand on her shoulder, in ways to reassure her. Her eyes widened as she looked over to Gon who was staring at the computer screen. She smiled.
'You're amazing Gon'
"Kukuroo Mountain. There. Here it is." Kurapika said drawing her attention, a slight flutter of excitement to the knew information that would progress their journey.
"Kukuroo Mountain, in the Dentora Region of the Republic of Padokea is 3,722 meters high." Kurapika read.
"The Republic of Padokea?" Leorio said with a baffled expression.
"He really is rich, his family owns a whole Mountain..." Yuko uttered breathlessly.
"So where is it? I've never heard of this place"
Kurapika began typing again to Leorio's question. "Hold on. I'll bring up a map." He answered with a smile. While Kurapika was typing, Yuko couldn't help but reach for his hair to feel it. She was standing right behind him and it was so tempting. So of course, our Yuko has little to no filter, she started to braid some of his hair. Kurapika flinched, but continued to search, which brought a smile to her face as she continued and finished a small skinny braid.
Bing!
A map popped up on the computer screen.
"This is the Republic of Padokea. It appears to be a stable country, so we should be fine. This country's open to tourists too."
"So then, that's where Killua is?" Gon asked now gripping the back of Kurapika's chair firmly.
"It looks like it'll be a three day trip to reach him by airship. When do you think we should leave?" Kurapika questioned with a hand on his chin thoughtfully.
"Today! Right now!" Gon yelped suddenly.
"Yea! We need to get to him as soon as possible." Yuko added with determination.
"Alright! I'm down!"
Kurapika grinned at their responses and immediately began typing to book their tickets. "Got it. I'll order the tickets , then."
The four of them where now crammed in the back of a cab Yuko being squashed between Kurapika and Gon. She felt so hot and sweaty from the close proximity she felt like she would die. It was probably 100 degrees out that day, not a good day to be squished against bodies.
Yuko sighed in annoyance. "At this rate it'll take years for us to reach him!" She said throwing her head back, sweat sliding down her face.
"You're right Yuko, this traffic could end up making us late to our flight."
Yukos eyes widened, and once again found herself feeling down at the thought of not being able to save Killua, her eyes drooping to her lap.
"Hey pops! Do something!" Leorio yelled rudely.
"Nothing I can do about traffic. And it's the only road" He replied simply.
'Why do I feel so crappy?' Yuko thought. Suddenly however she felt a hand wrap around hers and she shot her head up to see Gon about to get out of the car.
"Let's just run then!" Gon gleamed pulling Yuko out from the car.
Everyone followed after Gon, Yuko still grabbing onto his hand barely trailing behind him. She stared at the back of his head dazed.
"He's such a ball of light."
Yuko grabbed firmly onto his hand, running a little faster to meet his pace.
"Gon." She said.
He looked at her questioningly. "What is it?" He said with a smile. Yuko smiled back.
"You are pure. The purest person I have ever met, please don't ever lose that. Okay?"
Gon looked at her with a blank expression, soaking up her words into his mind. He nodded hesitantly. "Yea...sure."
"Promise me."
"I promise" Gon said with a smile.
She let go of his hand then and punched his shoulder playfully. "Seriously though, you need to share some of that pureness with me, you're hogging it." She joked.
Gon pouted. " I seriously don't know what you're talking about Ne."
Yuko laughed. " Of course you don't know."
"Oi Gon, Yuko! Do you guys realize how far away the airport is from here?" Leorio yelled running side by side with Kurapika. Gon slightly turned his head to reach Leorio's gaze.
"Sure! But I want to go rescue Killua! And I didn't want to waste another second"
"That's right, we gotta save the old man!" Yuko said hyping herself up. She was starting to feel a little more excited then sad to save Killua, she probably had Gon to thank for that.
Kurapika smiled.
"Besides, this is nothing compared to the Hunter Exam. And now we're even stronger, so this will be a breeze." Yuko said feeling the wind brush through the brown strands of hair, allowing the sweet smell of the ocean to enter her nostrils.
'I could get used to this.'
" I know right! This will be a heck of a lot easier then the Exam." Gon laughed, agreeing with Yuko. "Alright! Race you guys to the airport!" Gon said sticking a teasing tongue out at the three as he rushed forward. Yuko competitively grinned.
"Ohoho don't get too cocky I'm right behind you!"
End
Hey guys, I know you must be surprised I posted a new chapter, but I wrote these chapters a long time ago and I just copied and pasted it to here. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.