A/N hey guys here is chapter 9 and just fyi when it comes to the Testing Gate I did my best for the math for the weight of the doors. If i'm wrong my bad.

Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter x Hunter

The applicants who passed the exam save for Gon were sitting in a lecture hall. They each had a folder placed in front of them with the Hunters Association symbol in the center. When they opened them, they all saw their Hunters licenses displayed before them. However, they didn't have long to appreciate them because suddenly the doors to enter the room burst open revealing Gon. He was wearing a white tank top choosing to leave his green jacket back in the other room in his haste, his head had a bandage wrapped around it, and his left arm was in a sling and cast. Gon without saying word marched down the stairs toward the front row where Illumi was sitting next to Hisoka. Ferev seeing Gon awake stood up when Gon got close and said "Gon! Your awake. How are you feel-" Ferev's words died in is throat as Gon just walked by him eyes focused solely on Illumi. When Gon finally made it to Illumi he stood right next to him and with a glare he shouted "Apologize to KIllua!" Ferev seeing Gon order around Illumi subtly reached for his right gun in case Illumi decided to retaliate.

Illumi who had been staring straight ahead finally looked at Gon and said questioningly "Apologize? But what for?" Gon pissed at Illumi's answer growled out "You don't know what you did wrong?" Illumi replied with a flat "No." Gon then just flat out said "You're not qualified to be his big brother." If Ferev had an airhorn he would have blown it at that moment after hearing Gon's epic diss of Illumi. Illumi unfazed by Gon's insult just turned away and stared straight forward again while saying "I didn't know I had to qualify." Gon fed up with Illumi's attitude grabbed his right forearm and yanked him out of his seat. Illumi flipped in the air while still being held by Gon and landed feet first in front him. Illumi just stared down at Gon his right arm still in his iron grip. Gon just glared up at Illumi and said with confidence "Friends don't have to, either. He gets to choose!" Gon then squeezed Illumi's arm so hard Ferev could hear the bones break. Illumi surprised at Gon's strength thought to himself "This boy..." Gon then moved so that his back was facing the front of the room and Illumi's back was facing the doors. Gon still gripping Illumi's arm said dismissively "You know what. Don't bother Apologizing you won't mean it. Just take me to see Killua."

Ferev then stood up his gun hidden behind his back as he shouted "Make that both of us!" Illumi glanced at Ferev then to Gon and said offhandedly "And what will you two do?" Ferev answered with a glare "Get him the fuck away from you and your bastard of a father." Illumi frowned at the insult to his father and would have acted on it had Gon not spoken up next "It's Obvious what we're going to do! Like Ferev said we're bringing him back!" Illumi with an uninterested look on his face said "From the sound of it, you two must think I kidnapped my little brother." Ferev chose then to shout out "Don't call him that!" Illumi turned his head to look at Ferev and raised an eyebrow as he asked "Call him what?" Ferev then got out of his seat and got right in Illumi's face so they were nose to nose. Ferev then growled out "Don't you dare call Killua your brother. You are the farthest thing of what a big brother should be. In fact, your whole damn family doesn't deserve him!" Illumi getting fed up with this failed apprentice insulting his family said "Keep insulting my family failure and I'll finish what I started seventeen years ago."

Ferev and Illumi glared at one another until Gon's voice spoke up again reminding them of his presence. "I don't know if Ferev is right or wrong in that regard But I do know this. Killua may have left but I know it wasn't free will. You said or threatened something to him to make him leave and that's not fair! You guys were manipulating him. That's the same as kidnapping!" Netero seeing that the situation was beginning to escalate stepped forward his geisha sandals clacking loudly on the floor of the room. Netero then spoke saying "We were just discussing that very subject, Gon. In fact, Kurapika, Leorio, and Ferev have all lodged complaints. The committee has been reviewing the fairness of Killua's disqualification." Ferev then spoke up again this time back at his desk where he was before but still standing. "It's like I told you Netero sir. I have better hearing than most due to me going six months without eyesight. And I heard every word Illumi said to Killua. He basically threatened him that if he didn't get disqualified, he would kill everyone he cared about!" Netero nodded his head with closed eyes before he opened them and said "Yes. I understand and we have your as you said 'quote for quote statement' and we will take that into consideration." Kurapika then chose to stand up and speak saying "You saw it yourself. Both during and since his match the man called Gittarackur or Illumi Zoldyck, Killua behaved strangely. I believe that there is only one reason that Killua committed murder. He was hypnotized. It's generally considered impossible to use hypnosis 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."

Leorio chose then to stand and speak as well "It's worth noting that the attack happened during my match with Bodoro. So, it's possible Killua intended to aid my cause. Which means if you're going to disqualify anyone, it should be me!" Leorio finished while pointing his left thumb at himself. Ferev spoke up again saying "Whatever the reason. It's obvious that Killua wasn't in full control of the situation or himself. Therefore, he should not be disqualified!" Netero sighed sadly before looking at them with a stern gaze and said "Your statements are nothing more than speculation. There is no concrete proof." Ferev spoke up saying "But-" he was cut off by Netero who said "And all we have is the word of an applicant who claims to have supernatural hearing. I'm sorry but the decision stands." All three of them either scoffed or clicked their tongue's in frustration not liking the situation. However, Pokkle of all people chose then to speak up saying "And speaking of weird things happening." he then looked at Kurapika and said accusingly "Why don't we talk about when you fought Hisoka? Mind telling us what it was he said to you?" Pokkle then stood up and turned around to lean on his desk as he continued "Neither of you looked tired. But Hisoka whispered something to you, then surrendered. Weird right? I'd understand if he whispered something and you surrendered, Like with Hanzo and me, we were all under a lot of pressure. Instead the opposite happened, which makes me wonder if the two of you made some sort of bargain. If you're talking about things that don't make sense then your victory fits the bill." Kurapika was about to say something but Ferev beat him to it "Shut the fuck up Pokkle. The only reason you're here is because Killua forfeited and by the way you would have lost that fight too." Everyone in the room laughed at Pokkle's expense and Pokkle angry at Ferev for the Fourth Phase and the comment he just made yelled "What the hell did you-" he was about to make a move, when Ferev spoke again saying "You wanna repeat of the fourth phase bitch. Bring it!" Pokkle hesitated then remembering how Ferev made him completely helpless. He couldn't count how many times animals pissed on him while his body lay comatose in that field.

Pokkle just grumbled to himself before turning around and taking his seat again. Kurapika looked at Ferev with a smile grateful for the defense. However, before anything else could be said Gon tired of being ignored then yelled "This is all completely pointless!" he then lowered his voice saying "Why argue about whether or not somebody should have passed? If you're not satisfied you made it, you can keep working until you are. If Killua wants to retake the Hunter Exam, then 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'll never forgive you." Illumi just mockingly said "Never forgive me? So, what will you do?" Gon just said "I won't do anything. But after we go rescue Killua, Ferev and I will never let you see him again!" Illumi not liking that threat said a simple "Hmmm..." before he slowly moved his left hand towards Gon. Gon seeing this action finally let go of Illumi's right arm and jumped back a couple feet. Once Gon landed everyone heard the click of a gun hammer being cocked and saw Ferev with his right gun aimed right at Illumi's head. Ferev just glared and said "You touch him, I'll kill you." Illumi just glanced at Ferev before Netero cleared his throat to get everyone's attention, Netero then spoke up to get the meeting back on track. "Alright, gentlemen. Let's continue. Gon's absolutely right. It's up to each of you to decide whether you're worthy of your license. Now, you're all perfectly welcome to complain about the results as much as you like, but our minds are made up. Killua has been disqualified from this year's Hunters Exam, while the rest of you have passed."

Ferev after hearing Netero put his gun away and sat down along with everyone else. Netero then looked at Mr. Beans who looked at Netero and nodded his head before stepping forward. Mr. Beans then spoke saying "Alright then, I shall continue with the orientation." Mr. Beans then held up his Hunter's license to show them as an example before continuing speaking. "Now, the cards that we've passed out are your Hunter licenses. This card will allow you to enter 90 percent of the world's countries that limit immigration, as well as grant you access to 75 of the restricted areas in the world. You may use 95 percent of public facilities at absolutely no cost, and banks will treat you like 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. 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. Congratulations everyone I hope you all make your dreams come true." Netero then spoke up again saying "Well, then we can now certify that all eight applicants present as licensed Hunters!"

xxLine Breakxx

Illumi was standing in the courtyard of the hotel along with everyone else. He was just about to leave when he heard Gon's voice again saying "Illumi." He then turned around and saw Gon and Ferev both glaring at him as they marched forward. Once they were both next to Illumi Ferev spoke saying "Tell us where Killua is." Illumi just raised an eyebrow at Ferev then looked at Gon before saying "You're both really going after him? I think that's a bad idea." Ferev spoke up again saying "Who the fuck cares what you think! Just tell us where he is!" Gon then spoke next saying "Killua is Mine and Ferev's friend. We'll get him back, I swear." Illumi then glanced behind them and said "And do those two also feel the same way?" Gon then turned around surprised while Ferev kept his gaze on Illumi already knowing who was there. Behind Gon and Ferev were Leorio and Kurapika, Leorio then stepped forward saying "You bet we do." Illumi looked at the quartet then looked towards the ceiling with his finger pressed against his lips as he thought "Well, this is a pain they're never gonna let up... So might as well give them what they want. Besides it's not like they can make it pass Mikei. Also, it's gives me a chance to talk to dad about the failed apprentice." Illumi then placed his hand down and looked at the group while saying "Fine, then. I doubt you'll be able to get there, anyway. I'm sure Kill went back home." Gon with a raised eyebrow asked "Where's that?" Illumi then glared at them while flaring his Ren slightly as he said "On Kukuroo Mountain. You can find our family's house at the summit." Ferev hearing this information thought to himself "This guy... He really doesn't perceive me as a threat to give all this info freely, even after knowing who I am." Leorio never hearing of the place before repeated the name to confirm it "Kukuroo Mountain?" Gon ignored Leorio and just said "We got it. Thanks a lot." The group of four then left but Ferev lingered a little glaring at Illumi before joining the others.

Illumi watched them go as he heard his "friend" Hisoka speak up from behind him saying "Was that wise? Giving up your base of operations like that?" Illumi then turned around and with an offhanded attitude he said "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 come to realize once they arrive." Hisoka then chuckled at the statement making Illumi raise an eyebrow while asking "What's so funny?" Hisoka just grew a dark smile while pointing at the retreating back of Ferev and said Ominously "Don't underestimate that man. He is like a Viper waiting for the right moment to slaughter his prey." Illumi just scoffed at the implication and said "I think you need help Hisoka. And besides I beat him in the past I can beat him again." Hisoka just chuckled again before looking at Illumi's right arm which was red, black, and swollen. Illumi following Hisoka's gaze said "Oh, this?" he then raised his arm to show Hisoka the extent of the damage saying "Yeah, it's broken." Hisoka remembering Gon was the one to break it said with a smile "Hmm..." Illumi watched the group leave the courtyard his eyes on Gon as he said "He is interesting. I can understand your concern for his future. It almost makes me want to extinguish it." However, before Illumi could act on that thought Hisoka flared his Ren saying "Gon is MINE. Do not forget that. Leave him be or suffer the consequences Illumi." Hisoka using his name to show his seriousness. Illumi just closed his eyes and looked away saying "I'm aware of that. I haven't known you long, but I know your tastes." Illumi then opened his eyes and started walking down the hallway towards the exit but paused briefly while saying "So, Hisoka... what are you going to do now?" Hisoka just held his hands up as if he was grasping the sweetest fruit on earth and said "Wait patiently... Until the fruit becomes ripe enough for me to pluck" Hisoka then started to moan and shudder causing Illumi to scoff and continue walking.

xxLine Breakxx

Gon and the others were sitting at one of the benches that surrounded the hotel and were discussing what to do next. Leorio spoke up saying "Kukuroo Mountain, huh? Never heard of it." Leorio then looked to Ferev who was sitting next to Gon and asked "Do you know where it's at Ferev? After all you've been looking for the Zoldycks for a while." Ferev looked at Leorio and said "I may have been searching for them but this is the first I've heard of where they actually live. I have either been training on my own, doing odd jobs, and just plain trying to survive." Leorio sighed and said "I see. That's understandable, I guess." Leorio then looked to Kurapika and said "What about you Kurapika. Do you know where it is?" Kurapika who was sitting on the grass in front of Gon was zoned out staring at ground not hearing Leorio. Ferev seeing Kurapika's state slightly shouted "Hey, Kurapika!" Kurapika then seemed to finally snap out of whatever trance he was in and said "Huh? Oh, what's that?" Leorio frustrated at being ignored said aggravatedly "Pay attention! Illumi mentioned Kukuroo Mountain. Do you have any idea where that is?" Kurapika shook his head saying "No, I'm afraid not but we can just look it up online." The sound of a hand slapping was heard and everyone saw Ferev facepalm himself as he said "Damn it! Of course! We can just Uoogle it." Everyone gave a slight chuckle at Ferev's antics before Hanzo started to approach them and said "Hey!" As Hanzo walked up to them Gon waved at him with his right arm saying cheerily "Oh, hey, Hanzo!"

Once Hanzo was next to the group he said "I'm heading home. We all went through a lot in a short time but I had a lot of fun" Ferev then walked forward and said "Speaking of fun." Then Ferev suddenly uppercutted Hanzo in the stomach forcing him to his knees with wide eyes as spittle left his mouth. Ferev then glared at Hanzo saying "That's for Gon's arm" Gon and the others were wide eyed at Ferev's actions and Gon spoke up in a surprised voice "Ferev you didn't have to do that! I'd already forgiv-" Gon was cut off as Hanzo put his hand up in the stop signal. He then shakily stood up while saying "No. He's right I deserved that. You fought honorably while I did everything in my power to hurt and break you It's a fair trade." Hanzo then composed himself before he continued with what he came to say "If you guys ever visit my country, just let me know. I'll give you a real tour, no tourist traps!" Hanzo then reached behind himself and pulled out five slips of paper and handed them to Gon. Hanzo then began to walk away saying "Later!" as Gon and other got a good look at the papers Hanzo just gave them.

What they saw made them all cringe slightly because on the papers it read 'Cloud Hidden Ninja Hanzo.' Ferev couldn't help but comment "You know for a so-called ninja he's not very subtle." Everyone just nodded their heads in agreement before another voice was heard saying "Hey." they all looked up and in front of them was Pokkle a laptop held at his side in his right hand. Pokkle then continued speaking saying "I'm really sorry for getting so worked up back there." Kurapika just smiled and said "There is nothing to forgive. Tensions have been high the past few hours." Pokle just looked down in shame and said "No. I only got mad because deep down I was angry at myself for my weakness." Pokkle paused briefly to glance at Ferev before saying "And I know me winning by default is utterly pathetic." Pokkle's attitude did a complete one-eighty then and he had a bright smile as he said "But I'm over that now. I passed, so I might as well make the best of it, right?" Pokkle then moved a little closer to the group as he said "The question is what am I going to do next? I'd figure I'd travel the world and discover new species and as a licensed Exotic Game Hunter learn everything I can." Gon now just noticing the device in Pokkles hand pointed at it and said "Oh, hey, what's that thing?" Pokkle raised the laptop and said "What, this? It's a portable computer. You can use it to find all kinds of information." Pokkle then opened the computer his hand at the keyboard as he asked Gon "Is there anything you wanna look up? I can search for it for you." Gon closed his eyes and put his hand to his chin as he thought before his eyes snapped open as he said excitedly "Oh, there is! Think you can search for a Hunter named Ging? Ging Freecss." Pokle said "Sure. Just give me a minute here..." As Pokkle typed away Ferev looked at Gon and thought "If what Killua told me about Gon is true then Ging must be his father." After a few minutes Pokkle finally spoke up saying "I'm curious. So, who is this Ging person, anyway?" Gon confused by the question simply said "Huh?" Pokkle then elaborated "Well, everything that's related to him is behind a tight security system. You need whole bunch of codes and passwords just to get in. I think he might have friends on the national level." Everyone gasped at the revelation with Gon saying "Really? Forget it then." Gon then laughed nervously while rubbing the back of his head. Pokkle then reached behind himself then handing Gon a business card saying "If anything comes up you need help with let me know. This is my email address." Pokkle then took off in a jog saying "See you around!"

After Pokkle left Leorio spoke up shouting and pointing towards the hotel "Ok guys! I saw a computer lab in the hotel let's go find Kukuroo Mountain and then Killua!" He then began marching to the hotel raising his long legs as high as possible with every step. The others followed him at a more normal pace until a voice spoke up behind them saying "Gon." They all stopped and turned around save Leorio who was out of ear shot. They were all surprised to see Mr. Satoz the First Phase Examiner standing at attention. Gon verbalized his surprise saying "Mr. Satoz!" Gon then ran forward eager to talk to an experienced Hunter and his caretaker while he was unconscious. Satoz then handed a folder to Gon while saying "It appears that you forgot something." Gon looked at the folder realizing it was his Hunter's license and said "Oh, that's right. Thanks a lot!" Satoz then looked at Gon and said "Also, do you have a moment?" Gon turned around to look at his friends and Kurapika said "Go ahead we'll wait for you in the lobby." Kurapika and Ferev then made their way into the hotel to wait for Gon and find Leorio.

After Gon talked with Satoz they made it to the computer lab where Kurapika took a nearby seat and computer. They all stood around Kurapika as he turned on the computer and Leorio said "First, let's look up Kukuroo Mountain." Kurapika answered with a "Right. Kukuroo Mountain. Ah, here it is. Kukuroo Mountain, in the Dentora Region of the republic of Padokea its 3,722 meters high." Leorio once again never hearing of the place repeated the name "The Republic of Padokea? So, where is it?" Kurapika turned his attention back to the computer and said "Hold on. Let me bring up a map." Kurapika then typed a few things in and a map appeared on the screen as he said "This is the Republic of Padokea. It appears to be a stable country, so we should be fine. This country's open to tourists." Ferev and Gon then spoke at the same time saying "So, that's where Killua is." Kurapika then leaned back and placed his hand on his chin as he thought aloud "It will take three days to get there by airship. When do you think we should leave?" Ferev and Gon leaned in close to Kurapika on both his sides yelling "Right now!" surprising him slightly. Leorio just smiled and said "I'm with those two. the sooner the better." Kurapika excited things were under way excitedly said "Got it! I'll order the tickets now." Ferev however seeing the price grabbed the mouse from Kurapika and said "Hold on Kurapika I have an Idea to save a few Jenny." Ferev then reached behind himself and pulled out his new Hunters license only it was attached to a long chain. Ferev grabbed his license and swiped it in the card scanner next to the computer. As soon as Ferev swiped his card the price went from 300 jenny a person to 50 jenny a person. Kurapika and the others were wide eyed at the huge discount with Leorio saying "Holy crap! That secretary wasn't kidding about these licenses." Kurapika just smiled and said "Well, everything is set. Let's get our supplies and head out."

After everyone got their things, they realized they only had an hour to get to the airfield. Leorio using his cellphone called them a taxi but as soon as they hit the freeway by the ocean, traffic came to a standstill. The Hunter quartet were all packed in the taxi Ferev was on the right side in the back, Gon was in the middle, while Kurapika sat on the left side, Leorio was up front due to him being the tallest out of the four. Leorio frustrated at their predicament said What's going on? Feels like we've been stuck here forever." Kurapika looking at the clock on the dashboard said worriedly "This is bad. At this rate we're going to miss our flight." Ferev Not having any of that said "Nope. Not happening. Everyone grab your gear we're hoofin' it." Gon agreeing with the idea Said "Yeah, let's do it!" five minutes later the Hunter quartet could be seen hopping from car to car at full speed towards the airfield and towards Killua.

xxLine Breakxx

It was around 8:00 pm and Gon could be seen sitting in one of the lounges on the airship staring out the window reminiscing about Killua. Gon just continued to stare before whispering "Killua." However, suddenly a French fry was shoved in Gon's mouth surprising him and making him turn around. There standing behind him was Leorio and Kurapika holding some fast food for everyone to eat. Gon looked to his left and saw Ferev standing there a container of French fries in his hand showing he was the one who gave the Fry to Gon. Ferev after popping a French fry in his mouth asked "So, what's with the long face, Gon? We're gonna be at Killua's place tomorrow. We'll see him soon" Gon just gave a big smile and took a big handful of Ferev's fries and said "Yep!" before stuffing his face and looking out the window again a determined look on his face.

The next morning the Hunter quartet landed in Padokea and boarded a Train that would take them to the outskirts of Kukuroo Mountain. As the train went along the tracks the Quartet looked out their cars window and saw Kukuroo Mountain. Leorio spoke then saying "I can see it. So, that's where the assassins live, pretty intimidating." Ferev then spoke up saying "We should gather as much information as possible once we get there. Every little bit helps be it information on the area or the Zoldycks themselves." Everyone nodded agreeing with him. After they got off the train, sadly the most they could find out was that a tour bus could take them directly to Kukuroo Mountain. So, the quartet found out how long until the next bus was leaving and it was relatively short. Not even thirty minutes later they were all on board and on their way to Kukuroo Mountain.

As the bus drove along the road a young tour guide stood at the front of the bus. She was a woman that had salmon colored hair that was long and styled so it swirled at the sides of her head, she had green eyes and a round face, she was wearing what looked like a stewardess uniform jacket that hid her c-cup breasts, the color being midnight blue with white cuffs, collar, and pockets, she had on a midnight blue business skirt to match the jacket, and lastly she wore blue heeled shoes. She had a radio in her right hand as she gave Information on the mountain and the Zoldyck family. "I'd like to thank all of you for choosing Lamentation Tours. It's an honor to have you here. Now, get ready, because we'll be making our way up to Kukuroo Mountain, home to the Zoldyck family of assassins." As the tour guide prattled on Leorio who was sitting next to Ferev leaned forward and spoke next to Kurapika's ear saying "Check it out." he then motioned with his head towards the back of the bus. Kurapika and Ferev glanced behind them and saw that among all the tourists were two men that were definitely not there to sightsee, if their armor and weapons were anything to go by. One man was very large and fat, his hair was spiked and died a Sunkissed blonde with the sides buzzed, he had a faint mustache with some stubble, he had on a red sweater that had white furry cuffs and collar, he wore grey cargo pants and black boots, to finish it off on the seat next to him was what appeared to be a trumpet case. The other man who was in the seat in front of him was much more skinny, having black hair that spiked backwards, he had a pointed nose and angular jaw, he wore a simple green vest with no sleeves, he had on black combat pants and a pair of brown boots, lastly next to him on the seat was a wrapped buster sword.

Leorio seeing that they noticed the men said "No way those guys are tourists." Kurapika and Ferev replied at the same time both saying "True." Suddenly the tour guides voice broke them from their conversation with her saying "Okay, everyone! If you all look out your window to your right... You'll see Kukuroo Mountain where the Zoldyck family lives." Ferev and the others looked out the window and saw a huge mountain that had a wide base but it got more narrower the closer you got to the summit." Ferev noticing the cloud of smoke at the summit asked the tour guide "Hey, Miss! Why is there smoke at the top of a mountain?" The tour guide just gave him a smile and said "Oh, yes that's a frequently asked question. You see the Zoldyck family estate is not actually on a mountain at all. It's actually on an active Volcano!" The answer caused Leorio to scream "What!" and Ferev and Kurapika's eyes to widen as they gasped in shock, while Gon stared at the mountain now volcano in awe. The tour guide then went on to continue her tour "Kukuroo Mountain is approximately 3,722 meters high, and it's surrounded by forest. The Zoldyck family estate is rumored to be somewhere on the mountain. Although no one has ever actually seen it. The Zoldyck Family normally consisted of ten members: Mother and Father, five siblings, grandparents and great-grandfather, all of whom are assassins." the tour guides tone turned sad suddenly as she said "Unfortunately, in the past two years two family members have died due to natural causes." Ferev perked up at hearing this and listened closely. "The founder of the Zoldyck family Maha Zoldyck died two years ago due to an incurable disease and the spouse of the former head of the family Kaoru Zoldyck died last year due to a heart attack in her sleep." The tour guides mood did a one-eighty as she said cheerily "Alright, now hold on, while we get a little closer to the mountain."

xxLine Breakxx

When the tour bus stopped and Ferev with the others were outside they came face to face with a massive stone gate. The gate looked over a hundred feet high if not higher with two stone dragons decorating the top of the gate. The gate itself was decorated with dragon scales around the edges, while the numbers one through eight were chiseled into the door starting from the bottom to the top. As the Hunter quartet stared in awe the tour guide spoke up again this time holding a flag with their tour group number on it. "This is the front gate of the Zoldyck estate. No one who's entered has ever returned alive, which has earned this gate the nickname 'The Door to Hades.' To enter, you have to go through the door by the security checkpoint." she then motioned her hand in the direction of a little white guard house with a blue roof next to a pair of much smaller and wooden doors. She then finished her explanation by saying "But beyond that is private property, so this is as far as we go." Leorio getting the implication had a muscle spasm before saying "Hold on! This is the front gate? The mountain is all the way over there!" he then pointed up past the gate. The tour guide just smiled and said "That's right. The Zoldyck family own Kukuroo Mountain, every inch of it, not to mention all the surrounding land as well. Leorio with a twitching eyebrow said annoyed "So, what your telling me is that we're standing in their front yard?" Gon ignoring Leorio asked "Miss tour guide?" which she answered with a "Yes?" Gon then pointed at the gate saying "What are we gonna have to do to get inside?" The tour guide was straining to keep her smile on as she placed a finger to her cheek and said condescendingly "Hmmm. Oh dear, it seems you weren't paying attention, right?" Gon put his hand down as he said "Yeah, but you didn't say-" he was cut off rudely by the tour guide with her angrily saying "If you go inside you'll never come out again!" she now had a deep frown and was glaring at them her composure gone. She then closed her eyes a strained smile and tick mark on her face as she said "It's a family of assassins after all."

The quartets attention was brought from the tour guide to the two men they saw before on the bus as they walked behind her towards the guard house. The fat one of the two after hearing the tour guide arrogantly said "It's a sham." He then placed his trumpet case on the ground then opened it. After a minute of him fumbling with something he then stood up now holding what looked like a custom blunderbuss. The barrel was wide and round while the rest of the weapon had wood and gold ingrained into it making a swirl design, and under the weapon looked to be a custom metal drum to hold a significant amount of ammo. He and the skinny man continued to the guard house with Ferev getting a look at the skinny man's sword. It had a simple leather wrapped handle with a small gold pommel, the hilt was wide and thin in a straight line, and the blade itself was probably three feet wide and eight feet long with the back of the blade being black. As the two were walking the fat one held up his blunderbuss and said "A family of assassins no one's ever seen?" The skinny man then said "If we can snap a Picture of them, we're gonna get a hundred million in reward money." Leorio ran forward a little bit screaming "Are you kidding me?" he then turned to side and snapped his fingers while saying regrettably "I should have taken a picture of Killua!"Ferev who was behind Leorio and next to Gon had a blank look on his face as he thought back to when he and Killua where bonding during the Hunters Exam.

Flashback Hunters Exam Third Phase waiting room: two weeks ago

Ferev and Killua were laughing as they leaned against the wall together. Killua had just told Ferev a story about when he pranked his big brother Milluki by switching his anime with live action adaptations. Once they had calmed down though Ferev saw Tonpa sleeping soundly on the floor but his right hand was above the covers and a wicked idea came to his mind. Ferev then whispered his idea to Killua who grew a Cheshire smile as they got things ready. After they got their supplies which was a small bowl of warm water and Ferev's cell phone they put their plan into action. Killua slowly but steadily placed Tonpa's hand in the water as Ferev positioned his Phone so he, Killua, and Tonpa were in the shot. Sure enough, a wet stain appeared on Tonpa's crotch making Killua and Ferev Laugh as they pointed at him. Ferev then snapped the picture getting a perfect shot of Killua and him laughing at Tonpa. They then both went back to exchanging stories before going to bed with Tonpa having to make an embarrassing trip to the bathroom in the morning.

The Testing Gate Kukuroo Mountain: Present day

Ferev after reminiscing thought to himself "Huh. I guess I have some emergency cash if need be." The two men were almost at the guard house when the fat one spoke up again saying "They probably rely on the mystique to protect them. I bet in truth the Zoldycks are a bunch of weaklings." In the guard house was an old man who was probably in his early sixties with a slightly round belly and squinted eyes, he was wearing a grey guard's uniform, he had on a black tie and white dress shirt under the uniform, he wore grey pants and black dress shoes to match his uniform, he had on a black guard's hat that covered his bald head save for the white hair that covered the sides of his head. The old man was reading a book looking very bored when suddenly the Fat man of the two thugs ripped the guard house door from its hinges while roaring. The old man let out a surprised cry as the fat man grabbed him by the scruff of his uniform saying "Open up the gate!" the guard pleadingly said "I'm afraid I can't. The master of the house would not approve of such a thing." The skinny man just said "Don't worry about it. We kinda figured we'd kill your master anyway." Ferev after hearing the man's statement said "These guys are complete idiots." Kurapika then agreed saying "They aren't very bright that's for sure." back with the two men the guard just sighed in defeat before handing them a custom Key. The key had a round but skinny tooth head with multiple different teeth aligning it and it had a black body with a round black ring for an end. The fat man snatched the key dropping the guard with a thud as he laughed excitedly. Gon and Ferev then moved to help the guard up as the two men entered the Zoldyck estate through the wooden door. As Gon and Ferev helped the guard up Gon asked "You okay?" The guard answered with a "I'll be alright. Thank you, gentlemen." Once the guard was on his feet he said disappointedly while looking at the door "Oh, darn! The master hates it when Mikei snacks between meals." Gon raised an eyebrow saying "What?" suddenly then screams and gunfire could heard behind the door then total silence. The group of four along with the tour group all waited in tense silence not sure what to expect. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity the wooden door opened ominously but Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio all gasped and took a step back in fear. In front of them was a giant black furred claw, it's five fingers holding two skeletons that had their skin completely eaten off and the only thing giving an idea of their identity were the clothes of the two previous men that were still on the skeletons. The tour guide screamed in terror as she shouted "EVERYONE ON THE BUS!" The tour group plus guide jumped on the bus and drove off not bothering to check if the quartet were on the bus. Ferev seeing the limb drew his right revolver and took aim but the guard placed his hand on the barrel lowering the gun while saying "Don't worry Mikei is just giving me the parts he doesn't like." Ferev placed his gun back in his holster as the guard then looked at the wooden door again saying aggravatedly "Damn it. Mikei's only supposed to eat at designated times." The guard then placed his hand to cup his mouth as he shouted "Mikei! Don't blame those extra pounds on me!" Kurapika cautious of what he just saw shakily asked "What was that thing?" The group then looked up to the gate with a new sense of what they might be up against.

About half an hour later the sun was beginning to set on Kukuroo Mountain the trip the group took taking most of the day. The guard and the quartet were now in the guard house the guard handing out tea to everyone. The guard leaned back in his desk chair as he said "I see. So, your young master Killua's friends, are you? Happy to hear it. I've worked here for the past 20 years, and to the best of my recollection, You four are the first friends who've ever come to visit. Now, I probably shouldn't tell you this, seeing as how I work here, but this place is pretty lonely no one really visits." The guard then chuckled while motioning with his thumb at the skeletons of the two men in a trash can. He then said "Well, we get our fair share of those types. But a family of assassins are bound to be a little strange. I guess that's the price they have to pay. Oh, well. Anyways, I'm so glad you're here. Thank you for coming." the guard finished his statement with a small bow. Ferev was caught off by the guard's kindness especially for someone who works for the Zoldycks. Gon just said "Don't mention it." while Ferev awkwardly said "Yeah... No problem." The guard then said "However... That doesn't mean I can just let you four inside. You all saw it didn't you? How huge the beast's arm was? That arm belongs to Mikei. It's the Zoldycks' family watch dog. It only obeys the family and attacks anyone who isn't a family member. As a matter of fact, it's still following the same order the founder of the family gave it many years ago. To kill every intruder that tries to get inside." The guard then placed his hand behind his head as he laughed while saying "I guess he isn't following it technically because he keeps eating them. Hahahaha." the guard then took a sip of tea before saying "But, like I said I can't let you in. I wouldn't want friends of master Killua to end up nothing more than piles of skeletons." Ferev curious about something asked "Question. How is it that you're safe here? It's just, you can go in. But if you were never allowed to go in in the first place, it's unlikely that you would be given a key." the guard looked at Ferev impressed saying "hmm, that's very perceptive, but the fact is, you're only about half right. See, I don't need a key to get inside." the guard then pulled out the custom key he handed to the two men earlier before saying "This key was specially made for intruders only." Ferev finally realizing what the guard was saying "Wait! If the key is for intruders only, then that means the wooden door isn't the main entrance at all! The gate is already unlocked!" everyone looked at Ferev surprised shocked at the revelation while the guard chuckled saying "Your exactly right. You see almost all the intruders go right for the front gate. And every time they would do everything in their power to get through, be it attacking the gate or climbing it. It became a real hassle so we had the second door installed along with this key. So, now when anyone comes along, I play the helpless security guard while handing them the key and then Mikei eats them. Also, I'm sure you already figured it out. But I'm not a security guard but just the janitor who cleans up after Mikei, my name is Zebro" Leorio then spoke saying "Wait. You're telling us that the gate is already unlocked and we could have gone through there this whole time!" Leorio then turned towards the gate along with everyone else before the guard chuckled saying "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure of that, please follow me." Zebro then made his way out of the guard house towards the gate the others close behind him.

The group of four plus Zebro were standing in front of the gate with Leorio stepping forward to try and open it. Leorio rolled his shoulders before placing both his hands on the gate and then pushed with all his might. Leorio made grunting sounds and turned red in the face while pushing to open the gate but no matter how hard he pushed the gate wouldn't even budge. After around ten more minutes of pushing Leorio stepped back with a grunt saying "I've pushed and pulled but it won't budge! Are you sure the gate isn't locked?" Leorio was waving hands back and forth to get the soreness out of them when Zebro stepped forward saying "I'm afraid you're just not strong enough." Leorio looked at Zebro shouting in anger "Shut up! I was giving it all I got!" Zebro just ignored Leorio's outburst and began taking off his guard jacket along with his hat, shirt, and tie leaving him in only a white tank top. Ferev looked at the man and noticed despite being old and having a slightly round stomach the man was still bulging with muscle and power. Zebro then approached the gate saying "Step back and watch. This gate is officially known as the Testing Gate, because anyone who's not strong enough to open it..." Zebro paused to cross his arms in front himself making an X his veins protruding from his arms as he flexed his muscles. Zebro then threw his arms down with a grunt, a small shockwave being made as Zebro's muscles were now bulging even more as a faint white glow covered his body that only Ferev could see.

Ferev looked at Zebro and thought "This old man, despite appearances he's actually quite strong. I see now. So, to enter the Testing Gate you have to be a Nen user or you need a tremendous amount of strength and if you don't have either you're never getting in." Ferev was broken from his thoughts as Zebro spoke up again while placing his hands on the gate "...Is considered unworthy to enter the Zoldyck estate." Then with a grunt and one mighty push the first two doors in front of him opened as if they weighed nothing. Zebro then let go of the doors and a couple seconds later they closed with a loud thud. He turned around to face them sweat pouring from his brow as he said "So, as you can see that door closes automatically, so you'll want to slip inside as soon as it opens. And you won't need to worry about Mikei. He has strict orders not to attack anyone who enters through the Testing Gate." Zebro then leaned back while wiping his face with his arm saying "Whew, the older I get, the tougher this seems to become. But they'll fire me if I can't open the gate, so, I need to stay fit." Zebro then turned to look at the gate and said "And I should mention the first doors weigh two tons each." Leorio had a muscle spasm as he shouted while waving his hand dismissively "What? You're really not supposed to be able to..." He then paused in what he was saying realizing the implication and he asked "Wait, what did you say? Did you say the first doors?"

Zebro just looked at the gate and nodded his head while saying and pointing up at the gate "Yeah, take a look." The group then looked at the gate with the numbers one through eight being etched into it. The number one was etched into the doors that Zebro opened while the next number was on the stone gate above that one and so on and so forth. Zebro then spoke up again saying "There are eight doors in all. And keep in mind that each set is twice as heavy as the set of doors before it. The more force you put into it the more doors you open. Gotta be pretty strong to get through all of them. Incidentally, when master Killua returned to the estate, he opened three of them, just like that." Gon with a hard look said "Three? That's like... 12 tons!" Ferev spoke up behind him saying "Actually, its 16 tons Gon." Making Gon scratch the back of his head with a laugh. Zebro then spoke up again saying "Starting to get it now? This is what it takes just to get through the door. They live in a completely different world."

Gon with a frown and a determined voice said "I don't like that." Everyone looked at Gon while he asked Zebro "May I borrow the key? I didn't come all this way to be tested. I came so I could see my friend." Gon then boldly said "Think of me as an Intruder." Gon then turned fully around to face Zebro as he held his hand out saying "So please, let me borrow the key. I'll go in there through the Intruders door." However, before anyone could say or do anything Ferev grabbed Gons shoulder and made Gon face him before backhanding him across the face. Everyone gasped in shock at Ferev's action and Gon's eyes were wide with surprise as his head was turned to side and his left cheek was red. Ferev with gritted teeth yelled "Are you a goddamn moron! You saw what happened to those two men who had weapons for god's sake! And you're going to just going waltz in there with nothing but a fishing pole and a broken arm!" Gon just glared Ferev before yelling "What else do you expect me to do! I'm not gonna waste time trying to open that stupid gate! I'm going to see Killua and I'll take my chances with Mikei if I have to!" Gon then stubbornly grabbed his fishing pole and dropped his backpack and cast his line until he hooked the top of the gate and began climbing up. Ferev just growled and went to grab Gon's waist. As soon as Ferev grabbed him Gon began kicking and thrashing against Ferev shouting "Let me go! I'm going to see Killua!" Ferev stubbornly held on shouting back "And I'm not letting you get killed in the process you Idiot!" Kurapika and Leorio moved in to try to separate them and calm the two down. Kurapika grabbed Gon saying "Guys! This isn't helping matters! Let's calm down and think of a better way!" Leorio was trying and failing to grab Ferev saying "Yeah Guys! Come on! We're all friends here!" Zebro seeing the conflict going on between Killua's friends let out a resigned sigh before shouting over the group "Okay! Everyone just calm down a minute!" The Hunter quartet stopped their small brawl to look at Zebro as he continued "I may have a compromise that could please everybody. So, come on back with me back to the guard house and we'll figure this out."

The Hunter quartet were gathered behind Zebro in the guard house. He had put his uniform back on and was on a phone waiting for someone to answer. After a few seconds someone answered and Zebro spoke up saying "Hello, this is Zebro. Sorry to call. It's just that four of young Master Killua's friends are here and they would very much like to see him." after a few seconds Zebro started stuttering out an apology while bowing as if the person on the phone could see him. "Yes. Yes, I'm sorry. Of course. Yes, I Understand, I'm so very sorry to have disturbed you sir." Zebro then hung up the phone with a sigh while scratching the top of his head and he said "Yeah, kinda figured I would get yelled at." Gon surprised asked "You called up to the house for us?" Zebro then answered "No. I called the butlers house. That was the head butler I was speaking to. All communication with the main mansion goes through him first. It's not easy to reach the family members directly." Gon looked at the phone then at Zebro before asking "Could you get him on the phone again? I'd like to talk to him this time." Zebro with a curious gaze said "Well, I suppose I can, but I guarantee that you're not going to enjoy it." Zebro then picked up the phone and handed it to Gon while dialing the required number.

After a couple rings Gon and Ferev heard someone pick up, a man's voice coming through the phone. "You've reached the butler's quarters." Gon just politely answered with "My name is Gon, and I'm one of Killua's friends that came to visit. Is Killua there? May I speak with him?" The man's reply came in a cold dead tone saying "Master Killua does not have any friends." The man then promptly hung up causing Gon to look at the phone in slight surprise. Suddenly the sound of wood breaking could be heard and everyone turned to see Ferev had broken Zebro's desk in half with his fist. Ferev then shouted while marching to the phone "What the hell did that asshole say! Gon call that piece of shit back right now!" Gon had a determined look as he nodded his head and pressed the redial button on the keypad. Zebro seeing where this was going said "Hold on a second, maybe that's not-" He was cut off however by Ferev's glare which made him step back a bit feeling Ferev's Ren flare unconsciously. Ferev then leaned close next to Gon so they both could talk on the phone. After a few seconds the same man who answered before picked up saying "You've reached the butlers quarters." Gon started off by yelling straight into the phone "How could you possibly know that, huh? Put Killua on the phone now!" Ferev then yelled into phone saying "You better put that kid on the phone right now! And If I find out you bastards have done anything to him, I kill every single one of you fuckers to the last man!" Ferev was breathing heavy by the end and everyone save Gon were in stunned silence at the seriousness and concern in Ferev's words. However, soon the man on the phone replied with a calm voice "I believe you said your name was Gon? Would mind telling the individual next to you that it's quite rude to threaten someone without first giving an introduction." Ferev hearing the comment said through the phone "My name is Ferev no surname. Now put Killua on the phone." The man ignored Ferev and said "Let us pretend that Master Killua does have friends named Gon and Ferev. There is no proof you are them." Gon frustrated angrily said "Put him on the phone he'll recognize us!" The man then said sarcastically "By your voice? That is no guarantee." Gon's voice then came back through slightly distorted 'Put him on the phone he'll recognize us!' the man then continued speaking saying "That was just a recording. But there are many other ways to mimic someone's voice. Next, you'll say that he'd recognize you by sight. There aren't as many methods by which you could fully replicate a person's appearance, but the threat remains all the same. Or perhaps you are who you say you are but someone has coerced you into doing their bidding. these are all threats that I cannot allow." Ferev then snatched the phone and yelled "Oh yeah? How about if we told you something only Killua could have told us. Would that be proof enough for ya?" The man then scoffed saying "That would be impossible. Master Killua would never divulge family secrets to outsiders such as yourselves." Ferev just smirked before saying arrogantly "Oh really? By the way how's Silva doing? I heard you had to do a lot of work on him after my master was done with him...Gotoh "

Everyone especially Zebro were looking at Ferev in shock at him knowing the head butlers' name. Ferev himself was smirking widely grateful for his talk with Killua and learning about how Gotoh would be the one to rat Killua out to his parents whenever he tried to do something fun. The now named Gotoh was silent for a good minute before saying "It matters not that you know my name. My identity while difficult to locate is not impossible to find out. So, once again your logic is flawed. Apologies you will have to leave." Gotoh then swiftly hung up. Gon just hung up the phone before quickly marching out the door his fishing pole in hand again. Ferev seeing where Gon was headed said "Oh no. Not this again." Ferev then quickly took off after Gon before he had a chance to do something stupid Leorio and Kurapika following them. Zebro just sighed before walking outside noticing it had gotten dark and seeing Gon trying to climb the wall again with Ferev and Leorio holding him back. When Zebro approached them Gon was yelling "You guys can stay here but I'm going after Killua! I'll go alone if I have to!" Ferev and Leorio yelled back "We can't let you do that!" Zebro once again let out a resigned sigh before pulling out the key saying "Here, Gon, I'll give you the key" Ferev looked at Zebro like he was insane yelling "Are you crazy! There's gotta be a better way!" Zebro just shook his head saying "I'm afraid not there's only two ways in, through the Testing Gate and through the intruder door."

Gon just yelled from his spot on the wall saying "See! Now let me go and let me see Killua!" Ferev realizing Gon wasn't going to back down unless something really big happened to change his mind. Ferev then racked his brain until he remembered how the tourists jumped ship after seeing Mikei's arm. Ferev then thought to himself "If just an arm causes that reaction, what would happen if Gon was shown the whole thing!" Ferev once again looked at Zebro saying "Hey, Zebro can you let us through for like ten minutes just long enough for us to get a good look a Mikei. I want Gon to know what he's up against if he goes through with this." Gon looked at Ferev questioningly along with the others however, Zebro understood what Ferev was trying to do and said "I think that could work. As long as we come back soon." Gon jumped down saying "Fine. I'll see Mikei but then I'm going to see Killua." Ferev and Leorio let out a sigh of relief for the temporary break from Gon's stubbornness. Zebro then stepped forward and placed his hands on the gate and with a mighty push opened the doors again this time letting the group through.

The group plus Zebro walked along a dirt path looking left and right and only seeing vast forest in the dark. Leorio slightly scared after seeing Mikei's arm asked "Hey, are you sure that it's okay for us to come in?" Zebro just smiled while glancing behind himself to look at Leorio as they walked and said "Of course. You entered through the Testing Gate, so you'll be fine." Zebro then stopped and cupped his hands to his mouth while shouting "Mikei! Come here!" Zebro's voice echoed through the forest as the group waited on baited breath. Suddenly they all heard a deep growl come from their right and the group turned to face the noise as a thunderous stomping began to be made. Each stomp sent tremors through the ground as the group got more and more anxious. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity Mikei broke through the tree line and what the hunter quartet saw they will never forget. All four gasped in fear as they beheld the deadly creature. It looked like what appeared to be a giant wolf standing at least 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide, its fur was dark purple almost black, it had pointed ears, a long pointed snout, and black soulless eyes, it's body seemed skinny and slender despite its size, it's front legs resembled that more of human having two five fingered claws instead of paws, its back legs were just like a wolf's and teeming with muscle, and lastly it had a long and pointed pink tongue which was out now licking its chops as it stared at the group.

The beast just yawned before laying its body down in a usual dog-like fashion while keeping its gaze on the group. Zebro looked at Gon and said "So, Gon, do you understand? This is a Hunting Beast, and a highly trained one at that! It's like no other animal you've ever seen or encountered in the wild. Nope, not by a long-shot. You thought you could communicate with him until you saw his eyes, right?" While Zebro was speaking Ferev was having an inner battle of his own as he stared at the monster in front of him, he took a step back with wide eyes and thought to himself "What is... what is this feeling? I haven't felt this way since..." Ferev then thought back to when Illumi had beaten him and held him on the ground helpless in the past. He then held his right hand up and saw that it was shaking before thinking "I see... so this is fear. I'm actually scared of this thing in front of me. To think the Zoldycks have something like this at their disposal." Ferev then bit the inside of his cheek to calm himself down a trail of blood going down his chin as he hardened his gaze while having one final thought "Calm down! This isn't the end of it! Remember what master taught you. 'There is always someone stronger." Ferev then kept his gaze on Mikei as he heard Zebro continue talking "As we speak, Mikei is memorizing the appearances and scents of these new humans. There isn't anything else on his mind at the moment. He's just like a machine. So, Gon do you still think you have a chance against Mikei?" Gon hurriedly shook his head back and forth aggressively saying "No way! I'd be too scared. I don't ever want to fight him." Zebro nodded his head before looking at the group and asking "Well, how long will you be staying here?" Gon undeterred answered "Until we see Killua! We're not leaving a second before!" Ferev smiled at Gon's words while Zebro chuckled lightly before saying "Very well, follow me then."

xxLine Breakxx

Zebro led them back to the Testing Gate and once they went through again, they traveled along a dirt path into the forest surrounding the gate. After about ten minutes of walking the group plus Zebro came across a clearing where a huge three-story house stood. As they approached, they saw the lights were on showing someone was already home. Once they made it to the front door Zebro said "Here we are. These are the servants' quarters. It's getting pretty late... so, you can stay here tonight." Zebro then opened the door to let them in and as he opened the door a slight rumbling could be heard. Ferev looked at the floor and saw the scratch marks from the door opening and thought "I see. There's more to this house then it appears." Zebro then said "Please, come on in." as they all entered the house Zebro called out "Hey, anybody home?" soon a man came down the stairs saying "Guests, huh? Don't see that every day." The man made it down the stairs and looked at them annoyed. He wore a white headband to keep his hair out of eyes, his hair was black and spread out among the top of his head, he had black eyes and a crooked nose with a black mustache, in his mouth was a lit cigarette, he wore a black shirt with a white zipper, over the shirt he wore a light brown jacket with white fur lining the shoulders, back, and collar, and lastly he wore simple grey pants with black boots.

Zebro then introduced the man saying "This is Seaquant. He works with me here at the Zoldyck estate." Gon stepped forward politely saying "Good evening." The man just stared annoyed before closing eyes and turning his head to side scoffing and walking away saying "Zebro doesn't take a liking to just anybody. Make yourselves at home. Though in this house that's easier said than done." He then waved from behind as he continued to walk away. Ferev frowned and said to Zebro "His manners could use some work." Zebro just chuckled saying "Well, I'll admit Seaquant can be a little bitter at times but his heart is in the right place." After a few minutes later the group was sitting at a table in a den somewhere in the house. Zebro made a pot of tea but for some reason gave the Hunter quartet paper cups while he had a regular tea cup. Not only that but when Zebro placed the teapot down a loud thud was heard once it hit the table. As the group drank their tea Seaquant spoke from his standing position against the wall saying "You wanna see Master Killua?" He then broke out in a fit of laughter before saying "Now, that's pretty funny. But Let me give you guys some advice. Give up now, go home." Ferev getting ticked off at the man's attitude said "Hey, how about you watch your mouth or better yet how about I shut it for ya?" Ferev then stood up ready to fulfill his threat until Gon grabbed his arm saying "Ferev calm down, they're going to help us after all." Ferev just looked at Seaquant who looked like he hadn't even registered Ferev's threat. Ferev just growled and sat down saying "Just mind your manners." Seaquant looked at them ignoring Ferev and said "Zebro told you about the Testing Gate, right? If you wanna know what this place is like, the Gate is a perfect example." Gon just said determined "It won't be easy. We get that. But still, I'm not leaving yet. Not until I see Killua! He's my friend, and he's really important to me, okay?"

Zebro chuckled before saying "I understand. In that case, why don't you do some training while you're here?" Gon curious asked "What do you mean?" Seaquant not liking the idea said "Hey now, Zebro." Zebro just Ignored Seaquant and talked to Gon saying "Listen to me, Gon. You four can try to open the door together. There's nothing wrong with teamwork. And with a little training, it should be possible. How about it?" Gon just looked at the floor in thought before Staring at everyone with a determined gaze saying "If this is what it takes to get to Killua... Then I guess we'll just have to do it!" Zebro then nodded his head saying "All right. Then, I'm going to need you four to put something on.

Five minutes later Kurapika, Gon, and Leorio were all wearing weighted vests that made each step they took almost cause them to fall on their faces. Ferev however was staring and holding the vest in his hands as if it weighed nothing before he sighed and tossed it on a nearby couch a loud thud being made as he made his way over to the tea pot to make tea. Ferev then grabbed the teapot and went over to the nearby sink and stove to get some water boiling. As Ferev was doing this, it went unnoticed by the others as they tried adjusting to the weight of their vests. Leorio finally unable to keep up with the strain fell to his hands and knees while groaning out "How is this thing so heavy?" Zebro just walked forward holding the vest Ferev dropped saying "It weighs about 50 kilograms. I'll make it heavier as you get used to it." He then went over to grab the teapot and saw that it was gone but he quickly turned his attention to Ferev in the kitchen due to the kettle whistling. What Zebro and Seaquant saw had them slightly shocked because Ferev was picking up the kettle and pouring the hot water into the teapot before then picking up the teapot and swishing it around to mix the tea leaves. They then both thought to themselves "That kettle and teapot both weigh about 40 kilograms each."

Zebro with a slight frown walked over to Ferev who had placed the teapot and some teacups full of tea in front of everyone who were sitting back at the table. Once Ferev had placed the tea in front of them they each tried to pick up the cups but all they could do was barely move the cup. Leorio frustrated yelled out "What the hell Ferev! These things are freakin' heavy. how the hell did you place a tray of them in front of us!" Ferev raised an eyebrow saying "Really?" which only made Leorio growl in anger. Zebro starting to realize something about Ferev walked forward saying "Those tea cups weigh 20 kilograms each. And that teapot weighs about 40 kilograms. In fact, all the furniture and utensils in this house weigh over 20 kilograms each." Kurapika understanding what Zebro was saying said "I see what you're getting at. So, this will serve as our training." Seaquant looked at Ferev then the others before walking forward saying "What's the point? Sure, the guy in the coat can lift a few things in the house but that doesn't mean he'll open the Gate and you know these other three are just gonna give up in two or three days." Ferev having had enough of Seaquant's attitude shouted "That's it! Outside dickhead! Meet me at the Testing Gate, I'm about to show you why it's important to mind your manners!" Ferev then marched outside with Gon shouting after him "Ferev wait!" before he and the others followed him with Seaquant being the last to leave saying sarcastically "Oh, this should be good."

Ten minutes later Ferev and the others could be seen at the Testing Gate waiting for Seaquant to arrive. After a couple more minutes he broke from the tree line and then leaned against the guard tower. He grabbed one of his cigarettes and lit it before he took a drag and waved his hand at Ferev as if for him to do a performance. Ferev just growled at Seaquant's attitude before glaring at the Gate and remembering some of the grueling training he did to get as strong as he was.

Flashback: Unknown Forest 15 years ago

There was a giant green forest where all one could see were giant trees and a large mountain and if one had the ability of flight, they would have seen a curious sight. A giant boulder the size of a small school bus was slowly moving UP the mountain. Next, if you were to zoom in you would see a twelve-year-old Ferev with his hair grown out long and spread behind his shoulders, he was covered in dirt and he was in nothing but his underwear as he climbed the mountain, his hands and feet were covered in cuts and blisters while they were colored black and red but he ignored the pain and kept climbing. Now, what made this feat so impressive is that Ferev had basketball size boulders tied to his arms and legs while the large school bus sized boulder was tied to his back. As Ferev climbed he had one thought on his mind and he chanted it like a mantra in his head "Kill the Zoldycks... Kill the Zoldycks... Kill the Zoldycks."

The Testing Gate 9:00pm: Present day

Ferev finished reminiscing before placing his hands on the gate and then flared his aura while flexing his muscles. Seaquant just closed his eyes for a second saying "What an Idiot. Like he's even gonna open one door." He then looked at Ferev who then with nothing but a simple push opened not one, not two, not even three. But instead Ferev had opened a total of FIVE doors causing everyone's jaws to hit the floor. As Ferev held the doors open everyone had their own thoughts Leorio's being "Wait. He could have opened that door the whole time?" Kurapika then thought"I knew you were strong Ferev but this is unbelievable." Gon was thinking "Wow Ferev, you really are strong." Zebro thought "This man... I had my suspicions when I saw how easily he moved the furniture in the house but to be able to open five doors on his first try, it's practically unheard of." Seaquant was staring at Ferev with wide eyes his cigarette having fallen from his mouth and he took a slight step back in fear as he thought "This guy... he opened five doors like they were nothing! Just how...Just how strong is he!" However, soon Ferev spoke up while letting the doors go a loud thudding sound being made as the doors closed. Ferev then spoke in calm but deadly voice "Well." Sequant flinched and leaned back in fear as Ferev slowly turned to face him and say "You gonna mind those manners now?" Seaquant started shaking at what he was seeing. Ferev's face was completely blacked out save for a cold dead midnight blue eye staring at him and behind Ferev was a deep dark black abyss that had black tendrils waving and moving behind him. Seaquant suddenly screamed and dropped to his hands and knees saying in utter fear "I'm sorry! I won't be rude to you guys anymore! I'll mind my manners like a good boy! Please don't kill me!" Ferev smirked at Seaquant's reaction to his Ren thrown at him full blast before walking over and picking him up off the ground saying "Now there's no need for hysterics as long as you've learned your lesson, okay?" Seaquant just looked at Ferev through tear filled eyes and said "Yes I have." Ferev then clapped his hands making Seaquant flinch again as Ferev said "Good. Now, who's hungry? I don't know about you but I'm starved! I could go for some gumbo. Why, my master had a recipe for the best Meteor Gumbo around, in fact, it was so good it killed our neighbor. Hahahaha." Ferev just continued to prattle on as he walked back to the servant's quarters everyone following him either too tired or too weirded out to ask any more questions.

Zoldyck family mansion lower dungeons

Deep below the Zoldyck family mansion were rows of dungeons and torture chambers that they used for intruders, to interrogate targets, or it's most recent use of late punishing members of the Zoldyck family. Kikyo Zoldyck the Matriarch to the Zoldyck family was walking down the dungeon hallway. Kikyo's look had changed over the years instead of a traditional Kimono she wore a Victorian style dress that was colored purple, she had D-cup breasts that were hidden by her outfits design, the bottom of the dress, the cuffs, collar, as well as the whole body of the dress were covered in white frills, she wore purple high heels, the bottom half of her face and neck were covered in bandages while the top half where her eyes should be had a robotic visor with a pulsing red light, she wore a purple wide brimmed sun hat with white frills decorating it, her lips were decorated with a purple lipstick, and lastly, she carried a purple paper fan with gold tassels and white fur decorating the top of the fan. Walking next to Kikyo was her son Kalluto. He had his haircut in a hime style with his bangs framing his cheeks, his face was rather feminine making him look like a girl more than a boy, he had silver eyes and a beauty mark on the left side of his chin, unlike his brothers he chose to wear a female traditional kimono with a white Obi while pink and red orchids decorated the bottom and the sleeves, on his feet were a pair of Tabi socks and simple wooden sandals with a rope strap, and lastly, he carried a paper fan like his mother's only it had a simpler design and was black.

As the two approached a certain door the sound of a whip cracking could be heard and Kikyo approached a door on her right where the sound was coming from and said "Kalluto, dear, Open the door." Kalluto didn't say a word as he moved forward and opened the door for his mother. As the door opened with a creak Kikyo and Kalluto entered the room and came upon the sight of Milluki whipping Killua. Killua was clothed in nothing but a pair of shorts and chained by his hands and feet in steel cuffs and hanging in mid-air. Milluki had changed his appearance over the years as well. His hair was still black but combed to the side neatly, he still had his mother's silver eyes, his cheeks were chubbier due to him gaining even more weight over the years, he wore a pink long-sleeve button-up shirt that somehow fit over his large belly and tucked into his pants, he wore a Rolex watch on his left wrist, and to finish his outfit he wore white khakis and black dress shoes. Killua's body was covered in bruises that were shaped like whip marks but despite the whipping all he did was keep his head down not making a sound. Kikyo walked forward and talked in a motherly tone as if the whipping happening was a natural thing "Kil, have you learned your lesson yet?"

Milluki turned towards her saying "It's no use, Mama. He isn't the least bit sorry." Milluki then held the whip up with a twitching eye and said menacingly "We need to make him suffer more." The sound of Kikyo's fan cracking against her hand was heard echoing throughout the room as she shouted "Enough! Shut your mouth, Milluki!" Kikyo then spoke to Killua in a motherly tone again, showing obvious favoritism to her child. "Kil, darling, why don't you stop being so stubborn and just say you're sorry?" Milluki just huffed and turned his head away from his mother and her favoritism before a wicked Idea came to his mind to mess with Killua's head. Milluki then turned towards Killua and said "Oh, and about those so-called losers you call friends. One of them is Gon right? It seems he's gonna try his hand at the Testing Gate." Killua after hearing Gon's name finally started to move and say something "Gon... Gon's here? then that means Ferev... He must be here too." Milluki raised an eyebrow at the second name as Killua then glared at his mother before growling out "Why didn't you tell me?" Milluki then struck Killua again with the whip striking him across the face and shouting "Don't you dare talk to Mama like that!" Kikyo just smacked Milluki with her hand saying "I said to shut your mouth!" Milluki rubbed his sore cheek as he then said "Apparently Seaquant claims one of those losers opened five of the doors to the Testing Gate, as if that could happen. He must have been drinking on the job again." Killua however, had his eyes wide as he thought of the one person who could have done that and suddenly shouted at Milluki pulling at his chains. "Who did it! Who opened the Gate!" Milluki thrown off by the outburst stepped back saying awkwardly "Seaquant said it was some guy in a trench coat, like I said there's no way he could have-" Milluki was cut off however because Killua started to chuckle softly before it got louder and louder until it was full blown laughter. Killua in the middle of his laughter was able to say "He could do it... he might actually do it... hahahahaha." Milluki looked at his mother but she was just as shocked and confused as he was.

Killua suddenly stopped laughing before looking at Milluki and Kikyo with crazed eyes and said "Hey big brother, mother, wanna know something interesting? One of those losers as you called'em, He's strong... Like really strong, so strong in fact I think he might be able to do something I've always wanted to do but never had the strength to do it myself." Milluki just growled saying "Oh yeah? And what might that be?" Killua just lowered his head as his smile turned into a frown saying in a whisper "Never mind. Don't worry about it." Kikyo thinking Milluki was at fault for Killua's sudden behavior shouted at him saying "Milluki! You've said far too much!" She then switched to a motherly tone looking at Killua saying "Now Kil... I didn't think telling you was necessary, you're at a crucial point in your life right now. Besides those weaklings down there won't open the Gate not in a million years." Killua just looked up at her with a smirk and said "Ferev did... he opened five doors in fact... If he can do that, then Gon and the others will get through no problem." Killua then lowered his head again waiting for his brother to continue his "punishment." Kikyo just gasped slightly before laughing haughtily with her fan at her mouth as she said "Well, Isn't that absolutely divine? However," She then pointed her fan at Killua saying "They won't make it here. I can promise you that." She was once again surprised as Killua glared at her and said "They will. They can do it. Out of those four, Ferev and Gon will definitely prove you wrong. No question. They'll definitely make it here.

xxLine Breakxx

The Hunter quartet could be seen standing outside the Testing Gate the next morning Leorio, Gon, and Kurapika were all standing in front of the Gate wearing their weighted vests while Ferev was standing next to Zebro observing. Leorio looked at the gate with trepidation before saying sarcastically "Tell me again why we're going through this when Ferev could just let us in?" Leorio and Kurapika then looked at Gon who was looking down as he said "Because last night Ferev and Zebro taught me something. If I'm not willing to go this far for Killua than I'm not qualified or even have the right to be his friend!" Gon finished while looking at the Gate with a determined gaze. Kurapika just closed his eyes before smiling and opening them again saying "Very well, it's settled then. For Killua." Kurapika then held his fist out while Leorio said "Well, if what Ferev says about Killua's family is remotely true, we can't leave him in there any longer." Leorio then placed his fist against Kurapika's. Gon just smiled at his friends before saying "Right! for Killua!" He then joined the others in the three-way fist bump before turning towards the gate and all three approached it. However, Leorio suddenly spoke up saying "Hey, Gon, wait. Just watch, ok?" Gon slightly upset especially after explaining his reasoning turned to Leorio and asked "But why?" Leorio looking at Gon's broken arm said medically "You need to let your arm heal properly, first." Kurapika then spoke up saying "If Leorio and I can open the door ourselves, you don't have to worry." Gon not liking the Idea frowned and said "But I..." He stopped however seeing Ferev give him the calm down signal from behind them. Gon guessing Ferev had something planned looked at the two and said "Fine."

Leorio and Kurapika nodded their heads then approached the Gate and placed their hands on the doors. Leorio then spoke up saying "You ready, Kurapika?" In which he replied with a quick "Yeah!" They both then started pushing, but despite their effort the doors still wouldn't open. Soon they both fell to their knees Kurapika saying "It's no use. It won't budge." Leorio just growled out "Damn it." He then took a more positive tone saying "Well, we've only just started training. If we work hard enough, I know we can do it!" Kurapika sighed while getting up saying "I wish I shared your optimism." After that, everyone went back to the servant's quarters with Leorio and Kurapika stepping up their training. They did a multitude of exercises ranging from holding stacked weighted chairs on their arms to balancing on one leg while holding two trays of weighted tea cups. Gon just looked on in slight jealousy that his friends were able to train while he had to sit out. However, that changed when Ferev spoke up behind him saying "Follow me." Gon turned around and saw Ferev heading into the woods and followed after him. After a few minutes of walking they came across a small clearing surrounded by trees with a small creek. Ferev then stepped forward and turned around to face Gon then said "All right. So, you want to train so you can open the gate and see Killua but your dilemma is that your left arm is broken." Gon then looked at his arm disappointedly before Ferev continued "Luckily for you, I'm no stranger when comes to broken limbs and training with said broken limb." Gon gained an excited look on his face getting an idea of Ferev was going to do. "So, I 'm going to show you a few training exercises meant for one arm and on top of that I'm going to help heal your arm faster." Ferev finished while getting a curious look from Gon. Gon then asked Ferev "How are you gonna heal my arm?" Ferev just walked closer to Gon before kneeling down and taking Gon's left arm out it's sling and saying "By using a trick my Master taught me." Gon just watched as Ferev hovered his hands under and on top of his arm where the break was and then started moving them back and forth. Gon just raised an eyebrow at this but soon his eyes turned to shock because the pain in his arm was beginning to dull while not fully healing, he could still feel the bone very slowly start to mend a little. As Ferev worked he watched as his Nen encased Gon's arm and using his enhancing techniques he slowly started getting Gon's arm to heal. After a few minutes of this Ferev stopped and looked at Gon his hands on his knees as he asked "How does it feel?" Gon looked at his arm in surprise feeling the pain dulled a little still and said "Wow, it actually feels a little better, I mean it's not healed but it's definitely better than before." Ferev then stood up saying "Good. Now." Ferev then pointed at a nearby tree and said "I want you to do 100 one-handed inclines on that tree, then I want you to do 100 one-handed push-ups, after that you're going to do 100 one-handed declines." Gon started to sweat drop at the workout regime Ferev was planning before Ferev spoke up again "Also, to makes things interesting I'll be adding weight to your body and increasing your sets every other day." Gon only had one thought for that statement. While back with the others they were training hard but they were broken from their concentration as Gon's voice echoed throughout Kukuroo Mountain scaring the birds from the trees. "Whaaaaaaaat!" is what they heard before turning their attention back to the task at hand focusing on training more than anything else. After that the next week was spent with Leorio and Kurapika training with Zebro while Gon trained with Ferev. Ferev however, on occasion would do his healing trick on Gon's arm. And while both parties trained one constant thought ran in both parties' minds and that was "Who was doing the harder workout?"

One morning Kurapika and Leorio were trying to open the Gate again but failed to so. As they caught their breath Seaquant walked up and said "You can't keep pushing mindlessly. Get your timing in sync. You have to push both doors simultaneously with everything you got. Otherwise, it'll never open." Seaquant then started making his way to the guard house for his shift. Leorio curious about his change in attitude asked "Why are you helping us?" Seaquant stopped and glanced at Ferev from the corner of his eye and gulped before saying "I said I wasn't gonna be rude anymore just consider it an apology for earlier." he then went into the guard house and shut the door. Leorio and Kurapika placed their hands on the door again with Leorio saying "Get our timing in sync." Kurapika then said "Push both doors simultaneously, and with all our might." Leorio looked at Kurapika saying "You ready?" He just looked back at Leorio before looking at the Gate. Leorio then started counting down saying "One!" Kurapika then continued saying "And two!" then they both said at the same time "Three!" they then both started pushing with all their might again. As the two grunted in frustration the others watched with either looks of confidence or trepidation. Suddenly the two doors opened slightly just enough for a small gap. Leorio and Kurapika gasped in shock at this and lost their concentration causing the doors to slam shut launching them back onto their backs. Gon concerned for his friends ran forward yelling "Leorio! Kurapika!" Kurapika just grunted as he sat up saying "We're fine Gon." Gon smiled in relief at that before Leorio let out a hearty laugh saying "Ha! It moved a little." Gon just had a wide, open mouthed smile as he saw his friends training pay off and make him excited for the results of his own training. Zebro also smiled at the scene thinking to himself "Master Killua, you truly have made some amazing friends."

In the guard house Seaquant was on the phone talking to Gotoh. "I Just thought I'd inform you that the group staying at the servant's quarters was able to make the Testing Gate move today." Seaquant then looked out the window nervously at Ferev before talking again "Also, did you report what I said about this Ferev guy? He might be an actual threat to the family." Gotoh up in the Butlers house inwardly scoffed at the idea that one man could harm even one of the Zoldyck family members. "Don't be ridiculous Seaquant. He may or may not have opened five doors..." Seaquant spoke up on the phone saying "But I saw-" Gotoh cut him off saying "Your eyesight is untrustworthy, mostly due to that flask you carry in your coat pocket." Seaquant in the guard house felt his coat where he kept his flask and cigarettes and said "You got me there. But I'm serious about this guy! He's might even be as strong as Illu-" Gotoh angrily cut him off on the phone saying "Don't you dare finish that sentence Seaquant! It's blasphemy to compare anyone to Zoldyck family." Seaquant started bowing his head as if Gotoh was in the guard house with him and said "I'm sorry sir! It will never happen again." Gotoh then said in an annoyed tone "If that is all, then get back to your duties and don't call back unless anything problematic happens." Gotoh then swiftly hung up." Seaquant hung-up the phone as well saying to himself "Damn. Does the guy have to be so crass about everything?" He then sighed while looking out the window again watching the Hunter quartet head back to the servant's quarters never knowing how right he was to warn Gotoh of the future calamity that would befall the Zoldyck estate.

xxLine Breakxx

Another week had past and Leorio, Kurapika, and even Gon had been training non-stop. They were all standing in front of the Testing Gate with Leorio doing some leg stretches while Kurapika rolled his shoulders getting the morning kinks out. Gon was standing next to Ferev his left fist clenched in anticipation. Ferev leaned down to Gon's ear and said "Get ready to bust out of that cast. You're ready for the Gate now Gon." Gon looked at Ferev with a determined gaze and said lowly "You got it!" As Leorio and Kurapika finished stretching Zebro approached them saying "Hey, you two. Look, why don't you try taking off those vests today." Leorio with an ecstatic smile said "Huh? Well, don't mind if I do." Kurapika and Leorio then took off their vests and dropping them on the ground a large thud sound being made as the vests made a small crater in the dirt. Leorio and Kurapika approached the Gate then with Leorio saying "All right, now we'll be able to open the Gate for sure!" Leorio and Kurapika placed their hands on the Gate and Leorio said "Let's do this Kurapika!" Leorio got a swift "Right!" as a reply as they both then then said "One...Two...Three!" They then began pushing with all their might neither one of them yielding any ground. Finally, after minutes of pushing just like before they were able to open a small gap. As Leorio and Kurapika grunted in effort Gon watched with a wanting but determined gaze then Ferev soon leaned down to his ear and said "Now." Gon nodded his head before taking his sling off his shoulder. Gon then reared his right fist back before slamming it hard into his cast with all his strength. The cast then began to form cracks before it quickly crumbled to pieces. Gon then grabbed his weighted vest and as he began walking forward he dropped it on the other two vests making the crater even larger.

Kurapika and Leorio were still grunting in effort trying to open the door more but it wouldn't move another inch. Leorio frustratingly grunted out "Damn it. That's as far it'll go!" Kurapika also grunted out "You can't give up yet! Keep pushing!" As they both continued to push Gon suddenly appeared in between them and started pushing as well. Kurapika and Leorio looked at him in shock with Kurapika saying "Gon!" Leorio as a pre-med student and worried for Gon's health angrily said "What do you think you're doing? Your arm, remember?" Gon ignored them saying "It's okay. It's healed now." Leorio skeptical asked "What, Already? Are you sure Gon?" Gon just pushed even harder with both arms saying "Yep! So anyway, we gotta match our breathing?" Leorio thrown off by Gon's ridiculous healing factor said "Uh, that's right." Kurapika then said excitedly "Well, let's push." Leorio now with a smile on his face said "Here goes!" they all then said at the same time "Ready. Get set. Go!" all three then began pushing with all their might and sure enough with Gon's help the doors began to move little by little.

Zebro and Ferev looked on with proud smiles while Seaquant had a frown looking at the trio and then his gaze locked on Ferev and he thought "I'll do whatever it takes to make sure the family is warned about these four, especially that guy." As the Hunter trio pushed the door Gon suddenly fell forward the doors bursting open. As he was falling he said "Whoa." but before he could hit the ground, he was caught by Ferev who smiled at him proudly and said "I knew you could do it Gon." Gon just smiled before Leorio spoke up saying "Hey, don't forget about us! We opened the Gate too ya know." Leorio and Kurapika could be seen smiling and panting while holding the first two Gate doors open before they all cheered, while over with Zebro there was a small ring of dust next to him left over from Ferev's burst of speed. Kurapika and Leorio then started running forward the doors closing quickly behind them. The Hunter quartet did a group high-five with Gon yelling "We did it!" On the other side of the Gate Zebro just looked at the closed gate with a smile while Seaquant walked next to him. Seaquant then glanced at Zebro and the spot Ferev used to be saying "You saw that right? How fast he moved to catch the kid. That Ferev guy is dangerous, we shouldn't have let him through." Zebro just continued to smile while saying "Yes. It may be true, Ferev has tremendous strength but the way he cares for that boy and the concern he has for Master Killua makes me think he's not a bad person at heart." Zebro then started to walk towards the gate saying "I think I should give them some directions so they can reach Master Killua safer." Seaquant just shook his head at Zebro's kindness before making his way to the guard house to report this incident to Gotoh.

On the other side of the Gate Zebro was talking to the group each of them had their gear packed and ready to go as he said "Now then, just follow this path and head towards the mountain. The mansion should be up there somewhere. Never been there myself which is kind of embarrassing, Considering I've worked here for 20 years. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. Gon just smiled at Zebro saying "No, sir, you have been." Seaquant chose then to show up as Gon then had a determined look on his face while saying "Mr. Zebro, Seaquant, thanks for everything." Gon then bowed respectively along with the others. The group then turned around and made their way up the path towards Kukuroo Mountain. As they walked away Seaquant lit a cigarette while Zebro said "They're really something. Those four might actually have what it takes to make it to the mansion." Seaquant just frowned and said "I'm not sure that's gonna happen. Let's see how they handle her first." Zebro smiled knowingly at Seaquant and said "Oh? Speaking of you're experience from the past Seaquant?" Seaquant just continued to frown as he replied "A single apprentice butler wiped us out to the last man. And that made one thing perfectly clear: That I was in way over my head." Zebro just kept smiling and said "I recall you were so impressed that you asked for a job here." Seaquant just took a long drag from his cigarette before saying "Yeah, well, excuse me but I have shift to go to." He then turned towards the Gate his hands in his pockets before sweat dropping and asked "Hey, Zebro, could you open the Gate for me? I'm kinda worn out from opening it once already." Zebro just chuckled before saying "Sure. No problem old friend."

xxLine Breakxx

The Hunter quartet was walking down the path Zebro set them on and after thirty minutes of walking they came across a surprising sight. In front of them was an overgrown fence that was only about four feet high. However, what had them surprised was in the center of the fence between two stone decorative pillars was what appeared to be a fourteen-year-old girl. She had light brown skin and her hair was styled into thick dreadlocks with bows tied at the tips, she had grey eyes and a button nose, She wore a black tail-coat that had the middle buttons fastened with a white-dress shirt that had an ascot which covered her still developing chest, she wore matching black dress pants to go with her jacket, she wore black high heeled dress shoes on her feet, and to finish her look she carried a four foot long walking cane with a soft-ball sized golden knob at the top. After a couple seconds the girl spoke saying "Please leave now. You're trespassing on private property. I can't allow you to pass without permission." Gon confused by this said "But we called ahead, and we made it through the Testing Gate." The young girl just answered simply "The butler's quarters did not give you permission to enter." Ferev just glared and said "Fuck your permission." Gon nodded his head and said "Yeah! Why the heck do we need to get permission from you guys for? We even told you guys we're Killua's friends and everything." The girl ignored Ferev's comment while having a blank stare as she spoke to Gon "Who knows? No one has ever received permission." Gon a little ticked off said "Then I guess we're gonna have to trespass!" The girl shrugged her shoulders and said "I suppose so. In any case..." She then placed the ball of her cane into the dirt while drawing a line saying "This is where I draw the line." She then slammed her cane into the drawn line while looking at the group with a hand behind her back saying "Take one step past it and I will remove you by force if necessary." Ferev, Leorio, and Kurapika were about to move forward until Gon held his hand up to them saying "Guys. Let me handle this." The trio while confused respected Gon's wishes and stepped back as he began walking towards the girl.

Gon just kept walking until his foot crossed the girls' line, then without hesitation the girl swung her cane hitting Gon across his right cheek. Gon was launched into the air and fell behind the Hunter trio with a bruise on his cheek and a slightly bloody nose. All three of them seeing Gon hurt that way each took a fighting stance. Leorio had his switchblade out at the ready, Kurapika had his wooden swords, and Ferev was in his usual fighting stance." Gon seeing this grunted out "Leorio! Kurapika! Ferev! Stay where you are. I said I'll handle this." Gon while still on the ground wiped some blood from his nose and said "Look, we didn't come here to fight anyone. We just want to see Killua." Ferev realizing Gon was trying to prove something stood down the others doing the same as he walked by them towards the girl again. The girl heard what Gon said and spoke up saying "Your motives don't matter. I have my orders." she then twirled her cane in front of herself so fast it looked like a buzzsaw before she threw it down to the side while still holding the cane causing a small shockwave. She then held the cane with two hands saying "And it is my duty to follow them without question. My name is Canary an apprentice butler." Gon unfazed by the display of strength stepped on her line again in which she promptly hit him across the left cheek this time, blood flying from his mouth as he flew into the Hunter trio behind him. As he was caught by Ferev, Gon with another bruised cheek said "Thanks." He then took off his back-pack and Fishing pole handing them to Ferev saying "Hold these for me, please." Ferev grabbed the offered objects without question as Gon approached the line again. Once again Gon crossed the line and was hit in the face launching him backwards. As he got up again Canary said "Try all you like. I'll never let you pass." She then launched Gon away again who crossed the line. Gon got up and grunted out in pain saying "I will pass. I'm gonna see Killua!" He then walked towards Canary again while she had sweat on the side of her head as she witnessed the boy take her attacks. She then thought back to when Master Killua came home and told her he found friends. As she swung her cane again launching the boy away, she couldn't help but feel slight remorse for hurting Master Killua's new friends.

Soon the sound of a cane thudding repeatedly started to echo in the area as Canary repeatedly beat Gon back while the others watched in trepidation. After a while Gon was once again launched back, this time landing on his stomach. The sun had begun to set showing Gon had been getting beaten for an entire day. As he struggled to get up, he looked at Canary who in turn looked at the injuries she had caused. Gon's left eye was swollen shut, his lips were bloody and chapped, he had a gash across his right cheek, and his face was covered in soft-ball sized bruises. Gon stood up on shaky legs and began to walk forward again causing Canary to take in a nervous breath. Canary then pleadingly while holding her cane horizontally she said "Stop right there. Please go away!" Gon just ignored her and crossed the line forcing her to knock him away again. However, this time Gon remained on his feet while sliding across the ground as he stared down. Canary frustrated at Gon's stubbornness yelled while clenching her fists at her sides "Why won't you just give up? You know it's pointless!" Canary then looked at Ferev and the others then pleadingly asked "Please stop him! You're his friends! Why...?" the words died in her throat as she took a step back in shock because Leorio, Kurapika, and Ferev all had hardened looks on their faces showing that despite everything they were just as serious as Gon. Her attention was brought back to Gon as he said while walking forward "What's the big deal? I just came here to see my friend." Gon then clenched his right fist while he walked closer to Canary before continuing speaking "The only reason we're here is to see Killua!" Gon then reared his fist back causing Canary to gasp and take a step back. Gon then yelled while moving forward and throwing his fist "So why are you making us go through all this?" As Gon threw his punch he shattered one of the stone pillars Canary was standing between leaving nothing but the base.

Birds scattered from the trees from the sound of the pillar shattering and Canary was staring at the pillar in shock while holding her cane in her right hand. Gon then suddenly spoke causing her to flinch and look at him "Hey. I crossed the line. Shouldn't you hit me." Canary looked down and indeed Gon's right foot was over the line she drew. Canary held her cane with two hands shakily but she still hesitated to strike Gon again. Gon looked at Canary and said "I can tell your different from Mikei." She gasped at the comment before Gon continued "You may be trying to cover up your feelings, but you still have a heart. When I mentioned Killua's name, your eyes softened, just for a moment." Canary just stared at Gon with shocked eyes at the fact he was able to figure her out that easily. Finally, after a few seconds she lowered her cane and had her head down. A couple of wet stains appeared on the ground as she said in a broken voice crying "Please..." she then sniffled before looking at them speaking "Help him. No, please Save him... Save Master Kil-" she was cut off due to a yellow Aura beam being launched into the right side of her head knocking her to the ground unmoving.

Leorio and Kurapika quickly went to Canary to make sure she was okay. Ferev then quickly drew his Guns and aimed for the direction the beam came from, only for two more beams to come out of the forest and knock his guns out of his hands and causing the appendages to sting a bit. Gon just stared in shock as Ferev moved closer to him protectively but they were all broken from what they were doing by a voice speaking up from the forest. "Honestly... What was that servant blabbing about?" Ferev and the others got a look at the person speaking and saw Kikyo Zoldyck standing on a small ledge to their left with her son Kalluto standing behind her on the right. Kikyo held her closed fan in front of herself the object still flaming with her Aura showing the group she attacked Canary. The Aura soon disappeared as she continued to justify hurting her own subordinate "She made it sound like we were being mean to Killua." her tone became aggressive as she said "How rude. She's only a bloody apprentice." She then looked at Gon then Ferev and said "And you two must be Gon and Ferev Illumi told me all about you." Ferev glared at the woman saying "Oh yeah? Did he say why I'm here?" Kikyo just scoffed at him saying "The only thing he told me is that you're a failed apprentice who has a pointless grudge against him. You might as well give up now. Not you nor anyone will ever be able to touch a member of my family. In fact." She then charged her fan again and fired at Ferev who wasn't able to react in time and was launched off his feet and through a tree. Everyone gasped at basically their strongest party member being launched like a rag doll. Leorio was about to check on him but was surprised when Ferev got back up without a scratch and some dirt covering his face. Kikyo saw this and thought "That was supposed to seriously injure him. Is he an enhancer perhaps?" Ferev glared at Kikyo and said "All right bitch it's a little early, but fuck it. Your Dead!" However, before he could move Gon glomped onto him saying "Ferev stop! I know you're mad but If we wanna see Killua then this isn't the way!"

Ferev calmed down slightly hearing Gon But Kikyo's voice brought their attention back to her as she spoke saying "Oh by the way I have message from Killua for you four. Killua has known you have been on the premises for some time now. So he told me to tell you this, 'Thank you for coming. I'm happy that you did. But I can't see you right now. I'm sorry' and that's it." Ferev just glared at yelled "That's a lie you fuckin' bitch! Where is he! What have you bastards been doing to him! I know what you did to him as a child and I won't let you near him ever aga-" He was cut off because Kikyo fired another Aura beam this time hitting him in the head knocking him out. As Leorio caught Ferev Kikyo growled and said angrily "How dare you speak such lies! Everything we have done for Killua has been for his future and I won't let some filthy, failed, piece of Meteor City trash tell me otherwise!" The Hunter trio just glared at her before Leorio laid Ferev and Canary down side by side. Gon looked at them with concern while Kurapika crouched down by their heads protectively in case Kikyo tried something again. Gon then looked at Leorio who was checking the two over and asked "Are they okay?" Leorio finished his check up and said "They're fine. They just lost consciousness." Gon then stood up and glared at Kikyo ticked off that she hurt his friend and Canary.

Zoldyck family manson lower dungeons: Killua's room

Milluki was glaring at Killua who was actually napping while hanging in his chains. Milluki let out a growl before shouting and whipping Killua again "Wake up!" the sound of the whip cracking echoing in the room. Killua just looked up and had a casual look on his face as he said "Oh. Hey, good morning, big bro. What time is it?" Milluki had a vein popping out on the side of his head he was so mad at his younger brother. He then reared the whip back and struck him again saying "You arrogant little punk!" Killua looked surprised at the term saying "Arrogant? C'mon, look, I feel really bad for stabbing you, big bro. Sorry I realize I shouldn't have done that." Milluki getting madder and madder just raised the whip and struck Killua multiple times saying "You liar!" Killua just spit some blood out of his mouth while smirking mischievously at his brother saying "Can't fool you, huh?" Milluki started to growl again but then his cell phone started to ring. After seeing who it was Milluki quickly answered and turned around so his back was facing Killua. Milluki then began speaking in a disgustingly sweet voice saying "Yes. Oh, hi Mama! Uh-huh. Yep, I understand" Milluki then hung up and turned towards Killua saying ominously "Well, Kil, you might wanna know, those friends of yours are at the butlers' quarters. And Mama taught that Ferev guy a lesson." Killua's body stiffened at that remark, Milluki thinking he was finally getting to Killua started to laugh and mockingly said "How about it, Kil? Should I ask Mama to make an example of the re-" Milluki was cut off because Killua had broken the chain and restraint of his left hand like it was made of paper. Killua then looked at him with crazed eyes saying "Milluki. If you or anyone touches them again... I'll kill you." Milluki actually gulped and stepped back in fear at his little brothers display of strength.

A few seconds later a voice was heard outside the door saying "I'm coming in." Milluki turned his attention to the door as it creaked open, as the light from the hallway filled the room and the doorway, it revealed Zeno Zoldyck, father to Silva Zoldyck and former head of the family standing there in all his glory. Zeno was elderly man his age being unknown, he had white hair that was combed and styled so that it was wavy but combed to a tip above his head, he had white, wavy, thin eyebrows, he had blue eyes that had lost their brilliance and luster with age, he had a white fu-manchu mustache that went down to his neck, he had an angular jaw with a cleft chin, He wore a black tabard that had the phrase "one kill a day" written in Kanji on the front while the collar had a plated gold ring on it, He wore a Chinese tai-chi shirt under the tabard, he wore simple black silk pants that had wrappings around the entire legs, and lastly on his feet he wore black shoes with metal soles. Zeno looked at Milluki before saying "I believe that's enough Milluki. Thank you." Milluki upset with the decision shouted "But Grandpa Zeno, he isn't the least bit sorry, not one bit!" Zeno just ignored his grandson while walking into the room saying "Yes, I'm aware of that." Zeno then stood next to Killua his hands clasped behind his back as he said "You may go now, Kil." Killua then said "All right, then." Killua then snapped the chain and restraint of his right hand with a simple tug of his arm. He then bent down and broke his leg cuffs as if they were paper and jumped down onto the floor. Milluki's mouth was open in shock as he realized Killua could have broken out at any time and beaten the crap out of him.

Killua was rolling his shoulders getting the kinks out before saying "Man, that was really annoying." He then started to walk out of the room saying "Hey, Milluki, you're right. I'm not sorry, but I do feel bad." He then stopped for a second to look at Milluki and said "That's why I let you smack me around a little." Milluki pissed at being underestimated said "What was that?" Zeno perked up remembering something and said "Oh, Kil, Silva would like to see you before you go." Killua was opening the door when he turned around and said "Dad said that?" Killua lowered his head before heading out the door saying "Okay then." Killua then made his way to his room to change and then meet with his father.

Path to the Zoldyck mansion: butler's quarters front yard

Gon was still glaring at Kikyo for what she did while Kurapika and Leorio kept a watchful eye on Kikyo and the two hurt people beside them. Kikyo just looked at them with a blank stare saying in a dull tone "I'm sorry. How rude of me. I am Killua's mother, you see, and this is Kalluto." she then motioned her fan at Kalluto to show them. Gon then glared at her harder before asking "Why can't Killua come see us? Where is he?" Kikyo lips were a thin line as she answered with two words "Solitary Confinement." causing Leorio to say "Wait, what?" Kikyo then spoke again saying "Before he ran away from home, Killua stabbed his brother, and me." Kurapika kept glaring at the woman as he said "Yes, that's what he told us." Kikyo's robot eye grew large for a second before shrinking back down to normal as she said "And then, because he regretted what he'd done, our Killua returned to us, and entered solitary confinement voluntarily." Before anyone could say anything Ferev's voice was heard saying "Of course Killua would have a crazy bitch of a mother like you. In all honesty you must be crazy to think he would ever come back to this hell hole voluntarily." Everyone gasped at the sight of Ferev sitting up his arms leaning on his legs while he insulted Kikyo. Kikyo grit her teeth in annoyance and thought "This piece of garbage is more trouble than I originally thought. I might need to-" She was broken from her thoughts as Gotoh sent her a message through her head set and then she started screaming hysterically "Noooooooo! What? What is Happening? What are you doing Papa? Don't let him leave! He only just came home!" Kikyo was grabbing the sides of her head as she had tears falling down her cheeks before she shouted "Kalluto! Forget these fools! We have bigger things to worry about, follow me!" Kikyo then turned around and took off in a blur of speed Kalluto following suit.

With Kikyo gone the others looked at Ferev with Leorio looking him over saying "You alright?" Ferev just smacked Leorio's hands that were checking him over saying "I'm fine. Damn bitch just caught me off guard." Ferev then looked down and thought to himself "That was a rookie mistake. I should have been on my guard the whole time but I let my emotions get the better of me again." Ferev then sighed before he had one final thought "Well, master was right about one thing, my temper was going to get me in trouble." Ferev then stood up saying "Forget about me what are we gonna do about getting to Killua. His mother just omitted they're keeping him prisoner so..." Ferev then looked at three with a wicked smile saying "Jailbreak anyone?" Everyone looked at Ferev nervously and thinking he was still a little upset at being knocked out Luckily a voice of reason spoke up saying "That won't be necessary. I'll take you to the butler's quarters." They all looked down surprised to see an awake Canary and as she sat up she held her head before saying "There's a phone that connects directly to the mansion. If Master Zeno answers it, he might..." Gon curious at the name asked "Who's Master Zeno?" Ferev also listened closely trying to learn as much as he could. Canary then answered saying "He is Master Killua's grandfather." Ferev and Gon then looked at the mountain and thought "We're coming Killua. Just wait a little while longer."

Zoldyck family mansion : Silva's room

Killua was sitting cross-legged on the floor of his father's room and he was wearing a new outfit he got for himself. He had on a black long sleeve shirt that had white bandages wrapped along both his arms, he had on a brown leather satchel on his back, and he was wearing a pair of blue jeans with brown boots. He looked around the room as he waited for his father to speak. The room was made entirely of metal with pipes leading to different places, the room was lit with blue lights installed into the floor and walls, in the middle of the room was a metal bed frame that had a feather mattress and a tower of silk pillows that made a makeshift throne, and in the corner of room next the bed was a sleeping Hunter hound only it half the size of Mikei. Killua's eyes finally landed on his father who was sitting in the middle of the pillow throne. Even now his father was an intimidating site, Silva was a large man standing at a height of 6"8 but currently he was sitting, his hair was snow white like Killua's but it was long and wavy going all the way to his shoulder blades, his eyes were an Ice cold light blue, he wore a dark blue Karate Gi with white lapels and short sleeves his huge arms unconsciously flexing, he wore matching blue pants that were bandaged at the ankles, on his feet he wore black slipper shoes, and lastly his entire body was bulging with muscle his pectorals and biceps straining against his clothing. After a few minutes of silence Silva finally spoke a hand on his chin while the other was in his lap as he said "So, Kil, I hear you have made some friends. Including someone Illumi claims to have a grudge against him." Killua looked to side before looking at his father saying "Yeah." Silva then spoke again saying "First tell me of this man who hates Illumi. What are his reasons? Is he a potential threat?" Killua looked down a second and did the only thing he thought was right. He Lied. "I honestly don't know. This is the first I've heard he hates Illumi. When I was with him, we would just tell stories, like for example, I would tell stories of when I pranked Milluki and he would tell some stories from his hometown."

Silva looked at Killua for a few seconds before letting out a laugh and saying "Ha! Very well then, we'll just ignore him for now. Illumi even said he wasn't worth our time and also claimed he would even take care of him if he did become a problem so I'm not that concerned. Anyway Kil, tell me about your other friends what are they like?" Killua released a breath he didn't realize he was holding but happy his father bought his story started saying "What are they like? They're a lot of fun to be with." Silva just remained silent before asking "How was the Hunter Exam?" Killua surprised by the question answered "Um, it was easy." Silva then said "Come sit over here by me, Kil." Killua gasped slightly mostly because no one was allowed to sit next to Silva less they be considered his equal. Silva just smiled at his son's surprise as he said "I want to hear all about it." Killua still shocked at his father's change in attitude remained where he was as he continued to speak. "Tell me of your Exam experiences, who you met, and how you felt. You can tell me anything, and everything." Killua's eyes widened in shock and was about to smile until he remembered the look on Ferev's face when he had told him what his father did to his master. Killua then looked into his father's eyes and sure enough behind the kindness Killua could tell his father was planning something. So Killua took his place beside his father and humored him telling stories of the Exam with a smile on face while Silva the whole time never realized it was an act.

After a little while Killua was just finishing a story about Gon and his fight with Hanzo when Silva spoke up saying "Well, This Gon person sounds interesting, all right! But Kil." Killua then looked at his father as Silva looked at him seriously and saying "Do you want to see your friends?" Killua scared to answer looked down with wavering eyes but Silva spoke again saying "No need to hold back. Be honest." Silva then raised his hand to look at it as he said "Looking back... You and I have never really had a father-son chat before..." Killua had a curious gaze but inwardly he was saying "Yeah, cause' you spent all that time training me to kill people since I was a toddler. Just hurry up with your scheme so I can go see my friends." Silva then continued speaking looking at Killua and saying "I was raised by my parents to be an assassin. And I raised you the same way. But you and I are different and it took you leaving home for me to realize that." Silva then started to rub the top of Killua's head saying "You are indeed my son, and still, a person all your own. Live your life" Silva then leaned in close and placed his forehead against Killua's. Now if Killua had never met Ferev and learned just how cruel his family was, he might have fallen for his father's honey-laced words but he also remembered this was the man who let Milluki whip him for over a week straight and did nothing to stop him. So, Killua just had a blank look feigning innocent as his father supposedly bonded with him. Silva then spoke again saying "Remember, you can come home if you get tired, so... I ask you again. Do you want to see your friends?" Killua without hesitation said "Yeah. I really do." Silva just leaned back and removed his hand saying "Very well. Your free to go now. But Kil..." Silva then bit his thumb causing a small drop of blood to form. He then held his thumb out to Killua saying "Promise me one thing. That you will never betray your friends. Got that?" Killua just mirrored his actions and placed his thumb against his father's saying "I will never betray them." Killua then started walking down the hallway towards the exit while thinking to himself "I don't care what it takes or what I have to do but I know I'm never coming back here and When the day comes, I may be there with Ferev at his side." However, before Killua could move on His mother's voice spoke up from behind him saying "Kil, It's too late. Those four have already left return to your ce-" she was cut off due to Killua morphing his hand into a claw and putting right at her throat making her gasp in shock. Kalluto was about to act until Killua through some form of acrobatics swung his legs while using his mother as a hand hold and double heel kicked his brother knocking him out. Kikyo shouted "Kalluto!" But she was silenced as Killua pressed his claw further into her neck drawing blood as he now held her by the collar of her dress and planted his feet on her knees. He then glared at her with the utmost contempt and said "Every word out of your mouth is a lie because I know my friends would never abandon me, especially Gon and Ferev. So, if you ever come near me or come near my friend's I won't hesitate to kill you." Kikyo was very frightened right now, she had never seen Killua get this mad before but before she could dwell on it Killua jumped up using her as a spring board and did a spin kick to her head knocking her out next to Kalluto. Killua then put his hands in his pockets and continued his trek, his first stop the butler's quarters since that was the last place Milluki said his friends were. Once Killua was gone Kikyo began to laugh insanely from her place on the floor showing she had faked being knocked unconscious. She then said to herself "Oh, Kil. What a splendid icy glare you have!" Her laughter echoed throughout the estate as Killua left. Kikyo then quickly got up and headed for Silva's room completely ignoring the unconscious Kalluto. Kikyo burst into Silva's room screaming "What the hell were you thinking? Kil finally came home!" Silva didn't bother to look at his wife as he replied "Let the boy do what he wants for now." Kikyo just stepped closer yelling "Your mad! Listen to yourself! If Kil is to be head of the family, then this point in his life is critical!" Silva still not looking at her said "So you know what's at stake. Good." He then glared at her saying aggressively "Then stop your griping and shut your damn mouth!" Silva finally showing his true colors began to cackle loudly before saying "Don't worry, he'll come back home one day. After all, he is my son." Both Kikyo and Silva began to laugh insanely never knowing that Killua would be back only the circumstances would be entirely different.

Path to Zoldyck family mansion: butler's quarters courtyard path

Canary had been leading the Hunter quartet for about an hour with no butler house in sight so far. Leorio couldn't help but complain groaning out "Are we there yet?" Canary answered him as if he were child saying "Still a bit farther." Leorio just sighed before whining again saying "But we've been walking forever..." Ferev frustrated at being caught off guard earlier and Leorio's constant whining finally snapped and shouted "God damn it Leorio! You complain worse than a child on a long car ride! Just shut up and let Canary lead the way!" Leorio mad at being yelled at shouted back "Oh yeah! Well not all of us are stamina freaks like you and Gon!" Ferev then got in Leorio's face screaming "Yeah! Gon is fucking twelve and he complains less than you!" Leorio just growled saying "You wanna settl-" Ferev cut him off saying ominously "Trust me Leorio. You don't wanna finish that sentence." Kurapika and Gon got between the two with Kurapika holding Leorio back shouting "Knock it off you two! We haven't come this far just to start fighting each other!" Gon was holding Ferev as he said "Kurapika's right you guys. Think about Killua he's waiting for us!" Ferev instantly calmed down remembering why they were there in the first place. Leorio calmed down as well saying "You guys are right. And honestly, I should stop complaining, like Ferev said I'm not a kid." Ferev then blushed and looked to side before saying "And I'm sorry for snapping I'm just frustrated at everything that's happened and I shouldn't have taken it out on you." Leorio just smiled before throwing his hand out to shake saying "No problem, all is forgiven." Ferev and Leorio then shook hands while Canary watched with a small smile before she straightened her features and walked up to the group saying "I'm sorry to interrupt but the butler's quarters is just up ahead please follow me." she then swiftly turned around the others following after her. As they walked Gon asked Canary a question saying "Hey, Canary. Aren't you going to get in a lot of trouble for helping us?" Canary just sighed and closed her eyes as she said "They are perfectly aware of what I'm doing right now." This caused them all to gasp and make Ferev step forward and ask in concern "If they know, then what are they going to do to you?" Canary looked at him and shrugged her shoulders saying "I don't know but if it's for Master Killua then I'll accept any punishment given to me." Ferev was at a loss for words at Canary's loyalty to Killua, so he just nodded his head saying "I understand." Canary then moved forward the other's following suit.

Path to the Zoldyck family mansion: butler's quarters house

Killua had made it down the mountain in record time and soon he approached the butler's quarters house with Gotoh there to greet him. As Killua made his way over to the house he looked at Gotoh and noticed he hadn't changed his appearance at all since he last saw him. He wore the standard butler uniform which consisted of a black tailcoat with the middle buttons done up, a white dress shirt with a red ascot, black dress pants and shoes, Gotoh had his hair gelled and combed back smoothly its color being black, his eyes were black as well with a pair of angular glasses on the bridge of his nose, and lastly Gotoh had a small black goatee that covered the bottom of his chin. Killua ran up to him and asked "Hey, Gotoh. Where are Ferev and Gon? And the others too for a matter of fact. You know, right?" Gotoh had a blank look on his face as he said "Canary is bringing Master Gon and Ferev as well as their two friends, even as we speak." Killua visibly perked up hearing that "Seriously? I knew that'd they come for me!" Gotoh kept his blank face as he said "They'll be arriving shortly, so please wait inside." Gotoh then stepped to the side to allow Killua in. Killua just nodded his head saying "Sure." as he walked inside. Another butler was waiting for Killua with a pot of tea as he made his way towards a room down the hall. Killua made to follow him before turning towards Gotoh saying "Gotoh. The second they're here, let me know." Gotoh bowed before saying "Of course. I shall notify you immediately." Gotoh then made preparations for their "guests" as his glasses gleamed menacingly.

xxLine Breakxx

After some more walking the sun had set and it was getting dark outside while the Hunter quartet plus Canary finally came across a large four-story mansion. The outside had an early Victorian design and as they approached the front door a line of six butler's stood at attention in front of them. Gotoh was standing in front of the line of butler's and the group noticed that the butler's in front of them all wore the same outfit as Canary. Leorio seeing the house and butler's exclaimed "We finally made it!" once the group made it to the line of butler's they all bowed to waist level saying in sync "Welcome, gentlemen." Gotoh then stepped to the side as well as the others, he then motioned with his right hand towards the door saying "Please, follow me and I'll escort you to one of our sitting rooms to await Master Killua's arrival." Gotoh then lead them into the house none of them knowing that Killua was actually there already.

The Hunter quartet were sitting on a large couch in the room Gotoh lead them to. Another butler had brought them a pot of tea and poured each of them a cup while placing the cups down on a coffee table in front of them. Ferev grabbed a cup before sniffing it and tasting it slightly, blatantly checking to see if it was poisoned. The others looked at Ferev curiously while Gotoh frowned at the insult before speaking up "We apologize for our previous discourtesy over the phone. We have been informed by the lady of the house that from now on you are to be treated as official guests." As Gotoh was talking another butler was treating Gon's wounds putting a bandage over his swollen eye. The butler finished his treatment and said "There, does that feel better?" "Gon smiled wide saying "It does! Thank you!" Gon then held up a mirror and stuck his tongue out at himself smiling.

Gotoh then grabbed a chair a placed it in front of the group before sitting down. Five butlers then stood behind the group and Canary, who was standing next to them by the couch. Kurapika looked around the expensive house and said "So, this isn't the main mansion?" Gotoh just replied "No. This is the butler's quarters. Now please make yourselves comfortable." Leorio then spoke saying "Look, thanks for the hospitality but we only came to see Killua. So, can you take us to him? Like, now?" Gotoh just had a small smile before saying "That won't be necessary, sir. Master Killua is on his way as we speak." Gon slapped his hands on the coffee table saying "Wait, really?" Gotoh just replied "That's right. So please be patient." Gon then sat down again letting out a happy laugh at being able to see his friend again. Gotoh then spoke again saying "Now then..." Gotoh then adjusted his glasses with his finger while saying "It would be so tedious to just sit and wait." he then smirked before saying "I propose we pass the time with a game." Ferev skeptical of Gotoh's intentions asked "What kind of game?" Gotoh then pulled out a gold coin and displayed it between his fingers before closing his hand around it and then flipping it in the air. The group watched as the coin flipped multiple times in the air before Gotoh moved both of his hands at the same time quickly to catch the coin. Gotoh then held his fists out saying "Which hand holds the coin?" All four of them pointed and said at the same time "The left hand." Gotoh closed his eyes and smiled saying "That is correct." he then opened his left hand revealing the coin held between his thumb and index finger. Gotoh then said "Now I'll move more quickly this time."

Gotoh then flipped the coin again the group watching closely suddenly Gotoh moved his arms like before only slightly quicker. He then held his fists out again saying "Now. Which hand?" Ferev just casually said "Your left again." Gotoh narrowed his eyes at Ferev for second before smiling and saying "How marvelous." he then revealed the coin in his left hand the butlers around them applauding. Gotoh then said "Well. I shall have to try harder this time." he then flipped the coin again only this time his hands were a blur moving back and forth. Gotoh then held his fists out and casually asked "So? Which hand?" Ferev glared at Gotoh and was about to answer until he felt a blade at his throat. Ferev glanced around and noticed the five butlers behind them had all drawn tanto blades and had them pointed at the entire group's throats. Gotoh then glared at Ferev and said "You Master Ferev will no longer participate in this game. You will not move, you will not speak, will not so much as gasp. If you do anything, then yours and your friend's lives are forfeit." Gotoh then gripped the coin in his hands while glaring at Ferev harder saying "I have already made my decision about you and I know this..." He then looked down for a second before glaring at Ferev with utmost contempt and said angrily "You are nothing more than trash. You blatantly insult one of the greatest families in the world, your fool hardy, and arrogant." his tone turned softer suddenly as he said "But for some reason Master Killua seems to admire you. And believe me when I say that If Master Killua did not feel this way..." Gotoh then clenched his fists so tight the group could hear his knuckles crack as he said "I would kill you where you sit right now." Gato then unclenched his hands dropping the gold coin on the table, revealing it to be all crumpled up and squished. Ferev just glared at the butler before leaning back into the couch to show his compliance.

The others were just wide eyed and shocked at the turn of events and now Ferev was forced not to participate. Gotoh grabbed another coin before speaking to the group "You see... I've known Master Killua his entire life and I care for him like my own son." Gotoh then unconsciously started to flare his Nen as he glared at the group and said "In all honesty, I despise all of you for taking him away." The group just grit their teeth and glared at the man before he continued speaking "The lady's voice was a bare whisper. Her son is leaving and it's breaking her heart. I can't forgive you." Gotoh was so angry that veins were bulging on the sides of his head. he then held up the new coin and said "Before Master Killua arrives... I will test each of you with my own methods. You have no choice." Gon looked to his right and noticed Canary had a blade to her neck too and shouted "Canary!" Gotoh kept his gaze on the group as he said "This is her punishment for defying orders and bringing you here. Now, allow me to explain the rules. If you answer incorrectly you are out. Should you all be disqualified which is quite possible then I shall tell Master Killua you left. And that he will never see any of you again." Gon stubbornly said "Killua is-" Gato cut him off shouting "Silence!" His tone then turned ominous and said "Your very lives hang by a most delicate thread." Gotoh adjusted his glasses again before saying "Now, Answer my question. I will not ask again." Gotoh then flipped the coin again his arms a blur as he switched the coin between his hands. Gotoh held his fists out again and asked "Now, which hand?" the group looked at each other nervously while Gon thought to himself "I didn't see it." Gotoh then mockingly said "Hurry and choose time is of the essence. You only have three seconds." Gotoh then looked at the Butlers holding Canary and Ferev saying "You two! Once three seconds have passed, slit their throats." Gon wide-eyed at Ferev being threatened on top of Canary too said "But you said Killua would be mad if you hurt Ferev!" Gotoh just said "Yes he would be upset for a time, but he would learn to live with it as we all do." Gon just glared at the man and grit his teeth the stakes even higher now. The group then all quickly gave their answers. Leorio shouted "I pick the left hand!" Gon said "I pick the right!" Kurapika replied with "Yes, me too!"

Gotoh then opened his hands revealing the coin to be in his right hand causing Leorio to growl. He then grasped the coin again while saying "One has been disqualified." Gotoh then flipped the coin again his arms somehow even moving faster. As Kurapika and Gon tried to Follow the pattern Gon thought to himself "This is useless. I can't see anything!" Gotoh then stopped moving his arms his hands actually smoking from the speed. He then held his fists out and asked "Which hand?" Kurapika looked at Gon who nodded his head as he then said "I choose the right hand." Gon then said "And I'll choose the left." Gotoh then opened his hands revealing the coin in his left hand saying "It was in my left hand. Now only one remains." he then focused a serious gaze on Gon before grabbing the coin and saying "Here we go." However, Gon shouted quickly "Wait just a minute! Please!" Gotoh annoyed at the interruption frustratingly asked "What is it? If you're trying to buy time, I will have Ferev and Canary killed without hesitation." Gon ignored the threat and looked at Leorio saying "Leorio! Gimme your knife." Leorio skeptical said "Huh? Gon just said "Don't worry, okay? I'm not gonna do something stupid." Leorio just complied and handed Gon his switchblade. Gon then hit the button making the blade come out and removed his bandage. He then sliced his swollen eye with the blade causing pus and blood to ooze out of the wound. Gotoh from his position was able to hand Gon a handkerchief to wipe his eye. Kurapika looked at Gon impressed and thinking to himself "He cut his eye to reduce the swelling." After wiping his face Gon could now see out of both of his eyes, he then placed his hands on his knees saying "Okay! I'm ready." Gotoh unfazed just flipped the coin his arms becoming a blur once again. After a few seconds Gotoh held his fists out and leaned forward while asking "Which hand?" Gon without hesitation answered "The left." Gotoh held his hands open showing the coin in his left hand as he said "Very good. Now..." he then stood up and two more butlers joined him. He then flipped the coin only this time the two butlers' next to him joined in showing nothing but a blur of limbs as they tossed the coin between themselves. Kurapika and Leorio gasped at the speed and difficulty of the challenge while Gon and Ferev remained calm. Finally, the butlers stopped their arms and had all their fists held out, their hands smoking from the speed. Gotoh then looked down at Gon and asked "Now, which one of us has it?" After a few seconds Gon just smirked confidently and Pointed at the butler behind Ferev with his left thumb and said "That guy. Right behind Ferev." The butler seemed surprised before he closed his eyes and held up his free hand revealing the coin in it. Gotoh just snorted in amusement before the butlers removed the blades from their necks and started to applaud. Gotoh spoke up saying "Splendid, well done!"

Suddenly the door opened and a familiar voice spoke up saying "Gotoh! Are Gon and Ferev here yet?" Gon and Ferev instantly stood up and turned around shouting "Killua!" Killua walked up to them saying "You guys were already here? Ferev! Gon! And this guy..." Killua then pointed at Kurapika trying to remember his name "Um...Kurapika?" Kurapika's face just turned a shade of purple as he looked slightly annoyed before saying sarcastically "You remembered." Killua then pointed at Leorio saying "Reolio!" Leorio pissed Killua forgot about him yelled "It's Leorio!" Killua just smiled at his friends saying "It's been so long! But you made it! Wow Gon! Your face is a mess!" Gon just grumbled before saying "Oh yeah! Well, yours isn't any better!" Ferev took notice of Killua's bruises and asked "Killua what happened? Why are you covered in bruises?" Killua held a hand to his face saying "Oh these? Yeah, my big brother and I were working out some issues." Ferev grit his teeth and said "That son of a-" Ferev was cut off by Killua who punched him in the gut to get his attention as he said "I'm fine. Just let it go." Ferev realizing now wasn't the time to let his grudge come out calmed down. Killua then looked at Gotoh and said "Hey, Gotoh! What happened to telling me when they're here, huh? What were you doing?" Gotoh bowed and said apologetically "Please forgive me. I had them participate in a little game." Killua curious asked "A game?" Gotoh then stood straight with a smile and his eyes closed while saying "A joke, sir. Though a poor one admittedly. I'm sorry for the trouble. I do hope you enjoyed yourselves." Ferev just glared at Gotoh for a second knowing full well none of what happened was a joke. Leorio believing Gotoh's words rubbed his head saying "If that was a joke, then you sure fooled me." Killua getting an idea of what Gotoh meant by "game" asked Gon "Wait, did they try anything?" Gon wanting to make sure Killua didn't think less of anybody said "No. They were just keeping us all entertained." Killua accepting the answer said "Really? Well, okay. Let's get out of here guys. I've been home long enough."

As everyone gathered their things Killua spoke to Gotoh again saying "Hey, Gotoh. Listen. No matter what Mom said, don't follow me." Gotoh bowed his head and said "Understood, sir. Please take care." Killua just grumbled and said "C'mon Gon. Ferev. let's go." Killua then headed out the door followed by Leorio and Kurapika. Gon and Ferev were about to follow until Gotoh said "Master Ferev. Master Gon a word if you please." Ferev and Gon turned around and faced Gotoh as he stood in front of Ferev and looked down due to him being about a foot taller than Ferev. Gotoh then looked over at Killua to make sure he was out of earshot and then harshly spoke to Ferev saying "If anything should befall Master Killua while under your watch. I don't care where you are, what time of day, or who you're with. I will hunt you down and slaughter you like the dog you are." Ferev just glared at Gotoh and said with a smirk "I welcome the challenge." Ferev then turned around swiftly, his coat fluttering as he followed after the others. As Ferev walked away he didn't bother to listen to Gon and Gato's conversation and waited with the others for Gon to come back. They all just chatted with Killua just happy he was alright when Gon finally stepped out of the house followed by a line of butlers. Once Gon joined the others he turned around and shouted "Bye Mr. Gotoh! Don't worry Killua's in good hands!" Killua embarrassed shouted "Shut up Gon! That's embarrassing!" After a brief argument the group of four now Five began their trek back to the Testing Gate and away from Kukuroo Mountain.

xxLine Breakxx

Killua and the others could be seen on a train sitting in one of the many booths. Gon and Killua were sitting on opposite sides of the booth. Ferev was sitting next to Killua by the window while Leorio sat by the aisle. Kurapika was sitting on Gon's side sitting by the aisle as well. Gon had just got done explaining how the group had gotten to the mountain making Killua exclaim in shock "Whaaat? Wait you guys came here on a tourist visa? But you guy's passed the Hunter Exam didn't you? So why didn't you use your license?" Gon just sheepishly rubbed the back of his head while Ferev pointed at him saying "This stubborn guy was adamant on us not using our Hunters licenses, So we relented can't say I approve of the decision though, I'm freaking tired after all that." Ferev then leaned back and looked up at the ceiling with a sigh while Gon just laughed before saying "I can't use my license, not yet anyway. Not until I finish what I have to do."Killua then asked "So, what is it? What do you gotta do?" Ferev already having Idea of what it was let Gon explain. Gon looked down for a second before looking back up and saying "Well... you remember..." Gon then started digging in his back pocket until he pulled out Hisoka's badge from the Hunters Exam while saying "When Hisoka gave me his number badge!" Gon then paused for a breath and said "I'll return it, whenever I can punch Hisoka right in his stupid, ugly face! Until I can do that, I'm not gonna use my Hunters License or go back to Whale Island!" Killua just closed his eyes for a second before opening them and saying "Hmm. So? Where is Hisoka?" Gon just sweat dropped before rubbing the back of his head nervously saying "Uh,well..." Killua just sighed and said "That's what I thought..." However Kurapika finally spoke up saying "I know where he is, Gon."

Everyone looked at Kurapika in surprise while Ferev just said "This has to do with what he said to you doesn't it?" Kurapika shocked looked at Ferev and asked "How did you-" Ferev cut him off pointing at his ears and saying "Really good hearing, remember?" Kurapika just sighed saying "Right, anyway I know where Hisoka is because he told me." Leorio just whispered "So that's what he said..." Kurapika then surprised both Ferev and Leorio saying "In actuality he spoke to me after orientation." Leorio just said "Yeah, but its related, right?" Kurapika just said "Perhaps but all I can you tell is this, he said 'I'll tell you something interesting about spiders.' and that was all he whispered." Leorio nervous asked "Did he mean the Phantom Troupe?" Kurapika looked at all them seriously and said "I don't recall ever mentioning them to Hisoka. He either overheard you and me during the First Phase of the Exam or heard it from someone else. The troupe's symbol is a spider which is what they are called by anyone familiar with them. I was interested in any information he had." Leorio with a serious look of his own "I get it now." Kurapika then said "I asked Hisoka about what he said after the orientation and all he said was 'Meet me in Yorknew City on September first.'" Leorio curious asked "But why that date?" Ferev spoke up then saying "The Underground Auction. The world's largest and most Illegal Auction that takes place every other year." Kurapika spoke up too saying "That's right. From September first to September tenth, there will be an auction, with rare and unusual items and national treasures from around the world. It's the biggest gathering of wealth in the world." Ferev then finished his thought saying "And the perfect place for an infamous band of thieves to show up." Kurapika nodded his head with a glare saying "Exactly. But regardless of the troupe, Hisoka will be somewhere in Yorknew City on that day." Gon with a determined look said "Okay, then. September the first. I got it thanks a lot! The five of them then settled in for the rest of the ride until they arrived at the train station.

After the group arrived at the train station they disembarked before meeting up outside the main entrance. Kurapika grabbed his luggage before saying "All right. I'll be leaving now." Gon curious asked "Huh?" Kurapika then explained why he was leaving so soon "We all got to see Killua again, so my work here is done for now. I'll be needing a lot of money if I'm going to attend the auction. So, from here on I'll start looking for a Patron to hire me as a professional Hunter." Leorio just smiled saying "Really? I guess I should head back home then, and hit the books." Gon sad that his other friend was leaving said sadly "Wait, you too?" Leorio looked up confidently saying "I haven't given up on becoming a doctor. If I'm accepted into med-school, then this will pay for the outrageous expenses." Leorio then held up his license with a smile. before saying "I need to get back and start studying." Ferev then stepped forward and shook Leorio's hand saying "Good luck Leorio, I hope in the near future I get to call you doctor Leorio." Leorio just laughed before saying "You do know my last name is Paladknight. right?" Ferev had a blank look before saying excitedly "That's so badass! Your last name is freakin Knight? That's awesome!" Leorio and Ferev just shared a Laugh before Gon spoke up saying "Yeah! Good luck Leorio, I know you can do it!" The group all put their hands together with Leorio saying "Till next time." Kurapika then said "Yes, and that will be..." Then all five of them said at the same time "September first in Yorknew City!" The group then raised their hands and Separated Leorio going one direction while Kurapika went in the other. Ferev, Gon, and Killua remained where they are and Gon actually noticed Ferev hadn't left and turned around while asking "You're not leaving Ferev?" Killua looked up at him as well curious for the answer. Ferev then spoke saying "Well there are two reasons I'm staying with you two the first being after going to the Hunters Exam and then Kukuroo Mountain I'm flat broke. And the second reason is that life tends to be interesting around you two so I know I won't be bored." Ferev then had a cheeky smile when he finished talking. Gon just smiled saying "I don't mind Ferev coming with us how about you Killua?" Killua just nonchalantly turned his head to the side saying "Sure, I don't mind." Inwardly however Killua was excited to have him come along. If Ferev could open five doors to the Testing Gate then he wanted to see just how strong Ferev really was. Killua started to head to airfield having a good destination in mind to train and get some cash.

The three had been walking for a little bit until they decided to rest at a park. Once Gon put his backpack down he asked "So, what are we doing guys?" Ferev and Killua looked at him curiously with Killua saying "Are you seriously asking that?" Ferev then said "We have to train of course." Gon clueless asked "For what? Why not have fun?" Killua and Ferev actually glared Gon with Killua saying with a tick mark and gritted teeth "You remember what you said about a second ago? What was it? Oh, right..." Ferev and Killua then shouted right in Gon's face making his hair blow back as they yelled "Punch Hisoka in his face!" Ferev then chastised Gon Like a Father would his son "Do you really think you can punch Hisoka in the face without training let alone even touch him?" Killua just shouted at Gon saying "That's gonna take ten years let alone six months!" Gon realizing his folly said "Okay. okay. I get it." Killua then grabbed a stick and drew a picture of Hisoka and Hanzo while saying "Here. I'll break it down for you. This is Hisoka and this is Hanzo" Killua then pointed at the pictures that were about 3 inches apart with Hisoka being in front and Hanzo behind him. Killua then spoke up saying "If this is the strength gap between Hisoka and Hanzo... The gap between you and Hisoka is..." Killua then drew the line all the way to end of the park yelling "This far and I'm being generous." Gon just had tick mark and said "That's just mean." while Ferev just chuckled at Killua's antics. Gon upset pointed at Killua saying "Okay, then how far apart are you?" Killua curiously said "Who, me?" Killua than placed a mark about another three inches from Hanzo's picture. However, before he could contemplate his mark Ferev smacked him upside the head causing Killua to hold his stinging head and yell "What the hell was that for!" Ferev just crossed his arms and said "Stop being so arrogant even I don't know what Hisoka is capable of." Killua just growled and said "For your information that was me being humble!" Ferev just snorted and said with a laugh "Yeah, and I'm secretly a Zoldyck." Gon just started laughing loudly at the two, their behavior reminding him of the siblings he would see on Whale Island. Killua stopped arguing with Ferev to look at them both while saying "Anyway, with just six months to work with, we're gonna have to be real creative. And since we're basically broke, I know the perfect place to make some money while training." Gon with a raised eyebrow asked "Make money while we're training?" Killua then looked at them both with an excited smile and pointed up with his left hand saying "At the Heaven's Arena." Gon and Ferev looked at each other then Killua and said at the same time "Heaven's Arena?"