Chapter 60 – The Butterfly

A/N: It was never my plan to have Hisoka and Gin meet in this chapter. I'm sorry for the ones who've been expecting it (it's all about the pining guys! haha). Thank you so much for the reviews and even the song recommendations! I listen to all of them! I hope to hear your thoughts about this chapter. Thank you!


''Your friend needs to go Kurapika. She's not part of the mission.'' I heard the Leader say to Kurapika down the hallway. My shadows watched them from the dark without them noticing.

''Ah, Gin-san? Would you like a cup of tea?'' The woman called Melody smiled at me softly, kindness twinkling in her eyes. With a grateful smile, I nodded and received the cup from her hands. My throat felt sticky and parched from dehydration.

''Thank you, Melody-san.''

Just as I took a sip, Baise, who was sprawled on another couch sighed. ''So, who are you really, arm-candy? Hyuna or Gin?''

The question sent warning bells in my mind. I still didn't like it that they knew my name. The comfort of Hyuna was gone. ''Both.'' I smiled. ''You can call me whichever you wish.''

The woman snorted. ''I think I remember you now. You're one of those overpaid Daisy escorts.''

''Baise!'' Melody admonished, nearly breathless.

''What? It's true!''

Around us, one of men with the pompadour just shook his head tiredly and took a sip of his drink while another two, a dark-haired man wearing a black robe and the one I initially thought was the leader from the Underground auction calmly sipped their teas. Behind them at the kitchen counter, the man with the ginger hair was murmuring with the one in the pink shirt whose face glistened slightly from anxiety.

I wondered if a part of you will know if your time was coming.

Baise was still talking. ''…I'm just saying that it's weird she's suddenly here. Is she part of the mission now?'' At the question, eyes swiveled towards me.

I shrugged, glancing down at my shadowed form.

''That will depend on Dalzollene. I'm sorry, little Miss. We're just on a tight spot here. The merchandise is missing, we've got some super-muscled pyscho bandit in there and we still haven't completed our mission.'' The man with the exaggerated pompadour responded.

''What's your mission?'' I asked.

Their leader chose to enter the room at this point. ''That's classified.'' He levelled me with a sharp look. ''Tell me, who are you working for?''

The thought made me smile. I stood up and walked towards him and Kurapika. ''I work only for myself.''

''Then you are dangerous. I would ask you now to leave.''

Unsurprised, I merely gave the man a smile and a nod. A person can always feel when he or she was not welcomed and it was always hurt when one tries to act ignorant about it.

I did not like the feeling - mild or not.

I glanced at an apologetic Kurapika briefly before turning back his Leader. ''I am the one who butted in your mission. It's fine.''

Kurapika shook his head. ''Thank you,'' he said. The grateful look he gave me meant everything. He was still on a mission and he has to remain professional and keep the balance in their team. Respected, he might be, he was still new in the group, meaning he is limited to what he could say and act like.

Chuckling, I leaned and pecked him on his cheek, then to his ear, I whispered: ''Your friend on the pink shirt is in danger from losing his head. Literally. His life is in danger.''

Kurapika froze. A breath stuck in his lungs as he watched me with wide eyes. ''Be careful.'' I said louder for everyone else. ''Especially who to trust and who to tell your business to.'' I turned to their tattooed leader.

He growled out, ''naturally.''

''That Uvogin guy has friends who will certainly come looking for him. I have a feeling…they will come as soon as possible.''

There was a breath of silence before the leader spoke again: ''We got it handled.'' He said, stiffly. I hummed, not sharing with the surety in his tone. There was danger taut in the air, I can feel it.

''Do you need a ride, Gin?'' Kurapika asked me.

I shook my head and picked up my bag from the floor. Kurapika cannot really afford to give me a ride but it was dear of him to ask. A part of me wanted to stay but then I know that Gon and Killua will be waiting for me to come back. My phone had rung once in the night already. It will only take three attempts until they start travelling to the heart of the city, find the commotion and panic when they couldn't find me.

But I also wanted to stay with Kurapika even though I didn't feel anything but a torn at his side.

I opened my palm towards him. He curiously looked down on it and watched my shadowed hand with a million questions dancing in his eyes.

I thought of something small, something subtle.

A butterfly soundlessly fluttered up from my palm, taking me back to the blood butterflies back in Zevil island. It landed on Kurapika's chest where it transformed and blended in with the blue of his robes.

''I will come when you need me.''

Kurapika looked down at the butterfly, his hand hovering over it. When he looked up again, he granted me a sweet smile. ''Yeah. Thank you, Gin.''

I turned to his friends who were all watching us curiously and their leader who was observing me with narrowed eyes. I bowed. ''Thank you for your hospitality with my presence.'' I said, half-meaning it and half-teasing.

I strode towards the window without further ado and slipped in through, materializing easily to the other side and gliding swiftly away towards home, looking nothing but a dark cloud far up in the sky.


Back in the Nostrade Family's base, everyone was in stunned stillness, eyes on the intact window where the girl just disappeared through like some dark phantom.

Kurapika turned to his colleagues. ''She's a friend of mine. We can trust her.''

''Must be nice.'' Baise drawled as she crossed one leg over another.

''You know what else will be nice?'' Tocino broke the unrelenting ice, turning to an anxious Squala.

''Alcohol?'' Basho quipped as he drank the last drops of his tea as if it was a shot. Beside him, Ivlenkov shook his head.

''To have one of those butterflies on me as well.'' Tocino smirked at Kurapika, waggling his eyebrows.

Dalzollene sighed. ''Have a rest for a while. The Mafia Community will be here soon. I'll watch our captive until then.''


My boys were talking about their arm-wrestling business when I came home. I went straight to the shower as soon as I glided into the room.

They asked about the auction as soon as I set myself under the covers, now freshly showered and thankfully clothed. Leorio finished hanging my glittering Daisy number 4 on the curtain rod and laid the extravagant shoes in the corner before he pulled a desk chair at the end of the bed. Killua plopped on the mattress with me, arms-crossed and a furrow in between his eyebrows.

I shrugged. ''The Phantom Troupe attacked.''

''What!''

I nodded and started to explain my involvement in half-truths – that I noticed something was wrong so hid in the women's toilets, summoning my shadow guard, Josh to investigate the building for me. None of these statements was false.

At first, I wanted to leave out the details of my Nen and my hold over the spiders but upon seeing their faces, I gave in to my exhaustion and sentiments.

I started to speak before I could overthink. ''One of the hallmarks of my Nen is that I can make people do things after I've touched them.'' I tapped my nails on my porcelain cup. The secret unfurled from my chest into rush. ''I haven't told you this yet but I guess you could say that I can control people – their deeds, their life, their death, after marking them as mine.'' My smile widened into a rueful one as I noted the widening of their eyes.

''I successfully did that today with four of the spiders.''

''FOUR?!'' Killua spluttered. ''Are you crazy? Why…why the hell would you do that?'' He rose from the bed and ran a hand through his silver locks. ''Do you realise what you've just done? If they ever find out!'' The Zoldyck paused. Whatever he thought of looked like it scared him. ''Why tell us!? What if something happens? What if we become compromised and—''

''I trust all of you. I want to trust you. I'm... If there are people I can trust with my secrets, it will be the three of you and Kurapika.''

When they didn't say anything, I continued. ''And I guess, it will force me to level up my game as well. The more the danger, the more I have to be careful with myself and with all of you guys.''

''Gin!'' Leorio croaked out. ''This is…'' He bit his lip before resting his elbows to his thighs. He held his stubbled chin in his hand and took a deep breath. ''Damn.''

My brother watched me quietly from the couch.

''Do they know?'' Killua demanded.

I shook my head. ''No. Once I marked someone, they usually don't know or feel it, I think.''

''You think!?'' Killua pulled at his hair. He's been doing that a lot, I noticed.

''How would I know? I never marked myself. Anyway, I just want you to be careful and for you to know what's happening. As far as I know, three spiders should still be asleep right now and will remain so until I make them wake up. The attack in the auction was avoided but sadly, the Mafia's Shadow Beasts were defeated and so did a lot of Mafia's men. The merchandise was also gone - but it looks like the Mafia has it.'' I sighed, seeing the bodies in my memory once again. ''Never join a Mafia, you three. To them, you will be nothing but a number in their men. One of those bodies in a black suit.''

Killua shook his head. ''Does Kurapika know?''

I shook my head. ''No. I think it's important that he does this on his own. I did tell him, that I would come when he needs me to.''

''You met up with him?'' My brother perked up in his seat. ''How's he?''

I smiled. ''He seemed ok. He has new friends with him and they seem really nice.''

Gon nodded, relieved. ''But does this mean…'' My brother trailed off. ''Does this mean, you can kill those four members when you want to, Gin?''

I paused at the direct question. I breathed, ''yes.''

Absolute stillness encroached our space.

I bent to my side and opened one of the drawers, rooting out my medicine bottles and swallowing one tablet after another with my tea as they pondered.

''My powers are very limited in the day. This a condition I made to make my Hatsu stronger. By making a restriction, I've made my shadow abilities more powerful. I can only do most of my abilities when the shadows are the strongest – which is at night.''

The boys stared.

''I only marked them as a last resort. So that one day, if they ever come for any of us, I could stop them or manipulate them where they stand and we could escape. However, the spiders – they are not our business. In a Hunter's way of speaking, they are Kurapika's preys and despite my wanting to stop them with their killing, their stealings, I will not kill them – not unless Kurapika wishes for me to do it for him, or if they endanger any of us.''

The boys looked away, staring off to space now.

''Oh, and I can spy on my marked ones too. It's pretty cool.''

Leorio nearly fell from his chair. Killua stared at me, mouth slightly parted. He then let out an incredulous scoff, his lips twisting into a mocking smile. He shook his head. ''Is that all? Can you turn to a bat too or something?''

I tilted my head to the side, considering.

''That was a joke!''

I chuckled. That was it. The rest of my secrets, no one will have to know.


In the early hours of the morning and we all decided that it was time for bed, Gon turned to me with a smile. ''I think it will be best if I sleep here with you, Gin. So Leorio can sleep on a bed too. Is that ok?''

''Of course! It's been a long time since we shared a bed, Gon. Come!'' I patted the space next to me. Gon brightened.

''Right. We'll see you tomorrow then.'' Killua drawled, ambling towards the door. The tension on his shoulders was gone. ''Leorio! You better quiet down your snoring tonight. Seriously.''

Leorio chuckled, wrapping a friendly arm around the boy's shoulders. ''Come on! It's not that bad, is it?''

Killua glared at the taller man who only responded with a bark of laughter.

''Turn of the lights as you go!'' I called out as Gon made himself comfortable beside me.

''Yeah.'' Killua drawled.

''Good night, Killua! Leorio!'' Gon called out.

''Yeah. Good night.'' The two responded, voice low and tired.

When we were left alone, curled towards each other and I was drifting closer to sleep, Gon whispered my name. The dark made his large eyes look cavernous.

''You broke your promise to Leorio.''

Sleep left me momentarily and for a moment we both stared at each other. ''What do you mean?''

''I smelled alcohol on you when you arrived.''

''The people in the auction drank a lot.'' Gon didn't respond, only stared at me. I took a deep breath and sighed. ''Don't tell him. It's our secret.'' I grinned.

Our breathing was the only sound heard in the quiet of the night. Eventually, Gon's face lifted to a small smile. ''Yeah.''

I closed my eyes after he did, drifting quickly to sleep with the sound of gunshots, shouting and pandemonium ringing at the back of my mind and my body feeling as though it was still floating up in the sky.


I dreamt of Hisoka that night when my body was benumbed with sleep but my mind was still lingering in the waking world. He was on a dilapidated carousel, sat on one of the skewed model horses. On his lap, he clutched one of my magazines. I was a naught but a phantom in the shadows that surrounded them.

Kurapika was in front of him. Suddenly I knew why they were there. Hisoka had joined the Phantom Troupe for a chance to fight the leader. And now Hisoka wanted to join forces with Kurapika.

The information did not feel new, it felt like something I had known at the back of my mind but I had to watch to know for sure.

''Well, it's your call.'' Hisoka says.

I watched the scene unfold with trepidation as Kurapika's phone suddenly rings. In my mind, I knew it cannot be good.

''Kurapika, this is terrible! The man we captured has escaped!''

Kurapika's stony composure broke. ''Escaped? On his own?''

I frowned, trying to feel around and remember. But I was unable to feel or see anything but Kurapika at the moment, and the fact that not far from us, Hisoka was staring.

I froze just when his amber eyes seem to slide to mine and held it.

''No. Some troupe members disguised themselves as Mafia and came for him…''

I listened in, thinking that I should've stayed with his friend but then the thought of Gon, Killua and Leorio took the sting out. But I could've at least left Josh with his group.

I closed my eyes tight, steadying.

Kurapika was the priority.

''The leader's missing. We've been unable to reach him. We're heading to pattern B. Return immediately.''

The handsome leader must already be dead. It was such a shame. He looked competent...and good-looking.

But Kurapika was the priority and I have accepted that I can't protect everyone, that I can't possibly save everyone I meet, friend, acquaintance or stranger from death just because I think I should.

Kurapika paled before he pulled himself together and turned his attention to Hisoka again, his composure back on. He asked about the Scarlet Eyes of his lost clan and all the while, Hisoka's gaze was fixed on the butterfly that served as my eyes on Kurapika.

''Unfortunately, this was before I joined but the boss sells every item after admiring it for a while. The Scarlet Eyes will be no exception. That's all I know. But bear this in mind, the spider will not stop moving until you crush its head.'' Hisoka narrowed his eyes, turning to Kurapika who levelled the joker's stare with an indomitable look.

''I asked if you wanted to team up but I was not suggesting that we fight side by side but merely that we exchange information in a give and take relationship. When all is fulfilled, there will be no strings attached. Simple enough, yes?''

I shook my head. It was never a good idea to deal with Hisoka, although I knew full well that Kurapika has agreed. Kurapika spun on his heel and started to walk away.

''In exchange for the information I just gave, I want something in return.'' Hisoka called out.

Kurapika stopped and half-turned with a frown.

Hisoka only smiled and glanced at the butterfly. He pointed at it. ''What a lovely pin you have.''

Kurapika was silent.

''I want it.''

''No.'' Kurapika stated right away. ''This relationship is only for exchanging information regarding the spiders, Hisoka. Not items.''

''Ah, you caught me.'' Hisoka sighed. ''Then, here is a question: where is Gin-chan?''

''About the spiders.'' Kurapika only said, growing tensed by the second.

Hisoka glanced down, hiding whatever emotion was there in his golden eyes. ''Okay then.'' He leaned back. ''Then, send her my regards, will you? Tell her: I am waiting for her.''

Kurapika stayed for a second before striding away with a frown, the dark mists swallowing him up. We slid in his car and quickly sped away. Amidst the car's roaring and the bumpy road ahead, I heard Hisoka's voice reverberate within me, causing the hairs on my arms to rise up.

''Bungee gum.''

I felt a phantom tug before I was swiftly plucked away from Kurapika's side.

When I turned around, I was in front of Hisoka on the carousel. He peered down the blue butterfly on his palm, transfixed as the butterfly's outlines turn from the deep blue of the Kurta robes to the fiery-red of Hisoka's hair.

Hisoka's face was unreadable in that way that he almost…looked forlorn to me. His shoulders was slumped slightly and his lips curled down.

I reached out with my phantom hand slowly towards the fluttering butterfly in his hand and pulled my Nen back from it. The butterfly disintegrated into red dusts. He closed his hand as if to catch them but when he opened it to peek, the last of the remnants glittered before they slowly disappeared.

Hisoka glanced up to the moon. Its weak silver rays illuminating his face while I drifted gladly back to sweet unconsciousness.