The Phantom Troupe's hideout was a miserable place. Dark and dusty with scattered bits of rubble stalking to trip the unwary. As Gon followed Machi through its many cramped hallways, his mind kept reverting back to that image of Killua. After she had freed him from those threads, it was difficult to fight his urge to charge her or run after his friend. He knew it would only make things worse, but it didn't make controlling his anger any easier. He clenched his fists at the thought.

"Where are we going?" Gon broke the silence.

"To meet the boss. He will make your membership official," Machi replied without turning around. She turned into a stairway and began to descend. "I don't believe you've met him yet have you Gon?"

"No."

"The boss is great you'll -"

"So when will you let Killua go?"

Machi gave a pause before saying, "That is something you'll have to ask him yourself."

So there was some hope at least. Gon had feared that they wouldn't let him see Killua at all. In the video Killua's room looked to be from this building. If there was no other choice, maybe he could sneak around and find Killua himself. He continued to keep an eye out for any room that stood out. But there were many. He could have passed by Killua already!

"Just a warning," said Machi. "Don't go showing your temper when you meet the Boss. It won't do you any good. Trust me."

When Gon didn't reply, she turned her head and looked at him, "You may not want to believe me, but I'm only saying this for your own good." Her face lacked her usual coolness, "You will be one of us now. Not an enemy. So don't go acting like one."

She really believed that? Gon could only find himself shocked at the insanity of the Phantom Troupe. After hurting Killua, and threatening him with his friend's life, they really believed he was one of them? Just because he had said so for his friend? I'll never be one of you. Even before they had taken Killua, he hated the Spiders for what they had done to Kurapika. Machi's words only bolstered his anger, but he decided that he would accept her warning. Anything to save Killua from more pain.

After going down several flights in silence, Machi turned into a hallway, and took a left into a large room. "Here we are," She declared.

This was the same room, Gon remembered, that they had brought him and Killua to before. But this time it was full of different crates and boxes and packages. Some of them open showing what looked to be expensive jewelery and strange artifacts. Some of the Spiders were here too. The girl with the glasses he had beaten in an arm wrestle, and the blonde one were playing some board game. The large one with the scars, had his eye on Gon as soon as he entered the room. The one with the mummy head was quietly focused on some artifact. But the one that caught Gon's eye, was the dark man sitting in the center of the room, his eyes buried in a book. The boy had never seen him before, but he had no doubts about his identity.

"Boss, he's here," Machi gave a gesture towards Gon, as she walked towards the man.

The Boss looked up from his book to Machi then Gon. His dark eyes were as somber as his attire, and that pale face was unreadable. He focused on Gon for a few moments before he cracked a small smile.

"So you agreed to our offer," said the Boss. His voice made Machi's coolness seem like a warm summer wind.

It didn't seem to be a question, but the boy responded, "Only because of what you did to Killua." His use of the word 'offer' irked Gon, but he kept his temper in control.

"Well, we can talk about that," said the leader putting his book down. He gestured to his right. "Come sit, Gon. You can pull up one of those boxes."

Machi gave Gon a nod, before she joined the other two Spiders in their game. Gon pulled up a box and sat beside the Boss.

"Let's start with introductions," said the Boss. "My name is Chrollo Lucilfer, and I'm the leader this little gang." He seemed to wait for a response, but when Gon didn't give any, he added, "Now, tell me about yourself Gon."

He didn't want to play any more of this man's games. "You already know who I am! Just tell me when you're gonna let Killua go."

"We will get to that," sighed Chrollo. Gon felt a chill run over him, though the older man's demeanor had remained unchanged. "Now, I'll say it again, tell me about yourself."

It seemed he didn't have a choice. "My name is Gon Freecs. I'm a Hunter," answered Gon.

"And when did you become a Hunter, Gon?

"Earlier this year."

"And for what reason?"

"To find my father."

"Your father..." Chrollo thought for a moment. "I see." He added, "And how did you come to befriend a Zoldyck?"

"We met during the Exam." Gon had forgotten about the prestige of Killua's family. Maybe, by some small chance, this would spur the Troupe to let him go.

"Naturally," said Chrollo. "Well, I can't let your friend go just yet Gon. Even if he is a Zoldyck." Chrollo locked eyes with him and Gon shuddered internally. Had he been reading his mind? The leader continued, "After all, he is our key for you to do as your told."

"So you're gonna hold him forever?" Gon asked anxiously. Had Machi lied to him? Would he have to be with the Troupe forever? Even worse would Killua have to spend the rest of his days in a cell? No. Even if the Troupe didn't let them go, Kurapika and Leorio would find a way to save them.

"No, that won't be necessary. In time I will let your friend go. And you will be free to go with him. I have no interest in those who don't wish to be here."

"Then why?!" Gon was in shock. He didn't expect they would let him go too. Were they just doing this to hurt him? Why go through all this just to have them leave? Then again, he reminded himself, he had no reason to believe anything Chrollo and Machi had said. Maybe they really did plan on holding them forever.

Chrollo smiled. "Because I believe that you could fit in here better than you might expect." Gon's eyes narrowed, and Chrollo added, "Don't worry. I will let the Zoldyck go. And you. You have my word."

"When will that be?"

"Sooner than you think," Chrollo said quickly. "Now let's get to the matter of settling you in." He opened his right hand and conjured a distinct black book. Chrollo flipped through it before settling on a certain page. His left hand extended towards Gon's face, and the boy winced backwards.

"What're you doing?" Gon demanded.

"You may be talented Gon, but you're still levels below anyone here. This will bring you up to speed. At least a little."

"It'll make me stronger? As strong as one of you?" Gon couldn't help but feel some anticipation. If he could become stronger, then perhaps he could help Killua escape.

"Not quite. But it will be a substantial boost. Now, stay still."

Gon cringed as the Chrollo seized his head and thrust his thumb into his skull. A sharp burning pain carried from Chrollo's touch, down to Gon's chest. He felt his aura kindle and flare with a new fury, his body shuddering as it swirled through him. His chest burned and his breathe caught, not even able to let out a scream. His attempts at liberating himself from the man's hold, resulted little more than a few meager slaps on Chrollo's wrist. After all the energy had been drained out of him, and sometime after that, it was over. Chrollo moved his hand back, and the fire that was Gon's aura began to die down, as did the pain. But his fatigue didn't fade, and his body was left drenched in sweat. As Gon huffed trying to regain his breath, he saw Chrollo's face also glistened with sweat, and those grey eyes were peering at him with apprehension.

"Will you be alright?" asked the Chrollo, his voice serene as ever. He dismissed his conjured book.

"I...think so." Gon massaged his chest as he heaved. He could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on him. "What…did you do to me?"

"It's just something I picked up a few years ago. It usually isn't very effective. But, with someone of your talent, I think it could advance your power by a year or two."

Gon couldn't bring himself to fathom what Chrollo meant by "pick up", his mind latched on to the man's second statement. He had only learned nen a few months ago. With a two year jump, he could take on one of the Spiders. That could be enough! His mind raced at the thought. Then the idea hit him like a truck. "Can you do it again?!" Gon asked, unable to hide his eagerness.

Chrollo gave a small laugh, as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "Don't get greedy Gon. There are diminishing returns. Every time the pain and the reward get worse. Exponentially. If I do it again, at best, you would gain a month. Maybe even two. That is, assuming you survive."

"Maybe -"

"No." said Chrollo grimly. "I think we're done here. I'll explain the rest to you later." He stood and looked the boy over. "Ah yes. These clothes of yours. They won't cut it. I had the foresight to task Phinks and Feitan to get you a more, appropriate outfit. Those two pretend to know the most about style. Just ask one of them."

"Are you going to make me get the tattoo?"

"Do you want it Gon?"

"No," the boy replied meekly. He didn't know how Chrollo would react to his denial.

"Well come to me when you want it. I will have it done."

That will never happen. Gon felt relief. At least he wouldn't have to get a permanent mark of his time slaving for these thieves. "I want to speak to Killua."

"Just ask one of the others. They will take you to him."

Gon nodded.

"If nothing else, then let me the first one to welcome you to the Spiders, Gon." Chrollo offered him his hand. After a few moments pause, Gon rose and seized it, and shook it as hard as he could.