Gon opened his eyes to the strange, muffled noise of hammering steel. He was back in his room, he realized, laying on the rusty old bed, under that crooked grey ceiling. Half asleep, his mind tried to make sense of what had happened. He lost, that much was obvious. How, he couldn't say, those final moments felt foggier than an old dream. The last he remembered was Killua's scream, and that cold steel slipping through his fingers, hurling towards his face. Whatever happened, one thing was certain, he had barely escaped death. Even after Chrollo's gift, he was nothing to the Spiders.
With a sigh, he sat himself up on his creaky bed. His body felt mildly sore, but there was no real pain to speak of. Searching, the only visible harm was on his left arm, the aftermath of that deep slash, now no more than a jagged scar. He tested his aura, meditating, its volume and flow felt stronger than ever. Despite the loss he couldn't deny he was in perfect condition. And yet, knowing that didn't do anything for his mood.
He looked to his bedside table. Beside the half-empty water bottle, there was a small note. Taking the drink, he read the paper in his off hand. "The Boss wants to talk." He hadn't seen Chrollo since yesterday, so it was only natural for him to want to speak. And yet, was it possible the Boss knew what he tried to do last night? Would he punish Killua for it? Chrollo always seemed to know more than he—No. It doesn't matter. Let him know. I didn't do anything wrong. He tossed away the crumpled paper and marched out the room.
Back in the courtyard, the source of the noise became clear. Feitan and Nobunaga were going at it with their swords. Gon glimpsed them through one of the many entrances as he turned the corner, and there, got a load of something else. Hisoka was stooped in the doorway, peering at the fighters, yet nonchalantly standing as if he did not want to be known. The magician, however, did not hesitate to give Gon his unnerving smile as soon as the boy approached. Not offering the courtesy of a response, Gon quietly took his place beside Hisoka, leaning on the opposite side of the entrance.
The duel was fierce standing this close, with each clash the screams of the blades reverberated through the ground. Despite having several gashes on his face and chest, Nobunaga still wore an eager smile as he brought down vicious overhand strikes. Feitan, now in a white undershirt, had no scars that Gon could see, yet still was on the losing end as each strike pushed him further back. Behind the singing of the steel, the audience, which now only consisted of Shalnark, Bonolenov, and Franklin, spoke amongst themselves and let out an occasional cheer.
"That was quite the fight," said Hisoka, eyes focused on the battle. "You continue to impress."
"You were watching?"
"Of course. I can never miss a good fight, especially if the combatants are that fascinating. Or should I say, combatant." He fixed him another smile that made Gon shiver. "Your strength has grown tremendously since our bout at the arena."
Gon glared at the clown. "Grown? I lost and almost died. I'm still weak. That stupid trick of his didn't work."
"Oh, it definitely worked." His eyes narrowed with a look of perverse pride. "I can tell just by glancing at your aura. Not to mention that strength and speed."
"If I can't beat even one of the Spiders then what's the point."
"Of course, nothing is up to your standards," The magician replied with a mocking chuckle. "But I suppose you aren't entirely wrong. If it weren't for Phinks, you certainly would have di—"
"What?"
"Hmm. I suppose you don't remember. At the end, that sword was about to slice you right in half. Poor Machi was busy screaming, and the others too focused on the fight. Luckily, Phinks stepped in and blocked the blade. He was impressively quick." There was a hint of admiration in Hisoka's voice. "I myself, was too far away to help," he added apologetically.
"Phinks? Why would he save me?" said Gon over another clash in the background.
Hisoka raised an eyebrow. "They consider you one of them now. Why wouldn't he save you."
"Phinks is the one who hurt Killua. I hate him!" Gon replied haughtily, glancing back at the battle.
"I see..." He gave another chuckle. "Poor little Killua, stuck in that little cell."
"It isn't funny."
"Do you want my help Gon?" Hisoka glanced around then smiled deeply. "Do you want me to free your friend?"
Gon didn't dare let his demeanor take the bait. He wasn't going to give Hisoka the satisfaction of giving him hope. And yet, he still found himself asking, "You would betray the Troupe?"
"Yes. I have my reasons. When I'm ready, I'll free the boy, provided you do something for me."
Gon clenched his fist. "Chrollo said he would release him too. Both of us. Why should I trust you?"
"Well, that's up to you." The magician gestured towards him. "Will you choose me or Chrollo?"
Gon studied the clown. A part of him wanted to trust Hisoka, he had known him longer. But the man was strange. Even in the Phantom Troupe, no one filled him with such disgust, not even Chrollo. The Boss was cruel, yet his malice was more objective, there would be no pleasure for him in killing them. Hisoka, on the other hand, Gon could clearly see, in those lustful eyes his malevolence was directly towards him. The boy looked back at them for a few moments, searching for what to say, until a sharp voice cut through his thoughts.
"Gon!"
He turned back to the battle. It was Nobunaga. "Hey, time out." He frantically gestured to his opponent. "Time out!" Scowling, Feitan stopped inches short of removing the swordsman's head. Sheathing his blade, Nobunaga strode towards Gon. "Hey! I was worried about you! You know I just wanted to apologize for getting carried away back there," he shouted over while scratching his head.
Gon did not bother responding, instead he turned to Hisoka. "We'll talk later." The magician nodded with a sly smile, and the boy began to make his way back inside the hideout.
"Hey! Where you going?" Nobunaga called behind him.
There was a benefit in being interrupted, Gon thought. Now, he had more time to ponder the clown's offer and whether he could trust him over Chrollo. Anything was worth trying if it would give a way—a chance to save Killua. And yet…
Gon waited outside Chrollo's room for what could've been minutes or hours, he could not say. But finally, the creak of the door broke his thoughts. He quickly washed away the residue of all contemplations from his face, as Machi stepped out.
"Oh, there you are. How're you doing now?" she asked with a smile.
"I-I'm fine. I was wondering w—"
She suddenly hunched over and snatched his left arm. "Wow! It's completely healed." She was right. Even the crude scar from earlier had disappeared, leaving behind nothing but untouched smooth skin.
"Uh. I thought you healed it but…"
"No silly, why would I do that. So I encourage you to do more stupid shit? No, you healed this on your own. Even your jaw." She stood. "If I have to guess this was probably the Boss' doing."
"I see." So Chrollo's ritual wasn't so useless after all! The elation must've shown on his face, as Machi smiled down at him knowingly. Gon quickly changed the topic. "I wanted to ask, what happened back there? At the end of the fight." It couldn't hurt to get a second opinion.
"You're asking how he beat you? The truth is, he can call back that sword. It's the reason why I was so anxious back there."
"Really?" He thought back to their final clash when Nobunaga had awkwardly raised his hand. He had thought it was just an attempt to catch that rock, but—Yes. That must've been when he did it.
"It's petty manipulation. I'm more concerned about how that idiot tried to kill you. I just spoke to the Boss about it."
"And…it was Phinks who saved me?"
Machi gave him a cool look. "Does that bother you?"
He gave a small nod.
"Well, that's between you and him. You'll have to sort that out with him now." She gave him a pat on the shoulder with a teasing smile. "Good luck." And turned to go.
"Wait! There's something else. His–" What am I doing? Are you really going to tell her?
Machi eyed him with suspicion. "Get on with it Gon."
"N-Never mind."
Suspicion grew into accusation, before her eyes instantly returned to normal. "Okay. Well, later then."
The room was not unlike his own, a cramped place with grey tattered walls, another decrepit bed on the rugged floor, and a single window bringing in the cool evening air. Chrollo sat on the bed, back against the wall, a tower of books at his side and one in his hand. The leader of the Phantom Troupe looked near unrecognizable. His dark black hair no longer slicked back, flowed down his pale face, and the black trench coat was now replaced by nothing but grey trousers and his well-toned figure. Along with the attire, or lack of one, the thin smile on his face made him look a decade younger to Gon.
As the boy stepped into the room, without raising his gaze the Boss gestured him to the lone chair shrouded by the black coat he was not currently wearing. "Why are you still here?" Gon asked, as he sat down. He wasn't going to wait for Chrollo to speak to him first.
"I have a bad habit of surrendering my sleep to read," Chrollo responded, eyes still on the book in his hand. It was strange to hear the same icy voice from a man who looked so different. "Though I never was a diligent sleeper. I guess we're not unlike in that regard."
"What does that mean?" Gon grimaced. "I-I didn't go inside okay. I thought to...but I didn't really do it!"
Chrollo looked up at him, his expression still unreadable. "What are you on about Gon?"
He locked eyes with the Boss momentarily before saying, "Nothing."
"So, how was your first day?" asked the Boss returning to his book.
"It was...alright. I lost to Nobunaga, but I learned something new."
"Being?"
He would've liked to hide his abilities, but now that Machi already knew, there was no point. At least he could get some advice. "My healing improved," he said flexing his left hand with a smile.
"Really?" Chrollo closed his book and set it on the bed. His eyes searched Gon as if trying to find proof of what he had said. "That's already better than I expected, and yet…I wonder if there's something else."
"You mean there's more?" Gon's heart dared to beat with excitement.
"I wouldn't be surprised," said Chrollo with a smile, still studying him closely. "Anything else on your mind?"
"I…want to know when you're going to release Killua, and me. You said you would do it.
The Boss' smile disappeared. "It's only been a day Gon. I'm afraid I can't answer that just yet."
That momentary excitement disappeared from Gon's chest. "I still want to see him! He probably hasn't even eaten since last night."
"I've had Kortopi take care of his essentials."
"Kortopi? He doesn't even talk. What if he's not doing it right?"
Chrollo eyed him coldly. "Don't be so petty Gon. He's is one of us. I'm sure he can handle a delivering food."
"But—"
"Fine, I'll allow you to see him another time, if you complete this mission."
"Mission?" So, it was finally time. "What do I have to do?"
"Your partner will explain it to you. They're waiting outside." He picked up the book and returned to his reading.
Gon watched the man briefly. It didn't seem like he would answer any more of his questions. "Fine. I'll do it", he said, standing up.
"Don't disappoint me."
"I'll get it done. Don't worry," Gon declared firmly, stepping out the door.
Phinks stood leaning on the door of the black sedan, cigarette in hand as he watched the boy approach.
"It took you a while. C'mon, we're going for a ride."
Another slowish chapter with some reveals and even a new ability for Gon! Things will get more exciting from here on out as he goes on his first mission. Don't hesitate to let me know what you think in the comments, even if it's negative. :)