Mask of Innocence

Disclaimers: Hunter X Hunter and all mentioned characters are owned by Mr. Yoshihiro Togashi. Er...please see previous chapter for the note regarding the storyline.
Notes: This is the last chapter o.O I can't believe it's over, and I only had...two negative comments!? Not that I'm saying that I like such comments--I get depressed over a single bad comment, mind you--but honestly, I'm not very satisfied with this fanfic. Of course I like it somehow, that's why I'm writing it still. But I guess it still is not very satisfying for an amateur fanfic writer such as myself (who each and every minute finds a mistake in her own work and complains about it enough to make herself drown in depression for a day or two *main explanation of delayed updates*). It lacks something I'd much rather keep to myself lest you people notice it too *sly grin*. But I'm happy that I somehow pleased people over the course of this work, and I would like to thank everybody who had been supporting me until this very chapter *bows down in gratitude*. Next time, I'll really try harder ^^;

Epilogue – A New Cycle (Hisoka and Illumi / Gon and Killua)

(Message received in Killua Zoldick's computer inbox)

I can't believe you only contacted me now! You won't answer my phone messages to you. Don't tell me you lost your cellphone again. But I'm glad that I can hear from you now. Aunt Mito and obaasan says hi! –Gon

* * * * *

"...and you better not let tempers rise, or else you really won't be able to even touch your brother in your little matches. He's actually going gentle on you, have you noticed? Are you sure you're actually working harder? You still seem pretty bored if you ask me. Want me to sneak you out? I won't mind. At least I get more time with Illumi. Hey, as if I like spending time with you. This sucks for me as much as it sucks for you, being that I can't even lay a single finger on you. Of course, if only Gon-chan would be here, maybe things can be a bit more interesting, ne?"

Killua tried closing his ears from that irritatingly musical voice, the cool glass held in his hands serving as the only thing that kept him from going up to the older man to plant a punch on his just as irritating face. As is suffering through hours of training with his "new trainer" wasn't bad enough, but he also had to put up with the magician's talkativeness every time they get a chance to have a single break.

"You actually have the guts to call him 'Gon-chan'?" he asked, scowling as he glanced at the man seated on the chair in front of him. "Even I won't dare calling him that!"

"Why?" asked the magician, feigning innocence. "It suits him, doesn't it?"

"No, it does not," defended the still irritated young Zoldick, turning his face away from the other. He hissed. "Where the hell's aniki when he's needed anyway? I'd much rather spend training with him than with this idiot Hisoka," he said, grumbling under his breath.

Quite a number of months have passed since he had decided to stay, and whenever he stops to think about his decision, half the time he regrets it. Of course, there was no one else to blame but himself, and despite his constant self-contemplation, he knew that his decision was final. He needed to stay. Each time he even thinks about running away again, he thinks of Gon, and how he should always be kept safe from his family's eyes.

But it was twice as difficult to cope up with his life now that there was a new addition to it. He scowled every time he remembers it. He understood the part about Hisoka being able to adjust to his family's ways. He is well experienced when it comes to killing and is not bothered by it, unlike Gon. What he did not understand though, was the part about why he was staying. As far as he was concerned, he once thought that the whole family business is exclusively for members within the family only.

He glanced up to steal a look at the now silent magician, who seems to be lost in his own world this time, one of the rare moments that he's actually quiet. Honestly, he doesn't know what his brother sees in the guy. And who in hell would've thought that Illumi preferred men anyway? Last time he checked before finding out, Illumi had no interest in such things and relationships. Why did he start now?

But then again, he supposed that, apart from the fact that he's been throwing the contents of his stomach out every time he imagines the two together, judging from his aniki's point of view, the arrangement has its own good points. They get more profit from employers who have heard of Hisoka's outstanding capabilities, and his just as excellent teamwork with Illumi. Of course, they don't know about the two's relationship. They wouldn't give a damn even if they knew anyway, so it doesn't matter. And Illumi's happier this way. In a manner of speaking of course, "Illumi" and "happiness" don't exactly go together. That was like associating Hisoka with "sanity". But his brother had been different since then. He couldn't explain it well, but whatever it was, he supposed that it was a good thing, being that he decided to just leave their business alone and just avoid them as much as he can.

Or maybe he's just being nice? Had Gon's personality been rubbed in on him too much?

* * * * *

Haha! I want to see you again, too! I don't have a reason though, unlike you. Is Hisoka really that annoying? Hey, at least he's not trying to hurt you. I still can't believe he's with your brother. Don't take this the wrong way, but that just gave me the creeps. Oh, you did say it was scary. That's the same thing, ne? Hehe, leave them alone. They're old enough to think for themselves. I didn't know a guy can be with another guy, maybe they're just friends? ^_^;; By the way, Leorio called me yesterday. He's with Kurapika! ^_____^ I wish we can all see each other again =( –Gon

* * * * *

"Our next employer wants to hire two temporary bodyguards to take with him on his business trip, reasons withheld. Your grandfather and I can take care of this. In the meantime, Illumi, you are to train Killua as much as you can. I know it would be quite a while before he himself can take on the real jobs, but it's better if he's ready at an early age."

Sillva's eyes scanned through his list again, checking if he had said everything he intended to say. A slight nod of his head showed his satisfaction, as he placed the paper down on the table to look at his two sons again. "How's your training with your new partner, Killua?" he asked.

"Manageable enough," replied the boy. He bowed his head down, lowering his voice. "Irritating actually," he added below his breath, unable to keep himself.

Dark eyes shifted to look at the younger boy, regarding him with an expressionless gaze. Somehow, Killua felt the eyes that stared at him, and looked up to sneak a glance as well. He knew Illumi heard what he said. But he could hardly care. Who ever said he had to like the weird magician just because he was Illumi's special guest anyway?

Illumi watched Killua staring at the stone floors. He knew that his brother knew he was looking, but the boy didn't look like he was going to return the gaze except for that millisecond of a glance. He stood still, with no sign of movement.

Killua had changed somehow. He wasn't sure if it was a good thing. He had started to be less aggressive, doing everything he was asked. But he knew that it wasn't because he suddenly liked it. It was because it was as if he was obliged to do it. No matter how Illumi looks at it, it doesn't seem like it's going to do Killua much good.

He wasn't doing this for the family. Not even for himself. He need not even have to make a guess.

Killua...why do you still insist on thinking about him?

* * * * *

You're what!? Really!? That's great! No wait...you won't get in trouble with your family won't you? I know you said it would be quick, but you shouldn't try your family's patience you know. Killua, take care of yourself. Who knows what might happen to you. It's all right if I have to wait, I don't want you to get into trouble again. I made a promise to myself, in hopes that it would please you, and I WILL fulfill it. You're smarter than I am, that, I am sure of. You know what I mean. *sighs* I'm beginning to sound like Leorio... –Gon

* * * * *

Dark, almost violet eyes scanned the area carefully, making sure that there was no one else in sight. Stealthily, he placed one foot ahead of the other, keeping himself in the dark as much as possible. Light, careful hands leaned him against the wall, and his head flew towards the door right in front of him. A few more steps.

The door wasn't even locked. Somebody's going to get in trouble for that, but that wasn't his concern anymore. It wasn't like he won't be able to break the lock open anyway.

A pair of dark eyes flashed behind the darkness once the door had closed, acknowledging the incoming presence from behind him. "How did you know?" he asked, a smirk starting to grow in his amused, mischievous face.

The familiar figure of Illumi appeared beside him. A few moments passed in silence as the young man merely stared at the now empty hallway, then at the door, still unlocked. "I just did," he said in a low voice, void of anger, void of any emotions. As if he didn't care.

"You went out to put the one guarding the gate to sleep," Hisoka said, his arms now folded as he watched the other. "And you also made sure that all the servants were in their own quarters," he added. Still, the pale man was unmoving. "Why?"

Illumi regarded him with only a small gaze. A few seconds later, he produced a small piece of paper, holding it between his graceful, ashen fingers. He silently presented it to the magician, who promptly took it.

"Aniki," the magician read. "I'm going out. I'll be back in a month. Signed, Killua." He smirked. He handed the letter back to Illumi. "Of all people to write to, why did he write to the one who's most narrow-minded about the issue?"

The magician's smirk widened when he was rewarded with a glare. "I'm not narrow-minded about it," he said, his voice firm and irritated, yet gentle in its own way. He took the letter from the other, running his eyes on the hastily written words that he had most likely memorized anyway. "It's just that his mind is not in the right place."

Silence.

Illumi sighed. "I've said it before. I don't care about what happens to Killua anymore, so long as he puts his mind and will in check to know the consequences of his acts for both the family and himself."

"That's almost the same thing as 'caring', you know."

Another sigh, now with a small shake of the head. "I'm just staying with you far too long," he said wryly, crumpling the short letter in his palms.

"But that's a good thing too, you know," said the magician, who still looked amused.

"What is? Staying with you?" asked Illumi, almost incredulously that it made the other scowl.

But Hisoka eventually shrugged in an air of nonchalance, dismissing Illumi's insult like he always does. "No, your bratty brother running away. Your mother's going to have you look for him again. And being that you know where he is, you won't have much trouble looking for him, but your mother doesn't know that. So you're going to spend your free time elsewhere," he said. He then grinned. "Of course, I'm coming with you, which makes things more interesting."

Illumi quirked an eyebrow at that. "What makes you think I'm interested in having a vacation?"

The smirk that permanently graced the magician's handsome face was ever so evident now. Without even a second to spare, the young Zoldick now found himself trapped beneath scrutinizing eyes that dared him to look away. If he can, that is. "Because you'll grab any opportunity to be with me, that's why," said Hisoka, his voice as confident as ever.

A few minutes of staring came in next, both sides challenging the other to fight back. None of them backed away, like always. The turbulence in their relationship had always been an ornament that merely adds both sides' interest for the other. But minutes started to roll by, and eventually, Illumi gave in, surprising his partner. A small, ghost of a smile tugged his pale lips upward, a tiny glint coming from his usually blank eyes. It was the very first real "smile" the other had even seen from the expressionless assassin.

"You're right," he said simply. And with that, he turned his back and started to walk away.

* * * * *

(Message received in both Leorio and Kurapika's cellphones)

Whale Island, main dock, Friday, at 3:00 in the afternoon. –Killua

The End

A/N:
Killua: *blink* That's it?
Che: Yyep, that's pretty much it.
Killua: That's the end...?
Che: *scratches head and nods*
Killua: So...what's the plot?
Che: *sweatdrops* Er...you noticed that too? ^^;
Killua: *glum look* I'm not stupid.
Che: *sweatdrops again* Of course you're not...hm, the plot. What is the plot anyway?
Killua: You're asking me!? You're the one with the keyboard here!
Che: *scowls* He-ey! Why am I talking to you anyway? You're not even my favorite character! I wanted Illumi-sama!!!
Killua: Eeew! Who wants a creepy guy like him!? *ignores Che's shriek of "I do!!!" and just grumbles* Like you're my favorite author anyway...
Che: *throws a cotton ball at Killua (just in case Killua fans mob her for "hurting" Killua-kun)* I don't appreciate that!!! No really! What are you doing here? Go off and elope with Gon or something.
Killua: *kicks Che on the head* Urusai!

To my reviewer Laarni, thank you for the sweet comments ^^; It really makes me happy that I please people, being that I find it difficult to please myself. About the SD fanfics, I'm an avid MitKo fan, but I might do the RuKo. Don't be surprised if it comes out RuKo-MitKo though, that should be expected ^^; RuHaru is a big no-no though, I'm very sorry. I'm not very inclined to RuHaru, HanaHaru I can stomach, but please not Rukawa-sama XP

Again, thank you to everyone who read. I hope it's not as bad to you as I seem to see it for me. I swear, it's not false modesty, something's just wrong . I promise that I really will try harder next time. Please excuse a young, mindless child, okay? Oh, and before I forget:

A Declaration of Love: Kurapika-sama! Illumi-sama! Leorio-sama! I love you~!!! *all hail!*

- Cherrie (kurapikasama@yahoo.com)
http://www.geocities.com/leorio_hxh_dreams
http://www.geocities.com/kurapikasama