Upon the School Grounds Part 3
by: the cat
Disclaimer: WAAAH! They aren't mine ... they're not mine. Oh well, this is for entertainment purposes only, no profit. Zero.
Warning: yaoi/shounen ai. Enough said.
*****
"Hello?" A low voice answered the phone.
Hisoka smiled at the receiver, "You haven't been going to school lately. Been busy?" He was talking to an old friend, Illumi, who was the eldest brother of Killua. He was possibly the only friend that Hisoka could claim to have.
Hisoka could just picture Illumi's sculpted face smile, "I've been learning things that the school can't teach me in a century."
"Then, you can help an old friend." Hisoka said. "I have my eye on a certain boy-"
"And you want my help?" Illumi inquired.
"Who else?"
Illumi laughed, "I suppose that I do creepy very, very well. I'll help you, but you have to help me, too."
"Tsk, tsk. You should do favors without expecting anything in return." Hisoka teased. "Of course, as long as it is completely evil and exciting."
Illumi lowered his tone, "My brother, Killua, has a friend. A little boy named Gon. I want them separated."
Hisoka laughed, it was such a twisted fate, "Well, it just so happens that your brother's friend is the one I wanted to ... play with."
"In that case, when do we start?"
Hisoka licked his lips, "Why don't you come over? We can discuss strategy." Of course, there were other, more intense things in his mind.
But we won't dwell on that.
*****
It was a beautiful day.
Senritsu smiled at the sky, so blue, so perfect. Everything was so tranquil at the early morning, she thought, drinking in the scene.
Senritsu was standing by the window of the music room of school. She always got there early, because she liked to enjoy a few moments before students started to enter in hordes. She liked the early school atmosphere. It was so easy to play the tones in her heart when the birds were still singing.
She sat down and started playing the piano. Just as she was getting into the music, she felt a pair of eyes watching her.
She turned and saw Kurapika, staring at her. He looked beautiful as usual, in their dark blue uniform. He was standing about ten feet from her.
Her heart thumped at the proximity. She had a huge crush on Kurapika and the close up view of those beautiful eyes didn't calm down her racing heart.
"Why did you stop?"
It took Senritsu a few seconds to realize that he was talking to her. If Neon could see me! she thought excitedly. Neon also had a huge crush on Kurapika, and she always bragged that he would notice her these days.
And here he was, talking to the least popular, the ugliest girl in the sophomore class. The one who Neon teased heartlessly.
She wet her lips, "Uh, I, uh, saw you watching me."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I don't want to disturb you. I just wanted to see who was playing such a beautiful piece." Kurapika was backing away towards the door.
Senritsu wanted to scream, don't leave! "I wrote it." was all that came out of her mouth. She blushed, "The piece, I mean. I wrote it. The title is 'Deep in the Eyes.'"
Kurapika's eyes softened, "It was very beautiful. You're very talented, Senritsu."
Before she knew it, she once again let her mouth get in front of her thoughts, "You know who I am?" He probably thinks I'm an idiot, she thought, blushing.
"Of course, your musical talents are famous." Kurapika smiled at her.
Senritsu wanted to freeze the moment and frame it. Kurapika was smiling that heartbreaking smile that caused legions of girls to faint.
"Oh." Brilliant response, she morosely thought.
"Well, I don't want to keep you from your music." Kurapika turned and left.
Senritsu wanted to tell him to come back, but her voice was caught in her throat. Partly because of Kurapika. Mostly because of the huge bloodstain on his back.
He doesn't seem to be cut, she surmised.
So red, almost black, against the dark cloth.
Some person probably dumped sauce over him, she decided, pushing the thought from her mind.
So black.
*****
On Gon's path to school, there was a gaggle of people, crowding around a house. There was even a police car and an ambulance!
"What happened there?" Gon thought aloud.
A man nearby thought that Gon was asking him the question, "Someone from that apartment is dead."
Gon's eyes widened, "What? How did he die?"
The man shrugged, "How should I know?" With that, he walked away.
Curious and concerned, Gon walked over to the group of people and asked an old woman what happened.
She shook her head, "A young man died. It's very sad. He was murdered in his own home."
Gon's eyes bugged out so much one would think that they would burst from his head, "Murder? Do you know who he is?"
The woman thought for a while, "Well, I don't recall his last name, but, hmmm, I think he's called Ubogin. Yes, he was part of a gang. It probably has something to do with that. You know how things are."
"Ubogin?" Gon whispered in a soft tone that she didn't hear him.
"Let us through!" The police separated the crowd and a stretcher with a figure under a white sheet went through.
It was so hard for Gon to think what was underneath the cloth.
*****
The school was buzzing with gossip.
Ubogin was dead.
Some people said that it was probably someone with a grudge against him (there were a lot of those).
Some people said that it could be because of a power struggle within the Genei Ryodan.
Some people said that it was probably the work of some maniac.
Leorio grimaced, "What do you think?"
"About?" Kurapika glanced at him.
For a change, Kurapika wasn't reading a book, or anything. He was just eating lunch.
Leorio rolled his eyes, "About the food. Kurapika! You're not paying attention! Of course, I was talking about Ubogin."
Kurapika gave him a strange look, "I don't know. I didn't even know him."
Leorio sighed, sometimes, it was so difficult to talk to Kurapika. "Never mind," he muttered. He looked at the Genei Ryodan table. Kuroro was sitting there, for a change.
Probably commiserating with the others, Leorio sneered. Well, at least, Kuroro wouldn't bother them. Well, he wasn't going to waste this precious lunch period talking about a person he didn't even care about.
"So," he made another stab for conversation, "What are you so quiet about?"
Kurapika just blankly looked at him, "I'm thinking about ... Senritsu."
Leorio choked, Kurapika was thinking of a girl? He had a brief idea on who Senritsu was, she was that sophomore who had great music skills.
"What about her?" He was amazed his voice still sounded calm and collected, despite the turmoil that was broiling around his stomach. Was Kurapika interested in...?
Kurapika bit on a fry, "She's a good musician."
"Yes." Leorio flatly said. Something was up. Kurapika never complimented anyone. What was the deal? Well, he couldn't bring himself to ask that.
"I walked into her practice this morning. She was playing a song she composed. It was very moving."
Leorio was only half listening (his heart was breaking too much), and he was also keeping an eye on the Genei Ryodan table. He saw Kuroro get up and start making his way towards their table.
Oh no. No way was he going to butt in again.
Leorio abruptly stood up, pausing Kurapika in mid sentence.
"What?" Kurapika looked at him, confused.
"Er..." Leorio's mind raced for an excuse, "Um, why don't we go to Senritsu?"
"Why?"
"You know, so we could know her more and her music. Since she's so great with music." Even to his own ears, that sounded very lame. Leorio winced.
"But we don't know where-"
Kuroro was coming! Leorio grabbed Kurapika's hand and dragged him across the room.
"I think I saw her outside, by the field." Leorio lied, going out of the door, dragging Kurapika with him.
*****
Killua was very tired from hearing Gon's concerns about Ubogin. The guy threatened to beat him up! Now that he was dead, he was getting a lot of sympathy.
"Can't we talk about something else?" Killua cut off Gon.
"Well, of course." Gon said. "What do you want to talk about?"
"Anything but Ubogin." Killua growled.
Gon looked at him, curiously. "Okay." he finally said.
Killua took that as his cue, "So, what do you- HEY!"
A blond guy was suddenly sitting on his lap.
Kurapika quickly stood up. "Sorry, Leorio pushed me and I lost my balance." Kurapika glared at who Killua assumed was Leorio.
Leorio shrugged, "You weren't moving."
Whatever, Killua silently thought.
"It's okay! It was an accident." Gon sprightly said to the newcomers. "Hey, aren't you Kurapika?"
Kurapika nodded, "Yes, and you are?"
"Gon! I'm new from the province."
"I'm Leorio." Leorio eyed the pair. One was very sulky, while one was so perky. It was an interesting combination.
"It's great to meet you! Where are you going?" Gon asked.
Kurapika shrugged. Killua couldn't help but notice the way that his hair glowed under the sun. He is a guy! Killua reminded himself.
"We were tired of the cafeteria. It's so crowded." Leorio smiled.
"Well, you're welcome to sit with us, right, Killua?"
"Right!" Killua said it in such an eager manner that he blushed.
Kurapika looked at Leorio who immediately sat down. He followed suit.
"Are you two sophomores?" Leorio asked.
Gon nodded, "Yes, I'm having a hard time in school, though. They're more advanced here than in the province where I came from."
"You should get a tutor. Take Kurapika, for example. He's an absolute genius when it comes to this scholarly stuff. I'm sure he'd be glad to help, right?" he nudged a silent Kurapika.
Kurapika nodded, "Sure, I don't mind if you don't."
"Gee, I couldn't..." Gon trailed off. "I don't want to take advantage of you."
"It's really okay." Kurapika said, sincerely.
"If you say so ... I'll just call you when I have problems, okay?"
"Can I have some help, too?" Killua blurted out.
All three stared at him, and Killua blushed an even deeper shade of red. Killua really didn't do well in school for the past year. However, the main reason why he wanted to be tutored wasn't for his grades, either. It was just that ... he wasn't very sure.
Kurapika nodded, "Sure, of course, Killua."
He's looking at me in a weird way, Killua thought miserably. Great ... he thinks I'm an idiot, Killua sighed.
Killua coughed, and stood up, "Um, I'll get something to drink." Without another word, he rushed to the cafeteria, leaving a confused Gon, a silent Kurapika, and a weirded out Leorio.
*****
Ubogin was dead. It was really sad, but he could be replaced, Kuroro thought to himself.
There was a more pressing matter in his mind. Leorio had left the cafeteria with Kurapika. Kuroro was just a few feet from the table where they usually sat when Leorio dragged the unsuspecting Kurapika outside.
It showed how pathetic Leorio really was, Kuroro sneered. Oh well, he better go back to the Genei Ryodan, since Kurapika already left.
They were still talking about Ubogin. Big surprise.
"We have to find out who did it." Phinx was saying decidedly, when he noticed Kuroro, he added, "Right, Kuroro?"
At least he's dedicated, Kuroro thought, nodding. "Yes, we have to know whether it was random or planned. Whether it's against him or us."
"I'll investigate the police files," Shalnark offered. He has phenomenal computer research skills. He can hack anything.
"Then, we'll kill the killer." Nobunaga seethed. Among them all, Nobunaga was the closest to Ubogin. It was interesting how Nobunaga let the ... incident ... affect him so much.
The Genei Ryodan weren't supposed to let feelings get in the way. It could cloud the way they thought and acted. It was best to just bury them. Kuroro was the one who repeatedly said that.
"How was he killed?" Shizuku asked the group.
Pakunoda answered, "Well, we went to the scene of death, and according to the pattern of the bloodstains, he was caught and suspended to the his room's ceiling by something. His moved were restricted, and finally, something sharp was used to cut off his head."
"It was very harsh." Franklin said softly, thoughtfully.
Kuroro knew that he was supposed to say something about strategy, "Well, when we have the killer, we'll start planning." he finally said.
Kurotopi nodded, "Absolutely."
The others followed his example.
Kuroro suddenly felt sad and confused. All of a sudden, he didn't feel like being the leader of the most powerful gang. He just wanted to go out and talk to Kurapika. He wanted for them to have long conversations, cultured and delicate.
He suddenly noticed the others staring at him.
"Are you okay?" Feitan asked, looking at him a bit suspiciously.
Kuroro was not known for drifitng thoughts. He was even less known for blushing, but he did. He blushed, "Of course."
He silently cursed himself, he should be strong and untouchable like he always was. It was time to push Kurapika out of his mind. He had too.
There would be more time for that later, anyway. Kuroro and Kurapika would be together in the end.
*****
"Kuroro was very distracted today," Feitan told Kurotopi and Phinx, while they were walking towards their respective houses.
"He has a lot of things on his mind." Kurotopi offered, trying to make an excuse, when it was obvious that Kuroro was not himself.
He hasn't been himself for the past weeks.
"I guess Kurapika is the reason," Phinx grimaced. "Kuroro is too absorbed with him."
Those were the answers that Feitan expected the two to say. Kurotopi would be defensive while Phinx would get right to the point.
"This isn't too good." Feitan thought aloud.
"If he's really the reason, we should take him out of the equation." Phinx, of course.
Kurotopi stopped walking, "But Kuroro would be angry at us."
"Well, he's the one that always says that the Genei Ryodan should come first. He'll thank us later." Phinx interjected.
"We should trust Kuroro. He's a very good leader, he'll get through this." Kurotopi said.
"If he lets his eyes off the blonde," Phinx scoffed.
Feitan shook his head, was everything going to be left to him? "You two are not thinking."
Phinx raised an eyebrow, "And I suppose you are?"
Feitan nodded, "You two are going about this the wrong way. Phinx, Kuroro would really get angry at us if we hurt Kurapika. You know he's already annoyed at Pakunoda for glaring at Kurapika." He turned to Kurotopi, "And we could not let this go on, either. It could have horrible effects afterwards."
"And so what do you say?" Phinx asked, half sarcastic.
Feitan smiled, "Instead of fighting against Kurapika, why don't we get him to help us?"
"What do you mean?" Kurotopi asked, interested.
"You know we don't want to hurt Kuroro or anything. Instead of Kurapika being a distraction, he could become someone that will encourage Kuroro's actions. The way he is supposed to act, anyway."
"So we have to talk to Kurapika?" Phinx sounded doubtful.
"I guess. Look, Kuroro is really distracted, but he is in pursuit, right?"
"Pretty obvious." Phinx snorted.
"Well, what if everything is settled, so Kuroro could relax with Kurapika, then Kuroro would be of better mind to strategize, again. We could ensure that if we enlist Kurapika's help."
"You think we could convince Kurapika to do that? He seems to be avoiding Kuroro. You know, he seems pretty uninterested in Kuroro." Kurotopi sounded worried. "Besides, he might get angry at us for interfering."
"No, in fact, we're helping him. Not like Phinx's idea."
Phinx growled, "Stop that. I don't think it will work."
"If you don't know how to work, it won't." Feitan simply said.
"Pakunoda wouldn't like this." Phinx added. "She has a crush on Kuroro."
"Tough. Since you're so concerned, you tell her what we're going to do. I'll call the rest."
*****
Hisoka has learned long ago that to hurt a person, you have to strike at the weakest point.
From observation, it seemed that Gon really liked the people he lived with. He also liked principles. It would be interesting on how the two could be mixed.
Hisoka knew that Gon romp around the city with his friend for an hour before coming him. He knocked on the door.
"Yes?" A young woman looked out. Hisoka knew that she was Gon's aunt, Mito.
"Hello, I am a friend of Gon's from school. Is he already here?" Hisoka asked as innocently as he could, knowing the full asnwer.
"Well, not yet. He's out with Killua, a friend." Mito cheerfully answered. She opened the door fully, "Why don't you wait inside? I'm sure he wouldn't mind. That way you would be sure to meet him."
Hisoka smiled, "Thanks. You're very kind." With those words, he stepped inside the small house.
The moment the door closed, he stabbed Mito with a long needle. He was so fast, and the needle was so small that the woman didn't even notice it.
Of course, the needle has a chemical that numbs the area. However, it also slows down the motor movements of the person, until he/she fell asleep.
The needle was the courtesy of Illumi.
Hisoka sat down on a couch and smiled at the woman who didn't know her circulatory system was being poisoned slowly but carefully.
"Who's there?" An old woman from the kitchen appeared. Gon's grandmother.
"A friend of Gon's." Mito answered. yawning. "I feel sleepy, mother. I'll rest for a bit." She turned to Hisoka, "You ... just stay here, okay?"
"Of course." Hisoka answered, knowing that Mito will soon be in dreamland. He turned to the grandmother as Mito staggered to her bedroom.
"Do you need any help?"
The grandmother beamed, "It is nice to see such a helpful young man. Come on, help me make dinner. You can even eat some of it."
"That would be wonderful." Hisoka smiled, lying through his teeth. As he went towards the old woman, he let a needle fly through the air, hitting the woman's arm.
Of course, she didn't notice.
A few minutes later, Gon's house had two sleeping women. One was on the couch, the other in a bedroom.
"Neat work."
Hisoka turned, there was Illumi standing by the back door.
"Enjoyed the show?"
"Somehow."
Illumi walked inside and settled on a chair.
Hisoka smiled a sincere smile, "Your needles worked like charm."
"As always." Illumi softly replied.
Hisoka eyed his friend coldly. Yes, as always, he silently thought.
The two met long ago, when they were just in grade school. Hisoka has always been a loner, a cold child. He disdained the fact that people looked down at people his age. Then, he met Illumi.
He could still remember the first time they met. Illumi was sticking needles in a dog. Hisoka of course knew who he was. He was another loner who was from a rich family.
"What are you doing?" he had asked.
"Hurting him." The young Illumi had answered. "My needles are full of pain."
"Can I help?"
The two stared at each other. They recognized something in each other.
Now, as Hisoka was eyeing the older Illumi, Hisoka knew that Illumi and he were meant to be partners in this little business.
The business of pain.
"Are you staying for the fireworks?" Hisoka asked Illumi.
"No thanks, I have to go home to talk to Killua. To convince him that his new friend is not what he seems."
Charming, Hisoka thought, eyeing Illumi's back. Illumi, for all of his sadistic thoughts, was really concerned for his family. He wanted to assure that everyone was as robotic as their father is.
Gon, Gon, Gon, Hisoka smiled. He got a drink from the kitchen and was patiently waiting for his little 'friend' to arrive.
TO BE CONTINUED
Okay! For all Ubogin fans, sorry for killing him already ... just trying to keep in with the hxh as much as possible. Okay, stupid. But I have to do it for the plot!
Everyone, please stay tuned for part 4!
What will Gon do when he sees Hisoka in his house? What does Hisoka really plan? Did Kurapika really kill Ubogin? Will Kuroro lose leadership of the Genei Ryodan? Will Illumi succeed in breaking Killua's only friendship?
Comments please!
by: the cat
Disclaimer: WAAAH! They aren't mine ... they're not mine. Oh well, this is for entertainment purposes only, no profit. Zero.
Warning: yaoi/shounen ai. Enough said.
*****
"Hello?" A low voice answered the phone.
Hisoka smiled at the receiver, "You haven't been going to school lately. Been busy?" He was talking to an old friend, Illumi, who was the eldest brother of Killua. He was possibly the only friend that Hisoka could claim to have.
Hisoka could just picture Illumi's sculpted face smile, "I've been learning things that the school can't teach me in a century."
"Then, you can help an old friend." Hisoka said. "I have my eye on a certain boy-"
"And you want my help?" Illumi inquired.
"Who else?"
Illumi laughed, "I suppose that I do creepy very, very well. I'll help you, but you have to help me, too."
"Tsk, tsk. You should do favors without expecting anything in return." Hisoka teased. "Of course, as long as it is completely evil and exciting."
Illumi lowered his tone, "My brother, Killua, has a friend. A little boy named Gon. I want them separated."
Hisoka laughed, it was such a twisted fate, "Well, it just so happens that your brother's friend is the one I wanted to ... play with."
"In that case, when do we start?"
Hisoka licked his lips, "Why don't you come over? We can discuss strategy." Of course, there were other, more intense things in his mind.
But we won't dwell on that.
*****
It was a beautiful day.
Senritsu smiled at the sky, so blue, so perfect. Everything was so tranquil at the early morning, she thought, drinking in the scene.
Senritsu was standing by the window of the music room of school. She always got there early, because she liked to enjoy a few moments before students started to enter in hordes. She liked the early school atmosphere. It was so easy to play the tones in her heart when the birds were still singing.
She sat down and started playing the piano. Just as she was getting into the music, she felt a pair of eyes watching her.
She turned and saw Kurapika, staring at her. He looked beautiful as usual, in their dark blue uniform. He was standing about ten feet from her.
Her heart thumped at the proximity. She had a huge crush on Kurapika and the close up view of those beautiful eyes didn't calm down her racing heart.
"Why did you stop?"
It took Senritsu a few seconds to realize that he was talking to her. If Neon could see me! she thought excitedly. Neon also had a huge crush on Kurapika, and she always bragged that he would notice her these days.
And here he was, talking to the least popular, the ugliest girl in the sophomore class. The one who Neon teased heartlessly.
She wet her lips, "Uh, I, uh, saw you watching me."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I don't want to disturb you. I just wanted to see who was playing such a beautiful piece." Kurapika was backing away towards the door.
Senritsu wanted to scream, don't leave! "I wrote it." was all that came out of her mouth. She blushed, "The piece, I mean. I wrote it. The title is 'Deep in the Eyes.'"
Kurapika's eyes softened, "It was very beautiful. You're very talented, Senritsu."
Before she knew it, she once again let her mouth get in front of her thoughts, "You know who I am?" He probably thinks I'm an idiot, she thought, blushing.
"Of course, your musical talents are famous." Kurapika smiled at her.
Senritsu wanted to freeze the moment and frame it. Kurapika was smiling that heartbreaking smile that caused legions of girls to faint.
"Oh." Brilliant response, she morosely thought.
"Well, I don't want to keep you from your music." Kurapika turned and left.
Senritsu wanted to tell him to come back, but her voice was caught in her throat. Partly because of Kurapika. Mostly because of the huge bloodstain on his back.
He doesn't seem to be cut, she surmised.
So red, almost black, against the dark cloth.
Some person probably dumped sauce over him, she decided, pushing the thought from her mind.
So black.
*****
On Gon's path to school, there was a gaggle of people, crowding around a house. There was even a police car and an ambulance!
"What happened there?" Gon thought aloud.
A man nearby thought that Gon was asking him the question, "Someone from that apartment is dead."
Gon's eyes widened, "What? How did he die?"
The man shrugged, "How should I know?" With that, he walked away.
Curious and concerned, Gon walked over to the group of people and asked an old woman what happened.
She shook her head, "A young man died. It's very sad. He was murdered in his own home."
Gon's eyes bugged out so much one would think that they would burst from his head, "Murder? Do you know who he is?"
The woman thought for a while, "Well, I don't recall his last name, but, hmmm, I think he's called Ubogin. Yes, he was part of a gang. It probably has something to do with that. You know how things are."
"Ubogin?" Gon whispered in a soft tone that she didn't hear him.
"Let us through!" The police separated the crowd and a stretcher with a figure under a white sheet went through.
It was so hard for Gon to think what was underneath the cloth.
*****
The school was buzzing with gossip.
Ubogin was dead.
Some people said that it was probably someone with a grudge against him (there were a lot of those).
Some people said that it could be because of a power struggle within the Genei Ryodan.
Some people said that it was probably the work of some maniac.
Leorio grimaced, "What do you think?"
"About?" Kurapika glanced at him.
For a change, Kurapika wasn't reading a book, or anything. He was just eating lunch.
Leorio rolled his eyes, "About the food. Kurapika! You're not paying attention! Of course, I was talking about Ubogin."
Kurapika gave him a strange look, "I don't know. I didn't even know him."
Leorio sighed, sometimes, it was so difficult to talk to Kurapika. "Never mind," he muttered. He looked at the Genei Ryodan table. Kuroro was sitting there, for a change.
Probably commiserating with the others, Leorio sneered. Well, at least, Kuroro wouldn't bother them. Well, he wasn't going to waste this precious lunch period talking about a person he didn't even care about.
"So," he made another stab for conversation, "What are you so quiet about?"
Kurapika just blankly looked at him, "I'm thinking about ... Senritsu."
Leorio choked, Kurapika was thinking of a girl? He had a brief idea on who Senritsu was, she was that sophomore who had great music skills.
"What about her?" He was amazed his voice still sounded calm and collected, despite the turmoil that was broiling around his stomach. Was Kurapika interested in...?
Kurapika bit on a fry, "She's a good musician."
"Yes." Leorio flatly said. Something was up. Kurapika never complimented anyone. What was the deal? Well, he couldn't bring himself to ask that.
"I walked into her practice this morning. She was playing a song she composed. It was very moving."
Leorio was only half listening (his heart was breaking too much), and he was also keeping an eye on the Genei Ryodan table. He saw Kuroro get up and start making his way towards their table.
Oh no. No way was he going to butt in again.
Leorio abruptly stood up, pausing Kurapika in mid sentence.
"What?" Kurapika looked at him, confused.
"Er..." Leorio's mind raced for an excuse, "Um, why don't we go to Senritsu?"
"Why?"
"You know, so we could know her more and her music. Since she's so great with music." Even to his own ears, that sounded very lame. Leorio winced.
"But we don't know where-"
Kuroro was coming! Leorio grabbed Kurapika's hand and dragged him across the room.
"I think I saw her outside, by the field." Leorio lied, going out of the door, dragging Kurapika with him.
*****
Killua was very tired from hearing Gon's concerns about Ubogin. The guy threatened to beat him up! Now that he was dead, he was getting a lot of sympathy.
"Can't we talk about something else?" Killua cut off Gon.
"Well, of course." Gon said. "What do you want to talk about?"
"Anything but Ubogin." Killua growled.
Gon looked at him, curiously. "Okay." he finally said.
Killua took that as his cue, "So, what do you- HEY!"
A blond guy was suddenly sitting on his lap.
Kurapika quickly stood up. "Sorry, Leorio pushed me and I lost my balance." Kurapika glared at who Killua assumed was Leorio.
Leorio shrugged, "You weren't moving."
Whatever, Killua silently thought.
"It's okay! It was an accident." Gon sprightly said to the newcomers. "Hey, aren't you Kurapika?"
Kurapika nodded, "Yes, and you are?"
"Gon! I'm new from the province."
"I'm Leorio." Leorio eyed the pair. One was very sulky, while one was so perky. It was an interesting combination.
"It's great to meet you! Where are you going?" Gon asked.
Kurapika shrugged. Killua couldn't help but notice the way that his hair glowed under the sun. He is a guy! Killua reminded himself.
"We were tired of the cafeteria. It's so crowded." Leorio smiled.
"Well, you're welcome to sit with us, right, Killua?"
"Right!" Killua said it in such an eager manner that he blushed.
Kurapika looked at Leorio who immediately sat down. He followed suit.
"Are you two sophomores?" Leorio asked.
Gon nodded, "Yes, I'm having a hard time in school, though. They're more advanced here than in the province where I came from."
"You should get a tutor. Take Kurapika, for example. He's an absolute genius when it comes to this scholarly stuff. I'm sure he'd be glad to help, right?" he nudged a silent Kurapika.
Kurapika nodded, "Sure, I don't mind if you don't."
"Gee, I couldn't..." Gon trailed off. "I don't want to take advantage of you."
"It's really okay." Kurapika said, sincerely.
"If you say so ... I'll just call you when I have problems, okay?"
"Can I have some help, too?" Killua blurted out.
All three stared at him, and Killua blushed an even deeper shade of red. Killua really didn't do well in school for the past year. However, the main reason why he wanted to be tutored wasn't for his grades, either. It was just that ... he wasn't very sure.
Kurapika nodded, "Sure, of course, Killua."
He's looking at me in a weird way, Killua thought miserably. Great ... he thinks I'm an idiot, Killua sighed.
Killua coughed, and stood up, "Um, I'll get something to drink." Without another word, he rushed to the cafeteria, leaving a confused Gon, a silent Kurapika, and a weirded out Leorio.
*****
Ubogin was dead. It was really sad, but he could be replaced, Kuroro thought to himself.
There was a more pressing matter in his mind. Leorio had left the cafeteria with Kurapika. Kuroro was just a few feet from the table where they usually sat when Leorio dragged the unsuspecting Kurapika outside.
It showed how pathetic Leorio really was, Kuroro sneered. Oh well, he better go back to the Genei Ryodan, since Kurapika already left.
They were still talking about Ubogin. Big surprise.
"We have to find out who did it." Phinx was saying decidedly, when he noticed Kuroro, he added, "Right, Kuroro?"
At least he's dedicated, Kuroro thought, nodding. "Yes, we have to know whether it was random or planned. Whether it's against him or us."
"I'll investigate the police files," Shalnark offered. He has phenomenal computer research skills. He can hack anything.
"Then, we'll kill the killer." Nobunaga seethed. Among them all, Nobunaga was the closest to Ubogin. It was interesting how Nobunaga let the ... incident ... affect him so much.
The Genei Ryodan weren't supposed to let feelings get in the way. It could cloud the way they thought and acted. It was best to just bury them. Kuroro was the one who repeatedly said that.
"How was he killed?" Shizuku asked the group.
Pakunoda answered, "Well, we went to the scene of death, and according to the pattern of the bloodstains, he was caught and suspended to the his room's ceiling by something. His moved were restricted, and finally, something sharp was used to cut off his head."
"It was very harsh." Franklin said softly, thoughtfully.
Kuroro knew that he was supposed to say something about strategy, "Well, when we have the killer, we'll start planning." he finally said.
Kurotopi nodded, "Absolutely."
The others followed his example.
Kuroro suddenly felt sad and confused. All of a sudden, he didn't feel like being the leader of the most powerful gang. He just wanted to go out and talk to Kurapika. He wanted for them to have long conversations, cultured and delicate.
He suddenly noticed the others staring at him.
"Are you okay?" Feitan asked, looking at him a bit suspiciously.
Kuroro was not known for drifitng thoughts. He was even less known for blushing, but he did. He blushed, "Of course."
He silently cursed himself, he should be strong and untouchable like he always was. It was time to push Kurapika out of his mind. He had too.
There would be more time for that later, anyway. Kuroro and Kurapika would be together in the end.
*****
"Kuroro was very distracted today," Feitan told Kurotopi and Phinx, while they were walking towards their respective houses.
"He has a lot of things on his mind." Kurotopi offered, trying to make an excuse, when it was obvious that Kuroro was not himself.
He hasn't been himself for the past weeks.
"I guess Kurapika is the reason," Phinx grimaced. "Kuroro is too absorbed with him."
Those were the answers that Feitan expected the two to say. Kurotopi would be defensive while Phinx would get right to the point.
"This isn't too good." Feitan thought aloud.
"If he's really the reason, we should take him out of the equation." Phinx, of course.
Kurotopi stopped walking, "But Kuroro would be angry at us."
"Well, he's the one that always says that the Genei Ryodan should come first. He'll thank us later." Phinx interjected.
"We should trust Kuroro. He's a very good leader, he'll get through this." Kurotopi said.
"If he lets his eyes off the blonde," Phinx scoffed.
Feitan shook his head, was everything going to be left to him? "You two are not thinking."
Phinx raised an eyebrow, "And I suppose you are?"
Feitan nodded, "You two are going about this the wrong way. Phinx, Kuroro would really get angry at us if we hurt Kurapika. You know he's already annoyed at Pakunoda for glaring at Kurapika." He turned to Kurotopi, "And we could not let this go on, either. It could have horrible effects afterwards."
"And so what do you say?" Phinx asked, half sarcastic.
Feitan smiled, "Instead of fighting against Kurapika, why don't we get him to help us?"
"What do you mean?" Kurotopi asked, interested.
"You know we don't want to hurt Kuroro or anything. Instead of Kurapika being a distraction, he could become someone that will encourage Kuroro's actions. The way he is supposed to act, anyway."
"So we have to talk to Kurapika?" Phinx sounded doubtful.
"I guess. Look, Kuroro is really distracted, but he is in pursuit, right?"
"Pretty obvious." Phinx snorted.
"Well, what if everything is settled, so Kuroro could relax with Kurapika, then Kuroro would be of better mind to strategize, again. We could ensure that if we enlist Kurapika's help."
"You think we could convince Kurapika to do that? He seems to be avoiding Kuroro. You know, he seems pretty uninterested in Kuroro." Kurotopi sounded worried. "Besides, he might get angry at us for interfering."
"No, in fact, we're helping him. Not like Phinx's idea."
Phinx growled, "Stop that. I don't think it will work."
"If you don't know how to work, it won't." Feitan simply said.
"Pakunoda wouldn't like this." Phinx added. "She has a crush on Kuroro."
"Tough. Since you're so concerned, you tell her what we're going to do. I'll call the rest."
*****
Hisoka has learned long ago that to hurt a person, you have to strike at the weakest point.
From observation, it seemed that Gon really liked the people he lived with. He also liked principles. It would be interesting on how the two could be mixed.
Hisoka knew that Gon romp around the city with his friend for an hour before coming him. He knocked on the door.
"Yes?" A young woman looked out. Hisoka knew that she was Gon's aunt, Mito.
"Hello, I am a friend of Gon's from school. Is he already here?" Hisoka asked as innocently as he could, knowing the full asnwer.
"Well, not yet. He's out with Killua, a friend." Mito cheerfully answered. She opened the door fully, "Why don't you wait inside? I'm sure he wouldn't mind. That way you would be sure to meet him."
Hisoka smiled, "Thanks. You're very kind." With those words, he stepped inside the small house.
The moment the door closed, he stabbed Mito with a long needle. He was so fast, and the needle was so small that the woman didn't even notice it.
Of course, the needle has a chemical that numbs the area. However, it also slows down the motor movements of the person, until he/she fell asleep.
The needle was the courtesy of Illumi.
Hisoka sat down on a couch and smiled at the woman who didn't know her circulatory system was being poisoned slowly but carefully.
"Who's there?" An old woman from the kitchen appeared. Gon's grandmother.
"A friend of Gon's." Mito answered. yawning. "I feel sleepy, mother. I'll rest for a bit." She turned to Hisoka, "You ... just stay here, okay?"
"Of course." Hisoka answered, knowing that Mito will soon be in dreamland. He turned to the grandmother as Mito staggered to her bedroom.
"Do you need any help?"
The grandmother beamed, "It is nice to see such a helpful young man. Come on, help me make dinner. You can even eat some of it."
"That would be wonderful." Hisoka smiled, lying through his teeth. As he went towards the old woman, he let a needle fly through the air, hitting the woman's arm.
Of course, she didn't notice.
A few minutes later, Gon's house had two sleeping women. One was on the couch, the other in a bedroom.
"Neat work."
Hisoka turned, there was Illumi standing by the back door.
"Enjoyed the show?"
"Somehow."
Illumi walked inside and settled on a chair.
Hisoka smiled a sincere smile, "Your needles worked like charm."
"As always." Illumi softly replied.
Hisoka eyed his friend coldly. Yes, as always, he silently thought.
The two met long ago, when they were just in grade school. Hisoka has always been a loner, a cold child. He disdained the fact that people looked down at people his age. Then, he met Illumi.
He could still remember the first time they met. Illumi was sticking needles in a dog. Hisoka of course knew who he was. He was another loner who was from a rich family.
"What are you doing?" he had asked.
"Hurting him." The young Illumi had answered. "My needles are full of pain."
"Can I help?"
The two stared at each other. They recognized something in each other.
Now, as Hisoka was eyeing the older Illumi, Hisoka knew that Illumi and he were meant to be partners in this little business.
The business of pain.
"Are you staying for the fireworks?" Hisoka asked Illumi.
"No thanks, I have to go home to talk to Killua. To convince him that his new friend is not what he seems."
Charming, Hisoka thought, eyeing Illumi's back. Illumi, for all of his sadistic thoughts, was really concerned for his family. He wanted to assure that everyone was as robotic as their father is.
Gon, Gon, Gon, Hisoka smiled. He got a drink from the kitchen and was patiently waiting for his little 'friend' to arrive.
TO BE CONTINUED
Okay! For all Ubogin fans, sorry for killing him already ... just trying to keep in with the hxh as much as possible. Okay, stupid. But I have to do it for the plot!
Everyone, please stay tuned for part 4!
What will Gon do when he sees Hisoka in his house? What does Hisoka really plan? Did Kurapika really kill Ubogin? Will Kuroro lose leadership of the Genei Ryodan? Will Illumi succeed in breaking Killua's only friendship?
Comments please!