Chapter 3: Negotiations

A few minutes of walking later, they are back in the open area of the building. Except, the floor is crowded now with the number of boxes taking up space in the room, and the sunlight floods in, making the place a little less dreary.

Everyone is sitting facing the entrance. Most look nonchalant, but the swordsman especially, looks ecstatic.

As Gon enters the room, every pair of eyes is on him, carefully watching his every move, ready to take action any time necessary. He stiffens as his eyes fall on the new addition to the group.

Slicked back raven hair and black pants with an unbuttoned coat having fur on the cuffs and neck. He sits a bit farther away from the rest and at the front. The dreadful aura around him and his dark empty eyes... eyes that could make someone like Illumi a run for their money... all of it is enough to confirm it.

He's the leader... of the people who killed Kurapika's clan!

"Hey! Keep your bloodlust in." The lady snarls, tightening the threads cutting through his wrists.

One wrong move, and Killua dies.

Gon calms down the best he can.

The leader's face twists into a cold smile. "Good morning."

"Where's Killua?" Gon scowls.

The leader, unflinching at his fiery gaze, bores his eyes into Gon's. "He sure looks like he hates us. What's your name?"

"I don't need to tell you anything!" Gon fires back. "You go around, needlessly killing others, but then I see you guys shed tears for your fallen comrade. If you understand the tragedy of death,why the hell do do you all kill people that have nothing to do with you?"

"You have a lot of hostility... for someone whose friend I can kill in the mere blink of an eye." The aura around the leader gets stronger, as he leans forward.

Despite his strong Ten, Gon can still feel the intensity of it.

"Who are you?" The leader dissipates the aura around him, and looks at Gon musingly.

"Where's Killua?"

"I don't need to tell you anything." The leader smirks.

"Anyways," He continues, "if you don't join the troupe, he'll die. And, since you seem so much against the idea of joining... I'd say, it doesn't matter where your friend is."

"Yes, it does. Because I'll help him escape."

"Aren't you blunt... well, I'll give you an offer. Join the troupe, and we'll spare your life, but don't, and you die."

"What about Killua?"

"He dies either way."

"You call that an offer?" Gon snarls. "Go. To. Hell."

The man chuckles. "Hm... he does have a fire in him quite similar to Uvo's. Very well. I'll present you with another. If you don't join the troupe, you both die. If you do join the troupe, I'll let Killua go."

Gon narrows his eyes. "When? When will you let Killua go?"

He smirks. "You're sharper than I expected. I'll do it, once I'm satisfied with your progress. It shouldn't take more than a few weeks."

"Bastard. Like I'd trust you."

"It's the best you have. Take it or leave it."

After a few moments of thinking, he speaks. "Fine. But I have two conditions."

"Speak."

"One,I should be allowed to meet him from time to time."

"Very well."

"Two, you'll-- no, nobody will mistreat him in any way. You can keep him in a fair-sized room, but that's it. He shouldn't be hurt in any other way... and no loopholes!"

"Very well. Are you joining the troupe, then? Once you have, there's no turning back."

"Fine."

The tension around him is released.

"Good. You're now our official number 11. Oh, and about the last rule. You don't have to worry about it. Feitan has already enjoyed enough."

"What? "

"You've been out cold for a few days. Guess he hit you too hard. Well, anyway, he was bored."

"BASTARD!" Gon yells, as his aura increases tenfold.

Easily breaking through her threads, he pulls back his right arm for a punch and leaps over to attack Feitan.

The man smirks and sidesteps him at the last moment. With a swift chop to the nape, he makes Gon fall forwards.

Gon doesn't even flinch, and catches his fall, making himself only stumble. He whips his head around to search for the dark-haired theif.

As his eyes dart around the room, he catches a black blur. Before he can think, he's slammed against the wall with his right arm behind his back.

The all too familiar uncomfortable position, makes Gon nervous. His dark aura starts to dissipate.

"So, Machi fixed your hand. Guess she'll have to fix your other one next." His voice slithers down his ear, making him flinch.

"Serious fighting is not allowed between troupe members." The leader repeats their rule.

Feitan snits but steps back, letting him go.

"Take me to Killua."

"Fine."