(Epilogue)
Illumi felt Kalluto eyeing him somewhat nervously as they walked through the corridors of the Black Whale, the expedition ship to the Dark Continent.
He stopped several feet from the door that led to the dining hall, where they were supposed to join up with the other members of the Phantom Troupe.
"I can tell you have some concerns, Kalluto. What is it? Are you not happy that big brother is joining you?"
"No, of course not. I'm very happy I get to work with you, big brother."
"Then what is the matter?"
"It's just," he fidgeted, fiddling and wringing the edges of his kimono sleeves, "The troupe wants to hunt down and kill Hisoka. Are you sure, you are okay with it?"
"Of course I will be okay with it. He's just another target. Why ever did you think I would have a problem killing him?"
Illumi aimed a sharp, questioning gaze that unsettled his youngest brother further.
There was something off about his mannerisms. He started blushing, averting his gaze.
Illumi felt his mouth go dry, alarmed. Kalluto seemed to have learnt something that he didn't want anyone in the family to know.
"Kalluto," he held his brother's wrist in warning, "Have you been spying on me behind my back? You know you shouldn't do that to your big brother."
"N-No!" he exclaimed quickly. "I wouldn't do that, big brother. I just… it's just Hisoka, h-he told me a few things before… between the two of you...so…"
Illumi frowned, irritated.
But he dropped Kalluto's wrist since it wasn't his brother who was disobedient. It was Hisoka. That bothersome jester probably thought it was funny to tell Kalluto about the naughty things they did as a tease.
He remembered Hisoka did mention bumping into Kalluto in Greed Island. Kalluto newly joined the Spiders as Hisoka's replacement then, and Hisoka was there hunting for an exorcist to remove Kuraprika's Nen binding contract that prevents Chrollo from using Nen.
He must have given Kalluto strange ideas then.
Illumi stifled an annoyed sign.
"It was probably nonsense. He just likes messing around with people. But regardless, whatever it was that he told you, you will keep it to yourself, understand?"
He eyed Kalluto sternly. He wasn't sure what Hisoka told him, and he didn't have the stomach to ask. But judging from the way Kalluto was blushing all embarrassed… he was certain it wasn't something meant for the ears of a ten year old boy.
And it would mean the death of him if mother wound up hearing about them. She might cry herself to death if she ever learnt about how Hisoka invaded his ass.
Luckily, his brother nodded his head rapidly. And from the looks of it, Illumi was sure his lips were sealed.
"Good, now then, settle yourself down before we enter the dining hall. It's unbecoming to let others see your lack of composure. You're a Zoldyck, remember that."
Kalluto took a deep breath, eyes closed. In a second, he was calm, emotions still like water.
Good, Illumi inwardly praised his brother. Out of all the siblings, Kalluto was the most well-behaved and dutiful, never causing him or their parents any trouble or fuss. If only Killua had his attitude and mannerisms. Oh well.
"I'm alright now, big brother."
Illumi nodded, and they walked side by side to enter through the large doors.
There were several groups already laying claim to tables. Illumi watched all of them discreetly, making mental notes about them whilst pretending to be disinterested. He didn't dally either, making a straight line for the Phantom Troupe, with Kalluto walking alongside in pace.
The leader of the troupe, Chrollo was the only one among them who knew, and have met Illumi.
He had been a client, hiring him to take out the ten Dons of the mafia, so that with them dead, the assassination bounty on his head will be obsolete, saving him from having Father and Grandfather trying to kill him.
And not only that.
Apparently, Chrollo figured out Hisoka and Illumi knew each other, and were somewhat involved with each other. So he had previously asked Illumi out on a simple dinner date, in an attempt to find out about Hisoka's weakness before their death match.
Of course, Illumi unceremoniously spat the truth on his face, telling him that Hisoka's weakness, was his butthole. Illumi had bet that such a vulgar thing would be too hard to swallow, even if it were true. Still, he wondered if the head of the Spiders would take that at face value. And if he did, what could he be possibly thinking agreeing to rope him in as one of the Spiders.
Before his thoughts found a conclusion, he and his brother reached their table. And they took the empty spots at the bench where the rest of the seven legs where gathered.
"I'm glad to see you are finally here. Our newest member, number eleven. He's someone who knows Hisoka quite well," said the Spider's boss. "Please Introduce yourself and then give us your thoughts on where you think Hisoka is, and what he's doing."
"Well, I wasn't told very many details, since we're in the middle of a game of tag after all," Illumi informed plainly and stood.
"Hello, I'm Illumi. The oldest son of the Zoldyck family. My brothers are Killua and Kalluto." He said with a slight wave of his hand, sweeping a gaze over the rest.
He paused a bit, wondering what else he should say. He doubted Chrollo told them about his vulgar words said during their date. He should probably say something safe to set a straight record…
Then again, well, what was it that Hisoka always liked to do? Obsessed with doing things the fun way.
Ahh, yes, then why not play with their heads for a bit.
"On Hisoka's request, I have joined the spiders. I had a give and take relationship with him previously. But it seemed one of us was going to kill the other in the end.
So now, we're here to make that a reality.
Hisoka had contracted me to kill himself.
For our engagement ring, he gave me a pre-nup where if he dies, I will still collect my reward.
Both he and I are very serious about this.
That is why, I do not know his location."
(The Beginning and the End - Finish)
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End Notes:
I included the scene from canon manga where Illumi introduces himself to the Phantom Troupe, exactly word for word in his speech. I really wanted more between them. I treasure that scene a lot.
This is an indirect companion sequel to "Coveted". Both can be read in any order. And can also be read standalone. Kudos and comments appreciated! ~
