A/N: Okay, I know what you'll say. "I thought you said 'soon'? You've been gone for forever!" I know. I am absolutely sorry. A WHOLE lot came up, lots of problems and lots of other complicated matters called a job. I managed to update this chapter little bits at a time so I apologise again if it comes out poor. Basically I'm sorry, okay? Havanatitiana, you are awesome. I'll be trying to include lots of fluff but please bear with me on the whole slow romance thing. My dear Guest, thank you for the review. I'm sorry if it wasn't as soon as you'd hoped, but I hope you are still interested in this fanfic. For all my silent readers, you know who you are, I love you all of you guys and thank you for putting up with me.

Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter x Hunter.

CHAPTER 23

"Fffwuapika!" Gon exclaimed, spraying munched bits of cake onto Killua's face.

Renée laughed at her friend's stricken reaction as the islander ran up to the blonde. She continued giggling until she felt a stitch at her side.

The silver-head picked up a pie and slowly made his way towards the dark-haired boy and smashed the pastry onto Gon's face.

Killua grinned in triumph as the red-head cried in fits of laughter. The two boys chased each other, holding a mini food fight between them.

"Hey watch it! Those stuff are expensive!" Leorio yelled after them.

Kurapika sat down next to Renée which made her jump on the inside. "How are you doing, Renée? Glad you're looking better." he started, smiling.

She gave him a shaky laugh as a response and nodded awkwardly, the air between them felt dense. The Kurta bit his lip as he remembered their last meeting. "Look Renée, about last time, during the Hunter Exam, I was wrong. I shouldn't have told you how you should care for the people around you. I just didn't want you to forget about yourself."

"I know that. And I'm not mad about it. I guess I was just confused because a lot of things happened back then. I'm okay now." she said, somber.

"That's good. Now that the Phantom Troupe is dead, that makes two of us. I can finally focus on retrieving my people's eyes. Though there was no evidence of their new member, Rogue 0."

That one sentence made Renée's spirits shatter. 'Did I hear that correctly?'

"I'm sorry, what?" she demanded.

"Didn't you hear, Ren? It was all over the news. They were all found dead." Gon butted in, covered in all kinds of food.

"So are my finances." Leorio grumbled while counting the remaining bills in his wallet.

Killua wiped his face with a tissue, observing the red-head's facial expression. He didn't like where this was going, and he felt he'll have to step in soon.

"What's wrong, Renée?" Kurapika asked, worried.

"That has to be a lie! They can't possibly be dead, especially not Chrollo!" she burst out. Just as she said it, she immediately regretted it when she saw the looks her friends were giving her.

The blonde narrowed his eyes in suspicion, "How do you know their leader's name?"

Renée stuttered, suddenly unable to come up with an excuse. Leorio wanted to ask her about the truth, but he felt that it wasn't his place to say so he pretended to be confused as well.

"We trailed them yesterday for the reward. We got captured and met the Spiders." Killua sighed, coming to her rescue.

Kurapika's face showed understanding, and then anger. He lectured them about their recklessness, as well as Leorio for being irresponsible and letting them go.

The red-head looked at the ex-assassin gratefully.

"But why do you think it's a lie, Renée?" the Kurta asked, pondering on her words earlier.

The girl stuttered again, and this time Gon vouched for her. "She's just shocked. We were through a lot last night."

Guilt weighed down her heart when she realised that these two boys were protecting her. Renée saw Leorio shift uncomfortably and she knew that he also knew about her crime. Her heart sank knowing she was bringing these guys more trouble.

"Guys stop. It's okay."

"Ren, what are you doing?" Killua whispered vehemently.

"It's sweet that you're covering for me, but I have to come clean. I owe you guys that much." she smiled sadly at her friends.

"Kurapika, after the Hunter Exam, I joined the Phantom Troupe as their wildcard. I'm Rogue 0."

The atmosphere grew tense quickly and Kurapika's eyes flashed a dangerous red. The 3 guys' breaths hitched as they watched the exchange, each of them feeling small.

In an icy voice, Kurapika said, "We need to talk privately. Let's go back to the hotel."

-Hotel Beitacle-

Once they were seated, Renée told them everything that has happened from when she unceremoniously left them after the Hunter Exam, when she returned home, the words of her adoptive father, until she started tracking then joining the Phantom Troupe.

"I never participated in their murders, but I guess that doesn't do me any good as I didn't stop them either. I stole things for them and watched as people died in front of me. My hands are as dirty as theirs. I'm so sorry. I know you'll never be able to forgive me, but I just wanted to come clean." she finished, looking ashamed.

Kurapika stood, a stern expression on his face. "What you did was selfish and stupid. There were lots of ways your plan could've failed and backfired. You could've gotten killed and none of us would know why."

Renée lowered her head with every word.

The blonde's gaze turned soft and he pulled her in for a hug, "But I'm just really glad you're okay."

The red-head blinked in surprise at this and she gaped at the man.

"You're not mad..?"

"Oh I'm mad, but you did it for family and I can understand that. Besides, I have nothing against you. I just wish that next time, you'll think with a clear head." the Kurta said, smiling fondly towards her.

"Phew. It's getting a little hot in here, isn't it?" Leorio teased them.

Kurapika let go of Renée and both glared at the older male.

"Actually, I think a storm's coming up." Killua muttered monotonously.

The blonde heard the former assassin and the two came to a silent understanding.

Gon, oblivious to the moment, sniffed the air and nodded, "He's right. A storm is coming soon."

Taking note of what her brother said, the red-head panicked a little. "So what's the plan to capture the Spiders?" she asked them, gaining Kurapika's and Killua's attentions.

"The plan is that I go get my team and prepare them while all of YOU stay here." the Kurta emphasised.

"Wha-!? But that's not fair!" Gon protested, standing up.

"It's only fair that I spare you from being killed! This isn't a game, Gon. One wrong move and they will kill you on the spot."

"We're not babies, Kurapika. We can take them on. Besides, we all want to take them down for good." Killua persisted.

"They're right. This job, you can't do it alone." Leorio said, laying a hand on the blonde's shoulder.

"I can also help. They owe me, and I want to get the information they promised." Renée volunteered.

Kurapika sighed defeatedly, "It will be dangerous."

"What's the plan?" the four asked in unison.

"We need someone to scout outside of their hideout. We don't know what they're planning, but we need to know when they'll be on the move and where." Kurapika asked, looking each of them dead in the eye.

"I'll do it." Killua shrugged.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I remember where their hideout is."

"Okay, one must act as bait in order to distract them from their original goal and buy me some time so I can capture their boss." Kurapika continued.

Renée stepped up, "I guess that's me. I can lure their attention away from you for sure."

"No. You will not be put in a situation that you'll meet them again." Killua suddenly reacted.

"Are you kidding me? Why are you deciding what my position would be? I know that you all know I'm the perfect candidate for the job. Right, Kurapika?" she looked at the blonde, eyes pleading.

"Actually, I'd have to agree with Killua. You were once their member but escaped. If they see you again, they will most likely kill you or make you join them permanently. Especially since most of the members dislike you."

"Wha-!? But that's not fair! Who will be bait then!?"

Gon's hand shot up in the air, "I'll do it! That Nobunaga guy wanted me to join the Troupe. If they're all together then that guy will talk it up to their boss, slowing them down."

"Are you sure about this, Gon? That's a very dangerous position. I'll be needing you to distract them for 0.5 seconds, maybe even for a full second." the Kurta warned him, suddenly worried.

"I'll be fine!" the boy grinned wolfishly.

"Why is it okay for Gon to do it? I can join him and work together so they'll be distracted for a longer period!"

"I SAID NO RENÉE. You will go with Killua and update me. You know their plans and the way they think. That is a better fit." Kurapika told her firmly, leaving no room for any more arguments.

The girl bit the inside of her cheeks and crossed her arms angrily. Her grey eyes found the former assassin's and she glared at him.

"What about me?" Leorio asked.

"You're coming with me. You'll be the one responsible for our quick getaway once I trap their leader in my Chain Jail." the Kurta said, revealing his Nen ability to them for the first time.

Killua suddenly shot up from his seat. "Why did you show us that!? Shit!"

"What's wrong Killua?" Gon furrowed his brows.

"Kurapika is the chain-user." Renée breathed, suddenly nervous.

"Why? So what if he is?" her brother repeated anxiously.

"Do you remember that woman, Pakunoda?" the red-head asked, to which he nodded. "Her Nen ability is that she can sift through your memories if she is touching you. She is also able to inject those memories into special Nen bullets and whoever she shoots it to, that person will gain them. She was the one interrogating you before, correct? The fact that she let you go easily means that you had nothing in your memories worth noting other than those with me. However, if she searches you again now, Kurapika will be revealed." she finished explaining.

A sense of dread filled all of their bodies at the thought that Kurapika will be hunted by all of the Spiders.

"I'll just have to make sure she doesn't touch me." Gon grinned, trying to shake off the depressing mood. None of his friends were reassured, but they no longer have a choice.

"It seems that Pakunoda woman is much more of a danger to me right now. I will need to capture her instead."

A ringtone was heard and Kurapika took out his phone and checked his messages. "It's from Hisoka. He's my contact from inside the Spiders and I've been working with him since. He says the bodies are fake."

"The bodies are the work of Kortopi. He isn't exactly the strongest member but he is able to make perfect copies of nonliving things. His ability comes in handy when stealing precious artefacts." Renée supplied for them.

Another ringtone went off and Kurapika stepped aside to answer the call. When he got off of it, he looked much more troubled.

"What's wrong?" Leorio asked him.

"The community has announced that the Spiders are off the wanted list. They also removed the reward."

"What!? Why?" Killua burst out.

"That wasn't part of the plan." the red-head muttered absently, the gears in her head turning.

"Hey, since you know more about the Phantom Troupe than the rest of us, what else should we know about them?" Leorio demanded.

All eyes were suddenly on her, waiting. She bit her lip, "The Troupe, as you know, is Class A bounty. They have committed thousands of atrocities yet they are still not caught. This is not just because of their abilities. They are confident in what they do because they come from the city of shooting stars. This makes it hard to track them down."

Three of the males inhaled sharply, realisation dawning on them.

"City of shooting stars?" Gon repeated curiously.

"Yes. It is more commonly known as Meteor City. It is the largest dumpsite on this planet and people go there to throw away their trash. 'Trash' includes people." the red-head elaborated.

"The inhabitants of Meteor City are unregistered individuals. They are anonymous, which makes them the perfect people to commit a crime. They only have one saying, 'We accept everything, so don't take anything back.'" Leorio added, surprisingly knowledgeable about the topic.

"Then why haven't the authorities taken action about this?" the islander piped up again.

"That is because the mafia is preventing them to. Imagine, numerous individuals with no identity available to work for you at your whim. The underground community takes advantage of this. It is a mutual relationship that they have, to get paid in order to have the dirty work done." Killua answered for them.

"That's right. They are not people you'd want to trifle with. Only the Phantom Troupe can do this against the mafia. They want to disturb the stereotype." Renée said.

"But we have one of their members! Also, you managed to beat one of them, right?" Leorio referred to Renée then to Kurapika.

"That was... My abilities are-"

"Speaking of abilities, I want to know more about yours! How are you able to become stronger than one of the Spiders in such a short amount of time? Can you teach us?" Gon asked suddenly.

The said blonde sighed, "No Gon. How I gained this much strength is through the use of Restrictions and Limitations. Using this is very risky if you do not use your words correctly."

"What are Restrictions and Limitations?" the boy inquired curiously.

"If I tell you about it then you might perform it! I refuse to be responsible for such recklessness. Besides, I am not fit to teach you. I can only use my ability on the Spiders." he said, somber.

"Just the Spiders? Why?" Killua asked this time.

"My Hatsu was forged on revenge and hatred. In order for me to become stronger, I placed certain rules. My Chain Jail and Judgement Chain," the Kurta put up two of his fingers, "can only be used on the Spiders. If I use them on someone else, I will die. I put a Judgement Chain around my own heart and it binds me to that rule."

No one said anything as the rain poured outside.

Renée understood what he had meant, but something was off about what he said.

"I thought you said that you can only use that on the Spiders? How is it that you put one on yourself?" Gon noticed.

'That's right. That's what's wrong.' she thought as Kurapika stuttered for an answer.

"Well I... That's... I can't... I'm so sorry. If I tell you that, it will entirely reveal my ability. I'm at enough risk as it is."

The islander stood up, face tight with determination, "Then put a Nen blade on my heart! That way you will be assured that I'll never reveal anything about you."

"Gon, that's dangerous." Renée stood as well and gripped his arm.

"I want to help Kurapika. If this is what it takes then fine." her brother replied, barely glancing at her.

The red-head huffed in frustration, "Why are you always so difficult?"

Kurapika looked at Leorio and the older male understood. "C'mon let's bail guys." the doctor said, tugging Killua and Renée along.

"Wait, what? Where are we going?"

"Leggo you geezer!"

"Shut it! Just come along like good little brats!"

Soon, the three was out the door and the room was suddenly quiet. The Kurta looked at Gon, who was eager to have his heart chained up, and sighed once more.

"So where do I begin?"

-Meanwhile-

"Dammit! Let go already!" Renée shoved Leorio away from her, causing the latter to let go and stumble a bit.

"Hey! Stop that, you little-!"

"Why did you pull us out?" she cut him off.

"Kurapika is in enough danger by revealing his ability to us. Explaining it would be complete and utter carelessness on our part." Killua supplied, finally understanding.

"Again, why is it okay for Gon to do this alone!? He gets to be the decoy AND the one with the Nen blade? He's my brother! Frankly, I don't want him to carry this all by himself. Neither do I want Kurapika to do that too!" she exclaimed, frustrated by the whole ordeal.

The two males looked at each other meaningfully, then nodded.

"What do you propose to do about it?" the silver-head asked.

"Listen in of course. Did you two really intend to play by the book?"

Leorio rolled his eyes but a small smile played on his lips, "I guess when you put it that way..."

The trio pressed their ears against the door but the voices came out muffled, even for Killua. As silently as they could, they crept in the door, just in time for Kurapika to reveal the intricacies of his ability.

Gon stood up, ready to have his chest pierced, when Renée stood up. "Wait! I want one too!"

She was followed by the other two who declared the same proposition as her.

The blonde seemed surprised to see them in the room, listening in, but he gave a smile instead. "No. I never intended to use my Judgement Chain on any of you."

"Then why did you further endanger yourself?" Killua wondered aloud.

"Because we're friends. I trust you enough with my secret, Nen blade or not. If any of you end up revealing my Hatsu, I would still have no regrets."

"That's not fair. You put a lot of pressure on us." Gon pouted.

The Kurta chuckled stating that that was what he actually intended, but they all knew better.

Thunder boomed outside and suddenly they were back to reality.

"We should probably go, Ren." Killua said.

The red-head sighed, but nodded reluctantly. She turned to Gon before they left, "You be careful okay? Don't do anything rash."

"Of course, 'mom'." he teased her.

She lightly flicked his forehead before turning to Kurapika, "That goes for you too."

"I understand, Renée. You be careful too." he smiled, ruffling her hair.

The silver-head became impatient and so he took her hand and dragged her out. "C'mon dunce."

"Don't call me 'dunce', old man."

"Don't I get a 'take care'?" Leorio complained.

The other two chuckled at him before heading out as well.

It's gonna be a long night.

END OF 23.

A/N: This just might be one of the lamest chapters I've done but oh well. Another chapter is done, I know you're all dreading when the next one would be, but knowing me it won't be 'soon'. Just know that I WILL update this, I haven't lost hope for it yet! Oh and I plan on trying point-of-view writing, please let me know what you think about that. Please leave lots of reviews, I really enjoy reading them and they motivate me a lot while writing. Also, would someone be a dear and draw Renée for me? If you can, maybe even Mehika. Or whoever you wanna draw. I just really want to attach a picture on my profile but, alas, I am not an artist. Thank you for whoever does give me a drawing! Please review!