A/N: I'm sort of back everyone! I'm sorry it took years before this came out. Nevertheless here it is! Hope you guys enjoy this extra, part 2 coming out soon! I was supposed to upload it as one big one but it would have gotten too long. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter x Hunter.
EXTRA V PART 1
"AH!"
Killua reacted just in time to cover his ears at his friend's outburst.
"What is it, Gon?" he asked irritably.
It's been awhile since they started training under Bisky, and though they were learning to control Nen better, everyday was pretty hellish.
They've returned to the stone quarry for the umpteenth time and the silver-head was quite tired and annoyed due to their lack of progress game-wise.
'Though I have to admit our strength and Nen control is infinitely better than when we entered the game.' he sullenly thought.
Gon gaped at him. Nervously opening and closing his mouth as if to say something.
This irked the former assassin and he grunted, "Just out with it!"
"K-Killua, what day is it..?" the islander stammered, inching closer to his best friend.
"October 5th, I think. Why? You got some place to be?" the silver-head smirked, shoving Gon away so he could continue with his task.
The dark-haired boy flailed around in a panic screaming, "OH NO! OH NO! WE MISSED IT! IT'S TOO LATE WHAT DO WE DO!? WHAT CAN WE DO!?"
The space they operated in was quite small and he ended up pushing Killua as he carelessly thwacked his arms around. A vein started throbbing in the former assassin's temple and, in a fit of anger, he hit Gon on the head to quiet him.
"Will you stop that!? Quit panicking like an idiot and just tell me what the hell did we miss?" he growled.
Suddenly, a small shadow eclipsed through the tunnel they were working in and the two boys turned in high alert only to find Bisky near the entrance. Their mentor had her hands on her hips and her lips jutting out in an angry pout.
"What's all this ruckus? Time's ticking if you wanna beat your record yesterday for clearing the pillars in this place." she huffed.
Gon rubbed the sore spot on his head where Killua hit him. "U-um you see, Bisky, we kinda forgot about Ren." he sheepishly explained.
The blonde threw him a confused look, "You must be more tired than I thought. She's out here taking a breather after shoveling out some stones."
"Y-yeah..I mean no! It's not about that. Yesterday was Ren's birthday and we sort of forgot..?" the islander murmured quietly. Shame filled him as he watched the impact of his words reflect on Killua and Bisky's faces.
At first they were surprised, then confused, then surprised again before looking at him accusingly.
The dark-haired boy's shoulders slumped. 'I must be the worst brother on Earth. How could I forget her birthday when for 5 years I treated it like some grand holiday meant to be celebrated worldwide.'
He could still remember the first time. They had all agreed that her birthday was to be on October 4th since that was when Tasha found Renee. They planned the event a week beforehand and he even caught some lobsters for their little feast. When the time came, he picked her up from their room. He smiled a little, remembering how shy and apprehensive she had been. A few people from the island even came to celebrate and they all sang for her and gave her gifts. Renee was absolutely mortified. But he knew deep down she was touched. When they retreated to their room that night, he helped her carry her gifts up. That was the first time she hugged him and openly showed him her tears. Tears that have welled up deep inside her from being alone for so long.
"Earth to Gon! Helloooooo!" Killua called out, lightly tapping his friend's forehead.
Gon blinked at him in confusion, "Eh?"
The silver-head sighed. "Look, we already missed it. What more can we do now? Let's just greet her and apologise." he shrugged.
The islander stared at him incredulously, "Are you crazy? Just greet her and apologise?! We have to celebrate it! Her birthday signifies how much she's grown since she came to be with us. Each year it was a reminder of how she would continuously move on from her depressed self. Just imagine if we didn't care and that Ren was not the Ren we know today!"
Killua took a moment to visualize a moody, depressed, and quiet Renee and it disturbed him. It was such a stark contrast from the Renee he knew that it made him involuntarily shudder.
"Well since you put it that way, what's the plan?" he asked.
"Um. Well...I wanted to ask you that too." Gon answered. This earned him another glare from his best friend and he chuckled nervously.
"Well I know what I'll be doing!" Bisky announced, gaining their attention.
"What is it?" the two boys asked.
"I'll give her half the day off and we'll spend it together shopping, going to the spa, having a make over, and relaxing!" she declared, stars dancing in her eyes.
The boys grew quiet at her suggestion before bursting out in laughter. The blonde glared at the both of them for mocking her.
"T-that's a good one!" Killua chuckled.
"Yeah! Can you imagine Ren in a massage parlor?" Gon laughed, tears forming in his eyes.
"A massage? I'd be up for that."
The trio stopped their bickering and turned to see none other than the birthday girl.
Renee had just finished her 5 minute break and decided to go back to switch with Killua when she heard her name and being in a massage parlor. For show, she cracked her shoulders and other joints to indicate how sore she actually is.
At this, Bisky took the opportunity to link arms with the red-head and drag her away. "I just knew we'd get along! Come with me and we'll have a girl's day out!" she sang happily.
The blonde snuck a smirk back at the boys, reveling in their stumped expressions. 'Take that suckers!'
"S-so what do we do now, Killua?"
"Beats me." the former assassin sighed dejectedly.
-With Bisky-
Renee looked on in a somewhat displeased awe at the sight before her.
When Bisky suggested all the things they were gonna do for their spa and make overs, she thought they were going to town and look around. She didn't think that they'd just be at the outskirts of the quarry, standing in front of the "thing" that her mentor summoned through her Nen.
The blonde nodded proudly at the small building in front of them where her assistant, Cookie, was waiting to serve them. "So what do you think?" she beamed at the red-head.
"Er..um..I honestly didn't expect THIS to be your ability. I guess it kind of makes sense, looking at you. Though it is somewhat amazing." Renee stammered, adding the last part unsurely.
"Isn't it? I usually use Cookie-chan for training and pre or post-battle purposes, but today is an exception." Bisky said, pulling in the 13-year old with her.
The red-head looked around the small facility and noticed that everything was actually pretty detailed. From the massage bed to the different tools on the workbench. She admits that she hadn't expected this but she couldn't deny that it must have been difficult to conjure such a thing. Cookie herself must have taken a lot of Nen to create and maintain, how much more for everything else.
"So what do you wanna do first? Our hair? Detox? Skin care? Facial scrub? Just tell Cookie-chan!" the blonde grinned, plopping down on a pouf.
Renee bit her lip anxiously while trying to decide on what to do. This didn't go unnoticed by Bisky and she tilted her head curiously.
"What's wrong?"
"Well, nothing really. I just haven't tried any of those before. I don't know what's good for me." the red-head admitted sheepishly.
Her mentor smiled in understanding and got up. She inspected Renee's appearance, making the girl self-conscious but she didn't protest. Bisky took note of her lackluster hair, dry skin, chapped lips, and the ungodly Spider tattoo on her shoulder.
'She also mentioned being sore due to training. It's gonna take a bit of energy, but it'll do!'
The blonde clapped her hands together, finally deciding for the red-head. "Okay, we'll do a bit of everything. First let's start with your hair, we need to treat it so it gets back that silky sheen to it and grows healthy volumes. Then we need to put some moisturising mask and treatments for your skin and face cause it got all dry from working under the sun a lot. Next is your tattoo-!"
" Oh, please don't remove the tattoo." Renee cut her off.
"Why not? I thought you were no longer part of the Phantom Troupe."
"I'm not. It's stupid but I want it to stay there, so I'm reminded that I don't make such a stupid mistake again."
Bisky looked at her, a hint of sadness in her eyes, and sighed. "Look, I get it. It's a sentimental thing right? But you've learned from that. You've moved on. You don't need some ugly tattoo to remind you cause then that would mean you're not totally free of them. I won't touch it for now, but if you want it gone just tell me. It's not good to hold on to the past so much. I should know."
The red-head looked at her mentor. There was no judgment or disappointment in her tone or expression. She was genuinely warm and patient. It was such a far-cry from how Gon and Killua would sometimes look at her. Or even how she would look at herself. Unknown to her, tears started to well up in her eyes and the heavy drops gushed forth down her cheeks.
Bisky was taken aback and panicked. "O-oh! Uh...I'm sorry was that insensitive of me? I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to make you cry! Let's just get on with the R&R, yeah? Uh Cookie-chan-!"
As if on queue, Cookie appeared and gently sat Renee down on a chair and quickly got to work.
This made the girl laugh a little, wiping away the waterworks. "I didn't mean to cry. It's just, for so long I've thought lesser of myself. I thought Gon and Killua would understand my decision of going after the Troupe in the hopes of knowing my sister's whereabouts. Even though I knew it was a trap, I still went along with them. When they rescued me, they were so angry and I realized they didn't understand at all. They look at me with so much wariness and judgment. They think I don't notice but their stares burn and I know they're guarding me as if I would suddenly turn into a criminal if they even took their eyes off for one second. Maybe they're right. Maybe I'm already a criminal. That's why I'm trying so hard to prove that I can be better. That I'm more than this tattoo. But hearing you say that. Trusting me to grow and move on, it's refreshing. Thank you."
Renee sadly smiled at her lap. Remembering the times she caught them casting worried glances at her. Weighing in everything she said, internally processing her words for any incriminating evidence. Frowning in disapproval whenever she mentioned Chrollo or anyone from the Spiders. She can't possibly blame them. It really was one of the worst mistakes of her life.
Bisky cleared her throat, getting the red-head's attention. "If... If you don't mind me asking, how did you track the Spiders? They're very difficult to find and even more so to join them. So how?"
The 13-year old pondered for a moment, thinking about the time Chairman Netero talked to her before the final phase of the Hunter Exam.
She quickly recalled these events to Bisky, who listened intently. She reached the point where Killua said goodbye to her, apologising for how he hurt her then and in the past.
'So that's why he's so kind and caring to Ren. I thought he just had a huge crush on her. Well, that still might be true.' the blonde thought absently as Renee continued her story to when she decided to go back to Whale Island on her own so she could seek counsel from her foster father, Tasha Godfrei.
-A few months ago at Whale Island-
There was chatter everywhere.
The sky was clear and the sun shone proudy in the sky, the perfect weather for business in the small fishers' island.
The docks were lined with varying ships and merchants were all busy selling and buying items. Seagulls squawked in the sky as if to join in on the fun.
All of it fell on the deaf ears of a lonesome red-head slowly trudging her way home.
She'd just gotten back from a harrowing journey, physically, mentally, and emotionally. A lot of the dark thoughts from the previous weeks swirling through her muddled brain and, if information was correct, she knew just who could clear everything up for her.
Tasha Godfrei.
The thought of her father wrenched her heart and she knew her exhausting journey was far from over. As soon as she gets home, she's going to be in for another roller-coaster ride.
She just didn't know how true that would be.
'Home. I just wanna go home.'
The small house on the hill came into view and Renee started walking at a slightly quicker pace.
'Odd. Aunt Mito would always be hanging laundry at this hour. Grandma isn't on the porch either.'
At the thought, her stomach began to knot up uncomfortably. She had a bad feeling about this but the red-head tried to shake the foreboding thoughts away.
When she reached the doorstep, she raised her hand to knock but stopped midway. 'Why am I hesitating?'
Before she could stall herself any further, Renee softly knocked on the door.
At first, she thought that no one was home since it was awhile before anyone came. Soon, shuffling could be heard from inside and the door swung open, revealing Aunt Mito.
The red-head noticed that there were dark bags under her eyes and that there was a slightly red tinge around her irises, indicating she was tired. Her hair was in shambles and her apron was slightly unkempt. It was strange to see her this way and an uneasiness settled in her stomach.
At first Aunt Mito was surprised, then she smiled. "Ren, welcome home! Is the exam finally finished?" she greeted.
Renee could only nod as the older woman looked around curiously. "Where's Gon?"
At this, the girl winced. "He went to get a friend. Don't worry, he's alright."
She remembered the sight of her brother in a hospital bed but she knew he'd recover quickly. Despite her disappearance, she was sure he'd go after Killua first.
Her thoughts drifted to the silver-head. She remembered how he'd hugged her as a goodbye.
"Tell Gon I'm sorry. I'm sorry to you too, Ren. It was fun." was what he said.
"What do you mean he went off to get a friend? You're supposed to be with him! You're supposed to protect him! I trusted you!" Aunt Mito yelled, her face turning red.
This brought Renee out of her stupor and she pushed past the older woman, ignoring her. She made a beeline for her foster father's room with Aunt Mito close on her heels, yelling at her to come back and explain herself.
"I said he's fine! Leave me alone!" the red-head argued back as she opened the bedroom door.
The sight she saw made her stop. She felt the air leave her lungs making her dizzy. Her eyesight became blurry and she thought she would faint. Renee caught herself on the doorframe just in time as tears fell.
Tasha's room resembled that of a hospital with an IV drip, monitors, and other equipment littered beside the bed. All of which were connected to the extremely thin figure peacefully asleep, unaware of the fight that went on just earlier.
It didn't take long for Renee to realize that the figure was her foster father and that he'd looked thinner than when she'd left him. If he tried to stand, she's afraid he'd just break in half.
"W-what happened..? Tasha..?" the red-head sobbed.
Aunt Mito took a step back, guilt immediately replacing her anger. She realised that she should have talked to Renee about what happened while they were away. Instead, she let her emotions get the best of her. Now, all she could do was stare at the stricken face of the girl, at a loss for words.
"Renee I-!"
"Get out."
Another wave of guilt washed over the older woman, "But I need to talk to you! Tasha is-!"
"Get. Out." Renee ground out harshly.
This made Aunt Mito gasp in surprise. Not once has she seen the girl angry. Not even when she first started living with them. For reasons unknown to her, she grew scared of the girl. Unable to say anything more, she only nodded dumbly and quietly closed the door. Once shut, the older woman broke down, her knees giving out making her slump on the floor. The exhaustion of the past weeks finally catching up to her.
Inside, Renee still could not bring herself to move closer. "Tasha..?" she called out unsurely but there was no response.
"Tasha?" she said louder.
At this, the figure on the bed shifted. The monitor beeping slightly faster. "Renee? Is that you?" a gravelly voice called out.
The red-head bit back a sob, humming out a response.
"Come here child." he continued to rasp.
Renee quickly wiped her eyes and forced herself to move closer to the elder and take a good look at him.
Tasha looked like death. As if he was a reanimated corpse and the red-head immediately understood that this conversation may be their last. The thought broke her heart and the sob she held back erupted in her throat.
"Ssh. None of that now. You've finally come back. I wanna see you smile. You've had a wonderful adventure, yes?" he asked her, smiling kindly.
Again, the girl just nodded while giving him a weak smile, not trusting herself to speak.
"That's good. I see you've opened the present I gave you. I hope it's as useful to you as you remember."
The pit in her stomach grew heavier at the mention of her katana. A katana she'd seen in her dreams and had inevitably linked Tasha to the incident that night years ago.
As if reading her mind, the man could only give her an apologetic smile. "I'm sure you have a thousand questions. It seems the trauma of it all forced you to suppress your memories, I can see that you know now. I hadn't recognized you at first when I brought you to the hospital but when you got cleaned up I immediately connected everything. You were my last job, you see. I'm not proud of what I did. Especially to you. To your parents. I-!" Tasha was interrupted when he coughed. The monitor beeping erratically at the sudden activity.
Still, she could not bring herself to touch him. To help him. Not when he'd just admitted to the crimes he'd been accused of by Xing.
"A-all I can say is...I'm sorry. If I could turn back time, I would have done a lot of things differently. If I only knew I'd end up like this anyway, I wouldn't have done any of those wretched deeds. Please forgive me. I spent years atoning for my sins, taking care of you as my own since I knew I was the one that took that away from you. I grew to love you as my own child and nothing pains me more than seeing the face you have on right now. I'm so sorry, Renee."
Renee looked away, tears falling down her cheeks uncontrollably. She couldn't help the look of betrayal and anger on her face but she couldn't stop her heart from breaking either. For as long as she could remember, this was her father. The man who took her in and cared for her. To hear him say that he was one of the people responsible for almost every tragic thing that happened to her hurt her more than she could imagine.
'Why? Why is it that the people I grew to love and care for betray me this way? First Killua now even Tasha. Why?' she continued to cry.
"Why?" she asked, still not looking at him.
However there was no response.
"Tasha, tell me why, please." the red-head pressed, forcing herself to look at him.
She was surprised to see how deathly still he had become all of a sudden, his eyes closed.
"Tasha?" Renee carefully sat on the bed next to him, holding his hand to wake him but there was no response.
"Tasha wake up, I need you to tell me why." she shook his arm gently but he remained still.
"Tasha please! Wake up! Tasha why? Please!" she shook him a little more forcefully, her tears dropping on his arm with the motion.
It was only then that the girl heard it. It may have been there all along and she hadn't noticed. That one long beep.
Everything had been a blur after that.
It was as if time stood still as Aunt Mito came rushing in with doctors. She hadn't felt anything when Grandma gently coaxed her into her room or when she helped her dress for the funeral. She doesn't remember the words that were said as they buried him on the cliffside that Tasha loved because of the view. Nor the people who came to her to say their condolences. All she could remember was feeling lost, empty, and alone. She felt despair clawing itself in her heart, nestling there, and before she realized it almost a month had passed by.
She looked at the picture frame on the nightstand and saw their family photo with Tasha smiling up at her.
Remembering the truths that had been revealed to her, she regained a new resolve.
Quietly, she packed her bag with as much essentials as she could. She knew it would be a very long time before she came back here so she took the time to decide what she may need.
A soft knock came from the door, startling her. "Renee? Dinner's ready. Please come down and eat with us." Aunt Mito's muffled voice came in.
She clenched her jaw, waiting for the woman to leave. When the shadow under her door walked away, she put down the letter she had written for Gon and quickly escaped through the window and into the night.
'I'm sorry Aunt Mito, Gon. But now, I need to find my sister. I need to know who I am.'
-Back to the present-
"I see, so that's why you decided to go off on your own. You knew that what you would do would be very dangerous and didn't want anyone else involved. You must've also known that it could've been a suicide mission right?" Bisky nodded thoughtfully.
The red-head struggled to speak through the face mask, "Of course I knew. But back then, with everything that happened, I was prepared to die. Back then I felt that it didn't matter what happened to me."
The blonde clicked her tongue, clearly disapproving such thoughts. "You still haven't told me how you found and joined the Phantom Troupe."
Renee opened one eye at her, slightly amused at her impatience. "I'm getting there."
END OF EXTRA V PART 1.
A/N: There you have it! Please review!