Hello everyone, I'm back after making it through my exams, I can finally return to my happy place. I finally managed to finish this chapter and I hope you enjoy it. Also I would like to thank everyone for the reviews and hope they keep coming!
Gon, Leorio, Kurapika arrived in the Dentora region of the Republic of Pakodea. The three-day journey was short but suspenseful. The objective of reaching Killua never left the minds of the four, from the flight on the airship to the train ride. While looking out the window from their seats, they were able to see Kukuroo Mountain in the distance amongst the rest of the landscape. Leorio commented on its aesthetics, with a dark cloud around the top that made it look 'creepy'; though seemingly fitting for the base of a family of assassins.
Sakura couldn't even take in the fascination of exploring a new location, not with the reasons that had brought her here in the first place but she didn't care. The only thing she felt was the burning anticipation of meeting Killua once more.
'We're so close,'
When they reached town, their first objective was to gather information regarding their destination, but that proved to be an easy task than initially thought to be. Though unexpectedly they found that there was actually a bus tour to the mountain. And they were able to catch the only one of the day.
The guide was a young woman who stood in front of the bus as it took off, greeting the tourists with a friendly smile and bowed
"Thank you for taking the lamination tour today. We will be visiting Kukuroo Mountain, home to the famous Zoldyck family of assassins."
Sakura shook her head in disbelief, leaning against the window with Leorio next to her. "To think they actually let you tour the place…"
"Well it makes our job a little easier," Kurapika said
Glancing behind her, Sakura noticed that there was more than just regular tourists on the bus. Right at the back, looking in the opposite direction of the mountain were two men, one was very burly and heavily built while the other was lanky but both had the same passive expression on his face.
"They obviously aren't tourists," stated Leorio
"Doesn't matter," Sakura said averting her gaze to her right, leaning on her good arm. "We're only here to see Killua, everything else is irrelevant."
No one from the group could disagree, and sat silently through the rest of the tour guides lecture about the Zoldyck family estate. Sakura listened to the history that was known of them. There were ten members apparently, going from their great-grandfather, grandparents, parents and the five children all of which were assassins. She was almost tempted to chide in the dynamics of that family.
The ride was fairly easy, with no unexpected turn of events or interruptions, but when the tour bus came to a halt in front of a wall several meters high, statues of silver dragons with gaping mouths facing each other on it. An enormous gate of silver, with jagged carved framing, each with markings on them dwarfed the group who looked up. Some tourists were already gathered in the front, posing for pictures to take back as mementos.
The tour guide gestured a slender hand to the gate, smiling, "This is the front gate of the Zoldyck estate. Also known as the door to Hades, because no one who's entered has ever returned alive."
"Well, there's a pleasant thought," Leorio swallowed.
"To enter, you must pass through the door beside the security checkpoint."
On the one end of the wall, there was a small built structure, which was the security check-point and closely next to it, was a much smaller door. It was this wall that was separating them from the mountain, which was in the far distance but couldn't be seen from the height they were currently at.
"But the area beyond the gate is private property, so we cannot proceed," The women stated in her cheery voice.
Somehow, Sakura had foreseen this. She didn't know what or how, but she was expecting some sort of eventual obstacle, and it seemed that this was the first. Illumi hadn't been bothered in keeping his family's home a secret, so she believed he was confident they wouldn't be able to reach it even if they knew its location.
'Seems I was right,'
"Hold on!" Leorio exclaimed, pointing up, "The Mountain is all the way over there!"
"Correct, the Zoldyck's own Kukuroo Mountain, as well as the surrounding land,"
Leorio slumped as he commented, realizing that the whole area was basically their backyard. Gon then called to the guide, pointing to the gate.
"What do we have to do to get inside?"
The guide titled her head, her smile turning crooked, "Little boy were you listening to my explanation? If you go inside you'll never get out alive! Assassins live inside!"
Gon looked like he was about to say more when Sakura covered his mouth. He looked at her curiously, "Don't bother, she won't get it."
Someone then scoffed, "It's all a sham."
The men who stood out amongst the tour group were slowly making their way towards the security checkpoint. They were carrying what appeared to be sheathed weapons. Everyone had stopped to watch the two.
"A family of assassins that no one's ever seen."
"Just a photo of their faces is worth a hundred million."
Leorio gaped, snapping his fingers in frustration, commenting that he should have taken a picture of Killua when he had the chance. Sakura slapped him at the back of the head for the comment.
"It's just another case of rampant rumors, masking the mundane truth,"
Sakura kept her gaze on the men as they marched to the security checkpoint. The larger one of the two ripped off the door and reached in before pulling out an elderly man in a security uniform, demanding he open the gate. The elderly man didn't put up much resistance to the two, but Sakura noticed something odd as he handed them the key to the smaller door.
'Is he…..' Sakura titled head, frowning.
It was only when the security was thrown down that Gon rushed over to him, followed by Sakura. They kneeled down in front of him.
"Are you alright?" asked Gon.
"Yes, I'm fine." Before turning to the door just as it slammed shut after the two men entered. "Man, now Mike's going to end up eating between meals again."
Sakura narrowed her eyes, on the door. 'Thought so….'
She had guessed the security guard just let the men walked in easily and she soon found out why.
Only a few seconds later, screams could be heard from behind the door, they weren't of pain but alarm and that was the only types of scream everyone heard before it all went silent, nothing but the heavy winds on the mountain area was audible. The door opened once again slowly, and the two men came out once again, but this time they were nothing more than remains-skeletons. As they came further out, a large claw covered in purple fur was seen. And when the skeletons dropped, breaking apart on the ground it was the trigger pulled for the race back to the tour bus.
"Yikes…." Sakura murmured.
The security guard sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, "He's only supposed to eat at assigned times." He then called at the door, "Mike! Don't blame me if you get fat!"
Although they hadn't run, the sight was enough to break Leorio, Gon and Kurapika into a cold sweat. Sakura, on the other hand, wasn't as unfamiliar with these types of situations. Giant animals weren't exactly foreign in her world, but the reaction to encountering them varied depending on the situation one was in.
"What was that?" asked Kurapika.
Popping out halfway from the bus door, the tour guide started waving her flag around to get the teens attention. "Hey you kids, we're leaving now!"
Gon stood up, smiling. "You can go. We're staying here."
Sakura just slapped her forehead at Gon's display of unhindered innocence. Although the tour guide didn't put up much of a fight in questioning their motives for staying since she was overcome with fear and wanted to leave as quickly as possible. The same went for everyone else on the bus, including the driver, so they took off. Although they hadn't been the only ones baffled. The security guard himself was at a loss.
It was only after the sun was almost completely set, that the security guard Zebro understood the group's purpose for being here. To see Killua. Gon, Kurapika, Sakura and Leorio stood in the check-point hut as Zebro poured tea for the four.
"I see, so you're master Killua's friends. I'm happy to hear that." Zebro said as he handing the last cup to Gon, "I've worked here for twenty years but this is the first time any friends have come to visit."
Sakura gestured to the dustbin in the corner of the room where the remains of the two trespassers were crammed in, their skulls peaking a little from under the lid, "Somehow, I can see why."
Zebro laughed, "Yes, we get plenty of those types. Since I work here I probably shouldn't say this, but it is rather lonely. Well, a family of assassins is rather unusual so it's the price I have to pay. Anyway, I'm glad you're here." Zebro bowed his head, "Thank you,"
"Don't mention it," Leorio said.
"However…" Zebro trailed, raising his head once again, smiling. "I cannot let you inside."
No one protested anything yet, knowing that they were going to get an explanation from Zebro.
"You saw the large arm of that creature right? Its name is Mike. It serves as the Zoldyck family watchdog. It only obeys family and will attack anyone else. The beast still follows the orders its master gave it ten years ago….and that is to kill all intruders."
This wasn't anything Sakura was unfamiliar with. There were summoning creatures ninja's could order for the same purpose and even more, she had fought a couple of those animals and they were just as intelligent as humans-some more so, with wills of their own. But that's what made them all the more dangerous.
"Anyway, I can't let you inside. I wouldn't want to reduce master Killua's friends to skeletons." Zebro stated.
"Sir, how is that you're safe?" Kurapika asked. Zebro looked up at the Kurta, "You do go inside right? If you never needed to enter, you wouldn't need a key."
Zebro smirked, "You're half right. I require no key to get inside. The key is only for intruders."
Sakura gasped, "Oh I get now. It's basically a trap. When you get attempted intruders you just give them the key for the side door," she then frowned, holding her chin. There was still something she couldn't figure out. If the watchdog attacked all those who entered, regardless of who they were and Zebro didn't use the side door to get in, how was he safe still?
"That's right. Most try to break through using the front gate, but if I refuse to open it then they'll just try to break it down. So we added a side door. The intruders take the key from the helpless guard and Mike eats them."
Kurapika was then able to put the pieces together, "That's it!"
Zebro smiled, "As you guessed I'm not a guard. I merely clean up after Mike."
"And the front gate isn't actually locked!" exclaimed Kurapika.
"Exactly,"
"What!?" Leorio and Sakura gasped, turning to look at the gate.
Zebro wasn't lying when he told them that the gate hadn't been locked, in fact, it was a gate without a key-slot. He always told intruders that he couldn't open the gate for them so that they would take the side-door, but he rarely gave the reason behind it. He watched as Leorio stepped up, seemingly the strongest of the four. As he pushed, Zebro felt a trickle of amusement when he watched Leorio's face turn red. After a few more attempts Leorio finally pulled away.
"It won't budge! Are you sure it isn't locked?"
"It's because you aren't strong enough," Zebro stated
Leorio glared back at Zebro, insulted. He wasn't with monster strength like Sakura, but he was still stronger than average, more so! "That's obscured! I've been using all my strength!"
Slipping off his jacket and shirt, Zebro stepped up to the gates doors; telling them to watch carefully.
"The official name of this gate is the Testing gate. Anyone who cannot open this gate is unworthy of entering the Zoldyck estate."
Veins seemed to strain under the skin against Zebro's muscular arms as he pushed forward against the gate, a sudden burst in power that couldn't be felt from him before. He pressed his palms against the two doors and pushed them open. He then stepped back, allowing the four friend's to watch as it closed only a second later.
"As you just saw, the doors close automatically. So you'll want to run in the second it opens" Zebro pointed, "You don't have to worry about Mike. He has orders not to attack anyone who enters through the Testing Gate." Zebro wiped the sweat from his forehead and head. "Still, this is getting harder as I age. But I'll be fired if I can't open the gate. I should mention that each of gate one's doors weighs two tons."
Looking back at the gate, the different doors became apparent. Seven in total as it went up with different intersections and increase in sizes as well as weight. Going up to each gate would double the weight of the previous gate. And with seven it meant that the final gate weighed 256 tons. According to Zebro, the number of gates that opened was dependent on the amount of strength used by the person attempting to open them.
"Incidentally, when young master Killua returned he opened gates one to three."
"Gate three-that's twelve tons!" Gon said surely but Sakura and Kurapika quickly corrected him.
"It's sixteen tons Gon." They said warily. While Gon may have been a great strategist, and diverse thinker, his basics in math seemed to be severely lacking.
"Do you understand now? This is just what's required to get through the door. They live in a completely different world."
"I don't like this," Gon stated.
"Neither do I," Sakura said, her eyes fixated on the gate. She began to back away a few steps before stopping, "Everyone, get out of the way."
When everyone looked back, Sakura was standing a bit of a distance from them, but the center of the gate. A determined look in her eyes. She didn't need to voice her intentions, because they all knew what they were. However, the feat seemed too great, even for someone with Sakura's strength.
"Sakura, hold on!" Leorio called, "You can't seriously be thinking about-
"MOVE!" Sakura screamed, crouching down as she focused her chakra into her left hand. Leorio stepped aside with Gon and Kurapika. Zebro did the same, however, he was skeptical.
'She can't honestly think she can open the doors can she?'
"Okay I know she's strong but still…." Leorio whispered to Kurapika and Gon. "Plus her dominant arm is injured,"
"Let's just wait and see," Kurapika said. Holding up his hand. Even he was wondering if it was possible for her to open the gates in her current condition.
Sakura glared at the gate, "You say Killua lives in a different world…..well, guess what…"
With a powerful spring in her step, Sakura sprinted forward her intense glare might have been fixed on the Testing Gate, but it was enough to make Gon, Kurapika, Leorio, and Zebro step back as she let out a cry before slamming her fist in the middle of the first gate. There was hardly a sound on impact, but in that second a powerful force caused every single door of that two-hundred and fifty-six-ton gate to open with a heavy swing. Opening to a forest in view and further in the distance, the mountain was visible.
"So do I,"
Dropped jaws, shaking limbs, sweating brows and shrunken pupils; that was what Sakura saw when she had the four males back in her line of vision. The Testing Gate had been thrown wide open. And even after it slammed closed, producing a heavy force that was enough to push anyone back who was directly in front, the pinkette remained stationary, her short locks blowing wildly until finally, it settled.
"I am more than capable of opening those gates for us. I am more than capable of reaching Killua, and taking him out of that world."
Leorio and Kurapika seemed to come out of their awestruck state. Gon's jaw was slightly wide, he barely blinked but was looking more in admiration at the pinkette's strength. She had fought Hisoka and right now he wished he had been conscious to see that fight.
"Man, how much strength do you have!?" Leorio exclaimed gripping the ends of his head.
Sakura grinned, "We'll definitely make it through this gate!"
"Incredible," Kurapika trailed.
Leorio whistled, "Seriously, you're like a monster wrapped in a little girl's body,"
Sakura's brow twitched in annoyance, causing Leorio to realize his mistake, "What?"
"Um-no- that's-I didn't mean it like that!" Leorio attempted to defend, throwing his hands out in front of him.
"How else could you have meant it!?"
Zebro didn't know what to say; his mouth had gone dry. He hadn't known anyone outside of the Zoldyck family to be capable of opening all seven gates. Yet a young girl was capable of this great feat despite that she was only able to use one arm at this time. She would probably be able to make it further into the estate-but there would be another problem with that on its own. After all, there was a reason no one was able to reach the Zoldyck home. And he did not wish for that unfortunate fate to befall on either of Killua's friends.
'What should I do?' he wondered.
Sakura sighed, "Anyway, I can push open the doors and then hold one of them so that you guys can go through-
"No," Gon's voice cut through in that instant, his stunned expression gone.
The moment of awe was quickly dissipated, as another overlapped the previous one. All on account of Gon's next statement.
"There's no way I'm ever going through that gate!"
Sakura frowned, "Gon what are you saying? We're here to see Killua aren't we?"
"Exactly!" Gon exclaimed, "We're here to see Killua, not to be tested. There's no way I'll ever pass through that gate."
"Are you kidding me!?" Sakura yelled, flailing her arm around. She didn't miss the defiant glint in his eyes then, the same one he had when he was facing Hanzo. "This is not the time to be stubborn."
"I'm not going through there. Also, it's not fair that you're always the one who has to carry everyone's weight!"
"Gon!"
Sakura slammed her forehead against the boy's as she spoke, trying to knock some sense into him but Gon retaliated by pressing his forehead harder against hers.
"Sakura!"
Leorio, Kurapika, and Zebro just stood by, watching the two argue with one another. Sakura was stubborn but Gon's hardheadedness was evident during his fight with Hanzo. It was a near-impossible task to direct Gon away from what he wanted or how he wanted things done. However, there was a consensus between Leorio and Kurapika when Gon mentioned Sakura carrying everyone's weight. Pride was a weakness that they all shared and they couldn't deny that the pinkette had been assisting them since they met her. But there was still the matter of getting through that gate.
"What are you going to do then you dolt?!" Sakura hissed, "Go through the side door?"
"Yes!" Gon then looked back at Zebro holding out his hand, "Zebro-san please loan me the key,"
"Are you stupid Gon!?" Leorio interrupted after contemplating the boy's plan. "You'll end up like those two guys! A pile of bones in a dustbin!"
Zebro finally decided to step in, clearing his throat, "They're right. I cannot let master Killua's friends be reduced to skeletons. But perhaps if you would be willing to wait a moment,"
Sakura, Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika stood outside of the entrance to the tiny security room, while Zebro waited at the phone after making a call. They didn't get an explanation in what he was planning to do, however, they were willing to wait and find out what Zebro was planning. They listened after greeting whoever was on the other end of the line.
"Four of master Killua's friends are here to see him." Zebro held the phone closer to his ear, "Yes. Yes, I'm sorry. Yes. Yes. Yes, I understand. Yes."
'That doesn't sound too promising,' thought Sakura listening and Zebro continued to say 'yes' followed by apologies before he set the phone down.
"Yep, I got in trouble."
"You call the mansion?" Gon asked as he stepped back inside.
"No, I was speaking to the Zoldyck family butler. All communication with the mansion must go through the butler. It's very difficult to reach any of the family members."
"Could you call him again? I'll talk to him this time." Gon said.
Sakura was still doubtful, "You sure about this Gon?"
"Yeah," he nodded. "I really don't want to have to go through that gate just to see my friend."
Sakura sighed, "Stubborn,"
Zebro wasn't against allowing Gon to speak to the butler, albeit he warned him it probably wouldn't be a pleasant experience. The phone barely rang and everyone went silent again, despite being unable to hear what was being said on the other end of the line.
"Yes, this is the butler's office,"
Gon spoke calmly, "This is Gon, one of Killua's friend's. Is Killua there?"
"Master Killua doesn't have any friends. Please leave."
There was a brief pause before Gon placed the phone back down and redialed the way he remembered Zebro had before picking it up again. Unsure of what was said, Sakura, Kurapika, and Leorio leaned forward a little towards the boy.
"Yes, this is the butler's office."
"HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY KNOW THAT?! PUT KILLUA ON THE PHONE RIGHT NOW!"
It was as if lightning struck because no one was expecting it nor prepare. Sakura, Leorio and Kurapika leaped back. As all of Gon's anger was channeled causing a high alert.
Gon listened to the butlers calmingly agitating voice on the other end. He suggested that should he pretend Gon really was Killua's friend, there was no way to verify that Gon was actually who he claimed to be. In which the boy responded angrily that if Killua was put on the line, he would know it was him. However, the butler countered stating that identification by voice wasn't valid, playing a recording of Gon's voice just to prove his point. And recognition by sight wasn't reliable either apparently because it was also possible to mimic appearances. However, all this so-called logic was nothing more than a poison for Gon's anger. Going as far as to mention that it was possible someone had forced them to approach Killua for sinister purposes.
"As long as the threat exists, I cannot let you meet with Killua-sama. The Zoldyck family practices the trade of assassination. Naturally, it has made enemies. As butlers, it is our job to guard our masters. From their enemies. I apologize but please leave."
Gon hung up the phone heavily before storming outside again, a visible vein formed on his forehead. Leorio, Kurapika, and Sakura watched him.
Leorio's sweat dropped after he called to Gon without receiving a response, "He's seriously pissed,"
Sakura sucked in a breath before rushing out, realization dawning on her. "Crap, he's going to climb the wall!"
"What!?"
After ensuring that the fishing hook he had thrown over was firmly locked on the other end of the wall, by tugging on the gut line wrapped around his uninjured hand, Gon pushed off on his feet to stand vertically on the wall, taking his first few steps against the Testing Gate door. It wasn't long before he heard his friend's calling after him.
"Gon get down here right now!" Leorio demanded.
"It's okay. You three can wait here."
"Hell no!" Sakura stated, marching over to the gate "I don't mind if you won't let me open the gate for you, but at least find a way to get through yourself instead of throwing your life away to a giant watchdog! I'm not burying you here!"
"I'm not going through the gate!"
"Well, I'm not letting you climb over the wall either!" Sakura said jumping onto the wall, focusing her chakra on her feet, she attached herself, standing straight like a plank, looking down on Gon as she stood on the wall.
"Whoa!" Gon almost lost his grip on the line but quickly recovered.
Leorio's jaw dropped again, "You can stand across walls too! What's next, can you fly!?"
"If I could, I'd have taken us to the mountain by now!" Sakura hissed, glaring down at Gon who was glaring back at her, disregarding his awe. "Gon get down."
"No"
"Gon I mean it, I'm not letting you climb this wall!"
"And I'm not letting you take us through that gate!"
"Gon be reasonable!" exclaimed Leorio, reaching up to try and pull the boy down from behind. Their bickering was echoing through the silent night.
Kurapika then attempted to step in, "Will you all calm down?"
"I'm perfectly calm!" Leorio and Sakura retorted though the response told him otherwise.
Zebro took a breath, swallowing his disbelief for the group and walked outside, holding the key to the side door. "Gon-kun, I'll give you the key."
"Hold on pops, we can convince him to stop," Leorio told Zebro.
"Are you sure?" Zebro asked doubtfully, watching as the boy continued to climb, nearly reaching where Sakura was with a strong glint in his eyes. "He appears to be a stubborn boy. To make amends, I'll accompany you through the door."
Gon paused, his frown dropped as he looked at Zebro.
"It's possible that Mike will recognize me and not attack. Though I'm almost a hundred percent certain he'll kill us all."
"You can't do that. I don't' want to cause you any trouble."
Sakura sighed in relief as Gon dropped back down; personally, she wasn't too sure what she was going to be able to do to stop the boy from climbing up that wall. In fact, she was about ready to offer to climb up with him and take her chances with the guard dog since Gon refused to go through the Testing Gate. Despite how illogical the plan was. If it would sate Gon, then she'd be willing to risk it.
'What is wrong with me?'
"No, I'm coming with you," Zebro stated. "The result would be the same if I stayed behind. If I send young master Killua friend's to their deaths, I'd never be able to face him again. If you die. I will also die."
Gon fell silent, he pulled back his fishing line from the wall. "I understand. I didn't stop to consider your situation. Sorry."
Leorio, Kurapika, and Sakura smiled softly. The burden of responsibility, Sakura wished she remembered how useful that was against Gon before.
Zebro was impressed by Gon; at how quickly he was able to relieve his own anger for the sake of someone else. And he was clearly one with a strong heart. As was Sakura. Despite being able to go through the Testing Gate, she was not willing to leave her friend's behind, nor was she willing to let them recklessly risk their lives. Though she clearly had a soft spot for the boy in green.
'I wonder how they would react to seeing Mike,'
"Gon-kun, you must like animals am I right?" Gon nodded, "As I thought. Did you grow up playing in the countryside?"
"Yeah, how did you know?"
Zebro just smiled, "Gon-kun, I'm going to open the Testing Gate again. I want you to see Mike for yourself."
Eerie. That was the sensation felt as one entered through the Testing Gate onto the property of the Zoldyck's. It was as if everything just became darker; even the wind was colder. The mountain could be seen in the distance, but already those with experience knew to stay on high alert and were about to find out it was for good reason.
Leorio looked around carefully, "Is it really okay for us to be here?"
"It's alright. You entered through the Testing Gate." Zebro assured them, before moving to call out into the forest, his voice echoing all around. "Mike! Come here!"
Everyone waited with silent anxiousness. It wasn't long before they heard a low rumbling, in patterns that were identified as breathing. Soft but heavy thudding followed shortly after and through the thicket of the forest, emerged an enormous create, towering over everyone, resembling a dog but after looking at its dead-dark eyes, you'd know it wasn't. Sakura felt a bead of sweat trickle down her chin, but she wasn't shaking as badly as her companions. This certainly was an intimidating creature.
Akamaru could also become like this to his enemies, but he did it by directing his malice at his target and could identify friend from foe. This beast, on the other hand, wasn't intentionally trying to intimidate them, in fact, it was like there was no life in its eyes. Even Gon had become stiff as he stared at Mike. Unblinking as it laid down continuing to watch them.
"Gon-kun, do you understand now? This is a trained hunting dog." Zebro said calmly, "It's nothing like the wild animals you are accustomed to. You must have expected to be able to communicate with him. Until you looked into his eyes. Mike is currently memorizing the appearances and scents of humans he's never seen. There's nothing else on his mind. He's like a machine. Gon-kun, could you fight him?"
Gon shook his head, the sweat running down his chin, "No I'm scared. I don't want to fight him!"
"To be honest," Sakura said, quickly calming herself. "Probably,"
Zebro looked at the pinkette, "You've fought against a creature like this Sakura-san?"
Sakura swallowed heavily, reliving a memory. Once again taking her back to her world, and the monster's that lived in it. The times she had stood up to them, even when she was weak. "I've fought worse."
"Well, how long will you be here?" Zebro asked. Somehow he definitely believed what Sakura was saying, however difficult it may have sounded to others. It was clear she was on a different platform than her male companions. Perhaps on the same as the Zoldyck's. And that was frightening.
Kurapika, Leorio, Gon and Sakura looked at Zebro, with confident smiles then as Gon answered.
"Until we meet Killua! We won't leave until then,"
Zebro snickered, holding out his hand to direct the group. "Then come this way."
They were taken to the servant's quarters. A three-story cabin in the woods near the Testing Gate. Since it was already night and the tour bus that took them up wouldn't be back until the next day, Zebro said that they would be able to lodge here for the night. When Zebro had pushed open one of the two doors, they noticed how the bottom scraped against the wooden floors, scuffling it.
"Please enter,"
The cabin wasn't too big, but it was rather empty that made up for it in terms of space. Only a bit of furniture that seemed necessary, but it definitely lacked personal touches. With a few paintings on the wall, and a flower vase on top of the drawers.
"Hey, I'm back!" Zebro called.
From the staircase to their side, they heard footsteps followed by a tall man with tan skin, narrow eyes and smoking a cigarette. "Oh, you brought guests that's rare,"
"This is Seaquant. He works with me here." Zebro introduced.
Though his expression seemed indifferent and it didn't look like he was the approachable type, Gon and Sakura found their voices to speak to him.
"Hello," Sakura said bowing her head slightly.
"Good evening," Gon greeted politely.
Seaquant didn't give much of a reaction in return though, as he walked past the group with his hands stuffed in his pocket, "If you managed to win over Zebro, you must be special. Well, make yourselves at home, though it won't be easy here."
Zebro poured the four friends tea, while they sat at the table. Kurapika, Leorio, and Sakura on one of the benches. Gon and Zebro on the opposite one, while Seaquant remained standing but leaning against the wall. Gon had just finished explaining to him the reason that they were here.
"You want to see master Killua?" Seaquant laughed lightly, "That's a riot!"
"Sorry, but we're dead serious!" Leorio told him.
"Then let me give you a warning: Give up and go home,"
Leorio glowered back at the man, "What was that?"
"Zebro told you about the Testing Gate right?" Seaquant stated more than asked his tone firm. "That should give you an idea of what this place is like."
Gon stared at his reflection in the cup, through the seeping steam of the tea. "We understand that it won't be easy. But I'm not leaving. Not until I see Killua,"
Seaquant stared back at the boy,
"When Killua was in trouble, I wasn't there for him." Gon thought back to the images that had formed in his mind based on what Satotz had told him. "If I had been there, I could have stopped Killua." Gon then looked up a firmness in his eyes. "Killua is my close friend!"
"The same goes for me." Sakura stated firmly, "I called Killua my friend, but when he really needed my help, I couldn't be there. I need to apologize to him and it's going to take a lot more than a gate and giant watchdog to stop me,"
"Oh, there's a lot more little missy," Seaquant told her, his tone dripping honesty in a dreadful manner. "You'll be risking your life."
"I don't care!" Sakura exclaimed frowning, she clenched her fist tightly. "I don't' care what it takes to see him, but I will….."
Seaquant sighed. "What are you hoping to get out of seeing young Killua again?"
Sakura frowned, "What makes you think I'm trying to get something out of this?"
"Well for one, what you're attempting to do is an impossible task."
"Not for me. I can already breakthrough that gate easily enough and I could easily knock out that dog with one blow if I needed to."
Seaquant couldn't' hold back the short burst of laughter, hearing the pinkette's bold declaration. "You certainly say some funny things,"
"Actually, there may be more substance to them than you think Seaquant," Zebro said, gesturing to Sakura with his hand. "I actually witnessed for myself, this young lady open all seven gates,"
As if choking, Seaquant frowned, pointing brashly to the girl, "This little girl with the broken arm opened all the gates!? You're pulling my leg right Zebro?"
Zebro shook his head, taking a serious tone, "She is more powerful than she appears."
"Sakura is the strongest out of our group," Kurapika confirmed, "And as for her arm, she did that to herself on purpose,"
All eyes then fell on Sakura who tensed after Kurapika mentioned her arm. "It's true isn't it?" Kurapika asked. "After witnessing that strength you displayed opening those gates, you definitely could have escaped Hisoka's grasp without breaking your arm. Isn't that right?"
Sakura sighed, "Yes,"
"Sakura, why would you do that?" Gon asked.
She didn't reply but as she feared Kurapika already knew the reason. He had clearly been dwelling on this for a while because his statement was sharply accurate.
"It was a type of repentance,"
Leorio, Gon, Zebro, and Seaquant all had their eyes locked on Kurapika and Sakura, while the pinkette kept her head lowered as if attempting to hide from being unwantedly exposed.
"What do you mean?" Leorio asked the Kurta boy.
"During Gon's match with Hanzo when he was being tortured, I thought Sakura's indifference meant she was unconcerned about what was happening to him. But then when she fought Hisoka and broke her arm to get out of his grip and after seeing her actual strength, I realize that what seemed to be reckless desperation was a calculated act."
Sakura closed shut her eyes tightly, wanting to tell Kurapika to stop talking but she knew that he had already said too much for anyone to disregard this. If she told him to be quiet, her friends were probably going to demand she gives the explanation instead and wouldn't hold off until she admitted what she did not want to.
"In other words, Sakura felt so terrible for what had happened to Gon that she broke her own arm as a form of repentance for not intervening."
Gon stared at the pinkette on the opposite end of the table, "Sakura is that true?"
He was met with stony silence but was determined to hear the pinkette's explanation. "Why?"
Kurapika's level of observation was admirable, as well as hazardous in Sakura's case. She had been confident he wouldn't use those skills to decipher her anymore, but with it came a different form of concern for her. That was for her wellbeing. As her friend.
And because of that, she couldn't channel her anger towards him as her guilt poured with her words.
"I didn't stop Hanzo, because I knew how much you wanted to pass the Hunter Exam and I didn't stay to watch Killua's fight. I wasn't there to reassure him we were friends and he left because of that stunt his brother pulled." Sakura's fingers dug into the fabric of her apron skirt, her bottom lip quivered as her eyes glossed from the unshed tears she refused to allow to fall. Crying wouldn't help this situation, more often than not it had proven to be a pointless action while those around her stood strong with their heads held high, doing what needed to be done.
"I was a terrible friend,"
"No, you weren't!" Gon exclaimed strongly, causing everyone to bristle a little at the outburst. "You were always troubling yourself for our sakes and you're the only one to tell Killua he was your friend. So it's no wonder why he didn't think we were his friends too. If anything…" Gon's voice grew a little softer, but remained firm with his next statement, "I'm the one who should apologize to you."
"That's right," Leorio confirmed, just as aggressive as Gon's tone of voice. "If it weren't for you, Gon and Kurapika, I wouldn't have gotten my Hunter's license."
"I agree with Leorio and Gon," Kurapika stated calmly, "You've gone through great lengths for our sakes, and even inconvenienced yourself during the Fourth Phase by allowing me to take your badge. As well as letting Hisoka take the other two you had to protect us." Sakura stared wide-eyed at the three, Kurapika then proceeded to talk.
"Gon is right. If anything we should be the ones apologizing for making you think you have to bear the weight of the situation alone." Kurapika stood from the table, followed by Leorio and Gon as well who slid out from the bench. The three males stood on one side of Sakura in a line. With straight faces, they leaned forward, arms at their side (except for Gon, whose one arm was still in a cast).
They spoke simultaneously in an unharmonious manner but it was still enough to make Sakura's heart race.
"We're sorry Sakura. Please forgive us."
Exhaling softly, tears streamed down Sakura's face, she covered her mouth to hold back her sobs. Her chest swelling with warmth. "You guys….."
"We'll see Killua no matter what," Gon stated, lifting his head to look Sakura in the eye.
"So you don't have to worry anymore," Leorio told her.
Kurapika raised his head, "The three of us will use our own power to get to the mountain. So please bear with us."
As the three males anxiously waited for the pinkette's response, relief filled them even when her tears did not stop, but a smile graced her lips when she looked back at them. Its genuine light gave them their answer.
"Alright, I'm counting on you three."
Seaquant then spoke up, "Seriously, she opened the gate?"
Sakura glared at him, wiping her eyes. "Don't be stupid enough to underestimate me just because I care enough to cry for my friends."
"Well then," Zebro spoke up, "Why don't you stay here and do a bit of training?"
"Training?" Gon looked at Zebro curiously.
"Listen, you are allowed to work together to open the Testing Gate. There's nothing wrong with that." Zebro explained to them, despite Seaquant's objections. "With a little training, it should be possible. How about it?"
Gon looked down, "I don't like the idea of being tested…."
Kurapika smirked, "But if there's no other way,"
Leorio grinned widely, "We've got no choice but to do it!"
"Alright then, you'll need to put these on."
"Let's see, like this," Sakura winced, slipping on the vest. Her body felt like it was being pulled forward, like she couldn't handle her own weight anymore and then realized the reason why. She looked at Leorio who was already on his knees trying to lift himself, while Gon and Kurapika were holding onto the vests Zebro had given them like they were holding a slab of concrete.
"Each of these vests weighs fifty kilograms. Wear them at all times except when you sleep," Zebro said. "I'll make it heavier as you get used to it."
'This must be how Lee feels all the time,' Sakura thought shaking her head.
"As expected, you're not really struggling with this huh?" Kurapika said to Sakura.
"Well her physical strength is something else," Leorio remarked.
"Well, you're half right," Sakura said. "But I can actually feel the strain on my body."
Chakra enhanced Sakura's physical strength, yes but when she was training with Tsunade, her teacher told her that she shouldn't rely on chakra alone. Which seemed ironic to her at the time but nevertheless Sakura took it to heart. Normal training at the academy already when Sakura was twelve had made her stronger than a grown man. It's not as if they could allow aspiring ninjas to have the strength of a child if they wanted to survive.
It was just in comparison to full-fledged shinobi that they would appear weak. And when Sakura sparred with Tsunade, she had started training to increase her physical ability and stamina without the use of chakra but it wasn't until now that she was really seeing the results of this. Since most of her battles required her to use her chakra enhanced strength.
Gon, Kurapika, Leorio, and Sakura were again at the table with a cup of tea in front of them, Zebro told them to enjoy but when they tried to pick up the cup they instantly realize the difference in weight. Sakura picked it up, only able to use one hand at the time.
"So these are weighted too huh?"
"Yes, twenty kilograms and this teapot here is forty," Zebro told her, holding up the black teapot. He told them that all the utensils and furniture in the house weighed over twenty kilograms apiece.
"I get it," Kurapika said as he continued to struggle to lift his cup. "So this serves as training."
Seaquant walked in then, "It's useless. They'll give up in two or three days."
"What was that?" Leorio hissed
"Seaquant, I believe your shift has already started," Zebro said to his colleague.
"Oh right," Seaquant then left without giving the group so much as a second glance, which only served to further irritate them. Despite Zebro assuring that he wasn't a bad person.
Leorio stood up, holding his arms against the table to keep himself from falling. "By the way, where's the bathroom?"
Zebro directed him to the big metal door on the other side of the room, Leorio took one look at it and then back at Zebro nervously. "Don't tell me….the bathroom door is….?"
"Yes." Zebro said with a bright smile, "It weights five hundred kilograms."
Sakura threw her hand over her mouth to keep in her laughter as she watched Leorio panic.
"WHAT! I CAN'T HOLD IT IN!"
And thus began their training.
As Gon, Sakura, Kurapika, and Leorio prepared for Zebro's training to open the Testing Gate word of their actions had already reached the Zoldyck's. Inside the Zoldyck mansion, within a dimly lit hallway, two pairs of footsteps echoed. A women wearing dark purple bustle gown and a broad-brimmed hat decorated with feathers, fur, and flower, her face covered in bandages with an electronic visor covering her eyes. And a young boy in a black kimono with straight cut dark hair and big pink eyes.
Kikyo Zoldyck walked along the hallway with her son Kalluto, until they reached a door on the side. They entered a room that was just as dimly lit as the hallway. Chains attached to a holding on the ceiling, following the chains showed short distance between the pair because of the small arms they were connected to. Killua's head hung low, his wrists and ankles bound by thick shackles, his body marred with whip slashes. Standing in front of Killua was his brother Milluki, who had been torturing him since he returned home. Kikyo strolled in before Kalluto, asking Killua if he had learned his lesson but her kind tone sharpened when her son Milluki answered instead, stating that Killua wasn't sorry. Kikyo attempted coaxing Killua into apologizing for what he had done.
When met with silence Milluki chose to inform Killua that his friends, Gon and Sakura had come to see him, as a means of irritating his brother. And it had seemed to awaken Killua from his dazed state, the chains rattling above him. Enraged, Kikyo reprimanded Milluki for telling Killua something that was clearly mean to be kept silent. Killua himself was enraged that no one had told him they were here.
Kikyo claimed that it was irrelevant information since she didn't believe Gon would be strong enough to make it through the Testing Gate. Killua simply and calmly stated that Gon would and when his mother said it wouldn't make a difference, Killua then asked his mother if Sakura hadn't already opened the gate. Kikyo was taken aback by the question.
She was informed already that someone had opened all seven of the gates. The pink haired girl whom Illumi had cautioned her about and whose strength he had praised in his message. And that terrified her more so, the thought that Killua had made a friend stronger than himself; who showed promise of an affinity for a life in darkness but wanted to take Killua away from it. No, she wouldn't have it. And that's is why she hadn't even informed her own husband about the girl.
She also did not want to tell her son that Sakura had already opened the Testing Gate (all seven) and was only waiting for his other friend to open it, so she said it didn't matter since they wouldn't make it to the mansion. Killua told her that he knew they'd make it, his eyes holding such firm belief it scared her.
The book's pages were slightly soiled from the tears that dropped onto it as Sakura read. She had hoped the book would give her some insight on the happenings inside the Zoldyck mansion, and with Killua but she wasn't prepared for what she read. Sakura slammed the book shut, resting her hand on her knee.
"Killua….."
"Sakura,"
The pinkette jolted slightly, shifting the covers a little to reveal Gon's form right beside her. He blinked several times, wiping his eyes. She had almost forgotten he was sleeping next to her.
That night, Zebro brought Gon, Kurapika, Leorio, and Sakura up to the top floor of the cabin where three beds were set. He apologized that there weren't anymore, but Sakura wasn't all that surprised considering the story must have initially meant for only three of them to be there. Gon chided that he and Sakura could share a bed before Leorio and Kurapika could start talking about arrangements.
Though they did seem skeptical, even if Gon was younger it wasn't by that many years and it would have been more appropriate to let Sakura have her own bed while two of them shared but Sakura confirmed that she was comfortable with it. Since Gon had fallen asleep in her arms when they were still on Zevil Island. They had chosen the bed closest to the window, so even when the lights were off the room was still brightly lit by the moonlight.
"Sorry Gon, I didn't mean to wake you," Sakura said softly, laying back down on the bed.
"It's okay," Gon turned his head to look over at her. "Don't worry, we'll definitely get to see Killua so don't cry alright?"
Sakura smiled, stroking the top of Gon's head. "Thanks, Gon."
Sakura just hoped that they would get strong enough soon because she would now have the image the book had given her of Killua restrained by chains and being tortured in her memory.
'I won't read until I see Killua again,'
On the first day of training, Leorio and Kurapika had come to an agreement that Gon wouldn't try to open the gate since his arms were still healing. They had then proceeded to try and open the first gate with no result. As the days passed the intensity of the training increased along with the weights they were supposed to carry on them. The weight of their vests went to a hundred and fifty kilograms and as Zebro said, no one was allowed to take them off during training. Kurapika and Leorio trained vigorously together. Their training varied from balancing the weighted furniture such as chairs on their arms, holding trays of over a dozen cups, having large rocks tied to them to drag up a hill. Gon and Sakura were also training but mostly in secret since the last time they were caught working out they received a long lecture and disapproving scowls from Leorio and Kurapika.
Though Gon did start training beside Leorio and Kurapika after only a week when he emerged with his arm fully healed. Sakura had been giving herself and Gon healing sessions for their similar injuries but it seemed that Gon had an amazing healing factor on his own, but he had assumed that the recovery speed had a lot to do with Sakura's ability even when she assured him otherwise.
'There's no way someone can heal a broken arm in only seven days,'
But Gon had and because of that, Leorio, Kurapika, and Gon were able to take their trial at the Testing Gate together. At first, it was still a struggle, but Seaquant came up to the three and told them that their timing had to be matched or they would just be trying to push the weight of the entire gate. Once that was said, on the first try together, Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio managed to move the doors of the gate slightly before it slammed shut.
Then after several more days had passed, one morning while Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio were warming up before attempting to open the gate Zebro told them,
"Hey, why don't you three try removing your vests today?"
Gon, Kurapika and Leorio happily threw their vests on the ground, the weight cracking the earth beneath it. Sakura threw hers off as well and sighed in relief.
When she had been with Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio, Sakura had come to realize something being here they must have needed to undergo this training and if they had accepted her offer to open the gates for them, they probably wouldn't have gained the strength that they had now.
'I guess I really was carrying their weight,'
And she realized it could have done more harm than good. Just like it did her.
At the Testing Gate Leorio had both hands on one door, Kurapika on the other and Gon in the middle of the two ready to push.
"Sakura, come on and get ready to enter," Leorio called.
The pinkette smiled a little, walking over to them, her steps lighter and silent. "You guys sure you can open it this time?"
"With that training and all three of us working together, I'm sure we can get it this time!" Gon exclaimed.
"So just stand there and wait," Kurapika told her.
"Here we go!" Leorio called.
Kurapika counted, "One,"
"Two,"
"Three!" Gon exclaimed before pushing forward with all his strength.
Sakura, Zebro, and Seaquant watched the boys as the first doors of the Testing Gate began to slowly open. Sakura laughed as Gon fell after the door was open wide enough before entering through as Leorio and Kurapika kept their sides open, panting softly.
'What an impressive bunch,' thought Zebro.
"Alright!" Sakura fist pumped "You guys did it!"
"Just like we said we would!" Leorio grinned.
Sakura looked over at the mountain covered by the dark clouds, 'We'll be there soon Killua.'
And I'm afraid that's all for now, I'm going to be working on my other stories as well as this one so I hope you can all be patient for the next chapter.
In the meantime, don't forget to review!