I think the quality has suffered a lot. I'm really bad with transitions so really sorry for this. I want to finish this already before I start freaking Medical School this June.

Anyway, hope you enjoy what I managed to dish out. Been busy lately so yeah...I swear this is the last time I'd slack on a chapter.

"YOU STINKING OLD MAN! HOW DARE YOU DITCH ME!?" the person on the other side screamed, prompting the man to hold the phone away from his ear. Man, youngsters these days are so rude.

"I have some personal matters to attend to. I'd be back in two…three weeks." The man answered calmly. "Just be a good little boy and go on home without me," he looked out at the glaring sun, the sea gulls flying over head. The smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves crashing against the wooden ship. Ahh…it's been so long since he'd been on a trip.

"What about Battle Olympia?! It's in two days!"

"Oh, come on. You live in a house on top of a mountain. You don't need a penthouse at that level,"

"You could have told me that last week before you freaking disappeared! Now I feel like an idiot having to protect my spot from all these losers challenging me!"

"Being a Floor Master is just a waste of time,"

"SAYS THE ONE WHO TOLD ME TO BE A FLOOR MASTER!"

Another angry scream. He winced. That made his ear ring. Bad time to have hypersensitive hearing. "Yeah, well…anyway, training's over," a twelve-year-old boy passed by him, all smiles in childish excitement as he ran into the fishing boat ahead. The man smirked, "Gotta run now,"

"JUST TELL ME WHERE THE HELL YOU ARE SO I CAN KICK YOU IN THE-," the man clicked his phone shut with a gummy smile.

Ging slung his knapsack over his back, eyeing the sturdy old fishing boat bobbing as the waves rolled. He leaned over the dock, checking out his reflection in the clear water. The bandages on his head covering his face were still in place, exposing only his brown eyes and his mouth. He smirked to himself, pulling down his cloth hat. Hopefully, this fishing trip would not be so boring.

Hey, Gon! Check this out!

He'd turn to his friend and find him pointing out a weird mushroom or strange little animals and sometimes, a trick using his Nen. Killua always had that boyish sense of wonder about him whenever they were together. Like nothing's ever going to be serious. Like the world was so innocent, nothing's going to get hurt.

Gon liked spending time with Killua more than any other person he had ever met. It always felt surreal, the way Killua seem to make everything interesting. He was always a great challenge every time they train together. The competitiveness was there, including the aggressiveness, without leaving out the fun. In a second they'd go crazy on each other, the next they'd be breathless from laughing too much.

Killua balances out Gon, whether he's aware he's doing it or not. He's the voice of reason, the thinker, always ready with a sensible plan while Gon just does everything he felt like at the rush of the moment, leaving the clean-up to Killua. The white-haired teenager always grumbled about it but he'd still follow Gon, anyway.

He remembered Canary once saying that Killua was so much happier than she ever saw when Gon started becoming his friend. She had never really seen him laugh, never heard him talk excitedly, and she added, never really thought he'd act like his own age. He's really opened up to you, Gon-kun.

Really?

If anything, the more Gon spent time with Killua, the more he notices how much the assassin was hiding from him. It had started out as mere gut feeling. The way Killua looks at him when he thinks Gon's not paying attention. The flashes of fright in the assassin's eyes that he thought he could hide if he smiled. The sad smiles he doesn't seem to be aware he was doing. Gon wanted to ask a million times but couldn't bring himself to. He doesn't even know where to start. He'd always gone with the first words that came to his mind, and it had never failed him before, but this time, they did. Words fail him when he thinks of confronting Killua.

It was fear, he realized. It was fear that kept him from getting answers. He was afraid of what he would hear if he dared. So he convinced himself that it was too soon to ask. There's a time for everything and it's yet too soon. One wrong move, and this time, Killua might never come back to him. Gon was afraid to risk that. He just can't.

Fear is involuntary, but cowardice is a choice.

The person who taught him Nen said that to him after scolding him about his recklessness, then patting him gently on the head for doing well saving a friend. He did get shocked into releasing his aura when the cabin boy standing next to him got grabbed by the sea monster. And right now, Gon knew he was deliberately choosing to be a coward rather than facing his fears. He smiled wryly to himself, a lot of good that would do him.

He'd never be a true friend to Killua if he kept these doubts to himself. He knew the question he wanted to ask. He had to find out the answer soon.

He knew he didn't have much time. Someday soon, he'd have to leave the estate and when that happens, he wanted to take Killua with him.

He sat waiting under the shade of the trees, eyes closed as he breathed in the scent of the forest. He crossed his legs as he leaned against the tree, feeling the small animals gather around him playfully. The air was cold, signifying the coming of the rain. It won't be too long now.

It's been a week since Killua had left the estate for another mission. Gon had occupied himself with his duties of taking care of the forest, and getting rid of intruders. It was always the same thing whenever his best friend was away. It was boring, but waiting for Killua to get back home is always worth it. Killua had promised that he won't be gone for too long. A week, he had said he'd be back in a week. He should be back anytime today.

So he had been waiting under the shade of the tree line in front of the testing gate, waiting for it to open and for his friend to be there with that confident smirk on his face. He had been there even before the sun rose up in the horizon, pretty early, but it's always nice to hang out in the forest smelling of fresh morning dew.

Gon stared at the cloudy gray sky. His vision consisted of the tree branches, the sky, and the high walls surrounding the estate. He frowned. He never liked how the walls always seemed to constrict his view of the world. The walls were majestic and Gon was awed at the amount of effort and time it must have cost to build such a towering structure.

It won't be long before he starts the real chase and his world won't be obscured by borders.

He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard the gate creak as it opened. He looked towards the entrance, a grin plastered on his face. But his smile slowly faded as the gates opened, but only up to the third door. Killua knew he'd be waiting for him at the other side of the door when he comes home and would always open it all the way to the seventh door, just to show off. Gon only opens the first door when he's just entering the estate casually, with just enough strength in his hands like opening a fridge.

He steeled himself, silently scrutinizing the three people who entered. The gates shut closed behind them, and he barely caught a glimpse of Zebro-san shaking his head, and Seaquant-san drawing a line on his neck with his thumb. It seems the people were meant to be disposed of and in no decent connection with the Zoldycks. As per his duties, he'd have to make them leave. Mike was still out of commission, recuperating on a liquid diet in the shed he stayed under when it rains.

Besides, these people did enough research to know that a huge beast would automatically target them once they enter the small side gate. And they opened the third door- that must mean they could fight reasonably well. Gon finished his scrutiny of the newcomers. It would be better if he could just persuade them to leave voluntarily. The three men were wearing black outfits that covered their whole bodies up to their necks, blue masks covering half of their face until only their eyes were exposed. They looked like a bunch of triplets, in Gon's opinion, with the way that their green Mohawks were also similar.

He hoped Killua would not have to see them, if only to spare these men some dignity. Killua would surely ridicule them to an inch of their lives. Not everyone who comes to intrude upon the estate comes truly prepared. The three men deserved some mercy in Gon's honest opinion.

He got to his feet and proceeded to walk out of the shade. The men instantly got on their guard as he approached. He stopped some five meters away from them, hands on his side.

"I'm an apprentice butler serving the Zoldycks. It would be in your best interest if you'd leave the grounds immediately and never come back," he greeted with a small smile, trying to be polite as much as he could. Hopefully, they'd realize that they're making a big mistake. The men who didn't usually ended up as Mike's next meal.

"Shut up, kid. We're not leaving until we kill every last Zoldyck in this place. So go back to your master and tell him the Chao brothers are here to take their revenge," the one in the middle grunted, glaring at him with blood shot eyes.

Gon kept his calm front, "That's fine and all, but I can't do that. You'd have to leave, mister. I really don't want to resort to unnecessary violence,"

The brother on the left whipped out his hands, and it was full of needles crammed on the crevices of his knuckles. "If you don't get out of our way, we'd kill you. Wouldn't want that, would you?"

Gon kept a watchful eye on any more sudden movements. He folded his hands behind him, "No, I would rather not. But if you keep insisting on getting your way, I'd have to force you to leave,"

"Tch…" the third brother crossed his hands in front of him, chock full of needles, too, "He's just wasting our time, better get him out of the way," his brothers all took to their fighting stance.

The apprentice butler shuffled on his feet, hands fisted at his side, "For the last time, I'm asking you to voluntarily leave this place," he said in a flat tone, like he's just saying it because he had to. Dealing with stubborn people on a death wish was tiring.

They answered by simultaneously jumping into the air and throwing their needles at him. Gon watched the thousand tiny needles about to rain down on him. In an instant, his hand was on the handle of the fishing rod strapped to his back. He swung it in front of him, deflecting the first onset of needles as he stepped backwards, keeping the metal rod rotating in front of him. Once all the needles were deflected, Gon whipped the fishing pole to his side.

"I gave you four chances to change your mind," he said, stalking towards them, activating his En. He could feel every tremble in their lanky frames as they were swarmed by his malicious aura. It was something Killua had taught him. People do respond well to threats, even empty ones. Gon didn't really want to kill them, but he could pretend to want to. One of them, the last one to speak, finally buckled on his knees, whimpering. Gon stopped a mere two meters from them, "I'm not in the best of moods today, I'm afraid I might not have enough mercy to spare for all of you," he pointed his fishing rod at the brother in the middle. "Say, if I only have enough for two, which brother would you save?"

The oldest brother gulped nervously. His knees were shaking and he knew it won't be long before his knees buckles. The kid had a maniacal expression on his face, like he would butcher all of them and he's going to do it laughing. The rumors were right. The Zoldycks are monsters. It wouldn't be surprising if they are also served by monsters, like this kid. One second, he was looking all sunny and naïve, next, he looked like a vicious murderer.

Gon hoped his words would help the current situation. Those sessions with Killua on torture, coercion and assassination techniques were finally being of use. He desperately wanted to spare these guys. They're clearly trying hard to take on something out of their league. If Canary saw them, it wouldn't even take her half a minute to kill all of them. They were certainly no match for any of the servants in the estate. If they didn't meet Gon, they'd surely be mince meat by now. Maybe they'd listen to reason now.

But apparently, too much panic can cloud reason entirely and even Gon was startled a bit when the man howled before trying to pounce on him. Gon easily side-stepped him and landed a chop on the back of his neck with just enough force to incapacitate him. He fell to the ground with eyes rolled back and his mouth foaming. He turned to the only standing brother, who was shaking in terror. No wonder it suddenly smelled like piss. "D-don't t-touch me!" he shrieked, needles falling out of his fist even while he attempted to swing his hands at Gon.

Gon felt sorry for him, "Okay, then," in one swift movement, he brought down his fishing rod on top of the man's head. The man collapsed in a heap on the ground, unconscious. Then it was the last brother's turn, "Uh…"

The man was kneeling on the ground, tears and snot covering his face, "P-please spare me! I beg you! We'll never come back here again, I swear!" he bowed until his forehead touched the ground.

Now Gon felt utterly guilty, "Alright, alright!" he took the man by the arm and pulled him to his feet. "Take your brothers and go," the man instantly scrambled to pick up his fallen brothers, "You can just use the small gate over there," he pointed towards the side gate. The man thanked him profusely, bowing as he dragged his brothers by their collars until they disappeared from the side gate.

Gon sighed. He used the tail ends of his black blazer to wipe his fishing rod clean. He felt like he had bullied some defenseless people.

He heard the gate creak open behind him and he turned, smile widening as the doors opened up to the seventh. And that tell-tale white hair. It can't be anyone other than, "Killua!"

Killua looked up in time to see a black blur before Gon tackled him, sending him to the ground with the apprentice butler, the doors closing behind him, "Gon?" he blinked, unused to the overenthusiastic greeting. That was before Gon sat up and shook him by the shoulders. He was just glad he didn't land on the numerous needles littering the ground around them.

"Killua! I just tried doing what you taught me on some people!" Gon announced cheerfully, "It worked! It made me feel a little sorry for them, but it worked!"

The assassin narrowed his eyes at him, mindful of the way his best friend was practically sitting in his lap, "What are you talking about?" he tilted his head in confusion, "Wait, was it those men in ridiculous outfits crying outside?"

Gon nodded eagerly. Killua snorted before bursting out laughing. No wonder they looked so shaken. He and Seaquant had a hoot and a half picking on their outfits before sending them away. They were cursing and sobbing as they went. Serves them right for underestimating their opponents.

Gon got back on his feet and pulled Killua to a stand. The assassin held his sides, biting his lip to stop himself from laughing, "What do you want to do now? Do you have to go home first?" Gon asked.

"Nah." Killua chuckled, "I'd ask Gotoh for breakfast first," it would be nicer to eat at the butler's mansion than with his mother fawning over his shoulder about a job well done.

"Okay. I'm also a little bit hungry," Gon walked ahead in front of him.

The assassin was about to walk beside his friend when he noticed it. He stopped in his tracks, a smile slowly forming on his lips, "Gon, you have a giant freaking pin stuck in your head!" he laughed. Gon probably thought he had perfectly evaded all of them. It barely peaked out of the spikes in Gon's hair. The golden pin didn't seem to be embedded too deeply for someone as sensitive as Gon didn't even notice he was hit.

Gon sulked, running his hands through his hair to find the pin, "Aww…I thought I was good back there…" he groaned.

Killua laughed, "Well…it seems like they got you good," he pulled the pin out for his friend. It came off all too easily. He showed the pin to the curious apprentice, "See how-," Killua's eyes widened in shock as he watched Gon topple to the ground, a hand sliding along his pant leg as he tried to support himself on Killua to no avail. Killua froze in cold sweat, his eyes snapping towards the unconscious apprentice butler crumpled at his feet. "Gon?" he stared in horror as Gon didn't move.

"Gon!" Killua called again desperately. He knelt beside his unresponsive friend, shaking him. He ran his hand on Gon's scalp. There was no blood. He turned Gon on his back and checked for injuries. None. Gon was perfectly normal. No sign of any entry wound. Then what did this to him? Did pulling out the pin on his head do this?

"Dammit, Gon!" he slung the apprentice butler over his right shoulder and ran as swiftly as he could to the butler's mansion.

Killua sat on the chair next to Gon's bed, watching his friend's peaceful expression as he slept.

He had taken Gon straight to the mansion's infirmary, and rattled the resident doctor to look him over. That was when Hishita and Gotoh had entered and told him to calm down and wait for them to finish examining the apprentice. He watched from the next bed over as they deliberated his friend's condition. He felt so drained.

They said Gon was perfectly fine. He was just asleep. As to what caused it, they could only deduce that the pin must have some kind of tranquilizer that triggers when the pin is removed. They reassured him that the apprentice would wake up on his own soon enough. That had been hours ago. It's almost night time. They even moved Gon back to his own room to sleep it off.

Killua grimaced as Gon stirred, and went right back to sleep. In truth, he had been so terrified when Gon had collapsed on him without warning. He didn't even manage to catch him before he slid to the ground. He felt like his heart stopped and all he could think about was the worst possible scenarios. Gon could have died right then. What if it wasn't just a simple tranquilizer that was in that pin and he had recklessly pulled it out? Would he have killed his friend accidentally?

That thought still made his blood run cold. He stared at his friend's prone figure on the bed. How easy could it have been for Gon to die…

The door opened and the lights in the room went on, casting a bright yellow light upon the spacious area. Killua had to squint his eyes as he turned to the door where Canary and Amane were standing, the former with a look of pleasant surprise on her face.

"Killua-sama, they said you already left," Canary said as she approached the bed, looking over the sleeping apprentice. Amane gave him a casual bow as she stood beside her friend, choosing to remain silent. "Is he alright?"

They must have thought he did, since he didn't come down or move for anything since he sat here, which was probably since around lunch time. It was already dark and cold outside, with a slight drizzle. "Yeah," maybe he should go home now. Gon would be up and about the next morning for sure, "I should be getting home now," he stood up and made for the door. "Give me a call when he wakes up,"

Hishita offered him an umbrella before he got outside but he refused, saying he'd probably get to his house before even getting soaked.

He ran as fast as he could through the forest paths, sometimes taking shortcuts by some trees. The rain had intensified all so suddenly, fat droplets falling on his face as he went. Everything seemed cold and gray and Killua didn't like what the scenery reminded him of. He'd rather forget but-,

He sensed something cut through the air and he stopped abruptly, skidding on the muddy ground for a few meters. He sharpened his vision, claws out and ready as he scanned his darkened surroundings. There was something lurking in there, something dangerous. He grit his teeth as a figure moved in the darkness. Tall figure, long black hair, wide black eyes.

Killua's eyes widened in realization, "A-aniki?"

Illumi raised a hand in greeting, "Hello, Kil."

Don't worry, I'd try to up the quality again in the remaining chapter. Because, as you know, shit's about to go down.