Chapter summary/notes: Smut and Death

Hisoka has flashbacks about Illumi and Gon gets himself into trouble

...

"Well, this is where I leave you, Gon." Hisoka had taken Gon to an inn, and they had shared a meal together. Hisoka shared a lot of interesting information with Gon, which was sure to be forgotten, but it was nice to hear him talk about something. It kept his mind off of his future.

Hisoka was even nice enough to rent a room for him, which was right across from the room that Hisoka would be staying in.

"Yes, thank you so much for all of your help! You'll be leaving in the morning right?"

Gon didn't want to say goodbye just yet. He still felt like he had so much more to learn.

"I'll probably make my way back by the afternoon. I actually have some business in town. But I'll be leaving very early." Hisoka looked far away, like he was already somewhere else.

"Ah, I see, so this really is goodbye?"

"I'm afraid so. But it has been interesting, Gon the Earth Guardian. I hope you are able to save your island"

"Yes, thank you! You can come to visit me when everything is better!" Gon smiled, but he felt sad. He wanted to tell Hisoka that he'd miss him.

"Well, good night. I'm sure our paths will cross again" Hisoka patted Gon on the head, turned to his room, and closed the door behind him. Gon stood there for a few seconds, but eventually retreated to his room as well. This was going to be a long trip.

…

Gon tried to fall asleep, he really did, but he couldn't. He stayed up, planning where he'd go next, counting what money he had left, wondering what the future had planned for him. He sighed, lying in bed, after he had gone through his things multiple times making sure he had all that he needed. He even tried to think back about how to make a sleeping potion, but couldn't remember the names of all the ingredients. Some kind of powder and some juicy bug or something. It just wasn't coming to him. Gon was tempted to ask Hisoka for some notes or something before he left.

But it seemed he wouldn't need to. Someone was trying to enter his room. He was surprised that Hisoka was coming back to visit him that he didn't even stop to contemplate the possibility that it was not Hisoka entity trying to visit him late at night.

"Hisoka?" he whispered into the darkness. The door creaked open, and a dark figure stepped in. It was as tall as Hisoka. No. It wasn't. It was taller than Gon, but not like Hisoka. Gon realized this too late. He tried jumping out of bed, to fight, but the thing was too quick.

It grabbed him from behind, its arms wrapping around him, squeezing him. Gon was having hard time breathing. His feet kicked, he struggled, and he could hear the thing whispering, saying words Gon didn't understand. His feet started to burn, he looked down to see nothing. Still darkness, his legs were on fire, he knew it, it hurt so bad, he started to scream, at least he think he did. All he could hear was that whispering. He was going to be burned to a crisp and there wasn't even a fire, there was nothing. His body started shaking, with fear and shock and pain and anger, but he was losing consciousness.

"Please" was all Gon said. His eyes closed, he had no energy. It was an emergency and he couldn't even help himself. What right did he have to call himself a Guardian? All he could think about was his island.

The whispering stopped. Gon was happy to have silence. He sighed. He realized the burning stopped, but the pain lingered. Were his legs bleeding? They felt wet and cold. He shivered and felt himself being lifted up. "I'm sorry" was all he heard. He tried to open his eyes, but he was so tired. Gon fell asleep, having fitful dreams, but not waking.

…

"Illumi" Hisoka mumbled, pulling him close and pressing their lips together. Illumi returned the kiss. And they did not stop for several minutes, kissing each other softly, Hisoka running his fingers through Illumi's hair, and Illumi tenderly touching Hisoka's back.

When they parted, Hisoka did not let go. He kept Illumi close.

"Thank you for your offering" Illumi said, looking into Hisoka's gleaming golden eyes.

"I want to give you more" Hisoka said, uncertain if he was going to be able to control himself. Illumi drifted through his arms like smoke and walked back into the shadow of the doorway

"Tomorrow" Illumi said.

…

Hisoka knew something wasn't right when they entered the town. The people seemed fake, almost unrealistically happy and kind. Sure, there were nice towns, but they all had their fair share of mean drunks, sour old people, or snotty kids. This was surprisingly without any. But Hisoka had rented rooms at the inn anyway. It was his fault. He thought the shadow that was following them was after him, something he could easily handle. He never thought it would be after Gon. That was his mistake.

Hisoka had heard Gon screaming and immediately rushed in to see a shadow burning Gon alive. It was a spell he had seen before.

Shadow beasts don't like to be exposed, they don't want their identity to be known, and so Hisoka had done the only thing that made sense. He took a light potion, coated his hands, tossing the rest at the creature, and grabbed it by the head. Hisoka the light exposed the creature, showing Hisoka his ugly face, his large knotted and rotting hands. He stared it in the eyes, his hands on the sides of its face. "I see you" Hisoka said aloud, and the creature recoiled, shriveled up and turned into dust.

He quickly pulled Gon into his arms, examining his body to see what damage had been done.

'His legs' Hisoka thought. Hisoka removed his pants, hands reaching down to see nothing, but Gon kept recoiling as if it was hurt. A mental torture which resulted in physical pain. Hisoka knew what this was and for a second he felt excited. He hadn't seen something like this in a very very long time. But right now he needed to help Gon. He would have to brew the potion, and he didn't have all of the materials. But he did know a spell. He wasn't fluent in casting, but he knew of one to calm the senses. He spoke in a low voice, taking Gon to the bed, tucking him in. Gon's face looked a little more relaxed, but there was no way to tell how well it had worked.

Hisoka began making his potion, at least the base for it. He'd have to go out and find some rabbit fur… and maybe some water sitting in the moonlight, if he could manage. But he'd have to leave Gon, and he didn't want to do that. Those creatures, collectively known as the Bane worked for Shadow Guardians. Hisoka had dealings with the Bane before, and usually where there was one, there were at least three more to follow. He'd have to take Gon with him. Hisoka sighed. Tonight was going to be very very long.

...

Hisoka had carried gon on his back as he hunted around for his materials. He was successful, but each time he turned around he could feel the presence of something. They were watching him. Now that he knew they wanted Gon, he wouldn't let the boy out of his sight. And these creatures were not foolish enough to attack him. They knew better than that.

Hisoka hurried back to the inn, brewing his potion for the rest of the night until it was sunrise. Gon was still asleep, which worried Hisoka. He fed the potion to Gon, but he still did not wake.

"Hm, this isn't good" Hisoka frowned. He knew waiting this long wouldn't be a good thing.

"Ah, Gon, why is most of our time together spent while you are asleep?" Hisoka sighed. He'd have to call in a favor.

…

Hisoka pulled Illumi close to him once more, pulling his hair to the side and kissing his neck. "Illumi" he mumbled, kissing his jaw, his chin, and then his lips.

"This feels like yesterday's offering" Illumi said, not in an ungrateful way, but as a matter of fact.

"It's different" Hisoka said, pulling their hips together. He kissed Illumi again and again, shuffling them to the closest thing, which was the couch. Illumi was pushed onto it and he laid there as Hisoka began stripping.

"Should I remove my clothes, too?"

"Yes" Hisoka panted, touching himself a little.

Illumi sat up, smoothly and quickly stripping down to nothing. Hisoka bit back a moan. He never thought he'd get this far with Illumi.

"Illu~" He was on top of Illumi in a second, kissing his neck, his chest, down to his semi-hard cock. Hisoka breathed in his scent, and softly grabbed Illumi , licking and kissing. Hisoka heard Illumi gasp and it was a beautiful sound. Hisoka looked Illumi in the eyes as he sucked, slowly bobbing his head.

Each breathy moan that come from Illumi's mouth went straight to Hisoka's rock hard cock. Hisoka stopped what he was doing and positioned himself over top of Illumi. Slowly he took in Illumi's cock. Hisoka had enough foresight (and wishful thinking) that he had mildly prepped himself beforehand. But it was still rough taking in Illumi and he groaned the further down he sunk.

Illumi's hands went to Hisoka's hips, and he watched intently as Hisoka began swallowing him.

"uhhhhnn" Hisoka's eyes were closed and he shuddered as he felt himself bottom out.

Illumi was breathing heavily, gripping Hisoka's hips tightly. Hisoka lifted up slightly and slowly moved back down. It was a slow steady rhythm that Hisoka started, until Illumi began thrusting up into him.

"Hnnn" Hisoka clawed at Illumi's chest. Illumi kept going, and Hisoka was bouncing with the force of it. Hisoka started to return the thrusts, and the two of them moved in alignment, perfectly syncing. It was like a masterpiece coming together. Their hands touched one another, and they watched one another's expressions. They drew closer to each other, kissing tenderly, passionately. It felt so right. Hisoka hugged Illumi tighter with his thighs, feeling he might cum at any second.

"Illumi!" He shouted, throwing his head back as Illumi one of Illumi's hands moved to his cock to stroke him.

Hisoka bounced faster, and Illumi returned it, suddenly stilling as he came, only letting out a long breath as he did. Hisoka felt Illumi's hot release, and came hard, with Illumi still stroking him. Illumi was covered in cum, and Hisoka was a sweating panting mess.

"Hisoka, thank you for your offering" Illumi said, dipping a finger in the cum and bringing it to his mouth.

…

Hisoka was able to… eh, 'procure' a horse and left the town as soon as possible. Hisoka understood now why the town was so off-putting to him, it was the Bane. They fed on darkness. He really should have been paying more attention. He sighed aloud, clutching Gon a little tighter to him, as if he wanted to apologize. This really was his fault.

It would take three days to get to Beldaran. It was a very big city, quite beautiful, full of history and magic, and a place that Hisoka liked to visit often. He knew a very good healer who lived in the city, but he was uncertain if she had remained there. He was hopeful that she would be there, but the other problem was getting her to actually see him. They had a… well a sort of history and she was not interested in seeing him. But this would not deter Hisoka. He'd make sure Gon was back to normal no matter what.

…

The city was bright and bustling, full of people dressed elegantly and clean looking. Hisoka looked like a sore spot, both he and Gon were in desperate need of a shower. Hisoka had rode almost non stop, resting for only a few hours and then riding continuously until he had reached the city. He hadn't had time to shave, and a patch of blonde stubble was visible on his face. His hair was messy and limp, and he felt exhausted. But he didn't show it. He looked confident, but filthy and unkempt. People stared, but they didn't approach him. He rode for a little longer, reaching a tavern that he was very familiar with. He went inside and talked with the barkeep (who was a good acquaintance and was also the innkeeper). He asked for his usual room, which was given to him right away. This time he checked for any dark presence, and found that the Bane had not followed him to the city. Good, this might work out for him better than he thought.

Although he was hesitant to leave Gon alone once more, he knew he had no choice. He did his best to put up a warding spell, but casting was not his forte, and doubted it would be strong enough to keep something like the Bane out. He left on his quest regardless, hoping that nothing bad would happen to Gon.

…

"How do you have something to offer me, every time I come here?" Illumi asked, playing with Hisoka's hair.

Hisoka looked up from his book. "I only offer things to you. You're the only Guardian I care about"

Illumi felt warm inside. Happiness? Illumi wasn't sure.

"I like the things you offer me, it's like you know me perfectly" Illumi commented.

Hisoka froze, a flashback to a younger Illumi, bright and pure was floating in his head. "I'm very good at guessing" Hisoka said.

…

A few hours later, a little bit of bribery and lying, and Hisoka was standing in front of a door, which was supposed to be the home of his healer. He knocked, and someone approached. He heard them unlock it and open it slightly, just to see who was standing there. Hisoka was met with the sliver of the face of Machi. Her pink hair was pulled back and she was in a long dress, looking like she was getting ready to leave.

"Hello" Hisoka started. When Machi caught sight of him she closed the door immediately.

"Ah now, that was rude" Hisoka knocked again. He could sense the hesitation that Machi had to open the door.

The door opened slightly once more. "I told you not to visit me"

"It's an emergency" Hisoka said.

"Hah!" Machi rolled her eyes, the door opening a little more as if to examine Hisoka. "You don't look hurt"

"It's not me"

Machi frowned. "If you say it's your dick I swear I'm gon-"

"No. Its not, but I'll remember that line for next time. I've got a… an acquaintance who's suffered some major spell damage. I can't fix it."

Machi stared at him, looking as if she were deliberating. "Bring this acquaintance here. I've got a gala thing tonight" She looked over her shoulder then looked back "but, I've never seen you ask so nicely before. Be quick, I'll be here when you get back."

"Thank you, Machi"

…

True to her word, Machi took in Gon and Hisoka. She was quick to scoop Gon into her arms, looking over his body, trying to understand the extent of the damage. She set him down on a small cot that she seemed to have prepared beforehand.

"Ah, Hisoka, you should have brought him here much sooner" Machi furrowed her brow, her eyes never leaving Gon. She started saying words under her breath, words Hisoka only barely understood. He was amazed by how she could work so diligently and stay so focused in casting her spell.

He sat down, nearby to watch, but far enough so he wouldn't get in her way. He would not lie, he loved every moment of this. This was thrilling, knowing danger was after him and Gon, seeing Machi do her work. He shivered. This was going to be quite an adventure.

…

"Well, I've done all that I can do. Now you just have to wait for him to wake up." Machi stood up from her spot, and stretched a little. She had been sitting there for three hours.

Hisoka stood up as well. "I really appreciate it."

"Yes, and I appreciate your business."

"Hn, how much for the treatment?" Hisoka asked, realizing he'd probably have to give her all of the money he had brought with him.

"We'll see." Machi said mysteriously. She had been vague before. Sometimes it would depend on how much she approved of her own work. Other times it would be how generous she was feeling.

"I'm allowed to stay here and watch him, correct?"

"Of course" Machi said, walking to her kitchen. "Did you want something to eat?"

"No, but I was wondering if I could use your shower?"

Machi came back from the kitchen, nodding and eating some kind of pastry. "Ah, I thought you looked a little worse for wear. The shower's in the back. You have to talk to it first though. It's strange… Actually you know what, I'll get it started for you." Machi walked back to help him get everything set up.

"You've been awfully kind to me Machi. The last time I left, it was with injuries you had given me"

"Yeah, well, sometimes I change how I feel" she said as she fiddled with the dials on the wall to get the shower started.

Hisoka chuckled. "Ah, Machi, I've missed you"

"Yeah yeah, I made sure everything was set to warm. You can use whatever you want in there." She quickly walked away, shoving a towel in Hisoka's chest.

"Thank you, Machi"

…

Hisoka watched as the blood drained from Illumi's twitching body. His eyes were watching him and he couldn't help but reach out to move a strand of hair from Illumi's face. He looked at peace. Hisoka sighed. A single tear rolled down his face as he watched Illumi die. For the first time, he felt a twinge of regret for killing him. But the feeling went away. Illumi was beautiful, and now he would be that way forever. Gorgeous, floating on a surface of crimson, pale, unmoving, almost statue like.

Hisoka sat and watched Illumi's dead body for a few hours before he moved.

…

Hisoka emerged from out of the bathroom, his lavender hair pinned back out of his face, the rest loose around his neck. He was dressed only in the towel Machi had given him, his dirty clothes in hand. His face was lightly decorated, a single star on his right cheek.

"Oh, I feel so much better. Machi, you are a blessing"

She rolled her eyes at his entrance, having seen the whole thing before. "Did you need those washed?" She stood up, ready to take the clothes from his arms.

"If it's not too much trouble."

"No, I have this cool new thing I wanted to try out anyway, cleans clothes in a few seconds."

"Hmm, I want to see" Hisoka, ever curious, stepped close to see Machi pull out a little creature, small and round, like a beetle. It looked like it was just moving around in circles. It did that for about thirty seconds and nothing happened.

"Huh, maybe I didn't read the directions right?" But the beetle crawled back, shivered and died.

"What the hell?!" Machi picked up the beetle, and as soon as she did the clothing was pristine, like it had never been worn before. Even old stains, missing buttons, all were returned.

"Oh my" Hisoka mumbled, picking up his shirt, examining it closely.

"Damn, I thought I'd get more uses out of this thing" Machi dropped the dead beetle into the trash.

"Maybe it's still alive" Hisoka offered, already putting on his fresh underwear.

Machi frowned. "Do you have to do that here?"

"I was cold" Hisoka pouted.

"Hello?" said a voice from the other room. Machi and Hisoka looked at each other. Gon was awake.

Hisoka was the first to move to Gon's side, with Machi close behind.

"Gon, are you alright?"

"Hisoka?" Gon squinted, rubbing his eyes.

"Yes, do you remember what happened?"

"Don't bother the poor kid, he just woke up, let him breathe a little" Machi pulled a little on Hisoka's arm, trying to urge him back.

"Where am I?" Gon looked around, his eyes settling on Hisoka's face, then Machi's, then back to his hands.

"This is my home. I've taken care of you. But you really should lie back down."

Gon smiled "I've gotten pretty good at lying down."

Machi looked at Hisoka confused. "When we first met, I had him sleep off a confusion spell"

"Ah. That's better than what I was thinking" Machi mumbled.

"What?" Gon asked.

"Nothing, just lie down. You can stay awake and talk, just don't sit up. It'll do some crazy voodoo damage to your brain"

"Seriously?" Gon looked worried, lying down quickly.

"Ya, just don't sit up again."

Hisoka looked down at Gon, who appeared to be scared. "Don't worry, I'll be right here." Hisoka patted Gon's hand.

"Now, tell me what you remember." Machi sat back, watching the two of them discuss what had happened.

Somewhere along the conversation, Gon had let it slip that he was a Guardian. "Whoa, hold on a second, you're a Guardian?" She looked from Gon, to Hisoka giving him some kind of look that Gon didn't understand.

"Yes, I am." Gon nodded, a little bashful at Machi's staring.

"Get out." Machi stood up suddenly.

"W-what?" Now it was Gon's turn to be confused. He looked to Hisoka, whose eyes were closed.

"He's not related to Illumi" Hisoka said. Machi stood there, still appearing to be on edge, but significantly less agitated.

"Is he yours?" Hisoka stood up. The look on his face made Gon's stomach drop. He had that weird smile on his face, his eyes sharp and furious.

He walked over to Machi, who stood her ground. "I told you he's not related to Illumi" They stared at each other for a while. It seemed to be a battle of wills. Machi broke away first.

"I want you both out of here by 9, understood?" Machi turned, walking out of the room, not even waiting for a reply.

Hisoka sighed and sat back down. "That was exciting" Hisoka murmured.

"What was that about?" Gon sat up, despite what Machi had told him.

Hisoka sat back in the chair next to Gons cot, looking bored. "Nothing, don't worry about it. Get ready to leave. We'll be out of here in the next ten minutes."

Gon shuffled out of his little bed, picking up his discarded clothing, embarrassed to find that, once more, he was naked in a bed.

Within the ten minutes Gon got dressed, cleaned and the both of them left without a word. Hisoka had left a little bag of gold on the table and a note. Gon didn't get to read it, but he imagined it was an explanation of some sort, as Hisoka had spent that whole ten minutes writing it. Or perhaps it was a love letter, since he saw Hisoka adding hearts to the ends of his sentences. Gon really didn't understand Hisoka sometimes.

…

"Hisoka"

"Ya, Gon?" Hisoka was walking beside Gon, the two of them had been silent for a long time after they had left the city. Hisoka had snuck them out at night with some more 'procured' items and they were travelling in the darkness, unfortunately horseless, with bags full of supplies.

"Who is Illumi?" Gon had been thinking back to the conversation between Machi and Hisoka. Why did they get so worked up? Why was being related to Illumi a bad thing? He didn't understand and he desperately wanted to.

Hisoka took a deep breath "Gon, do you remember how I mentioned I knew a Guardian?"

"Yes?"

"Well, Illumi was that Guardian."

"I see." Gon was eager to hear more. But Hisoka didn't say anything else.

"So, why did that lady freak out about it?"

"Let's stop to make camp." Hisoka had walked off into the woods, and Gon followed. He would not let Hisoka distract him from finding out the truth.

…

The two were sitting around the campfire and Gon decided to ask about Illumi once again.

"So, uh, you said that Illumi was a shadow guardian" Gon was ready to finish his question, but Hisoka was already talking.

"Yes, and Illumi and I were very close. I practically worshipped him. I used to give him an offering everyday"

Gon laughed in disbelief. "Everyday? No guardian needs offerings that often!"

"I know, but I cared for Illumi very deeply. So I gave him all that I could. He would visit me, and we would spend almost every night together. But, there are some things you will never know about me, Gon." Hisoka looked somber, looking up into the sky. It was dark, no moon was present, and just the shadows were flickering in the light of the bonfire.

"Well, I'd like to get to know you" Gon offered.

Hisoka smiled, and reached out to pat Gon on the head. "We'll see"

Gon felt angry for a second. "I'm not a child" he said suddenly.

Hisoka looked surprised. "I never said that you were"

"Well you keep treating me like one!" Gon stood up, finally feeling the stress of his journey.

"Gon, how do you want me to treat you?" Hisoka's smirk set Gon off. He grit his teeth and balled his fists. He wanted to punch that stupid smirk right off of Hisoka's face. His arms felt heavier and he looked down, to see that they were no longer flesh, but some kind of solid stone.

"Oh my" Hisoka looked excited, standing up to get a better look at Gon.

Gon looked back up. "Stand away from me, Hisoka. I'm still mad at you" He felt the stone solidify his whole body, but he could still move and breathe. This had happened to him once before. It was the 'earth' form that he had developed when he became an earth guardian. It would happen to him when he got angry. He still didn't fully understand it, but he knew how to control it a little.

Gon took a few deep breaths and Hisoka stood back, and he felt light once more. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you." Gon whispered.

"It's alright Gon, I've had worse"

Gon looked up to see Hisoka smiling gently at him, his hand out in offering. Was he supposed to take it? Gon wasn't sure but he reached out and put his hand in Hisoka's. They sat next to each other and Gon didn't want to say another word. He just wanted to be home and happy. But he was cold, and anxious, sitting next to a man that he knew nothing about.

"Will you tell me more about yourself?" Gon said quietly.

"I will, Gon, but not tonight" Hisoka squeezed Gon's hand lightly. Gon rested his head on Hisoka's shoulder. Hisoka removed his hand from Gon's, and placed his arm around Gon's shoulder, pulling him in tight.

"Why don't you tell me about yourself instead?" Gon watched the fire. He was feeling a little better but he didn't feel like talking.

"Another time."

"That sounds good." Hisoka said, running his fingers through Gon's hair.