"Hisoka, where are we going?" Gon asked. His feet were aching and tired. They had been travelling for almost a month. They stopped off at a two towns, filling up on supplies and sleeping in beds. But the last leg of this journey had been camping outdoors and eating the same boring bread for a week.

"I told you, to find your wizard"

"Yeah, but that doesn't tell me where we're going!" Gon pouted.

"Well, the city is straight ahead. You can see the spire just beyond the trees. We'll be going there. I have another acquaintance who I believe would be very interested to hear your case."

"Hmm… are we going to stay here for long?"

"I'm not sure." Hisoka said honestly.

"We can eat meat here, right?" The last town they had stayed in was entirely vegetarian. Both Hisoka and Gon were not pleased.

"Absolutely."

"Well, good" Gon said, as if his approval was what was keeping them going. Hisoka grinned, just looking straight ahead as Gon walked slightly in front of him.

…

Gon laid down on the softest bed that he had ever laid on. It was like clouds, no softer than clouds, and far less damp. He sighed loudly, burying himself deeper into the covers and pillows. Gon heard Hisoka chuckle and felt the weight of Hisoka sitting down next to him.

"This city has some of the nicest amenities, Gon. I'll have to show you the potion shop nearby, they have quite an extensive collection."

Gon nodded, his eyes closed, still reveling the feel of the bed. He felt Hisoka lean over him and he wanted to look up, but chose not to, worried that he might stop whatever Hisoka was planning on doing. Gon felt fingers on his face, and softly Hisoka spoke "I'll let you rest, Gon. We've had a long journey, and we're still so far from finished." The hand travelled along his cheek, down his neck and disappeared as quickly as it had arrived. Gon smiled, eyes still closed, already starting to drift away. He could hear Hisoka getting undressed and ready for bed. He heard Hisoka sit down in the bed across from him and click off the light, and within seconds Gon was asleep.

…

The city was busy, busier than any town that they had been in before. "Hisoka!" Gon had lost him for the fifth time already today, and they had only left the inn about an hour ago. Gon pouted, crossing his arms and standing still, knowing that Hisoka would notice that he was gone.

"Gon, you really should stay closer" He felt Hisoka's hand on his shoulder and looked up, relieved. Hisoka looked cool and collected in all this mess, but Gon could tell that it was annoying him.

"I know! You're the one who keeps walking away." Gon bumped into Hisoka, as he grabbed his arm.

"I wouldn't walk away, if knew that you were stopping so often. I told you that we could look when we returned, Gon" Hisoka scolded.

Gon frowned, but didn't say anything in return. Hisoka was right, but he didn't want to admit to being in the wrong.

"Why are there so many people out today?" Gon asked, squeezing through yet another crowd of people.

"I'm not sure, Gon, but I think there's a festival tonight"

"Ah…" Gon looked around at all the happy faces. "Can we go?"

Hisoka looked down, smiling a little, "If we have time, Gon"

Gon grinned, holding Hisoka tighter to him. He really liked this city…despite the crowds.

…

A one hour journey turned into a three hour journey because of the swarms of people in the city, but once they had travelled to the outskirts, a place that was much quieter and much less welcoming, they were able to pick up the pace. They had almost reach the forest before Hisoka stopped them in front of a broken looking house, looking as if all that was keeping it together were the vines that curled themselves all along the walls. Hisoka stepped forward and knocked on the door, turning to beckon Gon to follow. As soon as Gon made it to Hisoka's side, someone had opened the door. Was this the wizard that Hisoka was talking about. They were short and had soft blonde hair and grey eyes, and the looked anything but happy to see Hisoka.

"Hello, Kurapika" Hisoka smiled and Kurapika frowned deeper.

"The only reason I'm keeping this door open is because you appear to have a companion this time around." Kurapika's eyes went to Gon, who stood there, uncertain if he should smile or stay serious. He decided to smile. And to his surprise, Kurapika lightly smiled back.

"Ah, Kurapika, you're quite generous. Do you mind if we come in, we have some important things we need to discuss."

Kurapika hesitated, looking between the two travelling companions, before turning around and retreating into their home, leaving the door open as an invitation. "Make it quick"

Hisoka winked at Gon and walked forward, Gon following close behind.

Kurapika's house was full of expensive looking things, like little gadgets that would zoom and puff smoke, and bottles full of sparkling swirling liquids, and piles of ancient look tomes. There was a small bed, and a table with two chairs, and the walls were lined with shelves. It was simple, yet filled with knick-knacks, and Gon desperately wanted to explore them.

"So, what did you need to say, Hisoka. It must be difficult or important, or beneficial to you because you wouldn't come to see me other-wise"

"Ah, Kurapika, you always are so clever" Hisoka sat down in one of the chairs, leaning back, looking at Kurapika with hooded eyes.

"You can have a seat, too…uh, I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name?"

"Gon! My name is Gon, and I'm pretty sure that yours is Kurapika" Gon held out his hand to shake Kurapika's and Kurapika laughed softly, returning the handshake.

"yes, I am Kurapika. Hisoka is never polite enough to introduce his acquaintances. Ah, but as I was saying, please, have a seat."

"Thank you." Gon sat down and wondered if Kurapika was also going to sit, but with a small incantation, another chair was conjured out of nowhere. Gon ooed and awwed at the sight, and a slight gleam went through Hisoka's eyes, but nothing more was said.

"Kurapika. I know you've had nothing to do since Chrollo disappeared"

"If you want my help, I don't think that's a great place to start, Hisoka" Kurapika looked like he wanted to punch Hisoka.

Gon wanted to say something. He still didn't understand why people were unpleasant to Hisoka. But he realized he did not know everything about Hisoka. And he thought back to that time back at the campfire.

"Hn, Kurapika, Gon here is from an island that has been taken over by the Bane" Gon looked up to Hisoka. It certainly wasn't only the Bane that was on his island.

"You can handle that by yourself Hisoka." Kurapika knew Hisoka was lying.

"Ah, well, you see, there might be some other stronger forces at work there, and I'm not certain I'd be able to handle it by myself"

"You're looking for a wizard for a reason, Hisoka. You need someone to get rid of shadow corruption"

"Kurapika, you always see right through me. I think there's a shadow creature on Gon's island and it probably has immense power."

Hisoka was enjoying his little game, but Kurapika had only managed to frown deeper. "You know I don't have unlimited power. And from what you're talking about-"

"I didn't say you did. I just need some help subduing the creatures there"

Kurapika pursed their lips and looked over to Gon. "I can't promise that I will fully cleanse your island"

Gon smiled, "I just appreciate any help that is given. I don't have much to offer as a reward, but I can give you what I have from my island."

Kurapika smiled, "Gon, you're a guardian aren't you?"

Gon felt scared for a second, worried that Kurapika would react like Machi when she had found out that Gon was a guardian.

"Yes. He is" Hisoka answered, saving Gon once again.

Kurapika nodded. And sat back, their arms crossed. "When do we leave?"

Hisoka ticked up an eyebrow. "So you want to help?"

Kurapika sighed. "You're right Hisoka. I've done nothing but sit in this house for the past few months while the spiders all disappeared. I may not like your intentions, but your actions aren't always bad. Besides, I like your friend. He is polite" Kurapika smiled once more toward Gon, who immediately became bashful.

Hisoka grinned, looking very satisfied. "Good. Then we'll leave for the coast tomorrow. We'll need to find a ship." He stood up, and Gon followed suit.

"Let's meet at the potion shop in the city." Hisoka said, ready to head out the door, despite the obvious attempt for Kurapika to try and talk to Gon.

"Fine. I'll be there in the morning."

Hisoka nodded and led Gon out of the house, leaving Kurapika scowling in the doorway.

"They were very nice" Gon commented.

Hisoka nodded. "They are for now. But Kurapika has their own reasons for joining us"

Gon thought about what Hisoka said. So was Kurapika an enemy? This was confusing. But all he knew was that he trusted Hisoka. Gon walked closer to Hisoka, holding onto his arm.

…

Their journey back into the city was just as hectic as it was leaving, even more so. It seemed like the crowds just kept growing bigger and bigger. Gon was clutching tightly onto Hisoka's arm, and he kept looking up to make sure it was Hisoka, as if he would magically disappear.

Hisoka paused and looked down at Gon "Why don't we find a place to eat for now"

Gon smiled and nodded his head, pulling Hisoka tighter.

They turned off onto a smaller street, which was lined with all kinds of shops, all decorated with flags and banners, all bearing the same star-like symbol. It was interesting to see people celebrating something Gon knew nothing about. He felt like he was missing so much of the world.

Hisoka walked them into a little café looking place and the tables were full of people, and the line was pretty long, but the food was meant to be eaten with hands. "Wow, this place is pretty cool" It looked like they had some ice cream here, which Gon was really looking forward to.

"Do you know what you want? Perhaps you could find us a seat while I order"

"Ok! I want a chocolate ice cream cone."

"is that it?" Gon thought about it for a moment, looking at the menu once more.

"yep, that's it!" Gon smiled, looking back up at Hisoka.

"Good. Here. Take this coin." Gon took it, uncertain as to why Hisoka gave it to him, but pocketed it nonetheless.

Hisoka got in line, and Gon searched around until he found a small table meant for two outside of the café. It was a beautiful day, and Gon felt that things were finally going his way. He had Hisoka who helped him, and they found a wizard, and now he was enjoying the sunshine in this busy city. He sighed and took in the view. It really was an amazing city. The place had buildings taller than any other town he had been to, and some of the buildings were even floating, being held up by nothing but pure magic. Gon wondered briefly how difficult it was to hold up a building, but his thoughts were cut off by Hisoka sitting down across from him.

"Hisoka, that was-" But it was not Hisoka who sat across from him. It was some dark haired man with glasses, who looked like he had a bad temper.

"Oi, kid, this seat was already taken." The man sat back in his chair, arms crossed, frowning at Gon. Gon looked around, uncertain if this was really happening or not.

"I think you're mistaken, sir." But before Gon could continue, the man lean forward, hands flat on the table.

"I think YOU're mistaken. I was sitting here, so shoo!" The man made the motion with his hands as if he could just brush Gon away.

"Why don't we share the table?" Gon offered, not willing to part with a seat that he had rightfully claimed.

The man looked aghast. "S-share a table?" he looked mad at first and then he pursed his lips, as if thinking over Gon's proposal.

"Hm… Well, I guess that's fine for now. But no funny business, ok!" the man sat back in his seat, pulling out a small book, laughing very loudly at almost every turn of the page. Gon was certain the pages were just filled with pictures of flowers.

"Gon, who's your friend?" Hisoka stood beside Gon, two ice creams in hand. Gon felt relieved at Hisoka's presence.

"well, I didn't catch his name, but we're sharing a table." Gon smiled politely, gesturing toward the man across from them, who has glanced up from his book to look between Gon and Hisoka.

"Long time, no see, Leorio" Hisoka handed Gon the ice creams and stuck out a hand for Leorio to shake.

"Damn, I was hoping you wouldn't be able to tell it was me, since I've changed so much" Leorio winked, and shook Hisoka's hand.

"it'll take more than you growing out your hair for me to mistake you for anyone else" Hisoka chuckled at Leorio and continued. "Did Kurapika send you?"

Leorio sighed, sitting up a little, "Well, he just told me to keep an eye on you two, but I can't stay in the shadows, spying on people, it just doesn't feel right"

Gon felt relieved at the comradery between the two.

"Ah, I see. Well, Leorio, this is Gon, but you two have already met"

"Yah, sorry for giving you a hard time. I just wanted to see what you were like." Leorio grinned and winked.

"Ah, it was no problem. I thought you were pretty funny, actually." Gon smiled back.

"Hahaha!" Leorio slapped Gon on the shoulder. Apparently his comment was quite amusing.

"Well, will you be joining us on our trip, Leorio?"

Leorio wiped a tear from his eye and stood up, quite serious. "I'm not sure, Hisoka. This seems like some pretty dangerous magic, from what Kurapika was insinuating." He sighed, bowing his head, but picked it up, smiling "If Kurapika going, and you're going, I think I'll be safe" he winked.

"Well, this will be a fun journey, won't it Gon"

Gon nodded his head, happy to have so many people joining him. He didn't feel so alone anymore.

"Alright, I've got other things to attend to. I'll see ya'll tomorrow" Leorio waved goodbye and walked away, into the engulfing waves of people.

Hisoka sat down where Leorio had been sitting and Gon finally started eating his ice-cream, both of which had been steadily melting.

Gon handed Hisoka's off to him, and quickly licked up the sides of the cone to stop any of the flowing ice-cream.

"Thank you Gon" Hisoka did the same, trying to clean up the mess that was currently dripping over his knuckles.

Gon giggled at Hisoka, who had lifted the cone to catch drops of ice-cream in his mouth.

Hisoka looked back to Gon, and laughed as well, because Gon had chocolate all over his face.

The both of them laughed for a little, making more of a mess than was necessary out of their ice cream.

Hisoka took a finger and dipped it in his pink ice cream and put a dab of it on Gon's nose, laughing even harder at the sight.

Gon tried to scowl, but was having too good a time to really look threatening.

"Ah, Gon, you look so cute" Hisoka laughed some more, slowly licking at his ice cream.

Gon desperately wanted to smush the ice cream in Hisoka's face, but thought better of it, and decided to just let Hisoka have the last laugh. After all, Hisoka had been taking care of him for quite a while now.

Gon continued to eat his ice cream, just enjoying the view, and enjoying Hisoka's company.

Gon watched as Hisoka made eye contact with him and smiled widely.

"hey Hisoka," Gon started. Hisoka was finished with his ice cream and was watching him intently.

"Yes?"

"Thank you for helping me"

"You're welcome, Gon"

…

Gon and Hisoka had made it back to the inn that they were staying at, happy to finally be away from all the noise. Gon had tried begging Hisoka to stay and enjoy the festival, but Hisoka had decided it was too dangerous for the two of them.

Back at a different town, at a different sort of celebration, someone had tried poisoning Gon. It almost worked, but Hisoka always carried antidotes. The amount of people and hands exchanging food was just not worth the risk.

And by the time they had made it back, Gon found that he was exhausted anyway. Gon sighed, waiting for Hisoka to get out of the bath. He had begun taking off his top layer of clothing, removing his shoes, socks, jacket and shirt. He thought about taking off his pants too, but realized he would be too embarrassed to walk around in his underwear in front of Hisoka. Not that Hisoka hadn't seen him in much less, but he'd still rather not be that exposed in front of him.

Gon sighed, putting his hands in his pockets and feeling the coin that Hisoka had given him earlier. Hisoka never explained why he did it. So Gon decided to ask.

"Hey! Hisoka" Gon yelled through the door.

"Yaa" Hisoka responded.

"Why did you give me this coin?"

"What?"

"The coin you gave me earlier today, why did you give it to me?"

"I can't hear you, Gon, just come in"

Gon hesitated for a second, but opened the door anyway. He closed it behind him, bringing the coin with him. The room was steamy, from the hot water. Hisoka was lounging in the bathtub, hands over the edge, his head leaning back, but he sat up a little, looking over at Gon.

"So, what were you trying to ask me?" Gon could hear the water lightly sloshing with each of Hisoka's movements.

"Why did you give me this coin?" Gon asked, holding it out in his hand for Hisoka to see, as if he had forgotten about it.

"Ah, so I could find you" Hisoka said simply, laying back a little more

"How does this help you find me"

"The coins have a sort of magnetic pull. It'll guide me to its companion." Hisoka replied, closing his eyes and sighing a little as he sunk a deeper into the hot water.

"Oh." Gon said, standing there awkwardly for a little. Part of him wanted to stay in the warm room, because it felt so nice.

"Ah, Gon, while you're in here could you pass me the bottle on the table over there"

Gon turned, happy to have a reason to linger, "sure thing" and he picked up the blue bottle of …? Gon wasn't really sure what it was. But he handed it to Hisoka, ready to ask what it was.

"It's just to scent the water" Hisoka mumbled, taking the bottle and pouring a little into the bath. Gon watched the clear liquid mix with the water and slowly turn pink. Gon watched interested as it swirled, and realized he was staring at Hisoka's crotch. He looked away, a little pink in the cheeks.

"Do you like the smell, Gon?" Hisoka asked, relaxing more into the water.

Gon did like the smell. It was sweet and flowery but not perfumey. It was fresh, like walking in an open field on a sunny day. "Yes, it's wonderful."

Gon watched Hisoka close his eyes and soak in the water. Gon wanted to be in there too, he realized. If only to share the warmth and the scent.

"Hisoka…" Gon started, uncertain if he wanted to finish his sentence.

"Yes, Gon?" Hisoka asked, eyes still closed.

"D-do you mind if I just stay in here a little" Gon asked quietly.

Hisoka smiled "I don't mind at all. I enjoy your company"

Gon smiled back. He grabbed a towel from the shelf in the bathroom and sat on it next to the tub, his back turned to Hisoka to watch the door. He jumped a little when he felt Hisoka's damp hand rest on his head, but when Hisoka began rubbing his fingers through his hair, he relaxed. When he was with Hisoka, he could never feel alone. Gon sighed leaning back, and letting Hisoka touch his hair.

…

"Hisoka! This place is amazing" Gon ooed and awed at the different books and potions and animals that filled the shop. There were potions that did things he never though possible, like making a person float in the air, or potions that would make you invisible for as long as you wanted. It was exciting and he couldn't stop exploring.

"I had a feeling you would like it" Hisoka pulled out a couple of books that he was planning on purchasing. "I like to come here every once in a while when I need something new" Gon was hardly listening to Hisoka as he picked up a small lizard in the store and began playing with it.

Hisoka smiled. Despite Gon's great age, he was still so innocent. He was amazing, and it was no wonder that he could become a Guardian. Hisoka sighed, looking around at the shelves. He would let Gon enjoy this for now. There were many hardships to come.

…

Gon, Hisoka, Leorio, and Kurapika had set out of the city around 10 in the morning, each with a bag and their own determination. It took them about two days to reach the coast. It was a relatively quiet journey. Leorio was very chatty and even Kurapika would share in the conversation. Gon started to get close to Leorio and Kurapika. They were so kind and interesting. Hisoka never talked like how they did, and it made Gon dwell on how mysterious he was. Hisoka never shared about his personal life. It was always just facts about potions and spells and places and things. Gon smiled, listening to the stories from Leorio and Kurapika, but Hisoka stood in the background, and Gon couldn't help but feel the distance between the two of them, despite how close they had been getting.

They arrived at the docks, looking for a ship that was sailing to the islands near Whale Island. After asking around for a little they found one, but it was making a stop down the coast first. The group debated whether or not they should wait, but in the end they agreed to take the ship. It would bring them to where they needed to go eventually.