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Disclaimer: I wish I own Hunter X Hunter
…
CHAPTER 33: Bomber x Alteration x Celebrations
In the tenth day since their plan commenced, it was confirmed that Tzesguerra wouldn't be going back to the game anymore. He and his whole team went on Leave to lure the bomber out. Goreinu said the planned ambush probably failed and they wouldn't come back unless he sent a messenger, which didn't happen since Gensuru had a stake out in the entrance.
By that time, Goreinu, after replacing Tzesguerra's cards with fakes, was the one with 96 cards.
Well, in any case, now that Mr. T was out of the question, Gensuru came after them next. And thus, the do or die situation begun—5 days earlier than planned. It was not like they had a choice, so they quickly prepared themselves mentally for the upcoming battles.
Bisuke nodded, and reviewed the pertinent settings, the traps, defences, and—looking at the kids—the trained soldiers that would protect it. They created their very own, formless, castle.
But then they immediately hear a sound and looked at its direction. They're coming.
And they were ready.
…
The first part of the plan was flawless. The bomber and his cronies arrived, and they acted as if they were surprised, and relatively helpless children—innocent, and very weak.
The bomber started out with talks of deals, even lying about Mr. T's agreement on doing a similar deal. They were defensive and asked a lot of question, successfully emanating the impression that they were, indeed, weak. And with all the questions—a prideful and sociopathic man was bound to lose patience.
"What do you want then?" He asked rhetorically, threats oozing out of his tone.
"Die?"
...
Inside a forest on the outskirts West of Masadora, Gon soon found herself alone with Gensuru—as planned. After all, they (and their enemies) preferred one-on-one battles. They used up all their accompany cards prior to make the enemy think they were cornered. Bisuke was against the one with raven hair, while Killua the one with bleached blonde hair, and both lured their respective opponents to a premeditated area nearby.
Gensuru walked closer to her, somewhat slowly, but no less intimidating. He was planning to kill her, no doubt, but if she didn't know his nature there was a chance she wouldn't have known his intentions. He raised his hand, a gesture that seemed like he was only going to amiably touch her, but she knew better and slapped his hand away.
Her peripheral vision caught his other arm approaching and she jumped back to avoid it. She saw his eye twitch and he kicked her, which she managed to block, only she was pushed by the sheer force many meters away.
"Your movements bother me…" He said and she could barely see his eyes behind those sharp spectacles. However, she flinched. He was mad, and it scared her. "Who told you of my ability?"
For a moment she could only laud his fighting sense. But too early did he realize that she knew of his abilities. The difference in experience was obvious.
As Bisuke warned his battle experience and aura overwhelmed hers—no doubt, and she would get hit. But she said, keep going, which suited her well. It would be a signal to retreat. After all, after the difference in abilities were made, the enemy would be complacent. It would seem like retreat was a natural course.
However…
"It'll be a waste to spend my abilities on you."
And Gon swore to make him use his ability. Simply running away like that was too… frustrating, she wouldn't be able to do it. And to do this…. she had to put the plan on hold for a little while.
"I'm sorry."
Gon attacked relentlessly, but got defeated and got hit much too many times. She could barely feel anything in several parts of her body but the pain. She wondered if everyone was doing well. Those two were good, strong, and reliable—unlike her. They were probably going according to plan, and looking cool in the process. Unlike she was.
And she knew what she was doing was selfish, she mused, as she kept getting hit and hit by strong physical attacks. Gensuru still refused to use his ability. And she couldn't blame him. She was too weak.
But… she wanted to prove him wrong, even when she was doing something foolish. She knew that if she failed because of her stubborn pride—everyone's hard work would be wasted. But… but she would NOT fail. She swore to it.
And…this would be the last time she swore. She'd try harder to change. After this. She needed to prove herself first. She needed to prove that she was worth the change.
"Why don't you give up already? You don't stand a chance."
"No way!" Gon will not give up. She quickly received a few kicks after then, and managed to block even fewer. After Gensuru's beating, her eyes were swollen, and her ribs shaking. However, her will remained strong. And he saw that.
"Okay. I take back what I said." Gensuru, said, in understanding. She might not stand a chance against him in a physical and nen battle…, but in a battle of wills? "You are strong." Her will to stand up. Her will to fight. Her will of defiance…
"And I will use my ability on you." He swore to destroy them.
And thus, a battle between spirits started.
…
To win, often… one must throw one's pride. Gensuru knew he would have to make this naïve little girl understand—that her efforts were useless. He grabbed her arm and used his ability. But she used Gyo, minimizing the damage. He was impressed but… it wouldn't be enough to defeat him. What a fool!
He attacked again, this time she showed a smoother movement. And he grabbed her arm again. As expected she put gyo—not realizing he'd attack somewhere much more vulnerable.
"GHA!"
He watched the little girl in front of him slither on the ground in immense pain in her stomach. It must've been painful, he smirked, and mocked her. "Why? It's just a normal body blow." He said, and inside he was thinking: Fool.
"If you defend an area the other areas are left vulnerable." He paused, for a further attack of her will, as planned. "It is all useless. Your efforts."
But the girl looked at him, with all her wounds and swollen face, and smiled. His eyes twitched.
I will wipe that smile off your face, brat!
But he led her to a similar scenario—but she went to attack again as if unaffected, and his last shot was much stronger. And her movements were even smoother. 'Impossible!'
To receive no damage in his own explosions, he puts in a stronger aura. He would use Gyo, and uses normal aura when he feints. Could she discern them?
Didn't that mean she expected all of this to happen?
That couldn't be. He'd need to know for sure. Wait. That would mean he was hesitating. He couldn't have that now could he?
He smirked and stared at her. "One more chance, kid. Give up or else you will die." And let aura flow on both hands. So what if she was prepared? He would use his ability on both hands. Easy.
"You're the one who should give up!"
"I won't kill you because of your binder." "But I tell you…" He said coolly. "That there are experiences far worse than death."
He swore. He'd blow up her hands simultaneously, and then her feet, until she begged him to stop. Protect what she wanted but she would never succeed in the end.
He attacked. And without a hint of hesitation—blew up her hand.
But he expected cries of pain. She did not have that. How?
"Jan." What was she doing?
"Ken."
"Pon!"
A surge of aura. He needed to avoid it. Move, legs!
He fell down, escaping the attack. He felt shaken, he could barely move. What happened?
It was then that he realized—She protected a hand! She sacrificed the other to place her attack.
"I don't care anymore." He flinched. Did he succeed in destroying her will? She did give a fight—a strength he didn't think anyone so young could muster. It was a great feat. Was this it? Was she satisfied? But then—
"My selfishness ends here."
What?
"Book." The card transformed. He didn't know what it was. "Now is the chance to give up!"
He didn't know what she was planning, and now he knew to be wary. But if she closed her book again, he might not be able to get it out. "Okay, I give up." He said, and slowly watched her approach him.
And he went for her throat.
She managed to guard with Gyo but he, fortunately, still got a hold of her throat. It was then that he was suddenly covered with gasoline. He realized it was the card she let out earlier. That meant Little Flower was now out of the question. He whipped his head to her direction.
Her eyes were steady. She was calm and composed. And it was as if she got him under her control.
And it got to him a little too deeply.
It was time that he really wanted her to die.
He froze his steps then and watched her back away to what she thought was a safe distance. He pushed up his glasses and regained what was left of his composure, and explained to her his other ability. Once again, he told her it was useless. He might not be able to use the Little Flower anymore, but no doubt she would still lose. Now, he only had to touch her and say Bomber and the bomb would set. She would die, along with the timer.
However, she let out that surge of aura again. That one that shook his so much.
But she punched the ground—causing a sort of crack below. His eyes widened.
A pitfall?
He looked up. It was deep. He wouldn't be able to climb up. But so would she. Mentally, he only laughed at her stupidity. He turned his head to look for the girl, who was standing not very far from him—in what he thought looked like a small tunnel—not that she had much of a choice.
And yet her unwavering eyes told him not to let his guard down. She held out a card, "Gain!" she said, and threw it to the sky.
Gensuru watched the card fly and watched it transform. His eyes widened immediately.
The card turned into a freaking boulder. A boulder came down on him and he had no escape.
However he realized he was alive. He managed to get into that hole the girl was in. He inhaled deeply. He would win this, he mused, but his body wouldn't stop shaking. 'Calm down, damnit', he told himself but there was no luck.
But then… "Jan." He heard from deeper in a tunnel, and it was followed by a disturbingly familiar surge of light.
"KEN." Wait—what?!
"POOON!" He was frozen.
And then it was dark.
…
Gensuru was woken up by strong kicks. He was in such pain he didn't realize they were in daylight. And it seemed the pain was still ongoing. Someone was kicking him everywhere. "Stop it Killua! You'll kill him!"
"That's perfect! Who cares about our agreement!" kick "He has got to die after what he's done to you!"
"Eeek!"
"I-I'm sorry!"
"Mou, kids, stop it." Another female voice said calmly and he heard the sound of a card. And when he could finally open his heavy eyelids, the first thing he saw was the archangel, healing Gon.
"SUGOI!" Gon, now fully healed, jumped and embraced the other kid. It was then that they noticed their awakening, and he turned his head on his sides. Bara and Sub were also defeated. His eyes set on the kids again.
He messed up big time didn't he?
"Give us your cards, Gensuru."
He looked at his groaning teammate. He messed up and now Bara's dying. "One condition. Use archangel on Bara." He paused for a breath. "I have clones."
"We were planning to do that." She said casually. "We prepared 6 clones beforehand."
He flinched. He killed too many, and they refused to leave them injured? The boy, Sub's opponent, even told their friends that he was worse. They refused to leave half-dead men lying defenceless.
Fools, he mused again.
But this time? It wasn't of arrogance…
For Gensuru felt ashamed.
…
Goreinu gave the Gon, Killua, and Bisuke the rest of the cards while telling them about Battera. And… he said he got 4 million…. And he was going to divide it equally. They were all shocked at the amount of money, of course, but Gon and Killua didn't really need it, and they didn't even hesitate in saying so.
"Shut up!" Bisuke yelled, probably scared Goreinu's going to take their share back. "If you don't want it, give it to me—damnit!"
Goreinu sweat-dropped. "S-Sa… you can arrange the divisions among yourselves." He said and looked at Gon, "But perhaps we should start putting all the cards in a binder. Gon?"
"Ah…hai!"
Gon arranged the cards in her binder. And then the heard a sudden ping, right after Gon placed the final designated card on her book. And a familiar voice started speaking. "Someone has obtained all 99 cards. And now we will hold an event! :D"
The event, the girl explained (Gon guessed it was Elena...or was it her twin?), was a quiz. Gon was a little nervous. She had never been good with quizzes. Anyway, the player who got most of the hundred questions correctly will get the 000 card: The Ruler's Blessing.
It was then that light started coming from every direction. They quickly put their guards up. They watched as every light landed at random places amongst the grassland surrounding them. And soon enough, more than a dozen players were in their area.
However, and fortunately (they were too tired to deal with enemies), they were there only to help, as they said immediately upon seeing their stances. Well, sort of. They offered to sell them card if they were the one who got it. But, this was under the assumption that the trio would still get Battera's full payment in their pockets. Asking for 2.5 billion like it was really 5% of their winnings, they said, which wasn't the case anymore. The trio didn't really deny anything though. Meanwhile, some other people said they were just there to observe.
And for a while it was peaceful again, with everyone waiting for the questions to begin. They knew some would play as a team to get most answers, but Gon and Killua wanted to play individually (where's the fun in not doing so, right?) and Bisuke just shrugged. She wouldn't join the game, but she mused that if they had to pay she'll have the remaining 500 thousand.
In any case, Bisuke turned her head to them as they started making arrangements for the quiz. That was, deciding for a penalty on whoever did worse. She chuckled. These two kids were the only ones truly enjoying this game.
Soon the quiz started and immediately everyone shut up. There were 5 choices, Bisuke passed and just watched, Killua sweat-dropped since he had absolutely no idea, Gon on the other hand… for some reason, her brain wasn't getting fried!
The questions focused on questions that were primarily things everyone didn't really bother remembering, but at least they'd have better chances than those who stole cards. Killua and Bisuke shrugged. They'd do their best, and if they didn't get it—they'd try to have a deal with those who could.
'Some magic must be going on here,' Bisuke thought in amusement.
In any case, as expected, the questions could be answered by someone closely paying attention to the details of the cards, including how one could obtain them. But was there anyone who had enough patience—or perhaps, love and respect—for the game to guess most of it correctly?
Eventually, the game ended. And after the final question was asked, and the final presses done, someone passing by the island probably heard the combined breaths of those who played.
"And the player name is…" Silence
There was a blasted pause for effect. Everyone could hear their own heart beats.
"GON."
.
"YATTAAAA!"
"EH?!"
And Bisuke laughed. Who would've thought? Apparently, the usual air-head placed in more heart in this game than they imagined. "That's awesome Gon!" Killua yelled and soon many of their observers did the same.
"That means you'll have to do a penalty." Gon grinned and Killua 'tsked' but was otherwise really glad for Gon.
They got a lot of friendly congrats from other people. Most of them didn't hide their disappointment but were happy for the kids. There were a few who actually tried to steal. A pair, the Beroo…Barun…Beram… whatever brothers. They were unconscious a few seconds after making their threats, though.
It was then that Gon looked at the sky, and everyone nearby followed. They eventually realized what she was looking at, mesmerized. It was an owl, carrying a fancy-looking letter.
And after it gracefully dropped down the letter to her, Gon found her eyes widening, and she looked at her two friends. "What is it?" They asked, and Gon found herself grinning in response.
It was an invitation to the creator's castle.
…
RIMIERO CASTLE
"Uwa…"
Gon mused as she marvelled the interior. She entered the castle alone, as only she was allowed to for the moment. She partly wondered if she would meet Ging there. However, she knew that he wasn't, knowing him, and after what everyone of his old companions said to her. But she was Gon and Ging was never normal.
She passed the foyer and reached the grand lobby. It was very pretty, there were various details and the interiors colored with saturated colors. And just below the large center staircase, a very familiar blonde figure was waiting for her, that familiar smile on his freckled face ever present.
She beamed. "List-san!"
"Gon!" He, too, treaded towards her and they met somewhere in the middle. He held both her hands up and their fingers entwined naturally. "I'm so glad to see you again! I knew you'd do it!"
Gon grinned in reply. List was about to lead her to her destination when they met another man in the top part of the flight. "YO!"
Gon stared at him. He was very thin, unruly, and was barely dressed correctly for someone walking around the pretty palace. What got her attention the most though, was that he really, really, smelled. But Gon knew not to be rude.
"You two had always been so cute together." He said and Gon looked at List who only smiled at her in response. The mysterious man then walked closer to them and appraised her. "My, you've grown!"
List cleared his throat. "This is Dwun-san. He's also a Game Master." Dwun only laughed and walked back up the stairs.
"Come." He said and they followed. They reached a large door and opened it. Gon tilted her head at the fact that opening the door was a challenge and was a little noisy compared to usual. Dwun entered and asked them to do the same.
And she realized what was caused the noise: there were, literally, piles of trash in the room! His room was a mess, and that was a huge understatement. Dwun looked like he didn't notice though and effortlessly walked across the room.
"Have a seat, have a seat!"
Where?
Anyway, Gon looked for somewhere to sit in regardless. Dwun sat at what looked like a random spot in the room and waved the litter away so she could sit. He proceeded in looking for something…somewhere…in the small sea of items. "You know you can take three cards home right?"
She nodded.
"Have you chosen what they are?" He continued but she shook her head. She hadn't really tried thinking much about it, since she hadn't asked Bisuke and Killua anything yet. She'd need to hear what they want to take home first, after all. She couldn't have done anything without their help.
"AH!" Dwun yelled, disrupting her thoughts. And apparently he found what he was looking for. It was the card. "Here it is!"
The card was the King's Blessing and he handed it to her rather gently. "There you have it." he said. "Do you get what this means, Gon-chan?"
"That I now have the…er… ruler's blessing?"
"Exactly!"
"…"
"Who do you think the ruler is, Gon?"
"You?"
"Nope." He smiled and she blinked.
It was Ging! Of course. And after absorbing what he said, she couldn't help but smile warmly, before taking the card. "Thank you."
Dwun grinned and List smiled. It was followed by a moment of silence, before Dwun started telling her stories. He was very funny. The chats were predominantly about Ging changing his name though.
But in any case—Gon was very, very, happy.
…
That night… there was a feast! There was a parade and the three of them were on a float. Bisuke made the full of it, dancing around while people were clapping for them. It was very fun. Many of the players they met before, yes—even Mitsuke and his family, along with Kusa and Nanou.
Most of the people however, were pretty surprised. "That's them?"
"They're kids!"
And there was a laugh by an old man. "Don't judge a book by its cover, indeed!"
But the whole time they had so much fun! After the parade, they danced and the adults got drunk, while the under-aged kids were distracted by the large chocolate fountain and the buffet of desserts. Everyone danced, and everyone enjoyed the night.
The people wouldn't have imagined the three just came out of a life-or-death situation, and won. In any case, the party ended a little after midnight, and the trio were allowed to rest inside the palace. It was, no doubt, the best way to spend their final night in the game.
And about an hour later, when Gon, Killua, and Bisuke were chatting in their common room the signifier of their Greed Island adventure came at their doorstep.
They looked at the card holder for three cards. It was the item that would hold the three cards they could bring to the 'real' world. And they had a silent agreement that they could choose a card each.
They would be bringing the Blue Planet, of course. She showed them her card. Bisuke blinked. "But that would need this…" she said and showed the card, which Gon already knew she needed. Killua then smiled.
"That'll be the use of my slot then."
Gon blinked. "Eh?" And stared at him. "Are you sure?"
He grinned. "Of course."
"You don't have anything you want to take with you?"
"I don't need cards for that." He responded, while staring at her deeply. She blushed under his stare, before letting out the tension with a chuckle.
"Thanks."
…
Bisuke slept early that night relative to them, considering it was already very late. She needed her beauty sleep, she said, and she suggested that they sleep as well and not to fool around. Killua gritted his teeth by saying they won't, and stayed with Gon in the common room of their respective bedrooms.
"Good night, Killua." She said and walked to the balcony. As always, he wouldn't be able to sleep knowing she was pondering deeply in the balcony.
"What are you thinking about?"
She looked at the card holder, eyes bright with enthusiasm. "We'll find him soon—I can feel it!"
"Then you'll finally be able to land that glorious punch for Mito-san!" Killua said and Gon laughed, before halting and staring at Killua—positively beaming.
"What is it?"
She grinned. "Did you know? Leorio and Kurapika work together now!"
His eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yeah." She laughed. "We planned for a reunion next week." She paused, before beaming again. "After I punch Ging."
She then looked at him, albeit suddenly more… serenely. Killua blushed. "W-What?"
She recalled their first promise in that blimp, all that time during the exam. She smiled at how it evolved. They weren't limited to finding her father now. They'd be together for as long as they could. And it was something she held dear, and she realized it was now a basis of her stability.
"Thank you." She said. "I couldn't have done anything without you."
Killua's eyes widened. She had done so much more for him, but there was too many to even respond with any of them. So instead, he just cracked his slightly opened mouth into a smile. "Me neither."
And slowly the looked at the moon, hands finding the other for warmth. Killua closed his eyes, recalling again those thoughts bothering him and Gon for a while now. He knew there would be a lot of dangerous things that will come their way, but they had each other.
He would never be able to leave her. That, at least, he knew for sure.
It was a full moon that day, and they only noticed. Pretty. "With the full moon as our witness…" Killua whispered and Gon slowly turned her head to look at him.
"I promise to protect and be with this girl for the rest of my life. For better or for worse."
She looked at him, her cheeks gaining an even deeper shade of red, and smiled. "That's like some vow in marriage, Killua."
"Perhaps it is."
There was silence again, and a cold gust of wind passed by.
And then they laughed.
.
END OF CHAPTER 33
Coming Soon:
CHAPTER 34: Castle x Exit x Two Rivers
REPLIES TO ANGELS
Just a stranger – (ch18) Indeed~! That's Gon for yah~! Too innocent goofball. *cackles* (ch32) x3? Hahahha. Don't worry about reviewing thrice~ It made me happy, really. xD And cool~! You read that too! Would be great to hear from you in there as well. xD Btw, I'll update it after this! Which admirer are you shipping her with tho? Neon? And lol. Yep. I don't read reviews in public places either. Hahahah. Oh, I'll try to make the bomber fight awesome and hopefully I meet your (what I feel to be) sky high expectations. xD And aaww~ Thanks for the sue thing. I totally agree with you. *brofist* Finally—thank you for the reviews! Hahaha
Yuki Candy Heart- Yay~! I'm very glad that you liked chapter, esp. the ending! Be warned though, I won't be dwelling on that for this chapter and even the next one. xD Thank you for the review~!
Retz- Yay~! I am glad that it was worth the wait. And yes~! It's Leorio. xD Oh, and I certainly will, Retz! Thank you very much for reviewing~ ;)
Bushwah- lol okay! xD And banzaii~! You liked how I dealt with the CA arc. And I was itching to get those two reunited, and I'm glad you liked that too xD And make my own arcs I shall! Thank you for the review~
XxJigoku-no-HanaxX- YES~! Yes it is Leorio~xD I won't be dwelling with the charas last chapter in this and the next chapter tho. And thanks for the comment! :D
Youko's Fox Girl- Thank you for the revieww~ I'm really glad you like where this is going, so far. And yes please~! But then it would be characterized as shoujo, instead. Kyaa~
Chamcha- Yeah~ It's a bittersweet feeling, but I'll think of something to make what's left of the CA arc work. Glad you liked the chaptteer by the way and thank youuuu for reviewing~! :D
AkaeriShakka-chan- Hahah indeed Gon protect yourself~! You're too young! Haha. Poor Killua at the phase of raging hormones. It's a blasted age. xD (But it was fun to write*cackles*) And here's the update~ Thanks for the review!
Slytherin Studios- Yosh~! I'm so glad you loved the chapter! As always, I shall try to keep it up. Thanks for the review~! ;)
Mitsuki- Not yet. I only find Spanish ones and I have yet to learn the language. *sobs* It looks cool though! Oh I'm glad you liked the chap and thanks for the review~
Dusk Illusionist- yeah~! xD I didn't want those awesome charas to die. *sobs* Glad you liked what I decided and thank you for the review~! :DD
Jeah- Hihihihi. I sooo agree. Gon is much too cute. *brofist* Thanks for the comment, by the way~ xD
Transient Sonata- lol yeah. The definition of what it a sue is is still debatable. At the moment I can only focus on giving you lovely readers of mine some fun reading, whether or not she's a sue or not. (I agree with you btw) and loool at your Kurapika mode. You sounded very awesome! Hahha. Thank you for the lecture and the review, my dear~! ;) And I'm glad you loved the chapter~
Chani – I'm happy you thought this chapter was amazing, too~! And yes~! I'll continue after GI! I'm pondering what to do atm, albeit nothing concrete yet. Thanks for the review~
Anon-Ey- Indeed. From shounen, it suddenly felt like Seinen. I didn't do it cuz I couldn't write it myself, so I thought of a way out. Hopefully I write something that will make up for this decision~ Thx for the review, btw~ ;)
Phoenix Thunder- You think the chap's perfect~! Aww~ xDD Glad you think so! And yeess. Hahaha. It would've been a nice crack tho—making Ging eat the egg. *cackles* And thank you for the reviewww~
AsukaSaru- (ch31) As always, I'm just happy you're still here~ No need to apologize. I'm very glad you thought the chapter was awesome, as well! xD (ch32) Right?! I miss them too! I couldn't stop myself from writing so chapter 32 was born. Hahaha. And oh~! Thank you for the reviews~ :D
…
Thank you for reading~!
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