Final chapter everyone~! And so it's extra long! Thank you sooo much for bearing with me until now! *hugs* Special thanks to those who showed their appreciation by reviewing, fav'ing, following, and even adding the story to their C2s and liking my authorpage. I will miss yooouu!
Disclaimer: I wish I own Hunter X Hunter
…
CHAPTER 34: Castle x Exit x Two Rivers
"BISUKEEE-CHOOOP!"
It was morning and the birds resting peacefully in the trees surrounding the palace abruptly flew out in surprise. So did the certain someone who was just chopped out of his bed.
"What the—"
Bisuke watched as Gon rubbed her eyes innocently and then blink at the realizations. Anyway, Bisuke shook her head in disapproval. "What the hell are two bordering-teenage kids doing sharing a bed?!" She tapped her feet impatiently on the bed. Gon looked at Killua on the floor and then to Bisuke.
"But…But…"
"No buts!" Bisuke said sternly. "Know your limits!" She yelled and pointed rudely at Killua, before whispering at Gon warningly. "You never know when a wild wolf will come out of that ugly face."
"HEY!"
"Geez." She said crossing her arms even tighter. "I was planning to part because you two make me feel so old—but now I'm doubting I should leave you."
Gon actually twinkled at that, while Killua paled. "You can't be serious."
"Oh I am."
Killua rummaged his head for something. "But you'll grow wrinkles!" he said. "See? You're already growing them!" "I don't think Cookie-chan can help you with that!"
Bisuke screamed and ran to the nearest window. AND THERE WERE WRINKLES!
She summoned cookie-chan who massaged her face and applied whatever ointment was needed to maintain her beauty. Gon decided it was time to take a bath, while Killua proceeded lounging about the common area, still grumpy from being prematurely woken up by an old hag.
(Several minutes later)
Knock Knock
Bisuke only turned her head to the door. However, she (still busy with Cookie-chan) really just ignored the knock on the door. At the Gon was still taking a bath, and so naturally the agitated-Killua was the one who got it.
There was an awkward silence that came afterwards.
Gon soon came out of the bathroom, stared at the still busy-Bisuke, blinked at the silence, and walked to the door. "Who is it?"
"Good morning~" A certain blonde said as he positioned himself so she could see (Killua was blocking the view). It was List, and he walked past Killua as if he was a rock, which he kind-of was at the moment.
List then patted Gon's wet hair. "Want to say goodbye to the other GMs before you go, Gon?"
"That's a great idea!" Gon said as she dried her hair with the towel. She looked at Killua, who flinched slightly."Want to come?" But paused, realizing he was slightly paler than usual. "Is there anything wrong?"
"Ah." "No." "I think you… should come alone." He said monotonously, his hair covering half his face. Gon gulped in worry, but then he looked at her with a sudden smile. "I just want to take a bath is all.
"Go."
"…ah." She said quietly, and gave a small smile. "See you later!"
…
(Half-an-hour later)
"This looks lovely~!" That was List, somewhat mimicking Nanou, and looking at Gon—she totally agreed.
Instead of having the breakfast at the grand dining hall, they decided to have their breakfast in the back gardens. It was very pretty. The flowers were colourful, the grass lush green, and there was a small artificial river with a wonderfully designed bridge. Gon's amazements oozed out, making List chuckle.
Kusa was there with her and immediately jumped to Gon the moment he smelled her. Gon laughed whole-heartedly as she and the dog fell down the grass. "I missed you too, Kusa!"
After the intimate reunion, Gon walked with Kusa and followed List who were a few steps ahead of them. The GMs present other than List were Dwun, the twins, Razor, and of course Nanou, and they were sitting in the grass with wonderful looking food with them.
Yes, it was pretty. So she thought immediately how much of a pity it was that Killua and Bisuke were missing this.
Perhaps she should come and get them…
But before she could turn to do so, soft hands held hers back. "Mah, you were with them this whole time Gon." List smiled. "Can we be selfish for now and ask if we can spend time with you alone?"
She blinked at that. She never thought of it that way… Hence, instead of moving away, she sat with the group and smiled. The others just looked at each other then and shrugged. It was Nanou who decided to break the silence. "So…how was it? Where'd Ging leave you?"
"With my aunt," said Gon and smiled. "Mito-san is a wonderful person."
"Ah. I bet she's lovely." The older woman replied with a warm smile. "She raised you well."
And Gon grinned sheepishly, before her eyes emitted seriousness, seeming to have remembered something she'd been meaning to ask—and she had. She looked at all of them. "Can you tell me more about my mother?" She paused to correct herself. "My birth mother."
There was a short silence, followed by the GMs looking at each other with a mix of awkwardness and 'what do we say' expressions. "We only met her once before we started the program." List said, initiating the stories. "Nanou's the one who was actually the one who knew her the best among us."
"You give me too much credit, List. I only met here thrice, if I recall correctly." Nanou continued. "She was beautiful and strong." "She is charismatic. She's the loveliest woman that I know. And… I really don't know what she saw in Ging," She said with a sudden deadpan serious look on her face. "Must've brainwashed her or something."
"Greed Island was her and Ging's brain child. She was already gone by the time Ging started creating it." Dwun added and bit his chicken leg.
List frowned at this. "Hey, Dwun! Have manners!"
"Rulers need no manners." He said and ate the whole thing. A vein appeared on List's head, Dwun flinched, and Dwun grabbed another 2 parts of a chicken and ran.
List ran after him.
"Why do I even…" He said and tried to place a high-kick (and failed). "TRY!"
Gon laughed and then realized the twins were looking at her. They really looked alike, Eeta and Elena. Razor, on the other hand, was apathetically sipping his noodles as he watched everyone.
Gon recalled they (the twins) were the ones in-charge with the transportations. "Ne…" She said slowly and made everyone stop whatever they were doing and stare at her.
"Do you think what I have decided will successfully bring me to Ging?" Gon knew these two probably knew why she chose Tsubo of the Coast and the Paladin's necklace. But now that they were there… why not ask for tips?
"Perhaps." Eeta smiled, and looked at Elena who raised a finger. "We'll just give you a hint."
"Ging is a very shy person. But he wouldn't admit it." They said in harmony, and Gon blinked. Was that supposed to help? She asked herself and continued staring at the twins. It seemed that it was. She wondered what it meant though…
"Mah, don't worry about that idiot, child." Nanou said and patted Kusa's back before giving him his food. "I cooked this food as a celebration of our reunion." She smiled.
Nanou's eyes softened, remembering the meals they had back when they were still complete. Everyone was happy and connected, and practically carefree.
But then Agatha disappeared without a trace.
"Nanou-san?"
"My lovely." She smiled and wiped Gon's cheek. "Such a child, Gon." She chuckled. "Such a child."
"Anyway…," Dwun, oblivious to the moment he interrupted, interfered. He then had a large bump on his head and he, with the absence of his 2 chickens, cleared his throat and raised a glass of wine. "To Gon's completion of the game!"
"Cheers!"
"Ora! Why the delayed reaction, Gon?" Dwun chuckled and everyone looked at her. She awkwardly raised her glass (of grape juice) gesturing to whisper her 'cheers' as well. But instead of the words, tears came instead.
The cards
The situations
Their faces as they cheered for her.
Gon realized that it was all for her. This game. It was to make her stronger.
She tried to wipe her tears with her sleeves in vain, and placed her glass down, so she could properly bow her head to them.
"THANK YOU SO MUCH!"
…
Killua closed his eyes, as he sat on the floor by the balcony, remembering List's first words that morning. "Is Gon awake?"
"She's taking a bath." He paused. "Why?"
"I'll be taking her to the other GMs who are around. We'll have a reunion of our own." List said coldly, looking at him. "She'll come with us alone, however. After all…" And his stare only deepened. It made Killua flinch. "The Game Masters are also her family.
"And that means this meeting is none of your business."
It was the reality. Gon had so many people who could take care of her—maybe better than he ever could. She could live without him, but he couldn't do the same.
He felt cold.
But then… all of a sudden, that changed. Warmth embraced his whole being, and his eyes widened. "KILLUA~! I'm back!" She yelled hugging him from behind. He wasn't able to say anything, perhaps in shock, and perhaps in happiness. He looked down.
"How was it?"
"I enjoyed it very much! They're very awesome people. I learned a lot and even got a few hints." She paused. "I wish you came though." She said and hugged him tighter. This was so Gon… always there when he needed her the most.
"W-What are you laughing about?" She asked and he couldn't stop. He knew she pouted and then she let him go and sat in front of him. He patted her head.
"I love you."
She blinked for a bit, but then chuckled. "Of course!" She smiled. "I love you too."
Indeed. She had a lot of people looking out for her and people who could make her happy and take care of her.
But she chose him.
And he swore to God he'd make sure she'd never regret that.
…
They left the game and ended up in a parking lot from the outside world. It really was just transportation wasn't it? In any case, the Blue Planet was once again an item and Bisuke started screaming in glee. She cleared her throat and looked at the other two cards.
The three stared at each other for a while, the silence full of meaning and deep decisions for them. Will Bisuke come with them or not?
"I decided not to." She sobbed. "I love you two… but an old woman like me feels even older!" She sobbed again and hugged them both before pinching Killua's cheek.
"I'll trust you will improve your self-control brat!" And then looked at Gon.
"Don't fall for his cheap tricks!"
"HEY!"
"Or then again, maybe I should…"
"HEEEEY!"
It was then that Bisuke's phone started ringing, and she completely ignored Killua's annoyed comments. "Hello?" She said, and then looking at her companions. Her eyes widened positively at the voice she heard. "My, Wing! It has been a long time hasn't it?"
The other two twinkled and yelled over the speaker. "WING-SAN! WE MISS YOU!" "We hope to see you again soon!" "How's Zushi?" "Is his training going well?" "How are you?"
And all those questions just flowed out of the kids' mouths. They were so loud, Bisuke had to flick their foreheads away.
"O-Ouch!"
"Damned old bag!"
But fortunately it seemed like she was engrossed with whatever Wing was saying in the other line that he was saved from being punched to the sky again. "A new gem, you say?" Bisuke voiced out, voice trembling from excitement. "I'll be there!"
"So that means you won't be coming?" Gon said, obviously disappointed. Bisuke sniffed and hugged her, while Killua did the 'shoo' gesture which would really get him killed if Bisuke wasn't being sentimental with Gon.
"We'll meet again soon, I know it!" Bisuke smiled. "Then I'll show you the gem I'll get right now. It's beautiful!"
Gon chuckled. "I'm looking forward to it!" And waved. "See you soon, Bisuke!"
"Ah~!" She said and waved at them as she walked backwards to the empty parking lot's door. "See you soon, kids~!"
…
Killua and Gon looked at each other after that and smiled. It was amazing how many people they met along the way. They watched the Tsubo of the Coast turn into an Accompany card.
But before Gon could activate it, a sudden presence made them both flinch and turn up their guards to the maximum.
Was it an overreaction? The presence wasn't openly hostile.
And yet… their instincts told them that it was.
And they were right. "Hello, Killua." A pause. "Gon."
"Illumi!"
He appeared from the darkness looking as stoic as always, and the fact that they had him in front and the mere railing that separated them from a hundred meter drop behind didn't really tell them their situation was good. However, they could still escape. Gon gestured to utter the words—
Flick
"Eek!" A needle found its way on Gon's arm, forcing her to drop the cards. Killua's eyes widened. "GON!"
"W-What are you doing here?" How did he find us? And ran to Gon and take away the needle.
"I got help from your friends." He answered nonchalantly, and his eyes widened. He killed them. Or at least not yet. But some are probably dead, some of them probably his nen puppets now. He shivered at the recollection of what Illumi could do with his needles.
He heard about hypnotism. But what terriefied him was Hariningen. The ability to control anyone—and force them to follow all his wishes, without a hint of sentience, until they die. To Killua, it was the most frightening ability.
Illumi need not use the latter to get information on them… but Killua never understood his brother. He could've turned their friends into puppets just for the heck of it.
And a part of him didn't want to know who his brother's victims were, and just focused on Gon who was clenching her arm in pain. Was it poisoned? Oh no…
But instead of letting the pain get to her, she glared at Illumi. "Wha…WHAT DID YOU DO TO THEM?!" She yelled and stood up, her eyes never leaving the assassin.
"Some dead, some I needed for information, and another…" He looked at the door. "I needed to distract troubles."
"For example, that girl you were with would've been troublesome if she stayed." And their eyes widened in understanding. Wing
He got Wing. What about Zushi?
In any case, Gon exploded immediately. A burst of aura surrounded her body, so strong that nearby rubble floated.
Illumi flinched a bit. He knew she was dangerous, and would grow more so... but this was beyond his expectations. 'However…'
She still had a long way to go.
…
Killua watched as Illumi threw his needles at her with an aim to kill. All of which she either dodged or slapped away, thus killing the force. It was then that with a strong sprint, Gon went offensive. It was quick—their movements—and he found himself staring for a second.
But then Illumi became faster—even for just a moment, but a moment was enough to knock her off.
"GON!" Killua yelled and glared at his brother, also ready to attack. But—
He couldn't move his legs.
His nerves suddenly got the best of him for a moment but forced himself to calm down. He breathed in, but it hitched as soon as Gon was kicked again after another failed attack. He shook his head and told himself to have faith in Gon. She always surprised him with going beyond his expectations—this should not be exception.
He looked down at his legs. He was calmer now, yet they still wouldn't move. Why? He looked closer and knew for sure he wasn't stepping on anything sticky. Why? Then he heard Gon scream. Why NOW?!
He heard a crack and his head shot up. He watched as the beetle phone—the one they bought with Leorio—get crushed so effortlessly. Gon looked weak. It was probably because of the first needle.
And then to his terror, Illumi let out a needle, resting so darkly between his fingers. Killua's eyes widened immediately, his own voice running through his head. His own promise:
"I will protect you."
Illumi's eyes never faltered and he threw another needle at her. This time on her other arm. She screamed in agony. He cursed but realized he couldn't move his whole body. He fell down, helpless, unable to move.
No.
Please God No.
And another scream, this time there were needles on her legs. Killua felt like screaming in despair, but it was too much that even his mouth wouldn't let it out.
She slowly turned her head to look at him, her eyes covered with tears she couldn't stop from the pain. Gon. He cried out mentally, no longer able to utter anything.
Nononono
Incessant tears came out of his eyes, as he tried his best to move. It wasn't doing anything. He could only move millimetres every second, at most. Why… Why did it have to be Gon?
His arms were the only ones that could keep him up. He glared at his own legs. Move, he ordered. Please
Stay there, Killua. His eyes widened. His brother's voice. Illumi's. In his head. He looked at him with those eyes of his, new needles in his hands. New needles that would cause Gon more pain.
No
Stay
Shut up
You won't be able to do anything.
No
Just watch her die.
.
And something just… snapped.
…
Illumi's eyes widened at the sudden movement. Killua used the remaining strength that he had and buried his hand inside his own head. It happened in an instant, and Illumi stepped sideways by instinct, and true enough—Killua was in front of him a second later.
His eyes full of rage, anger, and intent to kill. Illumi dodged his attack, but was fast. Faster than him. And he found his sharp hands on his stomach before he knew it. Illumi frowned and aim the needles on his hand right through Killua. All of which Killua managed to dodge effortlessly.
"I'll kill you." Killua said. And he meant it.
But then…, Illumi froze. And so did Killua. Another presence behind them appeared. "Are you sure about that, Killua?" Killua's eyes widened and slowly turned his head, heart throbbing in fear.
"…to try to kill your brother for an outsider…?"
It was Silva
He leaned down to the half-conscious Gon and lifted her by the head. Gon looked so small compared to this man, who was emitting the presence of the giant white tiger. If it wasn't the girl he was holding, Illumi knew Killua would have backed down the moment he heard their father's voice.
However, it was still the girl. And Killua was willing to do anything necessary for this one girl.
He was able to get rid of his needle for her—it was a feat he once thought to be impossible. Killua glared at his father, stance oozing of the intent to kill. "Let her go."
"You've grown much, child." Silva only said, with those cold eyes of his. "But you not enough to do anything against me." He said and pressed Gon's head a little tighter. Only slightly—but enough to make her scream.
"GON!" He yelled and immediately gestured to run for her. However, Illumi ensured he was not to be ignored. But Killua ignored the needles stabbing his back and instead, went ahead to attack their father. Killua was unstoppable at the moment, Illumi felt. Well…, almost.
Crack
Killua halted. And with eyes that couldn't be any wider—watched as the lifeless body of his most important person dropped to the ground.
It was like a bucket of ice-cold water was poured onto him. Only a thousand times worse.
And it was unbearably painful.
He should have left her when he had the chance.
And now she was dead.
The despair, the torture, the pain, and everything else just poured, and they were transformed to rage.
He attacked Silva, who blocked some of his attacks, but otherwise took them head on. Killua was a hundred times faster than before. His anger empowering him to kill without mercy. No longer did he have any precautions left. He was attacking relentlessly, blinded by fury.
And he fought like he had nothing to lose—he wasn't afraid to die.
And Silva knew that his son would welcome death.
With one swift movement, he threw Killua to the wall, force extending half the wall, and with such force that his half-conscious body stayed there. Killua slowly opened his eyes and stared at him blankly. His eyes ended up to Gon, and pitiful continuous tears came out uncontrollably.
"Kill… me."
Silva let his guard down and walked closer. "You are my son—the heir to our family." He paused. "It is time to go back home."
"Kill me."
"Let's go home, son."
"Didn't you hear me?!" He yelled with all his strength, tears still overflowing, and moved his arm for one more attack. Just one. He needed to fight. "I SAID KILL ME!"
Silva slapped Killua again and he came rolling all the way to the other side of the parking lot. He could barely stand. And he couldn't. He just laid there, his hand barely keeping him from being knocked out. He stared at the incoming figures of Silva and Illumi with contempt.
"Anata!" He didn't even bother flinching. If Silva was there, there was no surprise Kikyo wouldn't be. "Stop hurting Kill too much!"
Killua didn't really care anymore.
Slash
Kikyo stepped back, her stomach bleeding profusely. She screamed, like the time she did when he left his house all that time ago. It felt like forever.
"KILLUA!"
"DID YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?!" He yelled from the top of his lungs, standing up once again, ready for another fight.
The time he spent outside his house was the happiest moments of his life.
And now they were over.
And now all he could do was cry.
"It's not over yet, Killua." Illumi said, expression seeming not to change. "You will come home with us."
He will not. He wouldn't be able to do it. And…
What 'home'?
Spending time with Gon. He now knew what 'Home' meant. He no longer had a 'home'.
And Illumi seemed not to understand his defiance, and continue speaking. "And if you try to escape—whatever method you use, even killing yourself…" He paused. "A lot more people important to you will die."
Killua's eyes widened.
Illumi's expression remained the same. "Did you know? That Kuruta friend of yours is affiliated with the Mafia. A practicing boss now, even." "What do you think will happen if someone were to hire us to get him?"
Illumi looked up. "And then there were people important to her. Who was that woman from her hometown? Was it Mito…?" "And there was an old woman as well, wasn't there? I wonder… I bet no one would hear their scre—"
"STOP IT."
"Besides…" He looked at the needle that used to be in Killua's head. "You remember now, right? About 'it'."
He flinched. Alluka.
"You'll protect your friends, and you can go back to 'It'." He said, then crossing his arm, as if he didn't have such a large wound himself.
"There's no reason to not go back with us now, is there?"
…
Silva sighed as he watched the lifeless, robotic, Killua be led by Kikyo home, the girl's lifeless eyes looking at him. Killua begged to take the girl with him—to give a proper burial, but Silva, instead, gave him his word of doing it for him. Killua was not allowed to touch the girl anymore. It was a reality he had to accept.
And he did not fail silently making the boy feel that it was his fault that she died, anyway.
Illumi stayed with him and walked closer to the girl, before staring at him. "I understand you do not agree to this…"
"I don't really care either way." Illumi said monotonously, albeit Silva knew he wasn't exactly speaking of the truth. Illumi then leaned down to the lifeless body of the girl and one by one took out his needles. "I'm just following orders. Like I always do."
And finally, he materialized another one and, after staring at it deeply, carefully placed the nen-filled needle in her head. "At least she'd keep away from Killua."
Silva sighed slightly, and he looked at the young girl in front of him and leaned down, placing two fingers on her neck. He closed his eyes to concentrate. What he was about to do was a technique he never showed Killua—since he was young and was susceptible to using it in order to fake deaths he didn't have the heart to do.
Crack
The girl arched after in-taking a gallon of air. Strong inhales and exhales successively livened up her body, until her breathing began to even out. He watched as color slowly returned to her face and stood up when she finally looked alive.
Illumi looked at the girl stoically, but Silva knew better. Illumi looked at him. "Why?"
Silva looked at his son without saying anything, before finding his sights looking at the sky. "Hey, Silva." He recalled an all-too familiar voice calling his name, as if the person was beside him. That person probably didn't change. Still so uncaring, ragged, and…free.
"Are you really sure you want to take over the family business?" He asked him too many times. Of course he did. It was his destiny—his calling—and frankly he thought the same would happen to his son.
His own son. Even as the father of the house, he couldn't do anything else for the boy than watch him. He knew what his son felt like, for he too, was once set free—even for just a while. But he knew his calling, he knew what was ingrained in him.
But it wasn't the same to Killua, he genuinely never planned on returning home. Silva did not expect that. He never would have imagined he had to do something like this. Silva never, in his life, had faked a death without payment before.
In any case, Silva eventually returned to the present and looked at his son to answer his question. "You could say I owed this girl's father something."
Illumi only stared, and stood up, not wanting to be a part of this nonsense any more than he had. "You can be quite the fool sometimes, father." He paused and looked at the direction Killua went, and shrugged.
"Like father, like son."
Silva watched his eldest son disappear as well, leaving him and the girl alone inside the crumbling building. He only looked at the girl for one last time before placing the cards she was holding to her hands. She should know what to do with it even if she was only half-awake. He mused that with her current condition, the first memory she would have would, perhaps, already be when she was with that person.
Silva stood up, told himself he had done enough, and headed home. But before he went beyond the door, he looked back at the girl lying on the concrete floor, before unconsciously closing his eyes.
Ging, he mused and the sardonic thoughts inseparable with his name, even when we're apart… you still haunt me. And continued on his way.
How cruel, fate was. If she did not meet his son, she wouldn't have needed to go through what she did. And if they did not meet, his son wouldn't have changed so much.
But this was their destinies. In the end, they were never meant to stay with each other.
For there would always be two rivers—eventually meeting at the vast sea—mingling, and even to the point that each one wouldn't be able to distinguish itself away from the other.
But waters, never stayed in the same place, now did they?
And sometimes…, they would just have to part.
.
.
END OF TWO RIVERS
…
REPLIES TO ANGELS
Yuki Candy Heart- Ahaha~! Glad you liked the update! Unfortunately, the reunion of the crew wouldn't be happening any time soon. *sobs* and the punch is done tho! Thx for the review. xD
Chamcha- Yeeah~! It was bad enough when Gon was a boy. But doing that when she's a girl?! Nnnonoono. Gensuru shall pay! Haha. And oh~ Thank you for reviewing~! *bear hugs you back* XD
AkaeriShakka-Chan – They'll meet the other two, but (unfortunately) not any time soon. xD Actually I got the same image (honeymoon) when I was proofreading! Totally not on purpose tho. *Cackles* Anywho, I'lltry to introduce Retz when I watch the movie. xD /shot and thank you for the review~
XxJigoku-noHana-xX – Thank you for the review~! Glad you liked Killua's words, and here's the next chap! :D
Meigetsuhikari- Hehehe I am very happy to know you still love it so faar~! And Thank you for the reviewing~! ;)
J. S. H. N. Girl- Thanks for the review~! I am so glad you think it's awesome so far! :D
Animefreak1145- Chimera Ants arc. xD And since Netero didn't die (yet) there would be no new chairman election arc any time soon. Hope that is fine, and thanks for the comment~
Retz- x 3? Hahahah. And aww~ Thank you for the greeting! I'm another year older now. Pass my happy bday to your mom as well. xD I type on MS word too~! You can contact me in Facebook if you want. ;) And of course I'll mention you in this chap (as I'm doing now) and how cool~ Do share w/ me your drawings when you can. ;D And don't worry for reviewing thrice. Hahaha. I had fun reading the reviews, and thank you for reviewing~! xD
Youko's Fox Girl- Whoa. I'm flattered to know I made you cry (for good reasons) ! I'm glad you found the chap beautiful as well. XDD Thank you for reviewing~
Dusk Illusionist- Here's the next chapter~! I hope you liked it and thanks for the comment~ ;) (ch1) Timetravel eh? Interesting concept! *o* I shall add it on my to do list (after I finish all 3 HxH stories). Thanks btw~
Bloodydarkangel- Thank you for the review~! I am very happy to know you think it's an awesome chapter so far! xD
Slytherin Studios- Yaaaay~! You loved the chapter~ I'm glad to know. xDD And thank youuuu for reviewing~! :D
Dawn- Yep~! You'll see that that's the premise for… Oh wait. Do you read these before reading the chapter? Or… Oh well. Just read. And she did meet Kaito in chapter 1. xD oh! And don't miss the sneak peak below this section~ Thanks for the review! ;)
Meow- Aww~! I'm very glad you found the story beautiful so far and thank you very much for telling me. ;D
Mitsuki- Yay! Glad you liked the chap's ending! And I shall a look at it as soon as I have the time to read again (I don't want to be tempted so I shall refrain from checking) Thanks for referring it to me, and esp thanks for the review~
Chani- hahaha. I'm happy I made you happy, then! xD And yes. I decided to divide the story because 34 chapters is already very long. xD thx for the review! And for the birthday greeting. xDD
Bushwah- Wahahaha! I'm happy that you forgive me then. xD (I didn't even know I was review begging, but I guess it's true lol). And I agree with your points! Thank you for the review~ ;D
Just a stranger- lololol. Thank you for the review~! xDD I'm glad you liked the chapter so much! I hope this chapter wasn't any less, but you can be honest with me. ;)
Phoenix-Thunder- I agree with you about Gensuru~! I got squeezed there lol. And hahaha. Yes! A suave 12 year old for the ending because we can. xD Thx for the review~
CrystalVixen93- Yo~! Been a while ne? XD I am happy you still love the story and thank you for reviewing! :D
LittleStar555- I am very happy to know you liked the story, and thank you for giving it a chance. But don't be jelly of their quick relationship. 12 year olds shouldn't even be romantic relationships yet. (I'm actually a *cough* Conservative. Haha, despite what I write xD) And thank you for the review~!
…
Large amber eyes opened abruptly, but quickly closed and then went to blink after reacting to the light that surprised it. Eventually, it started clearing up the blurry view that greeted its awakening. It was the beautiful sky… but she realized something was very different. The coldness, the atmosphere, the pressure…
"Whoa!"
She sat up immediately and looked around her. She was on an elevated place—so high she could see the adjacent city. She wondered where she was, but it was answered a second later.
"This is the world's tallest tree."
She narrowed her eyes at the speaker. He had large orbs like hers, and his hair spiky as the style she used when she was a boy. She knew immediately who this person was.
"Ging."
"Yo, kiddo." He grinned nonchalantly. "It's kinda-nice to finally meet you."
She blinked and looked around "Uhn." She nodded blankly, still surprised at the turn of events. In any case, she turned around by reflex to see someone behind her. "Oh! Here's—"
But she saw nothing but air. But it felt as if something was supposed to be there. She paused, trying to recall what she was supposed to show. She seemed to have forgotten something very important… or was it someone?
Of course it wasn't the latter; that would be silly.
"There's something important I want to show you." She mumbled and stood up to sit beside him. "But I forgot."
"I wanted to show you someone when we finally meet, too, but I haven't succeeded yet."
"Who?"
"Agatha."
"My mom?"
"You know?" He blinked and then looked at the sky before shrugging. "You need a mother, after all."
So much for the surprise, he thought, and just looked at his daughter. Nanou was probably the one to slip up.
"Oh. Ging."
"Hmn?" Ging's eyes widened when he saw a fist coming at him.
BAM!
"Oi, oi."
"That was for Mito-san." She grinned and he chuckled flicking her forehead.
Ging stared at his daughter who tried to land another punch. But this time, it was a lot friendlier. Like she was punching him for the heck of it. Mah, she was his daughter after all.
Ging remembered when he left her with Mito all those years ago. It was primarily because being a Hunter was too dangerous— that and he barely knew anything about raising a child. Travelling around the world... sure it was for his job, but it was the best way to find clues towards Agatha. He wouldn't be able to bring a child with him. And fortunately, it wasn't for naught. His daughter grew well under his cousin's supervision, and even his search bore fruits these past few months.
"Mou—you're not even listening to me!"
"A-Ah. What is it?"
"The game was great. We had fun."
"'We'? Who were you with?"
"Well, I had Bisuke as a trainer, and—"
"And…?"
She blinked and involuntarily held the cloth over her chest, as if her heart was in pain. And yet her face primarily registered confusion. "I…" She whispered. "I don't remember.
"I guess it was just the two of us." She said, before forcing a grin. Ging was a little worried, but he never knew anything about raising a child, so he shrugged, thinking it was a kid thing that would pass.
In any case he mused on how his daughter grew. A twinge of bitterness appeared in his gut, now that he realized head on what he missed—all those years—but did not show it.
Hell he'd admit it. That'd be too sappy.
"How's life?" She asked all of a sudden, moving to the side of the nest they were in (he befriended the bird, which migrated somewhere for the season) so that she get a better view.
"Fun." He replied, sitting next to her. He then turned to her, pondered for a second how he was going to say what he would say. "And I think I have a lead to where your mother is."
"…eh?"
Ging stared at her wide curious eyes. Man, he did have a very cute daughter, hmn? In any case, Gon looked strong enough now, unlike before. And so…Ging cleared his throat, in anxiety.
"So, kid…" He said, pausing, ensuring she was listening.
"Wanna go get her together?"
.
Coming Soon:
TWO RIVERS: 5 Years Later
...
Thanks for reading the whole story!
The sequel will come out eventually. (I decided to focus a little more on my other HxH stories. I have been putting them off for this story, after all. )
In the meantime, I humbly request everyone to send in their thoughts!
Yes, including the silent ones. Isn't it just sad (really) that I never got to hear from you? Ever? xD
So yeah! Please write your thoughts below. I promise I'll read them no matter
how long it had been since this story ended!