Sakura goes to find the plant, the only thing that can help Gon.
As his boyfriend's ability activated, Gon held his partner, cuddling his boyfriend as he slept soundly in his arms. He cherished his partner, watching his chest rise and fall with a warm smile. He was deeply in love with Iason, cherishing his boyfriend who was reaching out with his ability to keep him alive while Sakura searched in the depths for the plant that could hopefully reduce the toxin to the point it could extend what little time they had.
While Iason's ability looked like it wasn't going to be enough, it seems like Sakura's idea to go back for the plant might be the better solution, given that pus hadn't stopped oozing out of the wound.
But at least with Iason's ability active, it was keeping the worst of it at bay.
Still, he couldn't help but appreciate his partner's soft features, the way he slept so at ease, even when he knew what was going on…
Although, he wished he was in a better circumstance when he decided to calmly admit he was getting stiff down there.
Whether it was the toxin coursing through his veins…
The fact that Sakura was acting domineeringly… or the undeniable fact that he was in the care of his beautiful, nurse boyfriend, he was erect.
Now if it was any other time, he might have a chance of getting to explore his beautiful partner's body.
Alas, this wasn't that time. With rosy-red cheeks, his partner ignored the stiffness poking him to instead focus on trying to keep the toxin at bay. The toxin posed a threat to his boyfriend if it continued to accelerate at a rapid pace.
Gon was careful when he moved some strands away from his partner's face, appreciating every second.
He just hoped that Iason was right, and Sakura would be okay.
He couldn't help being worried for two reasons, Sakura not being a fighter… the other being he should be out there, helping him… protecting him, not the other way around.
He just had to go get hurt the moment he unlocked his Nen.
When his partner shifted in his grasp, he brought his hand further down, stroking a thumb across his arm.
"~"
Sakura swam through the water, aura calmly flowing around him. While he knows it would've been better to keep Ren active at all times, he doesn't have the proper training to pull it off.
The required stamina he needed, outweighed his limited strength. By the time the shark is upon him, he'd be far too exhausted to escape.
It needs to be a last resort, he'd have to be prepared to unleash his overwhelming strength at any moment, to hopefully scare the shark off.
At least… that's what Iason believes, and he trusts his partner with his life. Although, the thought of coming face-to-face with the creature still terrifies him.
He doesn't know if he could activate his Ren in time, let alone stare it in the face if it refuses to back down.
Slipping between the trees he eventually found the devastated patch, eyes widening in terror. There wasn't much left to work with, let alone something that would be considered useable.
Shaky hands trembled, twisting individual plants, observing them for any contamination from the toxin.
"No…"
He moved closer to a bigger patch.
"No…"
The longer he spent looking, the less time he'd have to prepare something for Gon. A few minutes had gone by, and there was nothing useable sight for a temporary antidote.
He had almost lost hope when he found one. But the sample he found wouldn't be enough, he needed to keep looking.
He barely found a handful before he heard the roar of the creature "Shit…" Stuffing what he could salvage, he headed back to Gon. It wouldn't be enough, but at least it'll give him an advantage.
He'd use the trees as cover for as long as he could, hoping that the creature would lose track of him in the foliage.
Thinking he was about to escape the creature, it smashes into a tree to his left. Activating his aura, the creature lashes out, smacking him into a nearby rock.
The boy was briefly dazed, only barely seeing the shark swimming away. He moved just in time barely hiding between a rock and tree roots.
He thought he escaped from the creature's sight, hiding perfectly away from its presence.
But when it came around a corner heading straight for him, he barely had time to react, let alone protect himself.
One of his hands reached back out of shock grasping onto the roots of the tree.
The creature's teeth dug into the rock above him, trapping him between that and tree roots. He had nowhere to escape to.
He let out a muffled scream, bubbles forming around his breathing apparatus. A single tooth slipped through, nicking his skin in the process.
He wrenched his hand away in shock, the damaged hand grasping onto one of the roots, away from the ever dangerously teeth inch its way closer to his body.
He let out another scream, pleading for assistance even though he knew no one would hear him this deep "Somebody help me… please…"
When one of the roots snapped, he screamed again "GON!"
"~"
Gon's attention snapped in the direction of the water, the action startling his boyfriend awake in the process.
"What? What's wrong…?"
"I… I've got this bad gut feeling that Sakura is in danger…" It was a gut-wrenching feeling, twisting and churning in the pits of his bowels. He felt sick…
A violent coughing fit distracted him, toxin shooting out of his throat before landing on his hand with a wet splat.
If Iason wasn't worried before, he was now. His ability hadn't done much to prolong the toxin from circling through his partner's body. He wasn't even sure if it did anything at all.
Sakura hadn't come back, they both had a reason to worry. Was his assumption incorrect? The shark wasn't afraid of Nen specifically, only Nen users that had abilities that involved recovery…
If that was true, then why was the toxin ignoring his specific ability? Was it because it was already in Gon's system or for a different reason…
When Gon stopped coughing, the teen looked at the toxin on his hand and arm, "It's progressing… isn't it."
"You're not gonna die… we'll make sure of it. Sakura is… Sakura is just making sure-"
The two felt a Nen pulse reverberate past them. It was a single wave… a silent, yet also deafening scream. The familiarity of it gave the two of them pause.
There was only one person it could've come from…
The problem was neither of them had felt something like that before being emitted from the person…
"It's Sakura… I just know it. He's in trouble!" Gon tried to get up, but he was grabbed before he was able to do so.
"You can't go down there… there's only one suit and unless we both go, you aren't going."
"I can hold my breath for nine minutes. I'll be fine-"
"No, you won't. You just started coughing toxic pus. You'll last way less than that. You might not even make it to Sakura if-"
"He's in danger! I can feel it… arguing isn't going to change that fact. I'm the one chance we have at knocking it out… I just need to hit it with my Jajaken and it'll be out cold."
"Can you even use Jajaken…?"
"It doesn't…" Gon grew frustrated with himself. He wasn't sure he could retrain himself to use his previous ability. He wasn't sure how he would go about it… yet, that was the least of their concerns. Even if he can't use his ability to his maximum capacity, he needed to do something… not stand around and hope the Nen pulse wasn't their boyfriend or a figment of their imagination.
They needed to go… He needed to make sure that Sakura was okay and not in danger "Arguing about this only reduces our chance of saving Sakura… please."
"Shit…" Gon was right, arguing only prolonged the chance of saving their partner. Yet, the risk was even greater if Gon got involved… they don't know how long he'll last. It could be for a couple of hours… or at worst, a few minutes.
Gon may not even make it to Sakura, which means Iason will have to carry Gon and save Sakura all by himself…
Against his greater judgement, the boy grabbed the gear "Fuck… Fine, we're doing this together. But you can't get out of my sight… if I lose track of you, and I don't know if you're suffering, drowning… I don't have a way of tracking let alone saving you while underwater."
Gon offered a nod, a smile soon following. He appreciated his partner for giving in, even with the risks and difficulty involved in making the choice. Sakura's safety was the only concern on his mind.
When it came to his safety, it was overruled by the mere thought of any of his partners being in danger. His life wasn't as important to him, only Sakura and Iason being safe and sound, mattered to him right now "Thank you… I know the way to the patch, we can start from there."
"Remember, don't go too fast…" The young teen was quick to inform, hands fumbling with the buckles on his vest. He still couldn't believe he was letting Gon persuade him, putting him in a position where his partner could be in serious, danger.
But if it was true and what the two felt was Sakura somehow reaching out to them via a Nen pulse, his silent plea for assistance… they needed to go.
Gon is the muscle, and Iason is the anchor in reality. Even if the boy can somehow manage to hold his breath for nine minutes, the combination of being underwater and in a weakened state means that could change the moment he comes into contact with the creature.
They can't predict the future… but Iason had to make sure Gon wasn't going to pull off any stupid stunts. That's the last thing he needed for his partner to do, pull off an eleventh-hour miracle… that ends in his demise.
"~"
The two moved through the underwater forest, searching for clues, and hints about Sakura's current location. There weren't any indications for a while, or at least what felt like a while. It had only been a minute, almost two before they found an indication of a struggle ensuing.
A few cracked or cleaved-through trees; several scars were marking the barely touched trees, leaving them full of toxin marking that littered the ones that remained standing.
It was definitely, hunting something… or someone.
Gon's fist tightens, almost drawing blood from his palm out of anger. He was about to pick a direction, to move onto the path that suffered the worst from the monster's onslaught.
All he could see was red, a need to dig his fingers into its hide, sundering its thick, impervious armoured body to shreds.
But Iason grabbing hold of his wrist made him want to reconsider his hatred… almost.
Iason felt like something was off. The way the creature moves, it's always circling the target, making it a difficult creature to naturally track if it's on a rampage.
However, if he focused on something else, there was a way to track… a way to find Sakura.
He moved closer to a tree, taking note of the faint aura handprint planted on the bark. Focusing on Gyo, he could see more, scattered across the many trees damaged in a certain path.
Whether Sakura was doing it unconsciously, or it was out of fear… it didn't matter. There was now a way for them to track him, which meant their boyfriend was not only in danger… but still alive, at least from the way the trail was leading off further into the forest.
While there was the whole issue about post-mortem aura, the kind whose will surpass even death, the lingering aura that could remain behind out of desperation. but he didn't want to believe this was the main case.
He wanted to believe his partner was still alive and fighting.
Turning around, he waved at his partner, gesturing for him to follow. The boy continued to follow the hand prints, taking note of the distance from one to the next.
The shark was trying to exhaust Sakura… or maybe it wanted a weak and easy meal to devour. After everything it's been through, it must be starving after being denied a meal twice already, that day.
When the two heard a deafening roar, they knew they were close.
They moved quickly, even with the threat of the monster so close in the vicinity.
"~"
The two moved through the onslaught, Iason periodically checking behind himself every few seconds to make sure Gon was still following. The last thing he needed was for Gon to drown as they were trying to track down Sakura.
He didn't want to lose either of them… But now he was in a position where he could ultimately lose both of his partners. Damn it, I should've argued against Sakura's idea… it was a reckless idea to believe he'll be safe. We should've just taken Gon, and swam straight for the main island. I regret saying using aura would protect him when clearly, it doesn't…
He shouldn't have trusted his gut instinct when he was the odd factor in the situation. Even when Gon was attacking the creature with Nen, it wasn't running away.
But with him, it did… the question was why?
Why was his aura the odd one out?
Is it because his ability has recovery properties? No, it can't be that… if that was the case, his ability should've been helping Gon recover, not doing nothing.
He felt a hand pull him back, the boy's gaze meeting his partner's momentarily.
Gon made a gesture, asking if everything was alright. Even when he knew his other partner was in danger and Iason was hesitating, frozen from his thoughts… he grew concerned with his partner's reaction.
Sakura was a priority, but Iason was equally as important to him. His partner was overthinking the situation or at least, something about it.
When the boy gave a nod, Iason made sure to gesture that they should keep going.
He shouldn't be lost in his thoughts, questioning what makes him different to others. The fact is the creature is repelled by only his aura and that should be more than enough for the current situation.
Saving Sakura was the only concern that should be on his mind… their boyfriend might be in danger. No, given the damage to the surrounding area, he was most definitely in danger. The two moved once more, heading deeper into the forest.
"~"
The moment they found the shark, all bets were off. For a brief moment, when the shark pulled back a little, Gon caught a glimpse of his partner.
Sakura was trembling, stuck between the thick branches and large rock.
The shark had buried its head within the branches, teeth mere inches away from one of his lovers.
Gon saw red…
Iason couldn't have stopped his partner, even if he had the foresight to do so. He was gone the moment he laid eyes on Sakura's terrified eyes, the way he was cowering into the thick roots that were barely protecting him from the monstrous shark.
Gon swam rapidly into the shark, catching it off-guard since it was only focused on the other. The impact dislodged the shark from the tree, not only stunning it but confusing it long enough for Gon to slam his fist into it again.
Even when it let out an aggressive roar, prepared to engage with the new enemy, it had no chance against Gon's fist from pounding into its thick hide.
Iason quickly moved to Sakura's side, grabbing hold of his trembling partner. The boy in response hugged him back, grip tightening out of fear.
As much as Iason would like to continue comforting his partner, Gon was in danger. Tapping Sakura on the shoulder, he was quick to gesture for him to leave the area. Once Sakura is out of danger, he'd be able to assist Gon.
His aura alone could hold the creature back. With Sakura safe and sound, that meant the shark would be denied once again, unable to eat anyone.
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to protect our boyfriend."
"Alright, I'll head to safe but please…" Sakura's trembling body held Iason close for one last time, "Please, make sure the two of you get back in one piece. I'll try to prepare a salve for Gon on the main island. We should be close enough to make it safely back to land, get him in one piece."
Without a response, Iason swam to join Gon.
Once his partner left, Sakura moved towards the beach, Gon's salve being the main concern on his mind. If he could make it to land, to prepare a temporary salve before the nurse on the island preparing a vaccine reaches them,
He knows he'd have saved his partner. He quickly checked his palm, noticing the yellow pus already beginning to form. Clenching his fist, he remained focused on Gon's safety. He should be okay… it's Gon who needed it more than him.
As he moved between the trees, something swam right by. He paused, turning around to see what it was. By the time he had turned around, it had long gone. His fist trembled out of fear… it was too late to go back, he needed to return to land… he needed to prepare something for Gon when he got back.
Ignoring the shadow that swam past him, he returned to moving towards the island. While the shadow that swam by him was bigger than himself, it wasn't as big as the creature.
They should be fine…
He must focus on making sure Gon makes it out of the situation alive… that's all that matters now…
"~"
Gon flailed at the creature, each strike knocking it back an inch. He was about to deliver a heavy blow, but sensing its incoming demise, it moved out of the way.
Shit… Gon thought as it doubled back towards him, jaws open wide. He managed to move out of the way in time, managing to deliver a heavy punch into the creature's side in the process.
He was starting to get accustomed to wielding his Nen and fighting underwater. But even he knew he was reaching his limit… he could tell, the creature was aware of his weakened state too.
It must be biding its time, waiting for the perfect opportunity.
Gon moved first, hoping that he could end the fight in a single strike. But just as he was moving, he felt his lungs give out on him.
Several bubbles escaped, the shark now using the open opportunity to take him out.
Thinking this was the moment he was about to be devoured, Iason came from out of the trees, a wave of aura crashing against the shark.
It knocked it off-guard, the boy using this one rare opportunity to swing back around to grab Gon. Taking Gon into his arms, he moved towards the surface, hoping that he'll have enough time to breach the water before the creature was able to move again.
However, the impact wasn't strong enough.
The roar alerted them of the creature's pursuit, it's need to sustenance.
Of course, Iason's attack wouldn't be enough… Of course, he wasn't strong enough to stun the creature for long enough for them to escape. If Gon's hits were barely being registered, what made him believe his attack was gonna be any better?
Gon was about to grab Iason, to push him away so at least he'll be protected, but a blinding flash of aura moved past them. A gentle shove pushed the two of them out of the creature's sight, followed by a demanding voice reverberating in the water as though they were in an empty cathedral.
Go! Swim!
Neither had time to react, not when a wave of bubbles enveloped their body, forcing distance between them and the shark.
Gon was barely able to look at the person making a demand of him and his partner. Actually… even once he realised whose voice it was demanding them to run from the situation, he couldn't stop what was about to transpire.
The shark's teeth slammed shut on the diver's body, killing Steffelor instantly. Steffelor had no chance to fight back, to stop the creature in its tracks.
Even in the depths of the water, Gon was able to hear the teeth enclose around its victim, the chewing of bones being crushed under its enormous strength.
Steffelor had no possible chance of distracting the shark once he was in the creature's mouth.
Even when Gon wanted to scream out to tell the creature to stop, he couldn't. He'll have not only taken in a lungful of water, drowning then and there… Steffelor was dead in seconds.
Even if he did manage to survive the initial bite, the toxin would've effectively consumed his body, paralysing him instantly after such an attack.
It had happened again… Like Kite, Steffelor sacrificed himself to save the two of them. Sure, he barely had time to talk with the guy to get to know him… but the tears that fell were genuine, the sorrow he felt once he saw the man get killed… broke him.
Unlike when he learnt Kite was dead from Pitou, aura didn't consume him, empowering him for some petty revenge. He could only turn away, the sounds of the man's death now stuck in his mind… constantly replaying as an endless reminder of his weakness to protect others.
"~"
Steffelor's sacrifice gave them time to survive and Iason wasn't about to waste his one chance.
He moved quickly, almost out of the water… almost free from the creature's hunting grounds. What he hadn't expected was the creature to be finished with Steffelor. The roar was followed by the two turning around. It was already a few meters away from them, seconds away from consuming them.
Gon snapped, shoving Iason away.
He felt his aura break forth, eclipsing the area.
The shark barely reacted to Gon's immersive strength, ready to devour the flesh of another human.
Everything slowed to a halt, Iason reaching out to Gon, his boyfriend channelling his aura into a single fist.
What should've been seconds… felt like hours had passed between the two.
Gon's rage fuelled his next attack… The teen screamed into the endless void of water as he swung at the shark's face. It connected perfectly, the fist smacking right into one of the creature's many eyes.
There was total silence. Only a single squelch could be heard, followed by one of the creature's eyes rupturing from the connection.
The smack knocked the creature back a few meters, the impact causing a seismic wave to disperse across the trees, to rattle the island as though it were experiencing a miniature earthquake.
Gon's attack had effectively caused a sonic boom, an unexplainable phenomenon to the guests on the island.
The only solace Iason had in the fact of getting to witness Gon's attack, was he got to see the after-effects of said attack.
The creature was no longer moving.
Rather than checking to see if the creature was dead or mortally wounded at least, he grabbed Gon, swimming back to the island without resistance…
His boyfriend… no longer moving.