Chapter I
"Hey, Kite?" I asked the white-haired guy who was leaning into the tree I was on top of. He was currently fishing for food, our food, hopefully.
"Shiro?" He replied nonchalantly.
"I'm bored."
"Since when are you not?" Kite replied clearly annoyed. "Make another fishing rod, why don't you? Or at least help catch the fish."
"Are you telling me to swim for the fish?" I gasped. "Like I'd do that. But seriously it's been kinda boring here in Kakin. When are we going to find some action?!"
"Maybe in a few years, we can finally explore with Ging."
"True that, maybe I should visit him soon…"
"Quiet!" Kite said cutting me off.
I obliged because I also sensed it… A familiar presence. No, wait… two familiar presences. It wasn't hostile so I was not worried.
"Ging?" One of the guys asks.
Kite glances at them before his expression softens, "Oh! If it isn't Gon!" He smiles, "You've finally grown haven't you?"
Gon…? Where have I heard that name?
"Kite?!" Gon stares at Kite shocked to see him here.
What am I hearing…? "What's with the ruckus?" I asked as I jumped down from the tree branch.
"Shiro!" both Killua and Gon say in surprise. Before quickly looking at each other, "You know him?!"
"I know those voices…" I muttered my memory finally working again. I stared at both of them quickly recognizing them both, "Oh! Well if it isn't Gon and Killua!"
…
"Now that we've finally been acquainted it's time to eat!" I said as I chomped on my piece of fish. "C'mon! Eat! Eat!"
"Greed island?" Kite said giving it a small thought, "Ah! I remember Ging having a fake name on that one. He also told me that I should use a fake name."
"Aw! He tricked me…" Gon said defeated.
Killua scoffs, "And we thought we'd finally see him after all that work."
"Cheer up kid! That's just how Ging is usually!" I gave them a thumbs up. "Ya just have to ignore his weirdness."
"Do you want me to tell you where he is?" Kite stared at Gon. Who stared back with a smile.
"That's not necessary. I wanna find him myself."
Kite grins, "Good answer…"
Killua glanced at me, "Is this why I haven't seen you in a while, Shiro?" Killua asks, "You've been hanging out here in the middle of nowhere?"
"Yeah! I also haven't seen you visit Whale Island in so long…"
"Sorry sorry… But, yeah pretty much," I shrug, finishing my fish. "Kite needed me here so I traveled all the way here to Kakin."
"Where is 'here' exactly? Hehe…" Gon giggled nervously.
"Kakin is in the middle of the Asian Continent," Kite explained.
I continued, "So basically on the other side of the world from the Yorubian Continent."
"Oh right…" Gon replied sheepishly.
"You definitely need to read more books," Killua teased.
…
A month has finally passed. It took a while since we had to wait for everyone's contract with the Kakin empire's contract to expire. And in that whole month Gon and Killua helped us discover more new species. They did amazing things and found rare species. Though some of them were already discovered, their immense luck was scary. They even discovered more new species than I did. Besides that, they got to know Kite's friends.
And now we stood in front of a container. It was a part of a bug, a leg to be exact.
"So… What's that?" I asked.
"Lin, what's your opinion?" Kite says as he looks at the appendage.
"Ye- yes… it certainly looks like a part of an unknown creature," he says nervously. "It definitely looks like from an insect of some sort… Bu-but, not one we discovered yet."
I analyzed the leg of the insect again as they deliberated.
Chimera ants… It's definitely that kind… but why is it so big? Even in nature, they wouldn't even get this huge. Is it because there are no such predators for them in these lands?
Something is definitely up and suspicious here… Not only that.. but dangerous.
I heard that term from someone… back at the association. But who was it from? I don't remember.
"Let's go Shiro," Kite said patting my back.
"Alright." I followed them out.
"Where was this claw found?" Killua asks.
"It seems to be south of Yorkshin," Kite answers.
"Yorkshin huh? I hate that place," I grumbled.
"South of that. Not the city."
"Okay, good."
"Let's go," Kite says. Both Killua and Gon nod with a determined look. "This year, the weather is very abnormal, and the sky is very unstable."
…
"Finally we're inside!" I yelled in relief.
The process took so long. Fortunately, I didn't have to change clothes. I can't believe this place… we can't even bring anything unnatural to this location. Not only that but you can't communicate with the outside world.
Do you know what that spells out? Illegal activities.
"Alright! Let's get started," Kite says, gathering everyone's attention.
We all walked over to the horse rental. "It's 12,000 Jenis per day," I said reading the sign.
"If any accidents occur that renders the horse unable to move the penalty is 5,000,000 Jenis," the lady at the stable says with an unnerving smile.
Nonetheless, we got three horses since there were only six of us going. Killua with Gon, Me with Kite, and Rapoi with Stick.
Soon enough we rode from village to village. They really were no signs of technological advancements here… I couldn't even think of living here.
"Honestly should we just kill those two following us?" I suggest. Referring to the two people keeping their distance. They were ordered to help us but I seriously don't believe that's the only reason.
Gon who was looking at the map together with Killua stared at me, "No! They're just doing their job."
"I also doubt they're here to help us," Killua says.
"Hey. I'm just saying we could just blame it on nature if they disappear," I shrug.
"They shouldn't be much of a problem," Kite says as he approaches us, "My gut tells me… It's here."
"If you say so… Alright let's ride out."
We all rode back to the sand dune. And not even an hour later something was approaching us. Thankfully not hostile.
"Let's stop for a bit!" I said as all the horses stop. I let my hand out to see that there was a messenger bee holding out a piece of paper. I opened the note.
"What does it say? Shiro?" Kite asked.
"Help… Chimera ant nest… Rocky Area…" I read out to them. "Looks like what we feared is happening." I gulped, "This is incredibly bad."
"It'll be dangerous," Kite said looking at Killua and Gon, "But, could you accompany me and Shiro?"
"You can handle it right?" I smiled.
"Of course!" Killua responds confidently, "We're pros."
"Miss interpreter," Kite looks at our chaperone, "Sorry. But we're in a hurry."
"Don't worry. The horses can still go faster."
"Unfortunately, they aren't fast enough." Both Kite and I jumped down from the horses and as well as Killua and Gon. Kite looks at Stick and Rapoi, "I want you both to return to the border, find the others, and report to the association. These creatures are dangerous."
"Got it!" Stick frowned.
Rapoi looks at us worried, "Be careful Kite!"
"Right…" Kite looks at Killua and Gon, "If you can't keep up we will leave both of you."
Killua and Gon were both stretching getting ready for the run.
"Right back at you!" Killua huffs.
Gon looks determined, "All ready to go!"
"They'll be fine," I pat Kite.
After the goodbyes, we all stared forward. "Let's go," Kite says holding his hat. All of us ran about ten times faster than the horse could ever, with me on the rear.
Soon enough we arrived at the forest. Where a corpse laid. Well, there was supposed to be one… Now it's just a puddle of dried blood. And… "Is that…?" I took the hat. "This is Ponzu's hat," I said grimly.
"That's the person I met in the exam…" Gon says still staring at the corpse.
Killua picks up something on the ground, "This is… A bullet casing."
"Nothing mechanical was allowed here, right?"
"Supposedly yes," I answer.
"So…" Kite approaches Killua, "The underground rules were manufacturing guns in addition to drugs."
"But judging by this…" Killua looks at the lack of a corpse.
"This wasn't done by a human," Kite says.
"Definitely not," I agreed. "Definitely a Chimera Ant."
"If the Chimera Ants have been using guns now."
"Then most likely all those in the underground of NGL have already been fed to the queen."
"What will happen if Chimera Ants are born with their genes?" Kite pauses, "Chimera Ants and NGL… The worst combination imaginable. This could create an unprecedented biohazard."
"It looks like we were too late…" I look away from the corpse, "Let's go."
We started running again before we know it, the sun was setting down. Luckily we arrived at a village. No one was inside.
"They're all most likely dead," I grimace. "Nothing inside the houses. Not even a hint of soul."
"Say…" Gon says catching our attention, "Something smells." He points at the horse stable, "Over there."
We all walk over. "If the smell is still around then one might be near," I comment.
"Be cautious," Kite says.
We look at the blood on the floor. Based on the blood the horses were dragged toward the forest. We followed the trail and soon found the three horses were spiked on the trees like some sort of tribute.
"This is sick…" I said in disgust.
"It's like a morning sacrifice," Gon says.
"Huh?" Killua and I glanced at him.
"It's a ritual practiced by birds called bull-headed shrikes," Kite explains.
"Hey!" A voice comes out of nowhere.
I quickly turn around as well as the others. Why didn't we feel its presence? It was a Chimera Ant, a bird-like species.
"Wha?"
"W-What is that?"
Both Killua and Gon stared at the Chimera Ant warily. Nothing Kite and I couldn't kill, but I hope they could at least kill something of this level.
"Those are mine!" The chimera yelled before rushing toward us. Kite and I dodged quickly, but Gon and Killua were hit, they blocked yet they still got knocked back.
I stayed behind where Gon and Killua were knocked back. I'm almost certain they can handle this themselves and I'm sure Kite has the same idea.
"Gon… Killua…" Kite says appearing beside me, "You two must deal with him yourselves. This is a chimera ant soldier. We will encounter many more like him. We won't be able to help you during combat. If you can't defeat him then you have to leave. You'll just be in the way."
"No pressure!" I said waving at them.
They powered themselves with their aura.
"Weren't you listening Kite?"
"We're pros."
"Don't treat us like kids!" They both said before rushing the Chimera Ant.
The ant blocked all of their attacks which went for a few exchanges before Killua jumps into the air and uses his nen.
"Thunderbolt!" He yells as lightning pours from his fingertips and grounds the ant.
I nudged Kite, "That is some crazy potential."
The Chimera was stunned for a while which Gon took advantage of.
"First comes rock…" Gon approached the Ant still clearly stunned, "Rock… Paper… ROCK!" His aura went to his fists and he unleashed them and punched the ant. Making it fly into the air.
They were ready and waiting for the ant to come down but another one came and flew to its rescue as they fly away.
I conjured my sword but they were already a good distance away. "Aww. They escaped."
"Should we go after them?" Killua asks.
"Nope. Too late."
"That guy was smart," Kite compliments. "He let his soldier do the fighting so he could learn our abilities."
We all stood there as we watched them get away.
"Are you coming?" Kite asks both of them. "There's no need to feel bad. Your attacks weren't that bad. You just need experience now. If you wish to become stronger this is a perfect opportunity. But if you aren't prepared you won't be able to endure the ordeal."
I grinned. "They are hella strong! But you just have to become much stronger than them!"
"Hell lies ahead of us," Kite adds.
"We're coming." "Yeah." They answer.
…
"Is this…" Gon looks around the place.
We were inside the NGL underground secret locations.
"Yes, it is NGL's hidden side."
"A drug factory," Killua scoffs.
"Exactly. This factory produces the ingestible drug D2, which is spreading throughout the mainland. There are probably nearby bila trees, which produce its main ingredients. Ironic given their claims as preservationists."
"And I'm guessing this is a gun factory as well," I said approaching a set of boxes.
"It's the same as the others from earlier," Killua says taking one out.
I walked over to one of the exits as they continue to discuss. I sense something. At the same time, the presence keeps disappearing.
"Shh!" Kite shushes both of them. "There's a few of them." He walks over to me.
"Yeah. Let's go."
We walked over and saw three tunnels. "There's a few in the middle," I said focusing in front.
"There are 2 more in the left and right holes," Kite adds.
"How far can you both see?" Killua asks.
"Around 45 meters, but it varies depending on my physical and mental condition. I can extend for a few more meters." Kite takes a stance, "They're here."
A horse like Chimera ants comes out of the hole with two humans on leash. "Huh? Who are you guys? How dare you enter my territory without permission."
"Help us…!" One of the humans yells. "Help-" He didn't get a chance to say anything anymore before being crushed by the horse.
"SHUT UP!" The ant says as he crushes the human. "Oops, I crushed him. Oh well time to get rid of both of them." He says as he crushes the other one.
"Stop it!" Gons says before trying to lunge at them. Both Kite and I stopped him by the hand.
"Gon!" I said.
"Huh?"
"Don't act irrationally Gon," Kite says. "He's not the only enemy."
"You might fall for their trap."
Two more Chimera Ants come out. One was with a dozen or more arms and the other was a mosquito-like Chimera. They quickly rushed us.
"Leave the one in the middle to me," Kite commands. "You guys take care of the other two. Shiro will support us."
I conjured out my sword again. "Alright fine."
Both Killua and Gon went and focused on their respective fights. I looked around and expanded my en, in case there were more and we get flanked. I followed Kite and joined him against the horse one.
"Why are you here?" Kite asks the horse.
"Why? This is my castle!" He says proudly. "A king has no need for a reason to be in his castle."
"What an ugly castle," I comment.
"HUH?!" He says annoyed.
"Let's just kill this guy Kite," I look at him. "Besides it's not like some pawn of the queen would be much use to us."
"What did you say…" The chimera started to rush both of us and used his hooves to stomp us. Which we dodged easily.
"So much for being a horse," I scoffed. "Holy you are slow."
Both Kite and I kicked his head. And jumped back.
Kite summons Crazy Slots. "Hey! You only summon me when you're in trouble! You'd better watch it!"
"I don't have time for small talk," Kite grumbles. "Hurry it up."
"Oh really? You're so impatient," Crazy Slots says before starting his ability. Numbers flashed his mouth before stopping on the number 4. "Four!"
I giggled, "Nice spin."
"Four huh? Bad spin."
The Chimera runs at us again this time madder than earlier.
"I have no bad spins!"
Once the Chimera got close I ready my stance and in sync with Kite's shot, I sliced the ant in half as it got shot in the head by Kite.
"That was surprisingly easy," I laugh.
I glanced at the other two and see that Killua was done with his prey headless on the ground. Gon on the other hand had his enemy on the ground but cleaved in half.
I could still feel it alive so I went over and sliced it on the head before it could pounce Gon on the back. "Ya have to be careful kid."
"You can't relax after dismembering them," Kite approaches Gon, "The body and the head can still survive for a day. You have to crush its head."
"But overall you guys did great," I compliment both of them.
…
"Are you finally done lecturing the kids?" I chuckled at Kite. "We're almost there. I think I can see it from here now."
"We're not kids!" Both of them replied.
"We should get going now so we don't lose the trail," Kite says.
They did pretty great against the ants we came across after leaving the NGL base. We got surrounded but thankfully Kite drew his scythe.
The kids won their one versus ones. But I'm still worried…
We kept running until we were at a cliff that overlooked the Ant's nest.
"We're here," I gulped. "We have to be more careful-" I shivered as I felt a disgusting presence. "Kite!"
"Killua! Gon! Get away from here!" Kite ordered.
"Huh?"
"Hurry up!"
It was so fast that I couldn't keep up! Kite ran to save the kids.
"KITE LOOK OUT!" I yelled at him.
Fortunately, I was quick enough to shield all of them with my body. The cat person shoved their hands straight to my stomach.
"SHIRO!" Kite shouted as he was about to run back toward me. The Cat Chimera was about to slice Kite, but I tackled her and stopped her attack, but it wasn't enough, and Kite's hand got dismembered.
I yelled at him as I held the Chimera off. "RUN KITE, WITH THE KIDS! AND DON'T YOU DARE GODDAMN LOOK BACK."
The Chimera stared at them with such so much blood lust that they almost lost control. Both Gon and Killua were about to power up to attack but Kite knocked them both out and ran away as fast as he can.
I jumped away from the Chimera as they stood back up with malice. Their tails waved in anticipation, literally a cat looking at its prey.
"Heh. Let's just hope I don't die," I chuckled coughing up blood on my hand.
…
Chapter End
...
Author's Note
Hello! I am posting this again, cause apparently I messed something up and had to change the names... so there's that. Hope you enjoyed it!