49. Part II. Chapter 5 - Family

The wind susurrated as I sat on one of the great boughs of a mighty beech tree. Fingers traced up the smooth parchment in a whisper and a comforting rustle sounded as I turned to another page; old ink and paper teasing my nostrils.

The pictures were fading in some of the pictures but nevertheless the drawings were impressive. In our ancient history, Whale Island used to be one of the many islands of an archipelago whose neighbouring islands had long sunk. But people, except for the old, had forgotten its old name and preferred to call it now as Whale Island, due to its shape.

It has always intrigued me learning about this piece of history as well as learning about its customs but what eventually caught me was the mythology and the folklores - some of which were still around. However mostly used to scare little children away from the woods as my aunt Mito and Grandmother Abe tried to do.

It didn't work of course. There were no such things mentioned from my previous life and armed with this knowledge, I had courageously set off, meeting Kite for the first time after a near-death experience.

I scoffed, turning away from the illustrations on the book to gaze around my surroundings. The birds chirped and cooed, already used to my presence in their vicinity. Leaves rustled and trees sighed as they danced by the course of the wind. Meanwhile, little grey squirrels hopped around, twitching and looking about as they went.

He was another man set to die. But he had to live for my brother's sake and mine. Another name to add to that list that kept following me around.

A heart was a heavy burden and sometimes I wished I had none.

Looking down at my book, I took a deep breath and set to work. I followed the lines and the shape of the creature I clearly already remember. He materialised, crouched on the ground under the shade of my tree, starting as a silhouette of a man until the details that make him horrifying emerged.

A grotesque creature with bent spine, a bald oval-shaped head, slit golden eyes, and a wide gaping mouth filled with shark-like teeth and a long forked tongue. Its nails were bigger and longer than a normal man's but his nails, I knew would be razor sharp.

Saiyu had named his own beasts - Mizaru, Kikizaru and Iwazaru which also had prompted me to do the same.

''Although I was never really good at name giving,'' I scoffed as I looked down at my creation who continued to only look back up to me solemnly. ''Sorry, Josh. I should've given you a more frightful name.'' He responded by letting out a ticking noise.

I couldn't help but laugh when the hairs on my arms rose. ''Yah...You are scary. If the villagers saw you, they would probably call me a witch.'' I blinked, thinking I might as well be. I summoned the visceral sucker, the Mananaggal from the void next who this time appeared as a pale and long-haired woman, feeling the strain in my Nen stretch like an elastic band inside me. I persevered anyway. From my experience so far, I could summon at least four shadows in daylight until I start feeling some side-effects.

The book has stated that this certain Aswang would sometimes appear as a woman when infiltrating villages. Similarly, another type of Aswang can transform into animals to also infiltrate into communities. They were called the weredog.

Both seemed perfect to me.

''Giiin!'' I turned towards the call and to the flock of birds cawing from the distance. My plans were put away to the back of my mind to be investigated. Gon's voice invaded the forest, getting nearer. I shut the book and tucked it to my side. I uncrossed my legs and hopped down, landing in front of the two shadows.

Gon burst in through the foliage. ''Gin! We opened the box!'' Gon called with a happy smile on his face. He stopped in front of me. In his hands was a purple box which when he opened contained an ornate ring and a memory card. I looked up to him when his voice took a sad turn. ''There was also a cassette tape too. But...But Ging had put a Nen on it so after it played, it just deleted! I'm sorry, Gin. I should've called you before listening in.'' He pouted anxiously even though I was the one who refused to join them this morning, making a poor excuse of my having an appointment with Shimura-sensei and telling them to go ahead and not wait for me.

I didn't have the heart to tell Gon I didn't want to hear Ging's voice.

I gave my sweet brother a smile and ruffled his spiky-gelled hair. Why he insists on putting gel on it even in Whale Island escaped me. ''Seriously, you're gonna end up bald, brother.'' I told him blankly as I touched the stiff strands. Gon clicked his tongue and pushed my hand away, smiling.

''It's gonna be okay. Ging also did when he was young, Granny said.''

He wore a turban hat, if I remember correctly when I met him. Which means, he could've been bald under the thing. Or maybe slightly bald. Ha!

I sighed and rolled my eyes. ''I think you should come off the gel a little, big brother. It can't be good for you. Besides…'' I swallowed. ''You haven't seen him. Who knows, he could be bald.''

Gon blinked, watching me for a moment before giving me a bashful laugh. I took it as him ignoring my advice. Stubborn kid, I thought as I rolled my eyes.

Our eyes both landed on Josh who was quietly crouched on the same position away from the direct light of the sun and to the Marina who unerringly met my gaze. Her hair was limp on either side of her face, lips as pale as death and her black eyes wide and unblinking. I had named her after a mermaid from one of the island's famous stories. Marina, the mermaid who loved a sailor so much she ate him so they can become one.

I know. Talk about crazy.

Gon became quiet as he gaped at Josh who this time had more details on him rather than being just a shadowed humanoid creature Gon had seen last night. His eyes widened and his mouth parted slowly into an 'O' as he realised what the creature was.

''Aswang!'' He pointed at my summon and turned to me, looking more amazed than scared. I raised my eyebrows at him and crossed my arms. His expression asked for confirmation: 'It's an aswang, right?'

I nodded, lips curling at his adorable expression.

''Woah!'' With a flick, Gon closed the box in his hand and went on circling my summons, forgetting Ging for a moment.

Gon and I used to listen to Aunt Mito tell bedtime stories about the Aswangs who preyed on innocent pregnant women and little cute children like our younger selves. She did this while she locked out windows and closed our curtains after peering out into the darkness fearfully. Her acting skills were also top-notched. Gon used to tremble under the covers beside me and would refuse to go to the toilet in the middle of the night without company. It also caused a lot of embarrassing night time accidents in his case which I believe brought Mito to stop with the stories.

I smiled from my own thoughts. Children are so cute in their fragility and innocence.

''Woah.'' However, Gon poked the creature fearlessly this time. My brief smile died, eyes narrowing. As if on a cue, Josh rose on his feet and towered over Gon, baring his teeth at my brother, saliva dripping. Gon flinched and took a step back, eyes flying to me. My shoulders felt stiff as I willed the creature to stand down.

''I'm sorry about that Gon.'' I bit out. ''You can touch him again, if you want.''

Gon swallowed but nodded and quietly reached out to pet the monster, more carefully this time. My grip on my book tightened, clutching it closer to my chest.

If a child like Gon wasn't scared enough of the creature, our enemies - the spiders, the chimeras and everyone else who would have seen more gruesome things would surely not.

''Killua went to the toy store to buy a game station. He should be back soon. Shall we go back together, Gin?'' My brother's voice entered my thoughts.

I nodded and spun on my heel towards our house. The little realisation that escaped my notice had annoyed me. Netero didn't mind them either until I included his dear wife in my shadowed summons. Saiyu merely blinked upon seeing Josh, Marina and Kit, the undead child during our match.

Meanwhile, Gon reached and took the book from my hold, finally breaking me out of my reverie.

''The Book of Demonology: Pinephilip Aswangs.'' He read out loud before turning to me. ''Did you get your ideas here, Gin?'' He innocently asked.

I nodded and controlled my urge to take the book from him as he opened and leafed through the pages, humming. All I could feel and think of was that it wasn't enough and suddenly, my powers felt...childish.

I took a deep breath and started to calm my thoughts by distracting myself with our environment instead. The trees were abundant and green, so full of life. Insects flourished around them and countless birds nested on their branches. They were here before I was born into this world and if they were unlucky, many of them would perish when I willed it so. And when they do…the animals that depended on the forest would suffer as well and to an extent, perhaps even my island.

I groaned, unable to help myself from slapping my forehead.

''Gin? What's wrong?'' Gon came closer. His shadow loomed. I sighed, long and deep. I only need to be careful. I only need more training. I only needed to use my strengths well and everything was going to be okay. Besides, I still have Zevil's island.

And the wildlife will suffer there as well if I willed it so.

Teeth clenched, I took another deep breath. This was not healthy. Put it away, I told myself.

My book dropped on the floor and suddenly, hands gripped me by the shoulder and manipulated me around. Gon gazed at me imploringly. His face was close to mine, searching. ''Is it...is it your...Are you sad again?''

''What?'' I muttered and realising his words, I sighed. ''No, Gon.'' I brushed his arm away and bent over to retrieve my poor book from the floor, dusting the soil stuck on it and using the skirt of my dress to remove any dirt. It was an old book, it didn't survive this long only for Gon to besmirch it with his carelessness. ''No, I just realised something.'' I said and finally looked up to his worried face.

''Did you take your-''

''Yes I did.'' I told him firmly. When he was silent, I added, ''I'm fine, Gon.'' I gave him a comforting smile (which this time, he didn't return) and wished he would just let it go. I entwined our arms together. ''Come on, let's go home. I'm hungry. Are you?''

''Yeah.'' Gon muttered after a beat. A forlorn look flashing on his face. I ignored the prick of guilt in my chest easily as my thoughts caught up to me.

There was also the reality that by using my Aswangs, a person might be able to discern where they originated. I couldn't have them tracing my origins to Whale Island, endangering my family in the process. There are other ways for them to do so, of course. But there is no need in my helping them do this.

I will need to be careful when dispensing my summons and to find more materials to study. Nevertheless, they will remain perfect spies and offer unlimited protection in the darkness - albeit quite limited in direct sunlight.

But again every bright light casts a very large shadow. Managing my disadvantages and playing with my strengths will take careful thinking but strangely enough, I know that in my heart, my Nen will not fail me.

Hisoka, for example, was a perfect spyhole into the spiders while Pariston himself was his very own. Two of the biggest threats to my life so far were carefully marked. I had no interest in fighting them, nor waging a war with them. But if they find out the extent of my powers over them, will an exorcist be able to remove it?

While my Nen was a silent one, who knows what these powerful people are made of? Once I feel them getting out of my reach, I will have no choice but to kill them on the spot, turned into dust before they could retaliate on me and my family.

My life forces are a last resort, especially now that I've realised how selfish it was. But in this world, I know that a give and take must remain in balance. I know that a big power like that spun in a short period of time requires a sacrifice of equal value. I still had my physical prowess and speed to use. Netero's martial arts' training had developed it. I will only have to improve.

But how? Netero was back on his 300th floor, probably watching his porn and shirking his responsibilities while Pariston lurked around with that empty grin on his face and his hands steepled together. Whatever it is he is planning will be up to no good.

''Gin?'' Gon, again disturbed my thoughts like a pebble thrown in still water. We both stopped our stroll. In front of us the hill sloped upwards towards our home and behind us was the forest.

I turned towards him, loosening my hold on his arm when he didn't speak. I tilted my head down, trying to catch his eyes. ''What is it?''

My breath caught in my throat when suddenly he leaned forwards and pressed a lingering kiss on my forehead. And then he gave me a smile that reached his eyes only a touch, casted with a twist of pain into it. His shoulders hunched; his touch weak.

Such a look of loneliness didn't suit Gon. ''What is it?'' I asked him again, hesitantly.

''You know, you could...tell me anything right?''

I blinked, confused at first on what he could possibly be thinking about. Because of course I did but then as I was about to open my mouth to say that, my lips refused to open. Because right now, of course I can't.

But Gon's eyes begged me to say something, anything. But even as I racked my brains for what could tell him to comfort him, I came up only with memories of the Spider, Chrollo Lucilfer, Hisoka, Pariston, Chimeras and countless deaths pushed aside messily in my mind. Beyond them was a blank floor. None of my thoughts will comfort Gon right now. None of it will make sense. Not yet anyway. It wasn't the right time.

''Of course I do, Gon.'' I ended up saying, giving him a smile instead. I reached out and massaged the furrow on his brow away. ''I will.''I said and remembered my promise from last night. ''Maybe once you developed your hatsu.''

The forlorn look on his face lingered until as if a cloud had drifted away, his smile returned slowly and bloomed into a sparkling smile. ''Okay.'' He said as he reached for my hand, drawing them into his. ''I can't wait!'' He suddenly yelled that I broke into a laugh. ''Ne, Gin. What do you think I should do?''

''With your Nen?'' I asked, humming when he nodded. I remembered a bright spark of orange light like fire in his fist. ''Something bright?'' I offered, dropping him a side hint.

''Bright? Yeah like what?''

''I don't know Gon. A hatsu will have to come from you. From your heart, I suppose. You'll have to figure it out on your own.''

Gon quietened as he tried to think. Lips pursed and eyebrows drawn. I bit my lip and pinched his cheek.

''Ah-ow! Gin! I'm trying to think!'' He complained, albeit with a smile on his face. He massaged his reddened cheek.

''It doesn't suit you.'' I teased and reached out to mess with his hair. He dodge and brushed my arm away, whining.

''But you told me to think! Man, but I can't think of anything!'' He shook his head, resembling a puppy out of water. When our eyes met, I broke into a laugh which he returned.

''Ne, Gin.'' He interlinked our arms again and laid a hand on mine. When he spoke again, his voice turned deeper, tuned with seriousness and honesty, and tinged with anticipation. This time his eyes shone fondly and his smile curled into that especially soft one, full of love and acceptance. ''I'll wait.''

My eyes were inescapably caught in his. I swallowed through the tightness in my throat and nodded. Reluctantly, I let him drag me home, feeling half-guilty and half-relieved. Gon was quiet on the way but thankfully the spring in his step was back.

Good and simple Gon. You tell him to wait and he would.

Then my eyes then fell on the box cradled in his hand and as we climbed on, I watched him gaze at the box longingly as if it was everything he's ever wanted.

Ging, I realised and then pushed unwanted memories of our shared father away from my mind - both the old and new.

I had already decided to help Gon find him a long time ago. For Gon, the little boy I grew up with. The one who loved me unconditionally since the first of his memories. The one who kept on holding to my hand. The one who waited for me every time and did everything to make me laugh. The one whose smile makes me feel as if I truly exist and belong in this world. I looked away from him with burning eyes and turned my eyes up towards our home at the top of the hill, shining resplendently under the afternoon sun.

I joined the boys' in their room after a quick lunch and settled myself on Gon's bed with the aged tome splayed before me as Killua explained the wonders of Joy station to my brother who has never had to play it before. Why do so when there are other kids and Foxy to play with outside?

I listened to them with half an ear as I read stories about the Aswangs, a smile often pulling at the edge of my lips at my brother's innocent charm.

''Greed Island, a hunting game for hunters'' My brother said out loud, pulling me out of the reverie my book has offered. I looked up from the musky scent of the old book and the crude illustrations of horrors towards the two boys who were now in front of the computer.

Greed island. The memory of the contents of the game was a vague one, only that it occurs after Yorknew and the antecedent of the Chimeras. I quietly closed my book and stared at the sanguine leather, absently tracing the embedded title; my thoughts running fast in my mind.

''What the heck is that price tag!'' Killua yelled again.

''Five hundred, eighty million?'' Gon screamed.

''Wrong! It's five billion, eight hundred million!'' Killua yelled frustratingly back at my brother.

A picture of Netero flashed in my mind. His grey eyes shimmering like liquid mercury as he told me calmly: 'Leave that to me, my dear'.

I have to reach out to Pokkle some time soon, just to check. One at a time, I told myself. I blinked as Killua sauntered to the bed where I laid on my side. He shoved my legs aside and then sat on the space freed next to it.

''We could go deeper and search on-line and we might uncover some information. But that's not really my forte.'' He sighed and casually pulled my book towards him. After reading the title, he gave me a raised brow. I frowned at him and attempted to take it back. He turned his back on me and flicked through the yellowed pages.

''Yah. Killua!'' I rose up to my knees behind him, leaning over his shoulders and reaching for my book, slapping him on the back when he didn't give it. The oaf only slapped me back and elbowed me aside, bending out of reach as he opened and perused the leaves carelessly.

''Be careful with it!'' I said, sitting myself beside him as he skimmed the rest of the pages.

Meanwhile, Gon only hummed as he paced about the room, holding on to his chin in thought. ''If only there is a way for us to find someone who knows a lot about games and the Net.'' He thought out loud.

I looked away from watching Killua's hands on my fragile book. ''How about the Hunter's website?'' I suggested airily because why not?

But then the boys froze. Killua turned his head and set me an appraising look. With raised eyebrows and pursed lips, he then turned to Gon. ''Yeah. That works.'' He nodded at my brother.

''Yay! Thanks Gin!'' Gon leaped at his feet and cried.

Killua stood up and walked to the computer, bringing my book with him. ''What's the address?'' He asked, sitting down at the desk.

What an imperious boy, I thought. As if hearing my thoughts, he threw me a cold look of impatience and then when I actually thought of it...I floundered. The smile on my lips was fading, twisting slowly into a grimace.

''Uh... ?'' I bit my lip as I looked away from embarrassment. The silver-haired boy slowly turned from his seat with a flat expression on his face. Disappointment rang in the air through and through.

''Sorry…''I merely said. ''I never really thought about that part.'' I admitted honestly.

Gon broke the silence. ''Ha-ha! That's okay, Gin!'' Killua only shook his head, lifting his foot up to his seat and casually opening my book again. ''It's the first time I even heard of it! Ne, how did you know about it?'' Gon persistently questioned.

I glanced to the side, thinking. I've always somehow known about it but Netero also threw it around during our time together. I don't know why it never occurred to me to check the website or find the website myself. Perhaps it was because I've never been actually one for technology. It was never a trend in the island and there had been no real need for it.

''Netero talked about it.'' I delivered honestly. ''He said...he removed my name and any details of me on the website as well while I was training with him.'' I supplied.

As expected this caught the boys' undivided attention once again. ''Eh? Why?'' Gon asked.

I mock-shrugged, trying to look unbothered. ''The chairman didn't want anyone knowing about my apprenticeship with him at first. Which is good, now that I think about it. We don't want crazy strong guys stalking me, asking for a challenge, no?''

Gon swallowed loudly, eyes wide. ''Yeah.'' He agreed quietly and then scratched the back of his neck. And I knew by the look of his face that he was thinking of Hisoka.

''Don't worry, you two.'' I said, smiling. ''Netero has blocked our address in the website too and I will leave a shadow here to make sure everything is alright.''

Gon tilted his head to the side at this while Killua remained still in his position, elbows resting on his lap with my book now back in his hands. Feeling suddenly happy to demonstrate, I summoned my Nen to show them and drew out another form from my void. In the room, a shadow materialised, starting as a formless dark mist to a shaggy silhouette of a dog. The form rippled as the dog arched its bag, its long tail flicking up and slowly more details emerged - black eyes opened, nose flared and a red tongue swept across its mouth.

''I'm planning to leave it with Mito and Granny. What do you think?'' I asked Gon when I finished.

Gon strode to the creature and seeing no signs of aggression, kneeled in front of it, caressing its soft dark fur exploringly. ''It feels real.'' He whispered and then looked over to me. ''It feels real, Gin. This is amazing!''

My skin warmed at the praise and from the warmth coming from Gon. ''Thanks.'' I muttered, scratching my cheek.

''Humph.'' Killua sniffed. ''What can it do if bad guys do come knocking at your door and you're hundreds of miles away?''

I raised an eyebrow at him and crossed my arms as I thought about his question. ''Gon, step away from it.'' When Gon did so, the curtains rang closed and the weredog shifted slowly and quietly, getting bigger and filling nearly half of the room with its size and darkness. Its lips drew back, baring large carnivorous teeth.

Killua glanced down at my book and opened it to another page. He then looked up to the weredog and once again, he merely humphed and then threw my book casually to me. I scrambled to catch it.

''Jah, Mikey looks better.'' He raised his arms above his head and stretched, ignoring the summon baring its teeth at him. I simply rolled my eyes at his drama.

Gon, meanwhile, simply glowed, turning to me excitedly. ''Ne, Gin, can I pet him?''

''Sure, Gon.'' I smiled at my brother sweetly, nodding before then glaring at the young Zoldyck. But even then, I knew he was also right. If say, it was Pariston or Hisola who appeared at the doorway, how would my shadow apparition do?

I raised my hand and the shadow dog shifted back into a smaller size. It zoomed towards me in a flurry of shadows and started to sniff and lick at my hand. I closed my eyes and felt its life energy, connected as it was to my own.

''It will feed whatever information it can give to me and it will fight tooth and nail, endlessly with whomever tries to harm the people of this house. It won't need to eat or drink human flesh and blood like his counterpart in this book. It is fed only by me.'' I willed and took a deep breath as the familiar pull tugged in my gut and the chill ran up my skin like tiny pricks of needles.

''Your aunt will find it suspicious if it doesn't eat. Unless of course you tell her that it's some kind of magic dog.'' Killua drawled.

''I guess I can make it eat too.'' I petted the dog. ''It's better than nothing.''

Killua hummed.

''Is he a boy or girl?'' Gon scratched his head and then crawled towards the dog, tilting his head to check. Killua grimaced, making me quietly chuckle.

'Prude' I mouthed at the boy who only gave me a fake mocking smile.

''Gin? Uh, there's nothing there.''

I looked down and followed Gon's eyes, blinking as indeed there was the incomplete detail. ''Do you want it to be a boy, Gon?''

My brother nodded eagerly. ''I'd like to name him Kon! That is, if he doesn't have a name yet! He-he.''

''Ah. No he doesn't.'' I grinned. I inhaled and imagined the detail, lips tightening to stop myself from laughing at the absurdity. ''There!'' I said after the right protuberance appeared. ''That could have been a disaster if we forgot that detail. Thanks Gon.''

My brother gave a thumbs up, grinning. ''No problem!''

''You guys are just weird.'' Killua muttered and spun himself on his chair. ''Anyway! I know someone who knows a lot about games and the Net.'' He drawled then crossed his arms, suddenly looking unhappy. ''He might even own a copy of Greed Island actually.''

''Really! Who!'' My brother skipped towards his friend, sitting himself on the carpet. The dog trotted towards him and licked his face before settling down on his lap.

Meanwhile, I reclined at the head of the bed with my book. Killua clicked his tongue and fished out his phone. The phone rang only once before somebody answered it. ''Gotoh?'' Killua droned on. Ah, I closed my eyes at the sound of his name.

Another man who had the same question stamped on his name.

Shall I save him too?

The voice in my head automatically said yes but a much more evil one - who might actually be common sense - said no. It says I couldn't possibly save everyone.

But even then...I should try, right?

''Put piggy on.'' Killua demanded on the phone.

Piggy could only be Milluki, I thought. Ah, the Zoldyck boy who tortured me with his tiny little shocks. What a pain. My attention turned to our Zodyck friend. Tiny little shocks, his brother called them. Out of the blue, I remembered how Killua found me in that room, all scratched up too. Back then, I was so focused on my pain that it didn't register to me that Killua might have been hurt as well.

But then again, in that kind of family, what is considered hurt and what is considered normal? For all I know hurting their family members was their way of showing their love for each other. Killua sure didn't seem like he cared. But still, for a kid to experience such things. To be trained to kill from a young age and be desensitised to it. How awful must that be at first?

I merely observed as the boy teased his brother for more information, even calling him aniki while threatening to break all his brother's figures. They seem close, I thought as I listened to Killua talking to his brother. But then I'm pretty sure he also threatened to kill Milluki before with a look of proper loathing on his face.

Perhaps casting death threats in his family was also normal. I wouldn't be surprised. No wonder he looks at Gon and I weirdly sometimes. The poor boy has never had a good healthy sibling relationship.

''Sorry. I ended up trading a copy of the memory card.'' Killua said after the call ended.

''That's ok. It's just a copy anyway.'' My brother said smilingly as he petted his new friend. I laid my head on the pillow and rested my cold hands underneath the side of my face, content to just listen. The scent smelled strongly of lavender mixed with something sharp and sweet like candy. Gon must've given this bed to Killua last night.

''I got two things from him in return. First, Gin was-'' He hesitated and then sped on.. ''-right. There is a website meant for hunters and we can use your licenses there. Gon! Don't you dare!'' I opened my eyes, finding Killua pointing at my brother who was holding his license card and looking like he was about to rise up from the floor. ''If you use your card using your home computer, they can track where you are, you idiot! And then your sister's weredog or whatever she calls it will be for naught!''

''Well not really.'' I cut in while squeezing a pillow to my chest. ''It might be helpful for Kon to get some first blood as practice.'' I joked, yawning.

''That was a joke.'' I supplied when I was met with silence.

Killua merely sighed. ''You need to use public cafes for this stuff. Seriously!'' The boy said, placing his hands on his hips. I smiled dreamily and cuddled my pillow, thanking the universe for small mercies, namely Killua.

Not that I will ever let him know that, of course. But Gon was lucky to have been given a good friend.

''Anyway, I still don't have the address.'' Killua said and as if on a side note added, ''because someone there didn't even bother finding it out in the first place.''

''Sorrrrry.'' I replied, sleep slowly enveloping my mind.

''Hmph.'' I heard him cross his arms rather than seeing. ''My brother promised to give it once he received the memory card. My second lead, on the other hand, is an auction.'' Killua paused. ''It is going to be held in Yorknew City.''

Sleep and drowsiness flew away as Gon also jumped in his seat. ''Yorknew? Isn't that?'' He turned to me, seemingly surprised at the revelation.

''Yeah. The place where we're supposed to meet with Kurapika and Leorio. In September, they will house an auction. My brother thinks it might be a hoax, but he said someone will distribute dozens of copies in the auction. '' Killua informed gravely.

I watched as Gon shone with hope. His hands turning into fist. ''Maybe...Maybe that someone is Ging.''

No, it won't, I thought as I rose up from the bed slowly. Killua, on the other hand, agreed with my brother. ''It makes the rumour more credible, if that's the case.''

Ging was not the type to be handing games out in an auction. Besides, if I remember correctly, Cheadle said he was an archeology hunter.

''We'll need a crazy amount of money to get hold of the game.''

The auction where the Phantom Troupe will be for their mission. And wherever the spiders are, Kurapika will be.

I drew the curtains open. Harsh sunlight beamed in and I felt the strain start in my Nen again. Kon poofed out of existence as I relinquished my Nen. The feeling of his life energy coming back to me felt like nursing a warm drink on a winter's day.

The bloody show has begun.

I've put down my new book: 'Many faces of a Woman' as Mito's voice called us for dinner downstairs. Gon and Killua sat cross-legged on the floor with their game consoles in their hands which I imagined must be all soaked with sweat by now. Sounds of flying planes, gunfire and bombs filtered out of their game and I watched as the two boys animatedly played their game with Gon canting to the side as he appeared to set his plane to a maneuver.

''Oh-oh-oh-oh! YEAHHHHHH'' Killua rose to his knees as he opened fire to their enemies.

''Game over, you've won.''

''YEAAAAAH!'' Gon roared, rising to his feet and striking a victory pose with his feet apart and his fists on his side; one hand still clutching his console.

Boys, I scoffed at their antics. I threw myself out of the bed and stood up, sauntering towards the window as I arched my back, groaning quietly at the resounding clicks. I blinked away from the blaze of the twilight sun, raising my hand against its weak rays. Golden light bled in between my fingers and around my hand. For a moment it looked like I was holding an orb made of fire.

Behind me the boys scuttled on the floor and turned off the game console, setting the room in a calming silence. The last squawks of seagulls sounded and now the nightingales began to sing.

''Gin! Gon! Killua-kun! Time for dinner!'' Mito's voice rang out again.

This time Gon turned his head towards the door and yelled: ''Yeah! Coming!'' He then turned to his friend. ''Let's go eat Killua!''

''Hm!''

''Gin! Come on!'' Gon called, waiting at the door. ''What are you doing?'' He asked when I didn't move to follow right away, fascinated as I was from the light in my hand. I let him watch my hand for a moment before pulling my hand down.

I took his hand in mine and smiled at him languidly. ''Holding the light in my hand.'' I told him honestly.

His curious smile widened into a fond one. Gon chuckled softly and then started to pull me away from the window, tilting his head to the side. ''Shall we go and eat?''

''Hm.'' I nodded, floating towards the opened door, the scent of a feast already teasing my nostrils. Gon closed the door, shutting out the light from his room and we both traversed the top of the stairs in semi-darkness until we reached near the end where light began to reach.

Mito and Grandmother Abe had indeed prepared a feast for us. ''You're leaving again soon, ne?'' She only asked with a sad smile as she explained the reason for the abundance of food laid before us.

I turned to Gon in response who merely beamed at our aunt and nodded. ''Thanks, Mito-san!''

I saw Killua's lips curling up as well, seeing my brother's contagious smile. When our eyes met, both our small smiles froze and then he looked away.

Later after dinner whilst we all retired in the living room, Mito turned on our old record player. A crackle sounded before the first beats of drums and the strums of guitars began to play and then grew into a melody of an old rock song. For a moment, we all quietly sat around with our hot chocolates in hand with the exceptions of Mito and Granny who nursed their teas instead. After another rock and blues song began, Gon rose from his seat, pausing his chat with Killua about their game and proffered his hand to me.

A bright smile broke out from my lips and I closed my book, placed it down eagerly on the coffee table along with my drink, and accepted his hand. In the background, Mito reached to the retro player and turned up the volume.

Gon and I danced like how we've always done, quietly giggling and simply grinning at each other as we circled around and swinging with the music. Over Gon's shoulders, our granny was happily knitting her loom while Mito alternated between chatting with our grandmother and watching us, clapping and swaying with the music as well. Killua also politely exchanged words with our aunt and even graciously accepted another cup of hot chocolate from her. But as the song carried on and our quiet laughters rang in the air, Killua seemed to find something more interesting in his drink as he stared at it for a long time, tapping the porcelain with his nail.

I closed my eyes for a moment, breathing in Gon's earthy scent from his shoulder and letting the music wash over us as we swayed with its course. When a new song started, Gon and I livened up and danced to the beat, clicking our fingers as we separated, still laughing. Gon danced to our aunt while I twirled and stopped in front of the brooding Zoldyck whose restless foot told me that he felt so awkward that he wanted so badly to leave.

Instead of offering my hand, I grabbed the boy's hand and dragged him to his feet, keeping hold of his hands as we danced with the funky music, laughing quietly at the horrified look on his face. After a few stiff and awkward turns on his part, we settled into a more mellowed song where Gon, quite the ladies' man, also invited our grandmother to dance while Killua tried to take his hand back.

''Relax.'' I told him and snaked my arms around his tensed shoulders. His whole body stiffened even more, if possible. I forced our bodies to sway with the music anyway, although a stagger was a more apt description of how it was like to dance with the boy. ''Seriously, it's like dancing with a rock with you.''

He hissed. ''Let me go, you-''

I placed my index finger on his lips, effectively shushing the boy. I was a little worried of him biting it off but thankfully he didn't. I laughed, partly in relief, partly because he was so awkward, and partly because of course, he wouldn't.

I leaned into his ear. ''Just relax, Killua-chan. Just listen to the music and feel the beat move your body.'' I cooed at him, hoping it would help him relax as I took his hands and tried to place them on my hips, smiling when they stayed there. I tightened my arms around him and started singing and humming quietly with the song.

'In my life, there's been heartache and pain

I don't know if I can face it again

Can't stop now, I've traveled so far

To change this lonely life…'

I blinked my eyes open when a flash of light appeared. As if on a cue, the warmth on my hips disappeared and Killua strode away from me as if I had B.O and went back to his seat, refusing to even glance at my direction. Shaking my head at him, I followed the boy and sat at the other end of the sofa then glanced at my aunt who was gazing at a film in her hand with a melancholic smile curling at her lips.

I stood up and sat next to her on the other sofa, leaning my head to her arm and then to her chest when she opened her arms and embraced me.

'I wanna know what love is

I want you to show me

I wanna feel what love is

I know you can show me...'

The night ended beautifully and I slept peacefully after bidding everyone goodnight. My aunt peeked into my room just as I finished downing my water. I waited for her to say what she wanted to say but then as if changing her mind, she gave me a rocky smile and bidded me again goodnight.

This time I slept with, I believe, a smile stretched on my face until I woke up come morning.

Author's Note (just ramblings): Dear readers, as I'm getting older, I am realising some scary things in life like it's unpredictable and sometimes, short. Yes, it is thrown around so many times but you don't really feel it until you start to grow older... Anyway, let's be happy and make this one count by doing whatever it is you love at your own pace. Don't let other people's ideas of YOLO life discourage you. (Okay, cringey part done).

This is quite a stretch and an ambitious chapter for me haha but hey, it's fanfiction! Thanks for reading and for all your support! Please let me know what you think of this chapter and throw a coin to your writer! I'm always up for feedbacks so I can improve (but please be gentle to my poor little puso (heart). Has everyone watched The Witcher by the way? Because I haven't. Is it really any good? I read well but for some reason, watching these kinds of films make me impatient and I often skip a lot of parts. Haha. Also, what other book(s) are you reading right now? I am goin' a bit cray-cray. Need reading material.

PS: The song lyrics I added here is 'I want know what love is' by Foreigner. I wasn't creative enough to write my own lyrics haha. Thanks for reading, my loves.