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Of Games And Assassins Part 6-10 by Cherrie
part 6	part 7	part 8	part 9	part 10
Part 6
Cherrie's Universal Rule When Reading Her Yaoi Pieces applies here. Read chapter 2 for the whole statement. Disclaimers: Hunter X Hunter © Yoshihiro Togashi, Shounen Jump Weekly, Shueisha and Nippon Animation. This fanfic is written for entertainment purposes only. Hm...language warning. This'll go throughout the fic I suppose... Author's Notes: Oh my God, I don't know anymore! *tearful eyes* This chapter's been done since Tuesday, but I just couldn't find it in myself to upload it because...well, frankly, I'm not satisfied with it, and all the times I get free to think of what is missing, I just can't find it because I'm always on a self-inflicted time limit and I can't think straight anymore. Waaahhh!!! I'm doing you guys so much injustice I deserve to die in a funeral pyre! *runs off crying* OF GAMES AND ASSASSINS by: Cherrie ( kurapikasama@yahoo.com ) Chapter 6 - Hannah Schwarz A girl of about twenty-three sat quietly beside her mother, idly playing with the loose strands of brown hair on the side of her face. Dark gray eyes merely stared at the shimmering black leather of the driver's seat, the act indifferent and faraway from the movement made by her well-manicured fingers. The voice of her mother, Reyna Schwarz, continued to drone on and on as she talked with somebody over the mobile phone - probably Auntie Kikyou, the girl thought - but she didn't understand a word said because she chose not to listen. She sighed, closing her eyes. She took a deep breath and smelled the sweet scent of tropical ginger, and she smiled in satisfaction knowing that she spent a good two hours fixing herself up just for this trip. Her thoughts shifted to the inevitable, and before she knew it, she was thinking of the dark-haired Zoldick whom she'll be seeing again after the painful years of having no contact. Illumi Zoldick was always a quiet young man. He had a light but firm voice from which he would take command of servants, but he would never use it to engage in conversation. But the girl didn't mind because she didn't mind doing all the talking as long as Illumi-san was there to listen. Despite his occupation, he was always nice to her, and it was no great secret that she developed a crush on him when she reached the age of thirteen, during that first time that she met him. A boy of but fifteen, Illumi had short but fine black hair and piercing cat-like eyes. He had the fine lips of an elite and his well-mannered grace was all it took to make the young girl swoon. And lo, a miracle just happened. The dark haired beauty she remembered in her late childhood was now her fiancé! The young girl couldn't help herself as she felt her lip-glossed lips curl into a smile. Beside her, oblivious to her thoughts, her mother gasped out of something she seemed to have heard over the other line. "Oh that's terrible! A job appointment at a time like this? Oh the poor child," came the woman's slightly high-pitched voice. Fine fingers came up to touch the side of her cheeks as her eyes went wide. The young girl found herself blinking back from her thoughts to listen to her mother. "Oh, did you say Quenya? I see. Oh, but we're on our way Kikyou dear, so don't worry about it. I'm sure Hannah won't mind waiting for a while." The light click of a cellphone's mouth-piece being closed sounded next. "What did Auntie Kikyou say?" asked the girl, a dark foreboding growing in her chest. Reyna lifted her small bag up to store her cellphone away before turning back to her daughter. "Auntie Kikyou told me that Illumi is currently on duty. I'm afraid that we'll have to wait for a while for him to come back. Oh, but it wasn't his choice, I was told that he wanted to stay so he could welcome you, but it seems as though they had no choice because the client insisted on having him," she said. A small pout grew on the girl's face. The thought of not being able to see Illumi immediately made her feel terrible, and she didn't even try to hide it. "On duty? That's awful!" she exclaimed, straightening up on her seat. "Oh, but I was also told that he's right here in Quenya City. Perhaps we could catch a glimpse of him if we're lucky. Do you think we should look for him so he could come back with us to Kukuru Mountain?" asked Reyna in attempts to make her daughter feel better. Everyone knew that the girl was prone to throwing tantrums, so she didn't want to risk it. The words seemed to have done their desired effect, and Hannah was again smiling after a few beats. "I'm pretty sure that you can't have Auntie Kikyou waiting, so I have an idea. Why don't I stay here to look for Illumi-san? Oh, but don't worry, I'll bring Ralph with me," said the girl, indicating a middle-aged man sitting across from her and her mother. The stoic bodyguard merely regarded Hannah with a look. Reyna frowned. "I don't know, dear. Even with Ralph, I'm not sure if it would be safe," she said hesitantly. But the mere look of upcoming tears on the girl's round eyes made her change her mind. Plus the fact that her daughter just cried out a, "Please, mother?? I promise I'll be safe!" with sheer desperation. Reyna knew that Hannah had been waiting for this moment to see the young Zoldick once again, and her excitement was known to the whole household. The bewildered mother couldn't understand why her daughter suddenly took a liking to a complete stranger, but then again, she supposed that Hannah had spent quite a lot of times with Illumi during their rare visits and that she must have missed something. Perhaps Hannah was right and that she and Illumi really did get along well. The door of the car closed, followed by the thrilled waving of the young Schwarz girl to her mother. "Tell Auntie Kikyou that Illumi-san and I will be fine. I have my cellphone with me and I'll call him through it, and don't hesitate to call, mother!" she said, bidding Reyna her goodbye. The mother and daughter kissed each other on their cheeks before the window rose up, leaving an opaque black wall between them. The car sped away and Hannah continued to wave until it was out of sight. "Well Ralph!" she said, turning to the tall man behind her. Her blue silk skirt flew with her movements, like flower petals blooming. Hannah had always liked to have clothes like that. But this time, she did it out of habit and not because she liked to do it, for her thoughts were clouded with things of more importance to her. "Let's go find Illumi-san!" * * * * * It was around 9 o'clock in the morning but Illumi still found himself walking around the city, trying to clear out his thoughts. During the wee hours of the night he was able to conclude one universal thing about his life: He was surrounded by psychopaths. Right after he ran away from home, Illumi thought that he finally left behind him the madhouse from which he knew he was cursed to stay in. Granted, he did run to Hisoka, and in more way than one he thought the magician was a bit strange, but it was only then did he realize the extent of his madness. The assassin tried to look back at what happened that night. Hisoka just - Illumi scowled at the thought - kissed him. Illumi's been kissed before, for one thing. His mother was fond of kisses and she would always go to her children and kiss them whenever she felt that she has to. And Hannah. The girl was able to steal small kisses on his cheeks whenever they would part - a lasting curse, might he say - but they weren't anything serious. But Hisoka. Hisoka just kissed him on the lips! Of all the darned things to perform in front of his brothers, the magician just had to go for the quick and tactless approach. 'Did you just...do that, Hisoka?' he found himself asking, minutes after his brothers went away. Fortunately for them both, Illumi was able to hold himself well while they waited for their audience to overcome the initial shock, up until they panicked completely and ran off to the direction of the gate. Had he been a less strange situation, Illumi would've found himself laughing - not that he laughed often. With both his hands still on the assassin's neck, both thumbs still caressing the pale cheeks, Hisoka merely grinned as if what he just did wasn't in any way wrong and said, 'Yes. I'm really tired, aren't you?' Illumi felt himself twitch in all the wrong places and he could've sworn a vain has started to protrude from his temple. He had to stop by a store window to check if any strand of hair was standing up from the usually obedient black crown upon his head - he was that much frustrated. Partly with Hisoka, but more to himself because he was starting to realize the many reasons why he shouldn't have called the magician for help. But then again, where else would he go to? Cursing under his breath, Illumi continued walking. After that little escapade at the park, he told Hisoka that he suddenly lost any interest in sleeping - mostly because he didn't want to sleep so close to the magician right at that time - and that he wanted to walk around a bit. Hisoka happily bade him goodbye - the freak - and said that he'll be waiting back at the hotel. It never crossed Illumi that he might not come back to Hisoka's hotel for the many reasons that the other and his clowning around would sufficiently justify, but despite the strange twist their little game went through, he realized that he was planning on coming back. For one thing, he had to admit, Hisoka's method worked quite well. Aside from the fact that it might've been to harsh for Alluka, the point was that they've settled the idea and that it's all up to his brothers to do what they would. He wasn't quite sure what they would do exactly, but he knew that it would start the commotion that he wanted to have. Besides, wasn't he so desperate during that time he came to Hisoka for his help? Illumi stopped to ponder on that thought. Perhaps he was putting too much against Hisoka. Sure, it wasn't everyday that one would find two men kissing, but wasn't it his idea to go around as lovers? Perhaps he should've expected a little contact, a little show to at least have them both pass that label. And besides, kisses are but small things when one would think about it. Of course. That kiss wouldn't mean anything to Hisoka, being that he's practically a creature of...many physical pleasures, in one way of speaking. Kissing would probably but a casual gesture to him as shaking hands. Illumi sighed. At least something comforting came out of his little "walk". Granted, it was still not the whole picture, but he supposed that what he had come up with was enough for a while. And thus, the young assassin concluded the purpose of his walk and decided that maybe it would be time for him to take his much needed rest. After all, he did spend a good amount of time circling the city; his feet were begging for rest. But upon turning back to retrace the path back to the hotel, Illumi realized his weariness and couldn't suppress a yawn. And in that moment of weakness did he miss the figure that promptly bumped into him. "Hey, watch it!" came a vile, female voice that awakened the very nightmares from the Zoldick's mind. All thoughts of sleep and rest escaped Illumi as his dark eyes popped open in attention, half knowing yet half wishing that it wouldn't be who he thought it was. But just his luck fate suddenly decided that it was angry with him. The girl's face, initially overcome with annoyance, changed into a more pleasant view - at least, for any random person that was not the man in front of her - as a wide smile grew on her youthful face. "Illumi-san~!" came the prompt exclamation, and before Illumi knew it, he could've sworn a leech had grappled itself on his arm and just forgot to suck his blood out. Oblivious to the speechless shock the young man whose arm she was currently holding into a death grip, Hannah gushed like a child and started to speak. "Oh my goodness, you don't know how relieved I am to see you! You see, mother just found out that you're here in the city so I decided to look for you so we can come back to Kukuru Mountain together. I'm supposed to have Ralph with me but when I entered this store there were so many people and I somehow lost myself because the clothes were so nice. Oh, they had this really beautiful velvet coat but I don't know if it would suit me so I looked around for Ralph. I came out but he wasn't there. I tried calling him on his cellphone but he seemed to be out of coverage area and when I tried calling you the operator said that your number is no longer in use. Did you change your number, Illumi-san? Oh, but that's all right, I found you~! I wonder where Ralph is though, oh but he won't get into trouble, so I'll just call him later...I'm so glad to see you again, Illumi-san~!!!" From that whole train of senseless words, Illumi doubted if he could repeat a single phrase, much less a sentence. He hardly understood a thing! But apart from the fact that the girl just had a tendency to not let people catch on her point, there was also that thought that kept on knocking on the assassin's head: What was she doing here!? * * * * * "Alluka's gonna die and we're both going to follow his footsteps by the time we come back," drawled Milluki, whose constant pacing threatened to shake the hotel room from wall to wall. Killua felt his eye twitching in irritation as he cast his eyes towards the prone figure of his younger brother on the bed, still unconscious. The shock must've been too much for him, Killua thought. But despite his concern for the younger boy, the white-haired Zoldick couldn't help but wish that Alluka would just go on sleeping for the whole duration of their little mission. "I can't believe Aniki's like...like...he's one of them!" exclaimed Milluki, throwing up his arms finally, his patience finally worn off. "Just pipe down, Milluki. For all we know you got off being able to watch that scene," said Killua. Despite his own shock, he just had to snap that one at Milluki. Any opportunity to show spite - wasn't that what typical brothers would do? "Eew!" said Milluki vehemently, casting Killua a twisted look. "I can't believe you would even accuse me of such a thing! This is Illumi we're talking about! Until last night I didn't even know that the word 'sex' was included in his vocabulary," he scoffed. "But who would've known, though. Does Illumi hate Hime-chan so much as to do something like this to her? But then again, he must've been having this little affair behind our backs for years! But really, if he wanted to relieve himself he could've had any woman he wanted. Who would've thought a guy like that goes for those with flat chests..." Killua all but groaned at the seemingly recurring speeches Milluki tended to have regarding the three-letter word. God, the pig was worse than he and Leorio combined! Trying to drown out Milluki's voice with sheer force of will, Killua desperately dug his pockets for his cellphone, suddenly growing more and more impatient with every second he spends with his brothers. He punched out the message with his thumb, all the while wincing at the constant yakking of an arrogant pig behind him. Gon, I swear if you don't come here, I'm going to lose my mind! * * * * * This is insane. The sharp ring of the elevator as it landed them on the assigned floor sounded through the closed room before the doors finally opened. Illumi winced at the prompt tightening of the arms around his own, and he considered pushing the girl away. But remembering the times he had done so before, the girl would throw a tantrum, saying that Illumi-san hated her - which he did, and with a passion to say the least - and she'd end up running to Auntie Kikyou about it. For some reason, the girl had this tendency to wrap everybody around her little finger and before he knew it, he was spitefully apologizing behind gritted teeth lest he suffered an earful from his own mother. "So this is the floor you're in. I must say, the hotel was a good choice, but wasn't the president's suite more appropriate?" Hannah asked, looking around the hallway like a child in a new place. Illumi wondered if she's just really like that or she's acting the stupid, innocent brat for a reason. Though he was tempted not to reply, out of instinct he heard the voice of his mother at the back of his head, like a cursed litany telling him to be nice to Hime-chan...or else. One would think that with the rebellion thing going on he would've decided to finally throw the girl off the top floor of a building, but no. Illumi briefly wondered if his family's madness finally got to him and he's also growing sick in the head. "The hotel room I'm staying in isn't mine," Illumi heard himself say as he - they, but Hannah was walking so close that they could've passed for a single person - walked along the carpeted hallway. "Hm?" Hannah blinked. "Are you borrowing it from someone?" she asked. She's so stupid it's almost painful, thought Illumi. "No," he said, pausing to reflect upon his next words. "I'm...with somebody," he said finally, albeit a bit hesitantly. He half hoped and half dreaded that the girl would catch on what he was trying to imply, but before Hannah could say anything else, they reached the right door far too soon for comfort. But having no other choice, Illumi reached for the door knob and pushed it open. The room was pretty neat, almost the same way he had seen it last night. That is, apart from the mess the bed was currently in. Illumi had to raise an eyebrow at the way Hisoka slept. The covers were wormed through his limbs as if somebody tied them around the magician on purpose. At the back of his mind, Illumi asked himself how he managed to survive the nights of having to sleep with this man for the past few days. "Wow," he heard Hannah say, her eyes glued to the same thing. "What a pig!" Illumi felt his eye twitch at the insult. He wasn't sure if it was because of the fact that Hannah just insulted Hisoka, or plainly just because Hannah actually spoke again. Surely it wasn't the first option; he wasn't even sure why he even considered it. Nonetheless, he cast a sidelong glance at the girl and tried hard not to roll his eyes. "I'm living with him," he said coldly, pulling his arm out of the girl's death grip and turning away under the pretense of going to get a glass of water. Fortunately, Hannah stayed where Illumi left her. Like a puppy, Illumi thought amusedly. Well, he had to insult her somehow, even is it's just in his thoughts. "With him?" she asked, oblivious to the other's thoughts. Instead, she kept her eyes on the man on the bed, and noted that the only thing she found good about him was that he was actually good-looking. But of course, what use was that to her dear Illumi? "Oh you poor thing," she finally said, casting her gaze back at the assassin. "And there's only one bed! This hotel must be really crowded. Where do you sleep? Oh darling, please don't tell me he makes you sleep on the couch!" Darling? Illumi gritted his teeth and took a deep breath in attempts to calm his nerves. Instead of snapping at the girl, he retained his composure and just opted for his initial plan. Break it to her gently. "No, not the couch," he said, pouring himself a glass of soft drink. "I sleep on the bed." "On the bed?" repeated the girl curiously. One would've expected that the girl would get it by now, but as Illumi looked up to steal a glance of her expression, he was very much disappointed. Hannah didn't even seem to budge. She had a bewildered expression all right, but it wasn't the right kind of bewilderment Illumi would've preferred. Her face also hardened, but again, it wasn't the kind the young man would've liked. "Then what is he doing on your bed!?" Before Illumi could clear things up, Hannah had stalked towards the bed and mercilessly pushed Hisoka on the opposite side. The painful 'thud' of his body crashing to the floor in a bundle of blankets was clear and audible. "Fucking HELL!" cursed the magician upon waking, which came to him too violently for comfort. A blanket had covered his face wholly, but he pulled this down angrily and glared at the first person he set his eyes on. It didn't seem to pass his head that the girl was a complete stranger. He didn't even seem to care. "What the HELL is WRONG with you, lady!?" Most people would cower at the very tone Hisoka used, much more the expression of sheer anger on his face, but Hannah was not most people. "Don't you dare raise your voice in my presence, you bastard! What were you doing sleeping in a bed that's not even yours!?!?" she demanded, pointing a menacing finger at the magician from her side of the bed. "What the fuck does that suppose to mean?? Do you even realize where you are or have you lost your whinny self and somehow entered the wrong room!?" asked Hisoka back. "Stop using such vile language against me, you wretched commoner!!!" "Commoner? Just who the hell do you think you're talking to!? Fuck yourself and go to hell, woman! God, pretty bitches just come around in awful packages these days," he said in the midst of extracting himself out of the tangled blankets. It's almost as if they forgot I existed, said Illumi to himself, not knowing whether the scene was amusing or just downright irritating. As if hearing his thoughts, Hannah shut her mouth - I have to congratulate Hisoka for being the only one to stump her, thought Illumi - and stilled. But it didn't take more than a few seconds for her eyes to start watering and with a violent turn, she faced Illumi and with a speed that would've made Mother Nature hide her lightning bolts in shame, had herself thrown upon him like a sobbing child. "Did you hear what he just said to me, Illumi-san!?" she cried, burying her face on Illumi's chest, her shoulders shaking from her tears. Upon hearing the familiar name, Hisoka blinked and straightened up, looking at the direction from which Hannah just ran to. And sure enough, the sight surprised him greatly. He blinked. "Illumi?" he managed to ask, alternating from the assassin to the girl in his arms. "How dare you call him by his first name, you miserable fiend!!!" snapped Hannah on Illumi's defense even before the other could respond to the magician. Hisoka was about to snap another retort, but Illumi shook his head and spoke up. "No, Hime-san, you don't understand. Hisoka's my..." he shifted a wary glance towards the magician, who merely raised an eyebrow up at him, prompting him to just say it. But Illumi knew better, and in defeat, he sighed. "He's my roommate," he said, looking down at the tearful girl. From where he stood, he didn't miss the sardonic roll of Hisoka's eyes. "Roommate? Why do you even have a roommate?" asked Hannah, a frown in her face as she hid her lips and nose under a white handkerchief she seemed to have pulled out of nowhere. "It's a long story," said Illumi, sighing yet again as he rubbed his eyes exasperatedly. "Well, you have to tell me about it, then. We can't start off this way, you know, it's not healthy for a good relationship," she said, sniffling yet still throwing her chin up to regain her dignity, which she did quite well. Her arrogance was immediately a thorn on Hisoka's side, who quietly watched on the side, noting in satisfaction that Illumi just stiffened at the mention of a "relationship". "Anyway," continued Hannah, who looked around. She winced upon the sight of the messy bed and glared at Hisoka, who returned the glare with the same amount of spite. But Hannah merely returned her eyes back to Illumi and asked, "Can I use the bathroom? I need to fix myself up." "No," said Hisoka immediately, throwing the covers back on the bed. "I have to use it." But Hannah merely cast him another mocking look. "Who asked you?" she scoffed before slamming the bathroom door. Hisoka gritted his teeth, his eyes burning the path from which the girl just left. He then turned to Illumi, who looked just as distressed as he was. The magician looked back at how the assassin treated her, and another wave of frustration overcame him. "Now I know why you need my help," he said. Illumi looked at him and returned the mocking glare. "Oh shut up." End of Chapter 6
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Part 7
Cherrie's Universal Rule When Reading Her Yaoi Pieces applies here. Read chapter 2 for the whole statement. Disclaimers: Hunter X Hunter © Yoshihiro Togashi, Shounen Jump Weekly, Shueisha and Nippon Animation. This fanfic is written for entertainment purposes only. Author's Notes: Uhm...actually, I based Hannah Schwarz partly from Pansy Parkinson and (ditzy) Narcissa Malfoy of Harry Potter ^^; Y'know, Draco's date for the Yule Ball (the lucky slut) and Draco's mother - the fanfic-ditz side of her anyway. Narcissa has different personalities, but I won't elaborate 'cause that's just plain out-of-topic ^^; Hm...anyway, Yomi-san had a good point in her review for me. She said that Hannah would be better off seducing Illumi instead of chasing after him. I think it's a good idea, not to mention more appropriate for her age. 'Course, I'm not sure about things, but it's a start ^___^ Thank you to everyone who reviewed chapter 6. Hah, I knew that chapter was the worst yet! XP Oh, and about the woman thing...*pokes cheek* 23 is still young. Not a teenager, but I still find that age as one of a young lady...not that Hannah acts that out either. Hm, I'll try to tone her down, don't worry. Probably, my view is different from others because of where I come from. Yomi-san said that by 18, people leave home to live on their own, but we don't do that here in my place. Unless you're leaving home because you're getting married, you're still your parents' child. So yeah...and some people are just plain attached to their parents. Sure most people see them as people sick in the head, but most spoiled children are like that. My uncle for example...but again, madness runs in the family (seriously, I've got at least 3-4 aunts and uncles with experiences in mental asylums and rehabilitation centers ^^;), so maybe it's just me. Aah, the wonders of the environment... OF GAMES AND ASSASSINS by: Cherrie ( kurapikasama@yahoo.com ) Chapter 7 - The Girl, Hisoka's Curse How wonderfully convenient... The sarcasm of his inner voice didn't miss him, and he took note of it rather wryly as he leaned back on his two hands that were supporting his head. His eyes continued to stare up at the ceiling, almost glaring, as if his very gaze itself would bore a hole through it just for the hell of things. The clock on the table beside him blinked a piercing red 3:45 that stood out on the general darkness of the room. Great, Hisoka thought sardonically as he felt his eyebrow and the corner of his mouth twitch in frustration. For days, he hadn't had a decent good night's sleep ever since Illumi came. The first few nights, he must admit, were the best he ever had, and he remembered sleeping for more than twelve to thirteen hours because he found out that his bed was never as warm as it had been when Illumi was there. Granted, the assassin stayed on the edge of his side of the bed and was too far for Hisoka's own liking, and that the warmth he felt must be something that his own creative mind came up with just because he knew that there's somebody else there with him. But nevertheless, the point was that the warmth was inviting, and he would've slept his whole days away until his back cracked from all the lying around. But no. Three to four nights off, Hisoka eventually found the suggestive position they were both in rather uncomfortable. If he would just roll on his right side just once, he could wrap his arms around the other's body and...well, he was sure his instincts could take it from there. And ever since that realization dawned on him, he couldn't get it out of his head, and he hasn't slept a wink without ending up all hot and bothered, among other things. Personally, had this been somebody else, he would've done them so badly he'd have somebody after his throat for a lifetime. Never had he felt any more drawn to anybody as much as he was with Illumi, it was almost starting to get creepy. But something about the other kept him in place. Hisoka knew that he had a knack for getting rid of people in a second's snap, and he figured that if he'd do so much as push Illumi to his limits, he'll lose his only living ally, plus sport a very painful black eye for the rest of his life. That is, unless he wouldn't be caught floating down some river, dead and decomposing all in all. Fact was, he wanted to figure out how to get Illumi to him without risking his heart getting ripped out of his chest - and he's talking literally here, he's no sissy romantic. But now this. Hisoka scowled at the memory of the day before, when he first met Illumi's so-called fiancée. The little bitch had herself attached to Illumi the whole time, and none of their discreet little practices worked on her. She saw Hisoka as "Illumi-sama's annoying friend" who incidentally buys him things whenever he gets the chance, touches him with every presented opportunity, whispers in his ear every time she turns around, and also coincidentally sleeps with him on the same bed. Either she found his relationship with Illumi naively platonic or she's really just too blind to realize anything that would take the assassin away from her. And speaking of beds, it took all his and Illumi's efforts to kick her out of the room. After an agonizingly long argument about making her take another room, and then a much longer and much more agonizing one as to where Illumi would be sleeping, they settled for her staying on a nearby room while he and Illumi stay where they initially were. He never really understood why Illumi's being so kind to the girl. By the time they reached the front desk so they could book a room for the newcomer, she had herself latched on to Illumi's arm still and continued to try to convince him that it wouldn't be so bad to sleep together because they'll eventually get married and end up on the same situation in the future anyway. Illumi looked completely wasted with her hanging around like a leech, but nobody seemed as disgruntled with it all than Hisoka himself. He was told to ignore Hannah - and again he wondered why Illumi was so kind - but how could he do that when she's like that? The hotel receptionist was giving them confused looks from behind the counter, but Hisoka all but ignored her because he was too busy glaring at the girl attached on his assassin like she was sewed right on the man's sleeves. He was still seething even until he succeeded in breaking the pencil in his hand into four little sticks, which only ended with Illumi apologizing for it while giving him an odd look at the corner of his eyes. He had no chance to talk to Illumi about it because by the end of the day, they were both so exhausted that they fell asleep instantly by the time they got back to their room. But his sleeping habits remained loyal to the sudden change, and around 2 in the morning he again woke up from yet another suggestive dream that involved him, a bed, and the very person sleeping mere inches from him. Hisoka thought of getting it all done with. In other words, he could take Illumi then and there for Hannah to find in the morning, but once again, reality kicked in and he knew that blood will be spilled if he does so much as try. The clock now blinked a disturbing 5:00. Heaving out a curse, Hisoka grabbed his pillow out from under his head and proceeded on burying himself on it, as if the darkness of being squished by a pillow is any better than the darkness of a room. But at least, he thought, he couldn't hear Illumi breathing this way. So much distractions...he should've asked for a fee after all. * * * * * Hisoka wouldn't budge. Shifting a glance at the girl by the dresser, Illumi tried to suppress a scowl as he shifted his attention back on the magician in front of him. When poking him didn't work, he started to shake him, calling out his name every once in a while. "You know, I can wake him up like I did yesterday. I'm sure he'll be out of bed before you can even count a second," said Hannah, who continued to fix her already made hair in front of the mirror. Illumi could see that she was watching him through his reflection, and again, he couldn't understand why she remained blind to the masquerade he and Hisoka's been playing for her to see. Although, he was having a hard time calling it a masquerade nowadays. It was just that Hisoka was so good in playing the part that he even found himself believing that they were...well, as Hisoka would call it, an item. He was convinced that the kiss meant nothing, and so was everything else. But yesterday, back when they were at the main lobby with Hannah looking around at the souvenirs store and Hisoka stomping off by himself elsewhere, Illumi found himself free of them both. But that was also the time when the lady behind the counter said a low, "I think he's jealous" while smiling for all the sunshine's worth. Well, Illumi thought sarcastically. People who aren't even involved seem to get the picture more than those who are, how about that? A voice shook him out from his thoughts, and again, Illumi found himself staring at the girl he was supposed to call his fiancée's reflection. "Illumi-san, I really won't mind waking him up for you," she said again. She was now dabbing a bit of pink blush-on on her cheeks. "I can handle Hisoka by myself, thank you," he answered in cold politeness. He wished she's just get the idea and go off on her own, thus sparing him his family's wrath. Why his family was so fond of her, he didn't know, and he doubted he even wished to. But once again, she ignored his manner with her and just shrugged. Cursing everything from his ancestors to the very bed Hannah was born on, Illumi started to give Hisoka small slaps on the cheek, willing him to wake up. Hannah wanted to go out around the city, but Illumi would be damned if he'd have to accompany her alone. "Damn it, Hisoka. I'm not going to do this alone, wake up!" he hissed. A sigh of relief escaped the assassin when he finally received a sign of consciousness from the other. A low groan escaped the magician and his eyes just scrunched up in a sign of annoyance, but if he was stubborn, Illumi was much worse. Especially when it's his sanity on the line. For some odd reason, he needed Hisoka to be there as a walking excuse just in case he gets himself in a bind he couldn't stand. "What the hell...?" was the first words that escaped Hisoka as he adjusted his eyes around him. He rubbed his eyes before they landed on Illumi, and he gave the assassin a curious look before he looked up at the bedside clock he had on the table. He ended up groaning again, grabbed for the nearest pillow - which was the one Illumi uses every night - and buried his face under it. "Well it's about time!" same Hannah's defiant voice, the click of her lipstick cap closing giving out a faint sound. "Do you realize the effort Illumi-san had to go through just to get you out of bed?" Illumi watched as Hisoka jerked, threw the pillow off his face and bolted up. He could've sworn he heard a faint, "Shit" from the magician, but he quickly dismissed it and stood up. "We're going out," he said, eyeing the magician as the other continued to wake himself up completely by rubbing the top of his head, his flaming hair going out in all sorts of mess. "Would you like to come?" he asked. He knew Hannah's lips pursed into a tight line with that question. It was obvious she didn't like Hisoka very much, but she dared not speak against him, he knew. So instead, Illumi continued to catch Hisoka's eyes, hoping that the other would get the message and just get up. Hisoka stared up at him for a while, but with a single glance at the girl from the corner of his eyes, he scowled and grudgingly stood up, slamming the bathroom door at his wake. "He could've said he didn't want to come, we wouldn't have minded," said Hannah. Illumi turned away from her and walked towards the window. It was a clear day outside, but Illumi couldn't help but wish that it would rain. He wished for a storm, actually, just so they could stay indoors. Since Hannah's room was way off across the corridor, he could lock her out of Hisoka's room and just say that he wanted to sleep. Which wasn't much of a lie; he really liked sleeping on Hisoka's bed, as strange as it may sound even to him. Even if Hisoka was bit of a violent sleeper, he never pulled the blankets to himself or any of those annoying habits he would hear from other people. Illumi found that he seemed to sleep better than he had ever done before. Then again, he figured that it was just because of the fact that he never slept beside anybody, and the new feeling must've gotten to him. The sound of the bathroom door opening made Illumi shift his gaze back inside the room. Hisoka emerged clad in a white bathrobe while drying his hair on another towel. "Maybe you could step out of the room for a while, miss? Unless you want me to go around naked for you..." said Hisoka, giving Hannah a pointed look. Hannah glared at him. "Certainly not! I'm sorry but I'm not interested," she said indignantly. She turned around to close her purse, held it in her right hand and looked back at Hisoka. "I'm going," she said, and at this, she then turned to Illumi. "Let's go outside then, Illumi-san." Illumi pressed his lips together but made to move anyway, but Hisoka spoke again. "No," he said, his gaze leveled down as he continued to stare at the girl in front of him. "Illumi will stay. He helps me pick out my clothes, right Illu?" he asked, shifting his eyes to the assassin by the window. Illumi blinked, once, but that was enough to say that he was surprised. Hannah seemed to be surprised as well, and she was now looking at him with a questioning look. Illumi settled his eyes on Hisoka, whose expression was that of straight calmness, as if what he just said was true. Following his lead, Illumi turned to Hannah again and said, "You go on ahead." "But I--" she drifted off in mid-sentence and just proceeded on alternating between Hisoka and Illumi with her eyes. But the look the assassin gave her shattered her defiance, and with a last glare at Hisoka, she disappeared out the door. They were silent for a while, even when Illumi walked to stand beside Hisoka, leaning his back on the wall. He had his arms crossed, and he watched as the magician picked out a red shirt from among the clothes he had hanging on the closet. Hisoka's clothes dominated the right side of the closet while the left side was Illumi's, divided only by the small space in between. The red-haired man emerged from behind the doors, holding up the shirt he picked out. "How's this?" he asked. Illumi briefly wondered how he ended up helping the other pick out clothes this time, but he knew that he'd rather do this than stay outside waiting for Hisoka with the devil's own daughter by his side. He eyed Hisoka with a blank expression and considered telling him that he really didn't care which shirt he wore, but his words seemed to come out differently from his thoughts. "Wear the white one," he heard himself saying. "You have a necklace that goes well with it." For a moment, Hisoka stared at him as if he just said the most inane thing in the world. Apparently, he also didn't expect that the assassin would seriously take part in the clothes-picking thing. "You don't mean the white collared shirt and the silver cross, do you?" he asked, disbelief etched on his usually calm face. "The cross with the leather string, yes," was the prompt answer. Hisoka paused for a while, giving the other a critical look. His mouth opened, but his expression didn't change. "You do realize that I wear that shirt with the first two buttons off, right?" "So?" Again, they ended up in silent staring. Illumi never moved from his position, his nonchalance airing out the simplicity of his suggestion, even if neither of them thought it simple. But eventually, a small grin tugged on the corners of Hisoka's lips, and he disappeared again behind the doors of his closet, coming out only when he had a white shirt in hand. * * * * * "Gon, really," drawled Kurapika, who started to drag his luggage behind him. His arms pained him greatly, and so did his legs. They've been walking for hours. Perhaps Gon really was being to enthusiastic about his meeting with Killua. Not that he could blame him. The two boys haven't seen each other in quite a while. But still... "We could at least get to a decent hotel," he said, casting the boy in front of him a tired look. "Uhm," Gon looked back at him and gave out a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry, Kurapika, but I just can't seem to find the hotel Killua was pointing out," he said, shifting his gaze back at the city map he had in hand. "'Course, we can always call a cab. Or give Kurapika the map at least, right?" asked Leorio good-naturedly, holding up a hand for Gon to hand over the map to. The boy hesitantly gave him the little booklet. "Right," said Leorio, passing the map on to Kurapika. "So what did Killua say he's doing here?" "He said that he needs our help," said Gon, looking up at Leorio. "Something about family problems and...Illumi." He shuddered at the mention of that name. Illumi was still his most disliked person, a close contest with Hisoka. But being Killua's brother and probably his main rival when it comes to keeping the other boy his friend, Illumi had the tendency to hit below the belt, and that just doesn't pass as a very nice thing to Gon. Leorio cast a look at Kurapika, who was now busy making a call. He decided that he was probably reserving a room for the three of them, and just shifted his attention back to Gon. "So, what's with them again?" he asked. "Killua won't tell. He said that he'll just tell us when we get there," he replied. The sound of Kurapika's cellphone brought both males' attention to him, and he eyed them warily from his place. "Has any of you even bothered to reserve a room for us?" he asked irately, and from the sound of his voice, Gon and Leorio exchanged sheepish looks. "I thought you did," said Leorio, scratching the back of his head. "The thought escaped me," said Gon, giving out a tight grin. Kurapika sighed, shaking his head. "Apparently, the hotel was fully booked. The thought must've escaped Killua as well," he said, putting his cellphone away. "According to the map, that hotel is just along this road," Kurapika indicated the road in front of them, tracing its straight path with his eyes, "so we could just look around the hotels here. We can always meet Killua somewhere else." "Good idea," said Leorio, grinning. "Guess we can always start with that one, huh?" He pointed at a building across the road. Kurapika looked up and eyed the building with a frown. "The Legacy," he said, shielding his eyes from the sun as his continued to crawl up the tall building. "It's a well-known hotel, as far as my readings are concerned. I highly doubt that it'll have any vacant space if Killua's hotel is fully booked." "Oh come on," said Leorio, slumping down beside him. "I'm tired. Let's just check it out, maybe we'd get lucky. After all, we're tired, we can always use a moment's rest." "I suppose," mumbled Kurapika. He bent down to grab his bag. "Fine, we'll see. Let's go then." End of Chapter 7 Extra A/N: Haha! This chapter endured lots of reloads in FF.net, sorry about that ^^; I just couldn't stand the uselessness of it, ehehe....and yup! I decided to include Leorio and Kurapika. I miss them ^^ To the reviewer who pointed out the LeoPika with the fiancée, yep, I noticed that too. Did so around chapter 5 or 6, I'm not sure. I told Quince-san already - she's the author of that fic. Haha, I ended up beating my head up a wall when I realized that, didn't I? *tugs on Quince's sleeves* Ehe, but I swear that it's coincidence. 'Course, if anybody's original, it'll be her because she got the idea first. But I'm not one to copy. I can be inspired, but I try to be as original as possible. So...er, yeah ^^; Last note. Yomi-san would be away for a while. That means I'll have no comfort for the whole of July, and my birthday's coming near too! >.< Aah, but we'll miss you, enjoy yourself! ^.^
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Part 8
Cherrie's Universal Rule When Reading Her Yaoi Pieces applies here. Read chapter 2 for the whole statement. Disclaimers: Hunter X Hunter © Yoshihiro Togashi, Shounen Jump Weekly, Shueisha and Nippon Animation. This fanfic is written for entertainment purposes only. Author's Notes: I won't even bother with apologies, I always come out late anyway. *sad sigh* As our newspaper editor always say, "Punctuality is one of the main values of a good journalist." No wonder I'm an artist, hahahaha--*gets smothered with a broom* Grrr...my computer is a traitor. *punches her PC* The start of the whole Hisoka x Illumi thing in this fanfic is due to excessive squealing over Hisoka x Illumi scenes from outside media. *long look at Yomi-san* 'Course, I'm not pointing anybody out. Hisoka x Illumi isn't a bad thing. Never a bad thing. Nyuu~ have a cookie!!! *loads Yomi with a truckload of cookies* OF GAMES AND ASSASSINS by: Cherrie ( kurapikasama@yahoo.com ) Chapter 8 - Blinding Mist Gon quietly sat on the hotel's restaurant, using his fork to play with the remaining ketchup on his plate. He hummed a happy tune under his breath, a song he remembered singing when he was young. He was waiting for Killua. The young boy asked him where he, Leorio and Kurapika were staying in and promised that he would meet them as soon as he can. Leorio and Kurapika were unfortunately out, saying that they had to pick up a few things for their stay. So with all of that said, Gon patiently sat in his seat with only the utensils around him to keep him entertained. But it didn't bother him. Waiting was something he was especially good at, and every time he would get the chance to sit down with nothing to do, he would remember his home, Aunt Mito and Obaasan bidding him to get back before dark. He would then run around until he reaches his favorite fishing spot, then he'd sit down and wait. Waiting was never unpleasant. Waiting made him think of many things, memories that never failed to make him smile. This time, Gon was right there thinking about Killua. Killua said that he brought with him a new friend for Gon, and that it would be fun if the two of them would meet. A new friend was always a good thing, so in return for his help - though Killua never really needed to give anything back - Gon was more than happy to accept his present. Meanwhile, on the other side of the lobby, Hisoka was just about surrendering the keys for his room when a familiar sight caught his eyes. With a sparkle that can only be rivaled with that of his gaze whenever he succeeds in annoying Hannah, he literally skipped the rest of the way before he reached the young boy's table. "Long time no see, my little sweet fruit~!" he greeted, using without fail the title he had given the boy oh so long ago. But Gon was on a bright mood, and the greeting went past him quite quickly when he recognized the familiar face in front of him. "Hisoka!" he exclaimed, blinking back his surprise. "What are you doing here?" "Oh, just wandering around and all," he said with a shrug. "How about you? I see that you're alone." Gon's face brightened and he gave the man a brilliant smile. "I'm waiting for Killua!" he declared happily. "Leorio, Kurapika and I just arrived yesterday and we're going to meet Killua here. But the hotel Killua's staying in was full. Kurapika said that we should check out other places. This was the first hotel we found and Leorio wanted to check it out so even if Kurapika doubted that we'll get ourselves in he didn't argue with Leorio then when Killua's about to meet us the two of them went out saying that they'll just buy a few things but I really wanted to see Killua so I didn't go with them so here I am!" As usual, Hisoka was amused at the young boy's well-known enthusiasm and tendency to grab a good conversation. He briefly wondered whether or not Gon still found it uncomfortable to be around him - a case in the past he wasn't necessarily oblivious to - but seeing that it didn't look like it this time, he didn't dare bring it up. Instead, he leaned closer and grinned. "Well, what are you doing in this city in the first place?" Before answering, Gon made a grab for the huge tumbler of chocolate shake on the table and took a sip, a thoughtful look on his face. Hisoka waited until he was done, and Gon, after finishing his business, turned back to him. "Killua won't tell actually, he just wanted me here," he said. "I think I remembered him saying something about Illumi though." A slender eyebrow rose at that, but nothing more. Hisoka decided that it would be fun to look into the other side's perspective, so he gave out his best innocent eyes and asked the young boy to go on. "Well, all Killua said was that he was running after Illumi because Illumi won't stay home...or something like that. I found it strange really, because it's Killua this time who's chasing after Illumi." He paused, then looked at Hisoka. "Isn't Illumi your friend? Do you know where he is and what he's doing? Maybe you can come and help Killua too!" The magician gave out a small laugh. Gon looked at him strangely. "What? Do you know anything?" the boy asked. "Maybe," was Hisoka's reply, still giving out small chuckles. "Then you should come with us!" Hisoka shook his head and stood up. Gon's eyes followed him, still confused, as always whenever he was around. He stood straight and looked down at Gon, giving out a candid wink and a playful grin. "Sorry love, but I'm already taken," he said, and started walking away, leaving the boy on the table even more confused. * * * * * It's just not fair. As Illumi had asked of her, Hannah obediently - albeit grumpily - waited outside the door, leaving her fiancé inside the room with that strange red-haired man. Strange, being a word she couldn't explain. For the record, she never saw him before, and though she hadn't thought about him much since she first saw him, she was able to do so when the man insisted on kicking her out of 'his and Illumi's' room. What a jerk, really. Hannah had a feeling that the man hated her, but then again, she disliked him as well anyway, so she supposed that they at least agreed on one thing. But speaking of him hating her, she also noticed the glances he kept giving her every time she's with Illumi. One time, she could've sworn he was glaring at her so badly that had looks could kill, earthworms would've been feasting over her corpse six feet beneath the ground by now. As if he really had the right. Who was he anyway but a pesky, ordinary guy who probably met Illumi around who knows where? As far as she was concerned, it wasn't fair that he kept on taking her fiancé away while she just stayed in the background. "Had enough yet, princess?" Blue eyes narrowed to a glare, and this particular one was directed to the one whom the voice belonged to. But no, she would not yield easily. She knew he was trying to get to her, though for whatever reason she was not sure. But she knew he hated her because of her superior hold on Illumi, and that's a fact she wanted to give him. So instead, she just turned her body to him, the strange red-haired man, and faced him with a sneer that reflected his own. "Oh, I didn't know you were there," she said, her voice high and condescending. "I forgot your name somewhere along the line as well, though I never had the chance to ask you because you were always so busy gluing yourself to Illumi-san." Hannah waited for that proud face to scrunch up in disgust, or at least discomfort, but there was no such reaction. Instead, the other just let out a casual shrug and turned away from her, his eyes shifting towards the crowd to point them both towards the location of the man they were speaking of. "Maybe you could ask 'Illumi-san' for my name. He says it a lot, I believe," he replied instead, giving out a teasing grin. "And I'm just tagging along so he won't be left staying where he doesn't want to stay," he said, casting the female beside him a discreet glance. "After all, not many people know this but Illumi really hates being forced to stay around things he despises." A slender eyebrow rose. "So you think you know Illumi-san very well, do you?" was the next remark. A small, almost unseen smirk curved its way towards the magician's lips when the small voice shook in a silent rage, possessiveness and jealousy clearly reflected in those vague blue eyes. "I assume that you've known him for quite some time now, huh?" "I've known him for years, but I never really had the chance to get to know him well until..." the voice trailed off, leaving only a pensive smile on the man's face. A moment of silence followed. "Until...?" prompted Hannah, whose clenched fists were by now hidden behind her so that her agitation won't be too obvious. This was a battle he had set up for her, she just knew it! But there was little that she knew about the man in front of her. The other continued to hide a smirk, knowing about the young woman's discomfort and cherishing the thought that he was getting the result he had expected when he started to whole bout. "I don't think it's proper to tell you so much about us. You have your story, I have mine," was all he said, looking Hannah right through the eye. "If you know Illumi well," he said, giving the other a quick wink. "You'd know that he doesn't like his secrets to be given out." "Don't think that you know so much about him. I've known him since he was but a young teenager, and I've spent my childhood hearing about everything about him." "Hearing is different from truly getting to know him." A grin. "I bet you the years you claim to have had with him are not enough compared with the few I've had. He has secrets only a chosen few know about." No, her temper won't hold down. This was provoked anger. "I dare you to prove it, you arrogant bastard!" On his side, it was frustration masked in playfulness. Go to hell. What's mine is mine. "Double dare if you could prove your own point, you spoiled little slut!" * * * * * The automatic doors of the department store opened by the time his foot stepped on the floor a few feet across the exit. Illumi held his packages beside him, still thinking about that brooch he saw when he passed by a jewelry stall. It would've gone well with Karuto's black kimono, and he also remembered her asking him if he could find her a diamond accessory. He still didn't know what the diamonds were for, but his sister seemed to have had a sudden interest with them. Sure, she betrayed him and chased after him for a whole damned day, but she was once a sweet and obedient girl too, right? Well, regardless of whether or not Karuto was still on his side, he wasn't able to purchase the said item anyway. For some reason, the store was rather packed that even the men's section seemed chaotic enough to drown away the salespeople assigned to assist paying customers. That's usually an event more popular with the women's section. As the glass doors parted open and as soon as he passed through, Illumi looked around the sea of people for familiar faces. Okay, so maybe just one familiar face. The other familiar face he would be thankful to not see, for the rest of his life if possible. Come to think of it, he'd rather not see the former either because he's just flat-out crazy, and until now he still wondered how in the world they even got together. But yes, it took but a second for reality to slap him on the face. Life sucks. And speaking of life and how miserable it can be, the young assassin recognized two voices somewhere behind the sea of people he was with. "I bet you didn't know that he can take bottles upon bottles of alcohol and still be able to recite the alphabet backwards." "That's nothing. Did you know that he likes to complete 295 brush strokes every night before he goes to bed?" "You mean 296." "No, 295!" "296. He hates the number 4 and wishes to not include it in the counting for 300." "What!? Where in hell did you pick that up!? It's 295 and don't you dare argue!" Then again, perhaps crowded places weren't so bad. After all, just in case Karuto's taken the other side, he can always bribe her with a nice trinket. "On my 14th birthday, he told me that Karuto-chan can already walk and that he found it really cute!" "Oh please, 'cute' isn't even in his vocabulary!" Yes, crowded places were definitely good sometimes. Maybe Milluki would appreciate a new computer game. Or maybe Alluka could use a new dagger for his collection. If not, there's always Killua. Anything for Killua. Anything for him to get for anyone, just as long as the glass doors block out whatever it was that he just heard outside. * * * * * "Nooooooo!!! Oniisama's molested and dead in the hands of a stranger and we don't even know where his corpse is buried in!!!" Killua shut his eyes and tried covering his ears. Nope, didn't work. Alluka's shameless wails still ran through both his ears, and if he would be asked to picture the kid's cries on his head, they would be like a bunch of round things carrying hammers to pound on his eardrums. Alluka was not yet trained to use nen, but Killua bet that he was a Tokushitsu. Maybe Alluka would specialize on paralysis. His voice was powerful enough to render anyone deaf and unmoving, that's for sure. "You hard-headed scalawag! If ever Illumi really is dead by now, you'll wake him up with what you're doing and you'll have yourself strangled by a zombie!" cried Milluki irately. He was the one who had to make sure Alluka was going along with them. Right now, he had to literally drag the oblivious boy on his feet. It didn't seem like Alluka minded being dragged on the pavement. Instead, he let out a sudden gasp, and he rose to grasp Milluki's head. "What if Oniisama isn't buried!? What if he was cut to pieces!? What if he was thrown down a river or...or eaten!?!?" Eaten? Killua shook his head, his own discomfort about his brother and his business with Hisoka drowned away by Alluka's little tantrum. Just how many times had Milluki received glares from nice citizens who watched their little show anyway? One old lady even went as far as slapping the poor teen's cheek and demanded that he let go of the 'poor, defenseless child'. It was a good thing that Milluki was too busy holding Alluka down because if there was anything that Milluki hated more than his Playstation crashing after a three-day marathon of finishing RPGs, it was nice old ladies slapping him for the 'bad things' that he had done. Killua sighed. He stopped walking and turned around to face the boy behind Milluki. "Fact one: Alluka, you should stop watching and taking daily news so seriously because you're going to be a part of the headlines yourself up until you've committed so many assassinations that the media won't even bother," started Killua, holding out a finger. "Fact two: Hisoka, I think, is too infatuated with Illumi right now to even think of killing him this early on. Trust me, when he obsesses, he obsesses. It's scary, but rest assured that he'll bite anyone's head off if anybody would dare as much as to go near Illumi without his consent. In other words, Illumi's completely safe...in a manner of speaking." "Besides, even if he's not, he's still a Zoldick. What part of 'our blood is melted steel we have more lives than a battalion of cats on an alley' don't you understand, Alluka?" asked Milluki, poking the boy beneath him on the head. "That too. Fact three: I swear that after this, I'll ask for nothing else and we'll all look for Aniki, all right?" For a moment, Alluka merely stared at his two brothers, blinking back tears. But after a minute, his teeth began to grind together again and he started his cries all over again. "But what if that guy somehow convinces Oniisama to sleep with him or something!? What if he's a family foe and decides to assassinate us assassins?" Killua laughed, waving a hand as if showing Alluka how ridiculous his comment was. "Oh please, like Hisoka would ever get to win so much. Sure he was able to steal a kiss..." Alluka winced. "But I bet you a mighty good beating went after that. Aniki and Hisoka sharing the same bed, what a laugh!" * * * * * "Illumi-kun, guess what!" Sharing a bed with Hisoka was never one of his intelligent decisions. Illumi winced at the sudden sinking and jumping of the bed he was sitting on. Hisoka had just obviously bounced on top of it, and quickly grabbing a pillow for him to lie down on, the magician looked up to the other with the widest grin he had given out so far. Hisoka's grins where never a good thing. "I don't think I want to know, Hisoka," said Illumi with a frown, opening the book he was reading even wider, in case the other would pick the message up and go away. But then again, Hisoka was never one to be sensitive, and even if he was, he wasn't the kind who'd give up easily. "Sure you do!" he said enthusiastically. "And besides, I think it'll be interesting." A pointed look. "Interesting." He said it as if Hisoka had just said that the sun was falling and that he was the king of the apocalypse. But Hisoka didn't waver. "Yep," he confirmed with a nod. "Come on, ask me!" Illumi rolled his eyes. He didn't think it was a good idea, but he knew what would come next. "Fine. What?" He oh so hated Hisoka. The magician grinned wider. Yes, it was possible, though how it actually was allowed to happen, Illumi didn't even try to know. Instead, he turned his attention to the words Hisoka would be saying next. "Do you remember Gon?" he asked, tapping his cheek happily. If anyone would look closer, there was a light blush on the man's skin, a clear indication of sincere excitement flowing through his veins. Hisoka had always been like that every time he would encounter something or someone he really liked. Illumi remembered that time when he first called Hisoka after so long, that overzealous greeting. So much like this one when he just bounced in a started the whole 'guess what?' thing. Only more. And for such a simple phone call. Illumi wondered if the magician's face lit up as it was doing so right now, wondered if he had the same cheerful blush. It suddenly felt as if he wanted to see how it would be like had it been him whom Hisoka saw. He wondered if... Just where the hell did those come from!?!? He shook his head and turned away. He wasn't even aware that he had laid down the book he was holding, and that he was then leaning on the wall beside him, as if he was hit by a sudden wind that took his breath away. He felt a familiar weight touching his shoulder, and promptly, Hisoka's voice came in once again. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, pulling Illumi up to face him. There was a hand on his forehead, feeling for his temperature. Had it been a different time, he would've slapped that hand away, saying that it would be ridiculous to even think that he was sick. He hadn't been sick for years, so why start now? But the world really was starting to spin. "Fuck, you're burning!" A slight shifting. Something soft was offered to him for him to rest his head on. He was cradled by a comfortable space, and when he closed his eyes he felt a cold touch crawl under his hair, cooling the heated skin on his nape. A sigh escaped him. Why did it feel so good when his head was throbbing and he couldn't even open his eyes? Everything seemed to fade away, all sounds coming only from the back of his head, like dull memories that come by at random. He only realized that there were arms that held him when he felt them tighten around him, pushing him against the warmth that further heated the skin under his clothes, displeasing, yet pleasing all the same. Hisoka. Yes, he remembered Hisoka. There came the opening of the door. Illumi-san! What happened!? Oh no...will you please just shut up and leave? I'll take things from here. You! What have you done to him? I knew letting him stay with you was a bad idea. Let me see him! Leave! A gust of wind, but he didn't feel it. A light cracking. It was the wall, he decided. Aah, the cards. By the sounds of it, they didn't hit anything. But there was silence, then fading steps on the carpet. Did Hisoka know what he just did? He'll put them both under unnecessary pain for that. But it didn't matter right now. The door closed, and it was quiet. He smiled. End of Chapter 8 Last notes: Well, okay, so things didn't go as initially planned (as usual), but that's okay I guess. It didn't end up so badly after all. I never knew it was so fun to write about a scene like that without knowing it would come out ^^; And I repeat, Illumi-sama does smile...only not for pleasant purposes before. But he's sick, let him off. I'll get to that next time I write =P
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Part 9
Cherrie's Universal Rule When Reading Her Yaoi Pieces applies here. Read chapter 2 for the whole statement. Disclaimers: Hunter X Hunter © Yoshihiro Togashi, Shounen Jump Weekly, Shueisha and Nippon Animation. This fanfic is written for entertainment purposes only. Author's Notes: For those who are curious, I've decided on stress and emotional instability to explain Illumi's sickness. This won't be mentioned in the fic, and it was actually supposed to be a part you guys would decide over for yourselves. But anyway, I'll provide mine as well, I guess. Here's a term for you all: Psychosomatic adj. pertaining to the effects of the emotions on body processes, esp. with respect to initiating or aggravating disease; mental, not physical, in origin I'm not sure if the Zoldick's trained themselves for such things (wow, they've trained for a lot, didn't they? ^^), but I took Illumi as a human being like all of us. Even if you're a perfectly healthy human being, the emotional realm can also affect the physical realm. If you keep on ignoring your feelings and pushing yourself to feel what you're supposed to feel and not what your body wants to feel, or maybe all in all refusing to feel at all, you're bound to crack. Take it from someone who's been there twice. <--is stupid and stubborn, doesn't know a lesson unless it's smacked on her face (although, maybe this just comes out from being a proud, obnoxious egomaniac...) *sighs* I want a stuffed toy. I want to go to a toy store and buy myself a cute black cat thiiiiiiiis big! *stretches her arms apart, sizing from her head to her whole torso* It's kind of hard to look for a black cat though, so maybe a bear would do. Of course, an Illumi plushy would be better ^_______^ OF GAMES AND ASSASSINS by: Cherrie ( kurapikasama@yahoo.com ) Chapter 9 - Beyond Favors "Gon!" Gon looked up. The sudden brightening of his face was inevitable as he saw that familiar streak of white hair coming for him. Killua was still around five meters away from him, but it looked as if the young Zoldick was just about ready to jump that distance to reach the table faster. Gon stood up to meet his best friend who thankfully opted for running instead of jumping. In a blink of an eye, and to the great astonishment of Killua's other companions, the two were caught in a tight embrace, the sounds of light-hearted laughter and greetings sounding across the whole room. "It's been so long I didn't recognize you!" "Wow, your hair's pretty long. Planning to keep it growing like that?" "Yuck! And be a look-a-like of my father? No way!" Milluki and Alluka could only stare at the two. "So this is how it's like to have friends. Not much different from having an enemy, does it?" said Alluka, who was now watching his brother wrestle with the strange raven-haired boy on the other side of the room. He looked up at Milluki. "Are they always doing that?" Milluki scowled. "The hell should I know, kid. Didn't you see that I was as horrified with the scene as you?" But the two brothers' conversation didn't last for long when Killua's voice rang through the room again and called for their names. "Hey you two! Come on here! Alluka, I want you to meet someone!" Alluka winced at the sound of that. And his horror was amplified ten-folds when he saw that it was Killua who was being pinned down on the ground with a grinning lunatic on his back. "I think the difference though is that you smile when you fight with a friend." "That's stupid," said Milluki, but pushed the younger boy towards the table anyway. "Yo, Allu, come here!" said Killua, who was now standing up, patting his shirt in a futile attempt to ease the creases. He grabbed Alluka's wrist and, to the young boy's chagrin, pulled him towards Gon. "Allu, this is Gon. Gon, this is Alluka, the one I told you about. He's my younger brother." "Hi Alluka, nice to meet you!" said Gon with a blinding grin as he extended his hand for a handshake. Alluka could only stare speechlessly at the hand in front of him. He looked up to study the bright face of the boy in front of him, deciding that he couldn't be any older than Killua, perhaps just about his brother's age. The boy's skin was a tad bit darker than theirs, an indication of someone who had spent most of his life treading on the grounds of the outside world. Looking at the slightly older boy now, Alluka saw little intelligence from him, merely a bright smile and a notable enthusiasm. Remembering Killua before, Alluka couldn't see any similarity with this boy from the selfish rebel that his brother was back home. But then again, Killua never really smiled back home. A grin, a smirk, a sneer. But never a smile. There was a harsh poking on his back, and when he looked up, he saw Killua ushering him to take the offered hand. But he didn't move. He couldn't. He just stared. "Haha, sorry, Gon. Allu's not used to people much," said Killua, a lop-sided grin on his face. He turned back to his younger brother and hissed, "Say something to him!" "But what the hell am I supposed to say?" asked Alluka almost desperately, though relieved now that he wasn't facing the strange boy anymore. Gon patiently waited for the two to turn to him again, tapping one foot on the floor to keep him preoccupied. He then looked around, trying to think of what he was supposed to say to Killua. He knew there was something important that he had to say, but he supposed that playing with straws for a whole half hour wasn't such a good idea. The straws were fun, and got his mind off a lot of things. "Anyway Gon, where's Leorio and Kurapika?" asked Killua, breaking his thoughts. Gon turned to him again and saw him holding Alluka in a head-lock, and Gon grinned at the young boy's useless struggles and protests. Killua had told him that Alluka was a nice kid, he only needed a little work. "Oh, right. They had to go get a few stuff, but they said that we could try to catch up if we want. Just a sec, I'll call them now." Upon saying this, Gon whipped out his cellphone and started dialing. Somewhere at the back of his head, he still knew he was supposed to tell Killua something else. But again, his line of thought was cut off as the other line started to ring. * * * * * Illumi? It was burning. He was burning. His clothes felt three inches thick, and the blanket that seemed to weigh a ton didn't at all help his situation. There was a painful throbbing on one side of his head, but when he tried to move to another side, a nauseating feeling overcame him, as if there was a thin liquid being thrown about inside his head. He was forced to lie straight, but then his back hurt, promptly compelling him to push his head back on his pillow, a low groan emanating from his dry throat. In short, he felt horrible. His hair was only making things worse, because no matter how soft it was - he didn't even want to know what it would feel like had his hair been less healthy - it was scratching on the skin on his back, and he could feel the heat radiating from there as well. He wished he could move it away, but the most he could do was try to lift his head and the nausea would start all over again. That really sucked. His thoughts still clouded, he barely noticed the light kiss planted on his temple. The next thing he knew was that his head was being supported and lifted up, his hair being swept away from his nape and him being settled down on the bed again. Something cold was rested on his forehead, another one being spread on his neck. With his current temperature, the coolness was immensely gratifying, and a low sigh escaped him. Illumi. The growing comfort was helping him back from his daze, and he could now hear the voice calling out to him more clearly. "Illumi-kun? You need to wake up, Illu. I have to tell you something." So this was how it felt like to be sick. A minus point for him for belittling the people he saw moaning about the pain during his past missions. He still couldn't help but wonder why his body actually decided this time to be the right time to foul up. Even his eyes seemed hot, but still he slowly opened them. He couldn't judge what he felt when he saw that familiar face there. He felt like shit, so shouldn't he snap at him or something? But no, he felt no ill-feeling against the man. Strange. Probably the whole sick thing acting up on him. "What time is it?" he heard himself ask. "It's eight o'clock in the morning, but before you decide to strain yourself further by counting the time passed, the answer is eleven hours, and no, it's too early to use up your nen because you can't even move what more spare any of your remaining strength and again, no, I can't help you for a reason I doubt you'd even want to know," was his reply. He closed his eyes. Damn. Whatever it was that Hisoka said, all he understood from it was that he couldn't heal himself yet and that he's been sleeping for quite a while. Eleven hours? That was five hours more than the usual time he spent sleeping. He still felt tired, though. He wanted to sleep. The towels on his skin were replaced, and the cool feeling came to him again. Yes, he wished he could just stay like that and not wake up again. But such things just didn't last. The world cared crap even if you're about to hurl the contents of your stomach on them anyway. "We're in trouble. That leech of yours just called her mother about what happened. Judging from their conversation, they still don't know about your little escapade. You have less than a day until she finds out that you ran away from home. You have less than a day until someone from your place calls up your brothers to tell them about Hannah. In other words, we have less than a day until all hell breaks lose." Now, at least that made him frown. He disliked Hannah more than he did Hisoka, so perhaps even if the magician didn't make him feel too bad, the other did. His life was hell. "If that's all you're going to say, then shut up and let me sleep," he murmured, his eyes closing tightly, his ears determined to not let Hisoka's voice in again. "But what if I say that I can help you run away again?" Well, if that was the case, then things would be different. Opening his eyes again, he stared up at Hisoka, but one look at the other reminded him just who he was talking to. "If it has something to do with a rope, a gag and a suspension bridge, forget it. I think you've pissed her off long enough." "Of course not! I mean, I can take a hint. You're in denial so you're playing hard-to-get, but you don't really want to hurt your childhood sweetheart, do you?" asked the magician, playfully batting his eyelashes. But only one of them had the state of mind to have a sense of humor. In fact, only one of them had a sense of humor, period. "I dare you to repeat that," threatened the younger of the two. Despite his condition, Illumi really looked like he'd cut anyone's throat off if he heard even a single more joke about him and the girl. And of course, Hisoka had known the assassin well enough to understand that by saying 'cutting throats off', Illumi really was after decapitation. So instead of pushing it, he settled on good-naturedly patting his companion's lovely mane, a crime still, but a lesser one that he'd get away with. "We got cut off last night," he said, continuing his previous words. "I was just about to tell you that Gon and his brigade are here." "What does that have to do with anything?" snapped the very pissed off assassin. He was annoyed, sure, but he wasn't bitter just because Hisoka's suddenly happy again now that his old playmate was back. Of course not. Not bitter at all. Take that smirk off your face, Hisoka, my temper only rose because I have a fever and you're not making any sense. To his relief, the magician didn't say anything and merely went on with his account. "Gon was going to meet with Killua yesterday. I believe that your brother decided that your current search party was too small, so he called his friend to come in and help. Of course, Gon was happy to be of help. But yeah, I met him, and guess what he asked me." "Hisoka, my brain cells are currently on strike. Stop making me guess and get to the point." "Heh, touchy, aren't we?" It was hard, and painful, but a glare can do wonders, and in five seconds, Illumi got Hisoka to continue talking properly again. "Gon remembered that I knew you, so he asked if I could help. Join them, if you may. Of course, even if it was nice to see Gon again, it's still more fun being on your side." Hisoka gave him a wink. Was that his way of reassuring him? If only he could, Illumi would've rolled his eyes. "Now, I want you to look at these." Hisoka rose from the bed and walked towards the coffee table. He then picked up two glossy booklets and presented them to Illumi. "These are booked flights going for Daventri. Yes, there are only two of them. I'm taking you with me and I'm leaving that evil spawn for a fiancée of yours here to rot however she pleases. I've packed everything and we're ready to leave any time we wish to. Check out time will be at noon, which will give me enough time to get rid of that big yak." A slender eyebrow rose ever so slightly, a movement invisible even to the eyes of the one speaking. Not even the assassin knew why he was compelled to spare a few seconds of his time to actually reflect about the strange tone of the magician's voice when he said those words. He knew that the other didn't like his crazy fiancée much, but he didn't expect it to be at such an extent. He frowned. Ever since he came, Hisoka's been acting so strangely around him. Everything then came back to the things that he had done. Illumi realized that it was Hisoka who did everything, that all he had to do was to stay still and wait for Hisoka to do the rest. From the very start, the other had asked him to let him do things his way. And he agreed, thinking that it was just the other's way of saying that he didn't like being told what to do. The assassin didn't expect the magician to carry the whole burden. "For a favor, you're certainly doing a lot," was all he could say amidst all the thoughts that ran through his head. He turned away from the magician's eyes and rolled to his side, placing the now warm towels on the space behind him. It didn't look like he wanted to say any more. He didn't want to think at all. But just like his eyes that have drifted closed on their own, he couldn't help the words that left him before sleep took over him again. "Thanks anyway." Hisoka was silent, at first just staring blankly at the assassin's back. But as he turned back to drop the booklets back where they initially were, a small hint of a smirk curved up his lips. I actually forgot that what I'm doing was but a favor. He said no more and let the other sleep. He headed straight to the door, wanting to be done with things once and for all. Upon stepping out of the room, he walked across the hall to knock at the door right in front of their own. "Hey Princess!" he called, and made another set of knocks. There came the sounds of the locks being lifted from the other side, and the next thing he saw was Hannah's face showing through the gap. A frown was on her face. Obviously, he wasn't included in the list of people she wanted to see at the moment. "What do you want?" she snapped, glaring at him through the small space. "Come on, we have to go somewhere," said Hisoka, keeping his cool even if inside, he wondered if closing the door with the other's head still poked out would be a good idea. But there was always the fact that Illumi refused all his offers of hurting Hannah, again, for whatever reason, he couldn't grasp. Fortunately, it wasn't because she was a childhood sweetheart. "And where is that?" asked the girl behind the door. Hisoka fought the urge to grit his teeth. "We have to buy something for Illumi." "We? Why am I supposed to come? Why don't you just go and I'll stay here to take care of Illumi-san?" "No, Illumi-san locked the door and left me the key and no, I'm not giving it to you. He said he wanted to rest, so to get rid of us, he wanted us to go buy him a bowl of ramen from a restaurant quite far from here," came Hisoka's reply. "Besides, we have people to meet. Illumi's brothers want to see you. They want to see how Illumi's doing, so we're accompanying them back here." "You know Illumi-san's brothers? Ugh, please tell me you don't. I will not hear of you soiling their minds like you did Illumi-san's." "Of course not. (They're soiled enough without my help anyway, thought Hisoka) They called Illumi and wanted to accompany him back home, but since Illumi's sick, they'll have to wait for him to feel better. They were also told that you're here, and they said that they would like to see you as well. I'm just here because Illumi asked me to escort you to make sure that nothing happens to you." That was the single most painful lie he had to make in his life, but Hisoka decided that it was for the best. Seeing that proud smile spread on the young woman's face was hard, but it was also a good sign that she took the bait. "That's so sweet of Illumi-san, giving me his own bodyguard to watch over me. He shouldn't have," gushed the spoiled princess-cum-slut, as Hisoka wished to call her. He decided that she must be thinking about how much Illumi loved her. It took his all to not gag. "Wait for me, I have to dress up for the young sweethearts. Don't you dare leave me, you hear?" The door slammed on his face. Yes, he hated her so damn much. * * * * * "Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn it all!" Kurapika sighed. He looked up at the man beside him and glared. "I already bought you two ice cream cones. The least you could do is to shut up and be patient." Leorio all but knocked his head on the wall behind him. Random faces passed the two of them by, paying them no heed. Quenya had always been known for its wonderful shopping malls, but the young doctor didn't expect it to be that famous. The place was packed! It only made his temper rise, listening to conversations so molded up together that he hardly understood a single word. "What number is your earring again?" "Thirty-seven," answered the Kuruta beside him. "Gaah, I knew I shouldn't have asked!" Kurapika rolled his eyes and sighed again. "Just who the hell broke it anyway? For your information, Leorio, that thing was a..." "...priceless family heirloom. For cryin' out loud, Kurapika, you've repeated that for the fifth time today. Look, I'm sorry for breaking it and I'd make it up to you, okay? Okay, you forgive me. Can I go now?" Kurapika turned away. "Not good enough. You broke it, you'll wait for it to get fixed, and you'll pay for the repair." "I'll what!?!?" But Leorio's complaints were ceased ("Ice cream is worth nothing if you'll make me pay anyhow!!!") by a sudden ringing inside the Kuruta's pockets. Digging down for his cellphone, Kurapika clicked to answer the call. "Kurapika here." "Kurapika! Killua and his brothers are here now, want us to go there?" came Gon's voice. "Sure, that would be nice. I think Leorio could use a bit of your company, seeing that his brain works like that of a 10-year old anyway. You guys would get along quite well," said Kurapika sarcastically, casting the man beside him a sharp look. He ignored the prompt, "What the hell does that suppose to mean!?" and went back to the boy on the other line. "Tell Killua that it'd be nice to see him again, okay?" "Of course! Oh, wait a second, someone else is calling." "Okay." Gon's hold music sounded through the young Kuruta's ears as the boy answered the other call. Kurapika waited for about a minute, looking around instead to get his attention away from the grieving doctor behind him. A few moments later, Gon's voice came back again. "Kurapika! Guess who just called!" "Who?" "Hisoka!" Kurapika then heard a few rumbles from the other line, plus unmistakable voice of Killua yelling out a distraught "What!?!?" soon after. "I forgot to tell you that. Aside from Leorio and Kurapika going away for a while, I forgot to mention that Hisoka approached me early this morning. He's staying in the same hotel as we are!" Kurapika had an inkling that Gon wasn't talking to him, but still, he couldn't help but react to that. "He's what!?" "What's wrong?" asked Leorio, who somehow sobered down beside him. All he met though was a slender-fingered hand smacked on his face to push him off his seat as Kurapika tried to listen to the conversation on the other line. A prompt twitching of the vein on the doctor's temple set him off to launch himself at the younger man, but again, he was punched to oblivion as the other one was trying hard to catch any sense from the commotion on the other line. "Kurapika!" It was Killua this time. "Sorry for this, but Gon and I might not be able to meet with you right now. You guys can come after us later when you're done. Something just came up. Nice to know I'll be seeing you guys soon, take care, bye!" Beep. Kurapika blinked as a series of beeps started ringing in his ears. He closed his cellphone and sighed. Hisoka? What was he doing here? Kurapika remembered back then that Hisoka knew Killua's brother. Could it be that he's also connected with all of these? The young Kuruta frowned. Why did it seem that whenever something comes up, Hisoka's somehow connected to it all? For a clown, that man was just plain creepy. "You...pompous...cruel little sadist!" came a voice from the floor. Kurapika looked down somewhere around his left feet to see Leorio's beaten face looking up at him with what looked like a glare. "Help me up!" "What the hell are you still doing down there anyway?" asked the scowling Kuruta, but offered his hand to the other anyway. "You put me there, genius! Had I known you're capable of smothering someone to death with your bare hand, then maybe I would've held my concern further back, probably after you're done using your phone." Kurapika was just about to retort to that when the the girl from the repair shop called out, "Thirty-seven!" The Kuruta turned to his companion and held out a hand, curling up his fingers repeatedly to show that something had to be put in there. "That's your call. Give me the money." "After what you did!? I'm not paying for that thing!!!" "I need that earring fixed! I'll...I'll kill you if I have to!" A long-sleeved arm rushed out to grab the doctor's coat before the other threatened to run away. "For cryin' out loud, Leorio, it's just a measly repair fee! You give other people more than half of your wealth and you wouldn't even pay for the damage you did to my earring!?" "Well, the people I give my money to are nice, grateful and precious darlings, not obnoxious babies with creepy claws!" A balled fist was really shaking threateningly now. "We'll see who's the fucking baby, you despicable cheapskate!!!" End of Chapter 9 Last note: Free cookies to anyone who can identify the game whose hero comes from Daventri. That game happened to be my favorite game of all time, only it's undecided whether or not I like it more than Final Fantasy 7. It's a classic, so I suppose that it's like a priceless antique. Incomparable to the modern times if you may. ^^ Leorio and Kurapika. Things got a bit hell-bent on those two ^^; That was supposed to be in response to those who asked for LeoPika's from me =P Not used to a not-too-gentle Kurapika? Kurapika has changed a lot since the Ryodan arc, so it's almost difficult to imagine him as the gentle teenager during the Hunter Exam after what he did to the Geneiryodan ^^; In truth, Kurapika has an awful temper. As for the disappearance of the sappy/fluffy relationship commonly seen in LeoPika's, it's obvious that this fic happened way after the manga's timeline. The characters are older and, well, you know who's best friends with who. Leorio and Kurapika have this sort of awkward, high school crush thing going on between them (or so I see it) so whenever they're alone together, you'll think of coffee shops, sweet pastries and flowers and butterflies. That isn't so bad actually, but that only works for fluffy one-shots. They've got to have their own story this time, and I used the years passed to justify their more casual relationship.
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Part 10
Cherrie's Universal Rule When Reading Her Yaoi Pieces applies here. Read chapter 2 for the whole statement. Disclaimers: Hunter X Hunter © Yoshihiro Togashi, Shounen Jump Weekly, Shueisha and Nippon Animation. This fanfic is written for entertainment purposes only. Author's Notes: Humility set aside (am I even humble? I just like criticizing myself, 'tis all), this is not one of my best chapters. I've read it for God knows how many times and I'm almost sick of it myself (^^;) but something's just wrong but I can't do anything about it. It's long overdue though, so I apologize for this. Oh hell... The cookie goes to firedraygon97 for giving the right answer. Yes, the game from which Daventri existed is the King's Quest series. King's Quest VI was the first game I ever played, so it's a classic memory, so to say ^^ I'm running out of ideas so I'm just looking around me for random names and such, hehe... Oh yeah, Yukitsu gets a cookie too for giving me the stuffed toy I wanted ^________^ Yukinna, get used to the kissing scenes, my dear. Here, *hands Yukinna an Illumi plushy* it's yours, okay? Now repeat after me, "Illumi is Hisoka's. This Illumi plushy is mine, but Hisoka, the sick perverted jerk that he is, no matter how undeserving, owns Illumi. It's one of those cruel facts of nature that one can never comprehend. In conlusion, I am not a yaoist but Hisoka and Illumi can kiss." *nodnod* You'll get used to it, I swear you will. Yomi-san, no I just suck doing Alluka. Grr... OF GAMES AND ASSASSINS by: Cherrie ( kurapikasama@yahoo.com ) Chapter 10 - Break Away "This line is too long. Can't we just buy Illumi-san's ramen now then look for another place to meet?" Hisoka's gaze shifted from the huge crowd to the girl beside him, congratulating himself for not giving a scowl as sharp as his kitchen knife. Probably as sharp as the other end, which isn't very dull considering that it was his kitchen knife, but it's a difference, wasn't it? Constant time with this crazy woman had probably taken its toll on him. He looked briefly up to thank whatever gods reigned up there that he wouldn't have to be with her as often anymore. "I'm afraid not," replied Hisoka, his voice mixed with the usual impatience for the other. One of these days, preferably once he's alone with Illumi, he'd ask him for a more understandable explanation. He's lost count how many times he'd asked before, but another one wouldn't hurt, would it? "We settled on this place, and Illumi's brothers are on their way after all. Besides, the line isn't so long." He waved indifferently towards the entrance of the restaurant as another group on the waiting line was admitted inside. Hannah frowned, but sighed anyway. "I wish they'd arrive sooner though. I want to go back already! I think leaving Illumi-san alone wasn't much of a good idea. Oh dear, I think I left my cellphone back at the hotel too. Ugh, if anything happens to him, it'll be all your fault," she said with a hint of disgust as she shot Hisoka a disdainful glare. Hisoka looked away, knowing better than to engage into yet another childish bout. Even if he won, nobody would be there to keep score anyway. So instead, his hand slipped inside his pocket, fingering the smooth surface of his own cellphone. If ever something did go wrong, Illumi would call him. Although, he highly doubted that he'd be receiving any calls. Illumi's may be sick, but definitely not helpless. The only thing that changed, if ever, was that his temper was worse than usual. But it's okay. Illumi's kind of cute when he growls anyway, just as long as he's at least a good two meters away from anything hard. He could cause major damage even with pillows, and that's not good. Thinking about Illumi seemed to work rather nicely though. Hisoka found that he wasn't so pissed off anymore. He wasn't feeling any nicer that he'd offer Hannah a piece of candy, but at least he didn't feel like hanging her either. With a final glance at the other, Hisoka resisted the last urge to stick his tongue out and just looked away back towards the crowd. * * * * * "Wow...this place is pretty packed, isn't it?" Gon looked around at the various faces that he came up with. The place was flowing with activity, from crying children to the people in jumpers constantly cleaning up the floors. Kurapika was right. This city was really busy. "It is," agreed Killua, who was walking beside him. The white-haired boy looked around, eyes narrowed in suspicion as he took in his surroundings. Of all places, why would Hisoka want to meet here? He usually wants to meet in strange secrets places, not in a mall so loud you'd hardly hear your own voice speaking, he thought. Instinctively, he thought about his brother as well. He wondered what part Illumi was playing. Or if ever he was behind all of this at all. But why would Illumi want Hisoka to call Gon? "Where are we going again, Killua?" asked Alluka, who was walking beside Milluki behind the other two in front. Killua looked back at Alluka from the corner of his eyes, wondering what the younger boy was thinking. He wasn't sure if Alluka heard that it was Hisoka who called after all. He could only wish that whatever was about to happen, it wouldn't be too difficult to handle. "North Park, Allu," he answered, looking ahead again. "It's a ramen house around this floor, as I was told." "North Park? Hey, did you guys know that Aniki likes that place? A single serving of their noodles there is so big it was claimed to be enough for three people!" shared Milluki, suddenly enlivened with the mention of food. "A serving big enough for you, you mean," said Alluka, casting a sharp look at the older boy. In front of him, he caught the dark-haired boy's shoulder shaking slightly, obviously laughing. Beside him, he saw Killua look to join him in his mirth. Milluki, on the other hand, wasn't amused, and he gave Alluka a glare. Alluka gave them all a strange look and eventually shook his head. All of a sudden, Gon's voice rose up in their silence. "There, I see it!" he said, actively pointing at the blue and yellow lights that displayed the words 'North Park'. Their pace quickened, and Gon's eyes quickly roamed from side to side to see any familiar figures around the place. There. "Killua!" he called, his instincts at the sight of the magician bringing him to grab on to Killua's sleeves. He knew that Hisoka was there, as if the fact that he's the one they'd be meeting wasn't clue enough. And he had spoken to the other already, hadn't he? But he supposed that Hisoka just had a strange effect on him. He wondered if the proper word would be 'trauma'... Killua looked briefly to note the small step the boy took to get himself behind him, and he wondered just how exactly Gon viewed Hisoka as. As if reading his thoughts, he heard Gon say, "He took me by surprise the last time so I wasn't so nervous then." That made Killua scowl. He couldn't exactly blame his friend. Being sexually harassed constantly wasn't exactly Gon's way of meeting people, and Hisoka's just the very epitome of everything eccentric and perverted. And as if Killua's glare caught his attention, Hisoka caught sight of them. His facial features quickly turned from serious to unmistakable glee. "Gon~!" came the timely greeting, and he waved at them enthusiastically that Killua could've sworn hearts would pop out had they been any nearer. But nevertheless, a sudden weight just zoomed past him. Killua dreadfully acknowledged that the lightness behind him meant that Hisoka had successfully tackled his best friend. Either he was too deep in thought or the magician was just too damn quick, he didn't know, but that didn't matter right now. "We weren't able to talk for long last time, did'ja miss me?" Gon could only stare in horror as the older man all but glued himself on his waist. What the hell happened to the almost civil Hisoka he met just a few hours ago? Well, whatever. His mind was immediately blanked out, but his gut told him that if ever there was a dirty old pervert clutching your midsection like a vice, there was only one thing to do: "KILLUUAAAA!!!!!!!!!!" It never fails, and in a split nanosecond, the magician was pulled off from the dark-haired boy and was put face-to-face with a furious Zoldick. "YOU BIG LUG OF A HENTAI!!!" cried the white-haired boy, shaking Hisoka like a rag doll as if that would take away the grin from the man's face. Coming from experience, not even a bulldozer could do that, but Killua's angry anyway. "I bet that even when Gon's already on a rocking chair you'd still be trying to get into his pants, wouldn't you!?!?" Gon face-faulted on the spot he was sitting at on the floor, brow twitching at Killua's remark. "Oh please, like you won't," mocked the magician, giving Killua a wink. Which just made Killua turn a deeper shade of red. "You--You're sick!!!" A number of smacks in the head after, "Oi, I just missed him! Is it so bad to show your affection to a person you haven't seen for a long time?" asked the still grinning magician. "THAT'S NOT THE FUCKING POINT!!!" And the shaking continued. On the other hand, Milluki was scowling so badly you'd think that a guy considered to be as disgusting as he was would even have the stomach to throw up. Alluka, though reflecting a part of his older brother's sentiments, could only stare wide-eyed in front of him as his face was completely drained out of blood. There was the man whom he had seen kiss Illumi and he just... He looked at Gon who was still shuddering in place. Oh gods, who the hell are these people? he thought in horror. And Aniki! Why would Aniki even want to be with this weirdo?? Oh! But speaking of Aniki... Regardless of what he was previously thinking, he ran towards the spot where Killua was strangling the strange man. Killua stopped his torture to look at Alluka, but the boy wasn't speaking to him. "Where's Aniki!?" he cried, grabbing onto the pale wrist that grasped the front of Hisoka's shirt, shaking it instead. He wasn't sure if it was safe to touch the man himself. For a moment, Hisoka just looked at him with unreadable eyes, but eventually, a grin spread on his lips. "Illumi-kun's sick right now, he's back at the hotel," he said, grinning up at the younger one in front of him. Alluka's eyes widened yet again. "He's WHAT!? But Aniki never gets sick, he--" But whatever it was that the young Zoldick was about to say, it was all drowned out by yet another voice. "Alluka-chan~!!!" it called, and before any other warning could get Alluka to look up to see who it was, he was caught into a tight hug, his little head pushed into soft bosoms as thin hands forced him to stay still. For one cold moment, Alluka thought that their mother had come down to look for them herself. He was proven wrong though as said voice called out his other brothers' names as well. "Killua-chan, Milluki-kun, it's so nice to see you all again!" greeted Hannah as she helped herself and the young boy in her arms to stand up. "Wow, you've all grown up! How many years have passed anyway? I hope you guys still recognize me." "'Neechan!" gasped Alluka, who now had the chance to look up at the one who took a hold of him. Killua stood up, but could only blink up in surprise even when he had a better view of the person in front of him. "Hime-san?" he asked, still confused. It took his all to not sound so incredulous. "What are you doing here?" Hannah smiled at them all. "Oh. Mother and I are here for the arrangements, of course!" she said, unconsciously playing with Alluka's raven black locks which she still had her hand on. "No, I mean...here. Why are you here exactly? Shouldn't you be back at the mansion?" "Oh, that. I was just supposed to pass by actually. I was with Ralph, but I lost him when the crowd became too thick. He's back with mother, I hope. I stayed here, I mean, with Illumi-san finding me and all, we decided to just go back together," she said, smile still in place. But the look she received from the younger boys erased a significant part of her cheer, and she blinked down at them. "Why, is something wrong?" "Anou, you mean you're with Aniki?" asked Killua uncertainly. "Of course!" "But...where is he?" asked Alluka as he looked up at her. "Hm? I thought you guys knew?" The blank looks presented to her proved that they didn't, so with a sigh, Hannah continued. "Oh, the poor dear is sick right now so we had to leave him. He wanted to rest, so we just went here instead to buy him some food." "I'm sorry," contributed Milluki this time. "But...'we'?" This time, Hannah's smile completely slipped off and she frowned. "Oh, you know. Illumi-san had this guy with him and he was the one who told me that we should come here. I guess he was being honest when he said that we'll be seeing you guys. I'm so relieved." She looked around. "Where is he though? Wasn't he with you?" The boys immediately looked around. Hannah was right. Hisoka had disappeared. Hannah made a light sniff in disgust and held her chin up. "You know, I don't really trust that guy. You see? Now he's gone too," she said, again playing with Alluka's hair once again. "He can never be kept still for a second, can he?" For a moment, with the exception of the bustle around the group, silence reigned among them. It took a moment for the boys to exchanged horrified looks though. They all knew what it all meant. Killua watched as Alluka's eyes began to water yet again, and for a moment he felt like banging his head somewhere on the floor. In fact, he wanted to bang his head on Hisoka's own, but that seemed impossible now that he was nowhere to be found. Hannah, still oblivious to the rising tension around her ever since the young Zoldick's arrived, could only blink at the faces presented to her. "What's wrong? Is it something that I said?" * * * * * "Thank you for staying, sirs," bade the female receptionist with a smile as she handed the remaining papers to sign to the man in front of her. "We already called for a cab for you both, as you asked." Illumi sighed, holding the jacket around him even tighter. He didn't know if it was just him or that he truly was getting worse. He let out a small sound to clear his badly dried throat, which, incidentally grew sore somewhere in his sleep. He blinked thrice, letting his eyes get used to the heat before fully closing them. Damn the supposedly unconquerable Zoldick immune system. He heard a faint, "Thank you for staying. Take care now, Hisoka-san!" somewhere in the background. His headache prevented him from shaking his head at yet another blatant example of the contradictions his companion made wherever he went. Another young female down, the poor child. It almost made him laugh. If he was the kind who'd laugh anyway. However, he then felt a cool hand rest on his forehead, a sign that his temperature was being checked once again. "All's done, we're leaving now," said the familiar voice, prompting the assassin to open his eyes to look up at the man in front of him. It took him a while to make up the blur, but Hisoka's face immediately beamed down at him from his place. He nodded once, allowing himself to be steered towards the front doors and into the black car. "I can't believe I'm really doing this," he mumbled, pale fingers coming up to hold the spot above the bridge of his nose, pressing on it to somehow ease away the headache. Not that it helped. Right, the world hated him, he kept on forgetting that. "Mm... too late to say that, don't you think?" came Hisoka's remark as the latter crawled in to sit beside him. The magician fixed the jacket that rested on the other's shoulder so that they wouldn't fall off, then reached out somewhere to pull out a brown paper bag to present to Illumi. "And surprise!" he grinned, shaking the bag. "While they were talking, I was still able to pick up a treat for you. Since we're traveling anyway, wouldn't it be nice to have your favorite noodles on the trip? I even bought you some tofu..." Illumi could only watch as Hisoka rummaged around the bag, obviously looking for the said tofu. He could only give out a small resigned grin - one so small it might not even pass for a grin at all, as did all of Illumi's other expressions - and shook his head once. He then moved aside, making more space so the other could move in more comfortably. The cab door closed. Behind the counter, the receptionist smiled to herself as she watched the cab speed away. "So cute!" she giggled. * * * * * It was quiet. For years they've been trained to keep their footsteps light, and not even the weight of wooden slippers created the slightest sound against the cold stone floor. Dim lights flickered down the hallway, dancing through the still walls and creeping across the child's pale skin and her black kimono. She regarded the play of lights for a while, but not a minute more than that. Karuto Zoldick felt the familiar prick of coldness as she neared her mother's room. Despite the bright lights and the posh decorations that adorned the walls, making the room so much like a queen's royal chamber than an assassin's room, one would think that the scented candles beside the bed would've warmed the place enough. But Kikyou's room had always been one of coldest in the mansion. "Mother, you called?" said Karuto upon stepping on the door frame. Keep your hands still on your sides. Feet together on the floor, point them slightly inwards, keep all spaces closed. Lift your chin up, but not too high unless you appear too proud for a person higher than you. The iridescent form of her mother emerged from the dark curtains. A smile that bordered on both warm and cold spread on the woman's lips. "Ah, Karuto, there you are!" she exclaimed. She lifted slim, almost bony fingers to usher the young girl in. "Come here, momma has something to ask of you." Karuto never really understood whether or not her mother's kindness was meant. She was always kind to her despite the times she would raise her voice. It stopped bothering her some time ago. She accepted it as her mother's impatience, a trait she had for everyone around her anyway. But the young girl knew that with the exception of Alluka, her brothers never really trusted their mother much. "It's almost been a week since your brothers left, and four days since your Auntie Reyna arrived without Hime-chan. We haven't heard from your brothers since, so I thought that perhaps we should check on them," Kikyou said by the time Karuto was close enough. "Go to Milluki's room and see where they are. Call them if you think it's necessary." And with that, Kikyou waved Karuto to leave. The young girl bowed and with a low, "Yes mother," she turned back from the older woman to do as she was told. End of Chapter 10 Author's Extra More Babbles: Yes, North Park is a real restaurant and yes, they serve really good ramen and yes, they really have big bowls ^^ I don't know how much I love North Park though because I love Chinese foods and practically any Chinese restaurant to me is good, but since North Park is the place I used to tug my parents' sleeves for, the value was enough to be mentioned here ^^; Oh, and I'm sorry, I know Illumi wanted ramen, but I wanted tofu, so I made Hisoka buy that too! ^_____^ The tofu was bought from another restaurant, by the way. Although...does that matter to you guys at all? Oh well~! =P
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