The Joker's Assassin

In Pursuit

Illumi laid his head on Hisoka's shoulder as the sun flooded through the windows of the airship. They were on their way to the Republic of East Gorteau and Illumi was trying to catch up on all the sleep he'd been missing. As the assassin slept soundly, Hisoka was deep in thought. Even though he had told Illumi that once Chrollo and him fought he'd simply search for new toys, there was something else still worth pondering.

I suppose all I've ever done is really just find people that will give me a good time. Either sexually or physically and mentally. I never really stopped to think about what's next... is there really a life for me beyond killing for a little thrill?

Hisoka glanced down at his paramour and smiled.

I mean there's always Illumi. I guess I could live my life with him. I doubt I could keep Illumi happy when he has to see the scarier side of me though. But what's troubling me most.... is what if I don't beat Chrollo?

Before Hisoka could psych himself out, Illumi stirred in his sleep. He snuggled up even deeper into Hisoka's body and whimpered, trying to get comfortable. The magician simply hugged Illumi tighter and kissed the top of his head. Illumi hadn't felt such comfort in his whole life until now. He had always been told that he could never live life outside of the Zoldyck walls. Even once he was done with missions, Silva would say how he couldn't afford to be recognized by people. So he would sit and stay just where he was always told too. He was loyal to his family because well... there was no one else. And he had always thought that his upbringing was one just as normal as all the rest. But when he met Hisoka that day in the alley... he realized how thrilling change felt. Illumi was unsure where his relationship with Hisoka was going, but for once in his life he just wanted to enjoy it.

***

The airship landed in the Republic of East Gorteau and they both hopped off. East Gorteau was a dictatorship run by Ming Jol-ik in the Mitene Union. It wasn't a very pleasant nation, and most of the people were fascists, but its high level security and private buildings were the perfect place to conduct illegal activity. Knowing this, Illumi was sure he'd find Etsuko. Not to mention the population was around 5 million, and they were all refugees, so a person like Etsuko would fit in just fine. Illumi had booked a penthouse for their stay since both him and Hisoka were accustomed to luxury. Immediately the assassin set up monitors and his computer. He set up an advanced tracking device and typed in Shi's real name. The tracker was able to pinpoint someone with that name in a business building about 25 minutes from where they were staying.

"Bingo!" Said Illumi, excitedly. "Hey Hisoka, I gotta run. See ya later!"

"Ok!" beamed Hisoka. The magician set his suitcase in the bedroom and began unpacking while Illumi ran out the door. There was a buzz and Hisoka's phone lit up, he picked it up and noticed it was from Chrollo. The text read:

I'm in East Gorteau, I know you lied. Give me your hotel room, I'm coming over.

"Shit," seethed Hisoka, through clenched teeth. "I didn't think he'd figure it out so quickly. I'm screwed." He texted Chrollo telling him the location of the hotel room and sat down on the bed, sighing. "I might as well let him come over, guess I have to clear all this up now."

15 minutes passed and there was a knock at the door, Hisoka rolled off the bed and trudged to the door. Chrollo was standing there with his arms crossed, he gave Hisoka a death glare. Hisoka just laughed nervously and scratched his neck. "I can explain," he said, letting Chrollo into the suite. As they walked to the couch Chrollo noticed another suitcase near the table. That's odd, he thought to himself. Is there another person staying here? Hisoka sat down on the couch and Chrollo joined him.