Whispers of the past (Hunter x Hunter fanfiction)

Chapter 19

Soon, we left to go get Killua. And we weren't going to leave without getting him back.

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After a long ride, we were finally at the Republic of Padokea. I knew the place pretty well, so I was their 'guide' for the day. 

"Alright guys, this way!" I led them to the area where Shio lived. I took the path I normally take when I try to avoid my house. If Maya caught me, she would murder me. I mean, I've gone missing for four months now. Fourth months of zero chores and no torture! Damn, no wonder she'd be mad!! I absolutely hate my so-called mom. I don't get why dad even married her! I mean, I'd understand why he'd marry my real mother. She was kind and sweet, according to how Kai described her. He said she used to sing us lullabies, but I was too young to remember. She would put me into my father's arms, and he would spin me around like a Barbie doll. She would carry me in her arms and run her fingers through my short hair. But she's dead now. She died when I was about eight months old. Then dad married Maya. They had another child - Laro. I was 7 when he was born. Kai didn't even get to see him. He left home when I was six. Maya has always been mean to me. She just saw me as a monster with capabilities, and she took advantage of that. 

We finally got to Shio's house. I knocked on the door.

"Comin'!" Shio's voice rang from inside. 

The door opened, revealing a messy Shio. Before he could move or say a word, I hugged him tightly. It took him a minute to realize that it was me. "Aiko! You're here!" He hugged me back. "I missed you. A lot."

Shio let go of me and looked me in the eye. "I was so worried! Are you okay?! What happened?! Did someone do something to you?! Was Tonpa there?! Did you get hurt?! I can't believe you came back! I have so many questions!" Shio's words all rushed over me while I didn't hear anything but the last sentence.

"Dude, I wasn't even away for that long...?" I half-asked.

"Aiko, I literally can't tell you how happy I am that you cam back!" He hugged me again - this time so tightly, I could barely breathe.

"Ahahaha, her face is so blue right now!" Leorio laughed.

"A-Ah! I can't breathe, Shio!" I shouted. He let go of me, nervously laughing.

"O-Oh, sorry, Aiko!" He apologized.

I suddenly remembered what happened to Laro. "Wait, how is Laro?! Is he doing good?!" I was the one asking questions.

"Laro's doing much better, actually. But it might not be the best time to visit, you know?" He started sweating. "Oh, hey Kurapika! Been awhile, hasn't it?"

"Quite long. Nice to see you again, Shio. I hope you are doing well." He greeted.

"Anyways, why'd you bring your friends here? Is there something important?" He asked.

"Actu-" Before gon could continue, I spoke.

"Not really. I just wanted them to see the place and stuff. Ya know? Ehehe." I lied.

Shio eyed me suspiciously. "Are you sure about that?"

"Y-Yeah."

"Where is your assassin friend, then?" He asked.

"He went back to his home, I guess. I don't know where he issss!!" I half-lied.

"Hmm..." He looked deep in thought, then he looked at me and smiled. "Alright then, have fun!!"

I sighed in relief and waved goodbye to Shio as Gon, Leorio, Kurapika, and I walked away. The three followed me as I got to the bus service that went on a tour to Kukuroo Mountain. There were a few friendly looking people, and two rude, strong-looking men.

Once we got to the gate of the mountain, the guide explained that the mountain is dangerous, and that no one who came in ever came out alive. I didn't really care, though. I just wanted Killua back.

"So what can we do to get in?" Gon asked, completely ignoring this poor lady's explanation.

"Weren't you listening to my explanation, little kid? Everyone that gets in never comes out in one piece!" She practically yelled the last part. Then, the two men from earlier broke into the gate man's small office. They grabbed the man by the collar and yelled at him to give them the key. I took note of the fact that a mysterious person hopped out of the bus and watched from a hidden corner. I quickly got to the old man and helped him up.

"Hey! Give him back the keys! It's for your own good!" I yelled at them.

"And who are you to tell us what to do?" The other man, who, although he was strong, was weaker than his friend, said. He pushed me to the floor strongly. The person hiding looked really pissed. Who wouldn't be, though? They just stole the keys from an elderly man! And they was planning to die right now!

The gates suddenly opened and a massive arm outstretched to drop two skeletons. I slightly gasped at the dead remains of the two men.

"What was that?" Kurapika asked from behind me. Leorio simply gulped in fear. 

"Hey, come on! What are you doing? Get on the bus!" The lady called.

"Uh- It's fine! You can leave! We'd actually like to stay here, thanks!" I smiled at her.

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"I see. So you're young Killua's friends." He said as he poured some tea. "I'm happy to hear that. I've worked hear for twenty years, but this is the first time any friends have come to visit. Since I work here, I shouldn't say this, but the place is rather lonely. No one ever visits."

"I mean, it is a family of assassins, after all. Uh, anyways. Sir, do you mind letting us in?" I asked impatiently. 

"I'm sorry, I can't do that..." He replied.

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A/N: Damn, almost 1 whole fucking month since I last updated. Sorry T^T Anyways, thanks for reading! I'll try to update this more often, but if I can't, then sorry in advance. Thanks again! Also, I've finally drawn Aiko, but MY DAD TOOK MY PHONE SO I CAN'T REALLY PUT IT HERE!! Yes yesBut I promise I'll put it when I get my phone. Also, I'm NOT an artist, so you might not exactly think I'm good at drawing or art or anything, but that's fine with me, so insult it as much as you'd like. I wouldn't mind honestly. 

Important Reminder: I do not own 'Hunter x Hunter' or any of its characters :(