ANIMOSITY | hxh

seventeen

It always felt like something was missing.

Is what Killua thought after everything he and Gon went through. After leaving the Zoldyck Estate, it was time for the recently reunited team to part. Kurapika went to find work, Leorio began studying for his medical exams, and Gon and Killua went to Heavens Arena. They were all set to reunite in Yorknew City on September 1st. Gon wasn't exactly happy at first, moving on so quickly without Tsuno, but he was soon reassured. "We aren't forgetting her. Nor are we leaving her. We're just preparing ourselves." Is what Killua told him, over and over. But even he was having a hard time believing it.

They took an airship, and quickly ascended the floors of Heavens Arena. They made money, and got to fight and win with ease. Even meeting Zushi and Wing, learning ten, and ascending to the 200th floor through Hisoka. And all without Tsuno. At every point, Killua couldn't help thinking, she would've loved this. Loved the thrill, the fighting, the money. It was like her dream come true. And she wasn't even here to experience it. He sighed, looking down at her Hunter's license in her hands. He was currently sitting by a window, looking into the night sky. Just like the third phase of the Hunter exam. He was surprised how much he found himself missing her. But, she was technically his first friend. It was weird how quickly he clung unto her. And now she's just gone. Who knows if he'll ever see her again. He clenched the license a bit tighter.

———

"Who's that?" Tsuno asked, her eyes narrowed in a harsh stare. In front of her was a woman, with unruly pink hair held up in a high ponytail. Her eyes were blue, and calculating as she observed the young girl before her. "Boss?" The woman muttered, raising an eyebrow to Chrollo who was standing beside Tsuno. "I need you to use your nen stitches and close up this wound, please." He asked politely, gesturing to Tsuno's wrapped shoulder. He steadily took off the dirty bandages, revealing the ugly gash. It would still cause her unbearable pain, since there was no medication here, and would occasionally flow with blood. The pink-haired woman nodded, "May I know who she is?" She asked, moving closer to the tense Tsuno. The lavender-headed girl tsked, a bit anxious to be around a stranger. She'd been with Chrollo for a nearly a month, and hadn't interacted with the rest of the world since she'd escaped that medical room.

"This is Aurum." He introduced. He's been calling her that for a while now. He didn't appreciate her old name, and once Tsuno told him that she had no recollection of anything, he gave her a new name. He told her that he didn't want her to be held down by a past she couldn't recall. She had to remind herself that she didn't have any attachment to that name, that it meant nothing to her. Even though, somewhere inside, she could feel an ache in her chest. "Aurum..." The woman repeated, casually stitching Tsuno's wound. "Aurum, this is Machi." He said, gesturing between the two. Tsuno didn't say anything, just observed her with wary eyes. Machi met her gaze and held steady, even as she finished up. Chrollo lips curled into a smile, "I suggest you get to know her well, Aurum. As well as others." Tsuno eyes darted to him, tilting her head. "Others?" Machi looked at Chrollo with a knowing stare, "Is she going to join?" Chrollo hummed, "Not yet, at least. What are your first impressions?" He asked, trusting Machi's judgement. The pink-haired woman looked Tsuno up and down before responding. "I don't know. But my instincts tell me it's worth it." Chrollo seemed pleased, but Tsuno looked between the two of them feeling lost. "What's worth it? Joining what?" She asked, or rather demanded. Her expression held a stubborn gaze.

The two adults looked before Chrollo answered with an amused smile, "The Phantom Troupe."

———

It's been 3 months since they first registered onto the 200th floor. Gon lost to Gido, and was put on house arrest for a little bit. But once he recovered, they learned Zetsu, Ren, Gyo, and now Hatsu. Their nen has come a long way, making Killua wonder if Tsuno has learned nen. She still hasn't left his mind, it's like he gets reminded of her wherever he goes. Gon is getting ready for his battle with Hisoka, no matter if he wins or loses, this would most likely be their last moment at Heavens arena.

He was chilling in Zushi and Wing's apartment at the moment, once again fiddling with Tsuno's license. It hasn't left his said since he got it from Gon. He's grateful the Gon hasn't said something about it, he wouldn't know what to do with himself. He heard Zushi approach him from behind, and quickly stuff the card back into his pocket. "I thought you didn't pass the Hunter Exam?" Zushi asked innocently, while Killua mentally cursed. "I didn't." He said, trying to appear unbothered. "Then why do you have Gon's license?" He asked, tilting his head with confusion. Killua sighed, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head. "It's not Gon's." Zushi blinked, hoping for more elaboration. The albino groaned, "It's a friends, okay?" He said, a bit of irk in his tone. Zushi straightened up, apologizing. Killua brushed him off before walking away. "Let's hurry and go watch Gon's match."

———

"This is Aurum." Chrollo introduced, standing at the center of attention with Tsuno by his side. She had her arms crossed and her gaze away from the crowd, clearly tense but trying to seem more confident. "She'll be with us for a while." He informed, causing a small spur of confusion. "She's joining the Troupe?" Asked a tall, lean blonde with an angry expression. And no eyebrows. "But we just recently filled the empty spots." Spoke up another man. He was huge, with bronze skin and wild gray hair. "She won't be joining the Troupe." Chrollo answered calmly, closing his eyes. "Then why is she here?" Hissed a short, pale man. He had black hair, and an edgy mask covering half of his face. "I've decided to help her with reaching her true potential. To assist. And what better way to show her the world than through our lenses?" He said, a small smile stretching his lips. Tsuno didn't really get what that meant. But the way the atmosphere seemed to grow more... relaxed? That wasn't the right world. But she felt like she was the only left out of some joke.

"While we're all here, I'd like you all to get acquainted with Aurum." He gestured to her, putting a hand on her shoulder. She hear d a scoff or two. "But before that I have an announcement. We have another job." The atmosphere changed again, a ferocious excitement coursing through the air. "The Underground Yorknew Auction. We'll meet again in the city on August 31st." The big burly one nearly howled with joy. "Hell yeah!" He exclaimed, before point at a few members, "And you all better not be late!" The group chuckled. Chrollo went off and sat by a wall, when Tsuno moved to follow she was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. Her eyes immediately turned to the culprit, nearly glaring. It was a man with long black hair held in a high ponytail, with a thin mustache. He blinked at her, slightly taken aback by her demeanor. "Aurum, huh? It suits you." He nodded at her, most likely gesturing to her eyes. She didn't say anything for a moment, then curtly replied, "Thanks, I guess. You are?" Her response was rather awkward, causing her to mentally yell obscenities at herself. "Nobunaga." He answering, a slight grin on her face.

"Welcome to the Phantom Troupe."