“So you guys are like, mountain rescue heroes?”
Gon asked the group. Apparently, he’d accidentally stumbled upon a rescue while the majority of them were out preparing for a school field trip, so only Pixie-Bob’s quirk and Mandalay were on the property at the time. There were four in the group, and they called themselves the Wild Wild Pussycats. They were all named after cats. Mandalay, Pixie-Bob, Ragdoll, and Tiger. “Yeah you could say that!” Ragdoll exclaimed excitedly, seemingly unable to sit still. “That’s pretty cool!” Mandalay let out a sigh, before turning a stern look on Gon. “What you did was helpful, but this is private property. Did you not see the signs?”
Signs?
Gon thought for a moment, he supposed there might’ve been signs but he hadn’t been focused on them. “I don’t know. Sorry ma’am, it was just so refreshing to be in nature again after that big city.” He grumbled, head tipping forward apologetically. “I’m kind of broke and don’t have a place to live, but the island where I grew up was covered in forests so I thought if I came here I wouldn’t need as much money. ” He explained. “I could just sell most of the fish I catch to buy the important stuff. But if it’s your land I can move somewhere else, I’m really sorry!”
The pussycats talked quietly amongst themselves for a moment in hushed voices. Gon just sat there, his eyes wandering around the room out of boredom. I guess I could ask Mr. Aizawa if I could live with him. But he doesn’t even know me! “We wouldn’t mind having you around, as long as you steer clear of the field trip. Some hero course students will be coming soon.” Pixie-Bob explained, flexing her paws. Gon couldn’t stop staring at them. They’re dressed like cats. I wonder if I could convince KIllua to change his hero costume… “Alright thats fine. ” Gon replied, feeling grateful. How’s the air quality even worse in this forest though? The air feels so thick.
He’d noticed it kept getting worse and worse as time ticked by. Like he was breathing in some sort of scentless invisible smoke with each breath. Ragdoll leaned in close to him with wide curious eyes. “Are you sick sweetie? Do you want some tea? Your voice sounds a bit rough.” Gon laughed, fighting the urge to cough. “Yeah! I’m alright.” He replied. Gon’s voice was indeed a little scratchy. Maybe I’ll ask Killua for one of those mask things when he gets out. “The students will be here early tomorrow morning. So make sure to stay clear of them working. Other than that, you have free range of the forest.” Mandalay explained.
Gon slung his backpack over his shoulder as he stood up. “Right! I’ll be off then. See you guys later!” Gon called, exiting the house. As he was preparing to leave, he spotted a small child glowering at him from a patch of shade. Gon glanced at him. “Who’re you?” The kid scoffed, looking away. “You guys are so dumb. Trying to be heroes.” He spat. Does he think I’m one of the hero course students? Gon contemplated joining the class but ultimately decided against it. He’d have to kick someone else from their spot, plus Gon didn’t really want to be a hero. Sure the notion of it seemed cool, but all the rules and stuff made Gon uninterested. I’d rather be a hunter. “You’re not?” The boy questioned, frowning.
Gon shrugged. “Nope. I’m just here because I prefer nature over the city.” He explained. “Tch. whatever. You’re still annoying.” The child shot back, shoving his hands into his pockets grumpily. I wonder what he’s so mad about. Gon wondered as he continued down the path. It wasn’t really any of his business, he supposed. But he couldn’t help but be curious. Weird. Gon focused his attention on the task at hand, finding a river with fish. I hope I can still fish as well as I used to without my fingers. Gon worried, looking down at his disfigured hands. Gon had been willing to sacrifice anything to find Killua, hell he’d cut off his whole hand if he had to. But he hadn’t thought about how his loss of fingers would affect carrying things.
Gon only had three fingers on his right hand now. This made it very difficult to hold things. Thankfully only his pinky was missing on Gon’s left finger but it still gave him significantly less mobility and grip strength. It was almost impossible to hold a phone in one hand, and opening doors was just that much harder. It’s so annoying!! Gon puffed his cheeks out in irritation as he walked, scouting for the stream he was after. I’ll probably never be able to fight like I used to. That thought made Gon hesitate, clenching what was left of his hands into fists. I mean, without my Nen it’s bad enough. But my hands too?
No, getting to Killua was more important! I can live without my fingers, but I can’t live without Killua. Gon only realized it after he’d been separated from Killua for the first time in almost two years. His best friend meant more to him than anything. More than being a hunter, more than, reopening his aura nodes, hell even more than his Aunt Mito. I don’t really know why Killua wants to be a hero, it doesn’t seem like him. But I’m glad he’s found something he wants. Gon thought, a soft smile gracing his face. Killua had spent the last two years just following Gon around, unsure of his own desires.
Gon was so happy that Killua was able to make friends, and find something he actually wanted to do with his life. He wasn’t exactly sure why he felt so strongly about that, but Gon didn’t really mind. It still sucks that I can’t fight that well anymore…but I think its worth it. Killua deserves to be happy.
1004 words
To Be Continued…
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