Hunter X Hunter Fan Fiction ❯ Arrival ❯ Back X to X Basics ( Chapter 5 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Nobuhiko Satori 
Gon rediscovers his Nen.
Anime/Manga: Hunter X Hunter Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama / Action | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 10.18.2015 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 401 | Status: Work In Progress
Gon rediscovers his Nen.
Anime/Manga: Hunter X Hunter Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama / Action | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 10.18.2015 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 401 | Status: Work In Progress
Arrival
Chapter 05: Back X to X Basics
By: Nobuhiko Satori
------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter Five! Eeeee!!! >D
WARNING: Before you go any further, please be warned that this is a yaoi fanfic. That is, it is about a romantic and/or sexual relationship between males. And please note that this fanfic will contain violent and disturbing imagery, as well as graphic and explicit sexual situations. Do not continue reading if any of this offends you in any way.
DISCLAIMER: The story contained within this fanfic is the sole property of the author. Hunter X Hunter and all related characters and trademarks are the sole property of Shueisha/Madhouse/Yoshihiro Togashi, and all other trademarks mentioned herein are the sole property of their respective copyright owners, and the author makes no claims as to owning them. This fanfic is made purely for entertainment purposes only and is completely non-profit. No copyright infringement is intended.
------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
LEGENDS KEY:
"Text" = speech
'Text' = thoughts, quotations in speech
*Text* = italics, emphasis
------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
Wing very rarely gets angry. Especially to the point where he starts yelling at someone. Those people who have experienced it first-hand tend to make sure they never go through it again.
This was one of those times.
Gon could only meekly nod his head, his ears burning from the harsh lecture given by his former teacher. The glare that Wing was directing at him would have given Aunt Mito a run for her money. He'd been at this for over an hour, and Gon could do nothing but sit on the floor in front of him, hands on his knees as Wing went on a long tirade about how Nen shouldn't be abused and taken for granted, like Gon did during his fight against Neferpitou. Even Zushi was feeling bad for him, even though he agreed with some of what Wing had said.
Thankfully Wing seemed to have calmed down some, and was now just watching Gon's reaction, arms crossed and still sporting that death glare. It was awhile before he spoke again, in a slightly calmer tone. "Listen, you might not care about what happens to you, but have you considered the cost? Not just to you but to the people around you? What happens to them when you leave them behind -- your family, your friends? Have you considered that?" He paused, letting his words sink in for a moment. "Well? What do you have to say for yourself?"
"... ... ...I'm sorry..." Gon said quietly, remorse evident in his voice. He tried to say more, struggling with the words, but all he could give was another, "...I-I'm sorry....." It was all he could say, and he meant it, a hint of tears just forming at the corners of his eyes. He honestly hadn't thought about it that way, wasn't even thinking at all, at the time concerned only with bringing Pitou down even if he went down with it, and to hell with everything else. He even went so far as to push his best friend away, practically spat in his face just to get his way.
Gon had very few regrets in life. He lived at his own pace unconcerned with what others thought about himself, preferring to live in the now and dream about tomorrow, and wasn't the type to carry such things around with him. But what he did that day, especially the resulting fallout, was one of those few that he did, the scar on his shoulder a constant reminder of that second chance he still sometimes wonders if he deserved, made him really look at himself long and hard. The room fell silent for a few moments before Wing moved towards him again, Gon wincing as the Nen user reached for him.
".....That's okay then," Wing said, placing his hand on Gon's shoulder. Gon looked up to see the taller male smiling. "At least you've learned your lesson. Right?" He weakly returned the smile with a nod, feeling just a little better. Motioning for Gon to take a seat on the bed Wing pulled up a chair from the dinner table, before he turned to the spiky-haired boy and spoke. "So, tell me what this is all about."
~*~
"...And that's why I called you." Gon finished his tale, a somber tone in his voice. He watched Wing's reaction expectantly, not really sure how he'll react after what happened earlier. It was quite reasonable for him to just refuse and walk away, in light of the facts.
"No way..." Zushi said, an expression of shock on his face. He was also their friend after all, and was sympathetic to Gon's plight. Wing sat stock-still, eyes closed and arms crossed as he considered Gon's story and the events he described. It was a long while before he spoke.
"Alright then!" Wing said with a smile. "I'll help you."
"...Really?" Gon asked, just a little dumbstruck with his former teacher's response.
"What's wrong? Don't you want my help?" the older male continued, that smile never leaving his face. "I could just leave-..."
"No, no, no! It's not that!" The spiky-haired boy waved his hands, trying not to give the wrong impression. "It's just, I've gone through this in my head a few times and, well... aren't you going to try to bait me or something? Start an argument, get me all emotional and stuff, like some hidden test of character? I mean, that's how these things usually play out..." he added sheepishly.
"Gon-kun, this is real life, not some cheap two-Jenny manga or something," Wing jokingly replied, an amused smile on his face. "But I am curious about one thing, and I want to hear you say it in your own words. Tell me, Gon-kun, why do you want to save Killua-kun?" Gon's answer was blunt and straight to the point.
"Because Killua's my friend," Gon answered confidently. "He's my friend and he needs my help. That's all that matters to me right now. I don't need a better reason."
"And that's all?"
"Yes." Gon's expression hardened, hands clenching tightly at his sides. "His family... they're trying to take away his right to choose for himself. I won't let that happen! He's a good person, he doesn't deserve that!" A determined look came over Gon's face then, not a trace of hesitation in his voice as he spoke. "I *will* get him out of there, no matter what. I owe him that much."
"I understand," Wing said with a nod. "But, surely there's more to it than that..." He leaned in close, carefully watching Gon's reaction. For a brief instant Gon's dream from last night flashed in his mind, and for a second he felt... exposed. Unable to hold Wing's gaze he looked away nervously scratching at his cheek, the faintest hint of red on his face. Thankfully the older male didn't press any further.
"I think I've heard all I needed to hear..."
He was the one who taught Gon how to use Nen in the first place, and as his teacher, Gon was ultimately his responsibility. Wing just hoped he wouldn't regret aiding the boy this time as well. Clapping Gon on the shoulder, Wing rose to his feet as he spoke.
"Pack your bags. Lunch first, then we're off to begin your re-training."
"Wing-san!" Gon's face split into a wide grin. The young Hunter stood at attention then, and bowed towards Wing gratefully. "Osu! Thank you very much!"
~*~
They'd started out just past noon. After having a quick lunch at a nearby fast food joint they'd taken a bus out of town, traveling several towns over for more than three hours before reaching their stop, at which point they proceeded to board a train. It wasn't until early morning the next day that the trio disembarked at small town near the foot of a mountain known for its hot springs, before they began the long hike towards their destination.
"It's a dojo run by the Shingen-Ryu, built some years after it was first established. It's more of a mountain retreat, really," Wing explained as they walked. "It's an old place, though they did finish some renovations a few years back. Lots of room, no one to bother us. It's perfect for what we need. Haven't been back here in a while, though."
Gon was suddenly grateful for the hearty breakfast they'd had before setting out, taking a cab to the start of the mountain path and proceeding on foot. They'd been walking for nearly three hours now, following the dirt path through the forest and up the mountain toward the dojo. The path was well-shaded, keeping the morning sun off their backs as they hiked, the trees lining it growing tall and healthy. The group kept going for several more minutes before they reached a fork in the road, unmarked save for a large gray boulder. The left path was noticeably more well-traveled, the right less so. Wing nodded toward the gray rock as they passed.
"Ah, it shouldn't be much longer now." Taking the right fork the group hiked on, Wing in the lead and Gon following, Zushi taking up the rear and keeping a watchful eye out.
"Have you been here before?" Gon asked Zushi, looking over his shoulder at the shorter boy.
"Just once, back when Master Wing first took me on as his apprentice," he replied. "It's a cool place. Quiet, wide open spaces for training, especially the woods around it. We'll practically have the whole mountain to ourselves. You'll like it there, I think."
Gon took the time to take in the nature around them. Birds chirped melodiously overhead. A cool breeze blew lightly around them. A squirrel darted across their way, an acorn between its jaws. The three continued on for nearly another hour, until Wing pointed a ways down the road. "There."
The road ended where a set of stone steps began, one hundred and eight of them, leading further up the steep face to where the dojo presumably was. The group completed the climb in short order, cresting the top of the steps and entering the grounds of the dojo itself.
A wooden arch stood over the entrance into the courtyard. It was wide and open, with smooth stones paving the path from the entrance to the main building itself. The dojo was a masterpiece of elegance in simplicity, sturdy wooden beams and sliding doors accentuated by the tiled roof. A few smaller structures surrounded the main building, the whole area surrounded by walls around three meters high. In front of the dojo's main doors stood a boy about Gon's age, maybe a little older, with black hair and steel-blue eyes, wearing a gi and hakama in blue and white.
"Welcome back, Wing-sama. I hope your journey here wasn't too exhausting," the boy greeted the older male with a respectful bow.
"No need to stand on formality, Shinya-kun. And it's good to be back," Wing responded with a bow of his own. "We didn't catch you at a bad time, I hope."
"Not at all." The boy, Shinya, turned to the two teens then. "Zushi-sama, it's good to see you again," he said, bowing towards Zushi who responded in kind, before facing Gon in turn. "And you must be Gon-sama. Welcome."
Gon bowed in response. "Osu! Thank you for having me!"
Shinya nodded approvingly. "Wing-sama has appraised me of your situation. If there's anything you need, I will try to accommodate you as best as I can," he said with a small smile.
"Shinya-kun here is part of a family who have acted as caretakers of this dojo ever since it was built. He'll take good care of you," Wing said with a nod.
"If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask," Shinya said, before he turned to Wing and motioned towards the dojo. "Would you like me to show you to your rooms?" Shinya asked as he ushered them into the main building, the group taking care to switch their shoes for indoor slippers.
"Take the boys to their rooms, I can find my own way." Wing turned to the two teens. "Get settled in, and I'll see you in a few minutes."
"As you wish. This way, please," he said, motioning for the two to follow him. "This is the main hall. You'll be doing a lot of your exercises here, to start." Shinya indicated the wide matted area they were currently in front of, a handful of weapons racks holding wooden swords and staves along the sides. They proceeded through the rest of the building, Shinya pointing out other rooms of note, particularly the training rooms. The young Hunter looked around as they walked, then a thought occurred to him.
"Shinya-san, are we the only ones here right now?"
"Yes, we are the only people here at this time," Shinya said with a small smile. "Practitioners may come and go as they please, and while we're not expecting any more arrivals, don't be surprised if you're joined by other students of the Shingen-Ryu while you are here."
Gon nodded in understanding, following the other boy further into the building.
"This is the lounge area. Wing-sama has arranged to have your meals served here. Which reminds me, lunch will be ready in half an hour," Shinya said as they walked. They continued further down the hallway, rounding a corner before stopping in front of a row of doors, indicating two of them. "Zushi-sama, this will be your room. Gon-sama, this one will be yours. The bathroom is just at the end of this hallway on the left. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go check on your meal." The boy excused himself with a bow and turned to walk away when he stopped mid-step, turning back toward the two teens. "Oh, and before I forget, there's a hot spring behind the dojo. Please, feel free to use it whenever you need to." And with that Shinya gave the two another bow and left the way they came.
"Isn't this a bit much? If I didn't know any better, I'd say we were in a hotel or something," Gon said once he was out of earshot.
"I told you you'd like it here," Zushi said with a grin, stepping into his room. Gon followed suit, noting the absence of a latch or lock as he opened the sliding door to his accommodations.
It wasn't all that big, as far as rooms went, but it was actually spacious enough for two people to stay in. A small desk and chair dominated one corner, while at the center of the room was a futon, atop which was a folded-up blanket and fluffy white pillow. 'I wonder if they have room service...' Gon wondered idly while setting his backpack down in the corner, shedding his jacket and placing it on top. Looking out the window Gon saw an artificial pond under a tall tree, pink lillies floating in the water.
"Gon-san, are you ready to go?" Zushi asked, knocking on the doorframe.
"Yeah, just a sec," he answered, taking a moment to gather himself before stepping out into the hallway.
~*~
"Ah, there you are," Wing said, turning his attention to the two boys as they entered the lounge area. He was sitting on a cushion on the floor, a low table in front of him. The only television in the whole place remained switched off at the other end of the room. He motioned to the empty cushions directly in front of him. "Please, take a seat you two. Lunch should be here any minute now." Once Gon and Zushi had settled in he turned to the spiky-haired boy. "Gon-kun, we'll start with some meditation excercises after lunch, start off slow. But before that, what's the time limit you gave yourself for your re-training, before you go after Killua-kun?"
Gon thought for a moment before he answered, "Six weeks."
"W-what?! Gon-san, that's too short!" Zushi said, surprised by the answer. As good as Gon was, he was pretty sure getting him back into top form would take more time than that.
"Six weeks," the young Hunter insisted. "I don't know why, but I feel if I take any longer, whatever Killua's family may be doing to him right now, I might not be able to undo it. I might not be able to get him back..." Determination shone in Gon's eyes. "I've already lost too much time. It has to be six weeks, no more."
Wing thought for a moment, considering Gon's answer. "It might be possible..."
"But Assistant Master, that much training in that short time-...!" Zushi objected, only to be cut off.
"I can do it," Gon said without hesitation.
"Well, your biggest challenge will be having to re-learn everything practically from scratch," Wing said. "This isn't like riding a bike. Your Nen wasn't simply sealed; instead you were returned to a state from before you even knew what Nen is. You'll have to learn everything from the beginning all over again, though a closer description might be something along the lines of 'physical rehabilitation', in a sense. Essentially, we'll be helping your body to 'remember' how to use your Nen. That said, I think you'll have an easier time learning this time around." He paused, considering. "You've been doing meditation excercises on your own, I take it?"
"I have," Gon said with a nod.
"That makes things easier then." The older male thought for a moment, before he stood up. "No sense putting this off any longer. Gon-kun, please stand up." Gon did as asked, Zushi following suit. "I'm going to open your aura nodes now. Do you remember what this involves?"
"Osu!" Gon turned around as Wing stepped closer and placed one hand flat on the boy's back. Gon then closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm ready!"
For the next few seconds, all he felt was the warmth of Wing's palm against him.
Suddenly Gon's eyes snapped open, gasping loudly as he felt a massive surge of Wing's aura entering him, permeating his entire being, a tingling sensation from head to toe. Then he felt it; that familiar feeling of being immersed completely in liquid, warm and almost comforting, starting deep within himself until it started to flow from every inch of his body. It was exhilarating, his body feeling stronger, lighter, and more attuned to his surroundings than it was just moments ago, his heart pounding from the rush. He looked down at himself, at his hands, arms, legs, feet, and saw his own aura flowing around him, like steam escaping a kettle. It felt like it too, his aura escaping from every pore of his body as though a valve had been opened and showing no signs of stopping on its own.
Breathing slowly, deeply, Gon focused on that feeling of being submerged, keeping his breathing at a constant rhythm as he pictured his aura enveloping his entire form. His heartbeat slowed, his mind quiet and calm, and when Gon next opened his eyes, the constant outflow of his aura had stopped, now flowing just over the surface of his body like a second skin.
'Ten?! And so well already?!' Zushi watched with more than a bit of awe. Sure, overall his aura was still a bit rough, it was true for everyone at first, but for Gon to be able to do so much already was no small thing. "Sugee..." he muttered under his breath.
"*Very* good. And without being instructed, too," Wing said with a knowing smile, watching as the young Hunter rediscovered his powers. "Your training will begin this afternoon." Gon turned to the Assistant Master and stood at attention.
"Osu!" Looking at his hands, Gon slowly closed them into fists, a smile forming on his lips. 'Please wait just a little while longer, Killua. I'm coming for you!'
~*~TO BE CONTINUED...~*~
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CHAPTER NOTES: So... *that* happened! To be honest, I was a bit hesitant (alright, a *lot* hesitant) to post this chapter as it stood, seeing as this is where I start to "reach" a little bit. Hopefully it wasn't as glaring as I feared, and I hope this chapter wasn't too clunky. Might come back and fix it up a bit, maybe. With a bit of luck, I'll be able to do much better in the next one. 'Til then!
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Chapter 05: Back X to X Basics
By: Nobuhiko Satori
------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter Five! Eeeee!!! >D
WARNING: Before you go any further, please be warned that this is a yaoi fanfic. That is, it is about a romantic and/or sexual relationship between males. And please note that this fanfic will contain violent and disturbing imagery, as well as graphic and explicit sexual situations. Do not continue reading if any of this offends you in any way.
DISCLAIMER: The story contained within this fanfic is the sole property of the author. Hunter X Hunter and all related characters and trademarks are the sole property of Shueisha/Madhouse/Yoshihiro Togashi, and all other trademarks mentioned herein are the sole property of their respective copyright owners, and the author makes no claims as to owning them. This fanfic is made purely for entertainment purposes only and is completely non-profit. No copyright infringement is intended.
------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
LEGENDS KEY:
"Text" = speech
'Text' = thoughts, quotations in speech
*Text* = italics, emphasis
------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
Wing very rarely gets angry. Especially to the point where he starts yelling at someone. Those people who have experienced it first-hand tend to make sure they never go through it again.
This was one of those times.
Gon could only meekly nod his head, his ears burning from the harsh lecture given by his former teacher. The glare that Wing was directing at him would have given Aunt Mito a run for her money. He'd been at this for over an hour, and Gon could do nothing but sit on the floor in front of him, hands on his knees as Wing went on a long tirade about how Nen shouldn't be abused and taken for granted, like Gon did during his fight against Neferpitou. Even Zushi was feeling bad for him, even though he agreed with some of what Wing had said.
Thankfully Wing seemed to have calmed down some, and was now just watching Gon's reaction, arms crossed and still sporting that death glare. It was awhile before he spoke again, in a slightly calmer tone. "Listen, you might not care about what happens to you, but have you considered the cost? Not just to you but to the people around you? What happens to them when you leave them behind -- your family, your friends? Have you considered that?" He paused, letting his words sink in for a moment. "Well? What do you have to say for yourself?"
"... ... ...I'm sorry..." Gon said quietly, remorse evident in his voice. He tried to say more, struggling with the words, but all he could give was another, "...I-I'm sorry....." It was all he could say, and he meant it, a hint of tears just forming at the corners of his eyes. He honestly hadn't thought about it that way, wasn't even thinking at all, at the time concerned only with bringing Pitou down even if he went down with it, and to hell with everything else. He even went so far as to push his best friend away, practically spat in his face just to get his way.
Gon had very few regrets in life. He lived at his own pace unconcerned with what others thought about himself, preferring to live in the now and dream about tomorrow, and wasn't the type to carry such things around with him. But what he did that day, especially the resulting fallout, was one of those few that he did, the scar on his shoulder a constant reminder of that second chance he still sometimes wonders if he deserved, made him really look at himself long and hard. The room fell silent for a few moments before Wing moved towards him again, Gon wincing as the Nen user reached for him.
".....That's okay then," Wing said, placing his hand on Gon's shoulder. Gon looked up to see the taller male smiling. "At least you've learned your lesson. Right?" He weakly returned the smile with a nod, feeling just a little better. Motioning for Gon to take a seat on the bed Wing pulled up a chair from the dinner table, before he turned to the spiky-haired boy and spoke. "So, tell me what this is all about."
~*~
"...And that's why I called you." Gon finished his tale, a somber tone in his voice. He watched Wing's reaction expectantly, not really sure how he'll react after what happened earlier. It was quite reasonable for him to just refuse and walk away, in light of the facts.
"No way..." Zushi said, an expression of shock on his face. He was also their friend after all, and was sympathetic to Gon's plight. Wing sat stock-still, eyes closed and arms crossed as he considered Gon's story and the events he described. It was a long while before he spoke.
"Alright then!" Wing said with a smile. "I'll help you."
"...Really?" Gon asked, just a little dumbstruck with his former teacher's response.
"What's wrong? Don't you want my help?" the older male continued, that smile never leaving his face. "I could just leave-..."
"No, no, no! It's not that!" The spiky-haired boy waved his hands, trying not to give the wrong impression. "It's just, I've gone through this in my head a few times and, well... aren't you going to try to bait me or something? Start an argument, get me all emotional and stuff, like some hidden test of character? I mean, that's how these things usually play out..." he added sheepishly.
"Gon-kun, this is real life, not some cheap two-Jenny manga or something," Wing jokingly replied, an amused smile on his face. "But I am curious about one thing, and I want to hear you say it in your own words. Tell me, Gon-kun, why do you want to save Killua-kun?" Gon's answer was blunt and straight to the point.
"Because Killua's my friend," Gon answered confidently. "He's my friend and he needs my help. That's all that matters to me right now. I don't need a better reason."
"And that's all?"
"Yes." Gon's expression hardened, hands clenching tightly at his sides. "His family... they're trying to take away his right to choose for himself. I won't let that happen! He's a good person, he doesn't deserve that!" A determined look came over Gon's face then, not a trace of hesitation in his voice as he spoke. "I *will* get him out of there, no matter what. I owe him that much."
"I understand," Wing said with a nod. "But, surely there's more to it than that..." He leaned in close, carefully watching Gon's reaction. For a brief instant Gon's dream from last night flashed in his mind, and for a second he felt... exposed. Unable to hold Wing's gaze he looked away nervously scratching at his cheek, the faintest hint of red on his face. Thankfully the older male didn't press any further.
"I think I've heard all I needed to hear..."
He was the one who taught Gon how to use Nen in the first place, and as his teacher, Gon was ultimately his responsibility. Wing just hoped he wouldn't regret aiding the boy this time as well. Clapping Gon on the shoulder, Wing rose to his feet as he spoke.
"Pack your bags. Lunch first, then we're off to begin your re-training."
"Wing-san!" Gon's face split into a wide grin. The young Hunter stood at attention then, and bowed towards Wing gratefully. "Osu! Thank you very much!"
~*~
They'd started out just past noon. After having a quick lunch at a nearby fast food joint they'd taken a bus out of town, traveling several towns over for more than three hours before reaching their stop, at which point they proceeded to board a train. It wasn't until early morning the next day that the trio disembarked at small town near the foot of a mountain known for its hot springs, before they began the long hike towards their destination.
"It's a dojo run by the Shingen-Ryu, built some years after it was first established. It's more of a mountain retreat, really," Wing explained as they walked. "It's an old place, though they did finish some renovations a few years back. Lots of room, no one to bother us. It's perfect for what we need. Haven't been back here in a while, though."
Gon was suddenly grateful for the hearty breakfast they'd had before setting out, taking a cab to the start of the mountain path and proceeding on foot. They'd been walking for nearly three hours now, following the dirt path through the forest and up the mountain toward the dojo. The path was well-shaded, keeping the morning sun off their backs as they hiked, the trees lining it growing tall and healthy. The group kept going for several more minutes before they reached a fork in the road, unmarked save for a large gray boulder. The left path was noticeably more well-traveled, the right less so. Wing nodded toward the gray rock as they passed.
"Ah, it shouldn't be much longer now." Taking the right fork the group hiked on, Wing in the lead and Gon following, Zushi taking up the rear and keeping a watchful eye out.
"Have you been here before?" Gon asked Zushi, looking over his shoulder at the shorter boy.
"Just once, back when Master Wing first took me on as his apprentice," he replied. "It's a cool place. Quiet, wide open spaces for training, especially the woods around it. We'll practically have the whole mountain to ourselves. You'll like it there, I think."
Gon took the time to take in the nature around them. Birds chirped melodiously overhead. A cool breeze blew lightly around them. A squirrel darted across their way, an acorn between its jaws. The three continued on for nearly another hour, until Wing pointed a ways down the road. "There."
The road ended where a set of stone steps began, one hundred and eight of them, leading further up the steep face to where the dojo presumably was. The group completed the climb in short order, cresting the top of the steps and entering the grounds of the dojo itself.
A wooden arch stood over the entrance into the courtyard. It was wide and open, with smooth stones paving the path from the entrance to the main building itself. The dojo was a masterpiece of elegance in simplicity, sturdy wooden beams and sliding doors accentuated by the tiled roof. A few smaller structures surrounded the main building, the whole area surrounded by walls around three meters high. In front of the dojo's main doors stood a boy about Gon's age, maybe a little older, with black hair and steel-blue eyes, wearing a gi and hakama in blue and white.
"Welcome back, Wing-sama. I hope your journey here wasn't too exhausting," the boy greeted the older male with a respectful bow.
"No need to stand on formality, Shinya-kun. And it's good to be back," Wing responded with a bow of his own. "We didn't catch you at a bad time, I hope."
"Not at all." The boy, Shinya, turned to the two teens then. "Zushi-sama, it's good to see you again," he said, bowing towards Zushi who responded in kind, before facing Gon in turn. "And you must be Gon-sama. Welcome."
Gon bowed in response. "Osu! Thank you for having me!"
Shinya nodded approvingly. "Wing-sama has appraised me of your situation. If there's anything you need, I will try to accommodate you as best as I can," he said with a small smile.
"Shinya-kun here is part of a family who have acted as caretakers of this dojo ever since it was built. He'll take good care of you," Wing said with a nod.
"If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask," Shinya said, before he turned to Wing and motioned towards the dojo. "Would you like me to show you to your rooms?" Shinya asked as he ushered them into the main building, the group taking care to switch their shoes for indoor slippers.
"Take the boys to their rooms, I can find my own way." Wing turned to the two teens. "Get settled in, and I'll see you in a few minutes."
"As you wish. This way, please," he said, motioning for the two to follow him. "This is the main hall. You'll be doing a lot of your exercises here, to start." Shinya indicated the wide matted area they were currently in front of, a handful of weapons racks holding wooden swords and staves along the sides. They proceeded through the rest of the building, Shinya pointing out other rooms of note, particularly the training rooms. The young Hunter looked around as they walked, then a thought occurred to him.
"Shinya-san, are we the only ones here right now?"
"Yes, we are the only people here at this time," Shinya said with a small smile. "Practitioners may come and go as they please, and while we're not expecting any more arrivals, don't be surprised if you're joined by other students of the Shingen-Ryu while you are here."
Gon nodded in understanding, following the other boy further into the building.
"This is the lounge area. Wing-sama has arranged to have your meals served here. Which reminds me, lunch will be ready in half an hour," Shinya said as they walked. They continued further down the hallway, rounding a corner before stopping in front of a row of doors, indicating two of them. "Zushi-sama, this will be your room. Gon-sama, this one will be yours. The bathroom is just at the end of this hallway on the left. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go check on your meal." The boy excused himself with a bow and turned to walk away when he stopped mid-step, turning back toward the two teens. "Oh, and before I forget, there's a hot spring behind the dojo. Please, feel free to use it whenever you need to." And with that Shinya gave the two another bow and left the way they came.
"Isn't this a bit much? If I didn't know any better, I'd say we were in a hotel or something," Gon said once he was out of earshot.
"I told you you'd like it here," Zushi said with a grin, stepping into his room. Gon followed suit, noting the absence of a latch or lock as he opened the sliding door to his accommodations.
It wasn't all that big, as far as rooms went, but it was actually spacious enough for two people to stay in. A small desk and chair dominated one corner, while at the center of the room was a futon, atop which was a folded-up blanket and fluffy white pillow. 'I wonder if they have room service...' Gon wondered idly while setting his backpack down in the corner, shedding his jacket and placing it on top. Looking out the window Gon saw an artificial pond under a tall tree, pink lillies floating in the water.
"Gon-san, are you ready to go?" Zushi asked, knocking on the doorframe.
"Yeah, just a sec," he answered, taking a moment to gather himself before stepping out into the hallway.
~*~
"Ah, there you are," Wing said, turning his attention to the two boys as they entered the lounge area. He was sitting on a cushion on the floor, a low table in front of him. The only television in the whole place remained switched off at the other end of the room. He motioned to the empty cushions directly in front of him. "Please, take a seat you two. Lunch should be here any minute now." Once Gon and Zushi had settled in he turned to the spiky-haired boy. "Gon-kun, we'll start with some meditation excercises after lunch, start off slow. But before that, what's the time limit you gave yourself for your re-training, before you go after Killua-kun?"
Gon thought for a moment before he answered, "Six weeks."
"W-what?! Gon-san, that's too short!" Zushi said, surprised by the answer. As good as Gon was, he was pretty sure getting him back into top form would take more time than that.
"Six weeks," the young Hunter insisted. "I don't know why, but I feel if I take any longer, whatever Killua's family may be doing to him right now, I might not be able to undo it. I might not be able to get him back..." Determination shone in Gon's eyes. "I've already lost too much time. It has to be six weeks, no more."
Wing thought for a moment, considering Gon's answer. "It might be possible..."
"But Assistant Master, that much training in that short time-...!" Zushi objected, only to be cut off.
"I can do it," Gon said without hesitation.
"Well, your biggest challenge will be having to re-learn everything practically from scratch," Wing said. "This isn't like riding a bike. Your Nen wasn't simply sealed; instead you were returned to a state from before you even knew what Nen is. You'll have to learn everything from the beginning all over again, though a closer description might be something along the lines of 'physical rehabilitation', in a sense. Essentially, we'll be helping your body to 'remember' how to use your Nen. That said, I think you'll have an easier time learning this time around." He paused, considering. "You've been doing meditation excercises on your own, I take it?"
"I have," Gon said with a nod.
"That makes things easier then." The older male thought for a moment, before he stood up. "No sense putting this off any longer. Gon-kun, please stand up." Gon did as asked, Zushi following suit. "I'm going to open your aura nodes now. Do you remember what this involves?"
"Osu!" Gon turned around as Wing stepped closer and placed one hand flat on the boy's back. Gon then closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm ready!"
For the next few seconds, all he felt was the warmth of Wing's palm against him.
Suddenly Gon's eyes snapped open, gasping loudly as he felt a massive surge of Wing's aura entering him, permeating his entire being, a tingling sensation from head to toe. Then he felt it; that familiar feeling of being immersed completely in liquid, warm and almost comforting, starting deep within himself until it started to flow from every inch of his body. It was exhilarating, his body feeling stronger, lighter, and more attuned to his surroundings than it was just moments ago, his heart pounding from the rush. He looked down at himself, at his hands, arms, legs, feet, and saw his own aura flowing around him, like steam escaping a kettle. It felt like it too, his aura escaping from every pore of his body as though a valve had been opened and showing no signs of stopping on its own.
Breathing slowly, deeply, Gon focused on that feeling of being submerged, keeping his breathing at a constant rhythm as he pictured his aura enveloping his entire form. His heartbeat slowed, his mind quiet and calm, and when Gon next opened his eyes, the constant outflow of his aura had stopped, now flowing just over the surface of his body like a second skin.
'Ten?! And so well already?!' Zushi watched with more than a bit of awe. Sure, overall his aura was still a bit rough, it was true for everyone at first, but for Gon to be able to do so much already was no small thing. "Sugee..." he muttered under his breath.
"*Very* good. And without being instructed, too," Wing said with a knowing smile, watching as the young Hunter rediscovered his powers. "Your training will begin this afternoon." Gon turned to the Assistant Master and stood at attention.
"Osu!" Looking at his hands, Gon slowly closed them into fists, a smile forming on his lips. 'Please wait just a little while longer, Killua. I'm coming for you!'
~*~TO BE CONTINUED...~*~
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CHAPTER NOTES: So... *that* happened! To be honest, I was a bit hesitant (alright, a *lot* hesitant) to post this chapter as it stood, seeing as this is where I start to "reach" a little bit. Hopefully it wasn't as glaring as I feared, and I hope this chapter wasn't too clunky. Might come back and fix it up a bit, maybe. With a bit of luck, I'll be able to do much better in the next one. 'Til then!
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