Chapter Text
"You're not qualified to be his big brother!"
Illumi still didn't understand what that meant. Not that he needed to even assume it meant anything at all. Childish words from a child. What use were they to him?
Those bright eyes, so full of life. The kind idiots always had. Chipper even in anger, overflowing with determination to "bring Killua back".
Childish, silly words. There was nowhere to "bring" Killua to. He was already going home. He did it all on his own two feet. He only needed to come to his senses first.
"Don't even bother apologizing… Just take me to see Killua."
Illumi stared down the boy in front of him. A not-so-unreasonable request, on second thought.
He had been quick to reject it the first time. The little boy's talk about "taking" Kil… Keeping Illumi's own little brother from ever seeing him again…? If it had been a joke, Illumi might have even laughed. As if some random child could stop his own family from wanting to see him! Gon was… Gifted, fine, he could say that. Hisoka wouldn't have wasted his time with complete trash.
But the boy was still a headstrong, stupid child. A weak bumpkin from some far-flung place who didn't know anything about the real world. Nothing about Illumi and Killua's world. Trying to force his way into it uninvited would be the end of him. Illumi was…
…Well. He'd like to be certain of it.
That glimmer in Gon's eyes… that inexhaustible energy, unable to be pressed out. Even injured, barely put back together after being beaten unconsious, he still looked just as determined to fight again.
Annoying. All potential was double-edged. This little thing had profoundly impacted Killua, through whatever means Illumi was still unsure of.
Then again, it could have honestly been anyone. Gon was abnormal, but Killua's fatal flaw was his soft, squishy sentimentality for even the most useless, average humans. He was taken by street children playing with dirty balls. He was envious, honestly envious, for a random little boy eating ice cream on a bench. As if Killua didn't have access to any and as much ice cream as he could ever want. As if the Zoldyck estate didn't have sprawling gardens with many clean, immaculate benches to sit on.
Killua was weak to normal people. Illumi's broken arm throbbed. Gon, as much as it irked him, was not normal. How deeply had this boy hooked himself through the heart of that persistent weakness?
Illumi did not glance behind him. He didn't need to. If he overstepped, Hisoka was sure to let him know–– This wasn't going to maim his fruit, or whatever he cared about.
No, if anything, maybe his new friend might even appreciate his efforts. Killua certainly would.
And didn't his little brother deserve a reward for coming all this way? He had run from home, yes, and the way he had done it required some punishment. But once the pain was over and his time was spent, Illumi could give him his winnings. He made it so far from the mountain, avoiding the butlers and Mike both. Went through the exam, even as simple as it was. Met all these strange people, who were naturally charmed by him–– and he still (with a little push) chose to return home and repent.
The good outweighed the bad. Killua was a good boy. Good little brothers deserved a prize.
And this would be a splendid one. Killua would be so pleased with him. Illumi could see it, in his mind's eye… the way Killua used to smile, wide and bright, his soft, cottony hair flopped messily into his baby blue eyes. The way his little hands used to cling to Illumi's pant legs, or reach to hold his hand, looking up to him with admiration.
This gift would make him look at him like that again. It was worth its weight in the love Killua had become selfishly guarded in giving.
Maybe he'd even give it to him before his punishment ended. He'd be extra grateful to him then, wouldn't he?
Illumi looked past Gon to the older children (but still children, foolish, charmed children) behind him. Staunchly refusing to leave, even as the conversation was very clearly not for them.
Hm.
Killua deserved a reward, yes, but not three of them.
Illumi's fingers twitched. A minute thing. The tiniest spark of aura gathered in his hand.
He needn't worry; it wasn't as if any of the children could see his little instrument. Only Hisoka could, and he would not be interfering in this. Not unless he saw a need to. Illumi wasn't going to give him any. He wasn't going to hurt Gon, after all. He pinched the needle between his fingers, held loose at his side. It wasn't as perfectly crafted as the needle he had made for Killua. But it was plenty enough for a stupid, nenless little kid.
Just enough to keep Gon in line.
(And a little extra, to keep his pesky friends away.)
Illumi spoke just a touch louder. "Fine, then. I doubt you'll be able to get there, anyway." Not without the consent of a Zoldyck, of course. Only one guest would be traveling back with him. "I'm sure Kil just went home." He was certain of it. Where else could he go? Where else in the world would accept him? Who would love him, outside of his cherished family? Illumi knew his brother. Killua would always come home to him.
"Where is that?" Gon snapped.
Illumi almost wanted to sigh. Such inane chatter. They could have already been well on their way. Such a little farce, why was he bothering? No matter. Once he was needled, Gon would be a lightweight little pack to fold up under his arm. They'd make good time heading back. Illumi doubted he even needed to buy an extra airship ticket; he was so small. No wonder Killua liked him. Gon was like a little pet. His endearing little brother was so silly. It was like he forgot all about Mike the moment he left home. Maybe he was sad that he left him behind, and decided to find a new pet away from home?
Having a heart created so much unnecessary nonsense. It needed so many supplemental values to fill it. Gon was a good bandaid, but Illumi would have to get the root of the infection out if he wanted to keep Killua.
"On Kukuroo Mountain," he said. "You can find our family's mansion on the summit."
"I see. Got it."
Illumi watched the boy turn without a second thought. The other children turned to follow his lead.
His back was to him. Open, exposed. The strip of tanned skin flashed under his collar. The rungs of his spine hiding all those delicate little nerve endings. It wasn't his brain, but it was good enough. Much less of a concern if he missed, somehow, unlike Killua's brain.
Illumi did not rear back. He didn't throw. He barely raised his hand and flicked the needle between his deft fingers.
It sank with a decisive glitter of nen into Gon's nape.
None of the children noticed. They wouldn't. The needle was fine. Barely as thick as a strand of his hair. Not even a speck of blood bubbled up after it to stain Gon's collar. He didn't feel a thing as it pierced him, and he wouldn't feel a thing as it worked its magic.
He'd simply think thoughts, and make choices, and be unaware of which were his own.
A shift behind him. "…Was that wise?" Hisoka asked.
Hm? What, about the children? His address? Illumi turned. "Sure, it isn't a secret." Everyone knew where his family lived, after all. The blond, at least, was smart enough to just look them up. There was no point in lying. He doubted it would even delay them.
Hisoka didn't look amused. Oops, did he overstep after all? Illumi hadn't even hurt Gon. Was he unhappy about something else? "That's not what I'm referring to, actually."
"I don't plan to hurt him," Illumi reassured.
And he didn't. Why would there be a reason to? As long as that needle stayed planted in his spine, Gon would behave. There shouldn't be any reason to punish him. He was housebroken. "Once Killua gets bored, I'll release him back into the wild." It wouldn't take so long. Killua's toys never lasted long. He didn't even break them; he just stopped playing with them. Gon would be no worse for wear. "Don't be so worried. You'll still get what you want. It'll just have a minor delay." Illumi cocked his head. "That's fine, isn't it?"
Hisoka was quiet. His eyes slid down to Illumi's arm.
Illumi blinked. "Oh, yes, that. It's broken." Quite a strong grip. No less than he'd expect of any pet of Killua's, of course. Mike was able to do much worse as a puppy.
That, at least, seemed to lift Hisoka's mood. He chuckled to himself.
Illumi didn't relax. But his eyes might have softened the tiniest bit. Relief tickled through his shoulders. "I can understand your concern for his future," he soothed. If their roles were reversed… yes, he could see it. Hisoka was one of those odd people, after all, who could manufacture such strong bonds even with those not of family. He was strange like that. Illumi was maybe somewhat pleased to be included in such an eclectic grouping.
They both stood in silence for a moment, watching the group of children meander away. Gon was speaking avidly about something or other, childish delights, no doubt, plans for when he saw Killua again.
Illumi caught it when the sparkle in his eye shifted. When, even across the courtyard, he faultered for a split second. Leorio was speaking, boisterous and energetic, drawing Kurapika's attention— but Illumi saw it. The slightest confusion crossed Gon's face. The tiniest furrow of his brow.
And then it was gone. But the change in his eyes remained.
Hisoka broke the silence. "Gon is mine. Do not forget that."
A fair, if pointless, warning. Illumi hummed absently. "Yes, yes, I'm aware. You're going to have to be patient anyway, aren't you?" He turned away, making for the back doors. Gon would meet him there, whether he understood that or not. Illumi was sure he wouldn't complain, even if he could. He was just doing as the child asked, after all.
Behind him, Hisoka breathed deeply, lost in thought. His long nails tapped his sharp chin. His expression was neutral with ease.
Yes, all was well. Hisoka wasn't upset at all.
Illumi picked up his speed, finding an odd pep in his step.
Today was a good day, it seemed. He found his brother, he adopted a new pet, and he made a new useful aquaintance. All was right and good in the world. All that was left was to bring Killua's new toy home.
Illumi passed through the gates and nearly tripped over the little thing.
"Ah, there you are." Gon spun around, eyes wide. He opened his mouth to speak, but Illumi was quicker. He grabbed the boy by the elbow. There was no need for any incessant chatter. It wasn't nearly as endearing as it would have been from Killua, and so not worth his time. "Ready to go?"
Gon flinched, but that was all he managed. Illumi hadn't said to go, of course, and so he wouldn't. Illumi touched his shoulder. thumb just grazing the exposed skin of his neck. His nen pulsed hotly under the skin even without directly touching the spot he planted the needle. Hmm. He didn't seem to take to his nen as well as his little brother did. It made sense; Killua was made for Illumi. Made to curl into him like a flower to the sun, soak in his praise and his power both. Illumi had spent so long pouring his nen into him that his body likely recognized it as part of him.
Gon, foreign little animal he was, was nothing of the sort.
"W-what," Gon spoke, clumsy and odd. His eyes were glazed with confusion. "What do… you mean? I didn't…"
Illumi almost sighed. Combatant and stupid. Killua really did pick the inconvenient ones, didn't he?
Illumi slid his hand over until the needle was directly beneath the center of his palm. His aura flared and began to steep. "I said I would take you there," Illumi said, smooth, simple. Just another undeniable fact.
Gon's cloudy eyes furrowed. He frowned.
Illumi curled his nails into his nape. He pushed. The needle sang under his touch. It was a delicate process— like a magic trick, Hisoka would say. Just enough power to be an order, but passive enough to pretend to be a thought instead. Non-invasive. As if Illumi had swept into the nest of Gon's brain and planted a little cuckoo among the sparrows. Something so familiar that you didn't notice what was wrong, that it didn't belong.
Listen to me, believe me, trust me…
"I'm going to take you to Killua." The boy hung in his hands, blinking hard. Tenacious thing. Stupid animals should have less in their head for him to compete with. Illumi squeezed Gon's nape. "That's what you asked for, remember?"
Listening to me is good for you.
Believing me is correct.
"This is what you want."
Trusting me is the best option, the only option.
Give in.
The daze of confusion didn't lift. But it did focus, a little, like it had found an anchor to hang on to. "…Right…" Gon murmured. "Yes, I… want to go to Killua."
"You want me to take you to Killua," Illumi corrected.
"I want to… I want to go to Killua."
Stubborn. Illumi pulled his hand away. Gon swayed, blinking rapidly, but he didn't fall. Nor did he run. He didn't cry for help. No one came to help him.
Not that Illumi was even doing anything that required someone to "help", of course. Gon hadn't even felt the needle reacting. The cuckoo egg looked the same as the sparrows.
When Kil was younger, he had cried at the first attempt. Illumi had been more impatient then, clumsier. Killua still had the tiny scar over his heart, hidden among the hundreds of others. Not that he remembered what made it. He didn't need those sorts of memories. It was better if Illumi just pinned them out of the way–– and he did, naturally, once he had the experience and precision enough to insert a better needle into his brain.
If Gon proved himself useful at his task, Illumi would consider upgrading him as well. The nape was a bit of a precarious spot, after all. The brain would always be a superior placement. It cut out the middleman. There was no split second of thought before Illumi took over, just instantaneous results. It was better for everyone. Just look at Killua; he suffered so much less when he didn't think.
Still, Illumi brushed the idea away. Gon wasn't going to be around for that long. It was just long enough to remind Killua why home was better. He'd learn the lesson quickly. It wasn't as if it were fiction to be disputed, after all.
"I will take you to Killua," Illumi promised, and meant every word. He turned to begin walking but immediately thought better of it, turning and picking Gon up by the scruff instead. The boy was stiff as a corpse, dangling awkwardly in Illumi's grip. But he didn't so much as wiggle. The needle throbbed angrily under Illumi's grip.
It was his arm broken, not his legs. Gon would have dutifully dogged his heels, compelled to follow, but this was simply faster. Killua had a decent head start over them, after all.
But that was alright. Illumi tucked the boy under his arm like a football. His hand remained braced on his nape.
The journey would give Illumi plenty of time to fine-tune Gon's needle until they got home.