Chapter Text
Gon
Gon stood in the receivable room. A large room made of white stone. Red and gold banners of the kingdom of Estria. A red field with three central gold stars and a gold band to the right and left. Serval pillars stood on either side supporting the room aloft, carved with various animals throughout the kingdom. Several knights, lords, and other important figures were within the room. A large burgundy and gold rug ran up three steps ending at Queen Mito’s feet. Her short orange hair, decorated with golden clips. Her large skirts of blue cascaded down her form. Her kind smile broke through a look of concern and worry as she caught sight of Gon the Squire and the man next to him. A tall thin man with long white hair. Kite the knight, the man who took Gon under his wing. Standing to her right was Prime minister Cheadle, a woman with green hair. To the left Lord Kurta. Gon waved slightly at him causing Kurapika to smile slightly but stay professional.
“Sir Knight Kite I have summoned you and your squire here for an important mission. There have been evil witches plaguing small towns and other witches working for their communities. The reason is currently unknown but in an attempt to keep these good witches safe we are bringing many to the castle and other secure locations so they can continue their service from safety. I want you and your squire to go to the Witch Bisky by Dugal village along with her apprentice and bring them here.” Gon looked down towards his feet, Dugal was a small village not too far from here. In fact, he has been there multiple times himself due to their fishing spots. He did know about Bisky but never saw her. Would she look like the scary images he had seen in books, the shriveled old woman with rotting teeth? Or would she appear like a regular person?
“Of course my lady, and the other witches?” Kite asked.
“I have sent out other knights and have several more to talk to, do not worry, focus on Bisky for now.”
“Yes, your majesty” They both bowed and turned to leave. As Gon turned he caught sight of Queen Mito placing a hand on her heart then forward. My heart goes with you. He made a grabbing motion and pressed his hand towards his. I will keep it safe. He had only two years left until the decree. He was not sure if he was happy or sad. He had already turned 16. Well, no point in worrying about it. He waved bye toward the three. Kurapika gave him a nod. Then the two left the room.
“Okay Gon gets our horses ready, we will be wearing rider gear. I’m going to go see if there is a cart we can use.”
“Okay Kite,” he said, glad he had a simple tunic and trousers on. It would have taken a long time if he had to remove any armor first. He took off towards the stables where two horses were waiting for him.
“Lilly, Petunia! We are going on a quest!” He said eagerly as he grabbed a heavy saddle and placed it first of Lilly her white hair almost identical to Kite’s. The last quest he had been on..well it did not go so well. A wave of excitement went through him.
Killua
Killua was sitting at a large wooden table staring at a poultice made of brown fabric wrapped around a few herbs. It was SUPPOSE to alleviate allergies but the only thing he seemed to be able to make the blasted thing do was piss him off. He knew he said the words right. He wanted to reread the book but he knew it would do no good. He knew he said them right and yet nothing! Besides it was supposed to be a test, he was sure the hag would know if he read it while she was gone. He pushed his silver locks out of his way as he looked around the small stone hut that he, Alluka, and his master lived. There was one main room with a large hearth to the right where a cauldron bubbled lightly. Herbs and candles were throughout the space giving it a smell of a spice cabinet yet it was surprisingly pleasant. There was Killua’s cot pushed to the side of the work table. Next to it was another cot for his younger sister. On the left side of the small building, there were two doors. One towards the cellar where their stores were and the other to His Master Bisky’s room.
As he contemplated the bag in front of him the old wooden door opened to see the short blonde woman who only looked about 16 or even younger than Killua in a long lacy pink dress. Bisky walked in a large bag over her shoulder of different herbs from the garden outside. Another young girl stood next to her with thick brown hair with beads holding a jug of water. Alluka, his sister.
“So Killua how is it going?” She said with a crooked smile as she looked at her struggling pupil.
“It is going fine.” He retorted, his arms crossed and looking away. Alluka smiled and Bisky chuckled slightly as she started to unpack the bag on the table opposite him. But then she sighed and looked over and her scowling apprentice. Killua looked at her with the change in atmosphere.
“Killua I have heard some news. Zoey the card reader from Gerver was attacked last night. People are saying it is the same evil witch that has been attacking people.” She looked at him with a concerned look. Gerver was only about a day's journey from here. A messenger must have ridden out when it happened for them to hear about it so quickly. He looked down at his hands and dread filled him.
“Do they know for sure?”
“No, I think it is just a guess. I noticed that some knights will be gathering good witches and taking us to safe locations.” She said as she organized the contents from the bag. Killua looked at her confused.
“But how are we going to take care of the villagers?” She let out a sigh and then met his gaze.
“I’m not sure but all the more reason to get Annie her poultice for her allergies wouldn’t you agree?”
“This is for Annie?” He thought about the young girl whose mother worked as a florist. They would come by and regularly give them their flowers they did not sell. She was pretty young but liked to play with Alluka. Despite the spirit his sister housed in her body.
“Alright try it again,” Bisky said over his shoulder. His eyebrows went up but he looked over at the poultice and whispered the words again. A small flash of blue light like lightning went across the fabric then vanished. His eyes went wide when he saw the faint glow.
“You did it!” Alluka said, looking at them with a huge grin.
“There you go.” Bisky smiled at him. Killua looked at the bag surprised. How did...he had no idea what he did.
“But what was different?” He looked at her.
“Memorizing words are important and you have good focus but emotions matter too. When you knew who it was for you were able to do it. Magic doesn't require words; they are just very helpful with focusing on the magic. The more complicated the more important to use them but if you are not feeling it then they will not do anything.” She walked forward at her pupil and emphasized her point by poking his forehead.
“Alluka, can you start putting the herbs away? We will probably be expecting someone to pick us up too.
“Killua why don’t you go deliver this to her.”
“Can I go too?!” Alluka asked, the two paused and Bisky looked at Killua who nodded. It had been a while since this came up but they were ready.
“Don’t worry I will take care of them.” Killua offered a look at Bisky who let her shoulders relax a bit.
“Okay, Alluka go ahead.”
“Can I have a piece of your hair?” Alluka asked her head tilting slightly as she regarded Bisky.
“Ugh I just got it cut but alright.” She picked up a pair of scissors and cut a short strained and handed it to her.
“Can you pat my head?” She finally asked as she took the lock of hair.
“Alright,” Bisky said with a smile and patted her head. Killua felt himself relax knowing that the questions were not too bad this time. Alluka's face softened and her eyes turned dark and black. If most people saw this they would obviously be terrified but to him at least it was like a baby seal’s eyes still all black but also very cute at the same time.
“What do you wish?” Alluka’s voice is now a bit higher as Nanika took over.
“I want you to not ask for anything from anyone except Killua and me for now and not when anyone else can see. Can you do that Nanika?” Bisky continued to pat down their hair as she regarded the spirit. Nanika ‘s face drooped looking sad but nodded.
“Kay.” She said and then looked at Killua then back at Bisky. Killua felt like a hand clenched his heart. He hated that Nanika had to hide but she was powerful and dangerous to people who did not know her. Her eyes turned back from ink black to a familiar blue.
“Good girl. Alight well at least that is one last thing to worry about.” Bisky said as she looked at Killua. He nodded relieved. It was a good wish to ask for. Alluka looked sad but she did not say anything. He knew she did not like it but it was necessary for now.
“Okay Alluka get your boots on, we're walking into town. Do you want to hold the poultice?” She nodded eagerly.
“Alright, and did you hear Nanika’s promise?”
“Don’t ask for things from other people, just Bisky and Killua and by ourselves.”
Killua put on his shoes and waited for Alluka. He took her hand and set out to the town only a short walk through the woods. Alluka kept looking down as she clenched the bag to her chest.
“Are you okay?”
“Will we be leaving again?’ Killua looked at her face. Her face pouting, tears welling on the edges.
“Yeah we are but hopefully we will be able to get back.” She nodded as she took a deep breath.
“Kay.'' Killua grabbed a handkerchief and wiped the tears away.
“Make sure to say goodbye to Annie and we can get some paper to write her letters.” Her eyes widened into large blue orbs.
“Really?” He nodded and her smile went back onto her face.
“That is a good idea! Let's hurry!” She started to run and dragging Killua with her.
“Okay okay,” he chuckled as they went.
As they got into town Killua and Alluka walked to the florist shop. They dropped off the poultice and Killua explained what was happening to Annie’s mother.
“We'll take good care of yourselves alright.” They stepped out of the store as Annie stock her head out.
“Don’t forget to write!” Annie called after them
“I won’t!” After a quick stop to get some paper and ink. As Alluka picked some cute printed paper with small flowers a man opened the door, in a rush.
“Did you hear?! Two knights are in town!” And then ran out of the store. Killua grabbed the change and handed Alluka the bag as they quickly made their way out. As they walked back into the street several villagers were surrounding what he could see was two horses on a cart. He could hear a young male voice through the small crowd.
“Sorry everybody, do any of you know where I can see the herbalist Bisky?”
“I can show you, mister knight!”
“No me!” They continued to bicker and try to get the two men's attention.
“Let’s get back,” Killua said looking annoyed at the crowd.
“We should show them the way!” Alluka said her nose scrunched in annoiance.
“And get in that?” He looked at the crowd, he was not a fortune teller but he did not need one to see him getting torn apart.
“Yes!” She stomped her foot glaring at him.
“Ug but these people will probably show them.” Alluka looked at him with a look and his shoulders slumped in surrender.
“Fine! I will go, you stay here out of the mob.”
“Kay.” Killua was lucky that the women were more focused on fighting each other than him but he did get an accidentally elbow jab. Killua made his way through the crowd of villagers and caught sight of two men on the cart. Both wore leathers and riding clothes with swords on their sides. One was older with long white hair while the other seemed to be about his age with spiky black hair.
“Hey, you two looking for Bisky?” The dark-haired teen looked at him with a smile that caused Killua to pause for a moment. It was so large and sincere. It threw him off.
“Yeah, we need to bring her and her apprentice to the castle.” He said with a large smile. His eyes seemed really bright. It surprised him a bit that he seemed to take the job so seriously.
“Well, I’m the apprentice I can show you guys to the hut,” Killua said matter-o-factly.
“Really?! Oh, thanks.” He said with a smile and turned to the older white-haired man.
“Kite! This guy is Bisky’s apprentice.” Killua could almost see his smile as he spoke.
“Oh good, then we will follow you then.” Killua felt several glares of young women burrowing into his skull. He ignored the venomous stares as he turned and made his way out of the crowd. Now that they noticed him they moved away from him, parting the way as he walked back to Alluka, took her hand, and made their way to the trail.
“You can ride in the cart, there is plenty of room.” The older knight said as they got clear of most of the town's people.
“Okay!” Alluka said as she quickly made her way over.
“Alluka?” He said surprised.
“What?” She looked back at him with a raised eyebrow.
“Never mind,” Killua muttered as he made his way after his sister onto the cart.
“My name is Sir Kite. I am a knight for Queen Mito and this is my squire Gon.” The old man introduced himself as Alluka climbed near the front to sit next to him, leaving Killua to sit next to the dark-haired kid Gon.
“I’m Alluka and this is my brother Killua. He is Bisky’s apprentice. I'm just along for the ride.”
“Well the more the merrier.” He said as they made their way. Killua felt the gaze of Gon while Alluka and Kite chatted. He turned over to him.
“So how old are you Gon?”
“Oh, I’m 16.”
“Oh same as me.”
“You don’t look like what I was expecting.” Killua chuckled at that.
“What large crooked noses, warts, gnarled hands?”
“No,” he said with a pout. Killua raised his eyebrow and after a moment of silence, Gon caved. “Okay, maybe a little.” He whispered quietly. Killua chuckled as the wagon bumped lightly leaving the town and now going towards the woods.
“Well, then you better get ready.”
“For what?” Killua picked up the nerves in his voice.
“Bisky my master is a hag so get ready,” Killua said with a mischievous smile.
‘What really?!” Gon looked at him shocked.
“Yep.” Killua looked away from the surprised brown eyes to a narrowed blue as Alluka stared at Killua unamused. He gave her a smile and she shook her head and continued to talk to Kite.
Gon
After a few minutes, they reached the small cottage. Gon felt his hands get sweaty. Was he really about to meet a hag? He doubted it but could not help with the worry. Gon hopped out of the cart and offered his hand to Killua to help him down. Killua froze for a moment but then lifted an eyebrow.
“Thanks but I got it.” He said as he jumped down. Gon put his hand away and turned toward Kite who already helped Alluka down.
“Oh wait for me.” Gon called out following after the white-haired teen. Killua opened the door and held it for Alluka who quickly followed through the door. Gon looked nervously at Kite as he walked into the building. As he looked he first noticed the scent, it was heavily herbal it smelled nice but very strong. He wrinkled his nose. It made his eyes slightly water. The home itself was nice, it had basic furniture but there was art on the walls, dried herbs hanging he could feel a nice hmm in the room like the cabin itself had a healing presence. He felt his nerves fade away.
“So this is them then? The knights who were coming by?” He looked over to the sound and saw a young woman with blonde pigtails in a pink dress.
“Yes ma’am I’m Sir Kite and this is Gon, my squire.” Kite did a slight bow which Gon followed.
“Oh, my name is Bisky.” A large mischievous smile went across her face. This was Bisky? She looked around their age, maybe even younger like Alluka.
“We have already started getting everything together but there are a few things we could use some help with.”
“Alright, you will be given rooms in the castle so you do not need to worry about things like furniture or housing and will be provided food.”
“Okay then that does make it easier, Alluka once you are done packing your clothes can you gather the food for our journey? We should be there by tomorrow morning. Killua I want you to pack your clothes and your supplies. I will focus on the workshop.”
“Okay, I will go get started.” She grabbed a large bag under a cot and got started. Killua nodded and made his way over to the poultice he was working on earlier and the rest of his supplies.
“May we help you?” Kite offered. Bisky smiled
“Oh yes, Sir Kite! I would greatly appreciate your help. Gon could you help Killua?” Kite gave a smile and nodded to Gon. He smiled and looked over to the white-haired boy making his way over.
“Hey, Killua let me help you.” He noticed Killua pause, a look of confusion went across his face. He looked at Gon for a moment, Gon could not help feeling as if he was like a new plant, Killua trying to figure out if he was helpful or not.
“Oh ugh okay you see those herbs hanging up over there? Can you put them in that bag for me? Then take those vials and stuff them into that box. Be careful though it is fragile.” Gon nodded and set to work. The others were darting all over the house so they had a bit of privacy.
“Hey Killua, why did you lie about Bisky?”He heard Killua chuckle as he put things away.
“I did not lie, do you know what magic she specializes in?”
“Ugh...health stuff right?”
‘Yep, things for soreness, illness, basically anything doing with age. She may look young but she is even older than Kite, she looks way different too.”
“Wait really?”
“Yep, a lot of witches change their appearance to what they want. It is pretty common.”
“Is that why your hair is white? At first, I wondered if it was dye.”
“No, actually it is normally that way.”
“Wait really?” Gon looked over at the teen shocked.
“Yeah, my ugh dad and grandfather have it too. Wait why are you surprised? Kite has white hair.”
“Oh, he went white when he was a young kid, apparently it used to be red.”
“Oh ok that makes sense,” Killua responded as he finished placing things into a crate. Gon looked at him for a moment. He seemed to act a bit weird at the mention of his family.
“Gon aren't you done yet?” Gon paused realizing that he had been staring into space, a clutch of thyme in his hand hovering above the bag.
“Oh, almost I spaced out a bit.” He quickly but gently not to crush the stem and put the herbs in the bag. Killua moved to pick up the crate.
“Wait I can take care of that, you go ahead and finish packing stuff up.” Killua shrugged and continued towards another part of the hut.
An hour later the group was set and ready to go. Bisky was on her own horse and light tan stallion Aluka riding behind her. While Killua was in the back of the cart with their stuff. Gon and Kite in the front, Kite driving.