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Kurapika spoke in a soft yet serious tone. "Yes, but… something tells me that this isn't the end."
The short woman they were with contributed to the conversation next. "Kurapika. Your heart rate is still elevated. The adrenaline rush should no longer have an effect on your body and it should be going down."
Kurapika smiled, the bags under his eyes accentuated by the action. "Thanks, Melody."
Leorio cut in, pushing his glasses up his nose in a cocky manner. "Try sitting down and taking deep breaths. Your heart works harder to pump blood when you're standing upright, and deep breaths can calm the nervous system."
Kurapika nodded and began heading over to a cargo chest as there where no proper chairs for him to use. Unfortunately, it rested on the opposite side of the airship.
Killua leaned in towards Gon, his steely blue eyes tracking Kurapika's unsteady steps. "Is it just me, or does he look pale?"
"Now that you mention it," Gon answered, "Yeah. He does."
Leorio gasped quietly upon hearing this and hurried over to Kurapika, who stopped when the tall man reached him.
"No need," the blond answered, his voice weak, "I'm fine."
"I'll believe it when you look like it," Leorio argued.
Gon chuckled, the sound nearly overpowering Kurapika's soft sigh.
"You have friends now. Let us help you, dang it!" Leorio added.
"I dragged you all into this mess," Kurapika murmured, "I've burdened you all enough already."
"You stubborn idiot!" Leorio exclaimed as Kurapika continued walking.
"I learned from Gon," Kurapika answered calmly.
Despite the circumstances, Leorio, Killua, and even Gon himself couldn't help but laugh at that.
However, their laughter was cut short when Kurapika took his next step. Without warning, the blond fell, his body unable to keep upright. Leorio just barely managed to grab on to the neckline of Kurapika's cloak and keep him from hitting his head on the hard floor.
"Kurapika!" Gon called, "Leorio, what's going on?"
Leorio hoisted Kurapika into his arms, the blond held in a gentle bridal carry.
"He's running a fever," Leorio answered, "I can feel the warmth even through my clothes."
"Idiot," Killua grumbled, "He didn't have to push himself this hard."
Gon hurried over to the duo and looked Kurapika up and down. The teen's head rested on Leorio's shoulder. Next to Leorio's dark blue jacket, Kurapika looked even more pale.
"We should probably get him back to the hotel immediately," Melody suggested.
"Not the same one as before," Killua added, "They were able to track him down last time. We'll go to a motel, and put it under Leorio's name."
Melody, Gon, and Leorio nodded in agreement as the airship continued on to Yorknew City.