I'd noticed how many people were in this building while in the not-so-large cafeteria, and it wasn't all too much. There were scientists, of course, as well as a few ordinary people, and even some lab rats. I realized this wasn't a normal setting, but the people seemed to be fine. However, they are all annoying. The food was perhaps the most uninteresting thing I'd ever eaten, but I was shocked that there was enough food to feed everyone here twice a day.

Then there were the restrooms and chilling areas, which were always spotless. They must have had undercover janitors cleaning whenever they noticed a speck of dust, or everyone who lives here is a clean freak. Their one issue, though, is the clutter. Wires and tubes are simply laying on the ground surrounding the lab facilities, posing a serious hazard. I'm not just mentioning it because I've tripped several times.

I once had this very awkward conversation with another person who lived here while we were in the lounge. I was sitting on the couch, then a man I'd never seen in my life sat next to me and started talking about very random topics. I think he realized that I'd rather not be talking to him, so the man just stopped speaking mid-sentence and stared into my eyes In the most terrifying way possible. Long story short, I left and avoided staying in public spots.

When a week had passed since my arrival at the facility, I decided without hesitation to go out and find Gon. I could do with a change of scenery, away from this metallic-smelling lab and overly friendly people.

while I walked through the hallways towards the living quarters, people smiled or waved to me as they walked past. Then someone wearing a long white lab coat and goggles, with greyish brown hair styled into a bun decided to pull me aside to ask my opinions on the current living situations here because their job currently was to make sure everyone felt safe.

When the anxiety hit me like a brick after I'd gotten some rest, I honestly felt anything but safe here. I didn't answer honestly because I wanted to make this person's job easier. When I got to my room, I started pacing and immediately began gathering a few necessities from around me and stuffing them into my bag.

"What are you doing?"

I pretended that hadn't scared me and turned to face the door, meeting eyes with the person who had invited me to stay here in the first place. "Ging, I'm packing up. I'm going to find Gon, Leorio, and the others." I muttered as I focused back on yanking my backpack's jammed zipper. For a split second, I thought I saw fear or something similar flash across his face, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"No, wait a minute. I'll go with you just to make sure you're safe on your journey. I'd also like to meet this person you've been constantly talking about." Throughout our time together, Ging and I haven't been the best of friends. There was always a meaningless insult or a cruel joke thrown around here and there. Nonetheless, it was difficult to dismiss the company.

Something about this Ging Freecss made me wonder who he was, and with few hints so far, I haven't come anywhere close to finding out. Something about the man gave me a strange feeling as if he were even more important than I had previously thought.

I really don't like following what my gut says, because oftentimes it's wrong. And there's a large chance it will be wrong today too, but as long as I find Gon, it doesn't matter who gets in my way.

"Sure you can come, when will you be ready to go?" I asked, throwing my backpack onto the floor and not really caring where it landed. "By tomorrow, I'll be ready to leave. With this, I'll have enough time to tell everyone their jobs for when I'm gone."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He kept his word and was up at the crack of dawn, already waiting for me by the entrance when I arrived.

"I would have left you if you weren't here, you know," I remarked, pushing open the doors and adjusting my grip on my trusty pocket knife. We stepped outside and tried to avoid anywhere walkers could be lurking. "It's a good thing I set my alarms then."

Up until we reached the gate, we walked in silence. Ging really reminded me of Gon, whether it be the attitude or the last name, maybe the same spark in their eyes. Sometimes I really did think they could have been related, but Gon's dad was dead. That's what he told me himself. I think the two of them will get along just fine when they meet each other.

But what if I'd never see Gon again? What if he left the small home and went in the opposite direction? It would be days before we even found a trace of him.

We will first check the house, and if he isn't there then we will keep moving.

It doesn't matter if I have to search the whole country for that Idiot, because I made a massive mistake. Even a few days after Kurapika's death, a few days after the confession, a few days after we had lost our house, and during the time everyone needed support is when I left Gon and the others.

If I had been in a normal state of mind, I would never have believed what illumi was pushing into my head. He did, however, have a manipulative effect on me. All of my instincts told me to run, just like I had done years before. That may have been the best decision I've ever made because it led me to meet the people I now know.

"What's that expression on your face? Why aren't we talking?" I rolled my eyes as Ging pressed his finger against my cheek. I grabbed the base of his finger and pushed it away from my face, my gaze fixed on the ground ahead of me. "I'm tired; I was just thinking."

Ging scoffed and laughed a little. "You would go on and on about the most random things when you were tired. It turns out that after a good night's sleep, you're quite different." I blushed in embarrassment and rolled my eyes for the second time. This guy really knows how to get on my nerves.

"Well, you didn't exactly make the best first impression either," I added, and he nodded his head and let out a hum of agreement.

The rest of the walk was long and boring, with us complaining or arguing the entire time until we reached the house. It was excruciatingly hot outside, with the sun shining down from above, and when I pointed out the house in the distance, we both silently cheered. I knew our journey couldn't have ended this quickly. It was far too simple.

When we approached, I noticed that the car wasn't in the driveway, and the place had an unusual vibe to it. I approached the door and pushed it open, finding it devoid of life. I stepped inside and proceeded to walk further into the house before a loud crash shook the floor. I jumped and turned back towards the door, noticing Ging faceplanting in front of it. "That damn doorway! It purposely tripped me!" He sat up rapidly and kicked the door sill while cursing.

I ignored him and proceeded to the previously shared bedroom, where I noticed a lot of everyone's stuff. So, if they weren't here right now, we'd go find them. I noticed Gon's bag in the corner of the room and snatched it before leaving.

Ging was leaning against the wall but stood straighter when I showed up.

"Right, let's begin our little adventure then."