“Alright, glad someone asked for Hisoka because this damn clown has been in my head for days now. I hate him.

---

Tucking both boys the best she could, she hoped the fire they had set up would be enough to keep them warm. Then again, could the cold breeze really affect them in the game? Kagome sighed as she saw both Killua and Gon sleeping soundly as Bisky and Goreinu slept on the other side of the camp fire. Killua and Gon were desperate to complete the Greed Island game in hopes it would take them one step closer to Gon’s father, but her gut told her they were so far from meeting him.

‘Besides, who the hell has their son running after him in a game where you can get killed in real life?’ Sighing under her breath, Kagome slapped the dirt from her knees as she stood. But for now, completing the game was the only clue they had.

The priestess’s eyes narrowed as she sensed a familiar aura slightly spike to get her attention. Done purposely, Kagome knew he teasing her. “Why are you up?” She turned around to see the former Phantom troupe member leaning against a tree with the fire’s light only lighting half of his form and smirk while the shadows of the night covered the other.

“I can stay up and keep watch. I’ll take night duty, Kagome.”

Kagome’s eyes tightened once more, not in the least liking the meaning behind his smirk. “It’s my job tonight, besides, I don’t trust you, Hisoka.” As she went over to place a few more branches into the fire, Kagome decided to focus her eyes on the rising flames. Why Bisky thought it was a bright idea to have Hisoka come with them was beyond her. She was one hundred percent against the idea, and she was sure Hisoka was up to something. He did things with a reason.

Stuck on the question, Kagome’s eyes slowly rose to see Hisoka looking at his nails with boredom. “Are you going to tell us why you are here?”

“Are you going to tell me why you are here?”

Her brows furrowed; his smirk returned.

“Forget I asked.” Probing the fire with another longer stick, Kagome knew he never gave answers for free. Ever.

“Are you here to look for the other half of the Shikon no Tama?”

Kagome’s movements froze on the spot upon hearing the cursed jewel’s name. How did he…? Her eyes slowly rose once more, with fright, as she came to see Hisoka’s brow crooked up patiently. “H-How…?”

“You thought your little secret was safe with our dear boss?” He chuckled as he pushed off from the tree. “He gave you the other half, did he not?”

Kagome immediately stood from her spot, anger and worry emitting from her body.

Chrollo couldn’t have…

Her chest heaved.

Only but Pakunoda and he knew…

Her fingers went cold.

Chrollo had played her by keeping the other-

“Don’t worry,” Hisoka chuckled again, “Chrollo didn’t say anything to me or the other troupe members. I eavesdropped into the special little conversation.”

Her fingers curled into her palm, “you…”.

“Half?” He repeated. “A jewel cut in half? Are you looking for it? Or perhaps,” he took a few steps towards the priestess, “you know where it is.”

She stayed silent, but she knew silence was enough for him to take as an answer.

Tilting his chin upwards, his smirk stuck on. “What if I told you I know where he is?”

“Do you know?” She raised a brow. The jewel, something she went through hell to get at Yorknew had led her to meet some of the most cruel people of the troupe, but also an event that led her heart be captivated by a criminal.

Hisoka’s smirk grew, delighted to see her attention had been caught. “I would be glad to tell you, but,” he stopped her from speaking up, “I would like to be part of this.”

“Part of what? There is nothing to be part of, Hisoka; you can forget knowing about the jewel.”

Hisoka’s eyes darkened with excitement as he took a step towards the girl. “Aren’t you afraid knowing what he might do with the other half?”

It took everything in her not to attack him now to get her answers, but she knew would involved Gon and Killua. That was the last thing she wanted. But no one was supposed to know about the jewel. No one. Chrollo and Pakunoda had taken the information out of her in return for the boys’ safety. And now she was being blackmailed by the damn clown.

Closing her eyes, Kagome exhaled heavily. “Fine,” she opened her eyes into a glare, “what do you want to know?” She needed to stop Chrollo before he came back to get the other half.