#killugon choose your own adventure

[fireolin]

The Wishing Hunt

Killugon Choose Your Own Quest

𝕏𝕏  Chapter 1  𝕏𝕏

Tags: Romance, Adventure, Aged-up Killugon, Fairy Tale AU, Magical AU, Medieval (-ish),  Prince!Gon, Fae!Killua, Witches, Bodyguard, Former Assassin, Treasure Hunters, Mutual Pining, Fake Relationship, Secret Identies, Exploring a New Land, Only One Bed, Caught in a Rainstorm, Love-and-Affection-Starved Killua, Touch-starved Killua, Stranded Together, Picnic on Mountaintop after Perilously Climbing a Mountain, Star-gazing, Killua flirting badly

Rating: T to M (suitable for tumblr)

An experimental fic written to a structure and including your voted choices.  My heartfelt thanks to @autumnxsunflower for beta reading <3

Voting Form: To vote for the next choice (and some of Killua’s fae qualities) use the link at the end of the scene. Link is at the end because the form might contain spoilers.

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𝕏1𝕏   𝕊𝕖𝕖𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒 𝔹𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕥 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕎𝕚𝕝𝕕 𝔽𝕒𝕖 𝕀𝕟𝕟 

After eight months traversing hostile mountains and swamps as a Ghost Arrow Company guard, Killua Zoldyck’s greatest fantasy (which he would admit to no one) concerned cuddling a soft pillow in the most comfortable bed money could buy at The Wild Fae inn.

It did not bode well for his fantasy that it had poured with rain for two days prior to the Company’s arrival in Sweetwater. Nor that The Wild Fae was the only inn, and Sweetwater the last human outpost, on the border of the fae realm Aiai. Depending on the direction of your journey, the inn was either your first or last haven from the region’s tricks. In the storm, those who’d meant to leave yesterday had stayed, and those who’d planned to arrive tomorrow had battled to get here sooner. The low-raftered dining room was steamy, smoky and noisy with music and shouting. The stench of unwashed bodies and mud overpowered that of the food. 

Still, wedged around a table with his five fellow guards, with his back to a dry stone wall, and having consumed an enormous bowl of salmon stew, he could not complain. The previous occupants had fled at the sight of their weapons and Yuzir’s ogre-shaped bulk. Tomorrow he would leave soon as the rain stopped to finally visit his sisters. An entire moon at leisure before the Company reunited to transport their next precious cargo.

His fellow guards were all dreaming of something too, Killua could tell from their expressions.

“A whole moon,” Inreer said, leaning back, hands behind their head. Each guard was a formidable fighter, with additional expertise. The tall, black-skinned androgyne was the company healer. “I’m going to soak for a week in a hot tub.”

“Can’t think further than a sweet feather bed,” Summer said. Sitting opposite Killua, she slung her arm around her husband, Winter. Their ornate hairstyles marked them as members of the Xau clan. Outside the clan, they were known only by their code names, a tradition Killua suspected evolved out of superstitions (mostly baseless) about staying safe from fae.

Winter leaned into her temple and murmured, “Can’t think further than time alone with you.” 

Ugh. Killua schooled his expression. Eight months of toil, and somehow those two were still on their honeymoon. However, they had gained his respect with their life-saving knowledge of hostile flora and fauna. When Summer kissed Winter on the lips, he looked away and said, “Anyone thinking we’ll get feather beds here tonight is deluded. Even the stables are full to the rafters. We’ll be lucky to share the floor in the commoners’ room.” 

“You’ll be lucky,” Yuzir growled, and sniggered. “I’m not sharing with you again.”

Killua’s face heated. He aimed a murderous glare at Yuzir. “You took up space for two.”

Next to him, Rotha shoved her hands into the centre of the table, forcing Yuzir’s meaty fist to pause its descent. “Have faith. The innkeeper owes ‘Sander a favour.”

“Alissander promised if he can wangle it we’ll have two rooms,” Summer said. “One for Winter and me, one for the rest of you.” 

Killua scowled. “Just because this is The Wild Fae doesn’t mean the innkeepers are. I wouldn’t put faith in their favours.”

Rotha’s lips twitched as she eyed him. “Being fae isn’t the issue. It’s bad luck to break your word to a Promise Keeper.”

“Hmmph.” He supposed she had a point, being their cultural specialist and all, but Summer and Winter were sucking each other’s faces again, and he didn’t feel like replying.

Rotha clapped him on the back. “Hey mate, we’re flush with coin. Let’s find some entertainment till ‘Sander gets back. Come on.”

“Count me out. I’m not gambling.”

“But you always win.” She dragged him up by the sleeve of his tunic. 

“That only leaves fighting,” Yuzir said hopefully, rising to join them.

“No one’s fighting,” said Inreer, following.

“Says you.” Yuzir cracked his knuckles. 

A roar rose from the far corner of the room, followed by laughter and the chink of coin. It wasn’t the first roar they’d heard from there tonight. The crowd had thickened since then, bent on watching something or someone. Admittedly, Killua was curious. He didn’t resist when Rotha led them in that direction through the crowd. An act of kindness, allowing Summer and Winter time alone.

“I’m gambling,” Rotha said. “Lend me your luck.”

He snorted, as if him lending her luck was impossible. Sometimes, like now, he wondered if she’d figured out he was fae. He had his glamours firmly in place, strong enough to fool all but the most powerful of his kind. So far on his journey he hadn’t met another fae as strong as himself, though that could change around here. However Rotha was observant for a human, and they’d spent many moons together. She might have worked it out from his behaviour.                                          

“Just for tonight,” she urged him. “Go on.”

“I only gamble on games of skill that I can read. I’m not lucky.”

She shot him a knowing look. “Don’t you think we’ve worked together long enough for you to trust me?”

“I trust you.” In so far as trust went between the guards. None of them pried into each other’s pasts. If they ever found out about his, they would no longer tolerate him to be near them, especially Rotha who, despite being an efficient dispatcher of criminal heads, had somehow maintained her optimistic love of other people. However, they had all at some point saved each other’s lives. What more trust did they need?

Her gaze was already wandering, only to linger on a petite young woman seated on a high table overlooking the source of the crowd’s commotion. She wore two curly pigtails and a bright red dress. She peered intently through a gap that seemed left especially for her.

“She’s pretty,” Rotha said.

“I wouldn’t rush in,” Killua replied. “I don’t think she’s what she seems.”

“Who here is?” Rotha narrowed her eyes. “What is she then? Can you tell?”

“Not yet.” 

Yuzir snarled gently, causing the men in front of them to turn around, hands on their weapons. The men gave way, and in no time the four Ghost Arrows made it to the front row. Most of the commotion involved laughter and money changing hands over an arm-wrestling competition. A bunch of lanterns hung from the rafters, illuminating the two competitors at the table below.

“A game of skill?” Rotha suggested.

“Wait and see.” In most places, it would be. Close to the border of Aiai, you couldn’t rely on appearances. It was anyone’s guess which competitor would be more able. At first, Killua felt mildly disappointed to see they were ordinary humans: a well-built man in his mid-to-late-twenties versus a heavier-set older man, a seasoned mercenary-type still wearing boiled leather.  But as they wrestled, a smile pushed at Killua’s lips. The younger man wore the sleeves of his eggshell-coloured tunic pushed up to his elbows, revealing muscular forearms of which most men would be proud, but they were half the size of his opponent’s. His tendons corded with exertion as he crushed the bigger man’s hand down onto the wooden table. 

Nice. 

The loser cursed. The onlookers grumbled or crowed, depending on how they’d placed their bets. The younger man grinned broadly and sat back. He deserved credit, Killua thought, for having more guile than his appearance suggested. A good way to scam some extra coin if you didn’t mind drawing attention to yourself. 

He examined the winner with more interest. He had light brown skin, dark eyes, and wild-looking, spiky black hair that swept back from his brow. They were all authentic—no shimmer of fae deceit. His clothes were as worn as Killua’s own, but of good quality linen and leather, suggesting that he might be the grown son of some well-to-do merchant. Just visible at his hip, the silver hilt of a dagger gleamed. A small blue jewel glittered on a velvet pillow beside him: his stake.

“Quality,” Killua murmured.

“The jewel or the man?”

“The jewel, you goose.” His face heated unacceptably at the amusement in Rotha’s blue eyes, so he jabbed her hard in the ribs—and winced. He’d forgotten her armoured corset. “They can’t fake that colour with paste.”

The young woman with the pigtails bounced forward and challenged the crowd with her hands on her hips. “Who’s next?” Her eyes paused on Killua and his companions. “Two silvers for a chance to win the sapphire.”

Yuzir stepped forward.

The woman rolled her eyes. “My client is human. No challengers of ogre or giant blood allowed.”

Yuzir growled, but glanced down at the small hand she laid on his stomach and retreated. 

“How do we know the jewel is real?” Rotha asked her.

“Because I vouch for it.”

“And who are you to do that?”

She tossed her pigtails back. “Biscuit Krueger. Ask around if you don’t know my reputation.”

While they’d been talking, another woman, plainly dressed in a black tunic and leggings, had taken the chair opposite the man and pushed her two silver coins across the table. She had dark hair and thick spectacles, a non-magical vision-improving device you could buy in some cities. She looked ordinary, but if she was, she wouldn’t have taken that seat. Her two companions watched indulgently from the side, huge men from some sort of company like the Ghost Arrows, Killua expected. Except maybe their work was less honest. They radiated a faint magical influence that made his skin prickle. 

“I have heard of Biscuit Krueger,” Rotha said near Killua’s ear. “She’s a travelling witch.”

“And?”

Rotha smiled. “She’s talented.”

“There’s something else about her.” 

Rotha was already leaving, heading to the betting table nearby. He wished her luck, but wouldn’t lend her any. It was a hard call to bet which competitor would be stronger, but the witch would have called the woman out if she was going to cheat, Killua was certain. 

His smile grew as he watched the match. As he expected, this time it was harder. Both competitors strained. Sweat beaded the man’s hairline by the time he won; he must have used his full strength. His grin was one of slight relief. He leaned forward and asked the woman something.

She shook her head and left with a glance of regret.

“Damn, I lost ten silver,” Rotha muttered, back beside Killua. “Why don’t you wrestle him next?”

“Wouldn’t be fair.”

“I’ll pay for your entry.”

“No.”

“But it’s a game of skill.”

“Huh. He’s nothing special.” 

Just another misguided fool looking for romantic adventure in Aiai. The man’s eyes sparkled with a challenge as they lit on Killua’s just long enough to set his heart racing. He dropped his gaze a fraction, trying not to be too obviously aware. The man’s mouth was attractively shaped and generous. He had a sudden flash of it covering his own, kissing him like Summer had Winter. The room felt suddenly warmer. 

“But you like him. You haven’t stopped staring.”

He ignored her. 

“You’ll get to hold his hand.”

“Fuck off.”

Rotha chuckled. “Go on. I want my silver back, that’s all.”

“He’s about to get himself trapped in Aiai, and you want me to add to his misfortune.” 

“You owe me a favour, remember? I’m calling it in. After all, we won’t see each other for a month. I might have got myself killed by then.”

“You? Unlikely.” He eyed her sideways. Was this another hint that she knew? But her face remained composed. “Are you sure? You could ask for something far more difficult.”

“I insist.” 

“Fine.” 

He dug two silvers from the purse at his waist, strode forward and placed them on the table. 

𝕏𝕏

(Vote to decide who wins closed at Midnight, Sunday 17 January 2021 EST)

Go to Chapter 2

[fireolin]

Fic Premise + Choose Treasure

Killugon Choose Your Own Adventure

(See my tumblr for information page on this project)

Hey everyone! Thanks to your votes on tropes, Fae!Killua and Prince!Gon are about embark into a magical wilderness on a treasure hunt and discover romance along the way. The story will feature many tropes not listed in this post. We need to vote on the treasure as it will influence the shape of their story from the very start.

Their story will begin...

In a Magical/Fairy Tale AU:

Killua Zoldyck is an ex-assassin, part of a deadly fae family of assassins for hire. To avoid trouble, he keeps his fae identity and his past a secret. He now works to protect lives, as a bodyguard for hire, but believes himself a monster and unloveable due to his past. He’s starved for love, affection and touch, yet keeps his relationships distant, not wanting to risk being known for who he is.

Gon Freecss is Prince of Whale Island, a small kingdom. His father vanished when he was small, lured away by fascination with all things fae. Gon’s adopted mother, Queen Mito, fears losing him the same way, particularly since Gon displays some of the same rare talents, perhaps due to an unrecognised strain of fae blood in their family line. But Gon’s royalty and talents make it hard for him to meet peers. 

Gon left Whale Island to satisfy his wanderlust, and also hoped to end his loneliness. But to keep Queen Mito happy, he vowed to return and not marry while he was away. Therefore, Gon never puts down roots and keeps his romantic relationships shallow. He keeps his identity a secret. True love is for others, not him.

Fae Bodyguard! Killua and Prince! Gon arrive separately in an isolated town on the border of a magical and dangerous region that attracts treasure hunters. Gon finds himself on a quest that will take him into its heart. Despite his physical skills, he would be wise to hire a bodyguard.

The object of Gon’s quest will influence the shape of the story. What treasure is he seeking? Anyone can join in and VOTE HERE!

Tagging: @dorkishdorkish1905, @chatxkilluaxnoir, @subdee, @autumnxsunflower, @flat-san, @telehxhtrash

[fireolin]

Announcement

A few notes re the Killugon Choose Your Own Adventure fic experiment.

1. I’m changing the tag from ‘Killugon Choose Your Own Adventure’ to ‘Killugon Choose Your Own Quest’. This is because the former is copyright, and even though chances of me having any issues are remote, given my obscurity as a fic writer, I’m changing it now near the beginning so I don’t need to later. 

So, you can block that tag if you want to block my posts re the fic, or follow the tag if you don’t want to miss a chapter.

2. The fic is now titled ‘The Wishing Hunt’. I’m tagging it by this name as a nicer, shorter way to block or follow. And, this is the title it’s published under on Ao3. 

3. AO3: I’m posting each chapter first here on tumblr, then as soon as I can on AO3. That gives people the chance to subscribe to the fic there and get an email when the chapter goes out. 

4. Voting forms: These are for the choices that make this a ‘Choose Your Own Quest’ fic. I’m posting the links to these on both the tumblr and AO3 sites, at the end of each chapter as the question might otherwise be a spoiler. I’m still figuring out how long to keep them open, but I think no longer than four days. 

(The only data they collect is your vote. No emails, urls or anything else. Fully anonymous.)

5. The Wishing Hunt page on my tumblr blog. This is a work in progress! I’m going to keep it and any related pages updated with survey forms and chapters so it’s easy to find earlier chapters and see what we’ve voted on in the past.

This means anyone can join in at any time! You don’t have to have been following this from the start to read through and join in with the voting at wherever it’s up to. Everyone is welcome!

6. You can send me asks re the fic here. Comments including questions about the actual chapters posted are always welcome, and you can also do that on Ao3. 

Thanks everyone for your support! I’m figuring out how to do this as I go, so any ‘system’ for posting/voting etc might change if I find I can improve it! 

The Last Vote

Could not have been closer! The next chapter is fully drafted and includes the result of the arm-wrestling. :D Killua’s fae qualities will emerge at appropriate times. I may announce those. Thanks everyone who made extra suggestions! I hope to post in a few days. 

Tagging: @dorkishdorkish1905, @chatxkilluaxnoir, @subdee, @autumnxsunflower, @flat-san, @telehxhtrash

[fireolin]

Killugon Choose Your Own Adventure

THANK YOU everyone who responded! There’s enough interest for me to proceed, so...

YOUR CHANCE TO ADD POTENTIAL TROPES:

This is a fic experiment driven by your choices, and written according to a structure to make sure a story actually happens. Along the way, for each big choice (trope, crisis, change of direction, decision - whatever works for the story at that point), you'll have the chance to respond with your vote. And then, I'll write the most popular choice into the story.

I’m putting together that list of tropes (and possibly locations) where the first scene will begin. If you love a trope and would like to suggest it, go to this Google form to anonymously add it to the list.

If you have any issues with the form, message me here. Thanks so much for joining in!

[fireolin]

It has been a few days since you said you would close the votes in 24 hours. Just wanted to ask if there was enough votes to decide on the winners for the "Killugon Choose Your Own Adventure Quest & Treasure"? I'm super curious to find out what won. I went with the more dramatic & serious choices, because I sometimes like me my serious, dark, drama fantasy fairy tale adventure stories at times. Hope you are doing well. I really liked that video you rb'ed w/ that beautiful, haunting singing.

Hey @chatxkilluaxnoir, thanks for asking! Yes, I closed the votes but just haven’t posted the outcome yet. There were plenty of votes, and I think you’ll be pleased by the choice, as it’s a more serious option: 

Out of 17 votes: ~ 9 went to: Gon goes on a quest for the sake of himself, due to elements of his past,  ~ 10 went to: Gon seeks (for himself) a single personal wish, but the asker must pay a price.  Close second, with 9 votes each, were: ~ a talisman that will make the target fall in love with the user; and, ~ an item that will heal a broken heart.  Maybe the close seconds will make it into the story in some form, at some point, but the main quest will be Gon’s search for a single personal wish, due to his own past.  I really hoped to do this sooner, but it’s a crazy time of year, approaching Christmas. I’m well, but I’ve been horribly distracted by the changing situation here in Sydney regarding Covid restrictions, and I still don’t know if I’m hosting a family event at my place on Christmas Day, so I’m kind of having to plan for two options. Not complaining though, as our country’s habit of locking things down has kept the worst of this pandemic from our population. It’s just right now, everything’s a bit chaotic, and distracting me from writing! Also, I am struggling with the last 3 scenes of my novel WIP! This isn’t fic (it’s gay fantasy-adventure romance though), but I’m soooo close to finishing, and having a hard time pushing myself to get it done, lol. I’m super looking forward to getting started on the collaborative fic, and am hoping to get that last bit of my draft WIP done first, as I’m going to be very enjoyably distracted once I start this new one. So, I assure you, this will happen, soon hopefully, but it could now be after Christmas, once the chaos this time of year ends. It’s always like this for me at this time. Thanks for your patience! Also, I’m so glad you loved that video - it was gorgeous, wasn’t it! Made me want to go immerse myself in some fantasy world. So beautiful.

I’m gonna plug my Christmas fic from last year, now, at the end of this ask :D If you (or anyone) is looking for another Killugon Christmas fic, G or low-T rated, you could spend a few minutes reading Only One Reindeer. (I should do a proper post, just need to get around to it, haha.) Have a great holiday season, whatever you are celebrating this time of year, even if it’s just the holidays themselves. <3

[fireolin]

Killugon Choose Your Own Adventure

The tumblr feed moves fast. If you don’t want to miss an update or survey, I can @ you when I post regarding this fic experiment. 

Just add your tumblr handle to this anonymous form.

It’s easy to miss posts, and I’m in a different time zone to most of you, so I sometimes post at unpopular times. I’m thinking once this gets going, there will be one or two new posts every one or two weeks, depending on how hectic things are at my end. I’ll tag those interested only when I first make those posts,  not on any reblogs. You can also contact me to ask me to remove your tumblr handle from that list at any time.

I’m not collecting emails or any personal information. If you have any trouble with the form, please message me here. Thanks!

[fireolin]

Winning Tropes

Killugon Choose Your Own Adventure

Thanks everyone who voted for their fave tropes! I’m going to mash together as many as I can to come up with the story premise for this fic experiment. In the meantime, here’s a list of the most popular, with the number of votes listed before each trope. (Almost every trope listed had some votes.)

Note: I’m tagging this ‘killugon choose your own adventure’. If you don't want to see these posts, then you can filter out that tag.

Tropes (17 responses)

13: Mutual Pining

12: Fake relationship (anything from a date to eloping)

11: Love-and-affection-starved!Killua

9: Touch-starved!Killua

9: Secret or Hidden Identity

8: Found Family

8: Hurt/Comfort

AUs (15 Responses)

7: Fairy Tale (eg: Inspired by Cinderella)

7: Myth (eg: Inspired by Hades and Persephone)

7: Magical AU (AU with Witches, Wizards

6: Exploring a new land or wilderness

6: Medieval (ish)

Scenarios (16 Responses)

11: Stranded Together

11:  Killua flirting badly

10: Only one bed

10:  Stargazing at Nightfall

9:  Caught in a Rainstorm

9: Picnic on mountain top after perilously and funnily climbing it together

Occupations (15 Responses)

9:  Bodyguard

9:  Former Assassin

8:  Prince

8: Treasure Hunters

7: Detective

7: Fae

7: Assassin

6: Dragon Riders (also Bounty Hunter and Ghost Hunter)

5: Witches/Wizards/Florist/Empath

Any trope that got votes might show up as an option at some point in the story. The occupations that got less votes but are listed here might turn up as character interests or abilities! 

[fireolin]

I didn't know if u would be ok w/ me sending a DM to u to ask this, since I am not asking for u to tag me. I see u changed it to Quest instead. I'm thinking abt goin back in my Killugon Choose Your Own Adventure Tag & change it to Quest or maybe just keep the Adventure part in old 1's & just have a new 1's for Quest, & all the new posts just being the Quest tag. How long will votes be open abt? & will the votes be open or closed b4 of after u post it on AO3? Happy u're posting this on AO3 too.

Hey, thank you for sending this! Yes, it’s find for you to send me an ask or a DM! Asks are great when there’s something other people might be interested in seeing the answer to, like this.

I’m going to make an announcement soon about changing the tag from ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ to ‘Choose Your Own Quest’. I think they’re similar enough to get the idea across, but the first one is apparently copyrighted. Even though this is not for profit, and just a free fun thing to do, I’m changing it to the ‘Quest’ version for that reason. I can’t imagine the owners of that would hassle someone as unknown as me, but weird things sometimes happen online, so by changing it now, I avoid any problems later down the track. 

Regarding how long I leave voting open...because this is early days in this fic, I’m just feeling my way. I’m not sure yet how long it will take to get most people who are interested to vote. Some people will see this on tumblr, others on Ao3, and others might hear about through private discords. I’m thinking a few days should be enough, but whether that’s three days or five, I can’t be certain. I don’t want to cut off early and disappoint people (like I did you last time, sorry). I’ll warn on tumblr and change the post on Ao3 once I decide.

There’s a balance between getting the votes in and then allowing me enough time to write and post quickly enough that this keeps some momentum. That might vary depending on the other things I’m trying to get done, too.

I imagine after I’ve done this a handful of times, I’ll get a feel for how fast people read and respond, and then I’ll know how long to keep votes open. 

I hope this helps! I’ll probably post something more ‘official’ about this soon. Today we drove home from holidays, and I’m half unpacked, so it won’t be today. I just wanted to get back to you first, so you know I got this! 

Thanks heaps again for your interest! It’s incredibly encouraging. I hope you enjoy the story!

[fireolin]

No, I missed out voting, because for some reason tumblr was being weird w/ blogs for me for a few days, me the big sad. Maybe there will be another voting? If not, I was happy to be able to submit my trope ideas, some of them got pretty high voters, like bodyguard, former assassin, & Fae (Killua) so Im happy. If I had been able to vote, I totally would have voted for the inspire by the Hades & Persephone myth, because I would love to see a Killugon story w/ that. Really excited for this fic.

Oh no! I’m so sorry tumblr was acting up. I hope you get this message. I also hope it cheers you that there will be plenty of other chances to vote on the way through, as the story takes twists and turns through a variety of possible situations! At least I get the chance to thank you personally, very much, for submitting your trope ideas. I’m glad three of them were among the most popular! The Hades and Persephone myth was also among the most popular, and would definitely make a wonderful story. I’m combining the most popular elements that I think can work together. For example, Fairy Tale and a Magical AU with witches and wizards are very complementary, and will work well with a Fae Bodyguard and Prince main characters. I hope everyone is generous to me in bearing with however I manage to juggle all this! I’m going to do my best to make it as fun as I can. Even the tropes that don’t make it into this first stage aren’t forgotten. The list is there and I’ll refer back to it.  Thanks for reaching out! I’m thrilled you’re excited for this. I am too. If you’d like me to add your name to those I @ when I first post the actual scenes, and the voting surveys, let me know.

[fireolin]

I just clicked on the link to vote for some of the 1st choices for this fic. & I just want to clarify something b4 I vote. & that is there's 3 sections to choose from to vote for: Gon goes on a quest for the sake of:, Treasures Gon might seek for himself:, & Treasures Gon might seek for a friend or Killua's boss:, & I just want to ask do you make a vote for each of these sections, or not? I'm sorry I'm a bit confused, & I want to make sure I vote right. Very Excited for this. Ask 2/2.

Thanks for asking! The idea is to answer all three. That way, even if your vote for Gon’s motivation isn’t the most popular, then you still get to vote for what treasure he hunts. I hope that makes sense. I think no matter what combination we end up with, it’s going to be fun. Thanks for voting!

[fireolin]

Ty for answering my ask, and I'm very happy I already have the chance to vote, since I missed my 1st chance to do so (Tho at least I was able to submit the tropes, beside the 3 I mentioned that I entered in got high votes, there was some others that were mine that got high votes. Fairy Tale, Hades myth, Getting stranded, climbing up a mountain & getting stuck, star seeing, etc. I guess people like my tropes/AUs). I would love if @ me for the 1st scenes & surveys when they come out! Ask 1/2.

Thanks for this ask! Yes, it’s great you suggested those - they’ve been very popular. You should definitely take that as a compliment! And although they’re not yet visible in the opening premise, more should turn up as we go, such as ‘stranded together’. I’m going to try to include as many as I can.

I’ll definitely @ you for the first scenes and surveys. Thanks so much for joining in and I hope you enjoy it!

[fireolin]

The Wishing Hunt

A ‘Choose Your Own Quest’ fic on  AO3 , rated E

Prince Gon and his Fae Bodyguard Killua (an ex-assassin) hunt for magical treasure in the dangerous fae region Aiai. As they face their enemies along the way, they’ll endure fake relationships, only one bed, fae trickery, and mutual pining. They’ll run a gauntlet of rainstorms and harsh terrain, get stranded together, and discover unexpected beauty stargazing. Neither are looking for love, but the biggest romantic challenge for them both turns out to be each other and the terrain of their own pasts.

Killugon romance/adventure

driven by your choices, and

written according to a structure to make sure a story actually happens.

Current Episode on AO3 (Chapter 18)

Current voting form is at the end of the chapter! Anyone can join in at any time. If you’d like me to tag you when new episodes come out on tumblr, add your url here. You can also subscribe on AO3 if you’d like to follow.

[fireolin]

The Wishing Hunt 𝕏𝕏 Ch 3 𝕏𝕏

Chapter 3 on AO3 or read below

Chapter 1: AO3  and Tumblr   or back to Chapter 2

Tags: Romance, Adventure, Aged-up Killugon, Fairy Tale AU, Magical AU, Medieval (-ish),  Prince!Gon, Fae!Killua, Bodyguard, Former Assassin, Treasure Hunters, Mutual Pining, Fake Relationship, and other fave tropes

Rating: T to M (suitable for tumblr)

Chapter Summary: Killua chooses between a night outside in the storm or a night in Gon's bed. Gon struggles with an intrinsic weakness. The following morning, Killua receives a new task.

An experimental ‘Choose Your Own Quest’ fic written to a structure and including your voted choices.  My heartfelt thanks to @autumnxsunflower for beta reading! <3

Voting: The last vote, on whether Killua would choose the storm or Gon’s bed, was almost unanimous! It was also the biggest yet, with 30 votes. It’s great (and helpful) to hear your reasons for your votes and preferences! Read on to find out the result, and vote at the end for where their journey takes them next.

𝕏3𝕏 A Stormy Night

Killua wiped the rain from his face as he considered Gon’s offer. The lobby door rattled violently behind him. When he’d peered outside, the storm’s cacophony had carried a faint fae drumming, unnoticeable to humans, but enough to set his nerves on edge. To be a greater threat, Gon would need to be hiding something big. Even if Killua did more than simply share a bed, one night wouldn’t undermine his guard. “It’s a kind offer,” he said. “I accept.”

Gon grinned at him. “Come on, then.”

He followed Gon upstairs. They passed the common room on the left, where the rest of the Ghost Arrows would sleep, and turned into the wing that led to the private rooms. The noise from downstairs softened toward the end of the corridor, where an oil lamp flickered in the niche of a small, dusky leadlight window. Gon unlocked the final door with a large iron key (proof against lesser fae, though it wouldn’t keep out a strong fae like Killua).

The room was as small as Killua had expected, but well appointed, as for a nobleman. The serving staff had prepared it before Gon returned, bolting the wooden shutters closed (the only barrier to outside—no expensive leadlight here) and setting a lantern on one of the two bedside tables. It cast a low but cosy light across the walls. A large water jug sat on a cabinet beneath the window, beside a washbowl. Tapestries depicting Aiai brightened the walls further, and there were hooks for clothes, one already holding a cloak that must be Gon’s. While the bed would only fit two, it looked especially comfortable, with two plump pillows, linen sheets and a quilted cover. At its foot lay a woven mat for a servant.

“This must be the best room in the inn.” Killua had to smile at how fast his luck had changed.

Gon looked slightly embarrassed as he closed the door. “Probably. Bisky has the other.”

“You’re travelling with the witch?”

“For a short while. A friend put me in touch so I could take her advice before I enter Aiai.”

“Ah. So she suggested hiring a bodyguard?”

“No, I always intended that, but since I have no contacts here, I wanted her opinion on how to find the best one. I need someone trustworthy, knowledgeable, and capable. Many who pass through here aren’t trustworthy. She encouraged me to weed out those who’d be no use strengthwise. She also tested the omens for giving fate a chance to provide. She said they were good.”

“Your game was her idea too?”

“No. That’s thanks to another friend, once, when I needed to drum up coin fast.”

Gon had mentioned two friends in little time. “You must have many friends,” Killua said.

Gon tilted his head, as though he’d said something odd.

It was just, he had no friends outside the Ghost Arrows, so even two in passing sounded like a lot. Killua changed tack. “Yet you’re travelling alone.”

“My hunt is personal. No need to endanger anyone else, unless I’m hiring a professional.” Gon crossed to the washbasin and tapped on the door of the cabinet below. “The chamber pot is in here. You can hang your clothes on the hooks by my cloak. Is there a side of the bed you’d prefer? It makes no difference to me.”

Killua slipped off his cloak and draped it over his arm. “In that case, nearest the window. I’ll check the shutters, if you don’t mind.”

Gon raised an eyebrow, but he stepped back and allowed Killua to pass. Killua set his rolled up cloak on the narrow strip of floor beside the bed, along with his satchel. Then he rattled the wooden shutters. Heavy, oiled iron bolts at the top and bottom held them closed. He could sense a powerful ward on their exterior. Secure enough.

“Satisfied?” Gon had sat on the end of the bed, and was tackling his tall, black leather boots.

Killua quietly admired how they flattered Gon’s legs. He sat to undo his simpler ankle boots. “Yes. The innkeepers haven’t cut corners. Any fae outside will need good cause to bother breaking in.”

“You’ve reason for caution?”

Only the usual, nothing he’d share. “I always check out of habit. Habits are most useful when you don’t know you need them.”

Gon gave a rueful smile. “Shame you can’t accept my job. Mind if I ask your advice instead?”

“Other than my advice not to enter Aiai?”

“I’m going in.”

Killua rose, unbuckling his tunic from the neck. “Why?”

“There’s something I want, that I can find nowhere else.”

“You realise everything in Aiai is a trap for humans?”

“I’m skilled at evading traps.”

“Maybe, but these are fae. Plus, everything in there has a price, and usually not in jewels or coin.”

“I’m willing to pay.” Gon placed his boots and belt beneath his cloak, then stripped off his long pants. His legs were indeed well-formed and muscular. Not those of a pampered merchant’s son, but of someone who might climb or haul heavy things. Killua watched as Gon removed his outer tunic, curious about what lay beneath, but Gon remained in his linen undershirt and short braies.

“Well, I guess I can’t dissuade you,” Killua said. “But fae target lone travellers as easy prey, so keep looking for an experienced companion.”

“I will. Until I run out of time.” Gon leaned back on the wall, giving Killua his full attention.

Killua went to hang his tunic alongside Gon’s. “In the first part of Aiai, the dangers are those of the heart. Beware of anyone who tries to seduce you. Avoid any scenes that cast you in the role of hero.” He aimed a serious look at Gon beside him. “Freecss, you were kind to me tonight, but you must harden your heart. Offer no more strangers a space in your bed, or you might never leave it. Don’t seek to prove yourself. Don’t save anyone, no matter how helpless or appealing they may seem.”

“No rescuing fae pretending to be victims.”

“Exactly. Even if walking past them makes you feel monstrous. And if a fae tries to seduce you, reject them without insult. You do not wish to arouse their spite.” He continued undressing. “That’s very difficult for a human. These fae will take your rejection personally if you appear to have no other ties.

“I thought if I was polite…”

“That won’t be enough.” Killua rested the side of his finger on his chin. What might help? It wasn’t something he’d had to ask himself, being fae. But for a human with Gon’s good looks, the right strategy was obvious. “Choose a bodyguard they might mistake for your lover. Turn their tricks back on them. Deceive them.”

“I see.” Gon bit his lip. “But how do I make sure a fae will read us that way?”

“Maybe choose someone you can imagine that way.”

“That counts out most people I wrestled.” Gon frowned. “I guess I don’t have to feel anything real. Is travelling with them enough? Or must we wander through Aiai holding hands?”

“Probably the latter, when you can. Forgive me, Freecss, but while you’re in stalwart shape”—Gon’s eyes flicked up at him—“you don’t look like a professional fighter. If you travel with someone who does, you’ll look like what you are: a wealthy man travelling with his bodyguard. But you’re also handsome. It’s believable an accomplished fighter would fall for you.”

“I’m flattered,” Gon said, with an upward quirk to the corner of his mouth.

Killua continued in a hurry. “So it wouldn’t hurt to hold hands if someone’s watching—or pretend some other romantic-looking activity. You should probably make that a habit so you’re not caught out. But appearances will only take you so far. Some fae enjoy seducing couples or groups. You and your bodyguard may have to work harder to convince them. Don’t underestimate the pull of those fae. However, if you succeed, you may save yourselves a fight; even your lives.”

“Is this a common strategy?”

“Hardly.” Especially since he’d only just dreamed it up. “Far too many people enter Aiai hoping to be seduced. Many others don’t seem to consider non-magical defences besides fighting. Even if this occurs to them, I suppose many won’t want to pretend affection for very long. They mightn’t be capable of that level of deceit in a way that’s convincing.”

“You think I am?”

“Well.” Killua shrugged. “Only you know that. But you exploited your appearance downstairs.”

“I guess.” Gon frowned. “It’d feel weird to fake being lovers for long, though. Is that what you’d do, if you went in?”

“I have the skills to travel alone.”

“Hypothetically, say. If you travelled with me.”

“Well… I won’t be.”

“I know you won’t change your mind, Killua.” Gon’s dark eyes pinned him. “And to be clear, this isn’t a personal question. We’re talking about faking. It’s just, if you, having suggested this strategy, wouldn’t agree to act upon it with me, then can I really expect to convince anyone else?”

“I guess that’s fair.” He lowered his gaze. If he said no, Gon would dismiss his advice. Yet if Gon travelled with another human, this strategy would improve his chances and possibly save his life. “I…I might find it uncomfortable.” His face heated. He’d little experience with romance. He’d fucked both fae and humans, yet wooed no one. Soft emotions were embarrassing to admit. His family had always punished him for them—he’d be terrible at faking romance. But he could hold hands. In fact, when they’d arm-wrestled, he’d enjoyed holding Gon’s. “I would do my best. To avoid trouble.”

“You’d do your best with me.”

“Yes.”

“Well. That’s all I could ask of anyone.”

“Yes.” Killua strolled to his side of the bed to avoid more questions. “Think of it as a fight where you use deceit as a shield. At least until you’ve passed through those parts of Aiai. Better still, don’t go.”

“Mm. Some people do return.”

“With shiny trinkets and baubles. Those people are bait to draw others in.”

If Gon hadn’t been unexpectedly decent and kind, Killua wouldn’t feel such an urge to keep trying to dissuade him. He wondered darkly whether, if he fucked Gon well enough, Gon might listen.

Of course, that was just an excuse to imagine. He wasn’t ready to embarrass himself with an unwanted advance. Even since Gon had made this offer, he’d been a total gentleman. He might throw Killua back out into the storm.

Instead, thanks to Gon, tonight he’d have everything he’d wished for: a dry bed, a soft pillow to hug, a warm body beside him. “I wish you luck, Freecss,” he said. “Truly.”

𝕏

As Prince of Whale Island, Gon could never have shared his bed with a stranger, but travelling incognito he’d shared many times in stables and inns. Killua Zoldyck seemed both more dangerous and more skittish than many of his past sleeping companions. Gon wanted to put him at ease. As they readied themselves for bed, he resisted the urge to tease Killua like he had downstairs, though it had been fun making someone who could throttle him with one hand blush as though he was only fifteen. He made sure not to eye Killua too much as they changed, although Killua was certainly eyeing him.

Although he was curious to see how strong Killua looked. In his loose linen undergarments, Killua appeared slender and sinewy, broad-shouldered but less bulky than Gon, without the apparent mass to justify his superior strength. It must come from some magical influence in his background.

That didn’t mean he wasn’t human, as Gon could testify. He didn’t know the source of his own unnatural strength, but there were many theories about whatever ran in his bloodline. Ging, his father, had been strong. So had others of his royal ancestors.

He locked the bedroom door and hung the key back around his neck. “Wake me if you need the key.”

“Sure.” Killua was sitting on his side of the bed, releasing his topknot from the decorative leather clasp that held it. In the dim light from the lantern, the clasp looked startlingly realistic, carved in the shape of a falcon with gleaming glass beads for eyes. As Killua laid the two silver pins on his bedside table, Gon saw they resembled twigs. “Is that fae jewellery?”

“Yes.” Killua smiled back at him. “Perceptive of you.”

“My father sent pieces home to us. He had direct dealings with fae.”

“So have I. Which is why you should listen to me and not enter Aiai.”

“You know, you’re stronger than me, but I’m not ordinary,” Gon said. It was only here, on the border of Aiai, that he’d met so many others unusually gifted like himself. He’d been stronger than almost everyone he’d wrestled until he’d encountered Killua. It would be foolish for an average person to enter Aiai, but so many gifted individuals at this very inn were evidence to suppose he’d succeed.

Killua shrugged. “Still. You’re not fae.” He unbuckled the knives sheathed at his wrists. “Since you’ve been so generous, I should warn you, I’m a restless sleeper sometimes. If I bother you, wake me. Not suddenly, though. I don’t want to stab you accidentally.”

“I’ll bear that in mind.”  

Was that what Killua’s half-ogre colleague had meant downstairs? Whatever. It couldn’t have been that bad. If he expected a stranger to refuse to sleep with Killua again, he must also expect that stranger to survive. Anyway, Killua had warned him.

Gon slid his own sheathed dagger under his pillow. As Killua had said earlier—habits. A faint wailing came and went through the hammering rain outside. He shivered. It sounded closer than it had last night. He was glad someone of Killua’s experience had checked the shutters.

Killua still hadn’t removed the kohl from around his eyes. It didn’t seem like he was going to. “If you’re ready,” Gon said, “I’ll put out the lantern.”

He waited as Killua set his rolled-up cloak over his knives and laid on his side, his head on the cloak, facing away. Killua hugged his pillow to his chest and tugged the covers up over himself. Curled beneath them, he looked somehow forlorn rather than dangerous, except the delicate, snakelike earring that wound around his ear looked ready to wriggle free and bite.

Gon grinned. They were so near Aiai, the sound in the wind had spooked his imagination.

“Ready,” Killua said.

Gon hesitated. The sheets were darkening slightly around Killua’s cloak. “Are you really going to sleep on that?”

“It’s fine. I’m used to it.”

“But it’s wet.”

“Is it?”

“Killua.” He waited until Killua twisted to see him. “Why not sleep on your dry pillow?”

“No.” When Gon frowned, Killua added, “I—I can’t.”

They were strangers. Gon didn’t need to know, and it was rude to press. Killua looked embarrassed, but the death grip he appeared to have on his pillow showed he was serious. Maybe he needed it in order to not stab someone.

“You won’t sleep on anything that wet.” Gon crossed the room and seized his own cloak from its hook. “Sleep on mine instead.” He rolled it up as he returned and offered the bundle to Killua. “Swap.”

“Seriously?”

“It’s no big deal.”

Killua grinned, blue eyes sparkling as he exchanged his wet cloak. Gon’s breath caught. It was like the sun breaking through clouds without warning. He hung up Killua’s cloak and put out the lantern. He climbed into bed and turned to the wall in the dark, yet could still see Killua’s radiant face.

𝕏

During the night, the storm broke into thunder. Gon awoke to flashes of lightning that penetrated the shutters and scattered jagged shadows across the stone wall. Peals of laughter sounded through the thunder. Drums rolled and pipes howled like the wind through narrow passes. It could only be the sound of a fae troupe.

His heart pounded. He wanted to leap from bed and fling the shutters open. Whatever type of fae they were, they weren’t attempting seduction. They were making merry in the storm—liberated among their own kind in a way he could never be among his. His blood vibrated through his veins; he fought to keep his breathing even.

This was his weakness. They had called to Ging, and Ging had gone and left him, right then, alone in the forest. He’d been five years old, but he’d never forgotten. He’d promised Mito that if he ever felt that call on his travels, he wouldn’t follow. He’d return to Whale Island and rule.

Killua tossed behind him. The racket outside wouldn’t help a restless sleeper. Would Killua wake and stop him if he went to the window, in time before he leapt out?

It was well Killua was here. Gon gritted his teeth. This was why he needed a bodyguard stronger than him, though he hadn’t admitted that to anyone. A necessity that they be able to hold him down. If the troupe was closer, if there were no shutters between him and them, he might be unable to resist.

The thought of Killua holding him down was exciting. Those intensely blue eyes staring deep into his, commanding him to stay. Insanely powerful hands pinning his wrists. That arrogant mouth, close enough to kiss. A distraction from the piercing laughter and strange music on the wind.

A longing took hold of his bones. His shoulder ached where he’d struggled against Killua.

The bed shook. Behind him, Killua whispered in a strange tongue. A soft thud, something falling to the floor. Something bashed into Gon’s calf. He hissed a curse and shifted closer to his edge of the bed. He’d be bruised in the morning. Maybe that half-ogre meant kicking, not stabbing. At least Killua hadn’t grabbed one of his knives.

Shit. Gon rolled over to face Killua, just in case.

But for the lightning, the room should have been pitch black. The pale, bluish light that intruded past the shutters must be from the fae troupe. It limned Killua’s form. He lay twitching now and then, facing the window, having kicked or thrown the covers half-off to the middle of the bed.

Gon raised himself on one elbow carefully, to see that Killua didn’t appear to be clutching any knives. His hair glowed like starlight. His face and neck were so luminously pale, Gon could have fooled himself that he lay in bed with a fae. Movement beneath Killua’s blackened eyelid showed he must be dreaming.

The music outside grew louder. A woman’s laugh vibrated on the wind. Killua cried out and turned onto his back, grinding his shoulders into the mattress. He grimaced as if in pain, and flung his arm out sideways, hitting Gon’s biceps.

“Killua,” Gon whispered.

Perhaps the sound of the fae troupe was affecting him. Who knew what dealings he’d had with them? If he woke and understood they were safe, he might calm down.

Gon laid his hand gently on Killua’s upper arm—also bracing to soften any blows if Killua lashed out again. “Hey.”

Killua moaned loudly and rolled toward Gon. He came off the cloak and snaked an arm around Gon’s waist, hooked his leg around Gon’s, and burrowed into his front.

Gon stilled, arm hovering over Killua.

What to do? This wasn’t the reaction for which he’d braced himself.

He gingerly lowered his arm around Killua, the only place it could go, and laid his head on his pillow. Killua’s breath heated his chest. Soft hair brushed his chin.

Killua didn’t know what he was doing. Should he keep trying to wake him?

The storm crashed outside. The fae troupe shrieked and sang. Through their shirts, Killua’s warmth sank into Gon. The illusion of intimacy.

It had been a while since Gon had held anyone other than during a fight or a brief lover’s embrace. This was different. It felt like when he’d slept with the wolves as a boy, settling in for the night among the pack. Killua seemed calmer now. He shifted against Gon’s chin. His breathing had slowed. He must be taking some form of comfort.

Gon could give him that much. He’d grown accustomed to it, with the wolves. If Killua woke, well…. It was Killua who’d grabbed him.

And Killua was an anchor.

From within his embrace, the troupe outside seemed nothing more than jangling sounds: the squeak of trees rubbing against each other, the crack of branches, a distant howl.

Gon smelled something coppery, but as he bent his nose to Killua’s hair, he smelled something sweet and wild.

If only Killua would be his bodyguard.

But he tamped down the rest of his imagination as the void inside him threatened to open. He could countenance no ‘amorous relationships’, as he’d promised Mito before he left—nothing serious with anyone, since it wasn’t fair to them and risked his kingdom’s future. Besides, Killua had assessed him as a fine horse, not a fine man. Even if they weren’t parting in the morning, their lives were worlds apart, and someone like Killua would never stay with someone like him.

𝕏

Killua dreamed he embraced a warm boulder. His wings lay spread behind him to dry in the sun. But he didn’t have wings anymore. No, no—he did. That had all been a dream. No. This was the dream. A bitter pang pulled him from sleep. He was holding not a boulder, but a person.

His cheeks stung as he realised he’d latched onto Gon. Something must have disturbed him enough to make him drop the pillow. They were safe here, so he could only guess at what. Although Gon didn’t seem to object. His arm lay heavily around Killua too, in a relaxed embrace. He could feel Gon’s slow breathing. Even their legs were comfortably wound together. This felt better than hugging a pillow. Better than the warm bodies of his companions, who on the rare occasion they shared a bed, would never hold him. This was everything he’d longed for over months of travel and not confessed to a soul. He didn’t want to move.

Did Gon know? Killua peered up at him. Morning light leaked in, gently illuminating Gon’s throat. His pulse barely flickered, as though he still slept. Surely Gon had not started this? More likely, he’d responded unconsciously to Killua’s embrace. There was no telling how he’d react when he awoke.

Gon wasn’t Yuzir. He wouldn’t struggle not to bite Killua, and if Gon took offense for any reason and wanted to fight, he wouldn’t crush him. Killua could safely enjoy this. But it would be awkward to explain. His sleeping quirk wasn’t normal for most humans, or even mature fae. Whatever he said, he’d humiliate himself.

It took all his fae stealth to extricate himself carefully without waking Gon. When he finally rolled off the bed, he rewarded himself with a stretch. After sleeping like that, he felt more rested than he had in an age.

The rain had subsided to a light patter outside, so he could travel today. A frisson ran through him as he imagined seeing his sisters. He opened the shutters a crack, allowing in enough light to get ready to go downstairs. As he strapped his knives back onto his wrists, Gon stirred. “Killua,” he murmured.

“Morning,” Killua said, bestowing a well-deserved friendly smile upon him. “How did you sleep?”

“Good.” Gon leaned up on his elbow with an equally friendly smile. “And you?”

“Like the proverbial log.”

Killua relaxed as he detected no trace of embarrassment in Gon’s face, nor any hint of a smirk; definitely no anger, nor even a question. Only goodwill. He must not know. Killua collected the pillow from the floor and swapped it for Gon’s cloak. “Good of you to lend me this.” He strolled over to hang it up with the rest of Gon’s clothes.

“It’s fine.” Gon propped both pillows behind him and lay back with his arms behind his rumpled hair as he watched Killua. “Your advice will be invaluable. I’m glad we ran into each other.”

Fuck, he looked inviting, posed like that. Was he doing it on purpose? Killua turned away as he dressed. One night in a strangers’ warm embrace, and all he wanted was to crawl back into those willing arms.

They made casual conversation as Killua finished fixing his eyes and topknot. When he was ready to go downstairs, he went to shake Gon’s hand. “One more thing.” He frowned. “You can’t distinguish between fae and humans. Don’t trust anyone in Aiai the way you have me.”

𝕏

As he headed downstairs, Killua scowled at the thought of some vicious fae getting their hands on Gon in Aiai. The very generosity with which he’d made Killua’s night would be his end. He didn’t know he’d just slept in the arms of a fae. Imagine if he embraced the wrong one.

The dining room was already bustling, full of travellers keen to leave after two days of delay. He found the rest of the Ghost Arrows gathered around their cups at the corner table they’d used last night, gambling over cards to pass the time until Alissander arrived. They looked as rested as possible after only one night catching up on sleep, though not as rested as Killua felt.

Rotha narrowed her eyes at him as he reached them, then at the cloak over his arm. “I expected you’d be soaking wet. Your cloak’s nearly dry. Where’d you find a bed?”

“In a…uh…private room.”

Summer muttered a curse in her native language. “How do you get all the luck?”

“It wasn’t luck.”

Inreer raised an eyebrow. Yuzir shot Killua a dark look, then stewed behind the array of cards he held. Rotha leaned back in her chair and smiled. “You didn’t,” she said.

“Didn’t what?” He felt himself flush.

“You did! You took my advice. You shared with that man, like I suggested.”

He folded his arms. “So what if I did?”

“Good.” She nodded sagely. “Better than settling for the mud. And so…” She leaned in and tilted her head. “Did you...?” Her smile lifted at the corner.

“Did I what?” He sighed. “Rotha. If you must know, nothing happened. We shared a bed, same as you all did. And for what it’s worth, he approached me, I did not have to beg.”

“He must have liked you,” Winter said, his arm around Summer.

“He did not.”

Yuzir glared at Killua.

He groaned. “Why are you all so interested?”

“The price of friendship,” Rotha said.

“We’re your family,” Inreer added, with a grin.

“Families don’t need to know everything.”

Yuzir growled, “Knew you were hiding something.”

“There’s nothing to hide. I couldn’t take his job, so he wanted my advice. That’s all.” He aimed a cutting glance at Yuzir. “For the record, he’d share with me again. He doesn’t want to stab me, and we’re still speaking.”

It was a relief to have Alissander arrive at his elbow. “Killua! Good to see you survived the night.” He patted Killua’s shoulder. “Not that I doubted. Now, come with me.”

𝕏

Alissander led him to a table in a private alcove. As they left the main room, Killua cast a glance back to see if Gon had arrived downstairs. No sign of him yet. Maybe he wouldn’t come down. Killua felt a stab of regret. They might have become friends in other circumstances, but soon Gon would be trapped or dead.

It was his choice, though. Killua had warned him. He shouldn’t feel bad.

A serving girl laid two jugs on the table, one of warm milk, another of cider, and two mugs.

“Good of you,” Killua said to Alissander, and poured himself the milk. It was fresh, warm and creamy, even sweetened with honey, just the way he liked it. He didn’t normally indulge such a fae habit among the guards, but Alissander had arranged things so the others wouldn’t see.

“It’s an apology in advance,” Alissander said. “I need you to do something for me.”

Killua took a long, delicious draft of milk and tried not to react to the sinking feeling in his stomach. Any task would steal his precious time with Alluka and Nanika.

“I need you to go into Aiai,” Alissander said bluntly. “There’s a talisman I need you to procure.”

His stomach finished its descent with a thud. Killua swallowed and set down his mug. “How far in? Are we talking hours, or a day or two?”

“Longer, but I can’t say exactly how long.” Alissander produced a battered piece of vellum and flattened it between them. “It’s somewhere at the top of this mountain.” He tapped a peak in the middle of a range well inside the border. “This isn’t a cartographer’s map, the distances aren’t to scale. It could take you a moon to get there and back, or twice that, not including whatever you’ll face on the way.”

“A whole moon.” Killua bit back a curse. “You promised me leave. And you’re a Promise Keeper. How does that work?”

“Indeed.” Alissander nudged his guild hat. “I know what I’m asking, and I will honour that promise when you return. Technically though, I don’t have to. You’ve to work another five moons before you’ve finished earning it.”

Killua shook his head. “You said I would take it now, same as everyone else, so it won’t interrupt the Company’s business.”

“And that was true until last night. After you left, I received this map from my contact.”

“Your contact?”

“The witch, Biscuit Krueger. I hired her to keep an eye out last time I was in Sweetwater.”

“Really.” Killua frowned. The shadow of a suspicion formed in his mind. “Did she know when you were returning?”

“Oh yes. I sent a message ahead to be sure she had her findings ready.”

She must have expected Alissander would return with a trustworthy guard capable of entering Aiai. Then Gon had met her, asking for advice. She’d had the map. She’d know if their quests were compatible and lay in the same direction. Hmm. He drummed his fingers on his mug. Of course she’d told Gon the omens were good. “I see.”

But that meant nothing. He wasn’t going, alone or with Gon. “I promised my sisters I’d see them.”

“Then I’ll send them a message on your behalf. Opportunities like this are rare. There’ll be others already hunting it down.”

“You’re not giving me a choice?”

“You can always go work for someone else.”

He gripped his mug hard with both hands. Fuck. He didn’t want that. He couldn’t tell Alluka and Nanika he had quit just to see them. They’d be furious if he sacrificed anything else for their sakes. He glanced up at Alissander through the veil of his eyelashes.

Alissander waited.

“All right,” Killua said reluctantly. The milk had a sour aftertaste. He no longer wanted it. “I’ll send my sisters a message myself.” Their location must remain secret, even from Alissander. “So tell me. What is this talisman?”

Alissander leaned forward, and said in a conspiratorial tone, “It’s called the Rose Amulet. It grants the bearer the power to compel others to fall in love with them.”

“Totally unethical.” He sat back and jabbed his finger at Alissander. “You don’t deal in that kind of thing. Why do you want it?”

Alissander’s eyes widened. “I don’t. I’d never use such a foul thing. No, no.” He took a swig of his cider. “But the future of the Ghost Arrow Company depends on us bringing it back to my guild for safe keeping.”

“Safe keeping?” Killua let his mouth curl. “You mean, to add to their coffers.”

“I concede that truth. But they will also keep the talisman out of unscrupulous hands.”

“Will they promise no one will use it?”

“Well…a need may arise.” Alissander spread his hands helplessly. “They promise nothing they can’t guarantee.”

“Hypocrites.”

Alissander took another gulp of cider and wagged a finger at him. “That’s not your concern. We must gain it for the guild, or we lose our license.”

“That’s stupid. Our capabilities haven’t changed.”

“It’s human tradition, Killua. Every guild demands its dues. The Ghost Arrow Company must prove itself every five years by fulfilling a promise. I chose this task out of those available last year, right before I hired you.”

“So this is the real reason you hired me?”

“Correct. And in the last eight moons, you’ve proved I can trust you.”

Killua heaved a sigh. “I thought this job wouldn’t take me into fae realms. What happens if you lose your license?”

“We can no longer travel legally unchallenged through the regions. That will cost most of my business. I’ll have to disband us.”

They’d all go their separate ways. Permanently.

The Ghost Arrows were all capable. They’d each be fine. Killua shouldn’t feel responsible for them. But it would be the end of something special. Not everyone was as talented as Alissander at selecting a disparate group that could come together as something more. They’d killed together. They’d gambled and fought and laughed. They’d saved each other’s lives. For all their flaws, the other Ghost Arrows had become the nearest thing he’d experienced to a family outside his twisted version of home. He’d miss each one of them, especially Rotha, and even Yuzir. He didn’t take that for granted, and he suspected neither did they.

“The guild gave me something to help you find it.” Alissander passed a small pouch across the table. “Inside is a vial with a drop of blood from a past victim of the talisman. It will glow when you’re close. An edge I expect no one else has.”

“Fine. Anything else I should know?”

“Something for you to consider. If I, a Promise Keeper, send you into Aiai, others will notice. They’ll assume you’re after something unique and valuable. It would be best if you seem to work for someone else.”

“I can take care of myself,” Killua said.

Alissander tugged his beard. “The witch suggested she can help with that too. Nothing too challenging—typical work a guard might pick up on a moon’s leave.”

“Did she really?”

“And if you agree, you’ll get paid twice over. Once for each job.”

Doubtless she would too. For a pretty young witch, Biscuit Krueger was a crafty old bat.

“Do I get a choice this time?”

“Yes. You’re the one doing the job. I trust you know how to do it best.”

Killua sipped his milk. It would be faster to travel alone, unencumbered, but there were others as swift as him. He could avoid trouble, maybe kill fewer people, if he disguised his intent. Something fluttered in his chest. If he travelled with Gon, he could protect him. If they were both going to Aiai, the thought of Gon with a different bodyguard felt utterly wrong.

In fact, it had ever since he’d awakened this morning in Gon’s arms. Which was a good reason not to trust that feeling.

What if Gon had emerged downstairs and already found another bodyguard?

I found the one I wanted. But he refused.

For a moment, Killua felt lightheaded. Everything had changed since last night. He gripped the edge of the table as he stood. “Excuse me. I need to go sort this.” 

𝕏𝕏

Soon Killua and Gon leave for Aiai. What kind of encounters will they face, and what kind of fae? (Vote closed)  Go to Chapter 4

[fireolin]

The Wishing Hunt 𝕏𝕏 Ch 2 𝕏𝕏

Links to Chapter 1: AO3  and Tumblr 

Go to Chapter 3

Tags: Romance, Adventure, Aged-up Killugon, Fairy Tale AU, Magical AU, Medieval (-ish),  Prince!Gon, Fae!Killua, Bodyguard, Former Assassin, Treasure Hunters, Mutual Pining, Fake Relationship, and other fave tropes

Rating: T to M (suitable for tumblr)

Chapter Summary: A white-haired stranger challenges Gon to an arm-wrestling match. As his circumstances deteriorate, Killua is faced with a difficult choice. 

An experimental ‘Choose Your Own Quest’ fic written to a structure and including your voted choices.  My heartfelt thanks to @autumnxsunflower for beta reading again! <3

Voting: The last vote was very close! A single vote determined the winner of the arm-wrestling match. Read on to find out who won, and vote for the next choice at the end.

𝕏2𝕏 A Stormy Dilemma

Gon’s time was running out. The roar of the storm outside had grown louder as the noise inside the tavern diminished. The staff were extinguishing lanterns as patrons abandoned their empty platters and mugs to ready themselves for bed. He watched the woman in the spectacles drift away with her two threatening-looking companions. They’d shown no interest in competing against him. Too bad she’d turned his offer down. Ideally, his bodyguard should be stronger than him, so she’d be a compromise, but she was practically his equal. He hadn’t even caught her name. 

It had been a second disappointing night, despite Bisky’s promise the omens were good. Through a gap in the crowd around his table, he glimpsed the innkeeper heading for the lobby, probably to instruct the doorman to stay closed.  That meant the newest group would be his last chance. He tried to relax back into his chair and let the strength return to his right arm as he examined them.

Judging by their weapons and the state of their clothes, they were four seasoned fighters. Though Bisky had disqualified the gigantic, ogre-blooded man, any of the others might do if they were willing. The tall black-skinned fighter keeping the ogre in check looked calm and capable. The muscled and armoured woman with the blonde plait had a cheerful demeanour that could be good on a long quest. She’d shown an interest in the sapphire by Gon’s wrist, unlike the white-haired man beside her. He was unusually pale, with heavily kohl-rimmed eyes, perhaps to shield them from glare. Gon had felt their regard from the moment the man had arrived. He wore a high-collared navy tunic—no obvious armour, no obvious weapons other than a knife at his belt. He bore an amused smile—a look of condescension or forbearance. Either arrogance or justified confidence.

Which one? Arrogance might make him annoying on the road, but if it meant he was strong, Gon didn’t care. Deliberately, he met the man’s eyes. Come on, he willed him. Fight me.

In the tavern’s dim light, the man’s gaze was unreadable. His cynical mouth twitched, granting Gon a tingle of anticipation. But then the man’s gaze dropped a notch. It pulled away completely as he resumed talking with the blonde.

Gon sighed. Frustrating. As he examined the rest of the crowd, he had to wonder if Bisky had over-stewed her tea leaves—or whatever she used to read omens.

The click of coins on wood drew his attention back.

The white-haired man had moved as unobtrusively as a shadow to place two silvers before him. “Sorry to spoil your fun.” He took the opposite seat. “I’m only doing this for Rotha.”

The blonde woman? Gon slid the coins from the table into his pouch. “Why apologise?”

“Because this will feel like theft.”

“You think it’ll be that easy to beat me?”

The man laughed softly and glanced back at his companions. “Well, you’re not as strong as Yuzir.”

“Your ogre-blooded friend?”

“Mm, yes. I can withstand him for a short time, whereas you wouldn’t last the blink of an eye.”

“Mhm. Are you trying to intimidate me?”

“Just stating facts.”

Gon grinned. “I’d rather you showed me.”

Bisky arrived in a flounce of red skirts and nodded her approval of the match. “These are the rules. Elbows stay on the table. Bend your wrist to gain advantage, and you lose. Break your opponent’s bones, you lose; and you pay my fee to reset them.”

“Fine.” The stranger set his elbow on the table and raised his hand, making no effort whatsoever to position himself advantageously. “Let’s get this over.”

Gon centred his arm on his front before he gripped the man’s hand. The stranger was taller than him; perhaps sinewy under his tunic; but Gon had broader shoulders and his hands were strengthened from years of climbing trees and cliffs back home. The stranger’s hands betrayed no such history. His fingers were long and elegant with black-lacquered nails. He wore several silver rings with complex designs, but Bisky would have noticed if they contained any relevant magical enhancements. The man’s grip was firm and cool.

The odds looked in Gon’s favour, yet his stomach fluttered as Bisky counted down.

The stranger’s grip tightened as Gon’s did, matching his starting strength. If the man was all talk and actually weaker, he might not try to test Gon straight away, but to wear him down first. However, the pale angles of his face showed no initial strain. The slight lift at the corners of his mouth spoke of effortless control.

It felt like wrestling a stone statue. Not a tremor in the man’s arm.

If he was stronger, then Gon shouldn’t weaken himself trying to outlast him. With a sharp burst of force, he pulled the man’s hand in and down.

It moved an inch. That amused smile returned. “Nice try,” the man said. His voice was low and smooth.

Their combined grip heated, growing damp with sweat. Probably only Gon’s. He could feel it gathering on his brow. None was visible through the stranger’s loose bangs. His hair wasn’t quite white, but shades of mushroom. Hand to hand, he felt dangerous. Gon couldn’t place why, but he speculated that like a mushroom, the man would thrive in darkness.

Their struggle drew shouts from the crowd. The blonde woman cried out, “Go, Killua!”

“Is that your name?” Gon asked.

A curt nod. Gon realised he’d lost his advantage. Killua had forced his hand back upright. He’d applied his full strength, and it hadn’t been enough.

“Why are you smiling?” Killua asked.

“I like a challenge.” His voice shook with the effort to maintain his hand’s neutral position.

“Is that why you’re here? Not enough challenges wherever you’re from? I can understand that. But there’s no point throwing your life away in Aiai just because you’re bored.”

“You think I’m going into Aiai?”

“Why else would you be passing through Sweetwater? You’re not a professional mercenary or guard, and you’re not acting like you’re here for trade. You appear to be travelling alone. So you must be going into Aiai, because you surely wouldn’t have made it out.”

Despite their struggle and his long speech, Killua wasn’t struggling for breath. He couldn’t be faking his strength. “You have experience in Aiai?” Gon asked.

“Elsewhere in fae.” Killua’s expression darkened. “But you can trust me on this.”

The pressure of Killua’s grip increased to the point of pain, but Gon resisted. Just. The crowd yelled, sensing his growing weakness. Measured by strength alone, this match was already over. He’d achieved the first part of his plan; found someone who could best him. But the urge to replace that amused smile with respect burned as strongly as the fiery pain in his arm. If he couldn’t win by strength, he could endure. If Killua was a statue, Gon had to find and attack any crack that would weaken him.

“Why do you care to advise me?” he asked. Because that was strange. None of his other challengers had bothered.

Killua shrugged without decreasing the crippling pressure of his grip. “Because…” He frowned. “People…” He licked his lips. “We are all wildflowers. We grow fast and bloom briefly. We are easily plucked or trampled. Since we’re plentiful, we’re not valued. Yet if you look closely, each one of us is exquisite.”

Gon blinked. That was the last kind of answer he’d expected from anyone in a place like this. “Exquisite.” His hand trembled. “All of us?”

“Well. Those of us who haven’t been poisoned.”

“Poisoned?” Gon was sure he could think of a few poisonings in his own life.

“Yes. From the roots, affecting the whole plant. But most ordinary people are exquisite, if you pay attention.”

Gon frowned.

“For instance,” Killua said, “you have strength and guile—and you’re fine to look upon. It would be a waste to die before your time.”

“Fine to look upon, huh?” He’d assumed Killua’s earlier regard had been that of a fighter assessing his ability. Not his looks.

A faint pink dusted Killua’s pale skin. But his eyes were bold as they held Gon’s. “Like a…a fine horse.”

A horse? Gon tried not to splutter as he strained against Killua’s grip. Was that a compliment or an insult?

Killua’s gaze wavered, and his flush deepened.

His intention didn’t matter. He’d revealed a crack. Gon gave his best sultry stare—the best he could while having his fingers mangled. “You mean, you want to ride me?”

A widening of those eyes; a quiver in Killua’s hand. Gon pulled in and down hard. The crowd roared as spikes of agony juddered through his shoulder.

He moved Killua’s hand a whole three inches down toward the tabletop.

Killua hissed, and for the first time, looked annoyed. When he caught Gon’s gaze, his blue eyes seemed darker. The noise of the crowd blurred and Gon felt a moment of dizziness. He wasn’t sure if it was something about the shadows in those eyes, something he couldn’t quite see, or whether it was just that he’d reached the end of his strength.

“This is over,” Killua said. “You might as well give in.”

Gon panted for breath. “Not till you have me pinned.” Until then, fate might intervene. Killua’s blush really undermined his dangerous aura. Gon summoned all his will, and pushed back up, snarling with effort.

“I agreed not to break your arm,” Killua said through gritted teeth. “Don’t do it for me.”

Gon swore. It wasn’t worth it; he didn’t want to hamper his quest. Still, he kept resisting, to the shouts of the crowd, until Killua pressed the back of his hand to the worn wood of the table.

“You win,” Gon panted. “Congratulations.”

The blonde woman nearby let out a victorious whoop. Gon relaxed his grip, but Killua held him there as if to emphasise his win.

“I have a proposal,” Gon said.

Killua narrowed his eyes. “Do you?”

Gon laughed wryly. “I need a bodyguard for my journey into Aiai. There’s no point unless they’re stronger than me. I’m offering jewels—same quality as this sapphire. Will you hear me out?”

“Huh. So you’re not just scamming coin.”

“No. Although coins are easier to spend than jewels.”

Killua looked down at the table. Gon’s stomach twisted as he waited. From the rise and fall of Killua’s shoulders, he had a feeling he already knew the answer.

“I’m sorry,” Killua said. “I have plans.”

“If it’s another job, tell me how much. I’ll pay out your contract.”

“Money isn’t the issue. There’s someone I need to see.”

“If you need a few days—”

“I’ll be gone for a moon. Longer if I’m able. But you’re right to look for someone. If you’re hellbent on ignoring my advice and going in there, you shouldn’t go alone. Find an expert in fae lore. That will matter more than strength.”

The innkeeper shouted a warning that the dining room was closing. Killua let go of his hand and rose. Gon stood, too. What might tempt Killua? Should he disclose who he was and offer royal favour? That would mean little with his kingdom so far from here. “Killua, is there anything else I can offer? What do you want?”

“I want for nothing. But I wish you luck.” Killua nodded, then left without a backward glance.

The sapphire still sat on the table. “Wait!” Gon grabbed it up, but the crowd closed behind Killua.

Bisky arrived at his side. “He said no?”

“He wouldn’t even discuss it. Apparently, there’s nothing he wants.”

“My omens are good.” She tapped her chin. “If he really means to refuse, there must be someone better.”

“No, I can tell. He’s the best. Most people I’ve wrestled are strong, but they’re like dull steel next to him. He’s sharp and bright…like a sword with a jewelled hilt. There’s more to him than strength. He’s—”

“Intriguing and handsome?”

Gon sighed. “Intelligent. And experienced in at least one other fae realm. He tried to persuade me not to go in. I suspect… he’s kind. He didn’t take the sapphire. I think he left it so I could keep on trying to find someone—once my arm recovers.” He massaged his shoulder. “That won’t be tonight.”

Bisky smirked. “Gon Freecss. I thought you were only looking for muscle.”

“I am.” Bitterness crept into his voice. “Experienced muscle. But his extra qualities could make him better company on the road.” He slipped the sapphire back into its bag. “I thought I could compromise. Now, I don’t want to.”

𝕏

“Uh oh,” Rotha said, as she and Killua returned to their companions. “This doesn’t look good.”

“No, it doesn’t.” Killua braced himself for bad news. By their table, Yuzir and Inreer stood towering over Alissander as he spoke with them. He appeared less cheerful than he had when he’d left to speak with the innkeeper. Summer slouched on her folded arms across the table by a pile of empty bowls and mugs. Her face was dark with disappointment. Winter had his arm around her shoulders. Killua guessed they’d missed out on their private room. Yuzir and Inreer, however, remained relatively cheerful, so there was hope they'd all found beds.

As Yuzir and Inreer seated themselves, Alissander turned to Killua and Rotha. He only reached up to Killua’s chest, yet radiated authority. Years of travel in all seasons had etched themselves into the brown skin of his face. He kept his moustache and beard immaculately groomed no matter where in the wilderness they went. He was wiry from constant activity, never shirking a share of their labour despite being their boss and reaching middle-age.

Crucially, he was the one person in the Ghost Arrow Company who knew Killua was fae. Trusting him with that secret had been necessary for Killua to secure his position. As a Promise Keeper, however, Alissander would die before he revealed it to anyone.

“Good news and bad,” Alissander said, raising his voice above the clamour of platters being cleared. “The private rooms are all taken. However, Rollo and Marion got my message in time. They’ve allotted us the last two beds in the common room.”

The common room was directly above. Killua could hear the thuds in the rafters as people moved. He stilled his expression as he remembered the beds here only fit three people. Yuzir was eyeing him from the table with a satisfied smirk.

Rotha frowned. “There’s seven of us. Three to one bed, four to the other?”

“Yuzir takes two spaces,” Killua said. “The fairest solution is for him to miss out. That way more of us get a bed.”

“No,” Alissander said. “I’m sleeping in the storeroom, because Rollo and Marion trust me. But that’s as far as they’re willing to stretch. They don’t let guests sleep in the dining room or kitchen, or there’d be no end of theft. I’m sorry, Killua, but I’m asking you to sleep outside.”

“Me?” The gleaming web of his fantasy snapped into floating, lost strands. No dry mattress. No soft pillow to hug. No warm bodies next to his. Not even Yuzir’s. He could feel Yuzir smirking, and refused to look at him. “Shouldn’t we at least draw straws? Or something?”

Yet even as he spoke, he knew Alissander would never agree to a game of luck with a fae.

Alissander said, “This close to Aiai, you’re the only one who’ll be safe alone outside. I’m sorry.”

It was true, dammit. He was the only safe choice. Even Yuzir could be fooled by a fae glamour. And if the Company hadn’t made it to the inn, as their expert in all things fae, Killua would have stayed awake all night if necessary to ensure their safety.

He could count his luck that at least he wouldn’t be doing that. “Fine.” Rather than add to Yuzir’s pleasure, he swallowed his disappointment. “Well, in that case, I’ll say my goodbyes now.” He plucked his satchel and rolled cloak from the pile Winter and Summer had guarded. “Rather than sleep in the mud, I’ll start my journey early. I’ll get there sooner. So that’s good.”

“That plan’s a crock,” Rotha said. “Put those back. You’ll get nowhere faster in this weather. Besides, you need sleep as badly as the rest of us.” She tilted her head and toyed with her long blonde plait. “Why not use your natural charm? See if anyone in a private room has space to share.”

“Rotha. You know I don’t make those kinds of arrangements.” He pulled his satchel on.

She sighed and dropped the act. “Mate, I’m not suggesting you sell your body. Just knock on their doors and ask if someone will have a heart, considering the weather. You could offer them coin. Maybe a small favour.”

Natural charm. Favours. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was suggesting he use magic. If he did that around here, they’d think him fae for sure. He’d be foolish to assume she wasn’t probing. “No. I’m uncomfortable asking strangers.”

“That man you just bested has riches enough to afford a private room. You liked him well enough.”

Now he was getting annoyed. “I’d rather sleep in the mud!”

Yuzir sniggered. “A stranger is good, Killua. Doesn’t matter he won’t share with you again.”

He moved with the speed of his anger, the tip of his blade under Yuzir’s chin before the man could react. “Shut up. Unless you want to wake up without your tongue.”

Naked shock flashed in Yuzir’s eyes. Killua smiled.

Inreer went to grab his wrist, but of course, he stepped back first and re-sheathed his knife, which he only bothered with for the sake of disguise.

Inreer said, “Enough, Yuzir. You have a bed.”

Killua bundled his cloak under his other arm. “I really don’t care. It’ll be more peaceful outside.”

“Please don’t leave early,” Rotha said. “There’ll be flooding, even mudslides. You can’t fight those.”

“Actually,” Alissander said. “I need you to return in the morning, Killua. There’s something we need to discuss in private.”

𝕏

Alissander was the one person Killua couldn’t refuse, not if he wanted to remain a Ghost Arrow. And he did for now, because guarding their particular wares was honest, highly paid work that provided the perfect cover. It provided built-in companions who wouldn’t ask too many questions. It kept him on the move through terrain where members of his disowned family were unlikely to bother trying to find him. Plus, it gave him some chance to rebalance the two decades’ worth of assassinations he’d carried out for them. Every time he helped save his colleagues' lives—even Yuzir’s—he could tell himself he was making up for the many more he’d taken.

That was a lie, of course. Saving another life could not assuage the dead. But he would not dwell upon that.

Alissander also offered him one moon of leave for every thirteen he worked. The gift of certainty that he would see Alluka and Nanika every year: the two people who meant more to  him than anyone in the world. This was the first such leave he’d earned, and for weeks he’d dreamt of their precious faces.

It wasn’t worth being insubordinate for the sake of a single night’s travel.

As he put on his cloak, rain hammered outside the small lobby. Wind whistled through the cracks around the door, swaying the lanterns in the rafters. Their light flickered. Killua pulled his hood over his brow and nodded to the guard. “Okay.”

The man braced himself and opened the door a crack, leaning against it for control as it widened. The wind howled and rain gusted in, blasting Killua’s face.

“Killua—wait!”

He drew back and added his strength to that of the guard to shove the door closed. As he turned to answer, water dripped from his nose and chin. “What?”

He’d thought it must be Inreer coming to tell him to apologise to Yuzir, but the din of the wind had deceived him. It was the man he’d beaten at arm-wrestling.  

“You forgot this.” The man wore a determined expression as he held up a small black velvet bag.

“The sapphire? I don’t need it.”

“Then give it to someone who does. Or to someone you care about.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t you want it?”

“It served its purpose.” A crooked smile. “You won it fair and square.”

He could give it to Alluka—it would match her eyes. Over the next moon, he could have it made into a pendant or a ring. “You’ve given up trying to find a bodyguard?”

“I found the one I wanted.” The man eyeballed him from head to toe. “But he refused.”

“Second best not good enough for you?”

“Ha. Don’t rub it in.”

Killua held out his palm, and the man dropped the bag into it. Killua stowed it beneath his cloak. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Gon Freecss. And you are Killua…?”

“Zoldyck.” It was mildly disturbing that Gon had given up searching after wrestling him. Had he determined to enter Aiai alone? That was the most dangerous scenario for a human—but Killua bit down the urge to ask. After all, it was none of his business. He held out his hand. “Well, Freecss, I’ll remember that you’re decent if we ever run into each other again.”  

Depending on the circumstances, that might save Gon’s life.

Gon shook his hand. “By the way, Killua, I have a private room.”

“I…I beg your pardon?” Killua blinked. He didn’t know how to take that. Gon had caught him heading into the storm. Was this an act of mercy, or a suggestion for a liaison? Or both?

The comments they’d exchanged while arm-wrestling returned to him. In a reckless moment he’d confessed he found Gon good-looking. But then he’d accidentally insulted him. It was hard to read humans sometimes, but after that, he’d assumed the man was just toying with him. Although that was embarrassing too. He’d felt exposed.

“Don’t worry, I’m not propositioning you. I have space and I don’t mind sharing, not in this weather. But if you’d rather sleep in the mud than with me, that’s fine.”

His face heated. “You…you heard what I said.”

“I didn’t mean to.” Gon laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. “I followed you to give your prize. It was bad timing.”

“I didn’t mean that like it sounded. It’s not that I’d rather sleep in the mud than share a bed with you.” That sounded bad too, for some reason. He hoped the shadow of the cloak hid his horribly flushing face. “I mean, you don’t disgust or repulse me.”

“No. I’m like a fine horse. But my room is more comfortable than a stable. Look, I expect nothing from you. No favours of any kind. I’ll try to resist the urge to persuade you to be my bodyguard. It’s just the weather’s wild outside, and you said you were uncomfortable asking strangers for a bed. So I thought I’d offer.”

The lantern light danced over Gon’s face, revealing nothing in his dark eyes but sincere intentions. It was Killua’s first instinct to trust him. But that was so unusual he didn’t trust himself. He’d seen Gon’s guile at work. Possibly he was a Zoldyck spy. Oldest technique in the book, offering to share a bed.

But if Gon was sincere, this was the most generous offer Killua had heard in many moons. He wondered if Gon had overheard Yuzir. He must have seen Killua threaten him. “You’re very trusting.”

“I trust my judgement. I have no intention of insulting you and tempting your blade. You won’t steal from me—you didn’t want the jewel. Besides, you already have it. I’m heading upstairs now. You have your gear, so you can come with me, or if you really prefer the mud, you can leave. What’s it to be, Killua?”

𝕏𝕏

Go to Chapter 3

Vote: Will Killua choose to brave the storm, or a private room with Gon?

(Vote closed)

[fireolin]

The Wishing Hunt 𝕏 Ch 4 𝕏

𝕏4 𝕏 TAKE MY HAND

The dining room bustled with traders, misguided romantic adventurers, treasure hunters, and professional guards, all sharpening weapons, tossing down mugs of cider and refastening their packs, getting ready to leave Sweetwater now the two-day storm had lifted. Unfortunately, Gon could see no sign of Killua, only his colleagues playing cards in the far corner. At a table by a window, he sighed. So much for Bisky’s omens. He couldn’t spy Killua in the yard outside either, though the woman he’d arm-wrestled last night and her two companions were setting out on foot toward Aiai. He’d have liked to be doing the same, preferably with Killua beside him.

~ Continue on on AO3 or Tumblr.

Voting at end of Chapter 4 finishes at midnight on Friday, 12 March 2021, UTC time. To decide Gon's next action, vote via link at the end of the chapter on AO3 or Tumblr.

(This is a 'Choose Your Own Quest' Killugon romance with Fae!Killua and Prince!Gon, full of magic and danger. Voting is anonymous. If you're new to the fic, you can jump in any time. (Chapter 1 on AO3  and Tumblr )w

[fireolin]

Fic Experiment

I’m thinking of an experiment. Might be a really bad idea, but...would anyone be interested if I attempted an online ‘choose your own adventure’ style Killugon fic, where I: 

~ put up more or less weekly choices (week one would be choosing from a bunch of tropes)

~ write a weekly episode based on that choice, then, get votes on the next branch in the action

My idea is to impose a structure on the choices so a story actually does happen:

~ but none of us will know the story until i write it

~ the writing will probably be first draft quality...not honed!

~ (perhaps I should make a twitter handle to try this) 

~ the fic will be T-rated to begin with and a maximum of M, but nothing unsuitable for tumblr

~ characters will be over 18 or even considerably older (whatever age suits the trope)

~ trope examples might include coffee shop, florist, bodyguard, royalty, lose/win bet that forces them together, trapped somewhere together, only one bed, or anything you throw at me in the notes below - and many more.

Anyhow, I don’t know if I’ll have any takers, and I’ll need some interest for this to work. I’ll reblog this a few times (especially since my first post is going to be at a pretty dead time online). And i won’t take offence or be discouraged if no one replies. (I’m working on other writing and have faith that some people like what i do, and I know i won’t please everyone anyway - so it’s cool.)

If you’re interested, just like this post or put a comment in the replies.