The Storm Before the Island

The ferry rocked against the gray swell, salt spray misting the deck. Killua leaned on the railing, watching the distant line where sky met sea blur into nothing. Alluka sat cross-legged beside him, humming a tune she'd heard at the last port. "Killua?" "Mm." "You're thinking about the list again." He didn't answer. Somewhere in his pocket, the phone sat silent. He'd checked it twice that morning, telling himself it was for missed messages from their last job. Liar, whispered a voice that sounded too much like his sister. Alluka stood, stretched, and in one fluid motion plucked the phone from his pocket. "I'm bored." "Alluka—" She was already dialing. The line connected on the second ring. "Hey! Killua?" Gon's voice crackled through, bright and warm even across the static. "I was just thinking about you! There's this huge storm coming over Whale Island—the waves are like, this tall!" He must have been gesturing; Killua could almost see him. "We're on a ferry," Killua said, taking the phone with a sigh. "Guess we're both getting wet today." Gon laughed. "Really? That's cool! Do you see any whales?" "Just gray water and a lot of seagulls." Alluka tugged his sleeve. "Ask him about the fireflies!" Killua shot her a look, but Gon had already heard. "Oh! The cave! I found more of them last week. They glow blue and green. It's like being inside a painting. You have to come see it, Killua. Both of you." The ferry lurched, and the rain started—fat, cold drops that turned into a curtain. Passengers scrambled for cover, but Killua stayed, letting the wet soak through his jacket. It felt appropriate. "I added something to my list," he said, voice lower now. "A cave full of fireflies. But I also crossed something off." "What did you cross off?" "The sunset in Padokia." Killua paused. "Because now I've told you about it. It's real now, not just something I keep in my head." Gon was quiet for a moment. The rain drummed on the deck. "I'm glad you told me," he said softly. "I want to be someone you can share those things with. Even if it's just over the phone." Alluka had pressed herself close, listening. She reached up and tapped Killua's hand. "Tell him we're coming," she whispered. "Tell him we'll find that cave together." Killua's throat tightened. "Maybe we will," he managed. "Someday." "Someday soon?" Gon pressed, his voice eager. Before Killua could answer, the ferry's horn blared—a long, jarring sound as they approached the dock. The line crackled, broke, and went silent. Killua stared at the phone. "He'll call back," Alluka said, wrapping her arms around him. "And next time, you'll say yes." He didn't answer. He just pocketed the phone and let his little sister lead him into the rain.