Gon never did get a response from Hisoka.
He returned to Cordis's side, disappointment written all over his face.
After seeing Chrollo off, Cordis headed toward Wing's home with Gon and Killua.
Looking at Gon, who had been downcast the whole way, he hesitantly asked a question.
"Gon, why do you want to fight Hisoka so badly?"
Gon's grip on Cordis's hand suddenly tightened, and he answered with a serious expression.
"I'm keeping the promise I made during the Hunter Exam."
"You told me to get stronger, Cordis. I want to get stronger, avenge you, and settle things over that number 44 badge."
The setting sun was beautiful just then.
The pale orange sun showed the world the last of its light.
That light fell not only on Cordis's body, but into his heart as well.
This was something he had never experienced before.
The experience of being cared for, of being loved.
In all nineteen years of his life, this was the first time he had felt someone cared about him, and Gon had given him that feeling.
It felt so wonderful.
Like a roaring campfire in a world of ice and snow.
It let Cordis, who had already lost the will to live, feel the beauty of life once more.
What he wanted was truly simple.
He did not want those supposedly exquisite, luxurious gemstones or those glittering palaces.
All he wanted was to be loved.
Cordis held Gon's hand tightly and forced down the tremor already creeping into his voice.
"It's okay even if you don't get stronger."
Killua asked a question then.
"Why? If we don't get stronger, people will pick on us."
Cordis stroked both boys' heads.
"Because I'll protect you. So it's okay even if you don't get stronger."
Cordis had never been one