Haven

[Author Note: I made a mistake, Ziggy is not Leon's Uncle. He is Zeno's father. Making Ziggy Leon's great grandfather. Sorry for the confusion.]

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Netero still couldn't believe his eyes as Ziggy stopped right in front of him. He hadn't seen his friend in decades, "Ziggy, is it you?" The man known as Ziggy smiled, "Of course it's me, but I have to ask how did you get so old?"

Netero shook his head as he noticed Ziggy didn't look a day over thirty. He was about six feet tall with spiky white hair that stuck out in all directions. And his mouth seemed always to seem to have a cheshire grin with playful eyes to match.

"Now, I think that's enough of a reunion, for now, we need to get going. It's almost noon, and that's when the big boys come out to play." Ziggy said while looking over the group. Leon was standing next to Machi, who had opted to come along with the search party.

The search party comprised a contractor team, so they stood at attention, always ready to act. Then there was Netero and the Zodiacs. Netero had a slight smiled on his face as he couldn't wait to catch up with his long-lost best friend.

While the Zodiacs just looked lost and confused, Ziggy spurred them all on, and they started to move even faster than before.

While they were running, Ziggy caught up to Leon, "So you're the great-grandson that my son keeps bragging about. I have to say I'm impressed."

Leon grinned, "And you're my other grandfather, the one my dad calls insane for surviving here alone." Ziggy laughed unembarrassed, "I like you, kid. Once we get back to the Haven, we're going to spar. It's been a while since I thought anyone could reach my level."

"I accept your challenge. I haven't had a real fight in age," Leon said with joy as they both laughed at that, getting strange looks from the Zodiacs.

For the first time, Leon was able to see how his men acted in a combat situation. They formed a circle around Leon, Machi, and Ziggy when Ging asked why they weren't protecting.

The commander chuckled, "You're not my priority. I only care about those three." Even though their numbers had almost doubled, it didn't quite guarantee their safety. It seems as if all the creatures in the Dark Continent could sense Nen.

"How long before we get there, Commander Ray? I don't know how long before we attract something that can't handle," Leon asked as the group rested from their most recent attack.

"We might not make it by nightfall, Sir, but there might be a chance what do you think we should do." Leon mulled it over in his mind, "We should keep going. As you said, we couldn't survive out here any longer."

Ray nodded, "Okay then, men pack up we need to get going. I'm sure no one wants to stay the night out here." Everyone nodded, and they were on the move again.

As night started to fall, the small annoying attacks turned into dangerous nightmarish brawls, but they were just able to scrape by, and the walls of Haven appeared over the canopy.

"Well, we made it and without a moment to spare." Leon smiled as they arrived at the front gate. Haven was built in a valley, one side completely covered by a mountain range while a fifteen-foot metal wall blocking off the valley.

"Well, Isaac, what do you think? Is it everything you dreamed of?" Leon smiled as the gates started to open with an audible groan of metal.

Isaac didn't respond. Never in his wildest dreams would he imagine that not only would his best friend still be alive, but he would have created a city inside the Dark Continent.

Inside the walls was a field of grass foreign to the swamps outside. There were easily hundreds of acres that would make suitable farmland. Other than that, there was the main building in the distance that was surrounded by smaller ramshackle tents.

Leon could spot where the blimps had landed depositing his men, "So how do you like my work? I made the whole thing with my two hands. It took a lot of effort, fifty years of back-breaking labor." Ziggy said while buffing his fingernails on his shirt.

Leon looked at Ziggy, "How the hell are you, Zeno's father? I haven't seen grandpa smile once." Ziggy smiled, "My son never did like showing his emotions, and neither did his son. But at least now I have a grandchild who knows how to cut back and have fun."

Leon shook his head, "Sorry to tell you, but the fun's going to have to wait, ten thousand hunters are going to be here any day now, and we need to start getting up some housing for them."

Ziggy crossed his arms, "I don't think we have enough materials or the time to build that kind of infrastructure. Even with your contributions."

"Then we don't build. We mine into the mountain and create bunkers. My men have trained for this." Ziggy shrugged, "You're the head. It's your call."

Leon turned to Ray, "Commander have your squad return to their bunkers. They have done a spectacular job. All of you deserve the rest of the day off."

Ray saluted, "Thank you, Sir!"

"As for you guys." Leon said as he turned to face Netero and the Zodiacs, "Go with them and don't cause any trouble." Ging and Saiyu looked offended but they didn't speak up.

Leon sighed when that was all sorted out, 'Now it's time to run this city.'