Thanks for reading! This first chapter is more like a prologue. It's taking place in a modern AU, and I want to warn that the first chapter contains some misgendering of Alluka in accordance with how Illumi, Silva, and Kikyo refer to Alluka in canon. That won't last very long, though.

"Illumi. We found him."

Illumi Zoldyck pressed his phone against his ear. His heart pounded. "You're certain?" Relief surged inside of him. He straightened, squinting. Sunlight poured through the window at Zoldyck Insurance, glittering against the marble floor like it was snow. Air conditioning poured around him, blowing away any trace of the summer's warmth.

"We're sure," chirped his mother's voice. Of course, she would be listening in. This was her son they were discussing. And his mother loved her children.

"Is he back home?" Illumi asked. "I'll come by right away." His fingers dug through his pocket, searching for his keys. He wanted to see Killua, see that he was safe on his parents' couch, under their roof, rather than wandering the streets.

"Not yet." His father again now, voice strong and secure. "The police called. They have him."

"The police?" Illumi repeated. He pressed his fist against the glass of the window, suit itchy against the back of his neck. Killua got himself picked up by the police this time? Illumi would have to talk to him. Again. Explain that he couldn't be doing this, not when their father was about to run for office, not when they—the Zoldycks—always held onto each other, protected each other as a family, and Killua was the brightest and a star pupil, the perfect son to advertise just how well the Zoldyck family was doing. Killua was young still, only fourteen. He didn't understand, but he would. Illumi just needed to explain it to him. Maybe being picked up by the police would be a sharp wakeup call for him.

"Indeed." His father sighed. "He's my son. Headstrong."

Illumi swallowed. "Well, I'll be over shortly."

His father hung up. Illumi checked his watch and pressed his lips together. Time for a quick work meeting, and then he could leave. Not that this meeting would take very long. He already knew what he would say. Appeal denied. Insurance not coming through. They'd be crushed of course, they were an elderly couple, but Illumi didn't have room to consider that. They were a liability for the insurance company. And he wasn't going to listen to begging. Not today. Not that he ever did.

His phone lit up. The cops have your brother.

I'm aware, Illumi replied to Hisoka.

He offered to go with the cops so the other runaways he was with could escape, Hisoka added. It was quite the interesting scene.

Illumi did a double take. He blinked. Killia did what?

That wasn't the Killua he knew. He should have run, and run home. Then again, he shouldn't have left in the first place. Illumi thought of his mother's face. Killua had struck her, and Milluki, when they tried to stop him from leaving.

"Teenage rebellion," Mother had said, wiping her eyes. "He'll be strong, a good leader for the company after he graduates."

Killua was strong, and intelligent. His IQ was second in the family, behind only to Father's. Illumi hoped to mentor Killua during his summer internships at the company. Illumi had shadowed his father during his days as a high school student, preparing him for his eventual employment when he graduated college.

Illumi let the couple down as quickly as he could, and then excused himself as they cried and clutched each other. He headed out. "Make sure they leave right away," he told Canary, the secretary. She nodded. He had no time to spend on simpering idiots, pretending to care.

Father had texted to pick Killua up the police station because something was holding them up. Illumi drove there, hoping that Killua would be released soon. Unless they were charging him with a crime? Well, a bribe could take care of that.

The police station was a squat brick building. Sunlight burned against his black jacket. Illumi strode inside, heading up to the front desk. "I'm here for my brother."

"Name?" asked the woman, bored. She snapped a piece of gum in her mouth. A man with a cross tattooed on his forehead shifted in the background. Illumi's eyes caught his. Chrollo Lucilfer. They went to college together, and nowadays they collaborated on press releases sometimes, since Chrollo ran an underground newspaper. Chrollo nodded at him. Illumi wondered whose misfortune Chrollo was about to pounce on. He didn't have time to care.

"Illumi Zoldyck. My brother's Killua Zoldyck."

"Oh right," said the woman. She pushed her glasses back up her nose. "The runaway."

"The son of Silva Zoldyck," said Illumi. "A prestigious legacy."

"Still a runaway."

Illumi wished he could stab a needle through her stubborn skull.

"Anyways," she said, swallowing her gum like some kind of classless trash. "You can see him, but you can't take him with you. You're not his legal guardian and the cops wanna speak with them."

Illumi's brow furrowed. "Excuse me?" He was twenty-four, an adult. He should be able to sign Killua out. "Is he being charged with anything?" If Killua had broken into a place, that would show ruthlessness, a desire to survive at all costs, resourcefulness. Though it would be hard to cover up. Chrollo lingered in the background. His paper would surely love to cover this, except that he had to be aware that Illumi would destroy him if he did.

"No," said the woman, blowing out her breath. "But you're still not his legal guardian, and I'm afraid I can't tell you anything else until they get here and they decide to share with you, so if you please, sir, take a seat."

Illumi clenched his jaw. He'd see to it that this bitch's life was hell soon enough. He sat in one of the uncomfortable plastic chairs that seemed designed to jab into the relatives of criminals and make them squirm under the weight of their loved ones' crimes. The walls, a sickly green, pressed in. He sighed. He could wait. He was accustomed to waiting.

"Mr. Zoldyck?" called an officer from down the hall. "You can see your brother now."

Why are you treating him like he's a criminal? Illumi could throw these cops against the wall if he wanted to. He watched Hisoka wrestle for a living and worked out with the man.

Illumi's shoes clacked against the tiled floor. The lights flickered as they led him to a small room in the back, one of those interrogation rooms with a mirror on the other side. Killua sat with his forehead pressed against the simple wooden table, almost as if he was asleep, but Illumi knew Killua too well for that. His brother would be awake, listening, observing.

"Your brother's here," announced the cop.

"Tell him to go away," mumbled Killua without lifting his face. "I don't want to see him."

"Really, Kil? That's quite cruel," Illumi said, stepping into the room. Killua's head snapped up. "What, were you expecting Milluki?"

"To leave the house? I'm not that stupid."

"You're not stupid at all," Illumi clarified. He swept his long hair to the side and took the seat across from Killua. "I hate seeing you here. It looks like you're in prison. You're better than this."

Killua cocked his head. "The guards here are nicer than our parents."

Illumi opted to ignore that comment. "We were all terribly concerned for you. You have—"

Killua swallowed and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "I'm not going back."

Illumi rolled his eyes. "Yes, you are, Kil. Don't be ridiculous." He remembered Killua as a child. He was the one who tutored him, helped him practice running and sports. Get back up, he'd always say, like Father used to say to him, and Killua would obey.

Killua arched his eyebrows. "Nope. Don't think so."

"Well, I'll take you back to them."

"Excuse me," interjected the cop, twisting his hat in his hands. "Silva and Kikyo Zoldyck are actually here, right now."

"Are they?" Illumi glanced at Killua. Soon, he would be home. Under their roof. Studying, because Killua was homeschooled and none of the Zoldycks got summer breaks. They had too much potential for the public schools.

"They've been here for some time," the cop clarified. The lights suddenly seemed too bright for Illumi. "We're asking them some questions and have sent an investigative team to the Zoldyck residence."

Killua smiled.

Illumi blinked and folded his arms. "I don't understand."

"Look," said the cop. "You're out of the house, right? An adult?"

"Yes, I'm twenty-four." Illumi wanted to pry whatever this bumbling idiot wanted to say from his throat. Though the truth was he only moved out a year ago and visited his parents more often than not for dinners and lunches and breakfasts. Business. He and his father worked together.

"Your parents are under investigation for criminal child abuse and neglect."

It was not easy to surprise Illumi, but in this moment words deserted him. A lesser man's mouth would have fallen open.

"Alluka," said Killua. "She lives in the basement behind a locked door and I'm only allowed to see her once a week. Kalluto hasn't seen her in years and neither have you, Illumi."

Alluka was… Illumi shook his head. "Killua—" There were things Killua didn't understand. Alluka was dangerous. Alluka was a liability.

"We've sent investigators over to the house," stated the cop. "If we find what Killua here says, well, I don't think your parents will be taking Killua anywhere today."

Illumi turned to Killua, who glared up at him, eyes like steel. Killua did always seem close to Alluka, the only one who made a point to visit the kid, and Alluka seemed to be stable in Killua's presence.

What Illumi would give for Killua to be stable in his presence. When Killua was a baby, he had colic, and Illumi used to be the only one who could get him to stop crying when his mother was exhausted, Father had work the next morning, and Milluki used to clamp his hands over his ears and howl about making that baby shut up.

I'll make it like that again, Illumi promised himself, promised Killua. No matter what. This wouldn't split their family apart.

"That sounds pretty complicated," Hisoka observed.

"Well, it's not," said Illumi, slipping onto the stained stool in this sketchy bar. The police were taking forever. They finally kicked him out of that room with Killua, and he got tired of spending two hours sitting in the waiting area playing how many security cameras are hidden in this room?

Hisoka shrugged. Bass music pulsated through the bar, sending the seats shuddering underneath them. "Want a beer?"

"Not particularly," said Illumi, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the bar. Something sticky grabbed at his wrist. Gum, stuck to the bar. He ignored it. "Killua thinks Alluka can be controlled. He can't."

"I don't even know who this Alluka is, but it better be interesting," said Hisoka. He snatched a beer and tilted it towards his mouth. Illumi had texted him asking to meet up, but Hisoka seemed bored.

"He's my… other brother," said Illumi. "He's got some kind of disorder. My parents keep him locked away. He can change on a dime, go from sweet and wanting to play with dolls to trying to carve out your liver. He truly did try to stab a butler with a knife once."

Hisoka cocked his head, rubbing his chin. "Well, that's interesting." His lips curved. Even though he wasn't fighting today, he had his clownlike makeup perfectly applied and his hair swept up in gel. The seediness of this place was his only protection from being recognized. If he didn't want to be recognized, and Illumi doubted that. "And somewhat terrifying."

Killua still had a child's naivete clinging to him in some way. Illumi wanted to scrub those cobwebs off like he could never scrub it off Milluki. Milluki's only life goal was in being a gamer who got enough work done to fit in with the family and defeating the next level on his video game. But his parents didn't give him Milluki. They gave him Killua, because Mom was busy with Milluki, and then with Alluka before Alluka lost his mind and turned into some sort of devil spawn, and Kalluto. It was Illumi who watched Killua take his first steps. Towards Illumi.

"We don't interact much with Alluka. He could try to kill us," said Illumi. "But Alluka likes Killua well enough." Really, he couldn't understand why Killua liked laughing with Alluka but looked at Illumi in like he was gum stuck to the bottom of his shoe.

"Who doesn't?"

Illumi nodded vigorously. "True."

Hisoka leaned forward. "By the way. I should mention. I heard that Killua was hanging out with a certain group of—well, let's call them other runaways. One of whom is the son of one of your dad's political rivals."

Illumi raised his eyebrows. "I'm listening."

"That's all I'll tell you," said Hisoka, finishing his drink and pushing his chair back. "Try to get it out of Killua, if you can."

"I will," Illumi vowed. This would be good. None of Dad's rivals had kids that he knew of. A little questioning, a few hours spent digging, and he'd have gold. Ensuring the Zoldyck family prestige yet again.

That is, presuming Chrollo Lucilfer didn't write a nonsensical article about them showing up at the station. Illumi wouldn't let him. All it would take is a certain price, not that Chrollo was stupid enough to do it anyways, but he would be smart enough to ask for money. Illumi was more than able to pay. He patted his pocket as he got up. Surely all of this would be taken care of and he could talk to Killua tonight, explain to him the good in his actions, the strength, and how he had to consider the family more. Telling him about this son would be the perfect place to begin.

"So why exactly did you want to meet again?" Illumi asked.

"To tell you about that kid." Hisoka shrugged. "When you're in a good mood you're easier to beat at sparring." He clapped Illumi on the shoulder as he stalked off, pushing his way out the door. Illumi caught a glimpse of a smirk.

"Hey!" Illumi yelled. But Hisoka didn't turn around. He heaved a sigh, drumming his fingers against the bar.

"Excuse me, sir?" asked the bartender. "Your bill."

"But I didn't—" Illumi stopped himself. Really, Hisoka? You stiffed me? He was hardly surprised. Illumi handed over his credit card and then headed back to the police station.

The moment Illumi pushed open the door, he found a chaotic scene erupting. Killua knelt on the grimy carpet, embracing Alluka. In one of those uncomfortable chairs Kalluto slouched over, legs dangling over the arm, his own arms crossed and his lip protruding in a scowl. He glared up at Illumi when he entered.

"Mr. Zoldyck," said the woman, rising. She tugged at her blond pigtails. "You have to come with us, for questioning."

"What?" Illumi didn't comprehend.

"Your sister was found in the vault exactly like Killua said."

My sister? Oh right. Illumi glanced at Alluka. He was dressed like a girl today. Or was he a girl today? Illumi didn't really pay attention. "Why would I need to be questioned?" he asked.

"Relax," said the woman. "I'm Biscuit Krueger."

That sounds like a name that fits, Illumi decided. "Fine."

They hadn't taken more than a few steps down the hallway when he spotted his parents. Mom was sobbing, begging to be able to see Kalluto and Killua. "He was away for almost a week and you won't even let me see him!"

"Mom?" Illumi called out. He took a step in her direction and hesitated. Was this what she would want? Did she want him? Did she want assurance?

She looked up, tears streaming down her face. "Illumi! They think—they think—we—I—"

"You were abusing your child, ma'am," snapped Biscuit. "The evidence is right there."

"Oh, but Alluka has—"

"I don't give a damn."

"Illumi?"

And out of the corner of his eye, he spotted his father, being led. Not in handcuffs, not yet, but with a somber look on his face. He caught Illumi's gaze. And almost imperceptibly, he shook his head.

Understood. Illumi swallowed. He wasn't sure what his father's plan was, but he was sure the man had one. He always had one. And above all else, Illumi trusted his father. The man had never steered him wrong.

Biscuit Krueger slammed the door to an interrogation room shut. "Did you know they were keeping Alluka Zoldyck locked up like that?" demanded Biscuit.

"No."

"When did you move out?"

"For college. Six years ago. Alluka was out and about then. Threatening to cut out livers."

The questions went on and on. Sweat prickled the back of Illumi's neck. He didn't know whether what he was saying was right or wrong. No, it was right. It had to be. He was speaking from his heart, his heart that was full of his family.

"Mr. Zoldyck," said Biscuit Krueger. "I'll be honest with you. The district attorney's filed a child protection order. Your parents are going to lose custody of Killua, Alluka, and Kalluto, at least until the investigation is complete."

What? Illumi fought to keep his breath from bursting out of his mouth. His jaw ached from clenching it in order to keep his face blank. He'd never seen his father facing any sort of loss and it flipped his stomach over, nauseating him. It just wasn't right. His father always won. Always.

"Our policy is to place children with relatives when at all possible," Biscuit continued. "Your grandfather also lives in that house, so he is not an option since he presumably knew, though we haven't interviewed him yet."

Illumi swallowed.

"You are the adult closest to the family who wasn't living in that house, and nothing your siblings have said directly implicates you."

Illumi frowned. "What are you saying?"

"Do you live in a house that would allow you to take in your siblings? Because if you want custody, at least for the duration of the investigation, you would certainly be granted it."

Illumi's eyes widened. "I'd be happy to." The idea of having Killua under his roof-Illumi could get through to him then. He knew he could. It'd be like the old days.

"Great. I'll make a note of that." Biscuit got to her feet. "And just so you know, Mr. Zoldyck: child protective services will definitely be checking up on you. If I see any harm coming to that child—to any of them—I will personally see to it that you pay." Her eyes sparked.

Illumi blinked. "I would never hurt them. They're my family," he insisted. Alluka wasn't really. At least he didn't think of Alluka that way. Someone who was a part of their family wouldn't risk harming another Zoldyck, and Alluka would harm them without a second thought. But Killua and Kalluto were his brothers.

Biscuit kept her eyes trained on him as if she didn't believe him. Illumi followed her back out into the waiting room, where Killua sat on the floor playing Shiratori with Alluka, who giggled and giggled. Kalluto slumped in a chair flipping through a celebrity magazine.

"Hey kids," said Biscuit. "Your parents are going to have to—you're not going to be able to go home with them tonight."

Kalluto sat up straight, jaw falling open. "Why not?"

"Your parents are under investigation."

"Because of it?" demanded Kalluto, jerking his thumb towards Alluka.

Alluka's lip trembled.

"Shut up!" Killua ordered. Kalluto flinched. Killua grabbed Alluka in a hug.

"Is it my fault? Onii-chan, if I wasn't here, would everyone be getting along?"

Yes, Illumi thought.

Killua's hands gripped Alluka's shoulders. He met Alluka's eyes. "It is not your fault. You being here makes me happy."

Alluka's hands clapped, and the kid threw his arms around Killua's neck.

"So you're going to stay with your brother," added Biscuit.

"Which one?" groused Kalluto, flopping over like a dead fish.

"Put your feet down, Kalluto," Illumi ordered. "Me, of course." Milluki taking care of any of these kids? He couldn't imagine. Milluki would make them microwave popcorn for dinner.

Killua's face drained. He clung to Alluka, gaze fixating on Illumi. Illumi beamed. Killua's mouth formed a word Illumi knew that Killua shouldn't be saying yet, but he wasn't going to correct him in front of everyone else just yet. "Fuck."

"You said a bad word!" gasped Alluka.

"I'm sorry," Killua insisted, but the look in his eyes told Illumi otherwise. That was okay. It would all work out. Killua would surely see soon enough how much Illumi-

"I'll say it again and again," said Kalluto, tugging his knees to his chest again. "It's Milluki's favorite word anyways. Fuck, fuck, fuck—"

"Okay, okay. enough," Illumi interrupted. "Kalluto, hush."

Biscuit arched her eyebrows. "Good luck."