Chapter 3
Toughies X And X Softies
With Gon sleeping soundly after Cookie-chan's massage, Biscuit was thinking how to proceed on his student's training.
Killua is the real issue… I wasn't expecting him to go the whole month without fighting once.
She glanced at Kaala who was stretching her arms on top of her head. Then back to Killua who was watching his friend sleep.
"Killua"
He turned to Biscuit.
"Come here, I need to discuss something with you."
Killua followed her, confusion showing on his face as he left Kaala behind. They entered the living room.
"Close the doors behind you." she ordered.
Killua did as told but when he turned back to his trainer, he found her in a light outfit instead of her frilly, pink dress.
"Fight me!" she ordered as she posed with confidence.
Killua's curiosity changed into determination. "OSU!"
As soon as he said that, the petite woman turned slowly into a huge, muscled woman and at the same time of her transformation, Killua's face showed amazement, terror and shock at the same time.
Wh-what's with this go-gorilla form!?
Kaala was relaxing on her room, face down on her bed with her arms and legs spread across the mattress. She felt a like a weight was just lifted from her shoulders.
I didn't think sharing so much about myself would be so… refreshing.
She sighed, feeling the soft fabric of her bed covers underneath her. She closed her eyes and she was slowly drifting away into sleep.
So soft…
BAM
She pushed herself up and sat with a jolt. She activated Kairo's Promise out of instinct. After a few seconds, nothing happened… and then came another loud thump. It came from the living room, where Killua and Biscuit were.
She turned off her Hatsu. What the-? What are they doing?
She walked out and stopped in front of the living room. Kaala decided to open the door to check on them and placed her hand on the doorknob. Suddenly, she heard a voice. Biscuit's voice. She changed her mind, and without removing her hand from the doorknob, she quietly placed her ear against the wood separating them.
"...know your weakness?"
Weakness? Does she mean Killua's?
She pressed her ear harder against the door without noticing that her weight was being supported by her hand holding the now turning knob. The door opened and she fell on top of the carpet inside the room.
They all froze at this and Kaala could feel their eyes on her. She didn't move and heavy drops of sweat were rolling down her face and neck. Her body turned hot at the embarrassment. She didn't know how to react.
Killua broke the silence. "A-re you ok?" She noticed he was sweaty and his cheek was bleeding.
Kaala answered, red as a tomato for her sudden intrusion. "Ye-yes! aha-ahahaha!" She laughed awkwardly as she scratched the back of her head.
She turned to Biscuit to apologize. "So-sorry I interrupted! I-Im just gonna le-" She froze and took a moment to analyze the person in front of her.
Blonde, burgundy eyes, girly and pink clothes.
"Bi-Biscuit!?" she asked with a horrified expression.
A vein popped out on Biscuit's forehead and she growled but decided to it let go and change the topic.
"Nice timing Kaala. Tell me." Biscuit pointed to Killua with her open hand. "What do you think is Killua's weakness?"
Kaala seemed surprise with the sudden question as she stood up. She looked at Killua. "I think… you might overanalyze things. I haven't seen you fight but, you look like you let your fears control you when the odds are not in your favor ."
Biscuit looked pleased. "That's right." She pointed at Killua accusingly. "You're too quick to give up. You're too cautious about fighting. Some might say you underestimate yourself. You fight on the premise of escaping."
Killua seemed frustrated at her words. The incident with Kite and the Chimera Ant flashing through his mind. His face angry, not at Bisky, but at himself. It was the truth. That has been his way of living and fighting his entire life.
Biscuit abandoned her accusing tone. "I realize that this isn't your fault. It's the fault of whoever taught you how to fight."
Killua's frustration turned into disgust and shock as he remembered his teacher. Kaala wondered who in his family just won Killua's hatred.
Biscuit closed her eyes and crossed her arms. "Habits that are burned into your body and soul aren't easy to break. But I can say one thing for sure." Her solemn face disappeared. Her eyes turned dead serious. "Somewhere down the line, you'll leave Gon behind to die."
Killua froze as if he just fell into a lake in mid winter. Kaala's heart squeezed at his pain as Killua imagined himself abandoning Gon. Such a cruel idea for such a young mind. She glanced at Biscuit. She must really care for Gon and Killua. She wants to protect them, even from each other.
Biscuit explained with a chart how to defeat a bad habit or condition. She pointed at Killua.
"In your case, you're assuming the enemy is at their best. You always assume the worst case scenario." She raised her finger as if pointing to the ceiling. "Even when facing enemies with equal strength, you worry about how strong they are or what they might do to you. If we're talking about a stronger enemy, there's no question… You don't bother to think of how you could win."
Kaala sighed. It seems I was right. Not that I'm happy about it. Killua looks horrified.
Biscuit continued. "Running is your only option. That's how losers think." She took a moment before saying her last words on the matter. "If you can't defeat Shoot tomorrow…
...you must leave Gon's side."
Killua didn't say anything. He remained quiet as he processed everything. After a few seconds, he lowered his head, his bangs hiding his eyes.
"... Alright." He whispered.
Biscuit knew how hurtful her words must have been on him but it was for their own good. Biscuit turned to Kaala. "And you."
Kaala tensed at Biscuit's attention.
"Do you know your own weakness?"
Kaala lowered her eyes as she thought but couldn't come up with an appropiate answer.
Biscuit sighed. "It's easy to point out other people's flaws but not your own." She pointed at Kaala fiercely. "You depend too much on your abilities. Without them you have no way of winning since you are physically too weak! You have to train your body as much as your mind and soul. If you don't, you become an easy target and you will end up crushed by your enemy at some point."
Biscuit crossed her arms. "Is that what you want to happen in NGL?"
Her words were like daggers to Kaala and she clenched her hands into fists. She didn't respond. Biscuit didn't press the matter either, she was done giving her a piece of her mind.
The huge woman turned to his student.
"Yosh. C'mon Killua, we are not finished. Stand up straight and fight me. You need to be in top condition for tomorrow night."
Killua raised his head. He looked distant but he blinked and became aware of his surroundings quickly.
Kaala sat on the floor and watched their fight. Killua received some pretty good hits on the face, leaving him all bruised and swollen. Biscuit remained almost unharmed the whole time.
When they were done, Bisky turned back to her petite form. Kaala and Killua were about to leave when Killua's mentor spoke to both of them with a threatening smile.
"Listen now, if you tell anyone what happened tonight, I'll make your faces three times worse than Killua's right now. Good night!"
She left the room, leaving the two of them in shock and fear for a few seconds. The awkward silence followed and Kaala didn't know what to say, so she decided to leave him alone.
"It's been a long day. We should rest."
He looked at her for a second. His face somber. "...night." He started walking to the door.
"Good night."
He walked out of the room and she could hear his steps slowly fading away.
Kaala sighed and stretched her arms above her head. Her body and mind felt tired, especially after her own mood spiraled down with Biscuit's lecture.
She walked to her room, got changed and slid under the covers. Before she fell asleep, she stared at the ceiling, repeating Biscuit's words over and over in her head. After a while, she was sick of feeling sorry for herself. She wanted to prove Biscuit wrong but at the same time she just wanted to curl into a ball and not face reality.
She remembered tomorrow was the big day and experienced a weird feeling of guilt for knowing the outcome.
She closed her eyes and prayed her prediction was wrong.
The next morning, Killua's face was even worse than yesterday, completely opposite to Gon's fresh appearance.
Killua was happy to see his friend feeling confident and ready to fight Knuckle but his mood was on the floor. He shook his head.
I can't worry about that right now. I need to focus on the fight. I have to win. He looked at his best friend. His light in the darkness. I will definitely stay by your side, Gon!
Hours passed, and the sunset brighten the hotel room. Killua's face was considerably better and no longer swollen.
It was time.
Gon, Kaala and himself waved goodbye to Biscuit as they went to find Knuckle. Today, they will fight. Today, one team will be chosen to go to NGL. Today, they will prove their worth.
When they reached their usual rendezvous point, Knuckle and Shoot were already there. Waiting.
In silence, everyone walked to their places. There was no need for words.
Killua and Shoot walked towards the woods, while Gon and Knuckle walked to the center of the open area. Kaala stood where she was, trying to decide where to go but eventually chose to watch Gon's fight since the forest was a difficult place to observe.
Killua could feel the intensity building up around him and inside him. He was ready.
Gon. Win. I will definitely follow you. He lost sight of Gon and Knuckle as the trees appeared around them.
Deep in the forest, they got in their fighting position. Shoot wasted no time and showed his powerful aura for Killua to see and feel. Killua didn't allow himself to feel intimidated.
Suddenly, Shoot intentionally dropped his left sleeve, revealing three floating hands and a little bird cage.
Weirded out, Killua used Gyo to analyze his ability but he could only conclude that those hands were dangerous and couldn't let them touch him. He took his yo-yo's out of his pockets.
Without warning, Shoot sent his hands after him. Every hand maneuvering it's own way trying to touch Killua. However, he was able to deflect every attack with swift movements, using his yo-yo's to effectively keep each hand away.
Impressed, Shoot then dashed forward to attack. Killua bent his knees to counter but he froze for a millisecond as Illumi's word echoed inside his head.
[Jump back.]
He recalled Biscuit's warning of the consequences of running away and he panicked. His internal battle caused him to react too slow and he received Shoots open palm to his cheek.
As soon as he recovered, he couldn't think and he followed his instincts telling him to run away. His body was involuntarily taking him away from the fight, from his problems... from Gon. His brother's words ringing inside his head, luring him away from everything good he had ever known.
[That's right Killua. That's the way. Don't fight an enemy you can't beat.]
I have to stop thinking that way!
[You're too quick to give up!] Biscuits voice battled against Illumi's.
He kept running and running, Shoot following closely behind.
Biscuit appeared again in his mind. [Somewhere down the line, you'll leave Gon behind to die.]
Damn it!
He stopped and turned to face Shoot.
[Forget it. You can't win.]
It was as if Illumi's voice came from behind him. Talking to him, directly into his ear. Into his brain.
I won't run away anymore! I'll face Shoot! I'll win and stay by Gon's side!
He stared fiercely at Shoot. I don't need you, Illu-" His mind stopped working. Too shocked to even think.
The left side of his vision had disappeared. Everything was cut in half.
My left eye...
Baffled, he barely was able to sense Shoot about to punch him in the blind side of his face. This time, Killua's reaction was fast enough to jump away in time.
He lifted his hand and touched the skin around his eye. The left side of my face is... gone.
Shoot started to walk slowly towards him. As the Beast Hunter closed in, Killua saw Illumi's face. Speaking to him.
[If you take damage without knowing why, get as far from the enemy as you can.]
Killua stood up. My curse saved me… but that isn't good enough. Tch!
Shoot went after him again. As the fight progressed, Killua's mind and heart kept struggling. He dodged, jumped and defended himself, but after some time, the outcome was coming close. And more clear.
Killua screamed in frustration and to give himself courage. He closed in, ready to shock Shoot with his electricity. He was about to attack when Shoot spoke as he backed away from him.
"Electricity?"
Killua froze once again. Illumi's voice haunted his thoughts.
[Never over pursue.]
That was it. He gave up. There was no way to win. His brother's teachings were engraved too deep inside him to ignore. His will was incapable of breaking his most basic instincts for survival. He didn't deserve a friend like Gon. And so, he made a decision.
He will honor Biscuit's order and leave Gon alone.
Without saying a word, he threw his token to Shoot, and started to walk back.
Shoot caught the token in the air and looked at Killua's back. "That's it?" Shoot asked.
"I'm done."
Disappointed, Shoot opened his cage, allowing Killua's face to return to normal. He was about to leave but remembered he still had something to do.
He sighed and decided to stay close.
Gon and Knuckle's fight just finished when Killua appeared, walking towards them with his hands in his pockets.. His aura and posture revealing what Kaala already knew. She felt sad for him. For both of them. They tried so hard this past month.
Gon was looking at his hands, trying to use his Nen, but Knuckle's IRS was already active, a pink cat-like creature, hanging from his shoulder.
When Killua reached them, he noticed IRS and asked Kaala discreetly what was that. His voice was low and deep, showing his disappointment on himself. She refrained from asking about his fight and instead, answered his question, explaining Knuckle's Hatsu.
When she finished, Killua just nodded.
Kaala couldn't find a way to liven up the mood, so she discarded the idea. "Let's head back. I'm sure a massage from Cooki-"
"Kaala." Knuckle crossed his arms. She turned to him.
Knuckle looked dead serious into her eyes and Kaala suddenly knew what was it about. She expected something like this would happen. She stared back with a hint of challenge shining in her eyes.
"I have a message for you from Chairman Netero."
Her heart started beating hard and fast. Her hands became sweaty and she closed them into a fist.
"And?"
Knuckle closed his eyes as he continued. "He is giving you a chance to earn his blessing for your participation in this mission."
Kaala's eyes widened. Eh?
"You heard right." He opened his eyes. "He is willing to allow you to join him in NGL."
She was speechless and frozen in place. A few seconds passed and Kaala slowly relaxed as she analyzed the situation. "And what am I supposed to do to win such priviledge?"
Knuckle pointed his index finger at her. He yelled his answer. His voice resonating with determination. "If you manage to last 15 minutes against Shoot and me without being captured or having your Nen depleted or sealed, you will be able to go to NGL with us..."
Kaala gasped.
"BUT!" Kaala tensed. "You will follow Netero's orders and only use your abilities when he allows you too."
Her shoulders fell at this. Ah… I knew it.
She crossed her arms and frowned. She was angry. "And what if I lose? Do I have to go back home?"
Knuckle noticed her change of posture and aura. "You will acknowledge your defeat, head back home and promise to stay away from NGL and the Chimera Ants."
Kaala wasn't angry anymore. She was furious.
Does he think I'm that stupid? That gullible?
She looked at Knuckle. He was waiting for her decision.
"Well then." She said as she turned her back to Knuckle. "You can tell Netero-jiisan that…we have no deal."
"Eh?" Knuckle stared at her back. He didn't understand. Wasn't this what she wanted? To go to him?
He uncrossed his arms."What's this about? Don't you want to be part of the extermination?"
Kaala didn't bother to look at him. "You sound disappointed."
"I am." His eyes softened. "You think Netero is the only one who wants you safe?"
She didn't respond nor turned.
"Please." He begged. "Go home. Trust him"
Kaala turned briskly to look at him. Her eyes, filled with anger, shining with a glow that meant she was about to cry.
"No." Her voice cracked, even though she tried hard to keep it steady. "The night he left, he… he didn't even let me touch him." A small tear rolled down her cheek. She used her hand to clear it way before it reached her chin." I don't think he even trusts himself to come out of this alive."
No one spoke a word for a few moments. The air filled with tension.
She brusquely dried her eyes with her arms. "Follow his orders? He made that condition with the intention to make me hide. To only use my abilities when he allows me to? He'll never let me use them!"
Knuckle kept his eyes on hers. He knew that but he had no intention of losing and was confident he could have her go home instead. He remained silent..
"I bet you even carry his first order as a message. To stay at the border or something like that. Far from the nest."
He didn't react but she nailed it. Those were his words.
"I won't fall for it." She stated. "I won't play this game his way." Her eyes were puffy but she didn't care, she stared at Knuckle. "Instead, I'll show him my way of playing."
She straightened. "Knuckle. I challenge you on fair and square fight."
Knuckle's eyes widened. What!?
Kaala pointed at her chest with her thumb. "If I win, you'll stop getting in my way. If you win, I'll go home and forget about the Chimera Ants. How's that sound?"
Knuckle considered this. He saw fire on her eyes. She was confident she would win. Is she underestimating me? But she was giving him an opportunity to end this. To send her home safe and sound. He knew her and she would keep her promise, no matter what.
"FINE! I accept you challenge!" His nostrils flared.
"You sure you can handle two fights in one night?"
"Don't mock me. I barely broke a sweat."
Killua noticed Gon flinched at that comment. He clearly was hurt by Knuckle's words.
"I'll make sure you regret not taking Netero's deal cause I'm not holding back!"
"Good!" She threw her swords on the grass. She wanted to win using her bare hands.
Kaala walked to the center of the field. "How else will I prove Netero-jiisan my determination if I don't bring you down on a real fight?" She undid her hairdo to tie all her hair up on a lazy high ponytail.
"Don't get cocky! Don't forget I know your tricks." He cracked his knuckles.
"And I know yours." Her eyes started to shine and changed into a colorful spectrum.
She felt her stomach twitch. Her heart beating fast pumping adrenaline to her body. Her mind alert and sharp. Her body itching for action. Her eyes prepared. Her aura vibrating around her.
She had a plan. Not a very good one though. Too simple. Too easy to figure it out. But thanks to her eyes, not easy to counter. Her body might be weak but that would not stop her now.
They got in position and after a few silent seconds, they dashed towards each other.
Killua forgot about his situation as he watched such an interesting match.
He noted in awe how advantageous Kaala's ability was. As soon as they started, Kaala was obviously in control of the situation.
Knuckle was the first one to throw a punch. He aimed at her face. She easily dodged it and landed her own punch in…
...his shoulder?
Knuckle wasn't even pushed back and he quickly recovered.
Tch! Kaala's physical strength can't compare to Knuckle's. He barely receives any damage.
Knuckle dashed right back at her.
This time, he threw a kick to her stomach. She ducked and with a quick move, she kicked his supporting leg to throw him off balance.
Killua thought she was going to punch him in the stomach too, however, as Knuckle was in the air, Kaala stood up and punch him in the face to slam him into the grass.
She backed away from Knuckle right before he swung his arm at her feet like a mace. She put some distance between them and waited for his next move.
Knuckle sat up as he rubbed his pained nose. "Tch!"
He got back to his feet on a swift jump and charged at her.
For a while, their fight kept the same pattern. Knuckle attacks. Kaala dodges and counters.
Killua was watching attentively, afraid he would miss something if he looked away. The balance could break at any moment.
Knuckle was obviously trying to force her to lift both feet. In the air, she could still predict his moves but not evade. However, Kaala knew this and always dodged in a safe way without jumping too high.
He then realized Gon didn't know her abilities. He glanced at him and found him frowning in confusion. He approached his friend and explained Kaala's skills to him. Gon didn't react much to his words. He just nodded as Killua talked.
When he was done, they went quiet again and observed from afar.
He decided the current rhythm was on Kaala's favor. For now. If Knuckle manages to hit her just once, it could be over.
Her strategy isn't anything fancy. Kaala wants to slowly weaken Knuckle while dodging and evading his attacks. A single hit from him will activate APR on her. Not to mention the great amount of damage she would receive. After that, Knuckle could just dodge and evade until Potclean reaches Kaala's aura limit, which shouldn't take long considering her constant consumption.
This plan is her best shot, but still…
That's not enough. Knuckle is very resilient. He won't fall from just light punches and kicks.
He felt anxious. Unless… she is planning something else.
He took a glance at Gon. He was even more focused on the fight than him. Killua couldn't blame his friend. Gon just lost to Knuckle and he felt like he was competing against Kaala.
The punching and blocking sounds stopped. Knuckle had stop chasing after Kaala and both were showing signs of fatigue. They were panting heavily and were covered in sweat and dirt. Killua was surprised to find Knuckle in such a bad shape.
Why? Gon, who is physically stronger than Kaala, was able to get a few hits on Knuckle and he was barely affected!
"AH!" Gon exclaimed loudly. "I get it! She is using Gyo and her ability at the same time to find Knuckle's weak spots right at the moment she will attack!"
Killua gasped. She can do that?
"That's right." Knuckle placed his hand on his shoulder. The one she punched at the very beginning. "I realized after that punch on the face. I thought you were gonna hit me on my stomach and used Ryu to protect it but you went for my face instead."
Knuckle looked at Kaala's tired frame and brushed his aching shoulder with his hand. "That really hurt, you know."
She didn't answer. She wanted the fight to continue. She had to end this fast. One disadvantage about Kairo's Promise is that it consumes Nen constantly. She was feeling her body slowly losing strength.
"Stop whining and come at me." She usually wasn't aggressive but she wanted this over with, soon.
Knuckle took her comment as a sign of her desire to end it. They would soon reach the battle's climax.
Knuckle charged towards her and their choreographic fight began once again. Knuckle's punches were stronger, more fierce and carrying his will to protect her.
And Kaala dodged them all.
After a few minutes, Killua noticed Knuckle's speed was decreasing. His recovery time after every attack he received was taking longer.
But it wasn't just him. Kaala too was getting slower and her kicks and punches lighter.
When he thought they both would just drop from exhaustion, Kaala dodge another of Knuckle's straights. She closed in to Knuckle's body with her knees bent and right arm ready to strike. Knuckle's eyes widened in shock and surprise.
With no time to cover himself, he witnessed how Kaala delivered a very powerful uppercut right at his jaw. Sending him flying a few meters up in the air.
The moment Knuckle reached the ground, he was out cold.
Killua, Gon and even Kaala were baffled.
She had done it. She beat Knuckle with her own hands. Kaala smiled and raised her arms in victory. "Yatta!"
She let her body fall on her back. She was incredibly tired but still conscious. She was panting heavily and her clothes was sticking to her body due to all the sweat. They had been fighting for quite some time.
Killua ran to her worried. He saw what she did.
She condensated all her aura around her fist and released like an emitter attack at the moment of impact with Knuckle's jaw. Since specialization doesn't have much compatibility with emission, she had to use all her Nen to deliver such a strong punch.
It was a perfect demonstration of Ko. It required a lot of precision and control. It also meant taking incredibly high risks.
Killua crouched right next to her. "You ok?"
Kaala could barely answer. "I'm...great…"
"You're insane you know! You left your body completely unprotected by concentrating your Nen like that. You wanna die or something?"
She closed her eyes and smiled. She was still having trouble breathing properly. "I know… but.. I won!" She lifted one arm as a victory gesture, but it only made it halfway up and quickly fell back to her side on the grass.
Killua sighed. He was surrounded by reckless idiots. That thought brought Gon to his mind and he turned to look at him. He was checking on Knuckle.
Gon's face showed sadness and disappointment. He wasn't the one who took Knuckle out; It was Kaala.
Killua stood up and walked to him. He didn't know what to say to make him feel better.
"Let's wake him up and go home. Kaala can't walk and you can't carry anyone so he'll have to walk on his own. I think Shoot left already as well."
Gon nodded.
While they did that, Kaala was able to sit with great effort. After some time, they managed to wake Knuckle. Before he left, he turned his back to Kaala and spoke.
"Be careful. I don't know what your plan is but I'll tell you something. I'm not the last person who will get in your way." His turned half his body as he remembered something. "And don't go around using such dangerous moves like that one! Got it!?"
She shrugged and laughed. "Got it."
He looked at the two boys. "Gon, you show a lot of promise. Don't let this defeat get the best of you."
Gon slowly nodded. His usual bubbly attitude nowhere to be seen. "One day, I'll definitely defeat you, Knuckle."
He chuckled. "We'll see about that." He changed his gaze to Killua.
"I didn't get to see you fight, but I'm sure Shoot would say the same thing about you."
Killua looked away as he remembered his defeat and his promise. "I guess."
Knuckle raised his hand as a goodbye gesture. "Well, I guess you guys can come with me to the border tomorrow to say goodbye, since I can longer stop you. See ya!"
And with that, he walked away.
A few seconds later, Kaala yelled at him with a playful voice. "Don't cry all the way back!"
Knuckle turned. His eyes watery and his face red. "WH-WHO SAID I WAS CRYING! I'M NOT CR-CRYING DAMN IT!" He dried his tears and ran away. "DON'T TELL ANYONE!"
Kaala smiled and felt a soothing warmth inside her chest. The grass beneath her and the night breeze chilling her wet skin felt great.
He's such a softy. Thank you, Knuckle.
Killua broke the silence. "Well, it's late. We should go back too."
Gon made an affirmative sound. Still depressed, he walked to Kaala's swords still on the floor to pick them up.
Killua walked to Kaala and crouched while showing his back to her. "Let's go."
It took Kaala a second to understand. He was giving her a piggyback ride back home.
With great effort, she was able to get on Killua's back. "Thank you."
He started to stand up as he replied. "No prob-" He froze.
Kaala tilted her head to the side in wonder and worry. "A-are you ok? Am I heavy?"
"N-No! Not at all! Nothing is wrong. It's just… you're actually lighter than I thought." He lied.
"Oh, ok. That's good. I won't be such burden for you then."
Saved! Fortunately, she can't see my face.
Gon, sad and in no mood for chit chat, took the lead a few meters in front of them. Killua was thankful for this. This way, Gon wouldn't notice his weird expression.
Killua actually didn't mind carrying her at all. He has to carry Gon every once in a while. But he didn't take some things into account when he offered her a ride. Two things actually.
And they were gently pressing against his back.
His heart started racing. His cheeks got incredibly red and hot. His mind completely blank.
Killua could feel two soft but small mounds on his upper back. This made him way too conscious of the girl he was carrying. He was too aware of her thighs on his hands, her arms on his shoulders and her hot, moist breath on his neck.
He shivered. His stomach twisted and he swallowed with difficulty.
At the age of 14, Killua hadn't had a proper interaction with girls his age. He never got interested in them and spent most of his life training to become a master assassin. Telling a girl that you know 100 torture methods isn't a great pick up line.
He felt some unknown desires growing inside him. Well, of course he knew what kind of desires those were! But he had never felt them before!
C'mon Killua! You were trained to ignore any kind of cravings, wishes, desires, flings and even the most basic needs in the most hostile escenarios! Calm down.
He didn't know if he should consider these new sensations as a pleasant challenge or as another torture method. Maybe both.
101 torture methods now.
He breathed in deeply, hold it for a few seconds and then released the air slowly through his mouth. He chose to recite the list of poisons he memorized when he was 7 to distract himself.
Arsenic. Cyanide. Ricin. Strychnine. Belladona. Abr-
"Are you sure you're ok?" Kaala interrupted his thoughts.
"Hm?"
"You suddenly tensed"
"I…" What do I say!?
He considered for a few moments on what lie he could come up with. It wasn't hard for him: lying. But she opened up to him and he felt guilty not to return the same honesty she had showed him.
He sighed. "I'm…" He made sure Gon couldn't hear them. "... actually pretty messed up right now. I don't feel worthy of being Gon's friend." His shoulders sank. " I lost to Shoot and.. well you were there, when I made that promise to Bisky."
He suddenly felt really tired and disappointed on himself. "I can't leave him until the IRS is removed but after that…." He left that thought unfinished.
"That's it?" she asked.
"What do you mean 'that's it?' ? Doesn't sound bad enough for you to abandon your most import-"
"You think I don't know how it feels?" He turned his head to look at her face from the corner of his eyes. He didn't respond. She has it worse right now.
"Instead of giving up, you should find a way to overcome your weakness in the next 30 days. If you can't, then leave his side. Keep trying. And when you make it, you can find Gon again."
She faked a smile. "It's not like you are leaving him forever."
Killua thought about her comment but he felt no hope. His brother's words and training were strongly a part of him.
Suddenly he heard her yawning.
She must be exhausted.
"You should sleep."
She was silent for a second. "I'm fine. I'll wait until we get back to the hotel." She supported her head on the back of his neck.
Her hair tickled him and that made him remember something he wanted to say. He took a moment to gather courage as he slowly blushed.
"Yo-you look good with your ha-hair like that." he whispered.
She lifted her head "Eh?"
His eye twitched. Do I really have to say it again?
"Yo-your hair. I li-like how it looks." He said clearer and louder.
"You think?" She asked, obviously happy with the compliment.
"Ye-yeah. You look more mature." Idiot idiot idiot! I said that out loud!
"Really? Hmm I should keep tying it like this then. Maybe everyone will start taking me more seriously."
They remained silent for a few seconds.
"So... you like girls with long hair?"
Killua almost tripped. "Wh-what's with that question!?"
She puffed her cheeks in annoyance. "Just making conversation."
"Why don't you just fall asleep? You're exhausted. I'll drop you on your bed when we arrive."
She squeezed her arms surrounding his collar bone which made her body press harder against his. That reminded him of certain female attributes she possessed. "I told you, I'm fine. I'll rest when we get there."
He sighed. "And I thought Gon was stubborn. Fine. Suit yourself."
An awkward silence followed. He watched Gon as he walked in front of them. His posture and aura revealing his mood.
He really is depressed. He usually just feels a little bit down and quickly gets over it. He thought for a moment. I don't think I can cheer him up right now. I'm not even in the mood to be cheery myself.
Killua then thought of both his friends and realized something: he really cared about them. He actually felt a strong instinct to protect them. To keep them alive and happy. The complete opposite of what he is supposed to be.
An assassin.
His hands weren't meant to protect, they were meant to kill.
Right now, he'd rather die than go back to his old life. He found a better way of living. The best way of living. He didn't have to fulfill anyone's expectations. He didn't have to stay in the darkness. He could be out in the sunlight, surrounded by friends. Surrounded by the people he loves.
Love?
His mind immediately thought of Kaala. He felt like he received a punch to the stomach and his chest tightened.
He stopped walking without noticing and shook his head to clear his thoughts.
Don't be stupid. I met her a month ago. Just because she is the first girl I've ever interacted with doesn't mean I like her that way. She is k-kinda pretty and cool but… I don't even know the type of girl I like! Do I even know what kind of types are th-
"Killua?"
Her voice snapped him out his trance.
"Is something wrong?"
He turned his head to see her face with the corner of his eyes. Her face showed concern and curiosity. He realized he had stopped walking. He looked at the path in front of him and didn't see Gon. His friend wasn't aware he was leaving them behind.
"Are you ok? You've been acting kinda weird since the fight"
Killua relaxed and managed to focus on Kaala. He sighed internally. Why is this harder than killing a mafia group or something.
"I'm fine. I think I'm just tired. That's all." He resumed his walk.
She frowned, not quite convinced by his statement. "I can walk if you want. I feel a bit better."
He thought for a few seconds. He didn't think she was able to walk and even if she was, they would walk even slower. In practicality, it was less convenient.
Efficiency aside, he actually didn't want to let her go despite all the confusion she stirred in his mind and body. Plus, some unfamiliar instinct was telling him to keep her happy and untroubled. I must be a masochist or something for saying this.
"I told you, I'm fine. I'll rest when we get there." He replied with a hint of amusement.
Kaala blinked. Killua just used the exact same words she had said to him. She was confused. His mood changes were erratic.
But she decided to let it go. Too tired to figure out his thoughts. "If you say so." Kaala rested her head on the back of his neck once again.
Killua felt his nape been tickled and warm once more from her touch and discovered something outstanding.
He was enjoying it. A lot. He slowly smiled, once again grateful she couldn't see his face.
What he didn't know was that Kaala was thankful for the very same thing.
She smiled shyly as her cheeks changed color to a subtle pink.
Neither of them knew the other was in a bliss.
And no one knew the king was born that same night either.
Please review! Let me know what you think! It's so fun to read your comments on my progress. Every time I open my email and see a review notification, it makes my day! I had sooo much fun writing this chapter.
As a little fun fact: Kaala's name does have a meaning.
Kālá means time in Sanskrit. There is even a deity named like this but her meaning is not really relevant to what I was striving for.
Thanks for reading! Happy Holidays and have a great Happy New Year! I will see you in a month. Buh bye!
