Chapter 7: No one likes politics. Or needles.

"The savage regard the endurance of pain as the measure of worth. Forgetting pain is useful, but discovering the truth is worth the suffering. No matter how severe. So when you find the truth, your view of the world, though damaged, puts your heart at ease. For the time being."

Man. What to say? Well, I guess welcome back, hope you like this chapter. Please review and let me know if you like it and if I'm doing good. Feel free to PM me with questions if you like. I'll reply as soon as possible. Promise.

Not much else. Enjoy.


Immortal Realm.

Orion.

More and more representatives shuffled into the large room and to their spots. Orion was with two female Blackbloods that he trusted. The females were the dominate fighters of his race while the males dealt mainly in magic. He looked up when the representative of the Keepers, Sei, had arrived and took his seat. They wordlessly nodded to each other in greeting. The Mundai, the oldest and most respected of their kind came in. They had with them one of the few Mundai Half-bloods that were ever created.

Half-bloods were humans at one point that were bonded to a Pure-blood by fusing their blood and soul. Orion couldn't remember the boy's name off the top of his head, but he knew Villanueva was friends with him which was odd even for Villanueva. Unlike Villanueva the boy doesn't really age physically so he's stuck looking to be around fifteen or so. Since there were only a handful of Mundai Half-bloods they were treated much like royalty in social status terms due to the Mundai being the oldest of Immortals. He wasn't a representative, he only came with his Maker. His Maker was an old, grumpy Mundai that took the form of a man.

The number of Immortals that changed their form to a humanoid form was fairly high, although they are very few Mundai that changed. When the first Mundai did they were seen as traitors that betrayed their people, but after a few eras the act of changing one's form was no longer looked down upon. Keepers rarely took a physical forms so it was more of an odd sight. Sentinels took human forms as did a few other races. Blackbloods looked like humans naturally except for their eyes. Their eyes had random patterns with a random assortment, and when they blinked both the colors and pattern change.

Keepers never really had physical forms in the first place just a shapeless mass of energy. Mundai were tall creatures that had bone on the outside instead of skin. With a height of nearly ten feet, horns, claws and a tendency to growl they can be a bit intimidating.. When the Sentinels and the Sether finally arrived the Lords, the strongest of them motioned for them to be seated. There used to be seven, but the second one, Ova, was killed a few thousand years ago. That left only six. Cireen, the harlot, Halengast, the warmonger, Mali, the Mother of Demons, Artha, the Knight of the Sacred Fire, Vilod, the Shaman, and Golad, Master of the Lords.

Orion felt a shift in the air and knew this wasn't going to be a normal meeting.


Villanueva.

The lights had turned off a few hours ago, leaving the room in relative darkness. Most were asleep. But when it would seem peaceful, the soft thud made Villanueva wake up and grab a knife. His eye was wide open and scanning the room. He sighed once he noticed that Leorio had fallen off the couch he was sleeping on. Villanueva rubbed his forehead and sighed softly.

A slight damp and warm feeling drew his hand to his side. He winced when he touched his side and since he was already up he decided to go to the bathroom with his bag in hand. The bathroom had a medium sized mirror, sink, toilet, some towels. He unbuttoned his vest and took it off and then his tie. He stretched and groaned slightly. He took off the black shirt and frowned at the bandages that were turning red. He carefully unwrapped the bandages and looked at the wound on his side. It seems the stitches came undone sometime ago. That's probably what he felt at the beginning of the Exam.

Villanueva sighed again and removed the stitches and took out his sewing kit and and made sure the needle was clean. He stuck the needle into his flesh and began the slow process of closing the wound again. All that time and the only reaction was a light twitch of his eyebrow. He cleaned the wound then used the towels to clean the blood that spilled on the floor. It wasn't a lot, but leaving a small puddle of blood on the floor of the bathroom, a room people are going to use would just cause problems.

Villanueva got dressed and came out of the bathroom to see that no one was woken by him. He stopped at the spot that he was "sleeping" and saw Kurapika there. He had a soft and calm expression on his face. Villanueva stared blankly at him before he sat down next to him. He wasn't in the mood to do anything about this. He did wonder what Kurapika meant before. About Villanueva telling Kurapika "it's going to be okay". He never said anything like that to him. Right?

"Villanueva?"

Said person's head snapped to the side and was met with the sight of Sangue standing next to them, looking at the floor. Villanueva tilted his head to the side while Sangue kept looking at the floor in embarrassment. "What's wrong?"

Sangue looked up hesitantly. "I had the dream again."

Villanueva frowned. "He's not coming back, Sangue." He told him sternly.

"But... he was his brother." He argued.

"Ova is dead and he's not coming back. We made sure of that." Villanueva kept his tone calm although he felt annoyed that Sangue still thought he would come back. It would seem that Ova really leaves an impression on those he meets.

Sangue looked at Villanueva with doubt on his face that's clearly visible even in the dark room. Villanueva moved over to the child and wrapped his arms around him. Sangue hugged back as he relaxed slightly.

Here's Villanueva's dilemma. When Sangue would get these dreams and got afraid when they still lived together, Villanueva would spend a few minuets reassuring him that Ova couldn't hurt him. Then they would hug. Then Sangue would ask if he could stay with him for the night since he didn't want to sleep alone. Villanueva would usually agree since he never liked to see Sangue in such a state, and would do almost anything to make sure he felt safe. Which is why he would either let Sangue sleep with him or when the dreams started to be more rare he would hold Sangue's hand until he fell asleep in his own bed. Villanueva's house was rather large and so were the rooms, see. And most light sources at night were candles so it was really dark at night and the shadows tend to play ticks on the eyes.

The dreams may have occurred less and less as time went on, but there were times when Sangue would have it and no matter where he was he would find Villanueva. If he couldn't get to him physically he would call and Villanueva would spend an hour telling Sangue about the adventures he had when he was younger until he fell asleep. And that's the problem. Sangue was here with Villanueva. Sangue was afraid and needed a form of comfort and Villanueva wasn't keen on sharing stories of his past around the others even if most of them were sleeping, so he decided, more like forced, really to allow his instincts to take over.

After their hug Villanueva picked up Sangue and moved back to his spot next to Kurapika. Sangue looked at Villanueva and Kurapika curiously. Villanueva was up against the wall while Sangue was between him and the Kurta. Villanueva expertly to wrap a protective arm the small frame of Sangue's body. He smiled to himself and sighed in content.

Then a question popped into his mind. "Why are you wearing that?" He asked Sangue.

The boy smiled sheepishly. "I got it when I heard you came here, so I was in a hurry to get here and forgot to change." His cheeks heated up a bit when Villanueva chuckled softly.

Villanueva liked moments like this. He never felt the protective nature of a father. Barely understood a mother's love. The love of an older sibling was taken away from him when he was little. He never felt the companionship of a sibling his age, only resentment. Only cold, ill intent from his younger siblings. He never felt much love or experienced what family members did, but he was able to fit every role perfectly. That was the sole reason Sangue got so attached. He never felt alone or like he was unimportant around Villanueva. And Villanueva enjoyed playing the roles when needed.

Villanueva knew what roles to play at what time and when to change, mix or even drop the roles when someone was upset. Funny thing is, he does this to others without noticing sometimes. But when it's intentional it really does the trick. When Sangue was scared of being alone in his room at night, Villanueva would let him sleep with him and never once did he seem annoyed by this nightly disturbance. He would only smile even when Sangue would start to nod off. When he needed to be protected Villanueva would be in the role of a father. When he would get hurt from playing or got dirty, Villanueva would be in the role of a mother and would then scold or baby him. When Sangue needed advice, Villanueva would be the older brother. Or if he needed someone to keep a secret, Villanueva was the older sister. There were times when Villanueva would play with him in their fantasy games. Of course this play could fit the role of a father playing along with his kid's imagination, or even the big brother, but it was when Villanueva saw the same thing he did in those games that made Sangue see him as a sibling, girl or boy, that's around his age that shared his imagination.

Sangue snuggled close to Villanueva and listened to his slow and steady heartbeat. Sangue owed him so much but Villanueva wanted nothing in return. One night, as Villanueva tucked the cover around him Sangue got the courage to ask. He would never forget the look on Villanueva's face when he asked what he could do to return the favor.

You don't have to do anything. Villanueva had said, a strange look coming over his face.

But you've done so much for me. Sangue had argued then.

To which Villanueva replied, You don't owe me anything and that's final.

But why? Sangue had asked as he was tucked into bed.

You just being happy and being able to smile is enough for me, Villanueva answered.

In Sangue's ignorance he asked, How is that fair?

Because then I would know that I've done what I wasn't meant to, but wanted to. He replied cryptically.

What's that?

It's late. You need sleep. Villanueva ended the conversation there.

Villanueva felt the small child's breathing slow and he opened his eye and sat up slightly. Kurapika had turned slightly and put an arm over Sangue in his sleep and the sight made Villanueva smile. He laid back down and put his hand on Kurapika's. This situation may not have been intended, but Villanueva was going to make the most of it. He squeezed Kurapika's hand lightly.

It's a start. His thoughts made him smile and this time it reached the left side of his face.

"Villanueva?" Sangue looked up sleepily.

"I thought you were asleep." Villanueva's smile faded.

"I was wondering."

"Hm?"

"Is Kurapika going to be your wife?"

There was a moment of silence before Villanueva chuckled nervously, "What?"

Sangue opened his eyes and looked at him. "I saw you kiss him."

"Oh."

"So does that mean you're both together? Is he the girl?" He asked.

What does that mean? Villanueva thought to himself. "Go to sleep." He said sternly.

"But I want to know." His voice raised slightly. "In a relationship there's a boy and a girl and Kurapika kinda looks like a girl, so is he going to be your wife?"

Villanueva's good mood was dying at the moment. "First off, you only saw us kiss and asked if we were getting married instead of if were simply together, which, by the way, are two completely different things. Secondly, a relationship isn't limited to just being between a boy and girl. It can be between two boys and even two girls. It doesn't matter what gender." His tone turned into a lecturing mother's tone quickly and Sangue gulped.

Villanueva's lectures lasted forever! And that wasn't an exaggeration. Sangue immediately said good night and closed his eyes, wishing Villanueva would spare him. This earned a chuckle from the Half-blood who never understood little kids.

What they didn't know was that Killua had been keeping an eye on Villanueva and saw everything from him going to the bathroom and the little conversation with Sangue. He was feeling a bit envious when Villanueva hugged Sangue to console him. Killua didn't have anyone in his family that cared for him like that. He watched as Villanueva fell asleep along with Sangue. The three of them together, holding each other in a loving embrace. It was obvious that Villanueva cared for Sangue deeply, but Killua wasn't sure if he even cared for Kurapika the same way he cared for him. Sure Villanueva had came off as a cold murderer, but he actually has someone he cares about and that someone cares for him right back. Maybe even more so. Killua didn't.

He glanced at Gon and stared at the peaceful look on his face. He felt himself smile.


Immortal realm.

Orion.

The meeting was taking a bad turn. Lord Golad wanted the one who killed Ova to be imprisoned, tortured, and then executed. This bothered Orion since his Half-blood, Villanueva was the main cause of the Lord's death. This was where the Council was divided. Villanueva never was one to keep to tradition and always mingled with Half-bloods of a different race and even conversed with a few Pure-bloods. Because of this he was on good terms with most and he did so much for the Council that it outraged many. He sacrificed so much for them and what does he get if he comes back? A visit with the headsman's ax.

"He deserves peace." A Keeper declared. Sei was the representative, but he and the others were allowed to bring others.

"He did so much for us. He never asked for anything, and you want to kill him?" An old Sentinel asked in shock.

A Sether glared at them from across the room. "He killed a Lord and should be punished."

"But Villanueva had good reason to kill Lord Ova!" A female Sentinel shouted.

The Mundai were murmuring to each other while the Mundai Half-blood looked pale. He looked like he was going to be sick. What was odd was how he reminded Orion of Villanueva. Which made no sense since the Mundai Half-blood had blond hair while Villanueva had black hair. Their eyes were different colors, too. Orion shook the thoughts away and looked back to the argument.

"Orion!" Golad called angrily. "Where is Villanueva?"

Orion wasn't impressed. "On vacation."

Golad growled loudly. "I asked where!"

"Here, there, anywhere the light touches." Came Orion's calm reply.

Golad stood from his seat in anger. "You will tell me where he is!"

Orion turned his head towards him, his closed eyes hidden under the faceless mask. "You said 'me', not 'us'." He stated. "Does that imply that you don't care if anyone agrees with you?"

Everyone turned to look at the Lord, waiting to see how he would respond. "This meeting is adjourned." He declared and every began to get up.

Orion would have none of it. "Hold on. You called us all out here during a eclipse, a unholy day, for this meeting. The least you could do is have the decency to tell us what the meeting was about."

"I told you all. I want Villanueva dead." He growled back.

Orion chuckled darkly, making the room get colder. "We all know that's a lie. You have something you want to propose to us, under the guise of hunting my Half-blood."

Everyone started whispering to each other and gave Lord Golad weird looks. Orion, for the first time in years, opened his eyes and allowed them to glow brightly as he challenged Golad silently.


Kurapika.

His eyes stung as they got adjusted to the bright light of the room. He rubbed them and felt something warm next to him. When he opened his eyes he saw Sangue sleeping there. Confusion was a good word to use in describing how Kurapika felt right now. Then a soft sigh made him look over Sangue and at the sleeping form of Villanueva. He had a... stern look on his face and he looked tense, oddly enough. As he stared all the memories of what happened before he went to sleep flooded his mind. He felt his cheeks heat up.

He just hugged him then they kissed. Kurapika moved to rub his forehead only to be unable to move his hand. He looked down to see that Villanueva was holding his hand firmly in his own. Kurapika had his hand on Sangue's shoulder and he guessed Villanueva must have grabbed it when he was asleep.

He pulled his hand away carefully and watched as Villanueva shifted slightly. Kurapika watched his sleeping face for a moment before he reached back and touched the top of Villanueva's hand. It was cool to the touch. Kurapika's eyebrows furrowed a bit as he flipped his hand over and touched his palm. I was slightly warm from holding Kurapika's hand, but it was cooler than it should be. There was still warmth, but it was as if it was fading. Just like-

Memories of his dead clan came rushing into his mind faster than he thought possible. He remembered feeling his parents' lifeless bodies as they were slowly cooling. It was the cold grasp of Death slowly consuming them. It was a sign that they were dead, and were never coming back.

Before he could think, and not noticing that Villanueva was indeed breathing, he grabbed him by his shoulders and shook him violently. "Villanueva!"

His eye snapped open and he got up nearly knocking Kurapika over in his rush. His eye scanned the room for the source of danger to find nothing. Nothing but a trembling teen. Leorio, Gon, and Killua ran over and were just as confused as Villanueva. Sangue sat up and looked at them sleepily. It was not a good start to their day.

Leorio was giving a distrustful look at Villanueva while the others, minus Tonpa, were checking if Kurapika was okay. Villanueva raised an eyebrow at Leorio then yawned loudly and stretched. When something crack he cringed and groaned softly. As soon as Villanueva started chatting with the three boys Leorio pulled Kurapika to the side and told him what he thought happened before. Leorio told him about how he killed the prisoner only after Villanueva talked to him. He thought Villanueva took control of him. He was right, in a sense. But Kurapika didn't believe it.

"I'm telling you he did it." Leorio insisted again.

Kurapika shook his head. "No. He wouldn't do something like that."

Leorio nearly shouted at him. "But he told us flat out before he was a killer, a dealer, and-"

"Leorio." Kurapika interrupted angrily. "Just because he did those things doesn't make him a bad person."

"Yes it does!" Leorio snapped. "He's just using you."

"For what?!" Kurapika snapped back. "If your so sure then what does he want?" He glared at Leorio.

"How about your eyes?" Leorio honestly didn't know, but this was as good of a guess as any other.

Villanueva cleared his throat loudly, successfully getting their attention. Both Leorio and Kurapika were about to say something but Villanueva beat them to it. "I understand the aggression. Really, I do." He told them. "But had taking his eyes been my intention, I would have taken then on the airship while he slept." He stared at Leorio as he averted his gaze. Kurapika was still a bit startled by his sudden appearance. "So, next time think twice before you start pointing fingers. Leorio." His name was an after thought.

"Me being here and my intentions are in your favor." He said as he walked back to the other three. "For your sake, I advise you to avoid becoming an enemy." He sat down and pulled Sangue on his lap.

Kurapika gave Leorio a apologetic look mixed with the 'I told you so' look before going to find a book to read.

The rest of the time was spent peacefully. Kurapika would read books with Villanueva recommending a few. Gon, Killua, and Sangue got into a pillow fight and when Sangue got nailed in the face and fell over nearly hitting the table, Villanueva's shadow quickly covered them and they were in for a thirty minuet long lecture. Kurapika was amused and felt a bit sorry for the kids but kept out of it. Leorio would give Villanueva dirty looks although they kept going over his head

When the time was up they were eager to continue. But a lot happened before they reached the last room. A lot. Villanueva nearly got speared. Leorio nearly fell to his death, and so on. But getting chased by a giant boulder was too much for Villanueva's temper. He swore loudly and turned around to face the boulder. He pulled his fist back and as it came up to him he threw his hand at the boulder in a open-palmed strike. The impact alone left a considerable dent and stopped it in its tracks. And just like the pig, he felt the muscles in his arm strain to keep it in place. A tense moment passed before large cracks formed into the stone and it split into several pieces.

Gon was amazed and stared with the same amazement covering his face. "That was amazing, Villanueva!" The boy exclaimed, hopping up and down like a kid in a candy shop.

Killua was impressed and whistled. Leorio and Tonpa were equally shocked while Sangue and Kurapika were worried that he hurt himself. Yes, Gon was worried too, but the sight of a boulder being destroyed with just a hand was distracting. Villanueva didn't let them dwell on that for long. As they voted at the next door, one vote was for not progressing, and like before Leorio was yelling at Tonpa when it was Gon who pressed the wrong button.

"Wait." Everyone stopped to look at Tonpa. "I can't let that slide."

"What?" Leorio was glaring at the fat, old man.

"Are you kidding me?" Villanueva sighed.

"I deserve an apology." The old man claimed.

"The hell you do." Leorio denied.

"Stop, both of you." Villanueva ordered.

Leorio snapped and tried to punch him. "Go to hell!"

Villanueva disappeared. None of them saw where he went. Only when Leorio saw the room consumed in flames did he understand what Villanueva meant by not being his enemy. Leorio could hear cries of men, women, children, babies, and the cries of something that didn't sound human come from within the flames. His eyes went wide as his legs turned to jelly. A hand shot out of the fire and grabbed him.

What everyone else saw was Villanueva grab Leorio and pull him close and stared into his eyes. Villanueva's left eye opened, exposing the golden glow of the gem that took the place of his left eye. His right eye was pale instead of the dark brown. Blood came from his left eye and flowed down the scars like tears and dripped on the floor. No one saw his left eye. He closed the eye and released Leorio from the vision when he realized he could have very well scared the poor fool.

"You say that as if you're the one that decides that." He muttered as he wiped the blood away.

"Your eye." Villanueva turned to look at Kurapika but couldn't see him.

He couldn't see clearly without the contact. He only saw with the use of sound reflecting off physical objects like sonar in a sub. He quietly put the contact back in. "Sorry. I acted carelessly." He walked past them and into the next room.

The others followed and stared at the next two doors and the weapons on the walls. This room had a short path and a long one. To take the short path they had to chain others to a wall. The long path let's them all go, but would take too long.

"This is troublesome." Villanueva crossed his arms as Sangue nodded in agreement. He frowned slightly when Tonpa moved to get a weapon from the wall.

He pulled out a pistol and shot at his feet, making him jump. "You shouldn't pick up a weapon." Villanueva advised.

Tonpa glared at him. "Why not?"

Everyone was startled by the bang and were watching intently. Killua and sharpened his nails on instinct and was watching this scene play out.

Villanueva's expression went blank as he spoke in a calm tone. "You should only pick up a weapon if you have something to protect." He told him.

Leorio was startled and looked at Villanueva skeptically. "Is that so? Then what are you protecting?"

Villanueva's eye went dark. "Humani generis."

Villanueva holstered the pistol and looked at the doors. "I'm picking the long way. I see no point in us fighting."


The Immortal realm.

Orion.

Silence filled the room. No one dared speak a word. Orion looked calm, but was seething on the inside. Three of the Lords even looked shocked.

Orion broke the silence. "Kill them? That's it? Just kill them for no reason and don't do anything afterward?" Even his tone was calm when he really wasn't.

Golad shook his head. "We kill them all. Leave no one alive, Not in that realm. Not in any realm."

"Your sick." Orion said calmly.

Golad didn't say anything for a moment. "They ruined everything for us. They don't de-"

Orion jumped from his seat and sent a bolt of lightning at Golad only for the Lord to block it. Everyone gasped and stood up. Golad sent a beam of light from his hand at the Blackblood and it was stopped by a shield. A shield made by Cireen.

Golad glared at her. "You dare betray us?"

Halengast stood from his seat along with Artha. "If anyone is betraying us, it's you, Golad." Artha nodded in agreement.

"They deserve the worst pain imaginable." Golad growled.

Artha shook her head. "Did you forget? We Lords were created to protect the humans. Not destroy them."

Golad growled loudly but that's when the Immortals took their side. Orion stood at one side of the room with three Lords and the majority of the Immortal representatives while Golad and the other two Lords stood only with a few Immortals and none of them were strong. This was going to be bad for both sides. Orion had more on his side, but Golad was the strongest Lord, and he killed a God.

This was going to be ugly.


Villanueva.

He had to admit. He didn't think Gon would have figured out a trick like that so quickly. Go in the long way with everyone then break the wall and go through the short way. He rubbed his rear. It was a bit sore, but it was bearable. He patted Gon on the head and the boy smiled in response. Another sigh escaped his lips as he looked around the large room and spotted McFeely. She passed. Which means that it was time to take care of this. Netero said the Fourth Phase would be the best time to attack. But Villanueva doubted she would play fair. That's fine. Villanueva didn't mind getting his hands dirty if it meant they would be safe.

He chatted briefly with Vanessa and the others before joining the crowd. It would seem that lots will be the way the target would be decided.

"I need you all to draw lots." The Examiner told them.

"Lots?" One asked.

"For what?"

The Examiner smiled. "To determine who will hunt who and be hunted by."

Figures. Everyone but Villanueva got their lots. "Pay attention, everyone." The Examiner said. "Villanueva here, will have a special target." He then tossed a card to him.

Everyone turned to look at him as he tucked the card in his vest pocket. He barely made eye contact with them as he scanned the crowd.

"A special target?"

"What does that mean?"

"Who?"

Villanueva made eye contact with McFeely and her eyes went wide. Villanueva didn't react to that. It was only when she smirked and sent a silent message to him did he smirk back and put his shades back on. "Good luck~" He said in a singsong voice. Everyone shuddered. He played with the cross earrings and looked up. "May you give me strength to cleanse this lost Angel."

This was going to be a true trial.


Oh my. It seems like Kurapika is getting feeling for our little killer. Ah. He sought to defend him when Leorio was saying he controlled him. Which was true, but they don't know that. Villanueva may understand the love Sangue has for him, but does he understand what he's done? Will he realize what this feeling of familiarity about Kurapika is? Will he figure out that Kurapika cares for him before it's too late? Or will he abandon him once he completes his objective?

Mmmmm. The plot thickens. Next time on Displacement of the Devil. Villanueva and McFeely have their standoff while Kurapika sorts his feelings.

Please review, people. Someone new. Don't get me wrong. I like the reviews I have, but they're from the same person! So, others that are following and/or have favorited the story, please review. See you soon. Smiley face.

:)