Machi's POV

This isn't how it was supposed to be. I agreed to see Hisoka just because he had helped me locate the whereabouts of Chain User. To fulfill my end of the bargain, he told me that I have to kidnap Killua to lure Miu out. However, there will be a slight change to that plan and he asked me to meet him.

"Miu was so eager to betray you." Hisoka's words cut through me like knife. I knew Hisoka wanted to kill me someday, but not this day, not this soon, and definitely not with Miu involved. The last time I talked with her, we got into an argument, but I didn't think that could drive her to do this to me.

You will regret telling me this.

Her voice was calm and haunting with a mix of deep hatred in it. The moment I recalled these words, I know this is the end for me. It is a pity because we got along well, but then again, I was always jealous of her, and I knew there are moments when she hated me. Miu is a selfish person. That's why she envies my relationship with Dancho despite the fact that he clearly loves her more.

"You won't get away with this so easily, Hisoka." I said, staring hard at him and knowing that I will die soon. I have had too much damage; my body is unable to move anymore. It is a close fight, but Hisoka has always been sneakier than me and physically stronger.

"You will die and your precious Dancho won't save you. Miu is turning her back against you. No one will come for you." Hisoka moves his smiling face closer to mine. Those words can't hurt me. I know I have Genei Ryodan and my death will be avenged.

"Just get on with it, Hisoka." I spat. I am not afraid of death.

"Even in moment like this, you're still so cold to me. It's a pity I never get to see another side of you when you're with Kuroro." That again. He always seems to find ways to mention Dancho into the conversation because he knows Dancho is the only thing that can trigger any emotion in me.

"Any last words?" Hisoka's narrow yellow eyes gleams brightly, that reminds me so much of Miu. Even if she betrayed me, I don't feel any hatred towards her right now. I should be angry, but knowing my death is near, there is no use feeling hatred now. I don't believe in after life, I believe everything ends the moment you die.

"Can I ask you to do me a favor?"

"Hmm…What kind of favor?" within that few seconds Hisoka let his guard down, I use all the strength I have to pull the nen thread that I have been concealing from him with my aura. The thread isn't strong enough to slice Hisoka's limp, but it is enough to cause large opening on his shoulder. If he doesn't stitch it up soon, he can loose too much blood and die.

"I admire your spirit, Machi…it was fun while it lasted."

Hisoka's face is the last thing I see before everything else fades to black.

Kuroro's POV

Getting through the Zoldycks estate is not an easy task; mere humans definitely cannot pass through the first gate. But as member of Genei Ryodan, we all trained in physical strength and nen. Me, Feitan, and Franklin push the gates without much hassle. Despite this, I can't underestimate the Zoldycks because I was almost killed once when I faced Silva and Zeno at York Shin. I dare say that they have the most powerful nen I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot. I try to look calm, but I am actually dying the see Miu, to talk to her about all of this. I don't know if she is going to get married with Illumi or not, all I know is that Machi's death won't be in vain. And if she has any part in this, blood must be shed, even if it means hers.

Grrrrrrr

A big wolf is howling above us. A creature designed to obey only the Zoldycks and kill off any intruders. We don't want to waste anymore time so Franklin starts shooting the creature with nen bullets. Feitan and me quickly run away while Franklin is distracting it.

We face a girl who is standing alone in the middle of the forest.

"I can not let you pass this line." She says with determination in her eyes.

"I'm in a hurry." I quickly press her neck to render her unconscious. I could have killed her, but that would mean more dispute between Genei Ryodan and the Zoldycks. I would like to keep that to the minimum, I only came to get Miu.

Now the front building of Zoldycks estate is in a clear view.

…

Inside the Zoldycks estate, main dining room

Kalluto's POV

I'm angry. I'm angry because Killua nee didn't seem to mind this marriage at all despite knowing that Miu is unfaithful. I should have told mother about it. Wait…I can tell everyone now, right here, this moment, and let everyone know what Miu did to me. She didn't really hurt me, but making me unconscious is enough to make mother question Miu. I will take my revenge.

"Father, mother, I have something very important to tell you, it must be known before this marriage is official." I announce, my voice clear and loud. Everyone's attention turns to me. I catch a glimpse of Killua nee, his face is telling me to stop this. It is too late. I will not let Miu get away with this so easily. The world is so unfair, especially with Miu, who seems to get everything she wants, but not this time. I want to see her suffer.

"Miu Sinclair, Illumi nee's fiancé, even while she's engaged to him, she is seeing someone else." Miu's face shows no anger, surprise, or resentment. It was like she expected me to say it all along. I don't feel satisfied at all. The excitement that I had in me is all gone the moment I see her looking at me like she can see right through me.

"What are you saying? Miu, is this true?" my mother becomes restless. But before Miu can answer any questions, my father turns to me.

"Kalluto, explain this. Then we will ask Miu about what she has to say." His words are final; it has always been that way. I straighten up and continue.

"I saw Miu and Kuroro together."

"Kuroro, the Genei Ryodan's leader?" My mum asks, the laser at her eyes goes crazy.

"Yes, mother. And when I confronted Miu about it, she attacked me." I add. It is true. I haven't done anything wrong by saying this. But Killua nee looks at me accusingly. I feel like he will never forgive me for saying all this.

"How could you? Are you hurt, my child?" mother rushes to my side and eye Miu with suspicion.

"Miu, why did you do it? Is it because you love Kuroro?" I can feel that behind those lenses, her eyes are filled with tears. She really wanted Miu to be a part of us. And she is also angry, because she doesn't like being betrayed and because she must have thought that Miu would be smart enough to not mess with the Zoldycks. We do not take these actions lightly.

"Is that all, Kalluto?" Father asks me solemnly.

"Yes. That is all." I peer at Illumi nee, hoping to see some kind of reaction, but of course, as emotionless as he is, I see nothing has changed physically.

"Now, Miu, can you explain yourself?" Father's gaze falls upon Miu.

"Everything Kalluto just said is true. I have nothing to explain."

"So do you want to cancel this marriage then?"

"No. I want to marry Illumi."

"Then why did you do it?"

"That was before. I have made my decision and I swear that I will truly be a part of the Zoldycks from this point on."

"It is too late now. Kikyo, arrange for a new fiancé."

"I-" Miu starts but is interrupted almost immediately by Illumi nee.

"Father, I knew about it. I knew that Miu was seeing someone." Illumi nee's voice brings everyone's attention to him. Miu looks surprised at this confession. No one had expected it. I always thought Miu was using Illumi nee. But why would he keep this a secret? And how long have he known this?

"I don't think it changes anything really. Miu is still Miu. I don't think you can expect us, who didn't know each other at all, to suddenly become really close. For us, we have always kept a certain distance and gradually lessen it in our own pace. I want to love in such a way that the person I love feels free. Miu has made her choice and that is all that matters now." Something has changed about Illumi nee. He was always so controlling and manipulative, especially towards Killua nee. It's obvious he used to think that 'love' means 'control.' Right now, however, it's different. When did Miu have this much impact on him? Or is it that they both bring out the best of each other?

"Illumi, my son, I will not accept a woman who has betrayed a man. Especially when her affair is Kuroro. That man is dangerous. Miu is crossing the line."

Amid this tension, I glance at Miu and I can't believe what I see. There is tear on her face. Her expression doesn't change but I can see the tear rolling down her cheek. It was the most mysterious and beautiful thing I have ever seen. She looks almost vulnerable. And then she smiles at Illumi nee. I don't think anyone can ever hate her in that state. I completely forgot my hatred for her for a second there.

"Miu…" Illumi nee says her name and gently wipe her tears. His expression seems softer than usual.

"You know what, maybe we should talk about this again later, give them some time to settle this." Mother suggests. I can't make out how my father feels about all of this. Is he angry? Disappointed? Or is he happy that Illumi nee is capable of loving someone?

A butler came in, breaking the silence. He walks nervously and swiftly to my father, whispering something in his ear. There is a slight change of expression on his face. Something is happening.

"They are really good at hiding their auras." Father says.

"The Genei Ryodans are coming here. They are at the front building."

"Did you know anything about this? You better be honest." Despite father's calm surface, his aura is spreading.

"I warned them not to come." Miu answers immediately.

"I see. What do they want?"

"They just want to talk to me. Please let me settle this. I'll leave right now."

"No, stay. Let them come. I'm curious to hear what they have to say about you."

…

Illumi's POV

*tud*

The door opens loudly. The man standing in front of us is no one else, but Kuroro. Behind him are two other men I assume are the Genei Ryodan members. One has a scarf over his mouth and gives off a violent aura. The other person looks much calmer and with bigger build.

"I need to talk to Miu." Kuroro demands.

"Illumi, I will have to take her with me for now." He says and quickly snatches her.

"Why?" I turn to ask him.

"I'm not trying to break off your marriage. This is something else entirely." I stare back at him and take a step back. If this is something between them, I shouldn't meddle in it.

"What is it then?" Father's powerful voice echoes throughout the room.

"She killed one of us." Kuroro answers, his gaze falls on Miu.

"Miu?" I call her name. If this is true, something must be done about Miu. I know the Genei Ryodan will take revenge on all of their member's death. Knowing her, she will manage to get herself out of the mess somehow. But we're talking about Kuroro here, not to mention all the other members. I know him, but we're not close enough for me to know if he's going to kill her. If he really loves Miu, he'll kill her. He will kill to avenge the death in the name of love. And Miu won't fight back because she is not afraid of dying in the hands of kuroro.

"Illumi, I'll be back. And Kikyo and Silva, I'm sorry for all the trouble."

"I'll see you again?" Killua says, half pleading.

"Wait for me until then."

I am afraid that will be the last time I see her.

…

Miu's POV

Machi's lifeless body is covered in blood and stench. Hisoka didn't even bother to cover the body, but then again, it's Hisoka we're talking about. I bend down to touch her face.

"Care to explain why Machi was already dead before I got here?" Kuroro's icy voice makes me shiver. He can be really scary when he is angry.

"I was tricked. My agreement with Hisoka wasn't supposed to be like this." I must have looked too calm because Kuroro grab my wrist and squeeze it tightly.

"Are you even sad that Machi is gone now?"

"Of course I am. She is my friend." I spat. Just because I don't show my emotions doesn't mean I don't feel anything. Am I supposed to weep in front of her body right now? Is that what he means by being sad?

"Kuroro, you know well I won't let Hisoka harm her."

"Yes. But why would you plan this with him in the first place? What do you get out of this?" Kuroro is desperate for an explanation. He has lost his most loyal member of the troupe and he will lose me.

"I was in an argument with Machi. That drove me to make this decision." I confess. He will blame me for her death anyway, might as well tell the truth. And to be honest, I also have a part in killing her. It is also my fault.

"I'm sorry."

"It pains me to do this to you, Miu." He says, but his eyes betray him. I see it, in that instant, he is filled with lust to hurt me. With Feitan and Franklin beside him, I know there is no use resisting now.

"Feitan, take her to the cell."

"As you say."

…

Feitan's POV

I glance up just before I cut Miu's pinky finger. There is no fear in her eyes. When I cut it with a knife, she doesn't let out a single sound. This doesn't give me the satisfaction I needed at all.

"I could damage that pretty face of yours." I say, observing her reaction to that. This should make her wall breaks, even if a little.

"Do it. I will turn old and ugly anyway."

"You really don't care about that?" That comes as quite a shock to me. Maybe she's just faking it. I press my knife against her pale skin. Her green eyes looking directly at me and I see no fear. I thought she values beauty more than anything.

"I care but in the end we all die and nothing matters."

I slowly slid my blade across her cheek, stream of blood runs down her face. No words escape Miu's mouth. I could have done more damage, but I stop playing with her cheek at that. I don't plan on having her electrocuted; I know too well that she has resistance towards it.

"Well, next is your eye. Left or right?" Dancho said I could torture her all I want. I think he let me do this because he knows Miu deserves punishment but he couldn't bring himself to really torture her.

"Take both if you want." She dares.

"That's too quick for this." I reply, using the knife in my hand to take out her left eye. Blood spatters all over and yet Miu clenches her teeth. She bites her lip so hard it's bleeding but she won't scream. I have never tortured anyone with so much tolerance and determination.

"This isn't fun at all. You don't scream and you're not afraid." I complain, throwing the knife away.

"Sorry about that." She manages to smile at me. With one hollow eye and blood all over her face, she looks really creepy I couldn't bear looking directly at her.

"I'll keep this then." I show her eyeball in my hand.

"You're welcome." It baffles me how she can put up a front like this. I don't feel like torturing her anymore. But I need to do it because she is the reason Machi died, even if she didn't kill Machi directly.

"I never liked you. In fact, I hated you from the first time I saw you." I confess, not knowing why I'm telling her this. I still remember the first day I met her when she was sitting with Machi at a café.

"Don't tell me because I remind you of Hisoka?"

"True…But that's not all."

"Sometimes you just hate someone for no reason. I know I do." She shrugs. I never knew Miu could be so carefree. Maybe she's faking it. Still, there's a limit to how much you can fake while being tortured. Ah, I almost forgot she's a Sinclair, coming from an assassin family; she was trained to endure all kinds of torture from an early age.

"I'm going to get band aid." If she loses too much blood right now she will die. This is still too early for that. Besides, I kind of admire her a little. No one has been able to resist my torture as much as her. I would love to play with her more.

…

Miu's POV

I almost drift into sleep when I hear footsteps coming closer. With only light from candle and one eye left, I squint my eye to see the person better. At first I thought it was Feitan, but this person is taller…that fur coat must be…

"Kuroro?" My voice cracks. I can taste the blood in my mouth.

"Yeah. It's me."

"How are you doing?" I ask.

"I'm fine."

"Me too." I would have laughed if my face doesn't hurt this much.

"I should have known better. I thought you were weaker than this." I couldn't make out his face but I see he's handing me a water bottle. I take it and take a quick gulp. That feels much better.

"I'm not strong. It's just that…I have given up on life a long time ago. You should know. We are the same in that way." He sits down next to me.

"Do you want to go home?"

"Home? I don't have a home." I don't consider the Sinclair's place my home. I thought I was getting close to calling the Zoldycks estate my home, but that's not happening anymore.

"What about Illumi?"

I try to not think about him. I have never liked anyone as much as I like Illumi, that's for sure. What is he doing right now? I really want to know if he can forgive me, but maybe I don't deserve forgiveness. I deserve to be left in the dark alone.

"I don't want to see him. Or anyone."

"What would you do? If I let you go right now…"

"Oh, I don't know." But the truth is, I would track down Illumi. I just want to see how he's doing. But I daren't show my face to him. It's not just because of the state I'm in now, but after what I have done, I shouldn't be with him anymore. I know Kuroro doesn't buy it. He knows me well enough that I would do something.

"Despite your current stage, you still manage to impress me."

"Oh? I thought beauty is the only thing I have. I mean had."

"You're more than that." Why does he say these kinds of things to me? To comfort me? Make me feel better about myself? It makes me want to laugh.

"Kuroro, you can't even harm me, letting Feitan do all of this, when have you gotten this weak?" I challenge him. That seemed to get him quite heat up. He slaps my face, from that strength, he didn't hold out at all, did he? I can taste the fresh blood in my mouth.

"Does that make you feel better?" the numb feeling starts to overcome my face in place of the soreness.

"Did Illumi know about your past?" He asks me, ignoring my question.

"Yes." I lie. He doesn't know.

"When it comes to Illumi, you're see-through." A small smile spreads across his face.

"You have to admit sooner or later the Zoldycks will find out that you can't have children. They won't think twice about finding a new fiancé because what's the point if there's no one from Illumi to continue Zoldyck's legend."

...

A/N

I know it's been so long since my last update. I'm really sorry *bows*

With Machi's death and all these conflicts, I understand if anyone wants to stop reading. There will only be more tragedy after this. Also, this fic will end in a few more chapters. Thanks for reading and please review!