A gift

I was slowly waking up, but everything was still rather hazy and I couldn't exactly recognize where I was at the moment.''Was my bed always this so-..never mind. I'm not home.''
The sudden unfamiliar scent that lingered in the room, reminding me that I was not where I thought I would be.

And as soon as I realized that, a heavy feeling settled in me, knowing that I should probably stop hoping for a miracle where I would one day wake up in my own bed again.

But even for myself, I felt really exhausted, I didn't even want to open my eyes right now.
And for some reason, not only because I felt shit about being here, something else seemed physically heavy.

I inhaled out of reflex to get some air in my system.
It took me a couple of minutes to completely wake up, but when I decided that I should probably try and see why I felt so heavy, something was keeping me from moving entirely..

I lifted a hand to rub my sleepy eyes and stretch my arms above my head in some weird way.

But I still felt something protesting as I tried to move my body.

I was laying on my back when I felt that the heavy pressure rested on my legs more than any other part.

I tried my best to open my eyes and see what was causing this issue. ''Ugh seriously, I don't have time for this so early already. What could possibly b..''

I couldn't help but jump as I saw someone resting on top of my lower body. For a minute I was over taken by fear, and my senses were perfectly alert. I almost wanted to jump up and back away. ''God damn, these reflexes.'' I hushed down my heart rate, taking slow, deep breaths.

I noticed that it wasn't a complete stranger, having recognized the face of the person. But my movement had forced a grunt out of him as I had moved too suddenly.

My expression softened and I tried my best not to wake up the peaceful Alluka, who had fallen asleep on the end of the bed, with his head resting on his hands.

I could feel my legs slowly dying though, because I had been in one position for far too long in my sleep. ''Oh, why now, it's like waking up a sleeping kitten. You just don't want to do it.'' I still tried my best to move my legs so the action wouldn't wake the sleeping boy, who seemed to be in deep slumber.

As I almost had my legs freed from that uncomfortable position, I could hear a more unstable breathing kick in and hearing him make a small, quiet sound. I stopped immediately, being completely still and took a minute or two before continuing. In my head I kept on repeating that he can't wake up. But that hope faded when I saw movement.

He took a good hand full of the blanket in his possession and hugged it close to him, almost covering his face in it. That was my chance to move the last part of my legs from under him and I was now crawling over the bed to sit up and placed my feet on the ground. ''Thank god.''

But I was still in a rather awkward situation. If someone were to walk in, they would see a rather disturbing image of my bony nude body.

I remembered putting the towel aside, so that was my only option to cover up right now.

When I finally managed to take my gaze off of Allukas peaceful sleeping face, I took a look in front of me, noticing something new that I didn't remember being there before. '' Oh, so he actually managed to find something.'' I felt rather relieved, because in my current state, I had no clothes to cover my pathetic self.

I stood up to go and take a look at the robes which were new to me. The patterns themselves looked floral. The color tone was light yellow, and as it went around following the floral lines it became more greenish. The flower patterns turned more redder at the ends.

Over all, the design seemed rather bright and catered towards spring.

When I examined the dress, I noticed that it seemed to be a type of a yukata. Nothing that Alluka wore though. Alluka's clothes reminded me of a miko. Knowing that Alluka had healing powers, the priest clothing did fit him perfectly, but I couldn't help but think that their mother had something to do with how the younger ones seemed to be dressed. Knowing that she herself followed some historical trends, it wasn't a surprise that in her lonely feminine life, she would probably want a daughter. So it was not avoidable, that she possibly wanted to dress her cute boys in these sort of dress-like garments.

She clearly had an obsession in dressing up her sons in these gentle looking female clothes. But it seemed that Illumi, Milluki and Killua managed to escaped that fate, fortunately. ''I guess loneliness does it's job. I mean.. she is a woman after all. Wishing for a girl isn't out of the question. And currently there are only some female staff around, but not anyone from their family. I couldn't blame her if she indeed want to have some bonding time with another woman in the house.''

Even the more serious type, Kalluto, happened to wear such clothes as Alluka. ''And whats up with their names...who's idea was it to use double L's in their names.'' It always had bothered me. Not that any of the names were bad, but the curiosity still stood. '' And somehow all their name's sound perfectly fine.''

''And how come Killua is the only one with white hair...Did the rest of them just happen to decide it was better to go with mommy's genes as an embryo?' Is that why he was chosen as the successor? Because he's like his dad?'' Honestly I didn't even know why I pondered about this while looking at clothes. Maybe because all of this was just so new to me, so I questioned everything.

But while I was thinking about more silly things, I decided to try on the girly yukata. The thought of trying on something I never got to wear in my life was exciting and fun.
The length was fine, as it was probably tailored to suit a kid, and the fabric felt unbelievably soft and comfortable, yet at the same time it was nice and warm, but airy.

I knew the basics when it came to these sort garments, but tying up the obi was going to be a trial.

I had no clue how to do it properly so I stood there for a good while trying to figure it out. Not finding a useful solution.

I suddenly heard a small giggle behind me and I turned around automatically, still having my hands holding the obi around my back.

'' Morning Allika! Why didn't you wake me up, I wanted to help you with that and surprise you~.'' Allukas voice was still cheery but at the same time he was clearly pouting over the matter.

I sort of felt guilt dripped, so I gave a small laugh before answering. '' Ah, I let curiosity take over me, and wanted to see it for myself..and I sort of got ..tied up in the activity. But I didn't want to wake you, you seemed comfortable.'' I once again turned side ways towards the mirror, so I could half-way see what I was doing behind my back.

I heard Alluka pout more, '' Mhh! That's because Illu-nii doesn't let me have friends. It felt nice sleeping next to a new friend!'' Alluka was laying on his back when he threw his arms and legs up in the air, expressing his joy in having a companion.

I honestly felt bad for him. Even though I knew he has been living this way for his entire life. He just doesn't know better, only through Killua does he know the outside world and other norms to human behavior. But of course, any kid would want a friend at one point. No one is born dense and evil.

I just couldn't help but want to spend time with him. He isn't allowed much activity, and he has to sit in this old house with these creepy people. ''How do you manage to stay so happy..''

''I don't want you to get in trouble if you're doing something you shouldn't be.''
I still wasn't sure in what time period I was in currently. I did know, or more like had a feeling, that the Chimera Ant incident should be over. At least I hoped it was. ''Alluka was locked up the entire time then, wasn't he? If that was the case then I shouldn't be seeing him around the house so freely.''

Alluka rolled on to his stomach while laying his head on his arms and swinging two feet above the sheets. '' It's OK, I'm allowed to move around the house, I just can't go outside by myself yet.'' His smile broadened and it seemed like he was thinking of the happiest moment ever.
'' Besides, Killu-nii said that once I'm older, I can go along with him and travel! So sitting here for that is worth it! I can't wait~ It's going to be so much fun again!''

My eyes softened and I noticed that I was also smiling. ''He's so cute and innocent. I can understand Killuas protectiveness over him. He doesn't want these monsters to defile him.'' That smile was gone when I remembered why he was protecting Alluka in the first place.

They wanted to contain him; control him; kill him. Anything sounded good as long as Alluka was in their possession, because in their words, he wasn't considered human, but a something with tremendous power. ''What category can I fit myself in..I have basically taken over another persons living form..that just doesn't sound right in any way. Or more like, my logic can't accept this situation in any way possible.'' Just when I had gotten lost in thought, I felt a hand on my shoulder and that made me jump a little in my spot.

'' Oh, uhm, sorry. I got lost in my thoughts.'' I smiled back while saying that and looked at him curiously. '' Did you ask something?''

'' I just asked if you want help with the obi. You're really slow at this.'' His expression stayed the same while giving that straight forward comment, I had to stare at him for a bit and turned my back.

'' Sure you can help. I most probably won't know how to do it the right way anyway, even if I tried.''

He waved his hands up in the air while cheering in delight and got to work right away, fixing the mess I had created.

'' Yay! I always liked doing this. It's like a dress up party. I have seen the maids do this a lot, so I'm a professional!'' He sounded so happy, just from a small thing like this. ''You must be really lonely here without Killua. Where you get all this positivity is beyond me.''

''By the way Alluka,''

''Hm? Nani.'' He didn't take his eyes off of the obi for a second and just listened.

''Where did you get this. I don't think this would be yours, or by any chance you just happened to get it from your mother?'' I held my hands on the obi that was tied around my stomach.

''Ehhh! You can tell!? You're so smart! But this old thing? It was Kallu-chans when he was still younger. He started growing a lot right now so this didn't fit him anymore. Mama doesn't throw anything away though, so I thought you could use it right now.'' He patted my back softly with both hands and smiled widely. ''See! It fits you perfectly. You're so cute now~ '' He clapped his hands together and almost jumped up and down. I couldn't help but feel a little awkward as he hugged me from behind and rested his chin on my shoulder. I had to blush at this sudden contact and kept my hands still, not wanting to be rude and push him away. After all, he did nothing wrong.

I gave him an awkward smile and turned around as he slowly let go of the embrace.
'' I think you're exaggerating, Alluka. I need to eat better to look at least decent enough. Cute is a word I would not use right now.''

'' Ehhh~ You're too modest.'' He placed both hands on his hip, pouting.

'' Young Master Alluka. Sorry to disturb you.''

We both hurried to look at the doorway. Having heard an unfamiliar voice from the doorway all of a sudden.
I turned to see a butler bowing as much as he could towards the ground, after saying that.

'' Stop being so formal and act normal! Geesh~ It looks so weird when you bow Katsu,'' said the boy with a frown on his face while walking up to the young man.

The butler looked really young now that I examined better. ''Around 17-19? Where do you guys find these people to work here... it's crazy.''

The young butler had sun golden eyes which were slightly narrowed and turned up from the corners. ''I guess you could call this a hunter world Asian? But such bright eyes.. it looks like melted honey.''

His hair was fiery red, and it had a soft yellow hue shine through his hair as the bright morning light hit his features. He had a nice slim tall body and a rather handsome face. Being almost baffled, I stopped and admired him, ''...He looks too cute to be working in this place...where did you go wrong in life. What made you come here..''

''My apologies Young Master, but you know this is how we need to address you.'' The guy was fairly polite and his voice had a nice low ring to it. He sounded very calm, but empty at the same time. His expression also seemed to not tell anything specific, it was as if he was a mannequin. But a handsome mannequin at that.
'' Oh yea, go have crushes at random guys now will you, Aru.'' But he was fairly close to my type, not that I prioritized looks. If you couldn't get along with the person then a pretty face wouldn't help in the long run. I blushed a little as I found myself staring at him. I looked away as to not seem rude by simply looking at someone for no other reason than going over his appearance.

''Yes, yes I know! Now get up! It's weird,'' Alluka said while pushing the guys head up from his bowing stance while having a palm against his forehead.

''So why did you come here Ka-chan.'' The butler, named Katsu, raised an eyebrow to this random nickname and waited for a moment.

I could of sworn he gave me a rather unfriendly glance just then, but maybe I imagined it.

''I came to notify you, that lunch has been prepared and that you should come right away, since you seemingly have skipped breakfast.'' He spoke calmly, but in a way that it would seem as if he was scolding Alluka.

The guy stood back up completely, straightening his back and keeping his right hand placed against the left side of his chest.

''Such manners.. I can understand why Alluka finds this strange.'' I wasn't all that sure what to do or say, so for now I waited and observed. I held my hands together from the back and forgot that I was staring at him again, so I immediately removed my gaze and stared out of the window, as if what they were talking about, wasn't any of my business.

''Oh really!? Yaay~,'' Alluka swung his arms in the air and swirled around on his heel, walking towards me and grabbing my hand in the process. ''Lets go! I can't wait to see what we have today.'' His smile was all someone needed to just feel totally refreshed.

All I could manage was to nod in the sudden change of plans and let myself be half dragged along by Alluka, who eagerly wanted to hurry to the dining room. I huffed a smile and hoped that I would not get tired. I wouldn't want to kill his hyper happy mood.

I had to half speed walk, because the yukata was keeping my legs from moving freely.

While walking straight down the hall, I momentarily looked back to see if the butler had followed, but saw nothing. ''Guess he has his own things to do.''

Alluka almost dashed around the corner and wanted to run down the stairs, but I held him back. I wasn't going to end up dripping and getting a broken neck. Besides that, I still didn't quite appreciate the sudden physical activity that I was forced into. It had a lot of strain on my body and I was trying to be careful.

Even if Alluka had healed me to an extend, I was not going to take any risks right now.

''Hurry, hurry Allika! You don't want to miss anything~ '' It was almost impossible to overlook his excitement. ''I don't think he's ever had friends over; Enjoying a meal together with someone or even being accompanied by someone else other than his family and the staff.''

I gave in to his bright energy and tried to at least hold him back for both of our sake. ''Don't run down the stairs Alluka, I might drip, I don't want to drag you with me.''

His hyper mood didn't change and he turned around momentarily to look at me, turning his gaze back to the front when seeing that he had almost reached the doorway.''Hmm? What was that?'' We reached the bottom of the stairs, at the same time, two butlers opened the doors and Alluka hurried towards the dining room from the guest room. I didn't let myself be bothered by any of this and just gave him an awkward smile. ''N-No it's nothing..''

The table was already marvelously covered and I took my time in inspecting everything because Alluka had finally taken his time in slowing down. Also giving me the opportunity to catch my breath and calm heart.

Alluka tugged my sleeve and pointed towards two chairs across the room. He smiled brightly and I walked along with him, taking a seat next to the energetic boy after he had chosen a place to sit down.

I had to admit that small sprint did wear me out, and I had to take a few breaths in order to calm myself down before I got lightheaded from the lack of energy in my body. That also being, because I haven't eaten to restore that energy.

You could say his eyes sparkled in the sight of the food, which were mostly sweets and pastry.

Going over the fact that I've had the small food test with Illumi, I was safe to assume that I could eat what ever I wanted. The problem now was, how much should I eat? Would I feel sick afterwords, or would my stomach simply give in to the amount.

As I was going over this thought, my attention went back to Alluka, who had taken a huge piece of pie with two hands, and was now stuffing his face with it.

I couldn't help but be astonished by his lack of table manners, or he simply forgot them over the excitement.

Looking at his appetite, I think I found it right that I start eating as well.

I looked in front of me and decided to take a small piece of clean chicken breast. They were already sliced to small, thin parts, so I didn't have to worry about cleaning anything out.

When I finally took the time to enjoy the flavor, I looked next to me when I felt Alluka tug at my sleeve.

''Ne, ne! Allika, do you like the food?'' His face was covered in crumbs and some sort of paste from the pie, it was hard to look away and not laugh. He looked confused and pouted at my sudden reaction.

'' Ehh! What is it!'' His face didn't change and I tried to keep back my giggles.

'' Ah, mh, khm, nothing~ Sorry Alluka, but your face is covered in paste.'' The sleeves of this robe were fairly long and they covered my hands when I held it against my mouth to muffle the laughter. I pointed at his face with my other hand and I saw him stare at me for a long while.

''Ah..uhm, did I go too far?'' After clearing my throat I looked back at him and felt rather awkward being stared at. '' ...Uhm, Alluka? Something wrong?''

He closed his eyes and shook his head in denial, while opening up his eyes again, he smiled up at me.

''Ok, kind of weird here now..'' I felt more awkward by the second and decided to turn back to my food.

''You're a really nice person, Allika! I'm happy that my powers brought someone like you back into good health~.'' His voice was delighted and happy, but what he said confused me a little. But for now, all I did was smile and nod to myself. He saw my silent agreement and smiled more brightly and went back to eating more pastry sweets.

''Bringing me back? ...Ah, I guess he hasn't been told the full story. They probably stored up lies like I was some dying girl and I needed help..'' I couldn't of been sure of my assumption, but that's what it looked like to me. And I felt bad, because clearly they were taking advantage of his kindness to bring something like this to life, AKA Me. ''How would they accomplish making Alluka agree anyway..did they control Killua into commanding him to do so?''

That thought made me perplexed. ''If they're controlling Killua in some way..then this is really bad. But..''
I started to sulk over my food at that thought, trying to convince myself that that was a stupid idea. ''There's no way Killua would let himself be controlled...unless he sacrificed himself for Allukas freedom...'' I blinked a couple of times and shook that thought out of my head as well.

There's too many things I still don't know. I couldn't possibly just assume everything, but it did leave me worried. I knew very well that I must not trust these people. Aside from Alluka at least, but I still kept myself on high alert. ''Anything can be possible. But I can't keep on lingering on these thoughts, they'll just corrupt me, and I'll look suspicious.''

While I was going through these ideas, I left myself on autopilot and kept eating and refilling my plate with small amounts of food. I started to feel full quite quick though, and finished up on the last piece of salad on my plate. I took the napkin that was laying on the table and whipped my face clean, not that there was anything there, but it was more like common table mannerism. ''Thank you for the food, it was more than perfect.''

That statement was more directed to the butlers around us, rather than a personal comment.
In that moment I clapped my hands together, brought them up to my forehead and bowed a little.

''Wait...huh..'' That action confused me more than I would of expected and I lowered my hands and I eyed to room in silence.

Not that I expected to see a reaction from these people, but they showed no interest in what I had done. '' What on earth did I just do.. And why did I do it.. Is this body used to something I'm unaware of?''
I thought that maybe there was still something at the back of my head that made me act in a certain way. Like these reflexes I had some times, or the way I acted in certain moments.
I couldn't of been wrong to assume that there were certain personal traits still lingering from this girls past. ''Is Kakin more traditional? Was she from a good family? Spoiled maybe?''

I went over all kinds of ideas until Alluka saw that I had stopped eating.

''Ehh! But Allika, you haven't even had dessert~ You must try it!'' His voice whined next to me and I raised my hand in apology.

''I'm sorry, I really am full. But I promise I'll fix my appetite so I can eat more delicious things.''

You could see disappointment in his face and a frown. I just smiled for a forgiveness and he finally sighted.

''Mouu! Fine, but that's a promise!''

''Hai hai.'' I somewhat felt relaxed again after that short conversation, but it was shortly lived when I heard a screeching sound coming from the doorway.

'' Ohhh my~ So this is our little guest. My, you sure are cute, you have death written all over your face~ How marvelous~''

The over dramatic presence that couldn't be overlooked caught my attention fast and I couldn't help but stare in shock.

Next to me, Alluka, had a plain face on and kept looking at the intruder as well. '' Mama.''

All thought she no longer wore that ridiculous hat, she still had that weird machinery around her face that covered her eyes. Her hair was loose and the front strands were pulled back and pinned with a gigantic flower ornament. Her dressing was weird as usual, but now she worse a black puffy dress that was lacy from the bottom and on the top side.

I wanted to run away. Her aura was overflowing, and honestly she was one of the people that I was actually scared of.

Her personality was so twisted, even if she didn't do any physical harm to someone, her attitude made you want to turn the other way instantly. ''Must run in the genes..''

She fanned a frilly black laced fan in front of her face, and when she lowered it you could see her grin a mile away.

I didn't want to leave a bad taste in this persons mouth, so I quickly got up from my chair and bowed a little, folding my arms in front of me. '' Ah, I'm sorry, it's really nice to meet you K-...Mrs. Zoldyck! I hope I'm not intruding too much.''

She grabbed both of her arms by the elbows and walked closer. ''Oh~you're so well mannered. It's fine, it's fine~ No need for such politeness. I wanted to come and see you sooner, but Papa kept me away with work.'' She kept one hand wrapped around her waist and brought the other to cover her mouth. ''I am so glad to finally meet you~''

I didn't know why, but you could hear the malice in her tone as she spoke the last words, and it froze the blood in my system.

I tried my best to give the kindest and brightest smile, as I was taught to give at work towards guests who were actually assholes, and you wanted to smack them across the room. But this time it was out of fear and to show respect.
'' I'm also very happy to meet you, I could say it's an honor, but please don't spoil me with your presence. I wouldn't want to take advantage of that and get used to it.''

After hearing my comment, a smile was spread across her face and she hid it behind her fan, giggling it off. ''Oh child, where did you learn such flattery. It is a shame that you're a girl with such politeness. I would be effected more if you were one of my handsome sons.'' She eyed me intensely.

I smiled up at her as she was still fanning away her comments and I couldn't help but get stuck on that one.
''Are you saying you would be taken in by me if I was a guy ... I misunderstood that right? That is just so wrong..Or maybe it's just her weird way of showing obsession and affection?..''

'' I wouldn't lie to you. There wouldn't be any need for that in front of such a lady as yourself.''
This was nothing more but simple psychology. Take in the persons personality traits, and tell them what they want to hear. Even though they might be big words, for me it had zero meaning. It's true that I didn't lie to her, but given my comment, if I wasn't smiling up at her and giving off such a friendly aura, she would know the true meaning behind my words. I desperately tried to mask my fear infront of her, as I didn't know how she would be effected by it. And I didn't want her going crazy.

Alluka also seemed to act a little more distant than he was before, so I knew what to expect if I presented myself in the wrong light.

I wouldn't say that I was trying to be completely smug and leave an impression on this woman, but I made it clear to myself to stick to this persons good side.

Compared to Illumi, even she was more frightening than that guy. I didn't know much about her abilities, but I knew that she could see far beyond what anyone could possibly wish to see. In short, she was a dangerous person who I wouldn't really depend on.

I knew that her over exaggerating persona was from her confidence that she was really strong, so hiding any sort of reaction was not important to her. And the way she reacted to things was from how she grew up.
But of course in Kikyo's case, it was more than just a simple - '' oh I had a bad childhood and was treated like crap''kind of thing. Anyone who came from Meteor City was not right in the head, and Kikyo was probably one of those who had a really, really difficult time. Also counting in the fact that she was brought here to be a part of the Zoldyck family. She must of been crazy strong back then already, if she caught Silvas eyes..

'' And I was wondering why Alluka needed that yukata. But I have to say you look absolutely adorable in it~'' She was hitting that pitch again, where she was exclaiming in an overly dramatic way, and it made me want to take a step back. But I forced to stand my ground, not wanting to seem rude.

'' I'm really thankful for this, I will return it once my set of clothes will be wearable again.''

''Oh no, dear. You don't have to return it. You live here so there is no need. More than that, I will have to give you proper clothes, not those what Illumi-kun gave you. It's not right for a lady to walk around in boys clothes.'' She bent towards me a little, whispering the last part while keeping the fan next to her face. ''Oh dear god.''

''Ah, really, there's no need for that. I'm really thankful for the offer, but I will be fine with anything.''

She stood back up firm, keeping a grip on her elbow with one hand while the other was brought to her chest. ''Absolutely not! I can not have a young woman walk around like that in my house. It is absolutely unacceptable!'' She turned around, a hand on her hip while pointing at a butler.

''You! Go gather decent garments for our guest. I will not have her walking around the house like that!''

I still kept my smile up, but inside I felt like I wanted to die of embarrassment. ''Why, oh why is this happening. Of all the people I could of met, she was here first. She's giving this too much attention.''

I huffed in defeat, still trying to mood in high spirits. '' I really am fine though, there is no need to do so much for someone like me.''

''Nonsense~ All my beautiful sons are all grown up. They won't let their mother decide for them anymore. It makes me feel young again having a wonderful guest around.'' She brought her hand near her eye, pretending that she was sad over that thought.

''This is so not how I expected her to be... I hope I can go back to the library soon.'' I gave another reassuring smile and bowed just a little. ''Then I will gladly take the offer. I will be looking forward to it.'' I was crying internally, not wanting to put up with this woman. ''I don't want this...I didn't think I would have to play as someones trophy doll. Please oh please, training, save me.''

'' Ahh! No. I forgot some urgent business. I need to go little one~ Take care of yourself now.'' With that sudden outburst she ran out of the door and it left me to stare into space for a while.
''Well at least I got that off my back for now... I wonder why she was so attached to me. This is definitely not how you would act around a stranger, who just happened to come alive in your basement.''

I heard some muttering behind my back and a cough. I turned to see the redheaded butler who came to notify Alluka earlier. He looked at me with a blank stare and bowed, placing his right hand over his chest.

''Miss, Master Illumi wishes to see you in the library. I came to escort you there.''

I raised an eyebrow at that and looked fairly surprised by the sudden summon. ''A..ah, sure, of course.'' I moved away from the table and pushed the chair back under the table. I looked at Alluka who looked lonely already. '' I'll see you later Alluka. Not like I'll be going anywhere. I'm just going to go study.'' I turned around and waved it off after seeing that I got the same response from him waving back.

The butler kept the door open and I walked out, thanking him for the help. I then waited for him to lead the way, because in all honesty, I couldn't possibly remember where something was at the moment. Only thing I recalled, was the way to my room and the dining area.

It felt a little weird in the long lingering silence, but I didn't find it suitable to bring up a conversation with this person, so I tried keeping my interest towards my surroundings, and hopefully remember the path to the library. Even though I knew that my activity around this house was currently restricted if I was by myself, I still wanted to remember the way. For what ever reason might come up.

I silently took a deep breath, to keep my stamina going, because I knew that if I was being called to the library, I had work to do. So getting tired now was not an option. Most likely I wasn't going to be given the freedom of such indolent behavior.

'' We can take a break, if you need to, Miss.'' He didn't even need turn around to see that I was tired? Well, so much for my cover up.

'' There's no point to it. I need to get used to moving anyway. Spoiling my body with useless stuff like that won't get me anywhere.'' I came and said that out frank. There was a minute or two before I talked again.

''But thank you for the offer, uhm.. Katsu?''

He turned his head a bit and there was a grin on his face.
That did not leave me in a very comfortable spot, because the last time I saw him, he seemed like the gloomiest person I had ever seen.
'' Sorry, no. Katsu is my brother. My name is Retsu.''

I blinked at him a couple of times, thinking over who I saw before and who was standing in front of me now, before giving him a surprised look. '' Ehh, that's pretty cool, you're twins?''

''Yes, we are.'' He turned to face forward and kept walking ahead.

I couldn't help but wonder about the things they say about twins. I never actually met any in person. '' Is it true that twins have a special connection?''

'' As in what exactly?'' He slowed down a bit to look at me from the corner and I caught up with him on an even pace.

'' Such as knowing where the other is, feels, thinks? Or perhaps a special communication ability with telekinesis.''

'' Hmm. There might be, but not with us,'' he commented, smiling at my non stop questions about this matter.

We stopped at the library door and he turned to face me while opening the door with one hand to let me go in.''He sure doesn't say much..but I guess that's what they're trained for.''

'' Pity. That would be something interesting to see.'' Not that I expected him to share the information of their abilities, but it still perked an interest in me to know. I still haven't seen actual Nen since I got here, and assuming that they were twins, it was fun to imagine what abilities they might have. Not that I would want to see the Nen of the Zoldycks, that's way too dangerous to be near when that happens.

''Indeed it would.'' With that final word, he closed the door when I entered the room and walked off.

My expression dropped immediately when I saw my favorite person sitting across the room, reading a book.

''Finally showed up. I don't think I need to tell you what you need to do.''

'' It's great to see you too. And no, you don't need to remind me of such great things.'' I couldn't help but respond in a sarcastic way, and I do hope he understood that.

Whether he gave me a silent response or not, I couldn't tell. I decided to pick up where I left off, and climbed the stairs to the second floor.

I somehow did expect to see some improvement, but I still got tired rather fast and had to take a break. I sat on a box and raked a hand through my hair to get it out of my face. ''I forgot to cut it.. I need to do it some time, or it's going to be impossible to work like this. Plus it just gets in my way every time. I mean heck it's so fucking long I can trip on it.'' While I debated how and when I should cut my hair, I stood up and gathered some of the books laying on the ground. And when I say some, I mean two.

I noticed that this part of the library had thick and heavy books, so carrying around many would be a disadvantage to me. Not to mention that some where gigantic, so carrying those were out of the question.

I had written down the symbols of the shelves and found that there were 17 different categories. Each of those having at least three to five shelves.

What those categories were, I could only assume if I found a picture book.

I stacked up the books near a destined bookshelf.
Those which didn't seem to go on this floor, I placed on a separated table near the stairs.

It would be easier to transfer them down later if they were closer.

It didn't seem like much work had been done, but I could tell that a lot of time had passed since I last got here. Whether Illumi was still here hadn't even crossed my mind, nor did I bother going down to check.

''I have to admit that eating that small portion sure did help right now. I don't feel as tired as I used to.''

I was currently looking over some scattered paperwork. They weren't marked, so it was hard for me to decide where to place them. ''I guess there's no need to think about it now.'' I took the paper pile and walked over to the table that was already stacked with books, but still threw those on top of everything else.

Looking up at the first shelf, I felt rather proud of myself. It started to look decent.

Since I still couldn't read this language, I arranged the books by color of the cover. Being the artsy type that I was, I simply took the most natural color order and placed them accordingly. Starting from white, ending with black.

At least it looked pleasing to the eye, and it somewhat made it easier to memorize what had been placed where. At the moment I could say that I remembered most of the covers of the books, so if I had to dig something up, I knew exactly where it would be. ''I know this is something irrelevant, but I still can't help but feel a bit happy for doing this.'' I dropped my head and shook it a little. '' Such a small matter to get happy over, silly me,'' I mocked myself.

I thought of taking a small break, so I went to lean on the edge of the metal rim of the second floor. And as I looked down at the spot where I had seen Illumi sit before, it turned out to be empty right now.

I wasn't surprised, he was bound to leave at some point.

It was quiet.

I rested my head on my arms and looked over the library once again. It still looked impressive as ever, so I took in the scenery, breathed in the smell of old paper and books, also a heavy musty smell that lingered in here. But it somehow felt nice and cozy. I closed my eyes and concentrated on my hearing for a little.

It was strange how no vision can improve someones hearing if you actually focused on it.

At that moment I heard a small sound. I didn't pay it much attention, given that it could be anything. ''Maybe they have rats.''

As I took the time to relax again, I heard the same echoing sound, but I could identify it better now. It was the sound of something metal. It was really light, so it only gave off a tender sound.

When I got that idea in my head that it sounds like needles dropping, I opening my eyes and backed away from the edge to see Illumi standing next to me with a pair of long pins in his hand. That image alone was enough to set me off course.

'' Ara..you heard me?''

'' ...'' I didn't know what to say, should I be thankful for my own hearing and let it go, or start screaming at him for trying something funny. Either way, I was fairly shocked at why he would come here like that.

'' It's not you what I heard..it was your pins... What the hell are you even doing standing here with those.''

He slowly lowered his hand and pocketed the pins, for now I heard nothing. ''How was I able to...''

''Nothing much, I simply wanted to see if you'd let your guard down, I guess your instincts saved you from hard labor.''

I glared back at him softly and stood straight. '' That won't happen unless you leave this house.''

'' Hoo? I'm the cause? Well..at least I'm doing something until your fully authorized over to me.''

Those were the words I was not too thrilled to hear. I didn't realize, that once I'm physically better, Zeno will not hold Illumi back. That's the real time I need to be worried about.

Ignoring his comment, I switched the topic. He clearly knew that it's something I wanted to avoid. '' So is there something you actually wanted to tell me, or did you come up here, simply to disturb me.''

He huffed a small smile, which sent chills running down my skin. ''Had I ever seen him smile like that? This is so out of character and weird.''

'' A little bit of both. But no, I came to hand this to you.'' He took out a box from his jacket pocket, stepped closer, which I didn't approve of much, and handed it to me. I did take my time before actually accepting it, because it was still something from him.

I stared at the box and back at him. '' And this is?'' I asked, looking at him suspiciously.

'' This is a digital noter that Milluki designed. It will have all of your schedules and other important information when your training starts.'' As he was explaining this, I took the time to open the box and see that it was a circular touch screen object. There were various buttons around the edges and like on most phones that I used to see back at home, a round button built in to open it. ''Looks like handling this wont be a problem at least.''

I wasn't exactly grateful for this ''gift'', but I looked up at him to give my gratitude anyway, '' thanks Illumi, I'll take care of it.'' The last part did sound more like sarcasm than an actual intent of caring for the object. But I guess he found it amusing, because he looked back and smiled.

'' You're very welcome.'' From that comment I felt a little stoic and almost immediately had an annoyed face. Illumi then turned around and walked down the stairs in a calm matter. ''Seriously.. what is up with him..He's becoming more creepy and unbearable by the day.. Annoying cocky dick head.''

Currently I wasn't even exactly sure why I felt so irritated. Nothing even happened. ''I guess he's just that bored of waiting that he can't help himself anymore... Never mind, it's not like him to be impatient over something like this.'' I sealed up the box again and put it down on the small wooden table next to me. ''Or maybe he is that eager to play around with a toy, with his own set of rules that he hasn't been able to do now that Killua isn't around anymore.. Ugh..that thought depresses me.''

I looked behind me with a terribly annoyed face.'' Maybe I actually should run away...''

Also Claraa : Mayu(the vocaloid) wont be in the story, nor is she the character(Aru) but she was a great inspiration for me to create Aru's character, so to keep myself in track and not forget what I aimed for, I used this picture as a reminder. I'm sorry if it confuses some people.

Also her appearance is something I used to create how Aru looks like, but it was more of a reference picture.
Aru is tiny and slender, and she has long flowy hair, and later on you'll see the after math as her character and personality develop.

And I'm sorry if this chapter was a little weird and confusing to read. I tried fixing it, but it's just such a boring chapter that I didn't know how to fix.