A X Deadly X Interest
Chapter 10
AN/: Welcome back to AxDxI and thanks for reading this far! This chapter had quite a few firsts writing-wise for me so please excuse me if some of it comes of maybe a little less polished than usual. That said I did have fun writing this so I hope you all Enjoy!
As soon as I saw the figure appear I jumped backwards to create distance. Moments later I was glad I had because the move brought two more shadowy figures to my attention. 'They were attempting to ambush me,' I realized. 'This was no coincidence.'
My eyes flitted around the clearing, trying to find a way out but there was none. The figures had me surrounded and were now closing in slowly. Seeing no other option than to fight I pulled my daggers from their sheaths and got into a ready stance.
I shifted around carefully, attempting to keep all three in my sight at the same time but it was hard. The three were clearly used to working together and they circled me with a quiet confidence, almost a swagger.
Not long after they first appeared one of the figures finally stepped into one of the last remaining rays of sunlight. I quickly took in his appearance. It was a tall man, quite sturdily built with black hair and dark eyes. He wore a yellow-greenish shirt with thin stripes and a blue cap with the visor turned backwards. His most distinguishing feature seemed to be the thin stripes that extended vertically from each eye- probably some sort of make-up I deduced.
The man's appearance was enough for me to confirm the identity of my other would-be-assailants as well and I was proven correct when not soon after the remaining Amori brothers stepped into the light.
"Three on one boys?" I called out. "You sure you like these odds?" I deliberately put on my most annoyingly taunting voice, figuring I could stall for time while I came up with a plan. It also served the lovely purpose of pissing them off and would hopefully cause them to lose their focus. Meanwhile I had activated my Hatsu and was using this time to take in their stats.
"Tch," One of the brothers spat, the one in red. I focused on him and saw he was glaring at me dismissively. Clearly he didn't believe I was much of a threat.
"Just hand over your tag and we won't hurt you," the brother in blue cautioned, attempting a friendly smile but it came off forced.
The Amori in yellow grunted in agreement but didn't otherwise make any attempts to look less threatening.
"I'm sorry but I'd really rather not," I replied casually, plastering a big fake smile on my face in a gross mockery of Blue's. "You see I still have need of it myself."
"We have you outnumbered," Blue pointed out rationally, "it really would be better if you-"
"Don't bother," Red snapped. "We wasted enough time already waiting for her to leave that freak."
His voice practically dripped with derision as he said 'freak' and something about the way he said it tugged painfully at something inside of me. I tried to ignore the unpleasant feeling but found myself frowning nonetheless.
"Now boys that isn't a nice way to talk about somebody," I admonished, keeping up the fake playful act with difficulty.
"Shut up, bitch," Red spat. He turned to his companions. "Imori, Umori, I've heard enough. Grab her and take her tag."
I tensed up when I heard that, smile falling off my face.
Yellow hesitated. "Are you sure about that, Amori? What if she's like the kid?"
Blue paled slightly but Red only grew more enraged it seemed. "I don't care! We need her tag. She probably only got this far because she was hanging with the clown bastard anyway."
Yellow frowned but nodded.
At the same time my brow furrowed. I was really getting sick of people underestimating me. I did not need Hisoka's protection damnit. I could do just fine by myself. If anything me surviving around the volatile jester was a testament to my skill, and not something which undermined it like these men believed it to be.
Silence reigned in the clearing for a moment, the calm before the storm and then as if by some unseen signal they charged. 'There probably really was a signal,' I reflected as I dodged the first punch from Blue and deflected another attempt by Red. Yellow came in from above and I dove to the side and into a roll, creating distance once more and making it so all three assailants were on one side of me.
I watched warily as they reconvened, sliding into different positions smoothly. There was a silent conversation, the slightest tilts of their head giving them away and then they came at me once more.
"Stay still you freak!" Yellow bellowed spitefully as he attempted another charge. I faltered at the repeated use of that word but ducked under his punch just in time and weaved to the side almost immediately as Blue came in with a kick. I dodged it easily but wasn't prepared for the third attack and Red managed to get under my guard and sucker punch me in the gut harshly.
The punch knocked the air right out of me. Because I hadn't seen it coming I hadn't had time to shield myself and while it wasn't a hard punch it was enough to put me of balance for a bit. Yellow and Blue noticed and took advantage immediately; Yellow slamming a haymaker into my back and blue kneeing me in the gut at the same time.
I winced at the combined assault and flared up my Ten. It took the edge off of the physical assault but it was still uncomfortable. The three brothers didn't notice the activation of my aura and continued hammering away at me carelessly.
I took a moment to concentrate, which was easier than one would expect thanks to the shroud of protective aura, and when next red lashed out I grabbed his arm and swung him over my shoulder. The man slammed into Yellow and the two toppled to the ground harshly. Blue quickly jumped to their side to guard them.
This gave me the opportunity to reevaluate the situation and I did so while watching them warily, all the while silently cursing the fact that I'd never had training against multiple opponents. Individually I knew I could crush them easily but I simply wasn't used to having to keep an eye on this amount of opponents. It didn't help that they had clearly trained together either, although it seemed their training was more about working together than any type of hardcore martial arts training.
The trio eyed me warily, clearly in disbelief that I was still standing even after their combined assault, and seemingly uninjured too. "What the hell kind of freak are you?" Yelled Blue, staring bug-eyed when he saw I didn't even really look winded.
I winced, the question eerily similar to one from my memories even if the tone wasn't quite the same degree of frightened.
'What kind of freak are you?'
"Another monster," Yellow muttered uneasily, not taking his eyes off of me for even a second.
'Monster!' The children screamed, beating at me with their fists. Pushing, pulling me towards the water.
Red got to his feet shakily but unlike the others he didn't look scared just mad.
Their eyes were flashing with unholy glee, the water coming steadily closer as they dragged me to the shore. One boy grabbed a hold of my hair and forced my head over the water. Tendrils of my hair came loose from my ponytail and sunk under the surface. They floated tranquilly; Their peaceful, waving movements in stark contrast to the panicked look reflected in my eyes.
I could feel myself growing angrier the more the memories invaded my mind. "I'm not a monster," I bit out harshly.
Red's eyes flashed gleefully and I realized he mistook my anger for fear. He latched on to my apparent weakness like a leech to a warm body. "Yes you are," he said cruelly. "I should have known the moment I saw you with that clown freak. You're just as crazy aren't you? Just another crazy monster."
I faltered, desperately trying to hold on to the last shreds of my control, and shook my head harshly. "I'm not," I muttered, feeling the memories' pull on me grow stronger. The water closing in around me as I struggled to hold my breath. The brothers were closing in on me too. Surrounding me and looming over me threateningly as I hunched in on myself. They had forsaken any attempt at a defense, considering themselves superior now that they seemed to have found a successful plan of attack.
"You are," Blue piped up frenetically, seeing his chance. "A freak, a monster, a weirdo."
Each word hit like a blow, chipping and chafing and peeling away the carefully wrought layers of my control. I didn't want to deal with this right now. Not now. Not when I was finally gone, when I thought I could finally be myself.
"I knew it the second I saw you," Yellow added.
By now I was shaking with rage. I could feel my airway closing up and it felt like I was suffocating.
'Breathe, I need to breathe. Air. Let go. Let me go let me go let me go.'
"Now then, just give us your tag and you can-"
Red's voice faltered abruptly, replaced with a wet gurgling noise.
The other brothers watched in horror as their brother clutched his throat desperately and coughed up blood.
I was staring at my hand uncomprehendingly. The fist holding my dagger was still extended from where I'd sliced through his neck and esophagus, the pale skin on the back of my hand splattered with drops of red.
My eyes trailed back to Red. He had dropped to the ground now, blood gushing sluggishly from the deep cut. He lay still. His hands no longer desperately clutched at his throat but instead lay motionlessly. Blank, empty eyes stared up at the canopy unseeing.
Slowly realization set in. I'd just killed another person without even consciously being aware of it. I'd acted on instinct, the memories and phantom sensations too much for me.
Blue and Yellow had dropped to the floor next to their brother. They were crying; ugly, heart wrenching sobs that only the truly bereaved could produce. At some point they started screaming, pleading for their brother to return to them to all who would listen.
I had caused this, I knew that and yet... I still didn't feel a thing. In light of the recently uprooted memories it was an uncomfortable truth.
I tried, oh how I tried. I stared intently at the tears cutting clean tracks over dirty cheeks. Watched as bloodied hands clutched an even bloodier corpse. I tried to imagine how I would feel, sought desperately for even the slightest shred of pity, but it simply wasn't there.
My mind kept wandering. I wondered how long it would be before the hemotropic butterflies would come. Wondered how long it would be before the two remaining brothers would get their shit together again and attack me. I kinda hoped they would hurry it up. The sky was darkening steadily and if I didn't get going soon Hisoka would come look for me. I also really wanted to go and wash away the blood. I could just imagine how annoying Hisoka would get if after all my nagging about cleaning up I showed up covered in blood. After all that had happened tonight I really didn't want to have to deal with him more than necessary. If anything I wanted to go curl into a ball and cry. Not because I had killed a man, but because I couldn't feel a thing about it and I was feeling sorry for myself.
Finally one of the remaining brothers, the youngest, looked up and recoiled in shock when he saw me still standing there. "What are you still doing here?!" He yelled, attracting the attention of the other brother. "Haven't you done enough? Go away! Go!"
His brother joined in with even more frenzied screams and not knowing what else to do I turned and ran. I ran and kept running until my feet sloshed in water and before I knew it I was standing in the middle of the pool where I'd cleaned Hisoka's wound not an hour earlier. For a moment I hesitated, the memories of being held under the water still fresh in the forefront of my mind but I caught the cloying scent of blood wafting off of me and I ruthlessly pushed down the fear.
I ripped my clothes off hurriedly, disgusted by the crusted blood, and submerged myself in the water. Once the worst of the blood had washed off I waded to the bank and ripped a clump of grass out of the ground to use as a sponge. I scrubbed myself raw then, attacking the various spots of red with an unholy vigor.
I felt raw. Exposed. That confrontation had brought some ugly memories to the surface and I just needed a moment to myself. A moment to regain my control and balance.
I let myself fall backwards so that I was floating on the surface. Above me the sun had almost finished its decent and the sky was painted deep purples and oranges as a result. It was a beautiful sight but I did not pay it any mind, my eyes unseeing as my gaze turned inward instead.
I'd never understood the grief others felt when someone died. The emotion was alien to me and I'd long since resigned myself to the fact that it would likely always stay that way. That didn't mean I hadn't been hurt and confused by people's reactions to me when they realized I didn't understand.
At that time I'd been but a child and every child wants approval, wants to be loved. It had been a cold day when I had realized I likely never would be accepted for who I was by others, at least not wholly. And it was exactly that day which the Amori brothers had unwittingly pulled to the fore.
That day I'd been cornered near the water. I'd tried cajoling the other children into joining me in my play but they had refused, citing they were still too upset about the girl who at the time had only recently died. Being but a child and not understanding their sentiment I had gotten upset, calling them stupid and asking why they should still care. My words hadn't been received well and things had escalated quickly. When one of the older boys had suggested throwing me in the water it was met with the type of cruel enthusiasm only found in children.
Looking back on it now I knew what had happened was as much my fault as it had been theirs. My ignorance had made me callous, but that didn't mean it hadn't hurt.
Still it was not so much the physical pain as the realization that had come that day which left scars. Their childish conviction that I was different, and that it made me a 'freak' had had lasting effects and yet… that wasn't what had changed my mind so irrevocably.
What had truly shaken me was the pained look in my mother's eyes when she arrived to save me. It hurt worse than any of the punches before it. It hurt because I knew I had been the cause of that, that she was hurting for me and yet if she died I probably wouldn't shed a tear.
My parents were good people. I knew that even if I couldn't bring myself to care. They didn't deserve to have an ungrateful child like me, I understood that on a basic level. And so I had started to distance myself. It wasn't very difficult. The other children already didn't like me and there wasn't much reason for a young child like me to interact with the other adults.
My parents had tried to stop me. Tried to fix things. My father started training me, using our time together to try and build a bond and so that I could protect myself if anything like what had happened happened again. My mother taught me to sow and made it a point to always join me for tea. It was enjoyable but I could never fully enjoy it. When I looked upon them I still didn't see anyone interesting and that worried me. They were just people to me, good people who cared for me yes, but as much as I knew this I couldn't bring myself to shake this sensation. I knew if they were to die I wouldn't shed a tear.
It took some time but slowly I started to accept myself for who I was. Who I still am. I played along for my parents' sake, feigning happiness and even smoothing things over with the other people in the village as I grew older. It worked and by the time I was 18 and started living on my own they had largely forgotten their dislike for me. I was content like that for a while but as time passed and years started dragging by I could feel myself growing bored. The quiet life I was living was starting to feel suffocating and I dreamed of leaving.
At that time I resumed my training with my father, a practice which had slowly petered out as my acting improved and he no longer saw the need to keep me so desperately close. I trained hard and fast with the goal of leaving and finding my own place in the world, away from the others. My training picked up when I got my father to divulge the secrets of Nen and I happily added training in the new discipline to my schedule.
My parents noticed my new found vigor but didn't comment on it. Somewhere I suspected they had always known that I hadn't been truly happy with the way things had been.
And then, at 22, the day had finally come when my father had quietly informed me of the upcoming Hunter Exams over breakfast. He hadn't even asked me if I'd wanted to go; just assumed I would and told me the start location he had been informed off by an old friend in the Association.
I had been thrilled. For the first time in a long while there was something I was actually looking forward to. I felt real enthusiasm at the thought of finally getting out of there and discovering new things; of potentially meeting new people that might actually be interesting.
People who could understand.
I sighed and closed my eyes, enjoying the calming feeling of my hair floating around me. As my mind emptied itself of thought a sudden weariness came crashing over me and I realized I was tired. So, so tired.
Reluctantly I stood up and made my way to the water's edge. I wrung out my hair and gathered my soaking clothes and wrung them out as well. They were still damp when I put them on and I recoiled from the unpleasant sensation but there was nothing to it. If I had been alone I might have risked waiting for the clothes to dry or even gone naked, but as it was I should really be getting back to Hisoka and I did not want to find out what the magician would do if I showed up nude.
My clothes clung to my body unpleasantly as I moved but at least the wind created by my sprinting was drying them a little. This time I watched carefully where I went. I was in no mood for any more surprises tonight. When a little while later I arrived back at the clearing that Hisoka and I had been camping out in for the past couple of days he was already there, waiting for me.
As I approached he turned to face me and I got a glimpse of the agitated expression on his face. "Where were you?" He asked, and I could hear the uncharacteristic strain as well as the danger hidden under the faux uncaring tone.
"It doesn't matter," I responded, not wanting to think about what had just happened. I brushed past him and heading for the tree I'd been using as my bed. I halted in my tracks when I heard a low growl and suddenly Hisoka was standing in front of me again.
"It does if I say so," he bit out. He placed a hand on my cheek and tilted my head up so that I met his gaze directly. There was something off about the way he looked at me. Some undefinable emotion that if it had been anyone else looking at me I would have called concern shading the normally so vivid golden irises. "What happened?"
I brushed his hand away. "Just let me go to sleep Hisoka," I whispered, avoiding the question once more. When I saw he was making no move to get out my way I sighed. "Please." I was practically begging but I did not care. I just wanted to be left alone right now.
Hisoka frowned. He looked like he wanted to say something but faltered and then stepped aside. I took his assent for what it was and resumed my trek to my sleeping place. I could feel Hisoka's eyes on my back, their inquisitive weight burning a hole in my back, but I paid them no mind. I scaled the tree with ease and lay down on one of the sturdier branches near the top of the canopy. I had chosen this particular branch not only because of its sturdiness, but also because it had an amazing view of the stars and I took comfort in their chilly light.
Beneath me I could hear Hisoka make his way over to his own tree and settle in for the night. The magician I had learned always slept with his back against the trunk. I guess no one was crazy enough to attack him and so he could sleep out in the open safely. And even if there was someone crazy like that I doubted there was anyone in this exam who could match him.
How he could feel comfortable sleeping upright like that though I had no idea.
I considered Hisoka's odd sleeping habits for a little longer, mind wandering from one inane subject to another in an attempt to avoid thoughts of the confrontation earlier but eventually I could no longer avoid it. It forced itself into my thoughts. Little flashes of bullies and the Amori brothers and cold eyes intermingling to a chorus of 'freak' and 'bitch' and 'die'. The voices weren't even all real memories but imagination was a cruel thing and their impact wasn't any less powerful for it.
I sighed and put a hand over my eyes. The darkness did not offer the reprieve I had hoped for. It only made the images increase in vividness. I opened my eyes again, feeling resigned to another sleepless night.
Feeling restless I jumped down from my perch. I landed on the grass with the softest thud I could manage and looked around for something to do. Inevitably my gaze landed on the sleeping Hisoka.
Unbidden a thought slipped into my mind, 'If only I didn't have to be alone right now…'
I glanced at the sleeping Hisoka and faltered as an idea came to mind.
It was crazy I knew, but as I glanced his way my feet started moving almost without my conscious thought. I halted next to the slumbering form, unsure of how to continue this.
'I shouldn't even be considering this.' I thought, still eying the sleeping jester. Hisoka would be insufferable if he ever found out and I'd never hear the end of it. It probably wouldn't do much to halt his continous invasions of my personal space either...but then again, he was going to keep doing that anyways. I might as well get something out of it, right? It wasn't like he could justifiably complain either with the way he had been treating me so far.
A yawn wrecked my frame and suddenly my decision was made. Burning with the need for just a little bit of human comfort and just a tad of selfrighteous anger I lowered myself to the ground next to Hisoka.
I took in his sleeping form again, but this time I was analyzing him for the best way to go about this. He was leaning with his back against the tree, legs stretched out in front of him in his customary sleeping pose. He looked completely at ease, almost like how he had looked earlier today after his bath and I felt a pang of jealousy at his apparent calm.
I could feel my courage wavering quickly but my jealousy refueled my determination and inevitably my gaze landed on the magician's outstretched legs. They would certainly be the most comfortable. His shoulders were another option but I did not fancy the idea of being so close to the jester's face. Decision made I hesitated the barest moment more and then I gingerly placed my head on Hisoka's thigh, positioning the rest of myself so that I was lying perpendicular to his slumbering form.
I froze, waiting with bated breath to see whether he would react or not. When nothing happened I slowly relaxed once more and moved to get more comfortable. Now that I could feel the warmth of another human so close my problems suddenly didn't seem so bad anymore.
My eyes fluttered shut.
On the brink of sleep I felt a feather light touch brush my neck, almost as if a hand were brushing the hair from my neck soothingly. I fought to open my eyes and see what was happening but I was too tired and before I could process things sweet slumber claimed me.
AN/: Okay so I hope this wasn't too angsty. I felt like Sachi's backstory might need a little bit more exposure and this felt like the way to go about it. I'm not really used to writing this kind of stuff so if it comes off a bit heavy handed I'm sorry. Next chapter should be more fun again~
Also if anyone is wondering why the Amori brothers were so worked up it is because of their confrontation with Killua. Their pride was damaged considerably especially Amori's after being captured so easily. That and they were desperate to pass the exams. Anime also showed they could be quite the bullies if they felt like it so I drew from that.
Any feedback on this chapter, criticism included, is very much welcome.
Thanks for reading and let me know what you think!~
xXxMai1564