A/N: I know I made you guys wait for so long, about a month I think? Thank you so much for being patient! Unfortunately, all I have prepared is this EXTRA but don't worry as I made it as long as 2 chapters to reward your patience! This is actually requested by Liak Scanth though I made it different. I hope you still enjoy it! TheFlowerWeSawThatDay I am so touched that me updating can make your day better! It's nice to hear about how my story managed to make other people smile as it warms my heart so much. As for the Scillio tribe, NO SPOILERS! I'm sorry but I can't reveal anything about their current well-being. It's not because I haven't thought about it so far! Nope, not that at all! Also, I did think of making the last EXTRA to come from Killua's dream or just him reminiscing but then what's the fun in that, right? So thank you for liking how I did that differently! Thank you for noticing how Killua let Mehika go and how Alluka played a vital role in Renée's past! I have a lot of plans considering their relationships so stay tuned for that! Yeah, Killua is a tsundere. I don't want to portray him as the slick and smooth cool kind of guy, especially with the ladies since he never got the chance to interact with them his whole life. And lastly, your fan art, no need to rush! You put enough effort as it is! TheWriterInMe thank you so much for always enjoying this fan fiction! I find it difficult to believe that the pairings I make, both romantic and familial, are perfect but I'm so happy to hear that! I try so hard to make it as flawless as ever and I'm grateful for your comments! I feel bad for making you and everyone else wait for this EXTRA but I hope you enjoy it just as much! And, yes, trust in my timeline! (It exists.) Akari-chan I know I've been saying thank you a lot but your kind words are endless! I've been getting comments on how cute Renée's interaction with the characters are and I'm actually starting to believe it. I will work extra hard to keep up the good work, for you. And sorry for the wait all the time, I just can't help it! I also want to clarify that these EXTRAS are not canon. 19 was just an age I thought of for some reason. I don't know when I can make their relationship canon as I do want to revert the focus back to the sibling relationship of Gon and Renée, especially with the Chimera Ant arc coming up. So stay tuned! Kotoringo I do plan to create an EXTRA which shows Renée's experiences as a Spider but probably some other time since I think it's damn time to go back to the main plot. And thank you for clarifying your name! I apologise if I offended you be generalising the Guests. I hope you continue to enjoy reading this! Guest (Jan. 15) is doing it this way better? Anyway, today's your lucky day! And the chapter is twice as long, too! Enjoy! Miyaoka Moriko thank you so much for being so kind to the materialisation(?) of Renée, Tasha, and Mehika in the story! I do put so much effort in making the readers feel the warmth of a family through them and it feels awesome to have you guys experience exactly that! I might do a short EXTRA with the whole gang spending time at Whale Island, with Aunt Mito and Grandma. As for your question, Renée is the youngest. Her birthday, the one she uses, is when Tasha found her on Whale Island which is October 4. And yes, the main ship is Renée and Killua but the conflict with Kurapika is NOT over! Everything will be clarified over time so please stay tuned to this story! Alexia Colette thank you so much! For that, please request any EXTRA you'd like to have and I'll give it top priority! lia this is the soonest i could manage :( Chinchilla2026 welcome back to the fandom! I hope you continue to enjoy! Guest (Jan.23) yes Naomi! Only Mehika, Tasha, Killua and his family know of her real name. I'm still debating over what this could mean for the people around her. Ichi-niisan here you go! To all of you silent readers and supporters, enjoy this as well!
Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter x Hunter.
EXTRA IV
It was another wonderful day.
Though it was drizzling a bit outside and the wind was strong enough to sway most of the trees, but something about it just made everything feel at ease.
It was a weather that would be bad enough to force you to stay indoors but good enough to let you enjoy reading on the couch, underneath a warm blanket, and the air filled with the intoxicating smell of warm coffee on the table.
And that is exactly what Killua is doing right now.
His apartment had a panoramic view of the outside which set the mood greatly as he smiled, reminiscing the memories that his phone messages possessed. He read the last text from her and reluctantly set the phone down on the table.
It's been months since he last saw her, but he doesn't know why it has been months.
They've been texting each other ever since that day in the amusement park.
It seems she took his advice and left Mehika as chief for a short while. Renée has been going around, filling out the blank world map she bought as she travelled the places on them.
According to her, she's filled up most of the map already and it's only been 2 months.
For some reason though, the red-head hasn't visited him yet and vice versa though they've been exchanging messages everyday, updating each other with their daily lives and, admittedly, hers was more exciting.
Then why haven't they met halfway yet?
It was idiotic, how neither initiated the move to see the other which made them settle for half-assed phone messages, like those idiots in chick flicks.
Don't misunderstand though, these texts were the highlights of his days and Killua couldn't help but be impatient as he waited for her replies.
Oddly enough, she hasn't messaged him yet today, making him look at his phone more than once in a span of a minute.
His own actions caught him off-guard and he groaned inwardly. 'God, look at me. I look like some sappy lovesick teenager.'
Killua downed the rest of his coffee and moved towards the sink to wash his mug. He was about to retreat to his room when something outside caught his eye.
Lo and behold, it was Renée!
The former assassin pressed his face against the glass to make sure but he'd recognise that red hair anywhere. Also, there was her get up and the unhidden sword at her side.
Seeing her make a beeline for his apartment made him feel all giddy that he had to perform small breathing exercises to calm down.
As if on cue, his doorbell rang and he all but ran to the door.
Before he reached the door, he heard muffled screams from the other side which made the bubbling excitement inside him turn sour.
Filled with a sense of dread, Killua opened the door with full force, almost ripping it off from its hinges.
Nothing.
Silence and a wall greeted him.
The silver-head's heart banged against his chest as he looked around in a panic.
"Ren? Just come out already, I know it's you." he called out, hating how unsure he sounded. 'Damn that girl. This has gotta be another one of her tricks.'
"Look, dunce, this isn't funny anymore. Getting caught means you have to show yourself, stupid." he called out to the empty hallway.
Resigned, he started to walk down the corridor to search for the girl himself when his foot accidentally kicked something across the floor.
Killua looked down and noticed for the first time Renée's belongings on the ground: her drawn sword and scabbard, her map full of scribbles, and a slightly beat up box of fudge bars.
His blood ran cold at the sight of them all, especially at her sword.
It was unsheathed.
This means someone attacked her while she was walking towards his flat.
The silver-head's eyes darted around for more clues when he noticed something on the wall. This time, Killua was filled with anger.
Stuck on the wall was a pin.
- Kukuroo Mountain -
She felt weak.
Her whole body felt like lead though her head felt as light as air.
Her eyes were groggy as hell. This made it difficult to open her eyes.
She couldn't remember what had happened to her due to her lightheadedness but if she had to guess, it was probably something bad.
Suddenly, she was doused with cold water, jolting her awake with a yelp of surprise.
Renée blinked away the moisture from her eyes so that she could take in her surroundings. 'I'm in a..dungeon..?'
As if to give emphasis, she realised that she was bound in chains which hung from a column jutting out of the ceiling. She struggled against them but, despite its appearance, the binds were good as new and quite sturdy.
"If only you heard me out then this wouldn't have happened."
The red-head turned towards the voice and saw Illumi casually leaning against the wall.
"You!" she cried in outrage.
Renée started to remember everything.
She was running through the rain at York Shin to visit Killua but as soon as she got to his door, this weirdo showed up and threatened her to listen to him. Obviously distrusting the Zaoldyeck, the red-head responded by drawing her sword. The fight didn't last long as he came prepared.
Tranquilizer pins.
"After everything you've done you think I would just listen to you!? And you had tranq pins! What sort of talk did you have in mind bringing those things!?" the red-head spouted angrily.
Illumi raised his brows in thought, "True. I got you here anyway. Look, Mom will come down in a few minutes to have a...word with you. You are to look presentable and stay there until she arrives."
"Oh how hilarious. You like my wet look? It's sooo in right now. And it's not like I'm going anywhere, idiot!" Renée rolled her eyes.
The long-haired assassin just gave her a small smirk and left the room.
She clicked her tongue when the door closed and she shimmied, feeling the contents of her pockets against her legs.
Empty.
'Damn. I knew that guy would take them. I left my sword too.' She couldn't help but feel helpless and her whole world seemed to go darker as soon as Kikyo Zaoldyeck burst in the dungeon.
Killua's mother is still a total eyesore with her gaudy yellow dress and extremely wide hat. Her wrapped up face and cyborg eye doesn't help either. The woman stomped her way towards the girl and, with a shrill beep, spoke to her.
"Naomi Lupe, you are still as insolent as ever. I heard you fought Illumi when he went to retrieve you. Quite barbaric if you ask me." she said snootily.
Renée's blood started to boil and she grew angrier with each word. Finally, unable to take it anymore, she growled, "When you sent that bastard of a son of yours to kidnap me, did you really think I'd try to hear him out? The logical response would be to fight back and defend myself!"
SMACK!
She didn't expect it but the sensation of being slapped across the cheek failed to faze her. Her cheek was a bright red and a trickle of blood poured from a small cut at the center of the bruise.
The red-head glared as hard as she could at the woman whose hand was still raised, wishing she would just drop dead.
"I consider you as a candidate but this is how you express your gratitude!? Calling my dear son a bastard! How dare you!? I should kill you right now before Killua is tainted by your crudeness!" Kikyo yelled in a high-pitched ring.
Despite the banging on her eardrums, Renée's curiosity got the better of her. "Candidate? Candidate for what?"
"Don't even bother you disgusting little-!"
"Kikyo."
The voice resonated within the dungeon's walls, halting the woman's hand mid-slap.
The two turned towards the entrance to see an old man with silvery white hair standing calmly, his presence demanding authority. "I'll take it from here." he said, walking down the steps timidly.
"But grandfather-!" Kikyo protested.
Zeno gave her a withering look, effectively shutting her up.
The woman bowed to the old man, showing her respect and understanding, before scampering out the room.
'Oh, how the tables have turned.' Renée thought. But she knew better than making wisecracks now as it would rightfully behead her, especially under the watch of this terrifying elder.
For a moment, the two just watched each other, observing what they would do. The tension in the atmosphere continued to build up as neither were relenting to drop their gaze.
Without warning, Zeno struck for her heart.
Alas, he hit nothing.
Literally nothing as Renée had moved from her previous position to avoid the old man's attack.
The Zaoldyeck looked up and gave a chuckle when he saw her trying hard to balance herself against the chains so as not to fall down face-first.
At the quick swipe, the red-head flipped herself up using her chains and struggled to keep her body against the pillar with which she bound to. This required the effort of all her muscles and, because of her strain from the earlier ordeal at York Shin, her grip slacked almost immediately, making her forcefully dangle from her restraints. A groan escaped her lips and she fought the urge to cry from the pain that shot through her arms.
Not being a master of expressionlessness, Zeno noticed her discomfort. "I see that this is no way to treat a guest, but I also cannot free you unless, of course, you promise to behave accordingly." he offered.
Renée looked up at him, a flash of reluctance in her eyes yet she agreed.
Satisfied, Zeno tore off the cuffs as if they were made of paper.
The red-head started to rub her wrists gently, feeling the deep cuts the metal made. With a sickening pop, she also managed to correct her dislocated shoulder, though this made her wince.
The Zaoldyeck just observed her, analysing and contemplating her. He continued to scrutinise her as she stood up and eyed him with such ferocity, the fire dancing in her eyes reminding him of his grandson.
"You have spirit, that is certain. I think that would be enough to prove that you are a somewhat final candidate."
"Candidate. The mother mentioned that too. What do you mean by that?" Renée asked, genuinely curious.
"Why, candidate to be the wife of the Zaoldyeck heir of course."
- Meanwhile... -
"WHAT!?"
Killua sighed for the nth time that afternoon and he turned away in frustration.
After finding out his family took Renée, and right under his nose to boot, the silver-head called Mehika and Gon. This is such a serious situation that he knew the red-head's immediate family must be informed.
As expected, they aren't taking it so good.
Gon is glaring daggers at his skull, making Killua feel more irritated than he needed to be but that wasn't the real problem.
Mehika was silent all throughout the trip and he's avoiding looking at her as he can feel her aura lashing at him. She is absolutely livid.
"You knew she was travelling and you let her go ALONE!? You two have been texting each other everyday! How did you not think of following her!? You know how ridiculously bad things happen to her whenever she's alone!" Gon cried out exasperatedly.
"Look, I get that. I know I messed up but can you guys lecture me later? Right now, I want all of us to focus on getting her back." the silver-head pleaded.
The islander clicked his tongue at him but didn't say anything else. Mehika was as silent as they first got here but she turned away, letting him breathe freely.
Now, Killua's mind lit with worry.
Why did they take her?
If they needed to get to him, why bother kidnapping anyone?
More importantly, is she safe?
The thought that she's hurt made his heart clench painfully. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he let that happen to her.
'We're coming, Ren. Please, just hold on a little longer.'
- Back at the Zaoldyeck Estate -
"We need you here to lure Killua home. The family needs the heir back, and we aren't waiting any longer. He's come of age, you see. If you do not do as you're told, I will kill you and marry him off to someone else." Kikyo explained casually.
Renée is currently in a meeting with the whole family, including Mike. If you asked her, it was a pretty one-sided negotiation.
Zeno hasn't said anything since they arrived, as well as Silva and Illumi. The trio just stared at her, scrutinising her every movement, every muscle that tensed.
Illumi secretly wanted her to attack, just so this could end now. 'We shouldn't have accepted that job back then. Now, this girl will steal Kil away, more than she already has.' he thought angrily though his face said nothing.
"Mother, does it have to be her? I know a lot of women who are more qualified, more deadly, and definitely hotter than her!" Milluki spat out.
Renée glared at him for that remark, making him flinch.
Zeno chuckled, "You see why it's her? She has the same fire in her eyes that boy has. If we wish to let this family prosper, we will need that vigour in her."
"True, we will require her passion." Silva commented for the first time.
The red-head switched her eyes from one to the other as they spoke, evaluating her assets and faults as if she weren't there.
Irritated with all of their opinions about her, she cleared her throat loudly. "I do have a fire in my eyes and passion in my soul. I do care for Killua. I love him."
Illumi's expression turned icy at that.
"However, I have no love and tolerance for what you do here. I respect you, but I do not want to be part of the trade." Renée declared haughtily, sounding braver than what she felt.
A high-pitched screech pierced the air and the red-head instinctively closed her eyes and covered her ears. When she opened them to see what was going on, Kikyo was already in front of her, her mechanical eye blazing a bright red.
"You wench! We offer you honour, respect, and riches yet you cuss us!? If I had a say in this, it wouldn't have been you! You would have been dead where you stand if I had it my way! We are trying to be good parents to Killua! We care about his future! Try and be grateful you-!"
"Silence." Silva's voice boomed out.
"But dear! She isn't the right fit!"
"No, but she is the mate Killua chose. I have seen it. They will be wed as soon as he arrives and then we can proceed with his training. End of discussion." he looked at each of them in the eye, daring them to speak.
Silence.
His eyes landed on Renée who continued to stare at him defiantly.
"And you girl, do not act like you do not want to marry my son. We all know your ulterior motives so you would do well to cooperate. Or else." he threatened.
Soon, the Zaoldyecks started to retreat, back to whatever they were doing.
Renée's knees buckled beneath her weight and she fell on the ground.
To say that she was scared is an understatement.
She was catatonic.
Standing in front all of the Zaoldyecks terrified her, putting a pressure on her shoulders that she never knew could be done. They were all so strong. She was nothing compared to them in terms of strength. Especially Silva.
Renée closed her eyes and took deep, shaky breaths. She was trembling so much but she tried to calm herself down. She thought of how messy her predicament was.
The Zaoldyecks wanted HER to marry Killua.
Note "wanted".
At some point before all of this, they unanimously agreed that she would be his bride.
That scene made her shudder, thinking about how they were all huddled together talking about the family's future and how she is a key factor in it just seemed so unnatural.
As far as she knew, they hated her guts. Especially Kikyo and Illumi.
What changed?
Then she remembered Kikyo's words, how she is just bait for Killua to come home. How Silva threatened her to cooperate with their plan.
Suddenly, Renée was sad. 'What he said, it was true. I do want this, sort of. I would be lying if I said I never thought of doing this with Killua. But still, I can't be selfish. Especially if it would lead him to this kind of life. I have to do something, but it's either his life or mine.'
"You girl."
The red-head's eyes shot up and she saw Zeno didn't move from his spot. He stood there, hands behind his back, watching her internal dilemma. The girl is like an open book, she's not too good with being expressionless, but she did prove to be an interesting read.
"Come walk with me." he beckoned, disappearing into the shadows.
Timidly, Renée followed, barely able to balance herself due to her tremors. She is still afraid at their display of strength but she will not be just a sitting duck. 'For now I'll cooperate. Just for a little while until I think of a way out.'
Zeno led her outside, in the garden between the main house and the butler's house. He stood there so still that it was quite serene. Renée couldn't help but take in a deep breath of fresh air and absorb the beauty of their surroundings. For a family that reeked of death, the Zaoldyecks had such wonderful taste in elegance and aesthetics, especially in nature.
"Do you like it, child? This could be yours if you pull through with it." the elder asked.
The red-head couldn't help but laugh bitterly, despite her fears. "I know that you plan to convince me but at least find a better silver lining."
At that, the Zaoldyeck offered a ghost of a smile as he turned away. It was so subtle that Renée wasn't even sure it happened.
"I know you must think of us as evil, but did you ever think of why we are this way? Why we chose this trade? Why we push Killua?"
Unable to come up with her usual snide comment about how killing is wrong, the girl shook her head no.
Zeno shrugged, "I'm sure my grandson has shared to you why he left? He was tired of killing, according to him. What planted the thought into his brain was the mission in Scillio. Your mission. You see, I only accepted such an absurd request because the Elder was my friend. I, too, can be quite impulsive. It's a Zaoldyeck trait I suppose."
Renée smirked, able to relate Killua with that statement.
"I knew it was a mistake, but it was already done. And I lost more than honour that day. I lost my grandson. The heir. May I ask, do you have any idea regarding what area we operate in?" Zeno asked her, his eyes shut.
"Er... Assassins work in the Underground, I guess..?"
"Correct. What does the Underground consist of?"
"Criminals, gangs and mafia, and some politicians and entrepreneurs here and there. All involved in something illegal of course."
"Precisely. This world is filled with so many cruel people and we are here to weed them out. This means that we are dependent on a person's hate for when one starts to get angry at a person, they tend to plan out that person's demise. Once that spark turns into a flame, they won't be able to stop their desire to rid of the one who did them wrong. And that's where we come in. Most of our targets are drug lords, corrupt politicians, and high profile criminals. Do you understand now? We need to properly condition Killua, as well as you, so that you face every task flawlessly as everything is an occupational hazard. Both of you must learn to not hesitate when going in for the kill. Frankly, there isn't that much time left for me to pass on my knowledge to him. That's why you must be wed."
Renée looked unsure for a moment, trying to digest his words, then nodded reluctantly, "I get where you're coming from, but that doesn't help the fact that killing people, good or bad, for a trade makes me sick in the stomach."
Zeno let out a rare chuckle, "I'm not asking you to patronise it. We just need your cooperation so that Killua may see reason."
The red-head frowned at this. 'Reason? Using me as bait so that their heir continues the profession is "reason"? That is unjust.'
"I think you misunderstand, sir. How I view this from a perspective of morality isn't the reason why I can't just agree to it. It's the fact that you still try to enforce your beliefs and traditions on Killua without regard for others, even your own grandson's decision. He isn't a tool for prosperity and neither are you all a killing machine. You are family. It actually saddens me that there are times you must forget that fact in exchange for the trade. I feel as if you missed so much about each other. Take Killua for example, do you know how much he loves chocolate? That, after so many years, he experienced for the first time playing in an amusement park just months ago? Do you know how much rollercoasters fascinate him but carousels make him sick? Do you know that he has such an updated fashion sense that he can dress better than I can? Do you know how sentimental he gets when you do little things for him like cooking him a meal? He also gets giddy when you show him a cute puppy. Killua has a lot of quirks other than getting tired of killing and I've seen them all."
Every word sent a pang to Zeno's heart. It's true that he values honour and tradition above anything else, but it's also true that he deeply cares for his family.
He saw how her face lit up while talking about Killua; how the lights in her eyes danced sincerely as she recalled every precious memory.
And he was envious.
So envious that his façade broke, showing off a morose expression.
Noticing this, Renée reached out to hold the elder's hand. This caught him by surprise and he tensed yet she continued to hold it, a gentle smile on her lips.
"It is not too late, sir. You can still know him the way I do. I will agree to cooperate, but you have to understand that I would not be able to sway his decision. Not even if you pull my heart from my body. He is his own person now and I love him for that. I won't be able to live with myself if I forced him to do something he didn't want to for my sake, wouldn't you agree?"
Zeno contemplated her words and realised the truth in them. He cleared his throat, his face turned expressionless, and he pulled his hands free from hers.
"I understand. Now that you've agreed, please get dressed. I am sure that that boy would arrive soon." he declared monotonously as if nothing happened.
Renée's shoulders slumped and she pouted a little, but without another word she retreated inside.
- Inside the Mansion -
Renée looked in the mirror, a disgusted look on her face.
The maid bowed to her before leaving quickly and silently.
'Even the help is deadly around here.' the red-head glanced at the shut door before returning her gaze towards the mirror.
Again, she grimaced.
She was asked, or rather forced, to wear an extravagant Victorian-style wedding gown with elegant heels to match. She is also wearing make up and her hair was done up nicely.
She looked like a bride.
Yet, Renée still frowned.
'This isn't me. I wouldn't want any of this. Not like this.' She looked down, defeated. 'What can I do now? This place is too big and there are so many people that will see me if I run away. There are also cameras everywhere. I don't exactly have a weapon or phone either. Do I have no other choice than to wait for him?'
The red-head groaned in frustration, "Ah I hate this! I feel so helpless it's annoying! 'No other choice but to wait for him'!? I sound like a damsel in distress! What's become of me!?"
"You shouldn't shout so much. Not all the walls are soundproof."
Renée whipped around in shock and found Illumi standing behind her.
In her sudden turn, she slipped on her heel and fell down with a loud crash. Though it didn't hurt as the many layers of the dress cushioned her, it was still irritating as it was hard to get up from the floor.
Illumi watched her, obviously amused as she struggled to stand.
"H-how long have you been standing there, you creep!?" she panted when she finally got on her feet.
"As soon as you were doing an internal monologue. Now come, there isn't much time." he motioned for her to follow him outside.
Not having much of a choice, the red-head did as she was told.
"Not much time? Is Killua already here?"
"Shh. I've scrambled the cameras for a while, but that won't last long. You have 7 minutes until Milluki fixes the bug. If you run along this path, you'll reach the butler's quarters faster and the Kiriko will assist you as you head out with you friends. So go now." Illumi commanded.
Renée gawked at him, confused, "I thought the wedding was here..?"
Illumi sent her a spine-chilling look, making her more confused.
"I gave you time to escape without much trouble. Don't make me force you to." he threatened.
"Escape? You're helping me? Why?"
"Just go. I don't want you here and I don't want you to marry Kil. I will find someone much more suitable, so until then you can continue to live. Just until then. Once you reach the butler's quarters, I'll wait for 5 minutes before going after you as Mother would ask me to. You only have 5 minutes left until the cameras are unscrambled. Move your ass!" he replied, the exasperated tone in his voice showing.
Renée ran down the hall he indicated, still at a loss about what just happened. Deciding that she didn't want to think anymore, she ran as fast as she could in those tight little shoes.
Soon enough, she did reach the end of the hallway where a door leading to the quarters was. The red-head opened it hastily and made a move to dash in but was stopped as she bumped into something.
Or rather, someone.
She gave a little yelp as she lost her balance from the impact but a hand grabbed her before she fell again.
"Ren!"
Renée looked up to see Killua in front of her, his face a mixture of worry and relief.
He can't express how happy he felt to see her alive, well, and...wearing a dress?
He looked her over and blushed.
"Nao!"
"Ren!"
The red-head looked away for a moment and saw Mehika and Gon jogging towards her.
The former stole her from the silver-head's grasp and trapped her in a tight embrace. "I was so worried about you! I had a lot on my mind because of the village and then this idiot called-" she glared at Killua for a moment, "-saying you were taken by his family! I didn't know what to do!" she whined.
Renée hugged her before she cried and motioned for Gon to join as well, to which he complied easily.
"By the way Ren, what are you wearing?" her brother asked.
"Oh. It's a wedding gown, chosen by Kikyo, of course." she added snootily. "But we don't have time for that! Illumi is just giving us a 5-minute head start to escape. We have to go now!" she said urgently, pulling Mehika and Gon away.
"Wait! 'Wedding gown'? Why are you wearing a wedding gown? Who are you marrying? And 'Illumi'!?" Mehika asked.
Renée paused and tentatively glanced back at Killua who was silent throughout the exchange. He must've pieced it together by now, or at least after seeing what she's wearing.
Judging by the look on his face, he understood completely why Illumi had kidnapped her, why she was brought here, and why his brother is helping her escape. Apparently,
Mehika also realised what she was trying to say when the red-head looked at the former assassin, and she couldn't believe it.
"Killua!? You're marrying Killua!? Is that why you're here!? They want you to marry their heir!?" she asked, her tone rising higher with each word until it was almost a squeak.
Gon's eyes widened when his sister didn't deny any of it. He looked back at Killua who was still seemed at a loss for words. Their eyes met, and the islander understood. 'He wants to do something. He wants to fix this.'
"Look, I will explain, but later. Right now, we have to leave. We don't have much time before everyone is breathing on our backs again!" Renée said, more urgently this time. The twins started moving forward, but stopped when they realised no one was following them.
"Gon? Killua? We have to go." she pressed.
The silver-head looked at her, a slight grimace on his face, and shook his head. "If we leave, they'll just come after us. After you. This won't stop until we resolve this."
The red-head couldn't believe what she was hearing. All this time she just wanted to save him from his doom and here he is wanting to run straight into it!
"What? What are you saying? That we push through with the wedding? Are you out of your goddamn mind!? Do you know why they took me and not you? Why they didn't choose a more 'suitable' bride for you? It's because they wanted you to come here and finally inherit the family business! They thought that by kidnapping me, you would come and they will use that opportunity to train you again! I don't want you to go through all of that over and over. You've sacrificed so much, done so much. I can't let you be trapped here anymore." Renée pleaded for him to understand, her throat tightening by the end of her speech.
Tears threatened to fall but she stayed strong, holding a firm gaze on Killua. After a long, pregnant silence, the silver-head gave her a smirk.
"Idiot, I know all of that already. I'm not going to throw your efforts down the drain. I just wanna talk this out with my dad. Don't you want some peace and quiet after this?"
"W-well, yeah, I guess." she muttered.
Killua's smile grew and he strode towards her, his hand stretched out. "Why don't you come with me? So that you don't worry and it will guarantee that we're getting out of here together."
Renée gave his hand a doubtful look, but took it all the same.
It felt warm, with his fingers wrapped around hers. Her heart started to hammer in her chest as he pulled her near him that it made her want to run away so he wouldn't hear.
'When did it happen that I became so madly, hopelessly in love with him? So much so that I'm being absolutely silly right now.'
The red-head silently admired him as he talked to Gon and Mehika about something she could vaguely hear and continued to do so as he walked back towards the door she just exited moments ago.
The couple walked in silence, both unable to gather the courage to speak due to the awkwardness of their premature wedding.
Sure they've been together for years now but their first official date only happened months ago. Their confession was so sudden and unplanned that neither of them managed to get comfortable with the label.
There was also the part that she had to leave the day after it happened and that they never really talked about it or even see each other since then. Both hoped that it was already understood, that they didn't have to say it, but they also knew it was wrong to think so.
Wanting to get rid of the tension, Killua took a deep breath, "You look beautiful."
Renée snapped out of her staring-fest and blinked at him.
"What?" she asked dumbly. She promptly cleared her throat and asked again in a normal pitch, "What did you say?"
The silver-head looked away, embarrassed. "Don't act like you didn't hear it, dunce."
"But I didn't!" she whined.
"Yeah right! You just want me to say it again!"
"It's just right that you do 'cause I didn't hear it!"
"Well I won't say it again!" he harrumphed.
The girl glared holes through his skull, "What's so wrong about wanting to hear you say it again? All I ever heard from that stupid mouth of yours is 'dunce', 'ugly', and 'flat'! And after all I did..." she muttered the last part quietly but he still heard.
He wanted to fill the silence but he didn't think she'd react so strongly. With another sigh, Killua tugged her hand and faced her.
"I said you look beautiful. This is one of the rare occasions that I see you in a dress and, though it's a bit much this time, I love it knowing that it's all for me. Supposedly anyway." he blurted out quickly, his face flushed a beet red.
Renée was flustered with his sudden outburst but she had this crazy grin on her face that she can't seem to get rid of. He isn't looking at her but she can see the sincerity in his eyes.
Filled with newfound couage, she looked him in the eyes and uttered, "I love you, Killua."
As soon as she said it, her whole face exploded a bright red. The red-faced girl covered it with her hands as the silver-head stood there in shock.
He had only said such words to her once but she has never returned the favour. Not verbally anyways. Hearing it come from her, seeing her like this in front of him on their supposed wedding day, Killua suddenly felt so sure.
There was no embarrassment.
No doubts.
He wanted her.
He loves her.
He's happy that his family chose her as his bride, though begrudgingly, and he won't fight them for their decision as they finally gave him something he has always wanted.
For now, he will fight for her.
For them.
With those thoughts burning in his heart, the silver-head reached out to cup her face. Renée gave a slight gasp as he lifted her chin to face him, but when she saw the desire and passion in him, she didn't fight as she too felt warm and bubbly inside. Killua pulled her closer, neither one breaking eye contact. They grew nearer and nearer that the red-head just naturally tilted towards him, her eyes fluttering close, their faces inches apart.
"I love you too, Naomi."
"What are you doing?"
The arrival of a third-party made the two panic and in a such a rush to hide, they bumped each other's heads.
"Ow!" They both clutched their temples, glaring simultaneously at the interruption.
Illumi noticed this, of course, and raised a brow at them. "Wow, you really are a couple. Even your actions and expressions are the same. Congratulations Kil, you found your mate." he muttered unenthusiastically.
"How long have you been standing there, creep!?" Renée growled.
"Not long. Probably. Anyway, Dad and everyone else is waiting for both of you in the hall. I suggest you hurry."
"Why didn't you go after us?" she asked.
The long-haired assassin paused and looked back at them, "I knew you'd come back."
Illumi guided the couple towards the hall where everyone was gathered.
There were no preparations made, it was the same as Renée had seen it earlier. Even the family did not dress for the occasion and that irked her a lot.
'Why did I have to change and they don't!?'
"Ah Killua! You have finally arrived! I have waited so long for this, though I pictured it differently and with a different spouse, but minor technicalities! I can't wait for you to take over your duties and train to become the head of the family and have cute little children-!"
"We're not getting married." Killua interrupted his mother.
Her expression slowly turned from pure happiness to disgust. "What? Then why did you come here?" Kikyo exclaimed.
"To rescue Ren, of course." he replied nonchalantly, leaving her infuriated yet speechless.
"You do realise that you have no choice but to marry this girl, right? We have already been so generous as to think of your preferred mate and this is how you show your gratitude? Or is it that you would rather wed someone else?" Silva suggested, his voice bordering on angry.
At the mention of an arranged marriage, Killua held Renée's hand and shielded her from his family's gaze. "No! I refuse to marry anyone else! It has to be Renée or else I would never come back!"
Kikyo stood up to try and stomp her way towards her son, but her husband stopped her.
"So are you saying if we let you marry this girl, then you would willingly stay?" he asked.
At this, he nodded, "Yes, I will come back on my own free will. There would be no need for threats or kidnappings or bribery."
"But?"
"But you let me marry Renée in my own time. Allow us to be married when we deem ourselves ready, then we will both return here." he declared.
The red-head looked at him incredulously.
Such a thing to promise!
How bold!
But didn't he think about her decision?
She was so flattered when he said that he wouldn't marry anyone else and so happy that he is making a definite decision to marry her in his own time, but to come back and stay here?
She didn't want to.
She preferred to be out there, exploring and enjoying her life, with him if possible. That was all what they've told each other they wanted.
Despite her internal conflict, Renée chose to stay silent as Killua pleaded their case.
"Alright. I allow you to go for now. Do not forget your promises." Silva concluded, bringing her back to reality.
"Of course. Thank you, father."
The couple bowed respectfully then the boy turned her around to leave.
The red-head looked back and saw Zeno look wistfully at his grandson, or was that regret?
"Sir." she called out, surprising everyone. "It's not too late for you." Renée smiled, referring to the elder.
If he heard or understood, he didn't show it.
Hoping that he did, the red-head walked out hand-in-hand with Killua.
- Later on that day -
Most of the day has passed and it was already deep in the night when they got on the train back to the airport.
Gon and Mehika sat together leaving Renée and Killua seating in the row behind them. As soon as the train started moving, the two in front fell fast asleep and nothing but silence remained.
Renée leaned against the glass, looking at the foliage passing by, thinking about the messy situation she got herself into.
She didn't want to do it.
She doesn't want to live the rest of her life in a dark, secluded place; she wants to explore more of what the world has to offer.
A lot more.
Then there's that small part of her that wants to push through with it so she can be with the person she loves. That one reason seemed to weigh just as much as the others and it boggled her mind.
'I sound so stupid. Apparently freedom is worth sacrificing right now.' the red-head berated herself mentally.
"I know what you're thinking." Killua said, not even looking at her.
"Do you now?" she replied in the same aloof manner.
"I know I should've told you about my plan, but it was the only thing I could think of to make them stop for a long while."
"We could've escaped."
"They'd just come after us."
"We could always get off the grid."
"Then that would risk Alluka, Mehika, and Gon's lives."
"We could've taken them with us."
"No one would take care of your tribe, leaving the people vulnerable."
"Why do you have an answer to everything!?"
"Ssh! Your siblings are asleep!" Killua whispered urgently, much to her chagrin.
Renée clicked her tongue then turned back to the window, more irritated than before.
The silver-head sighed at her prissy attitude, "Look, all I wanted to say is that I'm sorry I didn't consider your input on the matter and just suddenly decided for both of us. Though I didn't think you'd be so against marrying me for you to act like this, but it was my fault for dragging you into this nonetheless."
The red-head's brows furrowed at his apology, unsure whether that statement was real or just some pity act.
Seeing his face all stoic and clenched made her realise that he didn't really know what her problem with it was. "You think I'm upset because you set in stone that I marry you?"
"So you aren't?"
"Wha-? Of course not! I'm not even upset! I'm just thinking how long it'll be before we have to stay in that mountain. I want to explore more. I don't know if I can really commit to just stay there all the time. Your family breathing down my neck would also be such a pain. I just... I don't think I'm ready for all of that just yet or if I'll ever be ready." she admitted, her eyes downcast.
'I really want to marry you though, despite saying all of that just now.' a little voice inside her said.
She couldn't just say that though. It would be too melodramatic and the day's been long enough as it is.
Instinctively, the former assassin reached out and held her hand, their fingers interlacing with one another.
He smiled at how her hand felt rough with all the blisters from wielding her sword as it reminds him just how human both of them can be.
They can be classified as superhuman and people has this perception of such beings to be perfect, but it's nice to have someone to share all of these insecurities with.
That's all he wants.
If she is there with him, then being trapped in Kukuroo mountain with his family seems bearable. Knowing that he'll be able to return to her after training and missions is reassuring and enough for him to sacrifice his own freedom.
When he realised what his family wanted to achieve by kidnapping Renée, he felt that, with her, he was ready. He could've agreed back then and proceeded with the marriage.
But he didn't.
Why?
Because he knew she'd be feeling this way.
He put a stopper on it as best he could for her sake. It wasn't much of a stopper but it worked.
Now, he knows that she doesn't have a problem with the idea of being with him, thank the gods. She is hesitant because of the consequences it may bring to her way of life.
"Killua?" Renée called out, snapping him out of his reverie. "I don't mean for it to sound as if I don't want to be with you, I really do. I just don't know if I can give my freedom to your family just yet."
"You know, I'm gonna be the head of the family soon." Killua said suggestively, the smile never leaving his face.
The red-head cocked her head to the side, "So?"
"So, once I'm in charge, I'm going to change the way things are done on the mountain. Of course that'll take some time but I know I can do it. Though I'll only achieve that if you're up to it too." he shrugged, staring lazily through the window which viewed Kukuroo mountain.
Renée knew that he was baiting her so she'd stop thinking about the possible problems of his plan.
She didn't forget them.
She knows that she'll have to endure through them sooner than she thinks. Still, she couldn't help but grin with him.
"You think THAT highly of yourself huh? Being able to change tradition in a snap." the red-head teased.
"I can and I will." he smirked confidently.
"Yeah right, old man. You don't have the brains to pull it off."
"Why bother? You'll be there with me anyway."
Renée paused and turned to him.
Killua was serious though his face was a tad pink. He stared back at her, as if waiting for her to confirm what he said. When she said nothing, the silver-head started to look nervous.
"I-I mean, you will..right? Be me, I mean, there?" he stuttered.
The girl laughed softly, "That was a lousy proposal but yeah okay."
"Shut up, it's not like I was prepared y'know." he muttered, looking away from her to hide his blush.
The two left it at that and settled in comfortable silence, their fingers still intertwined.
- At the airport -
"Well, we're heading back to Scillio now." Mehika announced, pivoting on her heel to face Killua.
Gon and Renée followed suit to say their goodbyes as well.
The silver-head donned on an expression filled with longing, "Yeah I know. Thanks for coming when I called you guys. You really helped me keep a level head through it all."
"What're you talking about Killua? We're friends! Call us anytime. Besides, Ren's our sister. We couldn't just ignore that, right?" the dark-haired boy grinned wolfishly.
"That's right! And since she is our sister, if something happens to her again, I swear I'll-!"
"Okay! So I guess this is a farewell for now?" Renée interrupted.
The silver-head gave them a small smile, taking turns in giving them an awkward hug, lingering longer than necessary with his love.
"All right, bye you two!" Mehika waved before linking arms with Gon.
Renée threw her hands in the air in exasperation, "Mehika! Wait for me, geez!"
"Nuh-uh!"
"What are you doing!? My ticket is with you! Mehika! Gon!"
"Have fun, sis!" the blonde called out as they disappeared through the gate.
The red-head was stopped by the ticket inspector before she managed to run past. Dejected, she walked back to where Killua was with a disbelieving look in her eyes.
"Can you believe them!? Geez, wasting that much money all to play a trick on me." she ranted.
"Hmm. So what's your plan now? Will you buy a new ticket?" he asked, pointing at the counter.
"What choice do I have?"
"Well, you could always stay." he murmured.
Renée turned to him, "What was that?"
"Hm? Oh, nope. Nothing."
The red-head narrowed her eyes at his answer and at the way he transferred his weight from one side to the other. He was obviously acting shifty.
"You planned this! You probably did it when I changed out of that horrid dress in the bathroom!" Renée pointed an accusing finger at him.
Killua guffawed.
"I knew it! You sneaky old man!"
"Is it so bad to want to spend a bit more time with you? I mean you were going to visit me before you got kidnapped and you're long overdue. I didn't even get the chance to taste the fudge bars yet!" he reminded her.
The red-head rolled her eyes at his reason but didn't protest.
"Well? I can show you around my favourite spots in York Shin. I mean, it's the last on your list." Killua asked tentatively, raising the blank map filled with scribbles in red ink.
"So I take it we return to your house first?" Renée said finally.
Ecstatic, the boy nodded and led her to the airship flying to York Shin, two tickets at a ready. She noticed this, of course, and shook her head at him.
"You cheeky little bastard, conniving with Gon and Mehika for this." she chuckled once they sat down.
Just as they got comfy in their seats, Renée leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, making him flinch.
Despite her flushed cheeks, she still smiled, "That's payback for tricking me!"
Getting over his shock, he mirrored her expression, "If that is what I get, I should trick you more often."
The two smirked at each other, their faces glowing and their eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"I love you."
END OF EXTRA.
A/N: It was quite a handful to make! I had a lot of fun writing this because I don't usually like focusing on the romantic aspect of the story so it was something new for me! I know there are plot holes and I know I focused a lot on Renée and Killua and not much on Gon and Mehika. I apologise, but this IS about the main ship this time. Anyway, on the next post, I'll be putting up one related to the main storyline! I don't want to make promises on when I'd post but I will, don't worry. Feel free to ask me anything about this fan fiction and I'm very eager to hear your ideas! Please review!