Hello everyone! I'm back with a new chapter! So look! We hit 350 reviews! 50 more to 400! And my dear 350th reviewer is… Sweet Cady180! Thanks you so much for all the support from you and to all my other beloved reviews and I feel like a Game show host, so I'll stop. So more feels! Again! The newest episode had lots of them too. XP TT^TT Election Arc is coming up soon. Also, the manga came back! It was a couple days early too! Ah~ So much epic-ness coming up soon~! The Chimera Ant Arc will soon be coming to an end probably. Not positive, but maybe. Anyhow, to the new chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter x Hunter.
KILLUA'S POV
Anger.
Yeah, that basically summed up everything I was feeling right now. Once I left that room, I ran into Meleoron who explained Knuckle's and Shoot's situation to me. That led us to deciding to attack Youpi so they could save themselves hopefully. I jumped in the air, Meleoron on my back, spinning like I always did, before pointing a finger at the giant Royal Guard that we had seen at the Central Stairway.
"Thunderbolt!" I shouted, the anger was still dripping from my voice as a flash of lightning zapped Youpi, saving Knuckle from his possible death. I landed on the ground and dropped Meleoron off as Knuckle ran for his life from the bottom of the cliff and hollering like a mad man.
What was I angry about?
I stood at the top of the pit, where the red Chimera Ant stood at the bottom with my hands shoved deep in my pockets. Slowly and Silently, I began to walk down the uneven hill, the electricity and bloodlust still burning off of me.
"Sorry, but what's about to happen is just me blowing off some steam." I held my hands out on either side of me slowly before the electricity began surging through my entire body.
I was angry at Gon. That idiot broke a promise. Didn't understand. Hurt someone we care about.
I disappeared and reappeared in front of my opponent and striking him hard with lightning after my entire body charged up. Youpi cried out in pain.
I was angry at Neferpitou. Because it was all her fault that this happened. That Kite's gone. That Gon's given in to rage.
The Royal Guard swung at me, but I easily dodged and aimed a lightning fast kick to his face, making him spit out blood and slide. Godspeed. I thought. It was the name for the ability I had been working on for a while.
I was angry at Yukiko. My stupid girlfriend who got hurt and hid it to deal with it alone. Walking away without a word.
The Chimera tried to lunge at me for a second time, but I was faster and shocked him with ease. Blue sparks flew from all directions then another punch in the face which was followed by a kick and another one before landing silently on the ground, a distance away. Godspeed was split into two abilities. Speed of Lightning and…
But mostly, I was angry at myself. Another punch, then landing. I couldn't help Gon… Another punch, then landing. Who was becoming something he should never be. Another kick, then landing. I couldn't help Yukiko… Another punch, then landing. Who was breaking on the inside. Followed more and more on this one-sided fight.
Whirlwind! I exclaimed in my head after another hit to the stomach. Youpi had suddenly started laughing to himself. Starting from a low grumble to a loud, evil laughter. Huh? But that thought didn't last long as I felt my fluffy, white hair as Yukiko put it, brush the side of my face as my electricity ran out. Crap! I used it all up! I cursed in my head before running up the hill as fast as I could before I ended up as dead meat. Lucky for me, Meleoron got the idea and grabbed me into God's Accomplice. Youpi jumped out of the crater he had caused and searched for me, which was obviously a waste of effort.
Thanks for letting me vent.
While finding a place where I could charge up, we saw three or so small, chibi Poufs fly around. Yukiko would've found them creepy while Gon would've laughed in agreement. I tighten my hands into fists at the small thought. Soon enough, we had found the spot where I could charge. Breaking the outlet and taking out the wires, I wrapped them around my knuckles and let the dull pain of electricity fill my senses.
"Once I'm charged up, I'm going back to Gon. You go find Knuckle. Pouf is outside the barrier, so it's very likely the big guy was taken out. Review the situation, then you and Knuckle decide what to do, and whether to retreat." I told the Chameleon.
"Wh-What about you guys? And Yukiko?" I tensed slightly as the Ant said her name. Guilt was starting to form in my stomach as I looked away.
"I don't know where Yukiko is. Probably having some fun doing whatever. Once Gon is in that state, he won't budge. At worse, he'll trade his life for Pitou's." Meleoron let out a sound of worry. "I'm kidding! It'll be fine. I've always got the magic word, 'Kite'! I have it under control." I reassured him, though he didn't seem so convinced. With that we went separate ways. It took a while before I was fully charged. Doing a quick check, I made a spark between my fingers.
"Yosh. All charged." With that, I left the room and silently opened the wooden door. On my left was a hallway, while on my right was blocked from rubble from Grandpa's Dragon Dive. Checking both ways and not seeing any enemies, I quickly yet silently ran to where Gon was. Something's watching me… I thought for a millisecond before sliding to a stop to turn around and see. No one, but a strange dark aura. And… It's probably someone I know. I ran over to the corner of where the aura was coming from, crouching down and looking down the hall to see. Taking out one of my yo-yo's from my pocket, I let it roll into the hallway, using the reflective glass to keep watch of what was approaching. No one's there? My eyes went wide after the thought as something dark began to appear on the yo-yo. It cleared up to show a female with fish fins and scales up her arms and legs. She wore a thin pinkish-purple dress with blood staining over her chest and long wavy black hair. Shimmering blue eyes and an indigo shade of lips while on her forehead was a large sphere in dark blue. Palm! I managed to recongized who it was. She was captured by the Royal Guard… and she's been transformed! If Gon sees what's happened to Palm, he won't be able to take it. There's no room left in his heart. If the transformation has reached as far as Palm's heart… I can see Gon completely breaking down! I must learn the answer. Because of this, I slowly showed myself in front of Palm who was calmly walking. We still have a chance. Palm approached me herself!
"Palm?" I asked gently. I inwardly winced, I only used that voice on Yukiko. Palm must have sensed me before I noticed her watching me… Using that power she told us about before. I thought she could use some kind of divination to locate people. But it's probably closer to clairvoyance. From her position, Palm shouldn't have been able to see me… The only conclusion is that she was watching me by some other means. And if Palm were an enemy, she would have backed off… Clairvoyance is most effective from a distance. And if she's an enemy, she shouldn't remember me anymore. Since she approached me, she must remember me… Remember us! Palm's eyes went wide for a second before she spoke.
"Killua, yes?" She replied softly. I knew it… She has her memories! I thought as I relaxed and slowly approached her. "Where's Gon? Once he's seen what I've become, will Gon hate me?" I almost rolled my eyes at her for worrying about that and put my hands on my hips.
"Gon doesn't judge people by appearances. And you're assuming that he doesn't already hate you." I went nonchalantly. I could just imagine Yukiko hitting me for the rude comment. Palm's eyes twitched.
"You're always so spiteful…" Her tone was filled with annoyance as I gave her a look. "Well, it doesn't matter. I have nothing to gain from your pity. Where's Gon?" The black haired girl repeated her question from before.
"Gon's with Pitou. He's-" I froze mid-reply. Why can she see me, but she can't see Gon?
"What's wrong?" She asked simply and snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Was it chance that you happened to find me?" I questioned, eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"Huh? What are you talking about? You're the one who turned the corner."
"Wrong! I sensed you watching me. That's why I came this way! You noticed me first. Why are you lying?" Anger came all over Palm's features at my accusation.
"Troublesome brat… Where's Gon?" She asked once again.
"Answer my question first." I demanded and Palm clenched her hand into a fist as another fact hit me. Did I notice Palm watching me only when she physically saw me? Does that mean Palm actually saw me once, then immediately left? Then she used clairvoyance to watch me follow her, and turned around so it'd look like she was approaching me?
"For the last time… Where's Gon?" I ignored the fact that she was making that expression before she exploded in fury. I whipped out my yo-yo and brought it to my right hand and close to my face.
"I won't tell you. You're an enemy, aren't you?" And she snapped. Palm's hair grew and wrapped around her body completely. My eyes went wide as I watched her transform.
"I made a mistake… I used my power incorrectly. When I was brimming in rage, I would've let my emotions take over!" Palm exclaimed. Her hair had covered everywhere but her face. She had a hat on that covered half of the blue sphere and the hair made a short, puffy dress with princess sleeves and heels. Sh-She's dangerous! I shouted in my mind at the aura she was giving off.
"Better to let everything out than hold it in." I inwardly winced for a second as I tensed. Lesson Yukiko should learn. "That includes my desire to kill you!" I swung my 50kg yo-yo at her, but she shattered it with ease in a single punch. I gritted my teeth at the loss of a weapon as Palm turned to me and threw another hard punch that I blocked. It hurt and Palm let out a hysterical giggle as she landed on her feet and spun on one leg.
"Well? What now?" She continued on attacking, while I continued to block. "Will you die without a word? Will you die after speaking?" I got sent flying after a powerful kick, hitting the floor and bouncing into a wall. I opened one eye while I winced as I watched the female approach me slowly. "Or will you just die?"
The attacks kept coming and I tried my best to dodge and block but wither way the attacks would make my head ring and my nose had started to bleed after multiply bruises on my arms. Palm is an Enchancer. When everything clicks, it's possible to become this much stronger? I completely blocked the attack, but I still took damage. If the fight drags on, I'll be at a total disadvantage. But I can't run away. Gon's mind is already at its limit! He's barely holding himself together, while he waits for Pitou. Yukiko can't take in another person betraying and hurting her. I can't let them meet. Even if Palm's heart is still there… It'll be a negative effect now! Palm began cartwheeling, sending small rocks from the rubble flying at me before throwing another punch at my exposed side. I rolled and managed to stop before nearly dodging a kick. I stuck to wall at the side of the hallway.
"Palm! Why are you looking for Gon? Depending on why, I might be willing to tell you where he is." I stated as I watched the smoke fade away and the female stand up.
"Huh? Why are you asking now? There's no reason… I just want to see him. He's probably nearby. I'll find him myself. Once I've killed you!" She aimed for me and I ran to dodge, but she was right on my heel. I slid to a stop at the hallway.
"Sorry!" This caused Palm to stop. "I panicked and called you an enemy… But even if you look different, you're still Palm, right?" I remember once Yukiko and I got in a fight over something stupid. She ended up not talking or looking at me for a day and a half and when I apologized, she gave me a lecture that some girls will stay stubborn if a boy blames them for something they didn't do, since human beings are like that, and they will hate you for the rest of their life because of it which led to more conversations about never getting a girl mad. Yukiko and Palm were those types of girls, they hold grudges. I could see the look on Palm's face that something struck her.
"Gon is suffering. Someone he deeply respects was completely transformed. That person had his soul taken away. Right now, Gon is facing off against the one responsible! If you appear before Gon looking as you do now… Gon will… totally snap." I looked down to the floor, bangs covering my eyes as I continued. "So you have to call him by his name first. You must say, 'Gon.' That's the condition. Tell him you're okay. Before we entered the palace, Gon was really worried about you. Give him some peace of mind… And… If you run into Yukiko, you can't hurt her or say you hate her… because she won't be able to take another friend leaving her… help… make them feel a little better, if you can… Only you can do that now! No one else… can do it. I can't do anything!" I hadn't realized I had started crying by now. The idea was to buy time. To lie and never let them meet, but the truth just flew out of my mouth before I could stop them. My knees hit the floor and my arms did next, leaving me vulnerable as I bawled like a baby. Gon… Yukiko… I called out in my head. Words were muffled in my ears but I knew someone else that wasn't here before was shouting.
"Shut up." I heard Palm say as I stopped screaming out. "I am Palm Siberia. I'm not #1! I will never become a pawn for you Ants… Even if it costs my life!" I watched as Palm shattered a Pouf into bits in the way she had done with my yo-yo. They reformed right after into the insect again. He went toward Palm in hope to control her again when something whooshed by, grabbing the small insect and shoved him into the floor in front of me. With a blade, Pouf was cut in half after a mini panic attack.
"Get the heck out of our sight. Checkmate." I heard the person whisper softly to the enemy before the Royal Guard was broken into even smaller bits and was then stepped on. I looked up in surprise.
"Yukiko…" I managed to mutter in my shock as I stared with tears still dripping from my eyes. The said girl let out a bright, closed eye smile at me.
"Sorry for making you worry. I'm fine now, Killua."
YUKIKO'S POV
Nightmares. I was told as a young child they were my fears that crept into my dreams at night. They were the constant reminder of what you were afraid of, and it made it easier for you to overcome them. I learned how to do that, getting over the un-needed fears so I could sleep. But recently, for a month or so, I've been having nightmares and they just won't leave, nor can I overcome them. Maybe because this is what I truly fear. And sadly, what I truly feared hit me like a truck just moments ago. The world had been spinning as voices were filling my head again. The voices of self- doubt, low self-esteem, insults and more. I couldn't, wouldn't think. I couldn't be weak, not now or I'll die. But what was the point? I want to be dead yet at the same time, I want to kill. What… the hell… is wrong… with me…? I wasn't sure if it was my own voice or Gon's who repeated it slowly in my head. The dull pain slowly started to disappear to me, but I knew it was still there nonetheless, as I slowly felt empty. When was the last time I felt like this? When mom died? When I killed Takeshi and those two assassins? I hated it. All of it. After that, I wasn't clear on what had happened. I couldn't remember if I screamed. I couldn't remember if I yelled. I couldn't remember if I hit somebody. I couldn't remember if I hugged somebody. I couldn't remember. Everything had been a blur. But when I came to, I was staring at a large group of Ants.
My first thought was the semi-surprise of not feeling Killua anywhere near me, but he had to stick with Gon. For a bit anyway. Next was how I got there and realized the answer was that during my daze, I left the room and just wandered like a ghost. That was soon followed by the thought of how the heck were there so many surviving ants around? I expected all of them to die from Zeno's Dragon Dive, but here they were. But I guess it wasn't a bad thing. I needed a vent. Really badly or else… Well, I don't know. These weaklings were the only things I could use since Morel was fighting Pouf and he was in particle size, Pitou was Gon's and Killua was going to use Youpi as his. I cracked my fist and twisted my neck as a stretch. My side and back still ached from the hit Gon gave me but I was angry. My Nen was flaring widely now and some ants took a step back in surprise at the aura, but I was a 'little girl who was easy, human prey.' Well, how wrong they were since I was going to make them swallow it back up. I tensed, not going to bother bringing my scythe out for now.
"Sorry for what's going to happen. But I'm a little too angry to care anymore now."
The area had become a bloody mess, blue blood splattered over the walls and floors, cracks and holes in some places as Dead bodies of the soldier ants were all over the place, limp and unmoving of course. Much like my first nightmare months ago. Some had twisted necks, some had broken heads, others had holes plummeted in their bodies and a few of them were missing body parts. I think half way through; I summoned The Dark Moon Warriors to use as I fought. They started calling me the Grim Reaper in my cool, black cloak that was torn at the rim and covered in their comrades' blood. I let out a bitter laugh when I heard it. That was Kite's name, not mine. While I had been fighting, I heard crashes and bangs as if someone was also fighting near me. But I mistook it as sounds created from my own attacks to my opponents. It wasn't until I had 20 or so ants to kill did I finally hear it clearly and it made me freeze.
"And… If you run into Yukiko, you can't hurt her or say you hate her… because she won't be able to take another friend leaving her… help… make them feel a little better, if you can… Only you can do that now! No one else… can do it. I can't do anything!" My eyes went wide at the voice that I knew all too well and it was… broken… I quickly and easily breezed by the other remaining ants, beheading them all with Bishops Slant. Killua! I shouted in my head in worry, fear dripping from my heart at his voice. He was worried about me? He should be worried more about Gon than me. Is he okay? And questions like that echoed in my head continuously as I felt something in me stretching so far that it'll break any second now. I slid into the place they were in, staring at the back of Palm's Black Widow costume made out of hair. From where I stood it was hard to see the white haired boy, but the crying and shouting was enough to make my heartbreak and shatter into a million pieces. That feeling of guilt and pain resurfaced and I was suddenly torn between running away or running to him.
"He's completely defenseless. Change of plans… Kill him now, #1!" I heard something go but I was mainly listening to Killua cry his heart out and I was starting to shake because of all the heavy emotion. I saw Palm move her hand and make it into a fist, but I stood there frozen and watching. "Now go, #1… Beat that boy before you to death!" The chibi Pouf shouted from on top of Palm's hat. My anger was slowly beginning to flare as I forced myself to keep control of my Zetsu.
"Shut up. I am Palm Siberia." The little insect flew away from Palm as she turned to him with angry eyes, panicking and fretting. "Not #1! I will never become a pawn to you Ants… Even if it costs my life!" Palm threw her punch at one of Pouf's clones and I saw him shatter. To my surprise, Pouf came back together, after all he was a bunch of the original cells, and flew back to the female in order to regain control of her. I launched myself forward and made a small jump towards it before it could. Swiftly, I managed to grab the clone in one hand and form my blade in the other while sliding on the floor to a stop in front of the crying Killua. I slammed Pouf into the floor that cracked in the process, my anger oozing out now as I stabbed the thing in half.
"Get out of our sight." I hissed fiercely and silently, glaring cold daggers at the thing, making the Ant squished under my hand to the floor panic once again. "Checkmate." And my blade swirled around the small figure and it returned to dust. Too bad it didn't work as well as Killua's electricity. I looked up and my eyes caught the white haired boy's teary ones. I stood up, stomping the remains of particles with my right foot and Killua watched me do so.
"Yukiko…" His voice was croaked from all the 'crying his heart out' stuff. "You can't hurt her or say you hate her… because she won't be able to take another friend leaving her…" "Make them feel a little better, if you can…" "I can't do anything!" Parts of what he yelled echoed in my mind as I let out a cheerful smile.
"Sorry for making you worry. I'm fine now, Killua." I told him with upmost honesty. I turned to look at Palm and saw the increased hair that surrounded her body disappeared into nothingness like Pouf had as Killua stood back on to his own two feet.
"Killua… Thank you." The said boy tensed at Palm's words as I took a step back to give the two space. "There was a wall inside my head. My emotions were separated from my body. I couldn't do anything about it. I've been like this since I woke up. You removed the barrier. Don't say there's nothing you can do. If I can do anything to help Gon, I'll be happy to. But you must not forget… You are the one Gon needs most." Killua's eyes went wide at her words as he let out a weak sound while nodding his head. Slowly, I approached Killua and wrapped my arms around him, pressing his head into the crook of my neck and brushed his white hair gently.
"You know, sometimes some people just need a hug." I told the boy simply, resting the side of my face against his hair. Killua let out another weak nod as his hair tickled the side of my face and neck in the process and he wrapped his arms around my waist to bring me close to him.
"I'm sorry…" He whispered softly against me as he tighten his grip on me as if he let even an inch between us happen, I'll leave and disappear… again. Tears couldn't help but drip from my eyes a bit from the way his voice cracked slightly and sounded like a little child who just got in trouble and scolded. My mind floated to the 30 minutes or so since the beginning of the mission. Gon snapping, Me breaking, Morel and Shoot almost dying, Killua fading and there was still more disaster to come. I let out a frown, turning my head so I could snuggled my nose against the boy's hair and tighten my grip on Killua, too. Yeah… some people just need a hug.
But some people just need someone else to save.
Meanwhile with Zeno…
"I'm going to have to refuse. Right now, I'm not in the mood." Zeno had already left the palace and was quite far away from it, merely walking in the deserted area. Sadly for him, an eager Chimera Ant was behind him.
"Come on, don't say that. Just think of it as bad luck that I found you! Let me test my new technique on you." Cheetu stated happily to Zeno's retreating back. The Zoldyck stopped and turned his head after an annoyed sigh. "That hurts, man… You don't have to give me such a dirty look. The one I really want to fight is someone else, you know. The guy with sunglasses, carrying the big pipe. Aren't you with him?" He questioned, still wearing a smirk.
"Then, why don't you go and find him?" And with that simple reply, Zeno continued walking onwards.
"I know where he is. But I can't get to him. He controls smoke, and he's hidden himself behind a smokescreen. And I can't get through. I climbed up to the roof, to see if I could get in from above… And happened to spot you." Cheetu explained merrily, hands on his hips.
"So I'm supposed to be the warm-up before your main fight?" The old man asked without a glance.
"Bingo!" The Chimera exclaimed, making to hand guns to point at the shorter male. Zeno let out another sigh as he turned to look at the feline.
"I've had it for today… will you listen to what I have to say? For the first time since taking over the family business, I may have killed someone who wasn't my target." The Zoldyck started to explain but was interrupted.
"Dude, my technique is awesome! Don't be too shocked when you see it. Well, you'll still be shocked in the end…" Cheetu bragged without a care and a simply shrug. The old man sighed once again.
"You're a self-centered fellow. Doesn't look like I'll be able to persuade you to let me go." Zeno did a quarter turn to half look at the other male.
"Bingo and bingo!" He went again.
"You should watch your back." There was a beat before the human, cheetah hybrid let out a laugh. After a while, Zeno went back to walking away.
"What an old trick! I won't fall for that! Your buddy told me to keep my eyes on my oppone-" An explosion occurred behind the silver haired man with a 'A Kill A Day' sign. Swiftly and quickly, he dodged flying rubble from behind before turning around again to look at Silva Zoldyck and the killed Ant smashed on the ground.
"Well, the result would have been the same either way." The old man mumbled to himself.
"Should I have spared him?" The current Zoldyck Family patriarch asked his father as he stood up on top of the corpse.
"Not necessary." Zeno replied. The two boarded onto the family dragon that was used to enter East Gorteau. On the head of the giant animal, sat a girl with long, shimmering, blond hair in a white gown tinted in blue and pink. She turned her heard and her sea-blue eyes caught both of the oldest of the Zoldyck family. The girl let out a wide grin.
"Zeno-sama! Silva-sama! Welcome back. I presume the mission was a success?" The blond questioned, tilting her head to the side adorably. Killua's father let out a frown.
"When did you get here?" His answer was a giggle from the young female. Besides that, there was no other reply so Silva merely sighed as the two males stood on the dragon's furry body as they began to float and fly over the clouds
"Yes. I guess you can say that." The old man replied to the question she had asked previously and received a nod.
"How's Killua doing?" Silva asked simply, arms crossed over his buff chest.
"Hm? He's matured. I believe that he's removed Illumi's needle. Gotten himself a fiancée, too." Zeno replied as he turned to look at his son a small smirk on his face at the last comment.
"Killua has yet to propose to Yukiko. Besides, those two are still too young to get married." The blond that sat on the dragon's head stated to the two behind her.
"I see." Silva mumbled to himself silently.
"Oh, that's right… I had a rare experience today. My time was compressed!" He exclaimed to the other two around him.
"I must remember to ignore half of everything you say." The head of the family went calmly and rudely. Zeno huffed in annoyance.
"I'll listen Zeno-sama." The blue eyed girl went, twisting her head to look over at the much older man. The corner of his lips twitched upwards to a small smile. As he opened his mouth to tell what he thought was a very interesting story.
"Thank you, Hana."
To be continued…
Short, short, short. I hope you enjoyed today's chapter though it was really bad. I bet a lot of you were disappointed. I didn't feel like writing any Yukiko fight scenes XP So bad... sorry… I guess I'll go reply reviews now…
Amv(Guest): Thank you! Killua's dreams are kind of just nightmares about Illumi and Yukiko and Gon. No details cuz I didn't think it through XP She kind of did, just not that long. More like a Killua state.
Sweet Candy180: … uh, ok. Thanks for being my 350th reviewer!
Anime lover(Guest): Haha, glad you're happy. Teehee, I guess all of us have bad luck. Ikr! I'm glad you liked the chap! I hope this chapter was ok for you! I Did realize, which is why I made Yukiko's birthday 12/12.
SakuraPetals13: I'm glad you think that! Ikr! TT^TT Haha, not really. Yeah… agreed.
Guest(Guest): She had a small part in this chapter! I hope I can make her pop up again soon.
little101: *Blinks* Uh…
Jonica77(Guest): Thanks! XD
Star(Guest): Ik. But then again, Gon does a lot of weird things in this arc. Thanks! That… did not happen as you can see. Yay…?
Fate(Guest): … Uh… (Feels like I crushed so many dreams.) I'm glad you like my story! Spoilers!
Esta2000(Guest): Ikr!
Retz and Amilia(Guest): It's ok, no prob. That sucks XP It's ok, I don't mind. Yup, feels all the way.
cocopuff123: God, this chapter was such a disappointment, I'm so sorry. I'm glad this is one of your favorite stories! Yeah, I guess I do that. Yeah, we did kinda.
Ok, first. I'm sorry for disappointing all your expectations of this chapter. There was a lot of… rampage ideas… Anyway, next chapter may be late because I still a little confused on what to write. The next chapter may also be the last chapter of the arc. Though, I will not be updating from June 11-13 because of grad trip. Anyway, till next time!