Not all's well that ends well for Killua. Iason and Gon share a moment while in the kitchen, although, the pounding one's heart isn't good for said place, Gon doesn't exactly have boundaries…
A/N: So… I been playing Resident Evil 2 Remake a lot… a little too much…
Scarlet was forced to turn around at the last five seconds, holding out her hands to stop Tarot XIII from activating. She knows she can't stop it by any means necessary, but both Victor and Daniel have gotten really weak. She was scared of the outcome, and if that meant she had to go against her own ability, she'll do it.
Mr Dandy came to life, eyes glowing as the last drop of sand fell through the hourglass. Its eyes turned to now face Daniel and Killua, teeth moving to speak, even though he was nothing more than a hollowed husk, a skeleton which was dressed exquisitely "The time of judgment has come…"
When he brandished his scythe, Scarlet grabbed it, pleading for the creature to stop, but he wouldn't listen, his movements acting on impulse. With a flick of his wrist, the hourglass morphed into a scale, Daniel's aura being forced to split in two.
"Please… DON'T!"
Tears fell as all she could do was now watch Daniel's aura be judged against Victor's, the differences in weight impossible to be told by her own judgement. She can't perfectly tell who has won, only Tarot XIII could do so… and his expression before doing so, was impossible to judge.
The scale never tipped in anyone's favour, only acting as a stand for the two being on trial, it was suspense which always held the requester's breath, one which makes Scarlet afraid to turn around.
She knew the boy was awake, his breath full of tiredness, an uneasy sense of guilt lingering in the back of the boy's mind. Had he failed…? Had he passed…? Only Tarot XIII could tell.
Alluka ran to her brother's side, holding him just in case. It would be the last time she'll ever be able to see him, and he wasn't saying anything… just clutching her closely, his fingertips digging into her back, pulling her closer than he ever could.
He knew what the outcome is going to be, not because Daniel told him… but because of the last thing he did back there. He had decapitated Victor, and no amount of aura could save him from that… Daniel still had reserves, reserves he had kept hidden inside of Killua just in case.
It wasn't even because he didn't trust him… he put his life on the line, his mass reserves of aura forced to help Killua complete his task. He knew Killua could pull it off… and he did, just at the last minute.
But he knew better than to say anything, just in case they were wrong…
One miss step could mean their whole world, could crumble around him. That's why he clung to his sister without a single word… because he has seen false hope with his eyes… He has seen the near-death experience of a friend he trusted his life to…
The friendship of someone who clung to him with false hope, only for it to backfire and later come true…
He knows that even if he could predict when the world ends, someone close to him would slap that reality away without a second thought.
Mr Dandy finally made his move after a long minute, his eyes turning to face Scarlet. With a pause, his menacing features showed, holding out the scythe towards Daniel, as he spoke, words almost falling on deaf ears, "The boys shall live for another day. Victor's life…" Daniel's aura was shooed away, the skeleton continuing while Victor's aura was held between his skeletal fingertips, a nail piercing the fragile aura "shall cease to see the next day. He shall not, covert this boy's soul."
The group sighed in relief, Killua smiling widely at the outcome. He had done it… he had achieved the impossible. Victor can now suck a dick for all he cares because starting from now, Daniel's life was no longer on the line.
When Mr Dandy's eyes lit up, a burning hatred being directed at Victor's remaining aura, Killua's hopes and dreams were dashed.
Clenching his skeletal fingers, the aura was clasped between his claws, crushing the aura with minimal effort. The eyes felt hollow, Mr Dandy disappearing before the group's eyes, a lasting sentence left behind, with some chilling words for Killua and Scarlet to hear "He shall not find you… not unless you move."
Killua and Scarlet looked at each other, both thinking the exact same thing "We need to leave, now!"
"~"
Victor clutched his chest, his ties to Daniel being severed. The act made him clench his teeth, eyes being drawn to the sky. He still knows where the boys are, he can still make it in time… he can still track them down.
The only problem was it'll take him two days to reach the Kakin Kingdom. After that… he'll take Daniel's life, then Killua's… He'll make them regret the moment they met him…
This was the last time someone will ever cross paths with him, and stab him in the back from bypassing the conditions set by his ability. Daniel was supposed to live in fear for the rest of his life, to have his most cherished memories of Ercole stripped away from him.
Now that the boy has been released, surely he'll remember everything over time. He'll have to change methods. If he can't reach Killua and Daniel in time, he'll just change his methods he'll go after Akshasamat and Zaikaria.
She had a part to play in this, probably offering advice on how to remove his Nen ability. If that is the case, she'll be next on his list. He'll pry the information out of her…
Especially, Ercole, he isn't in a better position either. He must be pulling the strings behind Daniel's back. Something needs to be done on that end too. And as for Nathaniel, he knows that man will suffer the most…
Maybe he'll even gift a piece of Daniel and Killua to Nathaniel… Daniel is his son after all. It'll be his thank you gift to the man, for making his life difficult…
For taking his son away from him…
"~"
Killua rammed their stuff into the bags, uncaring of the crinkled clothes which will be a hassle to fold later. They don't know how much time they have, when or if Victor will find them.
But one thing is for certain, they needed to move further south, then escape by airship. They needed to disappear, the five of them. Once Killua packed their bags, he shuffled over to the bed, a hand finding Daniel's forehead, the back of his fingers being used to push away strands of the boy's hair.
Daniel was still asleep; the fight between himself and Victor's curse had weakened him. It will be a while before the boy is able to move once more. Killua found himself leaning over the boy, a small kiss being placed on the boy's nose.
He was just happy to know, that the boy will be safe, but it will take time for him to recuperate his strength. Daniel trusted him completely back in that world, going as far to hide his remaining strength inside him.
It turns out; now that he looks back on it… the real Daniel had been that child, and the one fighting Victor was nothing more, but an extension of his ability. That's why the boy was able to morph outside his body, stopping Victor from kicking him that one time.
The black splotches throughout that world may have been Daniel's eyes, waiting for the moment Killua came into contact them… he was waiting for him, waiting in hopes that Killua may save him.
He felt sorry for having to move Daniel like this, but there was no other choice… they had to move now, at least to get Stefan, Scarlet's child. They also, had to pack up and leave, just in case Victor tries to hunt them down.
Killua slid his hands under Daniel, supporting the boy's legs and head as he lifted him. He hadn't taken notice of his own actions, pulling Daniel close so the boy's head rested against his chest.
With both bags now strapped to his back, and Daniel in his arms, he joined the others, hoping that they were ready too.
"~"
The evening was young, Iason in the one place he felt he could escape from his feelings. Ever since the bathhouse incident, Gon and Sakura have been more open around him. It's not that he doesn't like being involved…
He just didn't realise that Gon was that bad. Maybe he was so used to it, that his mind didn't address what was happening, the way Gon would become super touchy around Sakura… the genuine kisses of affection. Or was he was a prude until the incident?
He can't really gauge it right now, not while his hands flowed with his motions, the constant tapping of a knife against the wooden board lulling his thoughts. He wasn't doing this out of purpose, he just felt he needed to take a step back, and access where his boundaries should be…
Regardless of whether or not, Gon comes in like a wrecking ball…
So far, he likes the physical attraction of both Gon and Sakura, and he does enjoy the mental stimulation the two provide. Mostly on Sakura's end, considering he has asked him for assistance with Nen. The boy still wants to keep it a secret from Gon, and considering he is the only one, other that Gon who is aware of its existence, he was the best option Sakura had at the time.
Now that they've entered a trifecta relationship, he thought that would change. It hasn't really changed, at all…
Sakura is the only one really asking him for what he wants and doesn't want in the relationship. But he keeps denying the request. He doesn't know where he wants to put the boundaries yet. He's enjoying all the physical touching, including the over-enthusiastic side coming from Gon's end.
Gon has a way of stepping over that boundary at any given moment…
Thankfully, not in a way that makes him feel disgusted with himself. He likes Gon's casual approach when it comes to getting touchy-feely.
The only surprising thing he has learned during this whole deal is neither one has approached him sexually. Whether that's because one of them didn't want to bring it up, mainly Sakura, or they didn't know how to do so… it was up to Iason to gather that information.
Iason heard the sound of feet moving through the living room, the heavy thuds giving away who it was long before they spoke, "What are you making for dinner?"
The boy mewled at the affection that followed. The light bump of one's nose against his cheek, the arms wrapped around his sides, rubbing his bare chest in an affectionate manner, along with the sweet kiss against his cheek showed him one of the many reasons he enjoyed Gon's company.
If he weren't cutting something right now, he'd relax into the touch.
But frankly speaking, falling limp while holding a sharp knife is not good for anyone, "Either stir-fry, pasta or a rice type dish… not sure at the moment."
Gon pat Iason's stomach, acknowledging the options being provided.
"My stomach isn't a pair of bongos you can play…" Hypocrite… I thought of Gon's butt being a nice pair of bongos. I even went as far to wonder if they'll ripple like water… if they were soft… His thoughts lingered back to the moment he wrapped his legs around Gon during the kiss. They were definitely soft…
Iason mentally slapped those thoughts away, not wanting a repeat of that situation right now. He's supposed to be cooking… Not thinking of what he wouldn't mind doing with Gon right now.
Gon on other-hand had different ideas, "Nuh-uh, your tummy is soft like jelly. I like patting it…"
"Not as soft as Sakura…" I did not just say that out loud!
"Sakura is really soft…" Gon hummed out loud, one hand being used to innocently running along his cheek, scratching away at the slight awkwardness of talking about Sakura while he isn't in the room with them.
OH NO, I did say that out loud!
"But I like rubbing his belly just as much as yours, Iason…"
Iason felt his cheeks flush at the confession, his mind unable to rationalise a reason to stop Gon's pure intent. He could only imagine the smile that came along with it, or what Gon would do if he said: don't stop. Boundaries… where are you at boundaries? I need help here…
Unable to get a response from his boundaries, the boy sighed, feeling defeated on the matter, "Alright… I won't stop you, as long as you… don't stop me…"
"Yay…"
That was ungodly levels of cuteness right there… Thinking he could take a moment to relax, Gon's hands instead circled around his tummy, the touches being soft, even though he knew from firsthand experience, those were anything but soft.
He sighed in content, allowing Gon to get away with murder…
The murder of his dignity… It's going to be a long night…
Gon had a reason as he came into the room, to ask if Iason has seen Sakura, but he instead got distracted by the desire to pull the boy closer, to touch his soft figure. I wonder if I should ask him about what happened in the bath. I wanna know more things I can do to the both of them…
Gon's motions stopped for a second, hips swaying from side-to-side, wondering if he should ask that question when he originally wanted to ask about Sakura's whereabouts. The boy's brain fizzled at the question, his mind being forced to focus on the original intent "Do you know where Sakura is?"
I do… but I also promised Sakura I wouldn't say anything… "He went out for a bit to the park, he should be back soon."
"Aww… I wouldn't mind going with him. Maybe even drag you outside with us…"
"The last time I went out, I got into a relationship…" It was mainly a joke he wanted to put out, in a tone he hoped would come off as sarcastic to Gon. Unfortunately, Gon took differently. Maybe it was how he said it… or the moment he used it, but given the boy's follow up concern, it sounded like Gon just didn't understand the sarcastic undertone.
"Are you ok with being with us… we didn't push you."
"For the last… seven-thousand times, yes… I'm ok with this. VERY ok with this…" He felt his cheeks flush redder, being forced to admit his desires was taking a toll on him. Not in a bad way, just admitting his feelings made some of his walls crumble… at least the ones Gon hadn't destroyed yet. "I like the two of you…" even if I get jealous at times… "I want…"
"I want to be with you…" Iason turned to look at Gon, hoping he wouldn't catch the boy's smile. However, Gon was smiling. It took his breath away, but not his voice, which was an unstoppable train of thought at this point, "you two, not just you… physically and mentally. Well, maybe not physically, physically, because I'm not ready yet. Touching is ok… as well as hugging and kissing but-" He stopped himself, he was babbling in a very, VERY confessional manner… it's just the boy's smiling gaze caught him off. His mind went somewhere else, and his lips continued moving, confessing all his sins "I was babbling…"
Iason closed his eyes when he saw the boy's smug expression, he didn't need to correct himself. Gon already knew what he meant; the extra words just made the boy react with something else… curiosity "What do you mean by physically, physically?"
"I'm…" Iason looked away, turning back to his earlier action, "I… I need to think about it."
"It's ok…" Gon hugged Iason, smiling into the boy's neck, "I want you to feel comfortable around us. I know from first-hand experience, you kiss better when you're not put on the spot…"
"Normal people don't admit that Gon…"
Gon playfully slapped the boy's tummy, "I don't care… You kiss better when you're not under pressure…"
I would kill, just to have Sakura open that door right now, and scold Gon. His wish was never granted, the boy coming back an hour later, to the meal Gon and Iason had prepared for the three of them.
"~"
Scarlet heard it before she saw it, the whine of the alarm set to go off the moment the lock was forced open. It was set like that to disturb her sleep, to wake her up the moment someone tried to break in her home.
Only those who are aware of Nen, know how to use and access its wide ray of benefits, can hear the eerie sound. It's a warning to those who step into this house, to prepare themselves.
But now that the lock had been broken, and Scarlet wasn't home at the time, could mean only one thing… Stefan was in danger. Forcing the broken door open, she yelled at the top of her voice, "Stefan…?"
She ran up the stairs, Killua forced to check to see if there was anyone waiting in the hallway for them, waiting to ambush them the moment they stepped in the home. They could have been simple things, ones unable to hear the sirens call considering the lock to the door had been burned off by fire, possibly a blowtorch.
It had been melted, what was left of it to be used as a warning for others…
Killua quickly moved into the first room, a waiting room for those waiting for Scarlet's readings, he placed Daniel on the couch before ordering Alluka to stay by Daniel's side just in case, the last thing they needed was for someone to surprise them.
He went into the next closest room, Scarlet still being heard from upstairs. While she was calling out for Stephan to answer her, the boy found a circular table in the middle of the room, with a seer's orb resting on the table. If it weren't for Scarlet's worried voice, he would have laughed at the terrible prop.
She obviously didn't use it, only acting as though she was convening with the spirits to answer their pleas. But that wasn't the only thing that was on the table, a small sheet of paper rested on the table. Killua picked up the paper, unfolding it, even though it was directed to a name other than Clarets Sutton.
For Scarlet Von Delkofer
Whoever this person is, he knows Scarlet's true name… and it's not Scarlet Sutton, its Scarlet Von Delkofer, a name he would recognise even without context. His father accepted a fair few assassination requests from him.
He only knew about that because of his father's knowledge of the situation, and now he looks back on it, he may have discovered a piece of information as to why his father hates Vastorie.
Vastorie would've had to have known Scarlet's full name… He might just be the reason Baron Hinrick Von Delkofer, was murdered. Wait, the story Vastorie spoke about involving the children streetwalkers, might also be linked here. He doesn't have enough information to link the dots, but it could blow a hole in a conspiracy hidden away from the public's eye.
That man had his hands in everyone's pockets, even the Zoldycks…
Nothing was apparently sacred to Hinrick…
Killua flicked the paper open, viewing the contents. It was addressed to Scarlet:
Dear Scarlet,
You may have left me for dead, but I will hunt you down to the ends of the world, even if I have to go to the Dark Continent...
"The Dark Continent…?" Killua hummed, eyes returning to the letter.
Come to the abandoned factory 50 kilometres to the south-west, if you want Stefan back. You have until the end of tonight, or the boy will be nothing more than charcoal…
Just like the lock to your door…
You are to come alone; any interference will result in the death of your child.
Sincerely, A
Killua's eyes narrowed at the letter A. It could stand for so many names, but the fact they directly mention Scarlet's full name means that they, know her personally. He should break the news to Scarlet before any assumptions are made, "Scarlet, get down here. Your son has been captured…"
It didn't take long for the older woman to respond, a loud thud upstairs, followed by running "No! No! No!" She cried out, already asking questions long before Killua could see her, "What did they say? Is Stefan ok? Where did you get the information?"
"You need to read the letter…"
Killua crossed his arms at the noise that followed, it sounded like Scarlet fell down the stairs. He impatiently tapped his arms, mulling over the information being provided. Who could 'A' be… what could he possibly want from Scarlet…? Would she even accept his offer to help? The sooner they deal with this, the better chance they have of avoiding Victor…
Scarlet wasted no time once she met face-to-face with Killua, almost ripping the paper out of boy's hands.
"A thank you would have been nice…"
Scarlet hadn't listened at all, her eyes focused only on the obvious ransom note. Even though it didn't declare how much money they wanted, 'A' was looking for Scarlet, and they wanted her as the ransom fund.
It was weird to say in the least; once they have her… they have absolutely no reason to keep Stefan alive. She must be aware of this information. But going by her reaction, she's not going to see it.
It's going to be a long night…