TwilaStar takes to the stage with a flourish. The crowd shouts wildly.
TS: I am back by unpopular demand.
The crowd's shouts are malicious.
Crowd: Boo, you're bad at updating and the editing is bad! Boo, the pacing is bad too.
TS: But, no, I have new plot lines and music for all of you! It'll be great!
Crowd: Your story is cringe, we hate it here!
TS: No, promise you'll read it! It'll be great, promise.
Seriously, my hate for music fanfics have flared up again and guess what I am writing! It makes it hard to want to write and edit it when I just think what I have written is cringe. I hope I can get back into the groove of what I wanted from this story so I can make something everyone loves reading again. Here we go, Alluka Arc!
Song list:
When can I see you again?-Owl City (suggested by Dragonbooks249)
Welcome to my house
"Echo"- Crusher P (Suggested by EnJaberwocky)
Bells and Whistles Chapter 25
Alluka Heights Arc: Echo
—
~ Hear a knock on the door and the night begins
Cause we done this before so you come on in
Make yourself at my home, tell me where you been
Pour yourself something cold, baby, cheers to this
Sometimes you gotta stay in
And you know where I live
Yeah, you know what we is
Sometimes you gotta stay in, in
Welcome to my house
Baby, take control now
We can't even slow down
We don't have to go out
Welcome to my house
Play that music too loud
Show me what you do now
We don't have to go out
Welcome to my house
Welcome to my house
The sky was warm with early summer weather and lilac-orange hues as the day began settling into evening. Gon's neighbors and community happily milled about the shared park located between the apartments and house complexes. The park was in the heart of the neighborhood, alight with beautiful decorations of culture and family. Tables with potluck food and drinks were dotted along the park for enjoyment with an outdoor stage as the focal attraction point of the party. The music played in the air as ambiance, floating around like magic to the festivities.
Gon was working with Killua and the other stagehands to set up the outdoor stage. Gon had arranged to perform at dusk for everyone at this party and he was excited to show off his new skills and show off a new side of himself. Gon invited his schoolmates to his first summer party, pleased to be the entertainment and the focus of attention. He had hosted summer parties before, but none of this size. This was a party to celebrate the start of summer and for Gon and Killua to say their goodbyes for the summer to everyone else. Mito agreed to let Killua come with them to Japan for their yearly trip to see their great-grandmother.
"I'm so excited for this summer!" Gon said, turning to Killua and taking his hand. "You'll love Japan! And I can show you the forests behind our house! It's so pretty this time of year!" Gon gushed, excited, and Killua had to bite his lip to keep from laughing.
"Yea, I'm sure I will. This will surely be an amazing summer." Killua said, squeezing the hand in his. With Illumi out of the picture, Killua had a looser leash, no one strictly keeping him in line. And what's a better way to spend their first summer together? Soon the crowd at the party started to congregate in front of the outdoor stage, excited for the main event of the evening. They all loved and supported Gon and was excited to see him perform. Gon asked if Killua wanted to perform on the stage with him, sing with him, but Killua wasn't quite ready for that. He would support Gon on the drums for now. A look Killua couldn't quite place crossed Gon's face for a moment but he understood.
Soon they started up the concert and Gon was a firecracker on the stage, as he usually was. His partnership with the music company started this summer too, so Gon would enjoy his last freelance job that he did out of his love for music.
The music started up in echoes, jaunty upbeat that matched the sweetness of the summer to come.
~ When can we do this again? When can I see you again? When can we do this again? When can I see you again?...
"Switch on the sky and the stars glow for you. Go see the world 'cause it's all so brand new! Don't close your eyes 'cause your future's ready to shine, It's just a matter of time, before we learn how to fly..! Welcome to the rhythm of the night…! There's something in the air you can't deny!" Gon sang, showing off his new dance moves and voice control. He was much better at exerting energy and still singing stably now, dance moves grand and controlled on the stage.
"It's been fun but now I've got to go, Life is way too short to take it slow. But before I go and hit the road…" Gon winked at the crowd coyly, sweeping everyone up into his charisma like he was addressing them each personally. A warm feeling fluttered in people's chest as his hatsu made them feel at home.
"I gotta know, 'til then, When can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh" The crowd sang along with Gon, bright on jubilee. "When can I see you again? Oh oh oh oh, When can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh, I gotta know, when can I see you again?"
Killua jammed out on the drums, happy to bask in Gon's warmth from his shadow. He shined so brightly on stage. It was easy to see why he was signed onto a music brand, it was essential for an idol to provide more than just good vocals to their fans. Any good idol has a magnetism that reaches and attracts people to them.
"Joined at the hip, yeah your sidekick needs you. Life is a trip and the road map leads you!" Gon sang and Killua jolted, nearly missing the backbeat in the song. What Gon just sang… it tickled a very important memory in the back of Killua's head. It slapped him so suddenly and completely in the emotions of this song, Killua's surprised he ever forgot.
"Look all around at the mountains you haven't climbed, It's just a matter of time, before we learn how to fly…!" Gon sang, leading the crowd in a wave from one side of the stage to the other, looking like he was floating on magic with his energy.
"Welcome to the rhythm of the night… There's something in the air you can't deny…! It's been fun but now I've got to go! Life is way too short to take it slow! But before I go and hit the road…! I gotta know, 'til then, When can we do this again?"
Killua, finally remembering what he forgot, almost laughed out of the absurdity of where he found himself. How this song fit so perfectly to his situation… Killua won't be able to go with Gon to his summer home, someone else needing him more right now. And with Illumi out of the picture, it was important to do it now; everything was falling into place. But he won't know when he'll see Gon again, when they can do this again. This is his goodbye too.
"Oh oh oh oh, When can I see you again? Oh oh oh oh, When can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh…"
It won't be easy, with mountains of obstacles but a sky of possibilities for the future if Killua does it right.
"... Welcome to the rhythm of the night, There's something in the air you can't deny...So let me know before I wave goodbye, When can I see you again…!?" Gon's concert echoed into the night, everyone riding high on his excitement. Killua found himself- despite the new found nerves and resolved vibrating through his body- riding with Gon's high too.
x-x-x-x-x
Gon breathed in deeply. The cheers of the crowd were loud beyond the stage curtains. He wanted to breath it in, let it settle in his bones, this feeling of the stars shining above him and the crowd making him feel he could fly and touch the sky, grab the stars, greedy for more glory and fame. But during the performance Killua seemed off, and Gon wanted to check in on him. Killua was more important to him in this moment than taking a little time for himself to remember this feeling.
Gon looked around for Killua and spotted him helping another stagehand take down the drum set into its holding case. He watched Killua lean back, catching his breath and smile thankfully to someone who got him a water. Gon grinned widely as he joined his side; Killua always looked so effortlessly beautiful.
"Hey." Gon hummed, nudging Killua so he noticed him. Killua looked at him and smiled, tight lipped.
"Hi. You were great out there." Killua praised, offering the water to Gon. Gon took it to take a swig and give it back.
"Thanks, kil. You were too. I never have to worry about the song tempo and energy if it's you on the drums." Gon said, watching Killua for a moment as he also drinked some water. "But you also stumbled a bit during the song. Was something the matter?" Gon asked.
Killua lowered his head from drinking the water bottle… Gon noticed that? He's certainly improved in his skills. Killua looked over at Gon sadly and sighed. This was going to be as painful for Gon as it was for himself. But this involved him and Gon should know.
"I can't go to japan with you." Killua said, taking Gon's hands. Gon's eyes widened in concern as the setting sun caught his eyes, making them melt in that chocolate shade Killua loved so much.
"What? Why? What happened? Did your parents say something? Are you scared?" Gon asked, taking a step closer and Killua smiled, always happy when Gon showed such concern and care for him. He never thought he'd get any attention like this, even 6 months ago. Killua doesn't know what he did to deserve Gon. Killua nodded with resolve, taking a moment to think before he spoke again.
"Singing this song with you… and my thoughts wandering and thinking about family… and the different memories I have… I just remembered someone very important. I have to go home and fix what happened. I can't spend another moment away, it's already been too long. I just need this time to… take care of it." Killua said, squeezing Gon's hand. Killua was afraid and cautious of this next chapter he was on the edge of. Illumi was gone, and the next steps he took determined- set in stone- what happened next. The possibilities were nearly endless. Killua could freeze and collapse under the burden, become useless in the face of such a beast.
Ultimately, how Killua was going to grab his own future now was up to him, on his terms. Gon was quiet for a long moment, studying Killua's face intently. But like always, he understood in the end.
"Ok, call me if you need anything. I'll do anything for you." Gon said and kissed Killua. Killua smiled into it and nodded when they parted. Killua will be careful. He'll take his time and plan accordingly. He won't mess up or let the idea of failure stop him in his tracks.
"Ok.. text me and tell me how Japan is." Killua said to Gon before starting to go off to his bike.
The VHS tape feed flickered to life and the video settled onto a tripod, keeping a steady view before it. The timestamp in the corner dated the video to years ago when Killua was 5 years old. Kikyo walked from the screen and sat at the grand piano in the middle of the mansion's practice room. The practice room had plenty of children's music toys such as baby xylophones and music blocks around the corners of the room— more than there are in present times.
Killua is standing by the piano, bending over slightly to help up a younger sibling onto their feet. They had momentarily tripped over the blanket they had clutched in their hand which tangled underfoot. The mother of the two did a quick scale on the piano and the two stood at attention as best they could as children, hands behind their back. Kikyo began a two-note jaunty tune.
"Alright, Killua, you're up first. Show your younger sister how it's done." She said. Killua stepped forward, wearing a light blue sweater and khaki pants. Killua cleared his throat quietly, nearly imperceivable on the film's audio.
"Do mi do mi do so mi do- Every truly cultured music student knows… You must learn your scales and your arpeggios." Killua sang, youthful and slightly nasally. The piano notes twinned with his singing.
"Bring the music ringing from your chest And not your nose… While you sing your scales and your arpeggios" Killua sang, doing as he sang, reminded to sing from his chest and his nasally tone decreasing. It left the sound leaving his mouth to be clear and bright.
"If you're faithful to your daily practicing, You will find your progress is encouraging…! Do mi so mi do me so mi fa la so it goes…! When you do your scales and your arpeggios!"
Killua breathed in a full breath as he readied to sing his notes.
"Do mi so do...
Do mi so do do so mi do...
Do mi so do do so mi do…"
Kilyo joined Killua in his appegios and harmonized with him. A bright smile worked onto Killua's face at the harmony.
"Though it seems at first it doesn't show… Like a tree ability will bloom and grow…! If you're smart you'll learn by heart what every artist knows, You must sing your scales and your arpeggios" Kikyo flourished the end of the song as Killua gave a half bow, pleased.
"Very good, very good!" Kikyo praised while the little child by his elbow clapped satisfied, wearing a striped purple sweater and blue pants. They loved hearing their older brother singing. Killua nodded, happy with his mother's pride in him.
"Now your turn Alluka, just like your brother." The mother hummed, and Killua nodded, stepping back into line. Alluka looked up at Killua as though waiting for him to do it for her. Killua nodded and gently pushed her forward to begin with the mother.
"I know it's your first time but you can just imitate the way your brother sang." Kikyo said, starting the jaunty tune again. Alluka smiled at that, straightening up.
"Do re mi do do re mi do…!" Alluka sang, all off keys and broken notes, and the mom's fingers slapped down on the keys in discord. Both children jumped in surprise.
"No darling, that's no good. Your vocals were terrible." Kikyo said tightly. Both of the children frowned and Killua looked at Alluka in concern. "Now, follow my guide." Kikyo encouraged with barely veiled impatience.
"Dooo~" Kikyo started, holding the note and motioned for Alluka to follow the tone. Alluka opened her mouth, paused for a moment, wincing as if attempting to find the note would hurt her. She carried on to sing.
"Doo-"
Clear disharmony filled the audio on the video unpleasantly and the mother cried out. She stood quickly, knocking the piano chair over and spilling the music sheets stored within to the ground. Killua held Alluka back towards his chest as she looked upset, holding the blanket to herself. Kikyo screeched for Silva while running for the tape recorder.
"Silva, get in here quick! Aaah, we have to delete this whole video! No one can ever see-!"
The clip flickers to black and ends 6 minutes and 50 seconds in.
"What should we do, Silva? She's tonedeaf. That is unheard of in the Zoldyck family name." Kikyo said. Weeks after Alluka's first day of music training, everyone in the family has found Alluka unable to carry a note. Each of them had worked with Alluka individually during music training in one way or another. Practicing music with Killua, being instructed by Illumi, or Milluki trying to get her to match her singing notes to his piano notes. The only difference between the three sessions was how stressed she was by the end (the least stressed was when she got to sing with Killua who was gentle and patient with her).
The two adults stood outside the playroom while Killua led Alluka around in an imaginary adventure with dragons and princes. Silva shook his head.
"Honestly, she'll only embarrass the family at this rate. And the press and our rivals will take anything they can run with to ruin our image and send us into a downward spiral." Silva said, only stressing Kikyo out further. He gave her a stern look before she could cry out so as to not gather the attention of the children, and she silenced herself with a hard press of her lips.
"We must double her training, even more so than we have for Killua. If she doesn't show improvement by year's end… we'll have to disown her and cleave her from the Zoldyck brand." Silva concluded.
Kikyo nodded, satisfied with the plan. Silva walked away with her, feeling bad for such a harsh reality for his daughter. But he knows that they can get anyone to sing, and she'll be fine. He won't have to resort to that.
Killua put a music block in front of Alluka. "And this is ~ la ." Killua sung softly.
"-la..!" Alluka's pitch hitched half a note higher, her nose scrunching with the effort to match Killua's tone. Killua shook his head softly and repeated it again. Alluka started again, a little closer. Killua cut her off, repeating the note and Alluka followed, hitting the note in tune.
"Alluka, you did it!" Killua grinned, and Alluka smiled happily.
"Yea? ~ la! " She sang and Killua sang a note half a note higher, harmonizing with her and she broke the note, squealing happily and hugging Killua. Killua laughed, hugging back.
—
"Mommy, look. Alluka can do the notes now." Killua said, walking in with Alluka in hand. Kikyo turned from the music sheet stand to look at them.
"Is that true? Lets do a quick lesson." Kikyo hummed with false pleasantness. In her mind, Alluka was already a loss cause and they just need to mitigate the damage.
"Lets do 'do re mi'" she said, tapping the stand to begin their timing. Alluka cleared her throat.
"Do-..." alluka started, off the tone. Killua softly shook his head, while Kikyo frowned disapprovingly. Alluka worriedly glanced up at her mother before Killua got her attention instead and smiled encouragingly.
"Like we practiced. Ready, ~ do …" Killua sang and Alluka opened her mouth to copy the tone. She missed it by half a scale. Killua was ready to start again when the mother exclaimed loudly and banged the stand, startling both kids.
"No! Wrong! Incorrect! You're hopeless! My sensitive ears cannot stand this heartbreak anymore!" Kikyo ran off to get Silva. Killua frowned with wide worried eyes but put on a gentle smile when Alluka tugged his arm.
"Brother…?" She mumbled, worried.
"It's ok, Alluka. It'll be ok." He said bending down to her height and cupping her face.
"It'll be ok…" Killua muttered, standing before the Zoldyck estate front lawn as evening fell, casting the sky in dark blues and purple hues. He walked around the grounds to the auxiliary house near the back of the estate. They gave Alluka her very own wing of the house. It was barely a part of the house, it was more like her very own world, a prison completely apart from the main house so she never had to be seen again.
Out of sight, out of mind- and that worked for a long time on Killua. After they took her away to her new place of residence, they saddled Killua with so many new responsibilities and harder training, he could forget and not worry about Alluka. She was still in the house, had the butlers to take care of her, so she was okay. They couldn't hang out but they would eventually, right? So Killua allowed her to float away in his mind.
But that was wrong. He couldn't piece it together back when he was younger— how terrible it was that their parents wanted nothing to do with one of their kids simply because they couldn't sing… but Illumi leaving and Killua thinking about family… he remembered her. He couldn't let them push Alluka in the corner like this anymore. It was wrong to do to family. And that's what she will always be.
~The clock stopped ticking forever ago
How long have I been up? I don't know
I can't get a grip but I can't let go
Killua is happy that he had already packed his bags, ready to go with Gon this summer to Japan. This will make his and Alluka's leaving that much easier. After a day or so of thinking and planning, Killua finalized a hasty plan that would do- Gon would be happy to let Alluka and Killua stay with him for the remainder of the school year. Once Killua is old enough, he can get his own place with Alluka and be her primary caretaker. Then when Alluka's old enough, she can make her own decisions without being controlled by their family.
~There wasn't anything to hold onto though
Why can't I see? Why can't I see?
All the colors that you see?
Please can I be? Please can I be
Colorful and free?
Killua will never understand how they can treat Alluka with such little love just because she isn't as talented as the other children in the family. But she deserves better. She will have more freedom, feel less judged, have more options for her creative output outside the household and away from critical eyes searching for perfection. Living with Gon will be the best for that.
Gon is always so patient, and he knows the importance of making mistakes in the middle of creative processes. And Killua is still learning this himself, so he knows he benefits from being with Gon too. Maybe he can finally learn to sing like no one was listening...
Killua closed his eyes and breathed deeply as he thought about how he didn't sing with Gon before he left for Japan at the goodbye concert. Why was he like this…? Killua was always living with some kind of regret or indecision… he would love to live more like Gon… with more love for his craft, more confidence even when he knows he'll mess up… to be a warm presence and light to everyone he meets, on and off stage.
~What the hell's going on, can someone tell me please
Why I'm switching faster then the channels on TV?
I'm black then I'm white
No, something isn't right
My enemy's invisible, I don't know how to fight
Killua opened his eyes as he found himself outside of Alluka's door.
He hoped Alluka wasn't too mad at him for leaving her here for so long. He carefully opened the door after a soft knock. She shouldn't be asleep yet, right? He was here after dinner time so that he was less likely to get caught by the family or butlers, but she shouldn't be asleep yet.
Alluka's eyes met Killua's and her mouth opened in a wide smile.
"Brother!" She squealed happily. Killua's eyes widened in surprise before softening in fond affection. She's grown up so beautiful. Hair was cascading down her back in beautiful choppy waves, and her form had grown slender but strong. She was nearly as tall as Killua himself, and her eyes was the same as it was when they were younger- blue and vast as the ocean. Killua grinned wider as she ran forward to hug him.
"Alluka…"
~The trembling fear is more than I can take
When I'm up against the echo in the mirror
Echo!
The two siblings talked softly well into the night when the sun had sunk far below the horizon. Killua explained the situation to Alluka, that she should pack so she could go with him to his boyfriend's house. Alluka exclaimed very loudly to explain she was happy for him, and she was upset he found love before her. Killua was just choking when she dared mention 'love' and 'Gon' together in the same sentence. He didn't want to think about that, if that's what he had with that shining light (if he even deserved to have that with Gon.)
She began packing her favorite things she would need to leave and never come back. Killua was confident he could move out and live with Gon with little issue because all their family needed from him was to respond to jobs, and (recently) go to family dinners. Where he was in the downtime was less tracked (now that illumi was gone), and they wouldn't know where he was.
The two siblings softly caught up with everything that happened in their lives and Killua heard Alluka humming to herself on more than one occasion and Killua could have cried. Instead, he took Alluka into his arms and hugged her. Even after all of the judging, shunning and shaming- Alluka never got discouraged from singing. It was truly something she loved, and nothing stopped her from doing it. Killua relished in her humming, no matter how tuneless and off-key it was. She did what made her happy in spite of those that wished to push her down.
It was 2 am by the time they finished packing Alluka's things. Everything she wanted to bring fit inside 2 bookbags, a duffle bag, a purse and small travel suitcase. Killua donned one bookbag and took the duffle, while Alluka wore the other bookbag, purse, and the rolling suitcase. Killua peered outside the window to make sure they were clear and went out silently through the door. Gon and his family already left for Japan but Gon told Killua there would be a key left for him under the doormat. They could get in and comfortably get Alluka situated for the month the Freeces are out. They usually stay the whole summer but when Gon explained it to Mito, she wanted to meet Alluka and be there for her as soon as possible.
They made their way down the winding side paths that weaved through the estates' trees. They walked hand in hand and when Killua could see the gate to the estate, he felt Alluka squeeze his hand. Killua turned to see her, if she was okay. She was pressing her lips together worriedly.
"I'm sorry, brother, but we have to go back really quick." Alluka said and Killua stopped himself from letting out a huff of air. It was a few minutes to transverse the yard from the back to the front of the estate, but those seem like precious minutes- hours- when they were on such a crunch of escaping unnoticed.
"Did you forget something?" Killua asked.
"Yes, I forgot Nanika. I didnt even think- I should have packed her in first." Alluka shook her head, reprimanding herself in her head. Killua stood up straighter to squeeze and rub her hand soothingly.
"It's ok, we'll go back for her."
Nanika. Killua remembered her from their childhood. Alluka's muse. They would play all together, Alluka frequently asking her muse for ideas, song ideas, and personality. It led to adventures and Nanika took on a life of her own, more than some imaginary friend. Before Alluka was moved to the back of the estate, Killua remembered helping Alluka pick out pretty stones for Nanika to 'live in' and channel her energy from. It might have seemed childish to anyone else but it was important for Alluka, and Killua too. Killua was happy Alluka had Nanika all this time to keep her inspired. That was probably the reason she can still sing today.
Alluka nodded and Killua looked back at the gate- their goal. He let out a short breath.
"I'll go. I'll be faster alone. You go outside the gate and wait for me. When I get back, we'll leave together, ok?" Killua asked. Alluka looked worried.
"O-ok.. I'll wait for you ok? So don't take too long." She said and moved to the gate a few meters away. Killua let out a breath and quickly made his way back to the back house. He cursed his bright hair and wished he brought a hoodie. But it was true he would be faster alone. He made it back to Alluka's room faster than the time it took them to get to the gate.
Killua found the gems inside the top draw of the bedside table. The different emotive faces on them were new, but whatever Alluka needed, Killua was happy to welcome this new development of Nanika. He pocketed them in his front pocket and gave them three taps for luck and to feel brave enough to rush out and make it to his sister. Killua ducked out the front door and froze as he saw his father's large imposing figure in front of him.
~I'm gonna burn my house down into an ugly black
I'm gonna run away now and never look back
I'm gonna burn my house down into an ugly black
I'm gonna run away now and never look back
I'm gonna burn my house down into an ugly black
I'm gonna run away now and never look back
I'm gonna burn my house down into an ugly black
I'm gonna run away now and never look back
I'm gonna burn my house down and-and never look back
And never look back and never look
"Father…" Killua was able to breath out. He was happy it came out steady, and his father was lucky it was an audible word rather than a shocked, breathless huff of air.
"Hello Killua. Lovely morning, isn't it?" Silva asked. Killua gripped his fist at his side. "What are you doing here?"
As if Killua had to answer that. As though his dad didn't already know. But Killua knew he would have to humor him with a response.
"I…" he took a breath that carried any courage he could find within himself. "I'm leaving. With Alluka." Killua said. His father's eyes flashed with something but it was too dark to tell.
"With Alluka. Why would you do that?" Silva asked.
"Because if she stays here, you all will just continue to neglect her simply because she cannot sing as talented as the rest of us. Her skills and creativity will die from your lack of care." Killua said, feeling confidence inflate his chest and lift his chin in defiance. The more he spoke the more he knew he was in the right. But the subsequent appraising look from his father made him think twice and the puff of his chest faltered.
"Neglect? She is being cared for hand and foot while she's here." He said, waving a small displaying hand. "And she's kept here for safety purposes." Killua's eyes narrowed at that. Safety?
"She is a Zoldyck. You know our reputation. If she were to leave here and open her mouth to sing, she would be ruined. Paparazzi and news outlets would harass her to no end. Many people would take advantage of her for inside information and then humiliate the one Zoldyck who cannot carry the fame. She would live the rest of her life in shame and the center of a joke- one of the people who go down in history for the wrong reasons." Silva said. Killua didn't bother stopping his harsh scoff this time.
"Shouldn't she be the one who decides if she can live through that? you say safety, but whose? I think the only thing you're trying to keep safe is your own Zoldyck pride! You don't want her out and making your legacy look bad. And fine, that's on you! She can sing in a different alias that doesn't align her with the Zoldycks. But I won't let you hold her down anymore just for your own cowardice." Killua said. He was shaking where he stood and he hoped his father couldn't see. He didn't know where the strength to talk back to his father came from but he hoped he could finish what he started.
~ What the hell's going on? Can someone tell me please
Why I'm switching faster than the channels on TV?
I'm black then I'm white
No something isn't right
My enemy's invisible, I don't know how to fight
Silva gave him a harsh look.
"That's quite the opinion you have of your family that has done nothing but love you and made decisions that has only served to benefit you, son." Silva said. "You benefit from everything we built for you. You should be wanting to keep this safe for yourself, too." Silva said.
"I'm not selfish like you want me to be." Killua said lowly. 'I've known care and selflessness like no other, to me and experienced around me ' "My comfort and success shouldn't come at the expense of others. If Alluka wants to sing, she should be able to." Killua said. Now Silva's eyes narrowed.
"She is still a Zoldyck and my daughter. And underaged. I could punish you with the legal system under the pretense of kidnapping." Silva said. That took the wind out of Killua's sails. He paled, feeling less confident. He didn't want to deal with this. Removed from the situation, with Alluka already in safety, he can handle these threats. But they're still here, they're too close to home.
Silva's mouth pinched up nearly imperceivable, feeling the upper hand on home turf.
"Lets's make a deal."
~What the hell's going on, Can someone tell me please
Why I'm switching faster than the channels on TV
I'm black then I'm white
No something isn't right
My enemy's invisible, I don't know how to fight
"You can take Alluka away wherever it is you wanted to bring her. And if she wants to sing, it's as you said; she can just perform under an alias that separates her from the Zoldyck brand." Silva said. Killua flexed his fingers, that wouldn't be too hard, no one knew who the Zoldyck children were until after they debuted. Killua was the latest one. But it was too easy.
"In return, you do not run away with her. You stay here and obey everything we need of you to become the next face of Zoldyck records. With your skills, you just need to be applied properly to rocket us up to the top of everything entertainment- a true glass ceiling every other company can only dream to attain. You can bring us to new elite heights." Silva said. Killua huffed and lowered his head.
Alluka's safety for his obedience. It isn't much different than what he was already doing but, to some extent, he had more of a say on what jobs he accepted and didn't do… what his father is asking for from him now- this would be obedience on anything and everything they deemed would be a worthy endeavor to stardom or else Alluka would end up right back here, suppressed from expressing herself.
If it was for Alluka, the answer wasn't that hard to get to at all.
~The trembling fear is more than I can take when I'm up against the echo in the mirror
The trembling fear is more than I can take when I'm up against the echo in the mirror
"Ok." Killua said. "But you also have to provide anything I ask for if it's for Alluka's needs and creative expression." Killua said. He wasn't stupid. The deal was very unfair in his dad's favor- he needed something on his side.
"Oh? All of a sudden, you still want her dependent on our brand?" Silva asked.
"She still won't associate with you, but Zoldyck still has the top of the line equipment. I'll need it sometimes. Deal?" Killua asked, head held high once more. Silva paused for a moment and Killua was worried this wouldn't go down smoothly.
"Deal." Silva said, and stepped to one side. Killua felt like a large obstacle was finally removed from his way. He carefully and slowly moved around his father on the path, keeping cautious and untrusting eyes on him. He then began jogging to go meet Alluka. Silva frowned lightly as he watched him go.
"Silva we must disown her! We can't ever leave the chance she might ruin us. We have to be able to claim uninvolvement. She'll never get better." Kikyo said to Silva, months after trying with the small girl.
But this was still his little girl, it just seemed too harsh. He couldn't do it.
"Just never let her leave. We'll keep her in a different part of the house where she can do as she likes, homeschooled and never to debut, it'll be fine like this…"
He just couldn't do something as harsh as disowning his own daughter, no matter the social pressure. He wouldn't be able to handle it. He keeps her safe until another opportunity presents itself to help her in the future. He'll just wait for it… it'll come.
He just couldn't say goodbye.
Sorry, when I first began the concept of this story, alluka and kalluto were girls, and here we are, girls for my canon. I don't mean to ruin anyone's narration of self-identification with the trans or nonbinary kids. Forgive me~
Thanks to my very good editor: Whats-wrong-aniki (CanzieGumm)
Song list:
When can I see you again?-Owl City (suggested by Dragonbooks249)
Welcome to my house
"Echo"- Crusher P (Suggested by EnJaberwocky)