Welcome to the first chapter of The Assassin of Flowers!
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[Disclaimer]: Hunter x Hunter belongs to Togashi Yoshihiro-sensei. I am merely borrowing its amazing characters for entertainment purposes only.
〖 Chapter One 〗
The Flower Festival
In the farthest oceans within the northeast territory lies the island country of Arzil, a small nation consisting of only five prefectural states. Yet as small as Arzil may seem, it is actually one of the most progressive countries in the world. The country flourished in both its abundant natural resources and tourist attractions. It boasted of its rare crystallites and ores found only in the caves of Zueil, and garnered attention from all over the world with its many jovial festivals held all year round.
As aforementioned above, Arzil consisted of only five prefectures. These five – Raio, Leico, Ardent, Ida, and Zueil – are reigned by lineages of certain families that's already been around by the time the country has been established as a federation. Each of these prefectures and their respective families have their fair share of functions, each with their own specialties within their areas for ensuring their nation's prosperous growth and status.
Its people, the Arzillians, believed in many gods. However, perhaps no other god was as popular and most celebrated than Elauna, the Goddess of flowers, prosperity, and the mother of all Arzillian gods. The entire country would erupt into a massive festival during the month that was dedicated to her. Naturally, it was the month of May, where flowers native to the land – including the medicinal flowers of the Mirazene tree that flourishes only once a year – would bloom and flaunt its beauty.
The Flower Festival, or commonly known to the Arzillians as 'Ze Flara Festa, was the time of the year the natives looked forward to the most. A myriad of Arzillian delicacies unique only to the Flower Festival would be prepared. People would hang clusters of flowers in front their houses, fill their stores with bouquets, scatter petals on the ground and even wear floral printed clothes. No nook and cranny would be spared from Elauna's blossoming invasion, and everyone who knew of the festival always looked forward to the grand welcoming party held in Arzil's capital, Zueil, where the Sytris family – overseers of Zueil and its crystal industry – would open the gates to their castle and welcome Arzillian citizens and foreigners alike.
It was the season of cheer, of the appreciation of flowers, of giving and dancing and hope.
But for a certain silver haired assassin, this would be a time of death, of a mission waiting to be accomplished. For Killua Zoldyck, it would be a season of retribution to the unfortunate target he was dispatched to eliminate.
And everyone would come to know of this soon.
"The target is Warren Graid. He is currently travelling to Arzil as we speak. Given how far Arzil is, you will probably be gone for a week or two."
Killua couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his father before returning his gaze on the photo he's holding. It was the designated target's photo, a withered-looking wart-ridden wrinkly-faced old man in his 50's, and Killua glared straight into the old man's dull gray eyes. He found the mission stupid. Why the hell would the client want to kill this person now of all times? Why didn't the client hire their services before the target was on the go?
Silva, as if reading his son's mind, spoke to clarify, "The client didn't need our services before the target decided to go to Arzil. Apparently, Mr. Graid was on the verge of death because of a complicated heart disease. No doctor or medicine could help him even if he had the money, so all the client had to do was wait. But that was until Mr. Graid recently heard of a healer. It was a rumour relayed to him in his inner circle, of a healer capable of curing his illness living in Ardent, one of Arzil's prefectural states. He is determined to meet this healer and prolong what remains of his life."
Killua blinked, eyebrows furrowed. "So he's going to the other side of the world to chase some rumour?"
"The healer's existence is being kept under wraps, apparently. But it hardly matters whether the rumour is true or not, now, does it?"
Killua acquiesced with a shrug. "I know. I just hope I'm gonna catch the old fart before he gets there."
Silva chuckled low. "Rest assured, son. He's only a few hours ahead of you." He casually brought a hand up to cradle his chin and leveled his silver heir with an appraising glance. "I'm a little concerned…considering this is your first time pursuing a target outside the continent. I wanted either Illumi or Miumi to accompany you, but they're still away on their own missions and won't be home for the next three days. You'll be completely on your own, Killua, but I trust that you will finish this mission and return immediately."
Killua looked up with surprise. That had been the first time his father showed concern about his wellbeing. Still, it wasn't like he was a little kid that needed to be babied. He was nine now, turning ten this July. He was certain he didn't need their bothersome scrutiny anymore.
"I'm fine without Aniki and Nee-san." Killua straightened and closed his eyes at the sound of his confidence. "This mission is no different from the others. I will deliver the assassination efficiently and bring positive results."
Amusement with a dash of recognition gleamed behind Silva's blue eyes. "Very well. I suggest you start packing, then. You leave in twenty minutes. You are dismissed."
Killua turned and left. As soon as he disappeared into the shadows, a wide smirk stretched across Silva's features.
"Why didn't you tell him about what's currently happening in Arzil?"
Silva regarded his wife with a small, knowing smile. "Oh, you were listening the entire time, Kikyo?"
The woman detached herself from the shadows at the mention of her name. Kikyo was a tall, beautiful and slender woman with her long dark hair styled into an intricate chignon bun. Now that Silva could see her, Kikyo's eyes were narrowed dangerously at him. A lesser man would've already run away in fright, but Silva had always adored that haunting look of hers.
"Don't lie. We both know that you were aware of my presence the whole time," she remarked, making his smirk grow wider. "Now answer my question…why didn't you tell him!? You even left out most of the information he'll need to complete his mission. My poor baby…! He'll be all stressed out! What if something happens to him!? Illumi and Miu-chan won't be home until next week, he'll be all by himself! Haven't you thought of all the possible danger that could befall our baby, Silva!? Oh my poor, poor Killu!"
Silva repressed the urge to roll his eyes at Kikyo's hysterics. "This assassination will serve as Killua's debut as an assassin. It's a suitable opportunity to test everything he's learned, and it would be wrong to continue treating him as anything incapable by always having his older siblings to rely on. And he is aware of that." He narrowed his eyes. "I know the risks, but I trust in his abilities. If Killua can't overcome this mission on his own, then he isn't fit to inherit the family business. Therefore, you will not hamper his growth with your meddling. Am I making myself clear, Kikyo?"
Kikyo winced at the totality of his voice and cold authority in his eyes. She lowered her gaze. "I understand. But if something happens to him…I shall not forgive you, Silva!"
"Nothing will happen to him," Silva replied with an airy wave of his hand. "But if it pleases you, I'll have Illumi pick him up when he returns. Better?"
Kikyo seemed to take comfort in the idea. Her mood instantly shifted from infuriated to relieved, and she happily sauntered over to envelope him in a grateful embrace.
"Much better. And you're right, Killua needs this. I shall patiently wait for his successful return!"
Silva released an inscouspicious sigh of relief as the sound of Kikyo's giggle filled the room. He will never admit it, but that – her extremely volatile mood shifts with her hysterics concerning their children – was what unnerved him most about his wife.
Just as his father said, Killua quickly packed his necessities and rushed to the airport where he boarded one of their private airships heading to Arzil. If he was lucky, he was going to get there on the same time as the target. He sighed in relief the moment he settled down in his seat. Sure, he didn't like the mission they gave him since it was going to be a tiring chase to the other side of the world – that was his Aniki and Nee-chan's job! – but looking outside the window now, he felt quite happy to be away from the confines of his house. Best of all, he was alone. No annoying Aniki stalking him like always and no grabby Onee-chan who hugs him every chance she gets. He was free to do as he pleases, and maybe he could have a little escapade before he goes home.
With this thought in mind, Killua was now more determined than before to kill the target. He rested his head on his palm and smirked confidently, thinking of the many artful ways to deliver the assassination. The mission was labelled as a 'free-form', after all, the kind where the client didn't put in any 'special' requests of how they want the target to die, that it didn't matter as long as the target is exterminated. The choices usually ranged between their varied clientele, which typically consisted of the dismissive pragmatics, the theatrical drama queens, and the vengeful sadists, and it seemed like the client this time belonged to the first group.
Killua already experienced delivering all kinds of assassination, but because of Illumi's tight supervision, he never really got the chance to showcase a Killua-special. But oh! How fortunate Mr. Graid was going to be, for he would serve as the guinea pig to mark Killua's debut. Just thinking about it made him smile wider, the excitable toothy grin a combination of sadistic anticipation and childish glee.
Unfortunately, Killua's excitement started to wane as hours turned into days and days turned into nights.
Now, travelling in the sky for almost six days straight was never a fun experience for anyone. The constant low drone of the engine would make one question their sanity and the occasional uneven buoyancy of the airship invoked an impending wave of nausea. It was nothing short of torture that all one could ever think about was when would this ever end? And Killua, with all the intense endurance training he went through, was barely able to hold out. It was the longest airship ride in his entire life and he was getting sick of it by every ticking second.
It was more of a test of patience than endurance, actually. Killua tried occupying himself by studying what kind of country Arzil was from the handbook that was prepared for him. He got to know a handful of basic words, but boredom and impatience soon washed over him that he never really got to the culture and customs part.
Needless to say, Killua was cranky and on the verge of ripping the handbook to shreds by the time he finally arrived in Arzil's capital prefecture, Zueil. It was already late in the afternoon, with the sun supposedly about to set but it seemed quite disinclined to do so in this country. Dusk colored streaks of the sun's waning light stretched across the soft baby blue sky, the heavens exhibiting a breathtaking display of night and day mingling and parrying for control.
Killua eagerly bounded off the blimp and made a bee-line to the exit, the look of annoyance lingering on his face the whole time. Looking around, his gaze turned skeptical when he noticed an abundance of flowers inside the building. Clusters of fresh colorful flowers hung from the ceiling and filled the air with that sweet blossoming scent. It was supposed to be nice, but what unsettled Killua was that even the employees were wearing some kind of flower ornament and almost all of the people wore floral printed clothing. Heck, he just spotted a pair of guards wearing floral printed vests walking a black patrol labrador who – you guessed it – also wore a vest with flower prints on it!
'Is there some kind of event going on?' Killua thought quizzically when he noticed dozens of banners in festive colors lining the walls. As it turned out, the outside wasn't too different either. The second Killua crossed the threshold, he immediately froze on the spot, his eyes growing wide as he beholds the sight before him.
Flowers, flowers, and more flowers! Everywhere he looked, every person he saw, there was not a single thing that didn't have at least one flower on them. It was already weird inside the airport, but this was on a whole 'nother level. There were flower chains hanging from every tree, flower wreaths on every door, flower-shaped balloons, flower-themed bumper stickers, people with flower-inspired tattoos, people with flower crowns, and, god help this country, even the animals had flowers with them; stray dogs and cats wore flower collars, and there was even a herd of mules wearing matching straw hats festooned with flowers.
"What kind of event is this?" Killua grumbled incredulously to himself. Growing up in a morbid environment, he found the entire display ballistic, almost frightening. It literally hurt seeing splashes of bright colors and an overabundance of the same thing on everything his eyes landed on.
Outside just above the gates was a huge purple-colored banner suspended overhead that contained Arzouguese letters he didn't understand. Fortunately, there were translated equivalents for the words that said, "Welcome to Zueil! Welcome to the Flower Festival! Enjoy your stay and be blessed with the flowers of Elauna!"
And that's when it clicked and the whole flower thing finally made sense. It wasn't just any event, it was a nationwide festival.
Killua shook his head. 'Doesn't matter. The mission starts now. I have to quickly take stock and scope out the target.'
He went back inside the airport and stationed himself in the VIP reception lounge in the Arrival Area. He had a strategic view of the recent arrivals from his vantage point, casually sitting in one of the benches nearby, wearing a cap and a pair of heavily-tinted sunglasses with his bag on his lap as he went about pretending to read the handbook he had with him. When in truth, sharp all-seeing blue eyes flitted through every person that went pouring into the hall from the blimp that just arrived, with most of them already wearing floral-printed clothes.
Mr. Graid didn't show up until thirty minutes later, reclining in a wheelchair draped in dark expensive colors with a thin but noticeable tube coming out of his chest attached to a medical valise-like machine, and accompanied by nine men wearing matching black suits with one of them carrying a suitcase and speaking on the phone. Together they stood out like a pack of crows surrounding a withered, decapitated tree stump in the midst of an extravagant flower garden, earning many curious and cautious glances and causing people to consciously move out of their way.
With his head angled low, Killua pulled the lollipop he was sucking on out of his mouth and leaned forward a little as he surveyed his target.
'Heeeeh. Of course he has bodyguards with him. But maaaaan. The old fart looks about ready to knock on death's door…How should I answer?'
Mr. Graid and his somber procession marched on toward the exit. Killua allowed them a two minute head-start. He stood, popped the lollipop back into his mouth and adjusted the cap on his head before surreptitiously going after their trail. He slid a hand inside his pocket, palming a small, pea-sized tracking and audio-receiver device that would automatically fasten itself unto any surface the moment it's activated and attached.
Killua activated it once he was a mere fifteen feet away from Mr. Graid and took off towards one of his bodyguards, aiming for the man on the phone. His flailing arm connected heavily with the bodyguard's side as he passed by, eliciting a grunt of annoyance and earning several ominous stares.
"Sorry, mister! I'm in a hurry!" he chirped, swiveling to the side and bowing his head quickly before taking off again.
Killua hid behind one of the many giant pillars outside the airport, watching as Mr. Graid and his men embarked on two heavily-tinted black Jeep Wranglers. Just as he suspected, the man who was on the phone – who Killua deduced to be the target's secretary – went into the same car as Mr. Graid. With its corresponding ear-piece in one ear, he tuned into the tracking slash audio-receiver device he attached unto the lower inner lining of the secretary's suit jacket, a light crackle of static piercing through his ear as the device adjusted to the right frequency. Killua winced but sobered immediately upon hearing an older man's voice, who Killua assumed belonged to the secretary. The sound of rustling, of the car doors closing and the engine revving up in preparation for their departure weaved into the secretary's words that only a few, yet vital, words came out clearly.
"…-eems they're alre…-Zueil, sir. The madame-…..-healer is prep-…-tonight."
Killua rounded the pillar and watched as the black vehicles left the airport. 'So the healer actually exists, huh.'
It took quite some time before Killua got to hear Mr. Graid's answer, his voice scratchy, gruff, and nearly breathless. "Good…I can barely restrain myself from killing that bitch for the outrageous conditions she set…but this is merely a trifle compared to what I had to endure all these years. Once I'm rid of this blasted heart disease…I'll have that impudent fox woman under my thumb…!"
Mr. Graid proceeded to laugh maniacally, which didn't even last a minute as a series of watery coughs and hacks assailed him.
"Shall we proceed to Troné Keep sir?" his secretary asked, voice barely audible with the jeep's engine humming ceaselessly in the background. "Or would you like to rest for a bit at the hotel and take your medicine?"
"The Keep," Mr. Graid wheezed out, coughing once more before vehemently adding, "My premature arrival should tell that woman I am not to be ordered and toyed around with. Besides, I won't be needing any damned medicine if I'm to be healed later."
"Understood. With your permission, sir, I will notify our contact inside the Keep instead and refrain from informing the madame."
"Yes, yes. Get it done, Bergen."
There were no words exchanged after that, prompting Killua to turn the ear-piece off. He was grateful for the much needed reprieve on his ear canal after stuffing it full with the grating cornucopia of noise coming out from the target's end. He removed the ear-piece and his sunglasses and made his way toward the gates, mulling over his next course of action.
'Good thing I pestered the pig to lend me one of his gadgets. Now…I have to eliminate the target before he gets to meet with the healer in the Keep...but what Keep? Where is that even?' He yawned and shrugged, throwing what remained of his lollipop inside a trash bin nearby before burying his hands deep in his pockets. 'Whatever. I tracked him anywa–'
"Hello there, little foreigner! Res ve'dia ul Arzil! [Welcome to Arzil!]"
Killua turned his head to the right where a man with the most ridiculous hairstyle he has ever seen was standing (and yes, he also wore floral printed clothes, much to Killua's chagrin). Killua stood unsteadily as the stranger excitedly waved and smiled as he hastily made his way over, nearly stumbling with the armful of assorted leis he was carrying.
"I've never seen you 'round here before! And I would know 'cause I've never seen white hair on a young'un before!" he said, gesturing to the strands poking out beneath Killua's cap. "You are here for a tour of 'ze beautiful Flower Festival, I reckon? Where are your parents?"
Killua tensed the closer he got. From his experience, people who suddenly approached and asked if he was alone were usually up to no good. He narrowed his eyes and instantly gave the suspicious stranger a quick assessment, gathering hints from his appearance up to the way he spoke. 'A local. A local vendor, to be precise. Knows way around better than most. Suspiciously friendly, but looks like he's got nothing up his sleeves. Definitely a potential target. Won't even break a sweat to kill him, but for now, he's a source of information. I can use him.'
Satisfied with his assessment, Killua calmed his overwrought nerves. When he was an arm's reach away, the stranger – whom Killua christened as Crazy-haired Leis-seller – raised an eyebrow at the silver head's silence and Killua quickly changed his expression with the most innocent bright smile he could muster, the deadly calculating glint dissipating from his icy blue eyes.
Assassination 101: Don't involve or engage with an outsider unless it benefits the mission.
"Uh, yes, kind of," Killua replied with a sheepish graze of his finger against his cheek. "I'm here to meet up with my relatives, and no, I'm not travelling with my parents."
Crazy-haired Leis-seller was shocked. He looked as if he couldn't even begin to fathom seeing a small child travelling without adult supervision. "Then you are on your own?"
"Yes."
Crazy-haired Leis-seller recoiled with a gasp. "Den bindu nu'rashe! [You poor thing!]"
Killua repressed the annoyed eye-twitch that began to tingle beneath his eye. 'What the hell does that mean?'
"Ah, but you have relatives here in Arzil," Crazy-haired Leis-seller mused after sobering up almost instantly. "Where are they? Are they gonna come and get you?"
There was a gleam in Killua's eye that the older man totally missed. "They're actually already here and I'm the one who's supposed to come to them because they're really busy," Killua started with a furrow of his eyebrows, pouting his lips in distress, "but I don't know how to get there. It's my first time in this country, you see…Oh! But they did mention something about a Keep around here. Do you know where that is, mister?"
Crazy-haired Leis-seller's features turned bright. "But of course! Your relatives must mean the one and only Troné Keep, home of 'ze distinguished Sytris family! Where 'ze welcomin' party is to be held tonight. Everybody in Arzil knows about it! Everyone is invited, you see."
Killua raised an eyebrow. "A welcoming party? And everyone is invited?"
"That's right, 'ze annual welcoming party! And you made it just in time! Ah, but, we cannot discuss at length standin' 'round here. Come, come. Let's talk by that café over there!"
Crazy-haired Leis-seller began to walk away, motioning for Killua to follow. He hesitated for a moment, not sure whether to trust him but he needed all the information he could get and this man seemed eager to dispense just that.
Crazy-haired Leis-seller sat by one of the tables the moment they reached the café, gestured for Killua to do the same, and then yelled something to one of the waiters at the back. When the waiter went out he placed two soda-floats in mug-jars on the table and must've been friends with the leis-selling vendor because they exchanged a handful of cheerful words in Arzouguese before he went back inside the building. Killua didn't understand a single word they said, but he could pretty much get the gist of it. The waiter gestured to him after all, so Crazy-haired Leis-seller must've been relaying how he found a weird looking kid all alone at the airport who knew nothing of the festival and decided to be a Good Samaritan.
"Bottom's up, little foreigner. It's on me!" Crazy-haired Leis-seller raised his mug-jar and downed the delectable drink in one go.
Killua muttered a low 'thanks' and lifted the mug-jar's straw to his lips. 'Are Arzillians always this carefree toward a stranger they just met?' He took a sip. 'Oohh! This isn't so bad!'
"All right." Crazy-haired Leis-seller placed the mug-jar down with a thud and wiped the cream-stache off his mouth with a swipe of his forearm. He folded his arms on the table and regarded the silver head with a serious expression. "Now listen 'ere, little foreigner. 'Ze annual welcoming party held in Troné Keep is sponsored by 'ze Sytris family, Zueil's governors. It is in honor of the annual Flower Festival dedicated to our mother of gods, Goddess Elauna."
Killua adopted a receptive expression and nodded with the straw still in his mouth.
"As a sign of goodwill, 'ze castle gates will be open to the public where 'ze people can enjoy 'ze grand feast. Everybody is welcome to attend. Some are foreigners just like you, coming from different places an' different races. Arzillians and foreigners alike, everybody is invited! It is a blessed night where people from different walks of life unite!" he exclaimed ecstatically with a flourish of his hand. "Ah, but not everyone can just come in, you know. Troublemakers will find themselves tossed out on their rumps! But anyway, most of 'ze time, while we are allowed inside 'ze estate, we commoners are restricted from going inside Troné Keep itself."
Killua lowered the mug-jar and asked, "Why's that?"
"Because 'ze castle is exclusive only to 'ze esteemed guests of the Sytris family," Crazy-haired Leis-seller explained. "Arzil's 'Quiguena' will be there, too. It is simply a realm that we of 'ze common folk have no place." He sighed and hung his head in a dramatic display of gloom.
"What's a Kigenah?"
Crazy-haired Leis-seller smiled wide with pride, as if he's been waiting for Killua to ask. "Quiguena! It means 'Golden Five' in 'ze world's language! Here in Arzil, we know them as 'ze elite group of five families; 'ze Sytris of Zueil, 'ze Maisares of Ida, 'ze Cariona of Ardent, 'ze Aldera of Raio and 'ze Remid of Leico. By 'ze time Arzil was founded, 'ze Quiguena was already there. Old as Arzil itself, they say. You see little foreigner, Arzil was just a wee country at 'ze bottom of 'ze global pot back then. But! 'Ze Quiguena have established Arzil as a federation and, from generation to generation, have worked hard to build 'ze Arzil that we know today. They are our country's leaders, 'ze blessed Quiguena, revered by our Goddess Elauna herself! Because you see, those revered by our Goddess have this very special eyelash-trait we call 'Hasereias' or 'ze eye-lashes of Aserei, the goddess of beauty and one of Elauna's daughters known for her distinct eyelashes, which is 'ze very same color of her eyes, and only the Quiguenas' five families were known to ever have it." He paused and brought a curved finger underneath his chin, beginning to look rather upset. "But presently in this generation of Quiguena, only 'ze Cariona of Ardent possess 'ze Hasereias, which is a rather rare, troubling occurrence…'Ze past generation used to have three families with the eye trait, and there was also a case where one family had two–"
"Yeah, yeah I get what you're saying, that's amazing!" Killua interrupted with a fake look of admiration. Crazy-haired Leis-seller was really getting into it that it seemed as if he'll never stop talking! It was interesting information, to say the least, but nothing to do with his mission. Additionally, he already had what he was looking out for.
"The Quiguena are amazing, especially with the Haseiras thing!"
"Hasereias."
Killua shrugged. "So, this, uh…Cariona of Ardent, they're the only ones with the eye-trait?"
"Indeed! It's been said that only their youngest daughter have it, but only a few have actually seen her in person…" Crazy-haired Leis-seller trailed off, pausing for a moment with his eyebrows lowered before continuing pensively, "They say she has a weak body so she doesn't go out that often. Quite 'ze tragic occurrence if I say so myself. And odd."
Killua perked up in his seat, unable to contain the anticipation in his gut, telling him that he was on the right track. "Is it really that weird?" he inquired, deciding to play devil's advocate. "Aren't there lots of other kids who're born with weak bodies?"
"You are right, but…as I've said, 'ze Hasereias is a blessing. Those who have it are said to be born with a gift, a special talent, and even extraordinary strength! They are not supposed to be sick and weak. What makes this one even strange is only one child, from one family, is 'ze only one born with it in this generation. And she's nothing like the Hasereias possessors of old!"
Killua fell silent as Crazy-haired Leis-seller spoke, the sharp, perceptive part of him already formulating several hypotheses; assessing facts, parsing it and examining it from varying angles, connecting possibilities.
"A special talent or gift, huh…" Killua murmured, surprising the older male when he cast him a wide-eyed look of interest. "Like maybe the ability to heal people? Or mend injuries and cure illnesses? All that miracle magic stuff?"
Crazy-haired Leis-seller laughed. "Could be! You have a good imagination, my little foreigner friend! Anything is possible with 'ze Hasereias after all!"
"That's so cool!" Killua exclaimed faux-excitedly. "Do you think she's gonna show up at the party? I wanna meet her!"
"Who knows? But even if she's there, mayhaps it is impossible to even talk to her. She's a distinguished daughter of 'ze Carionas! But if you're lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of her and see 'ze Hasereias trait with your own eyes. I have only seen it once and it is quite beautiful, you know."
Killua relented to the idea with a pout. Internally, however, his slitted eyes shone with the progression of his thoughts. 'If I'm to believe what this guy's saying, then it's possible that girl is the healer. Where she is…is where the target is going to be.'
"So anyone could just walk inside the castle to join the party, right?" he asked, mindful of keeping his tone from sounding calculating.
"Yev! [Yes!]. You can even join 'ze Flower Dance! An activity especially made for children like you!"
"Really?" Killua beamed, his enthusiasm at having found a way in absolutely genuine. "How can I?"
"Well you would have to register for it beforehand with an adult's permission over at Zueil's local government office, inside that big building over there."
Killua followed Crazy-haired Leis-seller's outstretched finger pointing towards the prominent structure about sixty meters away from the airport, flanked by several commercial buildings and tall fir trees.
"Then you have to wear the traditional garments of 'ze Flower Dance they'll give to ya. It is a hassling process, I know, but entirely worth it. I think mayhaps you could make it, little foreigner! But you need 'ta hurry, because 'ze party and 'ze dance will begin in an hour!"
Killua hummed. "All right, I'll tell my relatives. Tha–uh, m-mer's cia [thank you], mister!"
A giant pleasantly surprised grin split across Crazy-haired Leis-seller's face. "Just a little more practice an' you're going to sound just like one of us, my little foreigner friend! Camal ru ve'dia, it is my pleasure! That meant 'You're very welcome', by the way."
Killua rubbed a sheepish hand on his nape and hopped off his chair. "Guess I have to go now."
"Sure thing! I also have ta' sell more of these flowers if I wanna party all night. Ah, but before I go…Here, this's for you." A thick garland of white and blue Plumerias was dumped right unto Killua's head, sliding down to his neck and hanging loosely on his chest. He gave Killua a huge grin and a thumb's up. "There we go! It suits ya, little foreigner! A jubilant Flara Festa to you!"
Crazy-haired Leis-seller waved good-bye and walked off to greet more incoming guests, leaving Killua to ponder whether he should dispose of the lei or not. It smelled nice, but it felt odd and bothersome to wear. Then again, it served to brand him as one of the tourists eager to partake in the festivities.
And so Killua slid into the crowded streets and headed straight for the tallest building on sight to secure his ticket into the party. He knew he could perfectly execute his mission in the assassination outfit he brought, which comprised of a hooded black top and shorts, the thick flexible material heat, shock, and water resistant. But hiding in plain sight seemed a more feasible idea than skulking about in a place he was not acquainted with wearing an outfit that just might get his rump tossed out.
When in Arzil, do as the Arzillians do.
Dressed in the traditional white clothes he "borrowed" from Zueil's local government office, Killua walked through the gates of the Sytris estate and went to join the other guests ambling upon a separate cobbled footpath, while several private cars of varying types drove into the main cemented driveway. Multiple outdoor lamp posts adorned with rustic brown metal lit the bustling thoroughfare, illuminating the evening in a near fantastical glow. Colorful upside down triangles and flower-shaped pennants attached to thin medium-sized flagpoles stretched in vibrant streaks across the sky, with some of them drifting over a large elevated stage situated on the side of the castle, where a group of musicians already began to play a lyricless song. The air was alive with a profusion of voices, laughter, music, and the bustle of differing activities, providing a pleasantly chaotic atmosphere that seemed to amplify the anticipation for the festivities that was about to commence.
The castle itself was still a considerable distance away, looming beyond the outline of people in front of Killua. He increased his pace and encountered a large group of children donned in similar white traditional clothes. He timed his pace to blend in with them but maintained his distance, reminding himself that he did not belong, that he had nothing to do with them, that he was different from them in every way.
So when an older kid, a girl, suddenly turned up beside him waving a hand to get his attention, Killua nearly jumped off to the other side of the crowd. But he held still, ascertaining that she posed no immediate threat. The girl giggled amusedly at his mildly startled reaction and drew closer.
"Banzim! [Hello!] Sorry to scare ya, new guy!" she began, her accent branding her as a native. She held a lavish wreath of flowers in varying colors and sizes up to Killua's face and offered for him to take it. "But ya might wanna wear one of these ta' complete the look." She pointed to the flower crown she had on her head and grinned. "Here. Don't worry, it's free! Since my friends and I think you're veeeeery cute!"
A series of feminine giggles burst out on his other side and Killua realized he's been surrounded. He had no choice but to accept the extravagant flower crown she unceremoniously dumped on him, the weight of the thing quite substantial in his hands.
"See you later!"
The girl and her friends left before Killua could respond and watched skeptically as they skipped ahead of him, throwing him flirtatious waves and smiles before disappearing into the horde of party-goers. He blinked and scrunched his nose. 'I'm cute? Ugh, girls are so weird.'
Killua decided to wear the hefty flower crown. He was hardly going to overlook a free addition to his disguise. 'Good thing Aniki isn't here. They would be dead before the night is over. But jeez, these people sure like giving other people free stuff.'
The grand central entrance of Troné Keep emerged at the end of the graveled path. Killua braced his backpack against his shoulder blades and took off in a light jog, eyes growing slightly wide as he got closer. The castle was impressive in its size, almost rivaling their main residence back at Kukuroo Mountain. Enormous octagonal towers with pointed conical roofs and polygonal spires flanked each of its corners, adjoining with the gargantuan central keep which had a tall, pointed mansard roof. There was also an abundance of strategically placed turrets and Gothic windows, the glasses stained with floral schemes that sparkled with catching lights.
The magnificent structure spoke of its ancient heritage – the stone walls weathered with age, the design elegantly austere and medieval – while at the same time it was equipped with many modern technical features, overall exuding the aura of a wise and fashionable senior aristocrat who has witnessed and withstood many storms, and who has embraced the inevitable changes of his time.
As he neared, the sharp piercing sound of a microphone cut into all the noise, causing a dramatic decrease in volume as everyone either paused or decelerated to direct their attention towards the elevated stage, where a middle-aged man stood sporting the microphone in his hand. He was wearing a white suit and a colorful sash with golden trimming hanging diagonally across his torso, his long sable hair swishing behind him as he walked forward to the edge of the stage.
"Welcome, everyone, to this year's Flower Festival welcoming party!"
"It's Lord Lainus!" someone nearby exclaimed.
Meanwhile Lord Lainus continued, "It is my pleasure to announce that tonight's party, the first of many more to come in celebration to our Goddess, has officially begun! Please enjoy yourselves and feast to your heart's content!"
Thunderous cheers and a surge of accompanying musical notes erupted at the conclusion of Lord Lainus' words. Prompted by his encouragement, the people hurried towards the open, ornamented field of the estate where the heart of the party was going to be.
Killua diverged from the main throng of people to move further into the dense manicured gardens near the castle walls where fewer groups of people milled about. He furtively scouted along the outline, eventually discovering a secondary entrance leading into the castle's inner courtyard, guarded by two men wearing identical clothing. He narrowed his eyes, knowing full well the real challenge starts now.
'Now then…how should I get inside?'
To be continued…
A/N:
Yooooooo not me coming out of a three year hiatus on this baby to surprise ya'll with an overdue update before this shitty year ends lmaooo.
I missed all of you, my dear readers. I hope this update finds you all well. I'm sure it's been a hard 2020 for all of us. Not sure when I'm gonna update on this again 'cause your girl's going to be a working adult soon, but I hope that won't stop you from coming back or from leaving a review~!
So, here're some of the things I want to clarify concerning this fic:
[1] Prequel – First of all, even if it's already obvious from the summary, I want to elaborate that this story is a spin-off prequel of the main story entitled It Could Only Be Fate (a Gon x OC & Killua x OC centric story), which will be posted after I finish this one. For some context to my new readers, I wrote ICOBF about five years ago but sad to say, I had to delete it due to some personal matters (mainly college), and partly because someone copied some of my plot. They already credited some of the scenes they 'borrowed' from me, but it still lowkey pissed me off 'cause they had way more followers, favs and reviews than I did (the original! Ahem. And only got around to PMing me after some vigilant readers noticed the copied scenes). I appreciate the courage it took for her to come clean to me about it though, and it's all behind us now. But really, I was a procrastinating weak bitch (still am lmao) who lost all her inspo and motivation and decided to trash her ongoing works at the time. Ya girl's bounced back now though and nothing's gonna stop me from writing ever again! (Except, uh, when life happens and I have to leave this plain for a while). Anyway~! This story will probably take about three to four chapters (fingers crossed!). I wanted to make a separate story for how Killua and my OC met for the first time as the main story will focus on the HxH canon timeline, and the main OC, who will be Gon's love interest.
[2] Nee-san – In this story, and in any of my Hunter X Hunter fanfics to come (excluding Ven's Diary), Killua will have an older sister. I won't disclose the specifics yet and she's not gonna have a cameo appearance for the duration of this story, but if you're one of my old Hunter X Hunter fanfic readers then you certainly have a good idea what kind of person she is. For now though, she will simply be known as Miumi Zoldyck ( ´ ▽ ` )~
[3] The Arzillian Language – AKA Arzouguese was inspired from the Portuguese, French, Latin and a bit of the Russian languages, along with some of my personal gibberish (mostly some of my personal gibberish lmao), with the accent and how it's spoken itself sounding like a cross between Portuguese and French (don't ask me how that's possible but the Arzillians have no problem with it whatsoever). I definitely had a BLAST coming up with the words. I lowkey feel presumptuous about it, to be honest. But I thought, if I'm gonna make a fictional country, then I might as well make a fictional language 'cause why not, amirite?
[4] Troné Keep – Troné Keep was inspired from the real life Bojnice Castle, a beautiful medieval Romanesque castle located in Bojnice, Slovakia. The design and architecture was exactly what I had in mind when I depicted Troné Keep (with a few alterations from the source material, of course). But alas, mere words are not enough to fully capture the image of Troné Keep itself, so I'm encouraging ya'll to look up Bojnice Castle *:･ﾟ✧
By the way, I don't beta my works and English isn't my first language so I might get back on this one day to correct some errors or revise some stuff on a whim. Other than that, questions, suggestions, constructive criticism, and most especially praise are most definitely welcome!
[Date Updated]: December 16, 2020.