Chapter 13
10:30pm
Illumi felt tired and exhausted. It begun with a hectic day with many people entering and leaving his room, some asking for autographs, others asking for interviews, all of which he declined. He only saw two people, Hisoka and another eunuch called Koran, who fought over the rights to do his hair. Eventually, both did one side each, and after much adoration and admiration (although he noted that Hisoka did look unusually pale), they reluctantly left.
And about the contest finals? He won of course, and was hurrying to Kastro Court to receive his payment and take his leave from the country. Doubtless his parents knew already what he was up to, and things would turn ugly if they confronted each other.
That thought made him frown. This was supposed to be his territory. He arrived in Arcadia first, then Killua and Gon appeared to ruin his time, along with the untimely news that his entire family were wandering the streets of the Capital. Why couldn't they just leave him alone?
~ I hate this life! Let me out, Let mE OUT!~
His head felt numb and almost tripped over those long silken robes. His footsteps were silent and he floated along the cobbled courtyard like a ghost. In his mind were bells ringing frantically, making his heart beat faster unwittingly. So lost in his own thudding heart and confused thoughts, he almost bumped into someone.
He glanced up and stammered. "Fa…father."
"So Illumi" Silva began harshly with a murderous look in his eyes. "What do you think you're doing?"
~No!~
"Earning money Father." He tried to respond politely knowing very well that his father considered him ridiculous in his attire. The clothes that Hisoka had bought for him to wear he hadn't even removed yet, so desperate was he to quickly leave the country.
"Are you in a hurry?" Silva's tone was filled with spite.
"No Father."
"How long have you been doing this?"
"Doing what Father?"
Silva sighed. "You wish to do this the painful way?"
And then, some strange burst of rebellion and courage surged into his confused mind and dominated the control of his movements. He heard his own voice harden defiantly and began to feel himself dying. "I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about."
Silva's expression did not change but his aura certainly did. It enveloped itself around his eldest son, choking and gagging him with his own malicious will, then when he son was stunned with perpetual fear, clear for all to see in his usual monotonous face, he dragged the disobedient assassin and threw him into The Cell.
It had been exactly 20 years since Illumi screamed from a bone-chilling terror and from the nightmares now tearing up his mind, only to be silenced from the absolute and oppressing darkness around him. He could feel his life gradually begin to slip from him and strangely, he welcomed it with tired outstretched arms.
========
Hisoka suppressed his own breathing down in the dank sewers. Koran's handsome face was wrinkled slightly from the smell and was looking not too pleased. They pressed their fine clothes against the wet and cold walls as a marching of steps passed them, heavy boots splashing specks of filth against them. But the feet passed unnoticed and the magician nodded at his friend who in turn looked at Killua and Wing. Quickly glancing at his watch, Hisoka noted that it was already 2 am, which meant that they had been stuck in the sewers for four hours already. At approximately the announcement of Illumi's win outside the Auditorium where a wide screen was set up and surrounded by the masses of unfortunate people who couldn't score tickets inside, Kurapika, Zuchi and Gon were kidnapped right beside them by strangers. Hisoka immediately took off after the person who dared to steal his prey, and Koran only grudgingly followed.
Travelling underground in the sewers was an arduous process because there was a heavy and intimate patrol of guards. Sometimes, their shifts would intersect in the filthy maze and they would have to wait for a good half hour before they figured out the pattern and made their way across without being seen. Killua was clinging to his 'in' with his life, knowing that should he let his aura slip just that little bit, and every rat and beggar with a rifle would be charging towards them.
"Light!" Koran mouthed and pointed with a finely manicured finger to a bend in the tunnel. They heard voices and felt a strong and steady presence. Quieting their own beating hearts, they strained their ears and listened.
"Face it Liam, you're more interested about Arammi than our revolution." An arrogant voice sneered. "Look what your lust has done to you! Tonight, you have risked the lives of our brethren just to satisfy your curiosity and lovesickness."
"Just shut up Janis!" a deep baritone threatened dangerously. "I've seen this kid enter and leave Kastro Court at will. And this boy here may have connections with the Madman."
"So what Liam? You plan to use them? They are but only kids."
"Open your stupid eyes! They're nen users. You there! What is your relationship with General Kamus?"
"I am not saying anything!" Killua's eyes lit up. It was Gon's voice. With the stealth of a professional assassin, he edged forward and caught a glimpse of a small room formed at the bell shaped dead end of the tunnel with a dirty lamp hanging down giving off a sickly yellow light. He saw a man with dirty straw coloured hair with a hideous scar just above his left eye. He was wearing a pair of dark yellow shades and looked like he hadn't shaved decently in days.
"You are not an Arcadian, kid. If you tell us, we will let you go."
"In nine hells you will." Kurapika's cold voice spoke up without much fear. It was a calm voice tinted with mocking and disdain. "You're rebels and there's a large price on your head. The Generals have spread a massive net around the Capital to capture you that your chances of escape are drastically slim. We know this is your hideout, you think you'll let us walk free with this information?"
Liam threw his head back and laughed out loud. "How old are you kid? 16? 17? Yet you speak with the airs of an old hand in the business of treachery and danger!"
Kurapika didn't know who one earth this guy was, but he sure as hell was not happy. The evening had been joyous and boisterous, and he knew he had missed out on the spectacular fireworks. He coldly gazed at the man. "If you must know, I'm a fully qualified Black List Hunter. I specialized in being a bodyguard and collecting information for my former boss."
"Former boss?" Liam sounded interested. Kurapika sighed loudly to indicate his annoyance.
"The Nostrad Family. Are you done with the questioning now? I'd like to make the most of my evening before you decide to ruin it."
"Ah!" the arrogant voice of Janis rang out. He was a wiry man, short with ivory grey skin and dirty, oily hair brushed back hastily. He was clothed shabbily in black. "An underworld mob boss! Speak! What's your connection with Misha! Don't you deny it, our informants saw you at the arena yesterday."
"I need to go to the bathroom." Zuchi squeaked.
"I'm thirsty. I really need something to drink." Gon complained.
Liam and Janis both gaped at the hostages before them, their eyes bulging. Three kids who knew they were captured and might not live but weren't the least bit frightened, nervous or simply scared. Liam scratched his head and sighed. Perhaps Janis was right, maybe he was more interested in finding information about Miss Arammi than he was concerned about Kamus' plans. He felt tired and closed his eyes.
"You are right. I can't allow you to live. I can give you five minutes to make peace with yourselves." He offered quietly and then turned to his rotting wooden table in the makeshift headquarters.
Killua became alarmed. Kurapika, Gon and Zuchi were tightly bound with nen reinforced chains, sitting on rickety wooden stool. Janis stood in the far corner juggling dangerously sharp knives. Wing pulled Killua back and the four of them huddled to arrange their plans in silence.
Hisoka pointed to Killua and then at the dirty water around them which reached a good way up their calf. At first, Killua thought that Hisoka was likening him to the scum and muck around them, but the plan suddenly clicked. The magician then pointed to Koran and with two fingers twiddled around in the air. He then took out a card and slashed the air around him. Last, he pointed to Wing and curled his arms so that he looked like he was carrying bundles beneath his arms. All four of them smiled in consensus and quietly took their place.
Killua knew that Hisoka was in charge of the killing. Koran was the fastest of them, his speed taught to him by Master Echlan. He was in charge of rushing in there and grabbing the three of them out whilst Wing was supposed to catch Gon and Zuchi so that Koran could carry Kurapika. His part of the plan?
Killua grinned wickedly, and in an instant of a second, he sent multiple shock waves of his electricity into the water and jumped onto the stone ledge for safety. Liam and Janis were instantly electrocuted and stunned by the sudden attack. Hisoka's pansy gum had immobilized Liam and he went for Janis, his card glinting red as they struck target. Koran was already dashing down the tunnel with Wing with the hostages. Killua felt himself being picked up by Hisoka just as his thoughts steadied and in no time, they were back out in the open. The rebels didn't give chase but they didn't stop to check. They ran and continued to sprint until they were safe inside the walls of Kastro Court.
In one of the many open courtyards, they all sat down panting hard. Koran was least affected, retaining his elegant poise and posture as he stood watch over the lot of them.
"How did you do that!" Killua exclaimed, looking at Koran with new-found respect. "I didn't even see you leave your spot and you were already down the other side of the tunnel already!"
Koran smiled coyly, pleased with the comment. "It's what you get by being a eunuch kid."
That made Killua balk however. He was sure that Koran had not only amazing speed but also superior nen, perhaps even above Hisoka's skills….but to trade his manhood for it….
Koran laughed out loud. "Exactly! Would you trade your very essence of manhood for this power?" he found it amusing indeed.
"Can we all get a shower at least? I stink like crap, literally." Kurapika wrinkled his noise. Koran sniffed himself and nodded fervently in agreement.
"This way."
Nobody noticed the frown on Hisoka's face as he glanced at something he was holding in his hand.
==========
6:00 am
Wing, Kurapika and Zuchi followed Killua and Gon in exploring the large outer palaces of the Forbidden Palace. Kastro Court was famous for its open courtyards and spacious rooms which had no doors, only two walls and only extended into more open courtyards, just like the breakfast area this morning. They left all the night's events for Koran to explain to the General.
Killua and Gon did their best to explain to them all that General Kamus had told them about using Illumi to lure the rebels. Kurapika on the other hand was fascinated to know that Killua had an extended family that was of royalty, and that Kikyou was a princess of an old dynasty.
"Hey!" someone shouted at them in the stillness of the grey morning. They swung their heads to the direction of the voice and saw General Misha waving at them. He ran towards them.
"Do you know what place you're treading on?"
"Uh oh.." Zuchi muttered "Are we in trouble?"
"Hey Kurapika! I heard what happened to you last night." The madman casually commented, his handsomely effeminate face contorted into a vicious grin. "So, what do you think of the leader of the rebels?"
Kurapika didn't even need time to ponder on that question. "News travels fast doesn't it? What I think of the man with the glasses? He is a man with a lost soul."
They had all begun to follow the gaunt general, who lead them to a strange door on the side of one of the many palaces in Kastro Court. Everyone suddenly found it hard to breathe. The two guards who stood on either side of the door gave them wide grins.
"Well, you can feel assured that revenge is on its way. We knew all the time that the rebels were hiding down in the sewers, they must be thick if they thought we didn't know that. But you are wrong about Liam. He has a soul, and I will be the one to break it."
Gon didn't listen to a single word for beads of fear and sweat began to coat his forehead. "What is this place?" he muttered.
General Misha tightened the knot of his brilliant shawl on his hip and weighed them all with his eyes, glinting a void of madness. "This" he began softly and seductively "is the doorway to hell. Not too far within is The Cell. It will be the place where I will break Liam's soul."
He instructed the guards to open the doors and a burst of icy wind cut at their unprotected faces.
"Gon, Killua and Zuchi. You will NOT enter this place." Wing said firmly, adjusting his glasses as he peered into the gloom, his aura blazing brightly. "General Misha is right. In front is Hell."
"Anyone care for an inspection?" Misha chuckled lightly, stepping into the eternal and oppressive darkness with ease. One glare stifled one of the guard's protests.
"I will." Kurapika's eyes shimmered crimson, and without hesitation, he took one lead heavy step into the dark tunnel. Wing was beside him also, a challenging grin on his lips.
The corridor less than ten meters in length, and was even partially lit by hanging lamps. But each step weighed a ton, and as they got closer to The Cell at the end of the corridor, their steps became heavier, breathing was constrained and wild panic threatened to take hold of their minds. Misha strode forward confidently and burst open the doors leading to the cell. Kurapika's eyes widened when he saw blood splattered all over the walls of the small room, dripping and fresh. He lost his control of his fears and bolted back towards the brightening day, fear and horror wailing, shouting in his mind so loudly that he didn't realize that it was Wing who dragged him for the rest of the way.
He retched when he was back out in the open and felt a chill in his bones, so eternal that not even the warming sun could thaw out the violent tremblings in his muscles. Leorio was also here, having spent the night observing the operation on Alluka, and reached out to touch Kurapika.
"Leave me!" the blonde haired man almost screamed and then realized he was panting like there was no tomorrow. The nightmares got to him after he saw the hideous sight of carnage in The Cell. Wing was also struggling with his inner demons and gave Kurapika a weak smile.
"We are in one piece. Not broken yet." He whispered. Zuchi handed him a tissue to wipe his dampened forehead.
"What happened Kurapika?" Gon asked concerned. Kurapika's eyes returned to their normal colour.
"There was….someone in there." He gasped weakly, accepting Leorio's help to stand up on shaky legs.
At the same moment, General Misha emerged with a dark look on his face, and in his arms, a bloody and heavily wounded person. From the tatters of his clothes dripped warm blood.
"Big bro!" Killua gasped with fear and panic.
Misha glared at the guards. "One of you follow me. I want to know EXACTLY what happened."
The two guards looked at each other, did janken and the one who lost quickly ran after the General who had already stalked away. Everyone else caught up.
"Leorio, fetch Doctor Faust and Karen. Killua, take your friends back to the breakfast area, immediately." No one dared to argue with General Misha when he spoke in that tone of voice.
10:30pm
Illumi felt tired and exhausted. It begun with a hectic day with many people entering and leaving his room, some asking for autographs, others asking for interviews, all of which he declined. He only saw two people, Hisoka and another eunuch called Koran, who fought over the rights to do his hair. Eventually, both did one side each, and after much adoration and admiration (although he noted that Hisoka did look unusually pale), they reluctantly left.
And about the contest finals? He won of course, and was hurrying to Kastro Court to receive his payment and take his leave from the country. Doubtless his parents knew already what he was up to, and things would turn ugly if they confronted each other.
That thought made him frown. This was supposed to be his territory. He arrived in Arcadia first, then Killua and Gon appeared to ruin his time, along with the untimely news that his entire family were wandering the streets of the Capital. Why couldn't they just leave him alone?
~ I hate this life! Let me out, Let mE OUT!~
His head felt numb and almost tripped over those long silken robes. His footsteps were silent and he floated along the cobbled courtyard like a ghost. In his mind were bells ringing frantically, making his heart beat faster unwittingly. So lost in his own thudding heart and confused thoughts, he almost bumped into someone.
He glanced up and stammered. "Fa…father."
"So Illumi" Silva began harshly with a murderous look in his eyes. "What do you think you're doing?"
~No!~
"Earning money Father." He tried to respond politely knowing very well that his father considered him ridiculous in his attire. The clothes that Hisoka had bought for him to wear he hadn't even removed yet, so desperate was he to quickly leave the country.
"Are you in a hurry?" Silva's tone was filled with spite.
"No Father."
"How long have you been doing this?"
"Doing what Father?"
Silva sighed. "You wish to do this the painful way?"
And then, some strange burst of rebellion and courage surged into his confused mind and dominated the control of his movements. He heard his own voice harden defiantly and began to feel himself dying. "I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about."
Silva's expression did not change but his aura certainly did. It enveloped itself around his eldest son, choking and gagging him with his own malicious will, then when he son was stunned with perpetual fear, clear for all to see in his usual monotonous face, he dragged the disobedient assassin and threw him into The Cell.
It had been exactly 20 years since Illumi screamed from a bone-chilling terror and from the nightmares now tearing up his mind, only to be silenced from the absolute and oppressing darkness around him. He could feel his life gradually begin to slip from him and strangely, he welcomed it with tired outstretched arms.
========
Hisoka suppressed his own breathing down in the dank sewers. Koran's handsome face was wrinkled slightly from the smell and was looking not too pleased. They pressed their fine clothes against the wet and cold walls as a marching of steps passed them, heavy boots splashing specks of filth against them. But the feet passed unnoticed and the magician nodded at his friend who in turn looked at Killua and Wing. Quickly glancing at his watch, Hisoka noted that it was already 2 am, which meant that they had been stuck in the sewers for four hours already. At approximately the announcement of Illumi's win outside the Auditorium where a wide screen was set up and surrounded by the masses of unfortunate people who couldn't score tickets inside, Kurapika, Zuchi and Gon were kidnapped right beside them by strangers. Hisoka immediately took off after the person who dared to steal his prey, and Koran only grudgingly followed.
Travelling underground in the sewers was an arduous process because there was a heavy and intimate patrol of guards. Sometimes, their shifts would intersect in the filthy maze and they would have to wait for a good half hour before they figured out the pattern and made their way across without being seen. Killua was clinging to his 'in' with his life, knowing that should he let his aura slip just that little bit, and every rat and beggar with a rifle would be charging towards them.
"Light!" Koran mouthed and pointed with a finely manicured finger to a bend in the tunnel. They heard voices and felt a strong and steady presence. Quieting their own beating hearts, they strained their ears and listened.
"Face it Liam, you're more interested about Arammi than our revolution." An arrogant voice sneered. "Look what your lust has done to you! Tonight, you have risked the lives of our brethren just to satisfy your curiosity and lovesickness."
"Just shut up Janis!" a deep baritone threatened dangerously. "I've seen this kid enter and leave Kastro Court at will. And this boy here may have connections with the Madman."
"So what Liam? You plan to use them? They are but only kids."
"Open your stupid eyes! They're nen users. You there! What is your relationship with General Kamus?"
"I am not saying anything!" Killua's eyes lit up. It was Gon's voice. With the stealth of a professional assassin, he edged forward and caught a glimpse of a small room formed at the bell shaped dead end of the tunnel with a dirty lamp hanging down giving off a sickly yellow light. He saw a man with dirty straw coloured hair with a hideous scar just above his left eye. He was wearing a pair of dark yellow shades and looked like he hadn't shaved decently in days.
"You are not an Arcadian, kid. If you tell us, we will let you go."
"In nine hells you will." Kurapika's cold voice spoke up without much fear. It was a calm voice tinted with mocking and disdain. "You're rebels and there's a large price on your head. The Generals have spread a massive net around the Capital to capture you that your chances of escape are drastically slim. We know this is your hideout, you think you'll let us walk free with this information?"
Liam threw his head back and laughed out loud. "How old are you kid? 16? 17? Yet you speak with the airs of an old hand in the business of treachery and danger!"
Kurapika didn't know who one earth this guy was, but he sure as hell was not happy. The evening had been joyous and boisterous, and he knew he had missed out on the spectacular fireworks. He coldly gazed at the man. "If you must know, I'm a fully qualified Black List Hunter. I specialized in being a bodyguard and collecting information for my former boss."
"Former boss?" Liam sounded interested. Kurapika sighed loudly to indicate his annoyance.
"The Nostrad Family. Are you done with the questioning now? I'd like to make the most of my evening before you decide to ruin it."
"Ah!" the arrogant voice of Janis rang out. He was a wiry man, short with ivory grey skin and dirty, oily hair brushed back hastily. He was clothed shabbily in black. "An underworld mob boss! Speak! What's your connection with Misha! Don't you deny it, our informants saw you at the arena yesterday."
"I need to go to the bathroom." Zuchi squeaked.
"I'm thirsty. I really need something to drink." Gon complained.
Liam and Janis both gaped at the hostages before them, their eyes bulging. Three kids who knew they were captured and might not live but weren't the least bit frightened, nervous or simply scared. Liam scratched his head and sighed. Perhaps Janis was right, maybe he was more interested in finding information about Miss Arammi than he was concerned about Kamus' plans. He felt tired and closed his eyes.
"You are right. I can't allow you to live. I can give you five minutes to make peace with yourselves." He offered quietly and then turned to his rotting wooden table in the makeshift headquarters.
Killua became alarmed. Kurapika, Gon and Zuchi were tightly bound with nen reinforced chains, sitting on rickety wooden stool. Janis stood in the far corner juggling dangerously sharp knives. Wing pulled Killua back and the four of them huddled to arrange their plans in silence.
Hisoka pointed to Killua and then at the dirty water around them which reached a good way up their calf. At first, Killua thought that Hisoka was likening him to the scum and muck around them, but the plan suddenly clicked. The magician then pointed to Koran and with two fingers twiddled around in the air. He then took out a card and slashed the air around him. Last, he pointed to Wing and curled his arms so that he looked like he was carrying bundles beneath his arms. All four of them smiled in consensus and quietly took their place.
Killua knew that Hisoka was in charge of the killing. Koran was the fastest of them, his speed taught to him by Master Echlan. He was in charge of rushing in there and grabbing the three of them out whilst Wing was supposed to catch Gon and Zuchi so that Koran could carry Kurapika. His part of the plan?
Killua grinned wickedly, and in an instant of a second, he sent multiple shock waves of his electricity into the water and jumped onto the stone ledge for safety. Liam and Janis were instantly electrocuted and stunned by the sudden attack. Hisoka's pansy gum had immobilized Liam and he went for Janis, his card glinting red as they struck target. Koran was already dashing down the tunnel with Wing with the hostages. Killua felt himself being picked up by Hisoka just as his thoughts steadied and in no time, they were back out in the open. The rebels didn't give chase but they didn't stop to check. They ran and continued to sprint until they were safe inside the walls of Kastro Court.
In one of the many open courtyards, they all sat down panting hard. Koran was least affected, retaining his elegant poise and posture as he stood watch over the lot of them.
"How did you do that!" Killua exclaimed, looking at Koran with new-found respect. "I didn't even see you leave your spot and you were already down the other side of the tunnel already!"
Koran smiled coyly, pleased with the comment. "It's what you get by being a eunuch kid."
That made Killua balk however. He was sure that Koran had not only amazing speed but also superior nen, perhaps even above Hisoka's skills….but to trade his manhood for it….
Koran laughed out loud. "Exactly! Would you trade your very essence of manhood for this power?" he found it amusing indeed.
"Can we all get a shower at least? I stink like crap, literally." Kurapika wrinkled his noise. Koran sniffed himself and nodded fervently in agreement.
"This way."
Nobody noticed the frown on Hisoka's face as he glanced at something he was holding in his hand.
==========
6:00 am
Wing, Kurapika and Zuchi followed Killua and Gon in exploring the large outer palaces of the Forbidden Palace. Kastro Court was famous for its open courtyards and spacious rooms which had no doors, only two walls and only extended into more open courtyards, just like the breakfast area this morning. They left all the night's events for Koran to explain to the General.
Killua and Gon did their best to explain to them all that General Kamus had told them about using Illumi to lure the rebels. Kurapika on the other hand was fascinated to know that Killua had an extended family that was of royalty, and that Kikyou was a princess of an old dynasty.
"Hey!" someone shouted at them in the stillness of the grey morning. They swung their heads to the direction of the voice and saw General Misha waving at them. He ran towards them.
"Do you know what place you're treading on?"
"Uh oh.." Zuchi muttered "Are we in trouble?"
"Hey Kurapika! I heard what happened to you last night." The madman casually commented, his handsomely effeminate face contorted into a vicious grin. "So, what do you think of the leader of the rebels?"
Kurapika didn't even need time to ponder on that question. "News travels fast doesn't it? What I think of the man with the glasses? He is a man with a lost soul."
They had all begun to follow the gaunt general, who lead them to a strange door on the side of one of the many palaces in Kastro Court. Everyone suddenly found it hard to breathe. The two guards who stood on either side of the door gave them wide grins.
"Well, you can feel assured that revenge is on its way. We knew all the time that the rebels were hiding down in the sewers, they must be thick if they thought we didn't know that. But you are wrong about Liam. He has a soul, and I will be the one to break it."
Gon didn't listen to a single word for beads of fear and sweat began to coat his forehead. "What is this place?" he muttered.
General Misha tightened the knot of his brilliant shawl on his hip and weighed them all with his eyes, glinting a void of madness. "This" he began softly and seductively "is the doorway to hell. Not too far within is The Cell. It will be the place where I will break Liam's soul."
He instructed the guards to open the doors and a burst of icy wind cut at their unprotected faces.
"Gon, Killua and Zuchi. You will NOT enter this place." Wing said firmly, adjusting his glasses as he peered into the gloom, his aura blazing brightly. "General Misha is right. In front is Hell."
"Anyone care for an inspection?" Misha chuckled lightly, stepping into the eternal and oppressive darkness with ease. One glare stifled one of the guard's protests.
"I will." Kurapika's eyes shimmered crimson, and without hesitation, he took one lead heavy step into the dark tunnel. Wing was beside him also, a challenging grin on his lips.
The corridor less than ten meters in length, and was even partially lit by hanging lamps. But each step weighed a ton, and as they got closer to The Cell at the end of the corridor, their steps became heavier, breathing was constrained and wild panic threatened to take hold of their minds. Misha strode forward confidently and burst open the doors leading to the cell. Kurapika's eyes widened when he saw blood splattered all over the walls of the small room, dripping and fresh. He lost his control of his fears and bolted back towards the brightening day, fear and horror wailing, shouting in his mind so loudly that he didn't realize that it was Wing who dragged him for the rest of the way.
He retched when he was back out in the open and felt a chill in his bones, so eternal that not even the warming sun could thaw out the violent tremblings in his muscles. Leorio was also here, having spent the night observing the operation on Alluka, and reached out to touch Kurapika.
"Leave me!" the blonde haired man almost screamed and then realized he was panting like there was no tomorrow. The nightmares got to him after he saw the hideous sight of carnage in The Cell. Wing was also struggling with his inner demons and gave Kurapika a weak smile.
"We are in one piece. Not broken yet." He whispered. Zuchi handed him a tissue to wipe his dampened forehead.
"What happened Kurapika?" Gon asked concerned. Kurapika's eyes returned to their normal colour.
"There was….someone in there." He gasped weakly, accepting Leorio's help to stand up on shaky legs.
At the same moment, General Misha emerged with a dark look on his face, and in his arms, a bloody and heavily wounded person. From the tatters of his clothes dripped warm blood.
"Big bro!" Killua gasped with fear and panic.
Misha glared at the guards. "One of you follow me. I want to know EXACTLY what happened."
The two guards looked at each other, did janken and the one who lost quickly ran after the General who had already stalked away. Everyone else caught up.
"Leorio, fetch Doctor Faust and Karen. Killua, take your friends back to the breakfast area, immediately." No one dared to argue with General Misha when he spoke in that tone of voice.