Chapter 15.5
Sorry folks, but I was quite dissatisfied with the last chapter. I would have liked Rudy and Illumi's encounter to have lasted much longer – at least described it in more detail anyway…I think I missed some important bits. Oh well, I'll add that in later, but I've got to finish this interrogation…Hisoka passing out like that was more of a cop-out. So here we go, and extended Chapter 15. Hope you guys enjoy!
Misha looked unhappily at Hisoka's limp form, sprawled out on his rickety chair and let loose a murderous growl.
"Didn't last long, did he." Echlan commented drying, daintily stopping the recording machine.
"I want to see what happened four years ago. And I'm also very interested in seeing what powers your nephew has, Kastro." Misha took one determined step forwards, and no one in their right minds gave serious thought to challenging what he was about to do.
"I would support your decision General," Echlan delicately pointed out. "You see, Hisoka-chan is obviously a manipulative type, and we all know what that means."
"Yes, deceit and cunning flow within the very marrow of his bones. This should be interesting then. I'm sure his memories can't lie."
"What are you planning to do?" Kikyou demanded, just as desperate to uncover the final mystery to Alluka's downfall and Illumi's anger.
General Misha was mad, that was well known. He was young possibly around twenty five, and was tall, lean and gaunt. The hollowness of his cheeks only highlighted how empty and soulless those ebony eyes of his were, and you couldn't but help shiver at the ghastly undertones of insane violence in his voice. He constantly wore a black choker around his slim neck which suspended a purple five stared pendant. When he undertook administrative work, which was rare indeed, he shed his armor, and wore a black fitted trench coat bursting an array of colours on the left lapel, proudly showing off all the medals of honour he received during the war. General Kamus found him to be a man desperately in need of some goal in life after the war ended for war was all the madman lived for. And with peace, he seemed vague and restless, pouncing on any chance to reassert his wartime authority.
But what was the man like before the war? Before he introduced himself to the Emperor and pledged his life and service to the Kingdom? Only few people know, and the ones who do felt only a great pity and sorrow for the things that war did to people.
The nen around Misha flickered undecidedly, unsure of whether to die or to live. One bony finger pressed against the center of Hisoka's forehead and Misha slowly began to draw out Hisoka's lifetime worth of memories and visualized them like holographic projections for all the people in the small, cramped room to see.
The peered closer to the blur of shapes and colours which gradually sharpened into moving images, as clear as yesterday.
============
"May I sit here?" Hisoka plonked down his plate of food in the semi-crowded café. It wasn't noon yet and there were still plenty of spaces to go around, only that he wanted to get to know this person in particular. A very pretty person indeed with her hair plaited prettily, entwined with silver and pink ribbons. She dressed in designer clothing and wore a pleasant and enchanting perfume. Without responding, she picked up her belongings and began to move to another seat before Hisoka blocked her way.
"Get out of my way." She said quietly and firmly, fine delicate eyebrows frowning prettily.
"We are both going to sit down, have lunch together and get to know each other." Hisoka replied, equally firmly and gestured back to her seat.
"No thank you."
"Ah," he responded with a flourish. "I don't think I gave you a choice on that one. Sit."
Illumi took no heed of Hisoka's threat or warning and forcibly shoved past him. When Hisoka laid a hand on him to pull him back, Illumi released a scream perfectly tuned to one of a damsel in distress. It bought at least twenty pair of eyes on them, and one man stood to confront Hisoka.
"Are you all right Miss?" he asked with the chivalry of a knight.
Illumi sniffed piteously, constantly backing away from Hisoka. "He…he…indecently assaulted me." The whimpers would have wrung anyone's heart and stolen their sympathy.
The man, another powerful nen user at the Celestial Fighting Tower, lowered a dark gaze at Hisoka and took one menacing step forward at the teenager. Hisoka looked incredulously at the fleeing figure with mixed emotions of longing and anger. He tried to splutter his response, but back then, there were many people who could wipe the floor with the Magician's face. Hisoka gulped at the looming figure before him, and the images faded away.
======
Misha grunted. "Oops, went back too far. Let me get this right."
More images surfaced again.
=====
"That looks very expensive Illu. Are you sure you can afford the whole set?" Hisoka studied the three articles of jewelry – a pair of earrings, a bangle and a necklace all generously studded with yellow diamonds, one of the rarest gems on earth. Illu gave a small pout beside him and held up the necklace, admiring the fire of the stones.
"I could give kaa-san one piece a year I suppose." He began slowly, thumbing all the precious stones, his hesitancy betraying his desire.
"I seriously don't understand why you bother Illu. Doesn't your family treat you like crap?"
"It's kaa-san's birthday next week. She has been quite upset lately over Killu's rebelliousness. Perhaps this will cheer her up at least."
Hisoka sighed and shook his head.
"Hisoka, did you get that book as I asked?"
"Yes, the one that your grandpa wants."
"I should probably give that to him for Christmas then. How much do I owe you for your services?"
"Hmm…I'll have to think about that." Hisoka let his eyes wander freely up and down Illumi's body. The assassin stamped his foot hard, all the whilst with a blushing face. Hisoka laughed and held him close. "Just the usual will do, Illu." He whispered hungrily. The scene faded again.
=======
"Ok, maybe too far. Why can't I ever get this right?"
======
Illumi was snuggled close to Hisoka under warm bed covers. He was breathing lightly in a light sleep.
Hisoka nudged him. "Illu."
"Hmm?"
"Why do you work so hard? Look how tired you are."
"…money." Illumi grumbled and made to turn away, but Hisoka held him back.
"Your family is stinking rich Illu, and you must be a billionaire by now. What are you going to do with it all?"
Illumi wearily opened his eyes and looked at Hisoka who was lying on his side, looking back intently at him. "I'm going to leave home one day." He laid his head on the pillow and continued to gaze at the clown.
"Oh? Really? And what will you do afterwards?"
The tired and overworked assassin shrugged. "Haven't given it much thought."
"Why don't you follow me then?" Hisoka proposed.
The scene faded.
=======
"Ok, I think we're almost there."
=======
"Hisoka…"
"What's the matter Illu?"
"I…need your help."
"You actually sound serious. Is something terribly wrong?" Hisoka looked at the assassin beside him with his full attention.
"Someone's kidnapped Allu. I…need help rescuing him."
"Do you know where they took him?"
Illumi nodded with big pleading eyes that Hisoka just couldn't refuse. "Lets go Illu."
* * *
Hisoka whistled softly at the massive looming walls hidden in the middle of a canyon of mountains, wondering what on earth this wall was erected. Illumi certainly looked pensive, giving it much thought on how to breach the damn thing so they could get in. Strange inscriptions were marked on the wall, over and over…It looked more like the symbol of an organization perhaps.
"I think they've charged these walls up with electricity. Here, I'll act as a fuse to short circuit the system to temporarily detract the electricity and you jump over. I'll follow."
Hisoka looked at the impassive walls and repressed a shiver. "Are you sure Illu? I think there are a few million volts just by the feel of it. The static has already caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand."
"Of course I can handle it. I've had training. Now, lets go."
Illumi placed both palms on the deathly cold surface and was immediately attacked by crackling energy. Hisoka clenched his eyes and lopped over the wall receiving minor shocks on the way. Illumi quickly followed. His hair looked slightly burnt out.
"You'll get split ends." Hisoka pouted, reaching out to touch the assassin, but Illumi was already moving on.
They entered a dark, long corridor with the constant feel of unease and oppression. Their steps did not echo in the darkness, and was unnaturally absorbed instead so that they became dull thuds. Hisoka worriedly looked about him.
"I really don't like the feel of this Illu? What is this place? I can barely breathe."
"Aren't you always happy to find challenges Hisoka? I think there will be plenty of them here."
"No Illu, this place is downright eerie. It's no longer about the challenge…it's like…"
Shrill screaming pierced through their minds and Illumi's face instantly flickered anger.
"That's Allu! They must be torturing him…" he grated to the surprise of Hisoka.
"I've suddenly got this desperate urge to run away Illu. What IS this place?" the magician jogged to keep up with the assassin, and when they reached the end of the corridor and burst open the doors, they were greeted to a room swarming with people dressed as surgeons attending to mind boggling equipment. At the center of the room was a young boy with delicate white hair, twisting and writhing in pain as hideous instruments suspended him from the floor. Hisoka still didn't understand what happened in there, but he felt the most powerful urge to retch. To his further horror, the assassin beside him let loose a frightening scream of rage and hatred, and Hisoka witnessed a most terrifying miracle.
Suddenly, Illumi divided himself into eight, each as angry as its original. They moved at the speed of lightening, racing through the people torturing his brother, killing them mercilessly as he approached, tearing human beings apart with his bare hands. From every direction, Hisoka heard screams and orders being shouted, limbs tossed carelessly into the air and the dreadful stench of blood filled the air. His steps became heavy, like huge balls of iron had been shackled to his ankles, yet he willed himself forward to pluck the raving boy from his torture. His five senses began to dim when someone stepped into the room from the other side of where they had entered, eyes blazing with anger at the intruders creating the chaos.
The real Illumi roared with feral rage and charged straight at him. The man let loose a flurry of arrows created by nen at the charging assassin, and Hisoka desperately wanted to pull him away. But the arrows vanished when they got within two meters of Illumi, and try as he might, the man could not harm him. So he drew his sword and lashed out, only to hear the resounding clash of the metal against Illumi's forearm. He slashed again and again, but each time, the weapon merely rebounded off the assassin's body and he gazed in horrified fascination at the monster before him.
"Who are you?" he croaked, unable to tear his eyes from the hollow, empty gaze.
"I want you to die." Illumi said through clenched teeth, and the man obeyed, immediately falling onto his sword.
The other seven Illumi's however, continued to destroy the surroundings, ripping out lengths of cable, smashing monitors, heaving chairs and splintering them on other machinery. A small explosion on the far side of the room set off a chain reaction of other explosions, each successively larger than the previous. Hisoka ripped the cords attached to Alluka and ran to Illumi, the ground now slippery from all the blood that flowed from the decapitated bodies.
"Illu, we've got to get out of here – " but the roof groaned in agony, then it came crashing down on the hapless magician.
* * *
"Hisoka?" Illumi woke up from his bed to find Hisoka frantically placing his clothes into his travel bag.
"Gods Illumi, never drag me to another place like that again." He muttered, carefully folding a light blue shirt, one of the assassin's favourites.
"Alluka! Did you get him out! Gosh – " Illumi rubbed the side of his temples feeling a wave of dizziness hit him. "I….don't remember a thing!"
"You don't?" the magician spun around incredulously.
"No, I just remember the dark corridor and Allu screaming…." He looked sheepishly at Hisoka. "Thanks for getting me out of the fix."
Hisoka slowly approached him and steadied himself. "You have absolutely no idea of what you did?"
"Did I do anything? It's really a blank." Illumi said resignedly, and unconsciously leaned towards Hisoka. Hisoka's hand immediately went to run his fingers through the fine black silken mass.
"Lets not worry about that for now. I think your brother is seriously injured, so I've arranged a private flight for you back home. Come on, it leaves in one hour."
The scene faded.
=========
Misha was wide eyed. "Did you see that Kamus? What fabulous carnage that was!"
Echlan was critical however. "Is it just me? Or does Illumi seem to have perfectly mastered his natural nen abilities? He seems to be able to utilize everything at its maximum potential and is able to control more than one ability at a time. See how he had reinforcement on when he deflected the blows, as the same time the Void was active, as well as the perfect duplicates of himself."
"That would require materialization and control…and each doppelganger seemed to have a mind of its own too…" Koran commented with awe in his alto voice.
Kamus finally realized that his own hand had been trembling slightly. "I had thought that I would never witness such things in my life…I don't know whether to say that it was magnificent or horrific. Even the Emperor cannot do what Illumi did just then." He turned to Echlan. "You think…"
"That he might be able to wield the Sacred Powers? After what I just saw, I would say 'yes'. But it seems that his natural nen abilities have been suppressed to the extent that he is not capable of calling up on them. That was probably a rare instance where he was so consumed by anger that everything broke free."
"But what interests me the most," said Misha, "was the way he told the man to kill himself, and he did." He turned to the Zoldick family members. "That was what frightened you wasn't it? The Voice is the first ability to develop. When our Emperor speaks, everyone listens and everyone does as she says. You were frightened one day when Illumi commanded you and you couldn't help yourself but to comply."
"It wasn't his voice." Zeno sighed. "It was his eyes. You just had to look at them, and you were immediately under his control. He was barely three years old when we finally figured out why Illumi always seem to have his own way."
"What happened Kikyou? Surely you wouldn't have reacted so…harshly…if you found out that Illumi could control people. Did he do something?" Kamus probed.
Kikyou cried out at last in bitterness and quickly wiped away her tears. "Yes! He threatened our safety for that very matter. We couldn't teach him because he always had his own way – he knew it, and he was manipulating us from the word go. He followed his heart, he followed his emotions and did what he liked to do, and none of us could argue with him because we'd all end up agreeing – just because he wants it to be that way. Then one day, Silva got angry with him because he was feeding pigeons breadcrumbs on the roof instead of practicing his assassin techniques. So Silva killed all the pigeons that he was feeding and told him to go to his room. And you know what Illumi said? He told Silva to "Go to Hell" and before you knew it, Silva was trying to stop his own hand from pulling his heart out. We had no choice ni-chan. He couldn't be taught or controlled." And she clung to her husband, crying in anguish. No mother would want to torment her own child, but there simply was no other way.
"So you see, Kamus, we had to deprive Illumi of any emotion that he had. We didn't even want to know the consequences of his anger if he finally discovered his potentials. He threatened his family." Zeno ended solemnly.
"He would have been the perfect heir, wielding those sorts of powers, but as you see, it was all for nothing if he didn't feel like killing. We take jobs and do it, and we don't put our feelings into it and say whether we would like to do this or not, or whether we enjoy killing or not. I don't think the nature of his powers was ever suited to our family business, so I did what I had to do." Silva explained, glaring at anyone who dared to disagree.
"Returning back to the main point – the Nihilists seemed to scare the living daylights out of Hisoka. It would be heart warming if someone of Illumi's caliber could help us against the Nihilists and rebels in the imminent attack…but I guess we just have to make do." Misha shrugged.
"They are more dangerous than I remember them to be. Did you see those experiments they were trying to conduct on Alluka? Surely that young lad must have some hidden abilities as well, hence he became their target." Echlan surmised.
"I'll lend you a hand with the upcoming battle." Silva spoke out. "They hurt my son and nearly deprived him on his career. I will see them hurt for this."
Everyone nodded in agreement, but Kamus wondered if the world was actually better off with one less deadly assassin.
Sorry folks, but I was quite dissatisfied with the last chapter. I would have liked Rudy and Illumi's encounter to have lasted much longer – at least described it in more detail anyway…I think I missed some important bits. Oh well, I'll add that in later, but I've got to finish this interrogation…Hisoka passing out like that was more of a cop-out. So here we go, and extended Chapter 15. Hope you guys enjoy!
Misha looked unhappily at Hisoka's limp form, sprawled out on his rickety chair and let loose a murderous growl.
"Didn't last long, did he." Echlan commented drying, daintily stopping the recording machine.
"I want to see what happened four years ago. And I'm also very interested in seeing what powers your nephew has, Kastro." Misha took one determined step forwards, and no one in their right minds gave serious thought to challenging what he was about to do.
"I would support your decision General," Echlan delicately pointed out. "You see, Hisoka-chan is obviously a manipulative type, and we all know what that means."
"Yes, deceit and cunning flow within the very marrow of his bones. This should be interesting then. I'm sure his memories can't lie."
"What are you planning to do?" Kikyou demanded, just as desperate to uncover the final mystery to Alluka's downfall and Illumi's anger.
General Misha was mad, that was well known. He was young possibly around twenty five, and was tall, lean and gaunt. The hollowness of his cheeks only highlighted how empty and soulless those ebony eyes of his were, and you couldn't but help shiver at the ghastly undertones of insane violence in his voice. He constantly wore a black choker around his slim neck which suspended a purple five stared pendant. When he undertook administrative work, which was rare indeed, he shed his armor, and wore a black fitted trench coat bursting an array of colours on the left lapel, proudly showing off all the medals of honour he received during the war. General Kamus found him to be a man desperately in need of some goal in life after the war ended for war was all the madman lived for. And with peace, he seemed vague and restless, pouncing on any chance to reassert his wartime authority.
But what was the man like before the war? Before he introduced himself to the Emperor and pledged his life and service to the Kingdom? Only few people know, and the ones who do felt only a great pity and sorrow for the things that war did to people.
The nen around Misha flickered undecidedly, unsure of whether to die or to live. One bony finger pressed against the center of Hisoka's forehead and Misha slowly began to draw out Hisoka's lifetime worth of memories and visualized them like holographic projections for all the people in the small, cramped room to see.
The peered closer to the blur of shapes and colours which gradually sharpened into moving images, as clear as yesterday.
============
"May I sit here?" Hisoka plonked down his plate of food in the semi-crowded café. It wasn't noon yet and there were still plenty of spaces to go around, only that he wanted to get to know this person in particular. A very pretty person indeed with her hair plaited prettily, entwined with silver and pink ribbons. She dressed in designer clothing and wore a pleasant and enchanting perfume. Without responding, she picked up her belongings and began to move to another seat before Hisoka blocked her way.
"Get out of my way." She said quietly and firmly, fine delicate eyebrows frowning prettily.
"We are both going to sit down, have lunch together and get to know each other." Hisoka replied, equally firmly and gestured back to her seat.
"No thank you."
"Ah," he responded with a flourish. "I don't think I gave you a choice on that one. Sit."
Illumi took no heed of Hisoka's threat or warning and forcibly shoved past him. When Hisoka laid a hand on him to pull him back, Illumi released a scream perfectly tuned to one of a damsel in distress. It bought at least twenty pair of eyes on them, and one man stood to confront Hisoka.
"Are you all right Miss?" he asked with the chivalry of a knight.
Illumi sniffed piteously, constantly backing away from Hisoka. "He…he…indecently assaulted me." The whimpers would have wrung anyone's heart and stolen their sympathy.
The man, another powerful nen user at the Celestial Fighting Tower, lowered a dark gaze at Hisoka and took one menacing step forward at the teenager. Hisoka looked incredulously at the fleeing figure with mixed emotions of longing and anger. He tried to splutter his response, but back then, there were many people who could wipe the floor with the Magician's face. Hisoka gulped at the looming figure before him, and the images faded away.
======
Misha grunted. "Oops, went back too far. Let me get this right."
More images surfaced again.
=====
"That looks very expensive Illu. Are you sure you can afford the whole set?" Hisoka studied the three articles of jewelry – a pair of earrings, a bangle and a necklace all generously studded with yellow diamonds, one of the rarest gems on earth. Illu gave a small pout beside him and held up the necklace, admiring the fire of the stones.
"I could give kaa-san one piece a year I suppose." He began slowly, thumbing all the precious stones, his hesitancy betraying his desire.
"I seriously don't understand why you bother Illu. Doesn't your family treat you like crap?"
"It's kaa-san's birthday next week. She has been quite upset lately over Killu's rebelliousness. Perhaps this will cheer her up at least."
Hisoka sighed and shook his head.
"Hisoka, did you get that book as I asked?"
"Yes, the one that your grandpa wants."
"I should probably give that to him for Christmas then. How much do I owe you for your services?"
"Hmm…I'll have to think about that." Hisoka let his eyes wander freely up and down Illumi's body. The assassin stamped his foot hard, all the whilst with a blushing face. Hisoka laughed and held him close. "Just the usual will do, Illu." He whispered hungrily. The scene faded again.
=======
"Ok, maybe too far. Why can't I ever get this right?"
======
Illumi was snuggled close to Hisoka under warm bed covers. He was breathing lightly in a light sleep.
Hisoka nudged him. "Illu."
"Hmm?"
"Why do you work so hard? Look how tired you are."
"…money." Illumi grumbled and made to turn away, but Hisoka held him back.
"Your family is stinking rich Illu, and you must be a billionaire by now. What are you going to do with it all?"
Illumi wearily opened his eyes and looked at Hisoka who was lying on his side, looking back intently at him. "I'm going to leave home one day." He laid his head on the pillow and continued to gaze at the clown.
"Oh? Really? And what will you do afterwards?"
The tired and overworked assassin shrugged. "Haven't given it much thought."
"Why don't you follow me then?" Hisoka proposed.
The scene faded.
=======
"Ok, I think we're almost there."
=======
"Hisoka…"
"What's the matter Illu?"
"I…need your help."
"You actually sound serious. Is something terribly wrong?" Hisoka looked at the assassin beside him with his full attention.
"Someone's kidnapped Allu. I…need help rescuing him."
"Do you know where they took him?"
Illumi nodded with big pleading eyes that Hisoka just couldn't refuse. "Lets go Illu."
* * *
Hisoka whistled softly at the massive looming walls hidden in the middle of a canyon of mountains, wondering what on earth this wall was erected. Illumi certainly looked pensive, giving it much thought on how to breach the damn thing so they could get in. Strange inscriptions were marked on the wall, over and over…It looked more like the symbol of an organization perhaps.
"I think they've charged these walls up with electricity. Here, I'll act as a fuse to short circuit the system to temporarily detract the electricity and you jump over. I'll follow."
Hisoka looked at the impassive walls and repressed a shiver. "Are you sure Illu? I think there are a few million volts just by the feel of it. The static has already caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand."
"Of course I can handle it. I've had training. Now, lets go."
Illumi placed both palms on the deathly cold surface and was immediately attacked by crackling energy. Hisoka clenched his eyes and lopped over the wall receiving minor shocks on the way. Illumi quickly followed. His hair looked slightly burnt out.
"You'll get split ends." Hisoka pouted, reaching out to touch the assassin, but Illumi was already moving on.
They entered a dark, long corridor with the constant feel of unease and oppression. Their steps did not echo in the darkness, and was unnaturally absorbed instead so that they became dull thuds. Hisoka worriedly looked about him.
"I really don't like the feel of this Illu? What is this place? I can barely breathe."
"Aren't you always happy to find challenges Hisoka? I think there will be plenty of them here."
"No Illu, this place is downright eerie. It's no longer about the challenge…it's like…"
Shrill screaming pierced through their minds and Illumi's face instantly flickered anger.
"That's Allu! They must be torturing him…" he grated to the surprise of Hisoka.
"I've suddenly got this desperate urge to run away Illu. What IS this place?" the magician jogged to keep up with the assassin, and when they reached the end of the corridor and burst open the doors, they were greeted to a room swarming with people dressed as surgeons attending to mind boggling equipment. At the center of the room was a young boy with delicate white hair, twisting and writhing in pain as hideous instruments suspended him from the floor. Hisoka still didn't understand what happened in there, but he felt the most powerful urge to retch. To his further horror, the assassin beside him let loose a frightening scream of rage and hatred, and Hisoka witnessed a most terrifying miracle.
Suddenly, Illumi divided himself into eight, each as angry as its original. They moved at the speed of lightening, racing through the people torturing his brother, killing them mercilessly as he approached, tearing human beings apart with his bare hands. From every direction, Hisoka heard screams and orders being shouted, limbs tossed carelessly into the air and the dreadful stench of blood filled the air. His steps became heavy, like huge balls of iron had been shackled to his ankles, yet he willed himself forward to pluck the raving boy from his torture. His five senses began to dim when someone stepped into the room from the other side of where they had entered, eyes blazing with anger at the intruders creating the chaos.
The real Illumi roared with feral rage and charged straight at him. The man let loose a flurry of arrows created by nen at the charging assassin, and Hisoka desperately wanted to pull him away. But the arrows vanished when they got within two meters of Illumi, and try as he might, the man could not harm him. So he drew his sword and lashed out, only to hear the resounding clash of the metal against Illumi's forearm. He slashed again and again, but each time, the weapon merely rebounded off the assassin's body and he gazed in horrified fascination at the monster before him.
"Who are you?" he croaked, unable to tear his eyes from the hollow, empty gaze.
"I want you to die." Illumi said through clenched teeth, and the man obeyed, immediately falling onto his sword.
The other seven Illumi's however, continued to destroy the surroundings, ripping out lengths of cable, smashing monitors, heaving chairs and splintering them on other machinery. A small explosion on the far side of the room set off a chain reaction of other explosions, each successively larger than the previous. Hisoka ripped the cords attached to Alluka and ran to Illumi, the ground now slippery from all the blood that flowed from the decapitated bodies.
"Illu, we've got to get out of here – " but the roof groaned in agony, then it came crashing down on the hapless magician.
* * *
"Hisoka?" Illumi woke up from his bed to find Hisoka frantically placing his clothes into his travel bag.
"Gods Illumi, never drag me to another place like that again." He muttered, carefully folding a light blue shirt, one of the assassin's favourites.
"Alluka! Did you get him out! Gosh – " Illumi rubbed the side of his temples feeling a wave of dizziness hit him. "I….don't remember a thing!"
"You don't?" the magician spun around incredulously.
"No, I just remember the dark corridor and Allu screaming…." He looked sheepishly at Hisoka. "Thanks for getting me out of the fix."
Hisoka slowly approached him and steadied himself. "You have absolutely no idea of what you did?"
"Did I do anything? It's really a blank." Illumi said resignedly, and unconsciously leaned towards Hisoka. Hisoka's hand immediately went to run his fingers through the fine black silken mass.
"Lets not worry about that for now. I think your brother is seriously injured, so I've arranged a private flight for you back home. Come on, it leaves in one hour."
The scene faded.
=========
Misha was wide eyed. "Did you see that Kamus? What fabulous carnage that was!"
Echlan was critical however. "Is it just me? Or does Illumi seem to have perfectly mastered his natural nen abilities? He seems to be able to utilize everything at its maximum potential and is able to control more than one ability at a time. See how he had reinforcement on when he deflected the blows, as the same time the Void was active, as well as the perfect duplicates of himself."
"That would require materialization and control…and each doppelganger seemed to have a mind of its own too…" Koran commented with awe in his alto voice.
Kamus finally realized that his own hand had been trembling slightly. "I had thought that I would never witness such things in my life…I don't know whether to say that it was magnificent or horrific. Even the Emperor cannot do what Illumi did just then." He turned to Echlan. "You think…"
"That he might be able to wield the Sacred Powers? After what I just saw, I would say 'yes'. But it seems that his natural nen abilities have been suppressed to the extent that he is not capable of calling up on them. That was probably a rare instance where he was so consumed by anger that everything broke free."
"But what interests me the most," said Misha, "was the way he told the man to kill himself, and he did." He turned to the Zoldick family members. "That was what frightened you wasn't it? The Voice is the first ability to develop. When our Emperor speaks, everyone listens and everyone does as she says. You were frightened one day when Illumi commanded you and you couldn't help yourself but to comply."
"It wasn't his voice." Zeno sighed. "It was his eyes. You just had to look at them, and you were immediately under his control. He was barely three years old when we finally figured out why Illumi always seem to have his own way."
"What happened Kikyou? Surely you wouldn't have reacted so…harshly…if you found out that Illumi could control people. Did he do something?" Kamus probed.
Kikyou cried out at last in bitterness and quickly wiped away her tears. "Yes! He threatened our safety for that very matter. We couldn't teach him because he always had his own way – he knew it, and he was manipulating us from the word go. He followed his heart, he followed his emotions and did what he liked to do, and none of us could argue with him because we'd all end up agreeing – just because he wants it to be that way. Then one day, Silva got angry with him because he was feeding pigeons breadcrumbs on the roof instead of practicing his assassin techniques. So Silva killed all the pigeons that he was feeding and told him to go to his room. And you know what Illumi said? He told Silva to "Go to Hell" and before you knew it, Silva was trying to stop his own hand from pulling his heart out. We had no choice ni-chan. He couldn't be taught or controlled." And she clung to her husband, crying in anguish. No mother would want to torment her own child, but there simply was no other way.
"So you see, Kamus, we had to deprive Illumi of any emotion that he had. We didn't even want to know the consequences of his anger if he finally discovered his potentials. He threatened his family." Zeno ended solemnly.
"He would have been the perfect heir, wielding those sorts of powers, but as you see, it was all for nothing if he didn't feel like killing. We take jobs and do it, and we don't put our feelings into it and say whether we would like to do this or not, or whether we enjoy killing or not. I don't think the nature of his powers was ever suited to our family business, so I did what I had to do." Silva explained, glaring at anyone who dared to disagree.
"Returning back to the main point – the Nihilists seemed to scare the living daylights out of Hisoka. It would be heart warming if someone of Illumi's caliber could help us against the Nihilists and rebels in the imminent attack…but I guess we just have to make do." Misha shrugged.
"They are more dangerous than I remember them to be. Did you see those experiments they were trying to conduct on Alluka? Surely that young lad must have some hidden abilities as well, hence he became their target." Echlan surmised.
"I'll lend you a hand with the upcoming battle." Silva spoke out. "They hurt my son and nearly deprived him on his career. I will see them hurt for this."
Everyone nodded in agreement, but Kamus wondered if the world was actually better off with one less deadly assassin.