Hey everyone, I am so sorry for not updating for a while but I have been really busy since exams ended. Anyway sparing the details, I'm also trying to start on my own original stories to post at a later date.
Anyway, hope you all enjoy this chapter!
"Follow the path and head for the mountain. The mansion should be somewhere up there." Zebro said to the four friend's, their backs to the mountain far out in the distance.
Although Zebro had been working for the Zoldyck's for the last twenty years, he had never been to the main residence of the family.
"Thank you very much for everything, Zebro-san, Seaquant-san." Gon said, smiling at the two adults in front of him.
Sakura bowed her head slightly to the two, "Yes thank you. You've really helped us,"
Zebro continued to smile at the youngsters, "You're very welcome. I wish you the best of luck in reaching young master Killua,"
"Mm!"
As Zebro and Seaquant watched the four friends slowly vanish into the distance of the path leading through the forest, they began discussing their thoughts on whether or not it was possible for them to reach the mansion. After all, the Testing Gate was only the first obstacle that needed to be overcome and it could only get worse from then on.
Seaquant knew that much from personal experience having dealt with the Zoldyck's employees as an intruder, which had been met with cruel retribution for him and the group he was a part of. An image of unconscious men piled together at the feet of a short silhouette holding a cane. A memory he wouldn't soon forget.
'One hundred men wiped out by an apprentice butler,'
That was what made it clear to him then, that the people within in these grounds were real monsters. And the only way to defeat a monster was to be one yourself.
"We should probably inform them about this," said Seaquant, heading to the house to do just that. "Though I'm sure they're already aware,"
He was beginning to feel a bit sorry for those kids, and that was without seeing the real storm that was brewing.
"What? The Testing Gate opened?" Shock, disbelief, and malice were eminent in the bittersweet voice of Kikyo Zoldyck.
She sat in a small pavilion on top of a hill, misty and distanced from the main mansion, where she hoped to remain undisturbed by her other family members as her butler relayed the news of her son's 'friend's'. And she was not pleased with the results.
"Yes, ma'am,"
"This is a critical time for Killua. We cannot allow anyone near him! Especially not unnecessary friends!"
"About that ma'am….." There was a moment of hesitance from her head butler, a rare occurrence but certainly, one that kept attention.
"What is it?" Kikyo asked sternly.
"There has been a development,"
"What sort?"
"The master has become aware of the intruder's presence and after a thorough report back from Illumi-sama. He has given a strict order….."
The dotted light on the women's visor became smaller, as she listened to her butlers report back on what her husband had requested not too long after hearing about the intruders at the Testing Gate. Needless to say, the subject was detesting for a mother, who hoped to continue to raise her child out of this rebellious phase and keep him within the proper lengths. For a mother who wanted an absolute hold on her child's life. This matter was going to do more than take him out of those lengths but completely eradicate them. And it was much too soon for her to even consider.
"W-What?!" Kikyo exclaimed, her tone pitching. "How could father do such a thing and without even consulting me!? He cannot possibly allow this!"
Kikyo exhaled repeatedly until her breaths became softer, her butler remained silent but near at all times. She stood up from the pavilion, stepping away. "Kil is the one child I simply cannot let go. Does no one understand? He cannot be left to anyone other than us. If they will not listen, then I shall have to take matters into my own hands…."
Sakura, Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio continued to follow the path through the forest that would hopefully lead them to the mountain, where they would have to begin their search for the mansion. It had already been more than two hours since they started walking, and little had been said. No one knew what to expect, nor did they feel the need to bring up the subject on what they were going to do from here on. They chose to remain vigilant and move silently as not to attract anything that may be lurking in the forest. After Mike, it was obvious they had to remain cautious.
After some time, the four came to what appeared would be their next obstacle in this other world of assassins. A young girl with grey eyes and dark purple hair combed in thick bunches, tied in a star-shaped manner, she also wore a plain suit. She held herself like a statue as if part of the structure separating their path to the other side. Another obstacle that they would have to overcome in order to see Killua.
"Leave." Her voice was soft but swift with no room for flexibility. "You're trespassing on private property. I cannot allow you to pass without permission."
Gon frowned, "What do we need to get permission? I said I was Killua's friend but they wouldn't put him on."
"I wouldn't know," she replied blankly, "Because no one has ever received permission,"
The vein on Gon's forehead throbbed with annoyance, glaring back at the unnamed girl, "Then we'll have to trespass!"
The young girl appeared ready to respond when she glanced beside her, there were nearly no footsteps heard but then they were able to see someone walking up until he was beside her. A tall man also in a suit, with short blonde hair and narrow eyes.
"Hishita-san," The girl greeted, to which the butler nodded before turning back to the group with an unreadable expression.
Leorio clenched his jaw, "Another one?"
"Greetings, I am Hishita, a servant of the Zoldyck family." The butler bowed slightly, holding a straight posture. But what he said next caused everyone to grow tense and stand upright. "Sakura Haruno, I have been ordered by my master to escort you to the Zoldyck estate."
"Eh!?" Kurapika, Leorio, and Sakura exclaimed before realizing they probably shouldn't to keep face.
"Really, we're invited to the mansion?" Gon asked.
"I apologize, but I have only been permitted to escort Miss Haruno to the estate under my master's orders," Hishita replied calmly.
"Wait, why is Sakura the only one being asked to go?" Kurapika asked, frowning. Given where they were it didn't seem likely that they were going to be invited to the main household just like that but one of them was. Something seemed off about it.
"The master and head of the Zoldyck's Silva-sama wishes to meet with Miss Haruno. A word with his son's companion, to be exact."
"W-W-W-W-What?!" Sakura stuttered, her eyes as wide as saucers. "You're saying Killua's father wants to talk to me?"
"That is correct, ma'am."
"But, my friend's, I can't go without them."
"I was instructed only to bring you." The butler replied curtly. It was clear he wouldn't waver his decision, as it was not actually his to make in the first place. "There would be grave consequences for me disobeying my master's orders in any fashion."
That was, without doubt, an understandable reason, but still, the group remained unsatisfied with the deal they had been offered.
"What does he want to talk to me about?" asked Sakura,
"He did not say, ma'am. But he did tell me to say that this is merely an invitation that you are free to reject should you feel it necessary. It is your decision."
The last thing that Sakura read told her that Killua's father wasn't even aware of their presence because for whatever reason, his wife did not want him to know but it seemed that word had somehow reached him. It was not a comfort. There was still skepticism, looking at the effort they had to endure just to get through the front gate and she was being offered an escort to meet with one of Killua's parents. And yet despite these obvious warnings, the answer was obvious for one reason.
They were here to see Killua.
Sakura turned back to her friend's, "Well, what should I do?"
"What do you want to do?" Leorio asked, "It's not really up to us,"
Sakura shook her head, "No, that's wrong. We came here together, and I don' want to just leave you guys behind-
"But you also want to see Killua as soon as possible," Gon finished for her. He smiled when their eyes met. "It's okay, we'll be right behind you."
Pink eyebrows curved with uncertainty and worry. This was a taxing predicament for her. Gon wasn't wrong, she did want to see Killua (probably more than he could understand for reasons she couldn't explain) but at the same time, she was hesitant to leave Gon, Leorio and Kurapika on their own.
She looked at the two employees of the Zoldyck's, the young girl had made it clear she would not let them pass without permission and seeing as Sakura was the only one with it, there was little chance she would let her friend's through just because she was suddenly an exception. And she still couldn't figure out why.
"Alright," Sakura exhaled softly, looking back to the butler. "I'll go,"
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The eerie silence, loss of familiarity and companionship almost tempted Sakura into peeking into the pages of the book if just to find the reason Killua's father wanted to have an audience with her. Nothing was spoken after Sakura left with the butler Hishita. Gon, Leorio and Kurapika assured her they would follow shortly after, even so, she worried as to how they were going to do that when they couldn't even pass a fence without permission, which hasn't been granted to anyone before her. Despite the vast mountain region, there was little noise in the forest, there were no birds chirping nor the scurrying of animals through the trees. And she was yet to see any.
'Perhaps they sense the danger of this place as well,' Sakura mused. Of course, she couldn't say it surprised her too much, what would remain where there was a constant sense of danger in the air?
Or perhaps that was just her own intuition since she crossed that threshold further into the Zoldyck's property.
Hishita's eyes glanced to the side without him turning fully to the pinkette behind him. He looked up at the mountain that was growing nearer as the hours passed. The Zoldyck mansion was situated at the top. Unfortunately for the pinkette, she wouldn't be arriving as thought. While there was nothing exceptional based on impression that would make her appear as a threat, he had received thorough instruction on the task he was assigned and was told to take extreme caution in doing so. Despite what it entailed, he had no conflictions about carrying out the orders he was given. It was after all a butler's duty.
"Lure her far from her companions, and make it appear as nothing more than a horrendous accident due to her own indiscretion," Kikyo ordered, her back turned to the butler kneeling before her. Raising her hand, she began knowing at one of her long nails as if dazing through the most disturbing thoughts of her mind. "I will not allow anyone to take Kil away from us. He does not need her, not now nor in the future. And I shall not entertain the thought; not at this time!"
Nothing more was said. Nothing needed to be said as Hishita was dispatched fully aware of his task. The demand was in actual fact a simple one and one that he was familiar with but rarely practiced due to the stature of the premises itself that was already a difficult barrier to overcome. He had succeeded in the first part of his task and had been careful to lead her on the path away from the mansion but closer to the mountain so that she would continue to edge on with a sense of security.
For several minutes this continued, the forest growing thicker. Nearing the location where Sakura was to be disposed of until Hishita felt the girl's presence grow more distant and realize that she must have stopped. While she might not realize this herself, the pinkette walked like a phantom at times and then other's there was the slightly rustle on the ground. She knew the technique Silent Gate and must have put into practice a lot to be able to execute it on a subconscious level.
Indeed she had stopped, her head down with her bangs covered her eyes, her one arm hanging limply at her side, while the other of course curved due to the sling and cast, covering her entire hand.
"Is there something wrong Miss Haruno?" Hishita asked, turning around fully to step towards her. "Are your injuries bothering you? We may take a rest if you require-
"I was just wondering something," Sakura softly spoke, "Where exactly is the Zoldyck mansion located?"
"Near the center of the mountain, but it is not so easy to get to if you are not invited," Hishita told her
"Of course, there are probably traps set for intruders correct?"
Hishita gave a curt nod in response.
"So how much longer before we reach it?"
"Well it shouldn't be too long from now," Hishita assured, barely batting an eye. "We are following the right path,"
With a small scoff, the pinkette's lips curved to a smirk, her shoulder's shook for a moment. "That's interesting because look at this," Sakura stomped her feet on the ground, her shoes sinking into the soft soil. "I happen to know for a fact that loose soil, often means that this is land that hasn't been treaded on….Which can only lead me to conclude you are not leading me to the Zoldyck mansion. And the reason for that is because you were never ordered to."
Hishita did not speak, his eyes narrowed when the pinkette lifted her head to give him a determined glare, "I already have an idea as to what you're true intentions are, but I want to hear it before anything progresses. My goal to see Killua has not changed and I will not let an inconvenience like this stop me. What were your real orders?"
Hishita closed his eyes for a moment, "That I'm afraid that is confidential Miss Haruno,"
"Then I shall take my leave," Sakura said turning on her heal, "Tell your master I apologize, but I will not be accepting his invitation to meet with me if there ever was one."
In an instant blur, faster than Hanzo perhaps, Hishita dematerialized in front of Sakura only to reappear behind her barely a second later, a small blade in hand he struck her between her shoulder blades to get her heart from behind. A quick and precise blow not easily dealt without experience.
Hishita saw the blade pierce her skin, he felt it, and he saw a bit of red forming from behind. But that was all gone in a second, within a puff of smoke where a log then took the place of the girl's form.
And for the first time since their encounter, Hishita's passive expression changed to confusion and shock. It was the moment he let his guard down and it was that moment that Sakura chose to strike back. With barely a sound, her presence concealed, she came up behind him as he was still reveling in the confusion of her replacement jutsu, she landed a powerful blow to his back, worried if she went for his face that the milliseconds may be too much time for him to recover. The force of her punch sent him flying into and through a few of the tree's before he finally stopped. All Sakura had to do to locate him again was to follow the path of destruction.
She hadn't been anticipating a direct attack, on the other hand, the uncertainty of what was to come had led her to activate this jutsu to protect herself.
'So much for paranoia. I was right not to let my guard down,' Sakura clenched her fist, she had placed a bit more power to that punch than she necessarily needed. She found the butler laying on the ground, the soil shifted to show he had glided across the ground and was now already starting to bring himself up. But with an obvious effort that made Sakura's pride inflate ever so slightly.
"From your actions I've realized your real intentions were to lure me away from my friend's and then kill me." Sakura stated, drawing her kunai at his neck and when Hishita met her eyes she spoke again, "And it's obvious this order was meant for me alone, otherwise I would not have been the only one drawn out like this."
Something was still tugging at the back of Sakura's mind about this whole dilemma. She was no different from her friend's in this case who were trying to reach Killua, so why had she been the only one targeted? The only real difference to factor in was she could have made it through the Testing Gate on the first day. Other than that, nothing stood out to her that she could factor in. On the other hand, she could take comfort that the others weren't being targeted for assassination. At least she hoped.
"Why go through all this effort just to kill me though?" Sakura asked, both herself and Hishita. Her tone was void of any discord against the man. He was clearly following orders and she knew already all too well what that entailed. It was not a personal matter and thus shouldn't be taken as such. The only thing that really irritated her about this was she had begun to get her hopes up, drawing on the belief she would be able to see Killua again only to be caught in this trap.
"As you said, those were my orders," Hishita stated, his voice void.
Sakura opened her mouth ready to give a reply, but another presence made itself known and with it came an alertness that had the pinkette turning away from her first opponent to the large silhouette in the distance.
"Yes, those were your orders, Hishita."
Said butler froze in place, glancing to where Sakura had directed her vision, in the shadows created by a grove of trees a silhouette appeared before stepping into the light. A tall and husky woman likely passed her fifties based on her pale wrinkled skin and grey hair tied in pigtails. She wore a black formal suit like the other butler's; as well as a monocle on her right eye.
"Although escorting the girl to the mansion was an order given by Silva-sama for me to fulfill." Sakura gasped softly, looking at the older women. So there was actually an order to bring her to the mansion?
"And you attempted to disrupt that,"
"Tsubone-sa-
The women held up her hand, "There's no need for explanation. I'm aware of whose orders those were under and so is the master. Therefore you will not endure any retribution, however, I suggest you pick yourself up and return to the butler's quarters. As of now, those orders have been overruled by Silva-sama,"
"Yes, ma'am," Sakura watched Hishita force himself up before he started to limp away when she interrupted.
"Hold on," Sakura came to stand in front of Hishita, barely placing her hands on the butler before she began healing him. Her chakra glowing a slight tinge of green before stopping. "There that should make it a little easier to walk back,"
Hishita appeared puzzled by the pinkette's behavior, he had after all just tried to kill her.
"Well goodbye now," Sakura watched as Hishita disappeared into the forest.
"Sakura Haruno yes?"
The kunoichi looked back at the butler, nodding her head. "Yes, ma'am."
"I am Tsubone; Silva-sama has ordered me to escort you directly to the Zoldyck's residence and ensure that no harm comes to you prior," Said the women, her hand laid across her chest.
Sakura swallowed heavily, one look at this woman and her instincts told her not to become lax nor behave informally. There was no signal of hostility or anything that should put her on edge in this new butler's presence, but needless to say, she was definitely intimidated.
"Um…." Sakura took a careful step back, "I'm not so certain that I should-
"It is not a choice Miss Haruno, my orders came directly from Silva-sama and they were to bring you to the estate without fail," Tsubone spoke firmly, lifting her head and a chill ran down Sakura's spine when she met the women's eyes. "Hishita may have misinterpreted the message when he relayed it as a trap to bring you here. See those were the order's he was given by Kikyo-sama."
Sakura's eyes widened slightly, "K-Killua's mother, why-
"However they are in no correlation to Silva-sama's orders. He wishes to meet with Killua-chan's friend," Tsubone interrupted, "You should know, I have been under the Zoldyck's employment for many years, and I am yet to fail a direct order from my employers. Therefore I urge you to follow, allowing me to direct you to the mansion. Or I shall use other methods that will bring us to the same conclusion."
A bead of sweat ran down Sakura's face as she gave a nervous grin, "Then please lead the way,"
So there were some intimidating people behind these walls. If this was what the impression the butler's had to offer, Sakura wondered what the other Zoldyck's were like.
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"Um, Tsubone-san?" Sakura addressed the butler.
After traveling for several minutes at a brisk pace through the forest they reached the base of the mountain, and it was very different from the atmosphere. To Sakura, it was like a cold blanket had wrapped around her and according to Tsubone, it would only be a few minutes now before they finally reached the entrance to the estate.
"Why did-
Again Tsubone interrupted before Sakura could get her words out fully, "If you are wondering why Kikyo-sama ordered one of the butlers to assassinate you alone. I have not heard the reason, but she is very attached to Killua-chan and based on that. I can assume she finds you a threat to Killua-chan's development as an assassin. And this is likely based on a report Illumi-sama had given alerting his parents of your intentions to visit."
Sakura looked down, "I see,"
Assassination appeared to be more than just their livelihood, it was their entire way of life. As solid as tradition.
"I myself am very fond of that boy," Tsubone confessed, glancing behind her and another chill ran down Sakura's spine. "I believe he can become a splendid assassin if allowed. As do you."
Sakura tilted her head in confusion, "I'm not an assassin,"
"I know but you have the potential. However, to be frank, I am far from fond of those who would seek to take Killua-chan away but my orders are absolute. You best remember that is the only reason you were not disposed of the moment you trespassed."
There was no way of replying without feeling she would give a wrong response somehow, therefore Sakura chose silence instead. Wanting to avoid the older women's sharp eyes. She was obviously under scrutiny, and likely a single response was like mapping out her entire being to the butler. It gave her a sense that the rest of Killua's family may be like this as well, if not a tact sharper.
"We are here."
Stopping, Sakura squinted through a thick layer of mist that was covering the entire area, obscuring everything and in the distance caught sight of a large structure. As she moved closer, she was able to make out more detailed features of what it was. It may have been called a mansion, but what Sakura saw bordered close to a palace. It was a little surprising despite the cold atmosphere, the estate appeared inviting with its high symmetry. A set pathway of stones and clean cut shrubbery on short trimmed grass leading to the large mahogany doors with dragon carvings. The mansion was marveling, with sash windows, several bays and a pediment at the entrance. Though admittedly, the ominous feeling did not leave Sakura as she was beckoned forward.
That feeling did not settle when Sakura entered the mansion either, she paid little attention to the interior that would take the breath away of any newcomer. The expensive ornaments and furniture, the polished wood trimmed with gold, the velvet, smooth tiles, chandeliers, were all passed easily. Sakura could not bring herself to appreciate any of this when her energy was devoted to calming her nerves.
Although there was one thing she missed when Tsubone opened the closed double doors leading further into the mansion. The light. The hallways from this point were nothing but cobblestone and smooth tiles, dimly lit. A description she could place from the words she read.
Remaining silent as she and Tsubone walked through, there were multiple turns to take and while she was certain Killua's torture chamber was somewhere around here, she might not be able to find it. It reminded her a bit of one of Orochimaru's hide-outs.
They stopped in front of a wide double door which Tsubone pushed open with one hand, before telling Sakura to enter. When she stepped forward, the door immediately closed behind with an echo, but she didn't turn back around. A spacious room of stone, with a light, tinged blue, skulls lining the ceiling like decorations, and an enormous hound like Mike on the side sleeping. What Sakura's eyes were focused on was the couch behind a single chair in the middle of the room, where a figure sat cross-legged still and calm.
A tall, muscular man with long silver-blonde hair dressed in a sleeveless shozoku. While Sakura already knew the identity of this person, there were one feature that tied everything together; his deep blue cat-like eyes that were so similar to Killua's albeit narrow and sharpened in a way that did not hide his affinity to darkness as it did his son's. This was without a doubt, Killua's father. Silva Zoldyck.
And if Hisoka had made Sakura's heart beat painfully against her ribcage, this man could make her crack them with a stony glare. Although right now she could consider herself temporarily petrified.
"Sakura Haruno, correct?" His voice was deeper than an average man, with a gruff undertone that could be taken as intimidating but when he addressed her the calm manner and lack of malice instantly brought her heart down to a steady beat once again.
"Yes, Zoldyck-san,"
Silva gestured to the seat in front of the couch and Sakura quietly went to settle down, although unable to remove her rigid posture. And it did not go unnoticed.
"You needn't worry, I simply called you in because I wanted to meet you,"
With her hands settled in her lap, Sakura asked, "Why exactly did you want to meet me for?"
"To get to know you,"
"Huh?"
Sakura gave a queer expression and there was a glimmer of amusement now shining in Silva's eyes. "It is really that unusual to want to know more about my son's first friend?"
Sakura decided to be blunt, "Considering the circumstances, yes it is. Your wife assigned one of your butlers to kill me, and before that, I had a bit of a hostile encounter with your son Illumi regarding my relationship with Killua, so…"
Silva nodded, "Yes I can understand why you would be skeptical of meeting with me. However, you should understand already that my family dynamics stray from the traditional. We do not argue over or meddle in what we believe is irrelevant to us individually."
While this manner of speaking may have baffled a few, Sakura could decipher the underlining message and give a simple response.
"I see,"
Silva observed the pinkette with complete disregard for caution, only focused on unraveling. When he heard from one of his butlers that a young girl claiming to be Killua's friend opened all of the Testing Gates with a single punch, he was somewhat intrigued and chose to find out if there was anything noteworthy about her. He got in contact with Illumi privately and his eldest son told him about the pinkette's odd power and obvious attachment to Killua. What also interested him was something specific Illumi told him.
"In terms of physical strength, she's far stronger than me and that is without Nen,"
"I see. What of her condition mental and otherwise?"
"She's like us, but she isn't. Her potential is clear when you see her though, as great as Kil's. However, she still seems weak in those terms, like him as well. Though I still think she might be a good addition if properly trained,"
The call with Illumi had further intrigued Silva. He was willing to hear from Killua himself about his experience during the Hunter Exam and the people he met, but he was specifically intrigued by the topic of the pinkette. This was the first time Illumi had ever acknowledged any probability like this. And Silva wanted to meet the girl in person to decide for himself whether or not she would be a benefit or hindrance for Killua. He was after all the heir to the Zoldyck line.
And while Silva himself was not someone who dwelled on missed opportunities, but even he could appreciate that those chances as rare as finding a red diamond was not to be overlooked easily. He simply wanted to know if the gem was genuine or simply painted over.
"Tell me, were you already aware of who Killua was when you met?"
Sakura barely breathed, "Well, I knew he was an assassin because he told me,"
"You didn't doubt him?"
She shook her head, close to explaining the reason but something in the back of her mind said that it wouldn't be necessary unless Silva actually asked for the explanation. He seemed well tuned to know whether or not she was being truthful or not.
"And you befriended him during the Hunter Exam which was less than a month,"
"That's right," Sakura's brow furrowed ever so slightly, not missing the discrete detail in tone. "You're finding that hard to believe. Why?"
Silva crossed his arms over his chest as he spoke, "Haruno. You do realize what the description of an assassin entails. Yet, you took it upon yourself to befriend one albeit young, but that doesn't change the fact. Give a child a weapon and he can very well do the same amount of damage as an adult. It's why I train my children from the moment they are born. So that they can live this lifestyle without fear and hesitance."
"I take it there is more," Sakura stated, feeling the tension grow again.
"You and your friend's walked into one of the most dangerous places in the world so that you could meet with someone you barely know for less than a month as if you're under some rescue operation. Yet I can't help but wonder if you've forgotten or simply refuse to believe that this is where Killua belongs. I wonder why risk your lives on the premises of that?"
As Silva kept silent it was obvious he was waiting for Sakura to give her input but was willing to allow her to collect her thoughts. He was impressed when it only took her under ten seconds to do that.
"Zoldyck-san, listen well because I am only saying this once. There is no need for you to detail this lifestyle-for which I can understand and somewhat appreciate all too well." Sakura's expression became hard as stone, "But I am Killua's friend. And when someone becomes my friend, that entails I will look out for them, protect them and always be on their side regardless of where they stand. And the only thing I have not been able to stomach in my coming here is that Killua came back to this place-to this 'world'. When he told me the reason he left was because he did not want his life mapped out for him by you and your family. So, I want to see him for myself to know if he has changed his mind or if he was forced to return."
Silva's eyes narrowed and the room suddenly felt like it had grown colder, so much that Sakura began to tremble. "And what will you do if he was forced?"
Sakura's fingers dug into the material of her glove, "I will take him back,"
"You will bring him back?" Silva gave a slight scoff, "You who was already shaken with fear the instant our eyes met?"
The pinkette's jaw clenched so tight, it was as if it was sealed shut.
"It's clear you already understand you can't defeat me, yet you're still willing to stand up for Killua when it's your life that's in danger and not his?"
Sakura then found her voice, raising it in an attempt to compete with Silva's however futile "I'm not just going to give up on Killua because the situation isn't ideal. One thing that you must understand about me is that I do not give up. I will never give up, not when it comes to the people I care about. I don't want to change Killua or force him into the light, I just can't watch him have that choice taken away. It doesn't matter what someone is born as, but what they become."
"Some people aren't meant to stand in the light,"
Standing up from her seat with a firm eye, Sakura spoke, "How about letting those 'people' decide for themselves what they want for once instead of mapping out their lives based only on what they can do instead of what they want?"
"Have you failed to save someone before? Is that why you are trying to so hard? Catalyzing that failure in what you hope will be a success?" Silva asked and there was but a single twitch from Sakura that made the curtain fall, revealing the hidden truth, but even so, she did not allow herself to lose face or at that moment fall back on to her past.
"I have not failed anyone because I have not surrendered to anything."
The room grew colder, as Silva stood from his seat and began striding towards Sakura but she could hardly make out the man anymore, it was as if a shadow had cast itself over him, making a monster appear with slit red eyes. The bloodlust was so suffocating it seemed as though it had fabricated right before her. But as a hand extended towards her head, Sakura remained unmoving, not because she was paralyzed with fear, but because her determination and stubbornness kept her rooted.
Though her eyes wanted desperately to close, so that they would not witness the outcome, they ended up widening as far as they could when the hand encased her head and began to give soft strokes.
"Indeed, you are strong."
Her demeanor switched just as quickly as Silva's, and Sakura's hard voice turned into a soft squeak, "Eh?"
Chuckling, Silva removed his hand looking to the door, "Tsubone,"
The door opened five seconds later, said butler standing there bowing her head with an arm across her chest. "You called Silva-sama,"
"Take Miss Haruno to the lounge,"
"Understood,"
Sakura frowned, looking back at Silva, "What-
"After that tell my father to get Killua. I wish to have a word with him,"
"Yes Silva-sama," Tsubone said respectfully. Then turning to Sakura she gestured for the girl to exit.
When Silva noticed her hesitance, he said, "I'll tell Killua you're here myself, so if you don't mind waiting,"
Sakura shook her head, "Not at all,"
There was a reason to doubt of course. With all the uncertainty and what had followed before, Sakura had plenty on mind to make her skeptical of Silva's word to allow her to see Killua. However, she didn't fight. Her gut told her that Silva was intent on keeping his word even if he had not sworn it.
So she allowed Tsubone to take her to the lounge, which wasn't too far off from the room she had gone to meet Silva. The room was brightly lit with paper lamps, the walls were painted red, and the furniture was finely polished wood with various carvings, including a velvet couch.
When the door closed, Sakura quietly settled on one of the couches leaning her head back, she closed her eyes.
'Hope Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika are doing alright.'
As the silence began stirring her thoughts, Sakura was brought to a particular on Silva had triggered.
"I have not failed,"
"Killua,"
He heard it once.
"Killua,"
Twice now.
Someone called him, two voices were heard. He could see the wind blow the trees and the grass, but he couldn't feel the breeze, nor the warmth of the sun that shone down on everything.
Everything was bright. So bright that he wanted to look away, to find a shadow that would allow him to see the world as he once knew, but something in the distance caught his eye, two silhouettes in the distance, one slightly taller than the other but with a petite built. He couldn't make out more than that.
A soft laughter was heard as he drew closer, holding out a hand without a sense of caution. He began to feel warmth, the brightness no longer causing discomfort.
"We're friend's right?"
His eyes widened in realization, "Sak-
Then there was darkness once more, a sharp pain touching his cheek.
"WAKE UP"
Killua opened his eyes, looking around instantly remembering he was back home. In the torture chamber, where he had been since he returned. He looked up at his brother, Milluki (or as Killua liked to call him behind his back, Piggy). He must be angry because Killua decided to take a short nap during his torture session. There were lashes marring his skin, but he didn't care, the sharp stinging that lingered was nothing short of a small discomfort, like a slight itch but nothing unbearable as it would be to most.
"Oh. Morning bro," Killua greeted casually. "What time is it?"
A visible vein throbbed on Milluki's forehead at his brother's response causing him to bring the whip down again across Killua's face. "Don't be too arrogant Kil!"
"Come on. I feel really bad about stabbing you. Sorry, it was wrong." Though the insincerity was all too clear for Milluki to hear. Killua had always had that arrogance since he had so much strength.
"You're lying!" Again Milluki brought the whip down on Killua. The memory of getting so easily slashed by his brother's claws while he literally skated by made his rage boil.
Spitting out blood, Killua smirked looking back at Milluki, "You can tell?"
Milluki was about to rage again when his cell phone rang in his pocket, and he answered. It was their mother. When he looked back at his brother, he seemed to be in higher spirits. "Kil, your friend's
Killua just watched plainly, as Milluki addressed their mother was a fond tone. He and Kalluto were very attached to her since they were young, while Killua was the opposite. He couldn't take her dotting nature.
Milluki smirked turning around, and what he said next made Killua's ears perk "Kil, your friends are near the butler's office. How about it Kil, if I ask mama those guys will be-
Milluki did not get to the end of his threat as the echoing of chains snapping and hitting the stone floor interrupted. A foreshadowing of a dark omen that was his brother.
"Milluki," Killua swung by as single chain now keeping his feet from reaching the ground. His usual big wide eyes shrunken to give a deadly appearance and a malicious smile on his face as he spoke. "If you so much as touch them, I'll kill you."
It was not a threat, it was a promise.
Milluki took a small step back before gathering himself once more, "Oh yeah, well what if I told you mama's planning to take care of one of them?"
Killua's breath hitched softly, his eyes narrowing with intense bloodlust, "What?"
"I heard one of those friends of yours is a girl. And you know how mama can get….."
"Milluki," Killua growled, his voice seeming to mirror his own rage, turning to a tone that did not suite a child. "If you're lying to me, I'm going to rip out your-
Just then there was a knock at the door before someone announced they're entering the torture chamber. A figure stood before the two boy's, one they knew all too well. An old man with stern eyes, white hair and wearing a garb with a sign written, 'A kill a day'. Zeno Zoldyck; the former head of the Zoldyck family, and Killua and Milluki's grandfather.
"That's enough Mil, don't start something you can't finish," Zeno stated, his arms behind his back, "Kil, you can go now,"
Killua's mind, however, wasn't on leaving just yet, "Grandpa, does mom plan to kill one of my friends? Was it Sakura?"
Zeno looked back at Killua, an unchanging expression, "She did."
Killua looked ready to go into a rage when Zeno continued.
"Nothing happened to her Kil; none of your friends are harmed." Zeno told him, "You can ask Silva for the details when you go and see him. He's called for you,"
In mere seconds Killua had completely broken the shackles that held him for days during his torture. He went to meet with his father without delay.
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Killua was running through the hallway as quickly as he could, his destination already in mind. Now he already understood that his family's dynamics were different from others, so for him to hear from his father that he had a talk with one of his friend's and that they are waiting for him in the lounge, after his mother attempted to have them assassinated well Killua's head was spinning at the end of that explanation.
When Silva called Killua in, he asked about his friend's and for the first time, his father wanted to sit him down and have a 'father-son' conversation. That was of course after assuring him that none of his friends were in danger here. Killua told him about the Hunter Exam, about the phases and what happened in each of them. He told his father about how he met Sakura and Gon, how they were swallowed whole by a frog, worked together to get out of Trick Tower, their penalty, the matches, the games they played. How self-centered Gon was and how strong Sakura proved to be and yet still cried so easily.
Then his father asked him something, that Killua was almost too stunned to answer.
"Kil," Silva called, getting his son's attention. "Do you want to see your friends?"
Killua remained silent, starring forward but with a far-off expression, as if uncertain. But Silva gently urged him to tell the truth without fear. Silva began to tell Killua, about the way he was raised as an assassin. The way his father raised him and how he had raised Killua and his other siblings. Silva said he had come to realize that the two of them were different.
"You and I are different. I didn't realize that until you left home." Silva placed his hand on top of Killua's head, nearly engulfing him completely. "You are my son. But you are your own person. Live as you please. If you get tired you can always come home."
Killua looked down at his thumb, a slight indentation where the skin was cut open to reveal a dark pink. He had made a promise by blood with his father, that he would never betray his friends after confirming he wanted to see them.
And with that he was free.
But soon after, Killua was told to go to the lounge because one of his friends would be waiting there for him and he was surprised to hear who. Silva told Killua that he wanted to have a word with one of his friends and so he called Sakura to the mansion and spoke to her.
"You have good friend's Kil. Ones that are ready to stand by you no matter what you choose to do, remember that."
Killua felt his pulse race with excitement when he reached the door, though he had stopped running. As he reached towards the door, the memory of how he had practically betrayed Gon and Sakura became clear in his mind and he nearly stopped. Until he recalled the promise to his father.
'I'll never betray them,'
With that, he pushed open the door, "Sakura?"
Killua didn't see anyone at first but he definitely heard something, a light but guttural breathing. Peeking his head over one of the large couches, he saw Sakura laying with her arms tucked under her head while her legs dangled over the edge of the sofa.
"Are you kidding me?" Killua deadpanned, looking at the girl sleeping soundly. He went around until he was right in front of her. Leaning down until his face was inches away from the pinkette's, he opened his mouth….
"WAKE UP"
"AH!" Emerald green eyes opened, and before they could register the image to the brain Sakura's hand was already swinging. Smacking whoever disturbed her nap and due to the startled scream, Killua wasn't able to doge in time.
The loud crash and cry of alarm put Sakura on alert as she looked around the unfamiliar room till landing on a pile of debris, a broken chair with a familiar white-haired boy laying trying to get his bearings back after it was viciously slapped out of him.
Sakura blinked, standing up quickly, she gasped a smile on her face, "Killua!?"
The boy pulled himself up from the rubble, shaking his head from any broken pieces of furniture that may have been caught. "Okay what the hell?!"
"I'm so sorry!" Sakura exclaimed, rushing over to the boy who was still trying to dust off the damage. Sakura gave a sheepish smile, "On the bright side, I don't have to debate whether I want to hug you or slap you anymore."
Killua returned the comment with a deadpan glare, "Really because I'm having a whole other debate in my mind." Sakura winced, "I mean what kind of an idiot are you that you'd fall asleep in a house full of-
Silence enveloped the room immediately as thin arms, Killua's arms laid slack at his sides as he was engulfed in Sakura's familiar embrace. He felt her trembling, his black polar neck becoming wet from tears, and he knew from the way his wounds stung slightly under the salty liquid.
When his face became hot again, Killua began shifting within Sakura's embrace, "Hey, hey, why are you crying idiot?"
"I'm glad," Sakura sobbed softly, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder. "I'm so glad you're alright. We missed you,"
Heaving a soft sigh, the young boy reached up with his hand patting Sakura's head. "Yeah, thanks I guess,"
Another choked sob wracked her form, but this time it was mixed with laughter and relief.
"By the way, what happened to your hair?"
When Killua and Sakura prepared to leave the mansion they took that period to tell each other about their meeting with Silva. Killua admitted he was not expecting someone to make it to the mansion like this, and he definitely wasn't expecting his dad calling on her so that they could meet. Sakura didn't understand it completely either, but she couldn't regret making the decision to meet when it brought her closer to him. Though Killua was in a rush to leave so they could meet with Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio at the butler's quarters. Killua had to pack a bag, but he was quick enough about it before they walked through the halls once again.
"Are you sure you're not in any pain?" Sakura asked for the third time.
After sending Killua into the furniture, she healed him along with all of the torture wounds inflicted on him. Killua had to hit her over the head when she started tearing up at the sight of the whip marks, stating that it didn't really bother him and that he was more than capable of sleeping peacefully like this. Of course, that didn't help much and he ended up pinching Sakura's cheeks, stretching them to force a smile.
"I told you, I'm fine. You already healed me completely," Killua assured her, somewhat exasperated. "Besides those wounds are nothing,"
"Maybe to you," Sakura pouted, folding her arms over her chest as they walked, reaching the doors for the end of the maze of hallways.
Holding out his arm, Killua halted Sakura from taking a step further and she saw why. The doors had opened and based on the descriptions on the book, Sakura knew she was now standing before Killua's mother Kikyo and another one of his siblings Kalluto.
The hallway suddenly felt a little cold to her.
"Kil, what are you doing?" Kikyo asked though Sakura felt something disturbing shoot through her spine when she spoke.
"I'm leaving," Killua stated coldly.
"But you can't! And with-with this women no less!"
Sakura tightened her jaw; while she would have liked to give her usual tribute to those who attempt to kill her. This was still Killua's mother.
'Then again, he did stab her.' Another part of her thoughts reminded her.
"She's my friend, and we're leaving," Sakura looked slightly startled when Killua took her hand in his own. His eyes turning to ice, cold and hard but with a darkness swimming inside. "And if you ever try to hurt her again. I'll kill you,"
With that, Killua lead Sakura passed his mother and brother and through the doors. Sakura didn't look back at the two, and neither did Killua.
What the two friends would miss however was the conversation Kikyo was going to have with her husband in regard to them. In her distrust of allowing Killua to go off with his friend's. And the future Silva was hoping this brief period of Killua's absence from home would bring for them when he finally returned.
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"Does everyone here have such a great glare game?"
Killua smirked, "Most do,"
"Explains where you get yours,"
"Yeah, but for a crybaby, you can be scary when you want too right?"
Sakura's vein throbbed on her forehead, "What?"
"Come on I can't be the first person to say it,"
"That because anyone else I'd punch unconscious," Sakura deadpanned albeit chuckling. She and Killua were enjoying each other's banter while they headed to the butler's quarters where the rest of their friends were supposed to be waiting.
During their journey, Sakura learned a bit more about the types of employees Killua's family had here. A few of them originating from Meteor City-a city that's been erased from this world. When Sakura brought up the young girl they ran into on earlier on their way to the mansion, Killua told her that she was Canary, an apprentice butler.
"Are you two friend's?"
Killua frowned, "No. She said she couldn't be because of our different stations, which is so stupid. You and Gon are my first friends,"
"Don't' forget Kurapika and Leorio too," Sakura pointed, smiling brightly.
"Oh yeah, they're here too," Killua said absentmindedly until something caught his eye in the distance. The light of the butler's quarters through the grove of trees. When he started running with an explanation, Sakura just thought to follow until they came into a clearing.
Although this was called the butler's quarters and it couldn't compare in extravagance to the Zoldyck mansion, the structure on its own was a magnificent and similar design. Killua went to the front doors and opened them without delay, urging Sakura to move quickly. His excitement showing.
"Killua, I know you're looking forward to seeing Gon but take it down a notch," Sakura called as she ran after him. Again in haste and distraction, Sakura was barely able to glimpse and admire the interior of the place. Trimmed with breathtaking décor. Although something was off-putting about this.
The silence.
"Hey, if this is the butler's quarters then where are they?"
"I don't know," Killua admitted. It usually wasn't ever this quiet around here. "Let's check upstairs. We should find Gotoh, he'll definitely know what's going on."
Sakura frowned, "Gotoh?"
"He's the head butler here," Killua explained as they walked up the staircase leading to the second floor. "He usually knows everything going on around here,"
"Is he as intimidating as that other butler your dad sent for? Tsubone?"
Killua's expression changed instant, surprising Sakura when she thought she saw him shiver, "No way,"
After a few minutes of following Killua's steps it was clear to Sakura just how familiar he was with the place; due to that, their search wasn't as long as she expected. The silence of the house had aided them in hearing the distant and repeated sounds of claps. Following that lead them to a double door, the source of the noise strong. They pushed open the door, entering a sitting room. Several butlers stood, including Canary and Hishita. Their eyes, however, were fixed on the back of three familiar heads, which quickly turned to reveal their friend's.
Gon was immediately out of his seat, a broad smile on his face, "Killua you're here! Sakura you really brought him!"
"Hey Gon, you're really here!" Killua exclaimed almost as brightly as his friend, before acknowledging Kurapika and Leorio's presence as well.
Sakura was already leaning forward on the couch, grabbing Gon's face and inspecting the wounds he had. Most of his injuries already seemed to be treated and bandaged but she still noticed a few visible bruises and scratches that were small enough to sting and remain uncovered.
"Gon, what happened to you? I was only gone a few hours, how'd you get this injured?" Sakura gently rubbed her thumb against the boy's right cheek, along the bandage but pulled away when he winced.
"Yeah Gon, your face is wrecked," Killua teased.
Turning over her shoulder, Sakura gave Killua a pointed look reminding him that he wasn't in any better condition before they came here.
"Sorry, I was a little forceful trying to get past the fence."
"And are you guys alright? Leorio, Kurapika?" Sakura asked, briefly inspecting the two, but there didn't seem to be any visible damage.
"We're fine, and we're glad to see you are as well," said Kurapika with a slight smile that was gratefully returned.
"Well, yeah but that's because I lucked out again," Sakura said sheepishly, giving ways for a pending explanation.
"Master Killua," A tall man, with stern narrow eyes, and sleek black hair walked over to Killua, bowing slightly.
"Gotoh," Killua frowned, "What were you all doing here?"
"We were simply participating in a little game," the butler said. "It was nothing more than a poor joke. I apologize for any apprehension,"
Sakura turned to Kurapika, "Something we're missing?"
"We'll explain on our way back," he assured her.
Sakura nodded, "I'll do the same,"
'So this is the head butler,' Sakura scrutinized. He still couldn't be seen as intimidating at Tsubone, but he was a close second. Though Sakura didn't think any could tower over Killua's father.
Killua then chided, "Anyway, let's get out of here. Anywhere is fine. If we stay here my mom will chew all of us out,"
Sakura was quick to raise her hand, "I can vouch for that, let's go,"
"I agree, let's make ourselves scares before more trouble comes," Kurapika suggested.
After a brief greeting from the butler's, Gon, Kurapika, Killua, Leorio, and Sakura left the Zoldyck property in high spirits. Sakura and Gon took most of the bus ride back from the mountain to update one another on what happened after they separated, which barely allowed anyone else to get a word in. Sakura told them about going to the mansion to talk with Killua's father (cropping some bits of information that would likely lead to growing curiosity and suspicion) and leaving out the part where she was nearly assassinated by one of the butlers. While Gon told her and Killua about Canary leading them to the butler's quarters after some persuasion on Gon's part which lead them to play a game of coin toss.
The way it went was Gotoh would toss a coin in the air, and catch it then they would have to pick which hand it was in. When they reached town again, Killua and Kurapika even explained the trick Gotoh used in the last round that fooled Gon with eyes so sharp he knew the coin had somehow ended up in the hands of the butler behind them when it was seemingly being tossed between Gotoh and some other butlers in front of them. That gave Gon a bit of a sour pout but nothing that wasn't easily remedied by a group photo taken of the five to commemorate their reunion. They went to have five copies developed before they were on their way once again.
And Sakura was smiling at it until they boarded the train.
By the time they were heading to the airport, Gon had just about finished his story and expressed his relief in being able to get Killua back before his tourist visa expired and that opened the floodgates for a whole other topic.
"I don't get why you're here on a tourist visa when you passed the hunter exam," Killua said, "You could've used your Hunter's license to stay as long as you want,"
"We already told him that," Leorio sighed, shifting in his seat.
With his arm resting up against the window, Gon kept a lax expression, "I've already decided. I won't use my license until I've finished what I need to do."
"What's that?" Killua asked curiously.
Digging in his side pocket, Gon pulled out the badge he had received from Hisoka during the exam. The badge that was a bitter reminder of his humiliation and one that still sparked an ember of that memory every time he looked at it.
"I'll return the tag when I can punch Hisoka in his face!" Gon exclaimed passionately holding out the tag, "Until I do that I won't use my Hunter's license or return to What Island."
Killua nodded in understanding, though not agreement, "So where is Hisoka?"
The sheepish smile that appeared on Gon's face already told his friend's that he clearly had no idea where to find Hisoka, though he still felt the need to voice it. "No idea,"
Then Kurapika spoke, "I know where he is, Gon,"
All eyes were now on the Kurta who was evading all of their stares, "You do?"
"How?" Leorio asked.
"He told me," Kurapika stated.
The first thought that came to mind was during the final phase when Kurapika and Hisoka were to fight. Sakura also remembered being told that Hisoka whispered something to Kurapika. However, Kurapika explained that this happened after orientation. But before that, there was something everyone wanted to know.
"What did Hisoka say to you?" Sakura asked, leaning in a little.
Kurapika looked at them with a powerful glare, not particularly meant to alarm but to inform of the severity. "His exact words were, I have information for you regarding the spider,"
Leorio gasped, "The Phantom Troupe? How?"
Sakura frowned with confusion, "How could Hisoka know about that though? Did you mention it or something?"
Kurapika shook his head, "He may have overheard me mentioning it during the First Phase or from another source. The spider if the symbol of the Troupe so anyone who knows of the organization refers to them as such. I was interested in his information,"
It made sense why Kurapika would take the loss. After hearing of Killua's incident, Gon and Sakura had actually placed the other matches in the back of their mind.
"After orientation, I asked him about it and he said he'd wait in Yorknew city on September 1rst."
"That's half a year away," Gon said, "What's happening in Yorknew City?"
Leorio suddenly snapped his fingers, "The world's largest auction!"
"That's right," Kurapika told them, "From September 1rst to the 10th, there will be an auction, unusual goods, rare items, and treasures."
Kurapika went to further explain how this auction attracted a manner of all different types of folk, and not necessarily the seemly kind. And it would make sense that the Troupe may appear when they were a group of bandits.
"So on that day, Hisoka will be in Yorknew City."
Sakura covered her mouth, holding back her words, deciding if she should voice her question until finally, she relented. "What exactly does Hisoka have to do with the Troupe though?"
Kurapika closed his eyes again, "I have an idea, and I suspect you do as well but I don't want to make any declarations until I can confirm it,"
With the way things were, Sakura decided not to press the subject that Kurapika now seemed eager to close. At least now Gon knew where to find him.
Sakura looked down at her lap, 'Six months,'
"Now then, I shall be departing,"
This was the first thing Kurapika said when they reached the airport, but did so with a smile that helped from disheartening. Even so, Sakura couldn't help but ask.
"You're leaving?"
"Well, we managed to see Killua again, so I'm done here. I'll need money to participate in the auction. So I shall search for a patron to employ me as a Hunter,"
Leorio smiled, turning his head, "I guess I should go home then,"
"You too Leorio?" Gon chided.
"I haven't given up my dream becoming a doctor, if I'm accepted to medical school," With a wink, Leorio held up his Hunter license, grinning widely, "This will help pay for the tuition fee,"
Looking at the content smiles on her friend's faces, helped put one on Sakura's as well. "Then, you better study hard and the next time we meet I'll quiz you."
"Alright, we'll see in six months,"
Kurapika stared at his four friend's, a warmth that he would temporarily have to do without but could definitely survive for a while. "Something to look forward to then,"
Holding out his hand, Kurapika set the base for the pile, joined by Leorio, Gon, Killua, and Sakura.
"Until we meet again….." Sakura trailed and everyone then chided together.
"On September 1rst in Yorknew City!"
And that's it for now! This chapter has been working on my mind for a while, but I hadn't been sure how to put it properly into words but hopefully it was satisfactory. I'll be working on the next chapter in a while, but I am also trying to pay attention to some of my other stories. I want to say thanks to everyone for the reviews and favorites and hope you'll continue to read my story's
Until next time don't forget to review!