Vastorie gets an unexpected call, his rage towards himself intensifying. However, a clue leaves Killua heartbroken as he receives a gift that could bring comfort, on the long adventure he was about to embark on.

Prompt

Dawn

Vastorie hadn't moved from his spot, what Killua last asked, had driven him insane. He knows he was making that decision out of anger, but that's still not going to stop Victor from going after the boys again. Like Victor, they both can be relentless, never giving up.

The growling of his stomach hasn't even stopped him from thinking. How long has it been? He's been awake for longer than twenty-four hours, meaning that he has only had two coffees between this time. The man clenched his fist, unable to force himself to go outside, to eat something. He feared running into his son, Daniel, Killua or even Nathaniel. He won't apologise…

Actually, that thought was wrong. It was more like can't…

How could he after everything he's said?

Just when he thought his day couldn't get any worse, his phone buzzing in his pocket, made him shift his posture pulling out the phone with a flick of the wrist. He couldn't care less who he was about to answer with a cold tone "What?!"

"~"

Cheadle pulled back the phone slightly, unsure if she had called the right person. The ID said it was Vastorie, but that cold, brooding voice was nothing like she's experienced while with him. She was aware of his old personality, but when she first met him, he was completely different from how she was told he normally acts.

"Vastorie…?"

"No, it's God speaking… WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU FUCKEN CALLED?"

Shifting the phone from one hand to the next, a tired expression overcame the woman. She drew her fingertips to her eyes, pinching the spot between them with a tired sigh, "I'm not playing this game."

"WHY did you CALL…?"

Cheadle glanced at the document placed before her, documents were strewn across the table. To think a secret this big had been under her nose the entire time, a threat bubbling over from only the tiniest of wishes, isn't something she yearned to deal with the moment she sat in this chair.

She may be the Chairman now, but to think Netero kept this a secret for so long, is a disaster waiting to happen. She had to deal with it now, before anything catastrophic happens, especially now with a photo thrown on top. Victor Rushifā Tempest… Vastorie's supposed father.

At first, she glanced over the image, uncaring about the man. But now she read more into the blacklisted documents, it became more painfully obvious, that wasn't something she couldn't just gloss over. Especially with the hostility, she had just received.

Between the announcement of Beyond Netero, a son which none of the other Zodiacs knew about, and the Blacklisted documents she uncovered, she was in for hell. It's one thing for Beyond Netero to announce his going to Dark Continent.

This man wasn't any normal Nen user, he was Netero's son. He looked almost identical to his father. And he had explored the Dark Continent, retrieving a plant, only to lose it, and bring back something more devastating. The Zobae Disease…

But this man is one of the three issues she was dealing with right now.

He wasn't the only one to go to the Dark Continent, Isaac Netero had as well, with the Pure Paladin Squad, a group consisting of the most powerful, versatile Hunters. And Victor was a part of that group. Listed in Victor's file, he brought back something else, something neither of the group had realised. The journal left behind was the only proof of whatever was now invading the man.

Hell, he hadn't aged in the slightest, the worn photo of the Pure Paladin Squad showed him looking exactly like the current photo they had of the man. It had been more than 50 years, and he still looks the same. He is a B-Class, possible even an A-Class level threat.

Not because of who he was once affiliated with, but because of his son. Vastorie harboured hatred for his old man, and if word of his true ability got out, panic would ensue.

She hadn't realised she stopped talking until Vastorie spoke, "Unless you have something important to say, I rather NOT listen to static silence for the rest of my life. I have more pressing matters to deal with right now!"

"N- NO," Cheadle called out, stilling her thoughts for the moment, "I need you to come in immediately!"

"No!"

"Right now, you are considered a Class-A Threat to the Hunter's Association!"

"YOU GOT TO BE FUCKEN KIDDING ME…" there was a growl, followed by a thud being heard from the other end of the phone call. He might have just fallen backwards from her threat. Vastorie returned, this time calmly speaking, "What… did I do…?"

"I know about your ability, Banshee's Call…"

"And…?" Vastorie leaned back, the chair squeaking as he raised an eyebrow. What does Cheadle hope to obtain from him, by threatening to call him a Class-A threat? "What, do you think? Am I going to use it willy-nilly after Netero died? What you take me for… a child? A MONSTER?! Spit it out…"

"Your father is alive."

"And the award of the century for the last person to find out goes to, you! WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH ME BEING A CLASS-A THREAT?!"

"He…" Cheadle stopped, thinking about the situation further. Was she really making the right choice, by threatening the man whom could doom this world? If he makes a request to Netero, everything could be messed up. She can't trigger him right now, at least not until he was within her grasp "Listen, I just need you to come in. We need to have a proper talk."

"Considering what you just said, I rather not. A-Class or not, you think because of Victor, he and I are one of the same? IS THAT IT?! What you're thinking…? You think because his blood roams in my veins I'm just going to use this ability and destroy the world now that Netero is gone?"

"NO, listen! I'm the chairman and-"

"TITLES, mean nothing to me!"

"DOESN'T MATTER!" Cheadle slammed the table in frustration, growling like the Zodiac she's replicating "I'm forcing you to go to the Dark Continent, because of Beyond-"

"Beyond Netero? Oh, so his son has crawled out of whatever pit he was buried in. Nice to know."

"Y- You knew?"

"I met him… Once or twice. He looks like Netero in his younger years. So, I assumed it was his son. He didn't correct me, and I don't see what that guy now has to do with me…"

One problem after another. Cheadle can't just catch a break anymore. If she knew taking this seat would land her with so many issues, she wouldn't have done the damn job in the first place. She took a long breath, calming her nerves once more, "I want you to come in because I have something to show you. It's a journal that belongs to your father, and it has some unnerving news I want to discuss with you…"

"Journal…?" Vastorie grasped his chin between his fingertips, thinking seriously for the moment. This journal may have something he could use to track down Victor. It could be the key to killing that man. But, Cheadle just called him a Class-A threat, she must be using this as a way to lure him in. He won't fall for that trick "I want proof! Tell me his full name…"

"Victor Tempest…"

There was a long pause before Vastorie spoke once more, voice now cold, calculative, "In one week, I'll come to see you. Force me, and I'll disappear like Ging. I'll make sure you never find me…"

With a tired sigh, Cheadle relented "Fine, one week. I expect to see you in my office by then. If not…"

"You'll hunt me down like an A-Class criminal. Well done, you've made even Netero proud. Threating your allies like the self-conscious loyal dog you are…"

With a click, Cheadle was left speechless. Even when the man wasn't thinking rationally, he still knew where to strike. Clenching her fist, the woman slammed the phone back on the receiver, clutching her face. She was making the right choice, wasn't she…? Netero kept it a secret because he didn't deem it as a threat, yet even still…

For so long, the old man buried that information deep within the archives. Why? Why would he keep such a disastrous threat so close by? Out of sympathy?

No, it was something much more…

Looking back at Vastorie's case file, she saw the last note left behind by the chairman. Wedged tightly into the back.

Don't hurt him… Do what I could not…

What exactly did Chairman Netero want? What possibly couldn't he have done for Vastorie? Cheadle leaned back into the chair, too tired to argue with her thoughts.

She had to threaten him. She just had to get Vastorie to come in somehow because that man's ability has become a threat after Chairman Netero's death. She can't risk it. The old Chairman should understand…

She had made the right choice, right…?

"~"

Daniel remained glued to his book, re-reading the first page over, and over again. It made no sense. Why did he write this? Why would he write a confession he had no memory of writing? As he drew his fingertips to the page, intending to rip it from his journal, instead, he found his hand stopping right as it touched the journal, his heart weighing heavily on being against removing the page.

He needed to test a theory out, but first thing was first. The boy needed to write down, what he first came to the library for. He needed information on how to improve his ability, using mostly journals from the Emitter and Manipulator volumes. He mainly added ideas from those he saw as being useful to him. By the time he was done, he had lost track of time, the boy yawning as he stood up, stretching his arms out.

Checking the watch on his wrist, Daniel covering his mouth with his other hand, eyes widening at the time. It was close to four. Although there was a bed in the corner of the room, he instead found himself climbing the stairs, heading to the backyard. He expected to be alone, especially so early in the morning.

Who he was a boy sitting in the grass, Daemon's figure close by, head resting against the boy's leg. That hell-hound certainly lived up to his description, the need to seek out attention from those who roamed around him.

Once he realised who was looking at him, the animal stood up, Daniel kneeling to massage his family pet. Daemon growled in bliss at the touch, head pushing further against his hands.

Daniel noticed that Killua hadn't moved at the noise, his fluffy-white hair glowing under the moonlight, wavering slightly from the gentle breeze. Daniel removed his hand from the sight, left speechless. Daemon whined from the loss of touch. Even as the eager dog begged for more attention, Daniel just couldn't help himself.

Like a siren's lullaby, he was tempted to the boy's side. Sitting beside the boy, Daniel peeked over.

It wasn't that Killua hadn't noticed the figure sitting beside him, it was just that he was at a loss for words. He can't talk to the boy like he was once able to, topics flowing to the forefront of each other's mind, talking until they either fell asleep or found themselves out of breath.

This boy who looked at him, expected him to lead the conversation. What was once full of love an excitement, was now reduced to a 'who the hell are you' gaze. It was so different from the norm, the silent trust they had between one another.

He couldn't pick up where he left off. He couldn't even giggle like he once had, rolling around the grass like two love-struck birds singing songs to one another, eager to hear even the littlest of praises, reduced to nothing but a flushing field of red roses.

That was all in the past, a dream which may never become reality.

Yet even still, the promises of those around him said that everything will turn out alright. He clung to that dream, even if it hurt… even if it were to burn him like a thousand suns, reducing him to nothing more than ash, broken, and forced to drift through the sky like a thousand aimless fireflies…

Daniel wondered what was going through the boy's mind. The moonlight just seemed to accentuate the boy's features, mixing beauty with a gaze which desired answers. To what answers he seeks, Daniel didn't know. But one thing was for certain, a part of him desired to figure out what he wanted.

It disgusted him, slightly. However, considering how tired he was, his lack of sleep was probably the reason as to why his mind was going through the process of romanticizing his features. A lustful stare, born out of curiosity.

Nothing more…

Nothing less…

Daniel shook those thoughts away, bringing his hand up to touch Daemon which had taken an opportune time to lay between them. Lazy stokes made the animal purr in delight, both boys gaze seemly lost in the starry night sky. After god knows to hold long the two had been in silence, Daniel finally broke the silence "Can't sleep?"

"I guess…" Killua spoke, eyes now glancing towards Daniel, wondering what kind of look he was receiving. Just what expression crossed Daniel's face right now? How was he staring at him now, was the lazy night lulling the boy to sleep?

Daniel hadn't been looking at him, eyes instead were drawn to the starry night sky, like thousands of jewels glinting. Shifting his attention back, Killua felt himself memorised by the night. He remembered a situation like this, back on Whale Island with Gon and Daniel. He was asked about his dream, what he wanted to do. Back then, he had no idea. He couldn't remember about Alluka, how much he wanted to save her, so Gon offer or more demanded he joins him on his adventure to find Ging. Now he knows what he wants, part of that dream has been destroyed, forcing him to re-evaluate what he should do.

Shifting his weight to one side, Killua broached the topic, a part of him was afraid to ask "I know it's too late to ask… but are you ok, coming with Alluka and me? Your dad kind of roped you into it…"

"Honestly, I don't know… He believes that by going with you," Daniel shifted his gaze to Killua, a smile forming, "I might find something I'm looking for."

"Something… or someone?"

Daniel's mouth gaped open, Killua now forced to retract his statement "I'm kidding."

"No… Honestly, it's ok. I will admit a part of me misses travelling with another. I… used to travel with Gon, I kind of messed up and now he's travelling the world with Sakura, his partner. I wish I could do that… travel the world with someone I care about…"

Killua clenched his fist, hiding the pain deep within himself. That's right, you no longer know who I am… I wish you would just remember me… "Is that so…"

"Wouldn't you, Killua?"

"Well, I do have my sister… I love her, but not like the kind you're talking about."

Daniel looked at peace, sleep clawing its way through him. He was so tired, the cool wind of the night removing whatever was left in his will to remain awake. But there was a question, or more like a statement he still wishes to make "By the way, thank you for earlier…"

Killua turned in confusion, looking at the boy with a questioning gaze. Daniel's features slowly fell, his head bopping as he struggled to remain awake. It was like Zevil Island all over again, only back then, Daniel was sorry for falling asleep on him, and not because he was tired. "What do you mean?"

"You comforted me, after what happened with the fight… even after I demanded you go away. So, thank you…"

Killua felt his hand reaching out to the boy, only to be stopped by his other, forcing it back to his side as he offered a meek smile "I- It's ok… friends should help each other out."

Daniel sniffed a low murmur building in his throat, chuckling at the returned comment "You're kind. I wouldn't mind having a friend like you…"

Killua's lips twitched, a weak smile barely being contained as tears fell. They weren't out of pain, however, but the feeling of joy, a gesture he welcomed with open arms. He felt a weight being pressed against his shoulder, Killua pulling Daniel in, resting the boy's head against his legs. He drew a hand through Daniel's hair, careful to not wake the boy up out of fear of being chastised.

"Killua…?"

Killua's attention was drawn to Daniel's sleeping form, the boy's body moving up and down, snoring ever so softly. He could've sworn the boy was about to ask him a question, but he instead fell asleep.

Shifting his gaze back to the night sky, an orange hue slowly building across the horizon, melding with the blue nightly sky.

"Don't leave me…"

Killua closed his hand, fingers digging into his fist as he bit his lip. Hearing Daniel whisper that while he slept was just cruel. It was eating away at what remained of his shattered heart. He buried his fingertips in Daniel's hair with his faintest smile he could offer "I would never…" I just can't…

"~"

Killua packed his clothes, making sure to fold each one to maximise the bag space. He felt his mind wander, thinking seriously about how he was going to survive. In all honesty, right now his only hope was with Zaikaria right now, considering he didn't really know any Nen Exorcists.

Asking Nanika for help was out of the question as well. He promised not to abuse her power, respecting her for who she was… his second-sister. It didn't matter that Nanika shared the same body as Alluka, it was still a second entity, separate from Alluka.

On the other hand, Zaikaria, which Nathaniel has made him aware of has gone underground for the moment. She was tracking someone, someone which she's failed to give details about. Whoever they were, it has caught the woman's undivided attention. So, if they are going to find her, first they would need to draw her out.

Her last location was somewhere in Yorknew, so that's going to be their first trip.

Currently, there were two problems as of now. Provided they do find Zaikaria, he still runs the risk of her refusing to help them. He couldn't believe the only one he could ask, was the one who currently hates his guts. And he still hasn't the faintest of ideas as to why she despised him.

It can't be just because he was an Assassin before meeting Daniel. There had to be another reason…

Killua grabbed his hair, ruffling it in frustration. Why was everything messing with him now?! Couldn't he just keep what he craved, to have that intimacy he always secretly wanted, the one Daniel first introduced him to…

He'll do anything to be able to hug that boy again, to kiss him… to hear him say everything will be alright. But it won't… Not now… possibly never, as soon as Zaikaria finds out the reason as to why he is hunting her down. All he wanted to do, was help, Daniel. The sooner, the better…

The only other problem is, he'll first need to get the boy on board with the idea.

Telling Daniel, he knows more about him than he's letting on, is only going to force him to run away. I'll have to play my cards right, Killua mused, hand unconsciously reaching out for the next item. The object was small, contorted into a three-point ridged shape. When the boy opened his hand, he saw what was in it.

It was the cobalt lightning bolt, with a white crystal outer layer. He found himself smiling at the object before he was forced to place it back down on the bench, moving it away. As it glittered off to his side, he forced himself to focus his mind elsewhere and not on its meaning, the reason why Daniel got it in the first place.

He didn't want to reminisce about the past, especially when he had a chance to return to that moment, to relive through it every day. The cobalt continued to glint off to his side, making the boy frown at its meaning. Just, fucking great… everything wants to remind me what I've lost.

Stuffing the last piece of clothing into the duffle bag, Killua zipped it up before grabbing the necklace once more. His fingers tightened around the object, making the boy's already fragile heart break a little. He'll help out Alluka if she hasn't packed, yet…

Then, begins a new adventure, to return what was once lost.

"~"

Daniel had woken covered with blankets, feeling refreshed. He couldn't recall ever going to bed. The last he remembered was talking to Killua outside during the early morning. The boy must have taken him inside at some point during the morning.

He didn't stay long in bed, getting up to pack his bag. Today was the day they leave, going on an adventure to not only find himself but to also take Alluka sightseeing. He was unsure what Killua hoped to gain out of this, other than seeing his sister smile.

Once Daniel had packed the last of his clothes, he reached out for both of his necklaces, only to find one. The situation made him scratch his head in confusion, wondering where he had placed the other. The emerald sun was here, a reminder to Gon, a best friend which he hurt out of anger. Yes, they departed as still being best-friends, but the amulet will forever remind him of Gon, and how the boy decided to leave with Sakura to find himself…

Daniel pressed a hand to his chin, wondering where the last placed the other one, although his mind was wandering elsewhere.

While he took Alluka's hand to show her off to his family. He wanted her to experience the kind of love he grew up with, but it seems he failed in that attempt. His parents were fighting. Vastorie hasn't left the study, and Nathaniel is heartbroken… all because of his existence.

Nathaniel tried to reinforce the idea that it's not his existence that is making Vastorie angry, but a mistake that Nathaniel himself, had made in the past, that is what's fuelling his other father's rage. Even knowing that it still doesn't make him hate himself less.

As those thoughts roamed in his mind, he couldn't recall what he was originally trying to think of, where he misplaced the cobalt lightning bolt. Daniel relented with a sigh, leaving to help out Alluka if need be.

"~"

Killua smiled at his little sister, helping her fold the last dress. He's lucky he came when he did. She hadn't even gone through half of her clothes, and the bag was already beginning to look like a disaster.

Taking each article of clothing, he showed her how to properly fold them, maximising the space. After a few tries, she managed to get a hang of it.

"Good job," Killua leaned forward, placing a kiss on his sister's forehead. Ahh… damn, I'm picking up on Daniel's bad habits… with a blush, the boy pulled back, awkwardly running fingers through his hair "W- We should probably hurry up. Daniel's probably waiting."

"Or already here," the boy smirked once he drew Alluka and Killua's attention, mouth shifting slightly before he stepped closer "I came to help, but Killua beat me to the punch. So, are you two, ready?"

Killua nodded, slinging his pack over his should before moving over to his sister next, helping her put her backpack on "We are now…"

With a nod of understanding, Daniel leaned his weight onto one side, a hand casually being offered, "Hey Killua, have you happened to see a Cobalt necklace, shaped like a lightning bolt by any chance?"

"Yeah…" Killua raised an eyebrow, unsure why Daniel would ask him first. Sure, he did have it… but to have the boy ask him first was kinda weird in a sense. Daniel got it because it reminded him of Killua, and now he was asking him where it was. "I have it. For some reason, you left it in my room."

"Huh…" Daniel paused for a moment, now scratching his chin in confusion. He had no reason why he left it there, or when he did that. And Killua didn't seem like the kind of guy to steal things. He admitted to having it, rather than saying he hadn't seen it.

With a smile, Daniel turned around "Actually, you can keep it. It kind of reminds me of you. Don't know why though… and honestly, I don't remember why I brought it in the first place. See you outside…"

Killua clenched the necklace in his fist, Alluka reaching out to hold her brother's hand "He doesn't really mean it, big brother… I'm sure he'll ask for it once he gets his memory back."

"It's not that…" Killua mused, reaching in his pocket to pull it out, showing it off to his little sister. He felt his cheeks warm up from the words, a small smile forming along his lips, whispering the next part out of fear that he may cause Daniel alarm, "He said it reminds him of me. I… I don't know how much longer I can survive like this…"

Alluka's hands tighten around her brother's fist, hoping that she could comfort the boy. Yes, she didn't like the situation. Watching her brother crack every time Daniel's soft words reached into her brother's heart, offering it comfort for the slightest of moments before leaving her brother a little weak, often broken at the scene unfolding right after. Like Nathaniel said, she'll be strong for her brother, no matter what "I'm here for you, big brother… Nanika and I both."

Killua's features soften, ruffling his sister's hair from the comforting words he just received. As long as he has Alluka, he can be happy. He's sure of it. It's just… he wished this situation with Daniel didn't happen. He wished he didn't have these memories while Daniel acted like he never existed.

Removing his other hand from Alluka's grasp, Killua let the necklace dangle around his neck, his smile widening at the sight, a memento of Daniel's now around his neck, glinting in the light. Whenever he feels sad, at least now he has something to remember their relationship by. It will leave him feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside, hopefully comforting his wounds every time he touches it.