A new character, and a diverted path.
A cold breeze swayed through Leorio's form, features tightening. Getting a call from the association is one thing, but a direct line from the chairwoman is another. He couldn't believe his ears, what he had just been asked. "You want me… to join the ZODIACS?!"
Why? To what purpose would they invite him of all people? Sure, it means he now has more targets on his back, but it comes with prestigious as well, one that he knows will benefit someone else more. How can he even take on such an ordeal?
He promised his family, that he'd look after his brother, which in his own opinion has failed on numerous occasions to mention to his friends. But in all fairness, they never asked him.
Drawing fingers through his hair, the man sighed in frustrations. I can't take this, for Iason's sake!
"Yes, as of now you have the greatest image out of everyone inside the organisation."
I highly doubt talking about jacking off, and spending money on hookers is great for my image…
"In order for our current mission to succeed and gain influence over the fate of the organisation, your inclusion is essential. We would like for you to lend us your strength."
"Now, wait just a damn minute, I have obligations-"
"Ah, right, medical school?"
"No! WAIT, yes and-"
"At the risk of sounding too forward, I've already contacted the school about your enrolment."
"WHAT?!" Leorio stood still, frozen to the spot in the middle of the park. He's pretty sure his loud voice and jaw-dropping reaction, has drawn the attention of several people, but at this point in time, it wasn't his concern. Cheadle, the Chairwoman has taken his life into her own hands, possibly removing him from his course without his consent. His life doesn't revolve around the Chairwoman, her life and the association's wellbeing!
"They have made a special exception for you to study abroad indefinitely. On the condition that you join us on the organization's medical team and go to the Dark Continent!"
"Now, wai-"
"In which case. I shall be the head Medical Professor. Over the course of our voyage, you will receive practical, hands-on Medical experience which will be of immense educational value."
Jesus, does she love the sound of her voice that much? Every time I open my mouth to rebut or deny her, she just goes on and on! Iason, is my main priority right now, more than this…
Just when Leorio thought he could speak freely, Cheadle opens her mouth once more, the man's eyes rolling as he was forced to listen. "We are, of course, asking a favour from you but it is not without considering the value. Depending on your abilities, what would normally be accomplished in years could be accomplished in mere months!"
Pausing for added effect, she gave the man only seconds to swallow the information before continuing on. "I said this earlier but it's worth repeating this mission is an extremely harsh and dangerous mission. Apart from the potential value I just spoke of, there's absolutely no compensation for this journey! If you're trying to become a doctor so that you can safely make money in some quiet corner of the world somewhere, then by all means, turn down this offer…"
"I see…" Is she really done? Am I dreaming?! "then if that were the case, I suppose I'd gladly turn down your offer…" Shifting his feet, Leorio continued walking back to his apartment "I have others to worry out, not just some Medical Degree and experience on a life-threatening journey to hell and back. I'm trying to help someone important to me! HOWEVER, I have a counter offer. May I instead, offer a suggestion. There is a friend of mine I see benefitting you more, he, would most likely want to join more than me…"
"Only if you join as well…"
Leorio ground his teeth together, aura flickering between his fingertips. There was no getting out of this, but he can't accept it… not now at least. "Let me think about it first. At least a week… I trust I can call you back on this number?"
"Yes, but I'll only give you five days, there's someone I wish you meet…"
Leorio hung up without a second thought, fingers now dangling through his hair. What am I going to tell Iason…?
"~"
Leorio grumbled as stepped into his apartment, Iason sitting in a chair, wide awake when he should be sleeping. Yes, he understood the circumstances of his little brother's predicament, but he has failed to make any breaks in understanding why Iason suffers from some rare form of Insomnia. Unless Iason is holding someone, he can't sleep. But at the same time, like Daniel with his hair, he has a no touching policy.
Granted his comfortable with him, only because they grew up together, family means everything to Iason. Maybe it's time he branched out to other avenues, see if someone knows anyone or anything, about Insomnia-like-effects being brought about by Nen?
"Iason, you should be sleeping!"
"I can't sleep… And you know why…"
Leorio grumbled, treading a finger through his tie and shirt, loosening it before removing it completely. Unbuttoning his jacket, Leorio threw it onto the couch "Alright, you-big-baby," Leorio picked up Iason without a care in the world, holding him like a princess in his arms.
"I'm not a baby!" the boy rolled his eyes, crossing his arms as he feinted his annoyance. Although, he could do without Leorio holding him like some dainty princess.
"You keep telling yourself that," the man argued back, now annoyed. Leorio brought Iason back to his bed, Iason already being culled to sleep. Before the boy even reached the bed, he was already fast asleep.
He placed the boy on the bed, covering him before pulling out his keys to throw it on the table and grabbing one of his Medical Journals to at least study some bit as Iason sleeps. Thanks to his own crappy sleeping pattern, his little brother has been suffering too.
Leorio slid into the bed, pulling Iason closer, one hand curling through the boy's hair as other held the journal, studying once more. He could feel the lingering effects of Iason's aura, not as potent as if the two had a full night of rest, but it was there.
He wanted to find some cure, a way to alleviate his brother's stress when it comes to sleeping. What if he wants to travel the world one day like Gon, Sakura, Killua and Daniel? He can't do it alone… he needs that contact. And if he tried to, someone could take advantage of him if he fails to sleep for too long, it's unhealthy.
Using a thumb, Leorio flicked the page, a tired sigh being ripped from his throat. Jeez, here he was worried about Iason, and his ignoring his own body's tiredness. Putting the book down, he pinched the bridge of his nose, glassed being pushed up from the act. "What am I going to do…"
Accepting Cheadle's request could help Kurapika, but at the same time, he needs to help his brother. He can't just shaft him off to Daniel and Killua, or Sakura and Gon. This was something he needed to help Iason with. Could he possibly be going about this the wrong way?
Taking a second to look at Iason, sound asleep, he found himself smiling. Picking his phone up, Leorio called Gon. Maybe he knows something, anything would be helpful at this point. Or maybe if he was grasping at straws, anything to really help out his family.
"LEORIO!"
"Shush!" Leorio shushed a little too loud, Iason groaning in his sleep. He waited a few seconds before sighing in relief, Iason didn't wake up, good. "Inside voice. I wanted to ask you something, maybe you or Sakura would know something."
"Sure, Sakura-Chan!"
"No need for the -Chan suffix, you… big goofball."
"Ehh…"
Leorio found himself chuckling, laughing sincerely at the situation being presented before him. Honestly, he could see Iason getting along with those two, but how can he really introduce those three, so late into the friendship. Hi, this is my brother; he's your age and we've been brothers for six years. Yup, totally going to go well… "You see… my brother…"
"YOU HAVE A BROTHER?!"
"SHUSH! INSIDE voice… and yes, I do…"
"Why didn't you tell us?!"
"You never asked…"
"I-"
"He's got you there Gon."
"But…" Gon whined in the background, Leorio finding himself smiling a little wider at the bickering going on between his friend and Sakura, they'll definitely be friends. "But… Daniel said he had a sister!"
"Yeah, but none of you asked Kurapika if he has some long-lost siblings…"
"And Killua!"
"Give up Gon, you should have asked." Gon fumed, puffing out his cheeks in a feeble attempt to win the argument, but he can't honestly admit his right. He should have just asked "Fine…"
"Alright, back to the topic." Leorio couldn't stop his beaming smile at this point, he was truly rich with loveable friends, friends he should introduce to Iason sooner rather than later. "Iason, my brother suffers from some rare genetic trait brought about by Nen. I'm wondering if you've come across a situation where… Insomnia is a repercussion of his Nen ability."
"Insomnia… I can't say I have. Sakura?"
"I haven't even learned Nen, doofus. How can I even answer that…?"
"Right…" Gon smiled sheepishly at Sakura, awkwardly palming his hand through his hair.
"Have you tried herbs, fragrances to help him sleep?" Sakura asked next, curious to know if that would've helped the boy ease to sleep. Sometimes it helps people who are unable to sleep, so it should work in theory for Leorio's brother, Iason as well.
"Yes, nothing works. The only way to get him to be able to sleep is through touch, specifically, coddling…"
Gon shook his head, he can't think of anything, but judging by how Leorio is speaking this has been going on for a while. Years, which means, Iason may have known about Nen for a lot longer than Daniel "Iason sounds like a Genius!"
"Thanks for the low-blow, Gon!" Leorio mused, frowning slightly at his little brother being considered a Genius. "What kind of Genius would set up his vows and limitations to have a consequence that causes Insomnia. An idiot," Leorio belted out triumphantly, before quickly sighing, musing about the situation. Maybe Iason didn't know, he just acted upon his own desires, creating the ability on an unconscious level "either way, I'm hoping someone knows something, I… want to help him at least a little."
Iason opened one eye, looking at his big brother for a second, a smile curving upward before he forced himself to act like he was asleep. Leorio had woken him up since he shushed whomever he was talking to, rather loudly.
"Also…" Leorio groaned, annoyed that he had to bring this up "Kurapika refuses to answer calls, so there's no point asking him. He was the one after all who explained vows and restrictions to us… What about Killua, you think he knows something?"
There was an excruciatingly long pause, the man pulling his phone back to check and see if he had been disconnected. It was still connected, so maybe something happened "Gon, what happened with Killua…?"
"He… I would avoid calling Killua."
"Why, what's going on?"
"Daniel… was made to forget everything about Killua, he has no memories of ever meeting Killua…"
"Who, WHO DID this to Daniel?! Who is making Killua suffer like this?!"
"I don't know, Daniel was already approaching him before he could say anything. He said not to mention anything about us being friends with Killua for the time being. By the sounds of things, it's like what happened with Yanick when we went to Heavens Arena?"
"Who…?"
"Just don't call Killua personally, or mention him to Daniel. If you are going to call Daniel, pretend you don't know Killua, Alluka's fine though, he hasn't lost his memories of her."
"Right," Leorio pinched his nose, wondering how he is going to broach Daniel on the topic of wanting to speak to Killua, to know how that boy was feeling in this situation. Will Killua even speak to him, give any clues as to how he was felt?
"Fine, fine… I still want to know how Killua is. I'll ask if there's anyone else he thinks may know. He may ask Killua for his input. Then I can ask Killua…"
"I wouldn't, not while Daniel is in the room. He doesn't sound like his ok, he sounds… dejected? You might make him break. I know his stronger than that, I know he said he's fine… but he doesn't sound… fine. He sounds far from it! Please, Leorio…"
"OK! I won't press the hornet's nest. I'll text Killua late at night. Where is he right now?"
"Killua texted me recently. He's in Yorknew right now. He won't say why though…"
"Yorknew…" Leorio hummed, focusing on the time zone differences. He should have probably asked this before ringing up Gon, given Whale Island's location, there shouldn't be much of a difference with Gon "What time is it over there by the way?"
"About six… forty… in the morning." Gon admitted sheepishly.
"WHAT?!" Leorio roared loudly, freaking out as he looked down to see if Iason was ok. The boy hadn't moved, actually, he had buried his face in the pillow. He may be really tired, but he can't make excuses, he needs to keep quiet from now on. "Sorry… for ringing you so early. Hopefully, it's not too early in the morning for Daniel, considering the location difference. I'll try calling him. Gon…"
"Yeah…"
"Look after yourself and Sakura, no more… What, I…"
"It's ok, Killua and Daniel told me… I understand. And I wouldn't put Sakura-Chan in danger!"
"Baka!" Leorio heard some pummelling in the background, light smacking out of annoyance. Sakura kinda acts like Killua sometimes, but it doesn't look like Sakura is opposed to smacking Gon, "Baka! Baka! Baka! Baka! Stop embarrassing me around your friends… it's nice to know you care about me, but can you not admit it, EVERYONE!"
Leorio caught himself smiling once more, "Sakura,"
"Yeah…"
"Look after my idiot friend…"
"I promise!"
Ending the call, Leorio looked down on Iason, drawing his finger through the boy's hair once more. "Sorry, I know you're not awake, but can you put up with me for one more call?"
Taking a deep breath, the man stilled his nerves, wondering how to go about this. "Is it even right for me to call Daniel while his like this…? Well, you won't answer me…"
Iason moved his head, pressing his lips into a tight line. He wanted to help, but he felt shy, talking to these strangers he never met. Sure, they are Leorio's friends, but like Leorio, he wants to help somehow. He just didn't feel comfortable doing so… he'll wait until after the call.
Leorio dial Daniel's number next, waiting for the boy to pick-up.
"Yo, long time no talk Leorio."
"Hey, I've got a question for you. Is it a bad time…?"
"No, we're just done having breakfast. Alluka, and you wouldn't believe if I told you. Alluka has another brother, the same age as Gon and I…"
Leorio's eyes widened, that didn't sound like a joke. Those words were genuine, he really had no clue who Killua was to him, how much he meant to Daniel. If he could, he would reach into the phone and slap Daniel around until he remembers, but the way Gon briefly spoke about Yanick, somehow, he could only see those actions only enraging Daniel. He needed to play it off, to act like none of what Daniel just said to him, had affected his mood, "Is that so…"
"Yeah, and he cooks delicious food. Maybe even better than my dad…"
Leorio grits his teeth, Killua's voice in the background being heard "Hey, weirdo! You're helping me with cleaning. Get your ass over here!"
"One second, an old friend needs help…"
"Fine…"
He could see what Gon meant, he sounded so monotone, broken, yet Daniel couldn't pick up on it, the pain, the anguish in the boy's voice. He needs to talk to Killua alone, later… he can't leave him like that, not without a few words. Killua may be a brat at times, but it won't stop him from caring for the boy in one way or another.
"So, what you need Leorio…?"
"Oh, I… um… I'm wondering if you've ever heard of Nen causing insomnia?"
"No… can't say I have. I can ask my dad if you like. We have a bookcase filled with information involving Nen."
"Ah, sure…" Please mention Killua, PLEASE!
"I call him later than for you. Oh, I might as well ask Killua, he said he travelled the world, so he might have run by it. Hey, Killua. Have you heard of Insomnia-like-effects when using Nen?"
"Can't say I have… why?"
"A friend of mine, Leorio wants to know, he's asking me…"
GOD DAMN IT, Daniel, just put him on the phone!
Killua's eyes widened slightly. What is that idiot Leorio doing calling them now? Oh, fuck, did Gon tell Leorio about his situation? He can't afford Leorio making the situation worse. "Maybe if I get more details, I might know something… can I speak to him as you take over the dishes?"
"Sure, it's the least I could do for such a delicious meal…"
"You sap!" Killua's cheeks flushed red, wiping his hands before taking the phone out of Daniel's grasp. Taking a deep break, Killua calmed his nerves, talking to Leorio might not be the best idea he had on the planet right now, so he must know how much the man knows "Yo, so what's the issue?"
"You! What's wrong with you? Are you okay?"
"Wow, that's a lot to take it. I don't know…"
"How did Daniel lose his memories?"
"Can't say…"
"Won't or can't?"
"The latter sounds about right…"
"Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Nope…"
"Can I call you later at night?"
"Sure, that's ok. You wouldn't want to leave it too late…"
"Understood." Leorio sighed in relief, happy to hear Killua is willing to talk it over. Just not right now, while Daniel was in the background. "Please, promise you'll look after yourself… At least for Daniel's sake…"
Killua's lip trembled, forcing himself to hold it in. Why must everyone remind him, that everything is going to be ok? He wants it to be ok now, not later! Daniel can't even get in contact with Zaikaria, she just refuses to pick up. Hell, she hasn't even responded to the boy's texts. It was getting harder by the second. He wanted to run away so badly, but he refused to give up!
HE NEEDS TO LAST… but another day only means more torture at this point.
"Oh, before I go, I want to ask your opinion on something. Something tells me you are the better person to ask right now…"
"Sure, shoot…"
"I… I got asked by the Zodiacs to join them, but I told them to hire Kurapika instead. They only said yes if I join… but… I can't choose between them and Iason. This can help Kurapika, I believe they can help him… but it also risks the chance of losing Iason. Where they want me to go… It's too dangerous for Iason…"
"Have you tried asking? If… Let's just say asking made me realise something…" He spoke in a calm neutral tone, careful to arouse any suspicion in Daniel. In all honesty, those words had come from when he made the mistake of demanding Nanika to leave Alluka alone, to make sure she never suffered from the family's grasp, but Alluka had made him reconsider…
Daniel even came to his defence, speaking truthful, neither against Killua's thoughts or for his actions. He told Alluka that Killua didn't intend to hurt Nanika, but rather asked her to cease her actions. Every wishes she grants, another person will step in her path to make another. The more people that know, the more she brings to her doorstep. She'll never be safe as long as Nanika keeps granting the wishes of strangers.
However, like that time, as those words dug into his soul, he realised where the happy-medium was. Nanika made requests because just like his sister, she wanted his attention. Why not be the middleman, no wishes needed to be granted, just fulfilling the desires of his sister as long as she asks for them. If she wants a hug, he'll do it without asking for anything in return.
Just like Daniel would do for him. Every action Daniel has made for him, he never asked for anything in return. He can't recall a time Daniel has ever asked for Killua to love him back, to compliment him in return… All he wanted, was Killua to be himself.
And like Daniel, all Killua wanted, was Alluka and Nanika to be themselves without demands.
At those words, Leorio's lip trembled. Was that Killua's way of coping, of telling him that Daniel means the world to him. He could only imagine the boy's flushed cheeks. He has had grown into a fine young man. He'll root for Killua in the background, hoping that he'll get back Daniel's love and attention once more.
"Want me to give the phone back to Daniel?"
"Sure, I'll ask him for his opinion as well, to draw suspicion away from you."
"Glad to hear…" Killua paused, holding out the phone as he called for the owner, "Leorio has a question for you."
"Sure," Daniel wiped his hands before running to grab the phone "What you need?"
"If you had a choice between helping your younger brother, and the ones you cherished, who would you choose?"
"I would choose the one I cherish, but… It's better to ask your brother. Which I now assume you failed to mention because we didn't ask."
"You took that better than Gon…"
"Well, in all fairness, we didn't ask…"
Leorio chuckled at that "Yeah, Sakura said the same thing to Gon."
"What's his name…?"
"Iason…"
"You should ask Iason what's best in this circumstance. If he's anything like my sister, he'll rather you be happy than making himself happy. If you need any more help, I'll be happy to do so. Also, I'll call my dad later and give him your number, he might be able to help. If so, he'll give you a call directly. If not, he might just give you a courtesy call."
Killua grit his teeth, Iason would never be able to be compared to Zaikaria. She was in all sense, a bitch, a cow right now. NOT A SINGLE FUCKEN TEXT, it doesn't even sound like she wants to meet Daniel. She's only making herself happy by torturing Killua and Daniel like this.
As soon as he meets her, he's gonna knock the shit out of her until she apologizes, and then he's going to force her to bring back Daniel's memories, and if she can't, he'll find someone who can…
"Thanks, Daniel… I wish you luck on this adventure. Just no life or death situations! I've already warned Gon…"
"I don't plan on joining any gang wars, or world wars for that matter. I just want to pursue the truth about my family… my life… that's it."
"Good!" Leorio let a relieved sigh, resting his head against the headboard, he was relieved to hear none of his friends plans to get themselves murdered anytime soon, "Bye…" With a yawn, the man hung up, relaxing against the bed frame. What is he going to do next? Will, he help Kurapika or continue with Iason, pursuing a way to relieve Iason's Insomnia "I'll ask Iason once he gets up, on what I should do…"
"Ask me what…?" Iason got up, faking a yawn in the process. Between his curiosity and Leorio's yelling, it didn't look like he was going to get to sleep anytime soon unless Leorio talked. And what better time to do it, than after the calls.
"Sorry to wake you, do you feel better?"
Not in the slightest, I barely got a wink thank to all your screaming. "You know… I'm pretty sure mom and dad could hear you screaming." Making an L on his chin, a sly smile escaped the boy's lips "I wouldn't be surprised if they call you, to say to keep it down."
Leorio let out a huff of annoyance, he wasn't that loud, but in all fairness, an apology was still needed "Sorry," the man covered Iason's head, before proceeding to ruffle his hair "brat…"
"Old man!"
"I'm only 21!"
Iason's features dropped, smiling softly, sincere about how he really felt with the words he was about to say. In all fairness, he missed this, and as much as he wanted to continue to be by his brother's side, he can't take away those he has come to adore, those he desires to help. They are as much as Leorio's family as Iason's, "Honestly, I missed you when you went off to take the Hunter Exam, but I can tell you made great friends."
Swallowing his desires, he looked up into his older brother's eyes, "You should help your friends out. Especially Kurapika considering how much you bring him up." Even though he wanted to let go of Leorio, he couldn't help himself, "Although…" twirling a finger, Iason proceeded to make a backhanded remark, an evil glint contained within his eyes "You'll be leaving your poor, poor little to brother to suffer, I really don't know what I'm going to do about sleep... what if I was to fall asleep in the arms of some deviant. Just think of all the things they could do to me…"
Leorio felt like he had been stabbed in the heart, talk about having a cunning little brother. Although he knew Iason has been like this for a while, even then, he still could sense the sadness in his brother's words.
"I wish I could just stay with you…"
Leorio took Iason into his arms "You won't be alone! I promise… My friends are some of the best people you'll ever meet. Sure, we get dragged into crazy situations, like I'm talking life or death situations, a lot… But even still; Gon, Daniel, Sakura… sometimes Killua, even when he's being a brat, can be caring at times… I wouldn't bring you back home, to mom and dad, because they don't understand how to help you. I'll take you to someone who I know you'll get along with…"
Leorio looked away with a cheeky grin, "Although, in all honesty, he won't give you a chance to argue back. He can make friends with some crazy people… even introverted ones like you…" the man poked Iason on the nose.
Crossing his arms, Iason looked at Leorio, expecting him to say just kidding. He can't leave him with a guy who makes friends with crazy people. Just exactly how crazy is his brother talking? To what level of crazy…? Is he talking like the evil, cunning, murderous, clowns in full makeup, kind of crazy?
If so… he can't believe it could be that bad… could it? He took a deep breath, looking his brother in the eyes "Alright, I'll meet him, or them…"
"Are you sure you're ok with this? I could take you back home, and try to explain the situation with mum as a dad, as well help out when I can. I can't leave you like this… struggling to sleep unless there is someone here to help you out. Or I could just stay here and help you out to the best of my ability."
"It's…" Iason offered a smile, even when it felt fake to him. Even if he was lying to his brother with these words, he wanted Leorio to pursue his own goals, no matter how much it pained him to let go of his brother's hand in the process, "Ok, really. I would love to meet these friends of yours."
Iason belongs to Isutus. They are happy for me to include him in this story.