As Leorio gets an unexpected call from Daniel's father, Zaikaria has mixed feelings, and Daniel and Killua duel, a challenged sparked to see who is better.

The evening was young, Leorio spinning his keys as he shifted through his shelf, grabbing any extra stuff Iason may need from his room. Sometime Iason leaves some stuff in his room, not because he's a scatterbrain, but because he sometimes spends time in Leorio's bedroom, well, office…

He had a bigger table in his room as opposed to Iason's room, and he also had the benefit of the bookshelf which he allowed Iason to use.

Grabbing a handful of books, Leorio stopped as he felt his phone go off. Did Gon have a question for me…? He shifted his posture, checking his phone for the ID. It was an unknown number, possibly from one of the other Zodiacs, or Daniel's father, but he highly doubted that man worked this fast.

With a flick of his wrist, the man answered as he went back to work, checking the room one final time "Hello, this is Leorio."

"Hey, this is Nathaniel, Daniel's father. He forwarded your details as well as your request over, wondering if-"

"You've ever heard of Insomnia being a consequence?"

"I was going to say Vows and Limitations, but yeah, that works too… do you have time?"

Iason stopped in the hallway, pressing his back against the wall to listen. He was going to call out to his older brother, but the mention of Insomnia peaked his interest. It was something Leorio often talked about when it came to him, hitting a snag when it came to Iason's Nen ability.

In all honesty, he didn't know when the exact moment the ability started to manifest, but it did roughly start around the same time as he meets his old friend, Ryker. He never really discussed the topic with Leorio, and now he might never get to, not that it was something he really wants to talk about. He kept the details of his past hidden, hoping to one day extinguish them, replacing them with the family he has learned to trust, love and cherish.

A part of him regretted not doing so, but he couldn't deny there was this slight fear, their reaction of having learned they were holding onto a son of a labelled criminal from another country, or at least that's how he remembered his past as it was so long ago.

There was also the fact he didn't want that painful reminder to hold him back, destroying a foundation he just built, and honestly, couldn't let go of. Leorio, his new mother and father, he didn't know if he could handle another loss of a family he has grown to love. Taking a deep breath, Iason continued to listen, careful to not let his presence be known.

Leorio sighed a little, he may be delayed with meeting Gon and Sakura, but any news could help him. It may even help Iason with the transition when meeting his, hopefully, new friends. "Not really, but I still want to hear it. Please tell me you have some good news…"

"Sorry," there was a long pause, Nathaniel only sighing harder, having learned he'll only be a bearer of bad news "My husband's huge collection of knowledge hasn't come across anything like that, I've searched every book just in case, and there was nothing as Daniel described. So, I was hoping by calling you, I could see if you have any more details that may help me in my research…"

"Did you ask Vastorie, maybe he may know something that he may not have written down?"

There was a long pause. Leorio could've sworn he heard a shuttered breath, but there was something wrong with how quickly the man changed his tune, it seemed a little 'fake' to him.

"He's not here, so I couldn't ask. Anyways, can you detail… I believe it was it eyeson's position?"

"Iason," Leorio snickered, hearing someone mess up his brother's name, was sure to make his blood boil, but the way Killua tease his name as well, calling him variations even though he knows how to pronounce Leorio's name, isn't something he would like to reinforce right now "with an 'I' not an 'eye'."

"Sorry, Daniel said it so quickly I barely had time to hear the proper pronunciation. So, what can you tell me about Iason's Vow and Limitation."

Leorio went on to explain, checking his watch every so often, including to see if he has any messages from Gon. He didn't want to keep his friends waiting for too long, but in all honesty, he rather has some good news to pass onto them. He could hear a sigh, as well as the turning of pages in the background.

Once he was finally done explaining, there was a long pause "Well, I have some good news."

"Really, what?"

"Your brother is a Genius!"

"Genius?! Like, how…? I heard Gon say it. But Insomnia is not exactly Genius material…"

"Genius is a term coined for those who can use Nen without training. Hence, Genius, but I understand your frustration. It's not something you feel like you're equipped to handle."

"Exactly…" Leorio blew out a huff of annoyance.

"As a father going through a similar type of struggle, I suggest you keep calm and think outside the box."

"Yeah, I heard from Gon. Is there anything I can do to help Daniel? I really wanna smash that person's brain in for destroy Daniel and Killua's life!"

Nathaniel closed his eyes, smiling slightly at the news. His son has some great friends, those who wish to help him in his time of need is truly a blessing. But he couldn't let the man get away with that thought, especially with who else could be involved in the matter.

Even now, sometimes he gets troubling texts from Killua about Zaikaria's current mood. He took a deep breath before calming his nerves, hoping to remove Leorio from the brewing disaster, "Leorio, this isn't a matter you should involve yourself in. That… man isn't someone you'd want to face off against. What worked against Ging, will not work against this man…"

"Who-?"

"Enough! We are talking about your brother here. How Iason's ability has developed, it might be something relating to his past, but that's the only news I can give which may be good or bad, depending on the circumstances behind it. I can vouch for that information from personal experience. Other than that, I can't really say anymore because I have no clue… Is there anything else I can help with?"

"I…" Leorio thought hard on the matter, clearly, Nathaniel didn't want to be pressed about details ascertaining to the monster who destroyed Killua and Daniel's relationship, he must be someone close, or someone with a power the man truly fears more than anything else in the world.

Leorio felt his phone buzz once, the man checking to see the text.

From Gon

Where are you? We're here…

1:36 PM

Leorio rubbed the bridge between his eyes, sighing in frustration "Thanks for the help, but I will repeat what I said earlier. If I ever meet the man that destroyed my friend's lives, I will smash his face in!"

"I pray you do not, for that might be a nightmare you may never wake up from…"

Leorio's eyes widened, the end dial tone ringing in his ears. The constant ringing left him stunned, unable to comprehend for a moment why the man seemed so distraught, unfocused. Who really was the man who hurt Daniel and Killua, was it someone close…?

No, it couldn't be…

Leorio's fingers tightened around his phone, shaking it in frustration. The man might be even closer to Daniel than he originally thought…

Is Vastorie Darkscryer the one who caused this mess? If so, why? The troubling news made Leorio refocus his thoughts, gathering his normal fortitude for the most part "Hey, Iason! Gon and Sakura are waiting for us! Move it!"

Iason had felt it in the man's trembling words, the way his voice gave away a fraction of his fear. Who was his brother talking to? When he meets Gon and Sakura, maybe he'll finally find out who Daniel and Killua were, and why his brother feared for their safety.

As much as he would like to get involved, he had no idea where to start, or who this Daniel and Killua were. Then again, who was he to get involved with his brother's friends? Shifting his posture, Iason escaped through the hallways, keeping quiet so he wouldn't rouse his brother's suspicion. He didn't exactly want to let him know he has been spying on Leorio's affairs. "I'm ready to be shafted off to be someone else's problems."

"It's not like that, brat!" Leorio roared loudly, possibly waking the neighbours up in the process, "I rather you be safe, and with someone, I trust to be able to help you. Plus, I can get into contact with Gon and Sakura, asking them if you're sleeping alright, eating, yadda, yadda while also being free to mention Nen."

"So… you want me to be Sakura and Gon's all-powerful genius pillow."

"Yeah, I want you to be their giant teddy bear! I'm gonna make sure they tuck you in every night, kiss you on the forehead," Leorio made a kissy noise, the disgusted tone from the other side of the hallway causing the man to laugh hysterically at the reaction, "before hugging you the whole~ night!"

"You won't be laughing when I'm sixteen and pregnant!"

"That ain't gonna happen, and you know that! Plus, if I find out Gon and Sakura have touched you, I'm gonna murder them!"

Iason flushed red at how quickly his brother's mind jumped to conclusions, Leorio is already under the conclusion that the people his going to give him to are going to take away his innocence, his cherry… his virginity. What kind of monstrous brother does that?! "As if I would let them…" The boy feinted ignorance, pretending as though those words hadn't affected him, "You're already doing a terrible job of protecting your poor innocent brother…"

"You don't get to talk about innocence when made fun of my legendary speech!"

"You keep telling yourself that, big brother masturbator-Sama…"

"Hey, with that speech, I got to first place during that round! Now move it!"

Iason huffed one last time, a crooked smile showing. He always enjoyed teasing Leorio, and this might be the last time he ever gets to, so he'll enjoy every last second "Fine, I'm ready anyway. Let's go, grandpa!"

"I'm only eight years older than you, brat!"

"~"

Daniel shifted his feet on the field, each step graceful, unpredictable to everyone but himself. He allowed his aura to flow freely, graceful like a wild breath of air, a light flickering in the darkness.

Curling his fingers out, he contorted his aura, making sure to let his Ren rage while he also kept it in check. It was a test of control. He wanted more finesse when it came to manipulating his shadows, wanting a more fluid action rather than a reaction.

Plus, it also helped with making sure he could fight for longer. What he lacked in strength and defence, he wanted to make up with endurance. But those watchful eyes made it hard, having drawn Killua's gaze and curiosity for way longer than he had hoped.

It was weird, the more time he spends with Killua, the more he felt himself being drawn to the boy. Maybe it was a curiosity, having learned that there was another Zoldyck, one who wore his emotions on his sleeves, actually caring about his sibling more than his other family members seemed to want to.

Killua was nurturing like Nathaniel, but just as feisty as Vastorie, only he hadn't once broken, lashing out and the first person he could blame things on. Although, he could tell Killua was agitated, and it would always show when Zaikaria was the man topic of discussion.

Usually, she would answer his calls if needed, but now she was refusing to do so, but every message was being read, it showed to be the case when he checked for replies. He just didn't know why she didn't want to reply, maybe she was busy with something important.

A sigh escaped the boy's throat before he addressed the onlooker while making sure he wasn't distracted from his main task, training, "Can you stop drooling over me…"

"I- I'm not drooling!" Killua snapped his head in the opposite direction, frustrated that even though Daniel clearly wasn't paying attention to him, he still managed to pick up on his faked innocent gaze. He was pretending to mindlessly stare in Daniel's direction, more curious to know what really changed with Daniel.

So far it had been memories, but with memories, also comes actions or more like reactions. Daniel had been training to fight with the sole intent to protect, the shadowy hands being main proof of that training. Now, he hasn't really seen Daniel use his ability at all, and he was curious to know if his mental thoughts also impacted on the form of his ability.

How much really changed with Daniel, if he remembers dating someone, just not who? Would that also mean he would take him seriously, fighting him without a single care of whether or not he was harmed? Sure, he knows Daniel won't kill him out of fear like he did during the other countless battles with other enemies whom even wanted Daniel dead.

Killua tapped his foot impatiently, wondering if he should broach the topic. Maybe a practice battle to test the waters before challenging him to a full-on Nen battle. There was no one else around, just the three of them. Alluka was strategically placed in his lap, humming to her own tune, with a single arm only holding her close.

Killua allowed his arm to come loose, Alluka's attention now drawn to him as well, "Big brother…?"

"It's fine," Killua stretched his arms, a few bones cracking in the process, "I'm curious to know how strong you are. You have great control over your Ren, now I'm wondering how strong you really are…"

"Oh, what brought this on…?"

Killua jumped on the spot, loosening his body as well as his aura, allowing it to flow freely, unrestricted, "I'm just curious. I wanna know if I have to protect you as well."

"Sure," Daniel forced his aura back in, stopping to only bring his arms up "Hatsu or no?"

"Maybe later, just for now, I want to loosen up a little."

"Sure," Daniel loosened his hands, opening them so they were no longer fists, but rather open palm strikes. It also allowed him to easily switch it up if Killua ever switched to non-conventual strikes. The last thing he'd want is Killua to hit him with a surprise Hatsu.

Killua did the same, only he loosened his fingertips, hoping to gain the upper hand on Daniel considering he already knew the boy's attacks were fluid, seamless, not because he was watching the boy controlling his aura, but all the training they had done over time. "Ryu only, no lasting damage, or alternating power on attacks, ok?"

"Sure… but that puts you at a disadvantage considering I trained for endurance."

"And you don't think I haven't," a sly smirk escaped the boy's lips, a taunt brewing at the tips of his tongue "I've got other cards up my sleeves." Killua kicked off the floor, surprising Daniel from his speed.

The boy shifted his body, sliding out of way before counter-attacking, using the momentum of his footwork to deliver a swift kick, however, he only grazed the boy's blue and black-checkered shirt, the fabric rippling as Killua already moving to counter-attack.

Daniel allowed his aura to flicker, Killua's eyes narrowing at the change, a frown shifting as Daniel took hold of his arm, using the momentum to flip him. There was no force, change a burst of speed by sacrificing his defence for the added boost.

Killua wrenched his arm free, forcing his body to land, skidding for only a few feet "I said no alternating power on attacks."

"I didn't, I just boosted my speed, because clearly, you're faster than me."

Killua let out a huff of annoyance before chuckling at the response, Daniel didn't technically break his rules, but it just means he'll have to be careful if Daniel's going to be sacrificing his strength for speed.

Daniel's smile curved upward, "getting cold feet?"

"Nope," Killua cracked his arms once more "I'm just getting started!" The boy lunged, Daniel already matching his pace, moving alongside Killua's own movements.

"~"

Zaikaria checked her phone, viewing her last message from her brother. She refused to give in to answer the boy's pleas. Whatever reason her brother was calling her, it was unimportant. She was tracking someone, someone who had just surfaced after so long.

To think that the man who haunted her father's dreams had somehow come back to life was roaming the world. So far, she has learned he had visited their home country, before proceeding to fly out to Yorknew. He was here on unknown business, but the moment he touched land, she felt as though she was pursuing a nameless ghost. He disappeared as quickly as he landed, and that wasn't a good sign, now that Daniel was here as well.

The woman sighed as she slouched into the chair, Akshasamat's scaly skin twitching at the sound "Zai, what troublesss you?"

"Akamut, that man… the one we are chasing. His dangerous! He is the one that destroyed my father's life, the one who saved me. I don't know why he went to my home country, but his here now, and I want answers… The only problem is Daniel is here as well. And I want to avoid bringing him into this mess…"

Akshasamat raised a three-finger fist to his chin, tongue slithering out every so often "Then why not just meet the boysss, clearly they are here for you. We have run into a sssnag, ssso, hisss not going to ssshow himssself anytime sssoon."

Letting loose his fingers, the snake-Chimera Ant extended a miniature snake from one of his fingers, the creature now slithering around his shoulder "I could alwaysss ussse my ability to hunt him for you, we'll find him, sssurely."

"No, whatever my brother is asking for, it's unimportant. Also, your ability sucks in this environment. The citizens would be freaking out about snakes roaming around on the streets. Plus, your snakes can't clearly make him out."

Snapping his fingers, the Ant remained quiet, the creature remerging with his body. Frowning at the news. No wonder she doesn't let him go out during the day or use his ability more often. But wouldn't it be OK considering he is a Magical Creature now, a protected class so to speak.

However, the way the woman's lips trembled, clearly, she was not.

She was after a very dangerous man, one which she refuses to give any details other than what he looks like. A man with brown eyes, long white hair, and fiery-red tips.

Akshasamat's tongue slither out of his mouth as he watched his companion, wondering where they go from here. If she's scared of the man they're chasing, how can he get her to divert her attention to her little brother?

No amount of cold attitude could hide the fact that she was always smiling when she received a text from her little brother. And to top things off, ever since she found out that Daniel was in Yorknew, she has gotten more agitated.

Does she believe this man could be a threat to her little brother, if so, why doesn't she go to him instead? Why doesn't she plead with him to go away? Does she think his going to get involved somehow?

Zaikaria offered a Chimera Ant a weak smile before turning back to the notes, Akshasamat frowning at the reaction. He placed a hand against his shoulder, rubbing it carefully. Yes, she had indeed activated her ability recently, his thoughts unable to be hidden from her.

Yet, she refused to address them…

Why…?

Zaikaria remained silent, the creature forced to wallow in silence alongside her.

"~"

Killua smiled, the boy breathing heavily alongside Daniel, neither one relenting. Daniel had managed to get in a few good hits, a busted lip, and bruised cheek. Damn, he was so happy right now, to see Daniel unrestrained, holding nothing back. If he remained like this, he could see it as a benefit in their relationship.

When they train, Daniel refusing to hold back a single ounce of his strength will allow each other to push themselves forward, become even stronger for any fights that come their way.

But that doesn't mean Killua doesn't feel a little guilty for the damage he inflicted on Daniel, the broke arm which his going to need to push back into place, black eye and a newly formed scar across his left cheek.

And just like Killua, he was smiling wickedly to, like his thinking of a joke "You know, I can't count the number of times you held back with my fingers…"

"Is that because of your broken arm…?"

"No, surprisingly not. Thirty-two… Thirty-two times you held back."

Killua cheeks flushed at the news, Daniel had been paying attention to every move he made, including the times he back away from a clean shot. Ah, a cruel joke… the boy thought as he hid his features, drawing a finger out as aura collecting at the tip. He allowed a cruel smile to show, revealing his Hatsu as he jumped high into the sky "Dodge this!"

A single spark jumped from his finger, the boy, flinging his arm down as he yelled at the top of his lungs, making sure that Daniel did indeed have time to not only examine but also counter his move, "Narukami!"

Daniel grinned before flinging his good arm up, fingers extending before the attack. Shadows curled around his body, flying up into the sky to absorb the attack, the act making him feel a trace of electricity running through his body before he was able to fling his fingers down, slamming the electrical-current into the floor before he could feel the full brunt of the attack.

Daniel panted, nerves alighted from the few seconds he could feel the electricity, but that didn't stop him from redrawing his fingers, keeping his shadows rippling around him like a hunter waiting for their next unsuspecting prey.

Killua frowned, Daniel's ability had clearly changed now that his memories were being altered. They no longer were hands, but tendrils of octopus. He didn't like it one bit, the boy being the reason why Daniel had held that form for so long. But the way Daniel's body twitched, the shadows were still apart of him, meaning that Daniel took some of the attacks before he was able to redirect it into the ground.

He made sure it was strong enough for Daniel to feel because he wanted to make sure Daniel knew what he was about to get himself into.

"That's really not fair… Not only are you fast, but your aura is made from electricity, that's really unfair. No wonder you were faster than me…"

"Nah, I'm just naturally fast. You're lucky I didn't use my ultimate, then you would have had no chance. I'd fry you like crispy chicken."

"Thirty-three… You held back thirty-three times now."

Killua bit his lips, hiding his true feeling from the boy in front of him. Daniel was truly cruel without his memories, having been told constantly by the boy whom once loved him, that he was still paying attention to his every move, including times when he held back. "Next time," Killua brought his hands together, electricity sparking between his palms, "you won't be lucky…"

Daniel returned the gesture with a wicked smile, aura curling around his hand. Quickly shifting his posture, Daniel clicked his finger at Killua, "Bring it!"

Yes! Killua took a step forward, excited about the prospect of pushing not only himself but Daniel as well. He wants this to remain the same once Daniel gets his memories back, for the boy to refuse to hold back as he pushes himself forward.

He may be rough around the ends, but his unpredictable fighting style gives Killua something to worry about. Yes, the boy did land more hit in on Daniel, even breaking a bone, but the fact that Killua had to step back a few times means that Daniel had improved during their time together, he just hadn't shown it to Killua at all…

Daniel can improve, he just needs someone to help him do it.