This is the last stop on feels train… I'm sorry in advance!

Prompt

Cottage

The night was tranquil, the moon providing the illumination needed to guide their path. Not a single creature was out at night, it was peaceful in nature. Killua held out his phone using it as a navigator to their destination. The location provided by Zaikaria, were coordinates, to what would hopefully be a cottage with either electricity or a fireplace.

He could tell his sister was cold. She wasn't used to the different types of weathers around the year, unlike Daniel and Killua, who could withstand the heatwaves and arctic cold tundras. He squeezed her hand, comforting her to the best of his ability, letting her know that everything was going to be ok soon.

A gentle breeze caused Alluka to shiver at the touch, Killua now forced to hold her closer, providing some kind of warmth even if it was barely effective. The act made Daniel look at Killua briefly with a knowing glance, a smile being offered at the gesture of kindness.

Even though Killua's cheeks tainted at the smile, his unsettling thoughts hadn't calmed down in the slightest. He still felt as though this was a trap, like coming here to the middle of nowhere was a mistake.

Wait, it couldn't be possible… Now that the boy thought about it, Zaikaria might also think this was a trap as well? He did, after all, pretend that he captured and tortured Daniel. But on a more serious note, if she was going to meet them in a blind fit of rage, seeing Daniel walking calmly without any bindings attached is a good indicator that the boy was ok?

A crunch of a twig caused Killua to panic, his head snapping in the direction of the noise. He was hoping that Daniel was the one to trigger the noise; instead, he saw the boy's head twisted in a different direction, eyes trained on the darkness.

Both waited for the offender to make their next move, Killua instinctually tightening his grip around Alluka. If something or someone comes for them, he'd want to be as close as possible to save Alluka.

The bushes moved, a snake slivering out from underneath it. Killua relaxed as the creature moved to another bush. However, Daniel didn't, his eyes remained focused to the spot the snake left.

"What's wrong…?"

"This is a trap. That snake had a glow of Nen."

Shit… I didn't think the snake would be made from Nen. Is it an attacker, or a distraction? Zaikaria can't conjure up snakes, so it must be either her ally or an unforeseen enemy… "What's your opinion?"

Daniel shifted his feet slightly, taking one step back towards Killua. The Nen creature didn't look like it was made for attacking, which meant it could be used as either a tool for tracking or scouting… "Killua, Zaikaria might be closer than we think…"

"Then call out to her…"

"That's the problem… she may think you're the enemy. We did kind of fake my capture…"

"Then explain the situation…"

"Umm… Sis, Zai," the boy turned his head in every direction, hoping that his voice could reach every corner, including the one she was currently hiding in, "I know we pretended to fake my hostage situation, but we had no other choice! You failed to answer my calls," which is rude… "But, now that you're giving us a chance… we need help! Well, more like I need your help…"

There was a pause, silence filling the air.

The grass started to shift once more, Killua and Daniel expecting to be met with Zaikaria. Instead, it was the same snake as earlier, or possibly another, now staring at them. Its tongue slithered out of its mouth before it jerked its head, motioning them to follow it as if it had a mind of its own.

Slithering away, Killua weighed his options as Daniel expected him to make the right call. The worst-case scenario was the trap was to lure them to the boy's demise…

But on the other hand, if the snake does plan to lead them to Zaikaria, she might just agree to return Daniel's memories.

Killua swallowed thickly, hoping that Zaikaria will agree to return her brother's memories, or this trip to lure her out was not only a waste of time but one of his biggest regrets. Taking a step forward, Killua stilled his mind and thoughts, really hoping that Zaikaria doesn't take whatever is left of Daniel's memories of him away.

He doesn't want to lose Daniel, again…

"~"

The snake stopped near a small cottage, smoke billowing from the chimney. Daniel leaned down, running his fingers along the back of the snakes head "Thanks…"

The snake's tongue slithered out of its mouth a few times before left, slithering away into the bushes like a trained animal. With a smile, the boy stood up, smiling at Killua, "I guess she's in here. Are you ready?"

The boy nodded, running his fingers along Alluka's hair as he spoke "Alluka, now you're going to meet Daniel's sister. Whatever you do, do not let her shake your hand or touch your shoulder."

"Why…?"

"She has the ability to read minds, and the last thing I need is for her to read your, or Nanika's mind directly. Even if she learns about your secret from Daniel or me, by reading either of your minds, she may learn a lot more… or find a way to bypass your conditions as Nanika does for me."

"Ok, big brother… I'll be careful."

Killua leaned down, kissing his sister's forehead, "That's a good girl." Turning to Daniel, he gestured to the boy to continue.

Daniel knocked on the door, the area falling into silence once more. It took a while, but eventually, he heard his sister's voice, anger radiating through her tone, "Come in…" She knew she had been cheated, but the fact she stayed even after Daniel had told the snake which then had somehow told her, that it was all a ruse to lure her out, said, that she was still willing to listen.

Whether or not she helps them out, was now up to her. If she refuses to help, then they'll be back to square one. After that, they can either ask Nathaniel for further help or make a conditional wish, to return the memories.

Daniel opened the door, allowing Killua and Alluka to go in first. The girl beamed at the surprising warmth, the fireplace helping her remove the chill. A crackle snap of the fire showed where Zaikaria was, prodding the fireplace with her back turned to them.

What was surprising about the situation was there was another snake curled around her shoulders, looking directly at them. This one had a similar flow to the one they encountered in the forest, but it looked a little different. When did Zaikaria learn to conjure up snakes of different varieties?

That thought was crushed at the sound of another voice, the sound of a snake speaking from the same direction as Zaikaria, "Hello again, Daniel… Killua… and…"

Killua and Daniel blinked at each other in surprise, the tone similar to the one they heard back during their war which the Chimera Ants, "Wait, Akshasamat?"

"Akamut if you don't want to butcher his name…" Zaikaria's voice was stern, her head turned slightly to glance in their direction, "So, how can I help my not-so-captured little brother?"

"May we sit down to discuss it first…?"

Zaikaria sighed from the response, "Akamut, do you mind curling up on the couch or table?"

"Sssure…" Akshasamat left the woman's shoulder, slither over to the table to rest on the cool glass.

Daniel held up a finger, "What happened to you… why, are you so small…?"

The snake raised his head from his spot, sort of smiling, it was hard to tell thanks to his skin "My ability, I was the one who led you here. Well, a part of me led you three here. So, who's the girl?"

"Alluka…" Killua spoke softly as he took his sister over to the couch, Daniel and Zaikaria left standing at a distance, his sister clearly reading the situation, "Well, you know I can't read your mind unless I activate my ability, right?"

"Yes, I also know that you're avoiding the topic…"

"About your lost memories…?"

"Exactly…"

Zaikaria hung up the poker, now giving her brother her absolute attention "Well, have a seat and explain."

Daniel sat on the couch, sitting beside Killua, without words, she could tell something strange was going on between them, but she hoped it wasn't something she couldn't handle.

She took the single armchair, waiting for either Daniel or Killua to speak, but there was something strange about the situation, who exactly was the girl in Killua's arms, "So are you planning on telling me about Killua's girlfriend, or do I have to read your mind?"

Alluka blushed, Killua's arms tightening around his sister, "Actually, it's my sister. She isn't my girlfriend."

"Oh…" Zaikaria's lips quirked upward, not expecting something so innocent; not even the faintest smell of blood corrupted her nature, and she so willing to cuddle up with an assassin, a murderer in Zaikaria's eyes, "who is she really…?"

"She is Killua's sister, the one Killua saved from pursuing the family line of work."

Zaikaria blankly stared at her brother, trying not to act surprised. She didn't believe that lie for a second. In her eyes, Killua wasn't the kind to save anyone; once an assassin, always an assassin. So, she dismissed the topic entirely, going back to the original one at hand, "Fine then… Why did you hunt me down again?"

Killua spoke in Daniel's favour, hoping that the older woman would actually listen, and help them out. If she didn't, then… they'll just leave "Daniel's lost some memories, and we're hoping that you can return them."

"It depends. What memories are you hoping to return? Trauma…? Hatred…? Skills…?"

"Of Killua…"

Zaikaria's eyes widened slightly before she was forced to control her reaction. She wasn't expecting Daniel to ask her to return the boy's memories of him. Actually, this could work in her favour as well. She could completely remove them, as long as they weren't too attached "It depends on the situation. If you have no memories of Killua, I can't do it without somehow creating those memories. But it would take too much time and effort, which, I'm not willing to sit through and conjure every memory to replace the ones lost…"

"No, I want you to unlock them, as long as they are there. I want to understand some… confusing thoughts."

"Confusing…? In what way…?"

Daniel paused, wondering if it was ok to tell her. It's not like she can't read his thoughts during the process. Not only that, she distrusted Killua, acting as though whatever the boy said went in one ear and out through the other. All he wants is his memories back, so he can finally understand his feelings of doubt, to make the right call "I just want to know if you can do it?"

"Theoretically, I can… but because this based off what I would assume, is a Nen ability, I might not be able to do anything at all. And unless I read your thoughts, I don't know if it's even possible…"

"But there is a possibility…"

"Sure…" Zaikaria squinted at her brother. Something was really wrong with the scene, the way Killua and Daniel acted; the two seemed a little possessive of each other. Killua might have Alluka in his arms, but he keeps cutting out Daniel before he can say anything about his situation.

Why does Daniel let him…? Why is he only giving her minimal data? He knows she can read his mind, is it possible that her brother is still in a hostage situation, only this time Killua isn't wearing a mask. Or is Daniel is being really genuine, and it's her that he distrusts?

The woman stood, stepping off to the side of the couch she once sat in, offering a hand out to the armchair, "Have a seat…"

"Can't you just come here?" Killua snuck one hand between his and Daniel's legs, squeezing the boy's hand, pleading him not to leave his side just in case. She clearly distrusts him, which meant by the time he realises Zaikaria has done the opposite of what they originally asked; it might be too late for him to act.

Zaikaria smirked at the idea of using fear to break whatever was going on between those two. She wanted Daniel as far away from Killua as possible to freely read whatever damage he has done to her brother.

If he still has him in a hostage situation, having Daniel by her side meant she had a better chance of ending Killua's life. The young girl didn't look like she'd pose any trouble, but protecting Daniel was her most desired outcome, which meant the boy needed to be seated right next to her. "I could do it… But if you attempt to remove him from my grasp while my ability is active… in the worst case scenario, I'll turn my brother into a vegetable…"

Shifting her posture, the woman pointed at the chair, "Which I don't want to do. Now Daniel, take a seat…"

Daniel squeezed Killua's hand, comforting the boy. Offering a sincere smile, the boy got up to take a seat at Zaikaria's side, Killua's anxiety shooting up at the prospect of Zaikaria viewing a memory of something she shouldn't be seeing.

His sister started to feel the anguish of her brother, acting as physical support in replacement of Daniel's lost touch. She held Killua's hands, letting the boy know she'll be here for him.

Zaikaria placed her hands on either side of Daniel's head, resting her fingers across his temple as she closed her eyes. She took a deep breath, speaking softly to her own brother, a little fearful of making a mistake. She doesn't want to hurt Daniel, but if at any point he resists, she won't hesitate to knock him out, especially if the task is too big to perform.

"Do not resist, all I'm going to do is view your memories. I want to know what I'm working with, seeing as you won't tell me. The moment I find chunks of your memories missing, I'll see if they are just hidden… If they're hidden, I'll be able to pull them out, after, I've knocked you out. Otherwise, your mind will try to instinctually fight me off during the process… got it?"

"I understand…"

Those words didn't help Killua at all, but with Alluka at his side, comforting him, he should be ok no matter the outcome.

Zaikaria allowed her aura to flow through the boy's mind, viewing the past as if it were on a projector right before her. She started off with earlier this evening, a deal made between Daniel and Killua. It seemed the hostage situation was Daniel's idea, but Killua brought other objects to flesh out the plan. Fake blood and a plastic knife… she should've seen through the whole situation, but Daniel's safety was her number one priority. Satisfied with the information, she dug a little deeper.

There was a fight between Yanick, Killua and Daniel, her brother showing genuine care for not only Alluka but Killua as well. He fought to defend the boy, arguing on his behalf on him being kind and caring in nature, but she didn't believe that for a second.

She grits her teeth, hating how Daniel so easily trusted Killua. She knows what he is capable of, so why can't he? She dug even deeper, viewing the two boy's memories on a camera reel in reverse, skipping all dialogue.

A smile crept along her lips as she got deeper, Killua's image slowly morphing into a black shadow, a visage of something that shouldn't be there. Even situations where she was in the room, Killua wasn't in Daniel's past memories.

Removing Killua and Alluka from the boy's thoughts would be easy; she just needed to knock him out beforehand. There was a concern considering there were times where memories were nothing but black splotches blocking the aspects of his memories.

She allowed more aura to flow from her fingertips, this time activating her ability momentarily; the part of Daniel's mind she created to purposely hide parts of his life she didn't want him to view. What she found shocked her to the core.

She froze to the spot, almost releasing her ability. The memories she thought Daniel lost were being contained here. Whoever attempted to remove Daniel's memories of Killua failed to realise that he already had someone do that to him.

It created some kind of amalgamation, a monster of thoughts merged into a tight, little hiding spot. Whoever had done so, failed at his original goal. But, at the same time, it saves her some of the hassles. At least she didn't need to go through a year of information and data with feelings attached.

He must be a powerful manipulator… Her skin ran ice cold, finding a memory which stopped her dead in her tracks, the face of the man she was hunting. Victor Tempest…

She let her ability go, Daniel's eyes opening upon release. There was only one way to give the boy's memories back, and that was to release the latch on her ability. But no matter what, she can't do that… She can't release those memories.

Not while the one who originally gave Daniel his first scar was in the room with her. If Daniel were to see the face of his first attacker before him, with his contradicting feelings and thoughts, he might panic.

"Zai…?"

The woman paused, morphing her features into a fake smile, directed at her brother, "Yes?"

"Can you return them…?"

She took a long breath, wondering if it was possible to force all her memories of Alluka and Killua into that tiny box, or would it be better to hide Alluka and then force Yanick's image to replace Killua's spot.

He didn't like that kid anyways, nor did she… Daniel would break up with Yanick anyways, so it shouldn't cause that much of a debacle. It would be the best chance she's got of getting the best outcome. She just needed to knock Daniel out in order to achieve the goal, without throwing suspicion on her.

"I can, I just need you to go into a deep coma. It would take all my energy to replace all those lost memories. They're there, it's just your mind has hidden them for some reason…"

Daniel leaned over, smiling at Killua, "See, it's possible! Let's do it! I can't wait to get back my memories…"

Killua felt a little relieved. Daniel can finally get his memories of them, back. However, just because he's getting them back, doesn't mean how Zaikaria plans to restore them, could ultimately lead to their break up.

He was worried that she may have seen the two's first sexual experience, which could dampen their chances of restoring said memories. He'd just have to trust that Daniel was strong enough to stop her from removing his memories of him if she secretly planned to do that.

Killua offered the boy a smile in return, his cheeks flushed at the thought of Daniel finally being able to say he loves him, without the need to question his memories. He'd finally be able to hug him, to feel that overpowering raw emotion that Daniel would show him on a daily basis.

Even, if his anxiety, hadn't relaxed for the past few minutes…

Daniel then turned to his sister, offering her a smile, "Thank you, for helping me return those lost memories. It means a lot to me…"

Zaikaria stopped in her tracks, feeling pity for her brother. She was about to remove his memories, and here he was thanking her for the opposite. She held her breath, offering a smile at the gesture, "You're welcome… anything for my little brother…"

She held a hand to her brother's head, applying enough pressure to the boy's skull to force him into a deep sleep. When she was finally able to let her aura dig into her brother's skull, did she tell her true intentions to the boy behind him, "I lied…"

Killua's eyes widened, mind blanking at the words. She couldn't be serious. Even the snakes head perked up, now looking at his owner, worried for her sanity, "What do you plan on doing…?"

Killua moved Alluka over, stepping over to grasp Zaikaria's arms. He knew he can't do anything, not while her ability was in full effect, throttling the boy's mind. He assumed she was removing Daniel's last memories of him, and by breaking her ability, he could kill Daniel in the process, "PLEASE, DON'T DO IT! I'll do ANYTHING, just don't remove his memories of me!"

"Mistrissssss, lisssten to-"

"Don't you dare… back up this kid!" Zaikaria fought back, never once removing her hands from her brother. She'll only let go once the task was done, and nothing would stop her from trapping those memories within her ability. If her ability sent a backlash to Victor, he might come back for the boy, to finish him off. He was cruel in nature, and any excuse to get back at her father, Victor's son was any reason to finish what he started.

No… Killua squeezed the woman's arm, silently pleading her not to do it. He knew he shouldn't have trusted her. He should've asked someone else, but seeing Daniel smile at the idea of obtaining his memories back made him mentally relapse, giving into now what was false hope, "WHY would you do this to your brother?!"

"Because he's seen someone he shouldn't have seen… You are like a plague to him. Weakening him until eventually, he'll die at your hands…"

Killua grit his teeth at the accusation. Everyone is wrong! No matter what, he would never purposely endanger his friends… the ones he cared about the most. This guy came after them… Fuck Victor… Fuck Yanick… AND FUCK Zaikaria! Everyone is wrong for assuming Killua will dispose of Daniel the first chance he got.

He knows Daniel is stronger than he once was, even if he can't stop her now, deep down, Daniel will somehow find a way to resist. Even with the hope deep down, he couldn't stop his thoughts from bubbling out, lashing out at the boy's sister, even when his own was in the room to see how much Daniel meant to him, to see what had truly become of her brother's attitude towards those who take away who he cares about, "You know what! I pegged you as a BITCH the moment I met you! You're exactly like Illumi, willing to take away everything! You won't listen to reason, or fucken get out of your head, and ask your brother what he wants!"

Zaikaria eye twitched, "What my brother wants is a death wish! Illumi would use that to his advantage. You're just a spoiled brat who wants everything for himself! The whole lot of your family is, so no, I don't care about what any of you want. Daniel has seen someone he shouldn't have, and as much as it pains me to remove… any memories that may have provided him with happiness, that man… that MONSTER will stop at nothing, to kill Daniel once he realises his failure."

"Wh-" Killua took a step back, coming to terms with what she just said. He knows he grew up as a spoiled child, but what they took away from him counteracted, against everything he was given… he can never get back any of it. But, at least… at least he can obtain what he lost through Alluka's happiness. He can make sure she never has to go through what he suffered through.

What she said after that confused him. What does she mean by that man… that MONSTER? Actually, scrap that. What does she mean by Victor, had failed…? Did she mean he failed to remove Daniel's memories? Then why doesn't he remember any of those moments they shared? Why would he care about Daniel anyways, he already achieved his goal. He already made Daniel and Vastorie suffer enough as it is…

WHAT MORE, could he possibly want to take away? Daniel's life…? He's a pimple on Victor's radar! He means NOTHING to him… at least he hoped so. His mind couldn't stop shaking at the thought, so much so that he hadn't realised that Alluka had come to his side, pulling him into a tight hug.

She glanced at Zaikaria, glaring at Daniel's older sister, "You've hurt big brother and Daniel. You won't listen to my brother… but you'll at least listen to me. Daniel loves Killua! He always has… even after losing his memories of big brother… I know he's your brother, but he won't accept what you've done to him after he learns the truth from big brother…"

"Which is why, I plan to erase your memories next…"

Killua held Alluka closer, stepping back with her tightly pressed into him. He won't let Zaikaria take her away from him too. He'd defend her right to the end, "If you can read his mind, you would have seen what he argued about with Yanick… you would've seen how frustrated he was with that teenager!"

"I did…"

"THEN WHY ARE YOU REMOVING THOSE MEMORIES FROM HIM?!"

"I'VE SEEN WHAT VICTOR DOES! If I brought back his memories, he'll remember what Victor looks like; including others, I want to remain a secret. I've seen what that man has done through Vastorie's memories… He won't stop at anything, to hurt his son. So, if making sure Daniel's memories of you stays hidden forever, at the cost of his happiness, I rather he loses his fake happiness! This family was all I had! You wouldn't understand considering you got everything handed down to you anyways…"

"Understand… UNDERSTAND!" Killua grit his teeth, growling at the older woman, "I was forced to kill everything I ever loved! The number of pets my hand was forced to dig into, will never be understood by you! But with Daniel and Gon… they didn't care! Hell, even knowing half the shit I've been through, Daniel still pursued me! He wanted me to love him back and-"

"He's confused!" Zaikaria growled back, her nails gripping tightly into her brother's flesh. She's seen all the memories, known what the boy felt… but Killua was only using him for his own gain, that's it. No matter what Alluka or Killua might say, she won't believe any of them. Killua will eventually kill Daniel…

"He's not!" Alluka argued back in defence of her brother, seeing that what Zaikaria had said not only hurt him, it continues to rip him asunder, from the inside out, damaging everything in its path, "Killua wants Daniel to be happy! He's trying his hardest to make him happy…"

"Enough!" Zaikaria pulled her hands away, the action already performed. Daniel will eventually wake up, unable to remember Killua or Alluka. With a hand held out to them, she took one step forward, "Who wants to go first…?"

Killua took a step backward; his aura flowing around him, prepared to activate his ability the moment Zaikaria takes another step forward.

Just as she was about to take another step, Daniel's voice stopped the three of them, his tone drowsy, and full of confusion, "Zai… who's the girl and boy?" Zaikaria stopped in her tracks; he wasn't supposed to recover this quickly. Usually, when removing memories on this scale, it takes hours for someone to recover.

Killua's heart sank, crushed at the words; he felt like he had as a child, weak, powerless… Even if he had the willpower of all the gods combined, he couldn't stop his tears…

He felt the same as he had in front of Nathaniel when it first happened, as well as possibly his family at his request to have Nanika stay hidden. He was hyper aware of every tear that dropped… and unlike his control, his voice broke, saying the words he was sure he'd regret in the future "Don't you remember me…"

Sorry for the cliffhanger, and the removal of Daniel's memories… Again, but in the next chapter, not only am I going to return his memories, I'm going to have enough tooth-rotting fluff to make up for this chapter.