The group has a discussion about Daniel's past, including their plan of attack for Victor.

There was a shift in the mood. It hadn't stopped raining at all, adding ambience to the sour, quiet mood. The revelation of Victor knowing more than he's letting on, wouldn't be an uncommon fact, it's just one Daniel wouldn't dare to stop and think about it.

Looking back on it, what did Victor hope to gain from him losing his memories of Killua…? Neither one knew about each other until now, so there was no reason to do so…

Unless…

Shifting from his own thoughts, Daniel's attention was focused on Zaikaria, "My memories of Killua were taken away by Victor… Is it possible he intended to take something else?" Daniel grits his teeth, a ringing in his ears. A memory forced to relieve itself within the current moment.

The man's face twisted into a snarl, growling in disgust "That man is nothing but sick in the head, feelings conjured from a distorted viewpoint. HE TOOK my SON away from ME…"

That held no sort of clue to who he was talking about. Was he referring to Vastorie or Nathaniel at this point? Either one was a guess.

"My Ercole!"

"Who?" Daniel twisted his face in confusion. Who the fuck is Ercole? "Who on earth are you talking about…?"

"It doesn't matter!" The man's fingers sharpened like Killua's digging into the tree. Daniel clutched at his chest from the action, a long howl of pain, being ripped right out of his throat. He ripped his hands away from his chest long enough to fling his fingers out, forcing shadows hurtling towards the man, but the action was too slow.

The moment he had attacked, the man already completed what he wanted, ripping through the tree to throw whatever he pulled out from within tree "So I'll make him suffer like I have!"

The pain soon dulled after the thought, shifting his attention back to his sister, "Ercole…?"

"Ercole? Ah, Vastorie's original name…"

"Victor wasn't planning on getting rid of my memories of Killua… he wanted to get rid of Vastorie's! I'll make him suffer like I have!"

"Then his ability is flawed…" Killua hummed, dreading what was about to come next. He can always predict these moments, Daniel's unfiltered thoughts being spewed forth like a tidal wave of raw emotions.

"No, it's not flawed… that's how he thinks. He thought that I loved Vastorie more than anyone else in the world. He thinks I put him on a pedestal… he wanted dad to suffer, not you…"

"Then…" Killua paused, mulling over the already known facts:
Victor is unbelievably strong for his age, able to blend with the shadows the moment he enters a new country.
His older than Vastorie, and could possibly be a three-star Hunter Licence owner and may have worked alongside Netero during their younger years.
He may be a Manipulator, given the fact he was able to hide his appearance from not only him, but everyone around the man.
His ability is unknown by everyone, except for Vastorie… Zaikaria might also know, thanks to her mind-reading ability. Wait, Daniel must know too, thanks to Zaikaria's need to control Daniel's memories. Depending on how Victor's ability works, because Daniel has been remembering other details about his past encounters with the man, he may remember how the man's ability works as well.

For now, from the pieces his gathered, Victor can erase memories. The boy doesn't know how he does it though. He'll have to question Daniel later, to find out what he remembers if he doesn't say anything soon.

One thing, however, was still gnawing at the back of his mind, a conclusion he suspects Daniel may have come to as well. Killua shifted his gaze to Daniel, both thinking the exact same thought.

"His Illumi…"

It makes sense, why his views are distorted. He sees the outside as unneeded, unnecessary… he wants Vastorie, or in his case, Ercole, to only see him…

The question is 'why?' what made the man like that?

Killua could figure out why Illumi was like that. Illumi wants everything that belongs to Killua, to be controlled it as he sees fit. Alluka, Nanika, maybe even Daniel later down the track… he wants to make sure that everyone who has come too close to him, will, and can be used by Illumi.

He's been conditioned to believe not only does family come first, but Killua, is the prodigy of the family… the one who will lead next. If he has left, no one will lead, so Illumi will try to make him. The question is when, when will Illumi make his next move?

Hopefully, Illumi will make it after Victor has been dealt with, or before they have to deal with Daniel's grandpa. For now, Victor is their main priority.

Zaikaria had been mulling over the conclusion to herself, ignoring all the voices outside her head. Only when Akshasamat spoke, did she finally acknowledge the fact there were others inside the cottage, "Missstrissss, what ssshould our next move be?"

The woman drew fingers away from her temple, focusing on her companion, "Reconsider the situation and find another way to corner the man. If Daniel is still under the effects of Victor, the last thing we should do is to torture… let alone kill him."

"I don't think torturing him will work…" Daniel hummed, eyes now drawn to him. "When he attacked me in my dreams, he was immune to all damage. While that might be because of his ability, I was in pain and agony; YET, when I had slammed him against the floor, he got back up like it was nothing…" No need to tell them he was posing as Hisoka, so there was a lot of tongue licking as well.

Daniel accidentally shivered at the thought, Killua raising an eyebrow at the action.

"One of his conditions may be like Vastorie's, all pain experienced is after effect." Zaikaria argued, only to be rebutted by Killua, "If that's the case, then Daniel should be in an eternal coma and Vastorie wouldn't be having a hissy fit over arguing that…"

The boy lost his words, after seeing the dejected look on Daniel's face. It caused him to regret his words "I'm sorry for bringing that up…"

"No… it's ok…"

Zaikaria worried about her brother now. Maybe she should instead hunt down her father; ask him to apologise to his son. Daniel looked really upset over his father's words.

Daniel, however, changed the topic before it could become the main concern, hoping to at least divert some of his sadness. "Listen, Zai, until I can understand my father by the end of the day, no apology is going to help the situation. He is clearly upset and agitated at his father's return. It didn't help that our relationship was on so to speak, rocky ground. I didn't… really harmonize with his personality, so his outburst could've been because of his lack of anyone being at his side when he really needed it. He may even think no one understands him…"

"That can't be right…" Zaikaria crossed her arms at the accusation, "Nathan has always been there for him, even when he, was apparently being distant."

"Who originally killed Victor?"

Killua interjected, "Vastorie explained part of that to me. Originally, it was Avlas, but in this world… it might have been Nathaniel…"

"That might explain why Nathan let him live. He may have learned something we've yet to figure out… that Vastorie might have never learned due to his tunnel vision. It may even explain why he wrote his name on the list…"

"Wait," Zaikaria interrupted, "the list?! Please, tell me he wrote down Scarlet Sutton!"

"She is on the list. Do you know where she is?"

"Sort of… She was last living in Yorknew, she moved only a couple of months ago."

"Where…?"

"Somewhere on the Azia continent… most likely near, the Kakin Kingdom."

"City or small town…?"

"Small town…"

Daniel turned to Killua, "Looks like she's next on our list. If the backfire of Victor's ability is dangerous, I rather have that dealt with. Besides, if Victor's here, I rather get away from him for the time being… I can't…"

"I know…" Killua hushed Daniel before he could admit those feelings of loss. He wants Daniel to be rid of the lingering curse as well, considering Zaikaria had just removed her little trap in Daniel's memories; an encounter with the man could spell for a permanent loss of memory the next time Victor attacks.

That is something neither of them could handle right now…

Plus, Daniel admitting those feelings out loud right now, could spell for a terrible burning sensation along his neck; one, full of mostly embarrassment.

In any case, they'll have a few things they need to discuss before sleeping, which means, they might not even get any sleep at all tonight. Daniel's mental safety is a priority. Killua can afford to lose a few nights of sleep. He's used to it…

Daniel, on the other hand, isn't…

He'll make too many mistakes; his mental stability decreasing drastically over time. None of his anger will be directed at Killua, Vastorie or Zaikaria… it will all be bottled up until he breaks down, provided he even shows it.

Daniel took a step back in thought and process, the realisation that Killua's scrutinising gaze was being directed at him. He'll have no get out of Jail For Free card tonight…

But there is one more thing that still isn't out in the open, if he's going to lose sleep tonight, his taking everyone down with him, "Akamut, my sister may be dense AF, but I'm not… I've seen those eyes before. You're in love~ with my sister!" He made sure to add a kissy face for added effect, his sister mortified, while the Chimera Ant had no reaction at all.

It pays to have no appendages that can fly up or facial structure which could give any emotion. They only ones, to who had noticed it, were Alluka and Daniel, as they, were the only one that was paying close attention.

His eyes gave away the terror, the shock of his so-called secret being blown right out to the water, bare for everyone to notice.

Yet, even amongst the most shocked of the situation, none were more terrifying than Zaikaria's. She was taking it the worst "No, that can't be true… tell him, he's wrong!"

It was a blow to the Chimera Ant's feelings, but he kinda anticipated it. She never spoke about her relationships, nor addressed his feelings, considering she had on more than one occasion been in the position of reading all his thoughts.

Maybe his feelings for her had been glossed over, or she was never in a position where she could read them. If that's the case, why can't she? She can read thoughts and memories as if they were written down on a book before her, but not feelings?

Daniel held his gaze with the Ant, ignoring all outside interference. He was hurting, but not in a way except those who've been in the position could tell. His heart was being squeezed tightly in his frame, and Daniel wanted to comfort him for blowing his cover, now that he can see, the Ant clearly didn't want to be blown, "Please, come here…"

The Ant slithered forward, out of reach before Zaikaria could even comprehend the idea to pull him back. Her brain was fried, struggling to comprehend what had just happened.

When the ant was close enough, rather than grabbing the poor man, Daniel offered out his hand, hoping that Akshasamat would come closer. He did, curling his body around Daniel's hand.

Neither of them spoke, until Daniel couldn't hold it in any longer, he had to address how the Ant was feeling, "how long…?"

When the creature turned to bring his head to look in Zaikaria's eyes, Daniel snapped his fingers, drawing its attention back. He wanted the truth, not some wishy-washy excuse. Holding in something so delicate isn't something great to do. He'd rather all thoughts be placed out in the open, to be addressed rather than eat and gnaw at someone until nothing more is left.

Zaikaria is no exception, if she found out later down the track while it was just the two of them, it might not end well for the Chimera Ant. Now, is better, rather than later. The siblings can understand each other; Daniel knows all her excuses as to why she wanted Killua out of the picture. The same applies to him and her, he knows why… Zaikaria is scared of having a relationship.

"A couple of monthsss…" The ant looked down in defeat, too scared to now view Zaikaria's expression. Was she angry, or upset?

Daniel glanced in Zaikaria's direction, her expression unreadable at the moment. Although he knows that's not the case, she's trying to do mental gymnastics, understand where or what she did would cause such a humanistic response of affection towards her.

"A couple of months, huh… How would such information be hidden from a person who can read minds?" It came off as snarky, but in actuality, he was just as confused on the matter. What made this Chimera Ant so special? It can't be his ability… it's not like every snake conjuration has an independent thought; they all must think and feel the same thing. Akshasamat's main body must be the overlord in this situation.

Or after discovering how his sister's ability works, he's put up a force field of some kind, blocking off all intrusions on his feelings.

Daniel curled his hands along the creature's forehead, talking out loud about an old memory, one Killua and he had already discussed. Having so many new memories at once roaming around in his skull is making it harder to judge what he has, and hasn't talked about "When I met Meruem, he was in a similar position. He couldn't explain his feelings… I could. He was in love with someone, and even though he thought that if he remained by her side, she'll die… he still wanted to be with her, even if it was for a fleeting moment."

Daniel cleared his throat before anyone could object, "I'm not some love guru, but I notice things as long as I've experienced them. Fear of rejection… Am I right?"

There was a long pause, but Akshasamat finally relenting, "yesss…"

"Would you be a happy little snake if she accepted them?"

"Don't talk to me asss if I'm sssome little… what do you call them…? Danger Noodle…"

"Heh," Daniel curled his finger alongside the Chimera Ant's neck, "no, you are not. But, my question hasn't changed… you would be happy, even if somewhere in the back of her mind, she does care about you. Whether that be based on feelings of love… of friendship."

Surprisingly, the ant wasn't scared of the friendship part; he must be scared of something else… losing her. Now it makes sense, why he was so adamant about telling Zaikaria to go after her brother, instead of Victor. He was afraid of losing her.

Her mind needed to calm down for a moment, to come to terms with the change of relationship. Akamut was in love with her… and her ability was unable to pick up on those feelings, to shut them down before they could arise. Now they were there, bare for everyone to see, she had no legitimate arguments against the poor Chimera Ant.

All her main excuses stemmed from a fear she held onto for so long.

Daniel had simply ignored everyone around him, their reactions, just to speak his mind on the matter. Even if he were to come off as dick-ish, "Well, I'm not going to defend her in the slightest. I'm not going to tell you should go after her. I'll leave that to your discretion. What I will say however is this, what she did to me… to Killua… Alluka… is really fucked up. She shouldn't have altered my memories again. I was in a situation where I didn't understand what was going on, and she made it worse…"

"…In saying that!" Daniel raised his voice, stopping anyone from arguing with or against him, "I don't hate my sister! I don't even hate my dad… I just want to understand, why… I want to understand why life is being so cruel… why dad is saying he didn't want me… or Zaikaria hating Killua…"

Picking up his hand, he held it against Killua's shoulder, rubbing it gently, "I want to prove that Zaikaria is wrong… that Vastorie still loves me… to understand why he's like this."

Zaikaria held out her hand, "then, we have much to discuss… and figure out…" The woman offered a small smile to her companion, hoping that they can find equal ground. She likes having the Chimera Ant as a companion, plus, together, they're an unstoppable force. Zaikaria can read minds, and Akshasamat's ability gives him the power to act like an autonomous, roaming surveillance En field.

Daniel took his hand away from Killua, finally able to break some ground on the topic to come ahead. What, do they do now…?

"~"

Daniel rested his head against Killua's chest, feeling the rise and fall of the boy's chest, his heartbeat reverberating in his ears. It was constant, like, his feelings. They had remained unchanged, even with the memories from three different realities colliding into one.

He still is infatuated or in-love with Killua, after everything that transpired.

Killua ignored the building heat; his hand curling up and down the boy's side, unable to hide his affection any longer. Daniel still wants to be by his side, and his damn happy at the outcome, even if everything didn't go his way. He still wanted to drop kick Zaikaria, at least once…

But they have a new starting point, and a location to head to now; the Azia continent, to find Scarlet Sutton. She will be their next target. However, they don't know if she's still is in the Azia Continent. She could've moved again… to who knows where.

There was a dip in the bed, Killua's eyes forced to meet Daniel, the boy still had some concerns, but nothing he was sure he could handle.

"Killua, I hope you can forgive me…"

"Idiot! It's not your fault… for the billionth time! We're moving forward now. We're going to find Scarlet Sutton next, remove the last bit of the infringing aura, then, and only then… we'll take another look at the list, find where to head next."

"Sure…" Daniel slid closer, moving his head back to Killua's chest. "Can I make another request…?"

"Sure…"

"Can we um… do the thing?"

"The thing…?"

"Umm…" Daniel made an up and down gesture with his hand, Killua's eyes widening at the motion.

"You can't be serious!" Killua got up; reaching over to touch Daniel's sides "You can't be serious… right now?"

"What, no! I meant later… when things settle."

Killua lay back down, pulling Daniel back onto his chest "You gave me a heart attack…"

"Heh…" Daniel swirled his finger along Killua's skin, the boy shivering at the touch. "Once we get this aura settled, were finally going to travel the world… and I'm gonna get to know more about my father…"

"About that… What if with everything you learn, there's nothing you can do to save Vastorie…"

"Don't know… If I can't understand him by the end of this trip, well, I just hope he can find some peace by the end of his journey. Whether that is killing Victor or not…"

Killua hummed at the words, fear settling in the back of his mind. What happens, if Victor finds them first…? What do they do then? Running is the best option… even when he's on the list, Killua can't help but want to avoid that man like his brother.

He just wants to enjoy a normal teenage life with Daniel and Alluka for now…

Killua felt Daniel move once more, their eyes meeting for a moment. Daniel kissed him before resting his head on Killua once more "At least I'll have you by my side…"

Killua chuckled, but his feelings never changed on the made. He was glad too. Yeah, I want a normal teenage life… Maybe Xavier's School would be the best option next…?

"Daniel, do you remember what Victor looks like including his ability?"

"Yes… kinda. He has white hair with red tips, slender build, and brown eyes. I'll try to draw a portrait of him. It won't be the best, but at least you'll know what he looks like. As for his ability, I guess dreams? Going by my memories, his presence is dream-like in nature. You don't remember the in-between, but one second is all it takes for you to forget the encounter… I don't remember meeting, or seeing him on Whale Island, but his Nightmare was still able to affect me, not to the point of memory loss, but scaring me to point it caused me to wake up… The second, well, I guess he just wanted to scare me. And… you know what happened the third time…"

Killua's fingers tightened around Daniel "Yeah…"

"I don't know how to combat his ability though. I don't even think we can. The moment I walked away from him the second time, he disappeared from my memory. Hench, dream-like…"

Killua hummed at the information, unable to grasp an idea how to defend themselves against that. For now, they needed to just figure out what to do after removing the lingering Nen. Yes, going to school is a great way to kick back and relax, but they have no plan for after that.

Killua shifted his attention back to Daniel, "I have another question."

"Sure…"

"You and I don't probably want to talk about it, but we're going to need to. What exactly do you remember?"

"Everything…"

"Everything…?"

"I remember everything as if it just happened seconds ago. Getting down to business is just one of those many things…"

"Ah…" Killua hummed, forced to now look away, "that explains your earlier comment."

"Originally, I didn't want to experiment anymore…"

"What?!"

"Just until my memories relax, and I can think more clearly. But, I feel like I need it…"

"Need…?" Killua made the gesture with his hand.

"When you put it like that… no! I mean the experience of being together. The connection if you will…"

Killua hummed at the news, wondering if he should bring up his shower scene. He decided against it, focusing on the emotions instead, "I want that too… I missed it…" The boy quickly redacted his statement, "I meant the connection, not your dirty-minded desires."

"Not once, was I thinking… of my mouth on you. That was all you, my angel…"

"Sh…" Killua covered his face, "shut up! You were talking about a hand job not even a few minutes ago. You get no say on the matter! I just want normality… well, as normal as we can get."

The two were silent for a few moments, Killua soaking in the guilt. "Damn it… I can't deny it, I wanted a hand job too… I even jacked off to you while I was in the shower since we are admitting things."

"I know…"

"Huh?"

"I'm looking right at Lil' Killua… I think he wants to give me a kiss."

"You're terrible!"

"Not as terrible as jacking off in the shower without me. That was rude! I would've joined…"

The words made Killua panic, sputtering out the truth like trying to rhyme without any rhythm "I'm not going to do that while you have no memories of me. Well, technically you had confessed what you wrote in your journal…"

"I also know what I was thinking at that moment… I would 100%, have joined you in that shower…"

"Even if I could go back, now knowing that I still wouldn't have asked you… I don't want to use you for my own selfish desire."

"Shame… I totally would've bottomed for you back then."

"What?!" Killua freaked out, forced to sit upright in the bed; hearing Daniel admit that was the worst thing that too, could've happened to him right now. They were still at Zaikaria's place… Daniel admitted he wouldn't have minded getting screwed by Killua wasn't looking to good him.

He felt his lions hum with desire, Daniel jokingly pointing out the change in the situation, "Somebody got hard…"

"Well, it's your fault!" Killua flipped over, contorting his body away from Daniel. He was hoping his lower body would relax after a while, but Daniel wrapping his arms around him didn't help the situation. Instead, he felt his mind wrap around his desire, almost wanting him to admit to those feelings.

"I'm sowwy…"

Killua sighed at the apology, the cuteness making it all most impossible to be mad at him for too long. There was one thing was he was sure about; he's definitely, going to ask for a hand job later…